3 candidates vying for 2 seats on O’Hara Council

O’Hara residents will choose from among three candidates for two at-large positions on O’Hara Council.

Shamus Petrucelli, of Frick Road and Rob Strohm Jr., of Dorseyville Road are the Republican candidates.

Petrucelli also won enough write-in votes in the May primary to appear on the ballot as a Democrat, along with Democrat Paul Cullen, of Arbor Court.

Here are their responses to questions posed by The Herald.

Name: Paul L. Cullen

Age: 64

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: General contractor

Education: University of Wisconsin — Eau Claire; Dunwoody Institute, Minneapolis, Minn.

Elected or political experience: None

What is the community’s most pressing need? “I am not aware of O’Hara having any pressing needs,” Cullen said. “I would like to contribute to the continued success of the community.

“I have a primary concern as a property owner in O’Hara concerning a water run-off fee assessed to all of us. Most properties comply with water run-off requirements as part of the building and permitting process.”

How would you solve this? “My vision is to find an honest and fair solution to this problem within the boundaries of the existing tax system and discontinue what I believe is a penalty for achieving the American dream,” Cullen said. “We need to look to any community whose water is shed into our township to find solutions that relieves our residents and businesses of this inequitable burden.”

What skills would you bring to council? “As a general contractor of over 30 years with over 40 years of experience, my exposure to all phases of building and infrastructure construction means and methods will allow me to understand the obstacles the community faces when addressing everyday problems that confront our roads, buildings, trails, creeks, wildlife and other amenities that we take for granted,” Cullen said. “My many employees taught me the everyday problems, concerns and hardships faced by families in all walks of life.”

Name: Shamus Petrucelli

Age: 51

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Sales

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Pittsburgh

Elected or political experience: current member of the O’Hara Parks & Recreation Commission

What is the community’s most pressing need? “The current council I believe has put the township in good shape and is financially sound,” Petrucelli said. “I would like to see the township continue to expand our outdoor parks and recreation space.

“We also need to work with the community on getting more volunteers for our fire and EMS services. The Laurie Ann West Community Center is a great community asset and needs to continue to grow.”

How would you solve this? “Building on my experience with the Parks & Recreation Commission, we should continue to acquire land and space for the continued expansion of parks and recreation space,” he said. “We need community input on how to get and retain more fire and EMS volunteers.

“The Community Center is a great asset and the township should consider taking a bigger role.”

What skills would you bring to council? “I currently volunteer for the township as member of the Parks & Recreation Department. I have been able to work and collaborate on projects that are important to the township, such as the addition of the historical signs at O’Hara Community Park.

“I believe that I can help bring new ideas and vision to our community and parks.”

Name: Rob Strohm

Age: 60

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Real estate sales

Education: Technical

Elected or political experience: served on the O’Hara Parks & Recreation Commission from 1996 to 2008.

What is the community’s most pressing need? “Focus on superior park, roads and our older infrastructure,” Strohm said. “More support of our fire departments and EMS.”

How would you solve this? “I will work to bring more awareness to the public on these issues,” he said. “Help maintain the high standards that others on council have done in the past.”

What skills would you bring to council? “I believe I bring a lot to the table when it comes to the community, working here in the area as a Realtor for the past 32 years gives me a lot of insight on what is going on here and in other townships and boroughs,” Strohm said. “I have lived here all my life and have seen how well this community has run and want to keep up the wonderful lifestyle.”