Tarentum residents will choose at-large representative in November

The Tarentum Council race was seemingly decided Tuesday, save for the at-large position which pits Democratic incumbent Scott Dadowski against newcomer Maggie Smith, a Republican.

Either way, both of them appear to have earned a seat on council after winning their individual uncontested ward contests, according to unofficial results from the Allegheny County Elections Department.

Dadowski secured a nomination for the four-year seat in Ward 2 with 68 votes; Smith earned a nomination for the four-year seat in Ward 3 with 37 votes.

Incumbent Brian Snyder ran a write-in campaign in Ward 3 and could appear on the fall ballot as a Democrat, but those numbers will not be available until the county certifies results.

Smith and Dadowski said they will pursue the at-large seats in the fall, in addition to their ward seats.

“I definitely want to represent my ward, but having a voice for everyone would also be nice,” said Smith, 48.

A Highlands graduate, Smith works as a construction project coordinator and serves on the borough’s zoning board.

Council member Carrie Fox currently holds the at-large position. She is retiring this year.

Smith said she has been considering ways to become more involved in community service for years, and the council opening seemed like a good opportunity.

On Tuesday, Smith spent time at The Clement polling site and said residents have approached her about making West Tarentum revitalization a priority for council, she said.

“I’ve been to council meetings, and I see how important it is to have these people that you trust to make the rules in your neighborhood,” she said.

“I’m flattered by the support, and it would be an honor to follow Carrie. She’s a Tarentum girl, just like me.”

Dadowski, current council president, said similarly that he is proud to represent his ward but also would be eager to be a voice for all residents.

The school administrator, 48, has served on council since 2018.

“I’m honored to receive the support, and I look forward to continuing to work for all residents of the borough,” Dadowski said.

“We have done some great things in the last four years, and we still have much to do to make the borough the best place to live in the Valley.”

Other races in the borough were uncontested.

Incumbent Ray Kerr sought reelection in Ward 1, and Kevin Bertocki ran for a two-year seat in Ward 2 after being appointed last year.