New Harrison commissioners take office

Harrison Commissioners welcomed two new members during a reorganization meeting on Monday, Jan. 3.

Jim Erb and Jamie Nee, both Republicans, were elected to four-year terms in November.

They will take the place of Democrats Bill Heasley and Gary Lilly, who did not seek reelection.

Also during the meeting, Gary Meanor was elected chairman of the township board, and Charles Dizard was elected vice chairman.

Nee will be the township’s representative in the 2nd Ward.

The area includes Natrona, Allegheny Technologies and the area above it from Argonne Drive to 12th Avenue.

Nee, a director of social work for Allegheny Health Network, said it was time to give back to the community and try to bring positive change.

“I’ve raised my children here. I have three small grandchildren that are in the community,” Nee said during her campaign.

“I want them to be able to grow up in a community that’s vibrant and alive with social connections and lots of industry and development.”

Nee plans to focus on blight and absentee landlords, along with development opportunities in conjunction with Brackenridge and Tarentum.

Erb, the director of Citizens Hose ambulance service, will represent the 4th Ward.

That area is hemmed by Saxonburg and Burtner roads.

A Highlands graduate, Erb also serves as a Citizens Hose firefighter.

He said public safety is a priority and that he will work to provide more municipal assistance to the EMS service.

Erb also said he will work to review the rental inspection guidelines, which currently call for properties to be inspected every three years.

Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month in 2022, except for December.

That month, members will meet at 6 p.m. on Dec. 19.