According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, Leet has four Democrats seeking party nominations for three four-year seats on the board of commissioners.

Those in the primary race are Donna Adipietro, Kristine Shelton, William Wanto Jr. and incumbent president Martin C. McDaniel.

Katherine Longwell and vice president Carolyn Verszyla are the only two Republicans seeking nods for three four-year seats, county election records show.

Here are the Democratic nominees and their responses to the election questions posed by the Sewickley Herald.

Submitted by the candidates Donna Adipietro  

Donna Adipietro

Why did you run for election? We need to restore sense and stability to our township. During my tenure as commissioner [2018-2022], we gained financial leaps and bounds in our year end budget through fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency. Under the current board, spending has increased significantly and residents cannot afford to continue this upward trajectory.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The new QVHS is on the horizon. The Leet Planning Commission, of which I am vice-chair, will be receiving the site plans from the school district for review. We’re looking forward to a great working relationship with all involved, as there will be many ideas on the table for discussion.

Why should people vote for you? I am committed to public service, dedicated to our community and will continue to plan for Leet’s future. I served as Leet emergency management coordinator, as QV Ambulance Authority rep for Leet. I represented our bi-partisan community to strengthen the quality and standards of services we rely upon.

Submitted by the candidates Martin C. McDaniel  

Martin C. McDaniel

Why did you run for election? I was elected to reform Leet Township and enact good government practices. I currently serve as board president. My qualifications include a masters degree in public administration and 30 years municipal manager experience. I am running again because we have corrected many serious wrongdoings and can’t let Leet slide backwards.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Policing nationwide is undergoing social and political criticism. The township is fortunate to have an extremely qualified interim chief, Brian Jameson. We have implemented legally required hiring and procedural policies, improved training/equipment and a secure computer system. There is much more to do to prepare the department for the future.

Why should people vote for you? I promise to uphold the law, which unfortunately has not been the case previously in Leet. I can’t do it alone. The board needs to function as a team.

Submitted by the candidates Kristine Shelton  

Kristine Shelton

Why did you run for election? I want to be a voice for the community. I’ve lived in Fair Oaks for over 37 years. Some may know me by my maiden name, Kris Omecinski. I love my little town and want to see it, and Leet, continue to be a vibrant part of Allegheny County.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Everyone is talking about the new high school and what that will mean to the township. We need to keep up with the information and make sure that everyone knows what is happening. I encourage all of Leet to attend the monthly commissioner’s meeting and the bi-monthly sewer authority meeting.

Why should people vote for you? This is my first step into local politics, so I’ll have a learning curve. If elected, I’ll be honest, open, and listen to the community. Not just Fair Oaks, but the whole township.

Submitted by the candidates William Wanto Jr.  

William Wanto Jr.

Why did you run for election? I decided to run for commissioner due to poor decisions by the current board. This board has spent in excess of $200,000 in lawsuits and costs are mounting. The termination of Chief (Mike) Molinaro has cost us more than that. We need transparency on all issues, not select ones.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The biggest concern facing us is obviously the (proposed Quaker Valley High) School being built. I would like to be hands on and promote dialog and address concerns that will affect us. Communication is vital, as well as cooperation.

Why should people vote for you? I have spent my life serving the township with dedicated service for 33 years as your police chief. I’m a parent and neighbor and have a vested interest in the township. I will bring ethics, integrity and leadership to the board. I will listen to residents’ concerns, not ignore them.

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