Incumbent, familiar newcomers compete for two Harmar supervisors' seats

An incumbent and two familiar newcomers will be contending on Tuesday for two open seats on Harmar’s board of supervisors.

Incumbent Harry Lenhart, 78, was elected in 2017. He said he wants to continue to improve the township with work on roads and the sewage system while keeping taxes low. During a supervisors meeting in September, Harmar residents urged township officials to find a solution to the ongoing sanitary sewage overflows happening in their homes.

“We need to continue to update our master plan and come up with ways of how we want the township to develop,” he said.

Lenhart wants to modernize the township’s procedures, including its communication line with residents to create better ways to receive feedback. He said the township improved its website to help residents find contact information easier.

The newcomers on ballot have not held elected positions, but they are no strangers to what’s going on in the township.

Sam Boak, 45, has held several positions within the township, including code enforcement officer, zoning officer, zoning hearing board member and assistant emergency director. He also volunteers for the Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company. Boak has been active with the community since he was 16.

”I have always been helping the township in any way possible and want to continue helping them and the community,” he said.

If elected, Boak said he would like to see a maintenance program implemented to avoid costly emergency repairs. He also would like to focus on rejuvenating parks and having a street paving schedule.

”I know the community very well and also have a background in construction,” Boak said, citing his 20 years in the construction business. “I hope to bring that to the table to bridge the gaps.”

Neal Farkas, 79, is chairman of the Harmar Township Zoning Board. His responsibilities include ensuring new properties and developments adhere to the township’s ordinances. He has been on and off the board for the past six years.

He is an Air Force veteran with over 26 years in corporate America and 15 years in commercial real estate. Farkas was on of the board of directors for Forest Highlands, where he resides.

“I take a technical review of business issues for the township,” he said. “I am an analytical-type person and make sure I meet the needs for the township and see their impact within the township.”

Farkas would also focus on some of the outlining developments to ensure they get visibility for their specific needs, such as roads and taxation.

Incumbent Bob Seibert decided in June not to run for reelection.