Dadowski, Smith seeking election to ward seats in Tarentum but also vying for at-large position

Two people are vying for three open seats on Tarentum Council — but there’s still a race at hand.

Council President Scott Dadowski, a Democrat, is running unopposed for a four-year 2nd Ward seat. Republican newcomer Maggie Smith is seeking a four-year term in the 3rd Ward.

They also are running for a chance to represent the borough at-large. That seat is open after Councilwoman Carrie Fox decided to step down this year.

The at-large position gives someone the chance to represent all borough residents versus one particular ward.

Other races in the borough are uncontested. Incumbents Ray Kerr and Kevin Bertocki are seeking another four-year term.

Council will be left to appoint someone to the third position — either in the 2nd or 3rd Ward — following the outcome of the election between Dadowski and Smith.

Dadowski, a school administrator, was first elected in 2019. He chose to run for reelection because “we still have more work to do.”

“I am proud of the progress we have made in the last six years, but we are not finished,” he said. “I believe in the borough and the redevelopment opportunities we are exploring. It is now time to continue to work together to make sure the citizens of Tarentum have the best services available to them and it continues to be the place they call home.”

Smith, 49, said she brings a lifetime of knowledge about the area after having grown up in the borough.

“I remember how it was and I hope to bring a little of that small-town feel back, where everyone knows their neighbors,” she said. “I hope to do all of our community proud by being a fresh new voice that people feel they can call on to express their ideas or concerns.”

For Smith, the biggest issues facing the borough are revitalization and safety.

“The most pressing need is attracting more people to come and shop at all our local shops, supporting our current businesses and potentially attracting more people to own businesses in town,” she said.

“We also need to continue to fully support our police departments.”

Smith said she plans to hold property owners accountable, especially those with blighted properties.

She believes more advertising is necessary, possibly by using the town’s new electronic billboard.

“We need to make Tarentum more attractive to people looking for a building in the borough and foster good relationships between the police and our citizens,” Smith said.

Dadowski believes the most significant issues for council are redevelopment, infrastructure and safety.

“We have devoted resources dealing with blighted properties in years past, and it is now time to focus on redevelopment of those areas,” he said. “That includes attracting new business and new residents to Tarentum.”

The continued redevelopment of both East and West Tarentum is vital to improving the way of life in the borough, Dadowski said.

“The West Seventh business corridor, riverfront development and the continued development along Corbet Street are all areas I plan to focus on,” he said.

Council needs to take a proactive approach to the aging infrastructure “so we don’t get caught playing catch-up more than we need to,” Dadowski said.

He also said he is proud to have played a part in the borough’s police department now providing services to the residents of Brackenridge.

Smith said she plans to draw on her experience as a lifelong borough native in her decision-making on council. By creating a Tarentum Neighborhood Watch Group, Smith said connections in the borough have strengthened.

“I have gotten to know most of the local community by being out in the community and talking with people,” she said. “The watch group was a great thing to connect the area together. I have had numerous members reach out to me through the years.

“I think people feel comfortable coming to me with issues since I can relate to what they are saying, and I take the time to listen and understand their concerns.”

Dadowski said his experience as a school administrator is a great asset.

“Listening to people is just as important as solving a problem. I take that same approach as a councilman,” he said. “I have served as council president for the last 3½ years and am proud of the progress we have made. I look forward to putting our ideas in motion and continuing to make Tarentum the best place to live in the Valley.”