Leechburg Council appoints new mayor

Former Mayor and Councilman Tony Roppolo is Leechburg’s mayor again.

Borough council appointed Roppolo Tuesday. He takes the seat following the death of Mayor Wayne Dobos earlier this month. Roppolo was sworn in by a judge Wednesday morning.

Council President Tom Foster announced there were two letters of interest for the mayor’s post — from Doreen Smeal and Roppolo. The vote was tied 3-3 before Foster broke the tie, voting for Roppolo.

“With Tony’s experience and this being a contract year, I will have to vote for Tony,” Foster said.

Roppolo expressed interest in the position because of his familiarity with council and the role of mayor.

“I thought I could help my community here. I was honored by the fact they appointed me,” he said.

Dobos died on March 2 at 72 years old. The cause of death was an undisclosed illness. Council had until April 1 following his death to appoint a replacement.

Dobos served on council in 2015 before being appointed mayor in July 2017 after Shawn Lerch resigned. He was elected mayor in November 2017.

The community championed Dobos for his civic booster attitude. He spearheaded many projects, including the Hometown Hero Banner program, a gravel boat launch in Riverfront Park and a 2018 borough campaign dubbed “Beautify Leechburg: Polish the Jewel.”

He also secured more than $100,000 in grants from Armstrong County to tear down multiple blighted and condemned properties.

Foster said he told Roppolo he did not have to attend Tuesday’s meeting because council is familiar with him and his experience.

Roppolo was elected mayor in 2009. He served a full term before deciding to not run again in 2013. He also brings experience as a councilperson for the borough throughout the years. After his time as mayor, he filled in three other council seats as members left over time.

Smeal attended the meeting. Council members gave her the floor to speak about her experience in the community and what she could bring as mayor.

Smeal is a part of various local organizations and initiatives, including treasurer for the Leechburg Public Library board, a member of the Leechburg Area Community Association and the Leechburg Area Community Development Corporation (LACDC), and an auditor for the borough. She worked for 39 years at a bank before retiring.

“I thought it was time for me to step up, and this is something I can do and would be good at,” she said.

Foster encouraged Smeal to run for mayor in two years when the seat is open again.

“I think you’re an asset to the town and we have been friends for life. I appreciate your request, and you always have a good head on your shoulders,” he said.