A familiar face in Tarentum will fill a vacancy on council.

Kevin Bertocki, owner of Asay’s newsstand along Sixth Avenue, was appointed to fill the 2nd Ward term left by Adam Blythe who resigned in May.

“I’m just trying to help the borough out,” Bertocki said. “I’m a business owner, and my roots are here now.”

Bertocki moved to town about 15 years ago when he purchased the convenience store. He also owns the building along East Fourth Avenue that houses the Hometown Restaurant.

Bertocki has no previous political experience, he said.

“I just want to get settled in and learn how things are done,” he said.

The 2nd Ward sits between the railroad tracks and the Allegheny River and runs from the Brackenridge line to Bull Creek.

Blythe was elected in 2021. Bertocki will fill the position through 2023 and has the option to run for election at that time.

Councilmember Lou Ann Homa said Bertocki is a good choice for council because he is familiar with the borough, having been a business owner for many years.

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“He can bring a lot to the table and be a good liaison between council and the businesses,” Homa said.

Council President Scott Dadowski said he likes that Bertocki is invested in the town. Because Bertocki also owns apartments, he brings the perspective of a landlord to council, Dadowski said.

Bertocki said he has a lot of interaction with people every day through his newsstand and hears a lot of suggestions for ways to improve the borough.

“I’m happy to take those ideas back to council,” he said.

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