Outgoing Shaler Commissioner Dave Mizgorski was recognized at his final meeting as a township commissioner on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Mizgorski, a Republican, lost his bid for reelection as Ward 2 commissioner in November’s election to Democrat Josh Fleitman.
Councilmen Conrad Wagner, Ward 4, and James Boyle, Ward 6, were unopposed for reelection.
Mizgorski was appointed in January 2019 to replace his wife, Lori, who resigned to serve as a state representative.
Township Manager Judy Kording and Commissioners President David Shutter thanked Mizgorski for his service, including his role this year in The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., that was in Shaler over Memorial Day weekend, drawing more than 12,000 visitors to the township.
“It’s been an honor to work for you,” Kording said.
Police Chief Sean Frank thanked Mizgorski on behalf of his department and the township’s emergency services for his support, leadership and dedication to the township.
“We’ll miss you,” Frank said.
Mizgorski, a Marine Corps veteran known for his booming voice, thanked his family, fellow commissioners and current and former township staff.
“Saying thank-you to you all just doesn’t feel like enough. Each of you has advised me, answered my questions or showed me how to best serve this place we call home,” he said. “What you guys have done is made my role easier because of your professionalism.”
A Shaler native, Mizgorski graduated from Shaler Area High School in 1984, immediately followed by serving in the Marine Corps for four years. He was a union cabinet maker and has worked as a project manager and operations manager in the audio-visual integration industry.
He and his wife have three grown children.
Before becoming a commissioner, Mizgorski served on the Shaler Township Municipal Appeals Board.
In his remarks, Mizgorski also thanked the residents of his ward, which he said “is second to none.” He promised to continue giving back to his hometown.
“I gave my heart and soul as well as some blood and sweat to this great community,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine a better place exists than our beloved Shaler Township. God bless America, God bless Shaler Township, Semper Fi.”
Fleitman will join the board of commissioners when it reorganizes on Jan. 5.
