The ballot in the Springdale Township commissioners race offers voters two familiar names and two political newcomers.

The four candidates are vying for two commissioner’s seats. Commissioners Tim Sweet and Shirley Redman, both Democrats elected in 2017, are seeking second terms. Tim Basilone and Bradley Stanzione, both Republicans, are seeking political office for the first time, though both are involved in civic affairs.

Sweet, 65, is a part of the township’s water and sewage board. He believes there is still work to be done on his part to continue to improve the township’s water system.

“It has been for neglected quite some time,” he said.

A project Sweet would like to move forward with involves a township waterline main. He said he was instrumental in eliminating the township’s old water pump station that would bring water uphill from Springdale Borough residents living on Butler Road and Shrader Street.

Sweet said he was able to make a deal with the Fawn-Frazer Water Authority to get quality water pumped downhill to residents. He wants to connect the waterline with the rest of the township.

The project would be one of three Sweet would like to pursue if he receives grant money for them.

“I grew up here,” he said. “I just want to help my town out, which we have tremendously.”

Shirley Redman, 80, takes pride in playing a part in the merger of the township’s police department with Cheswick’s, creating the Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department. She also mentioned her part in implementing the CodeRed system for the township. The free notification system alerts residents about any emergencies that may impact their area.

“Before that came, there was no way of telling residents about what’s happening in town,” she said.

Last January, the township voted 5-0 to approve a budget of $1.5 million without raising property taxes. Redman wants to keep taxes low if she returns to her seat. She would also like to continue the free concerts held at William Street Park because residents love them.

“I am looking forward to helping the people again,” she said. “I am honest, and I tend to stay that way.”

Tim Basilone, 62, brings experience from years as an Allegheny Valley School District school board member. He served a total of 10 years, from 1991 to 1995, and 1997 to 2003. For five years, he held the position of school board president.

Basilone’s interest in politics and encouragement from community members prompted him to run for township commissioner. He believes the transition from school board to municipal duties will not be difficult because the systems function similarly.

If elected, Basilone says he will stress board transparency and accountability.

“I hope to bring transparency to the process of decision-making and take into consideration the people’s comments and keep some sort of stability in the municipal duties,” he said.

The other newcomer, Bradley Stanzione, 36, is on the township’s zoning board, so he is familiar with the township’s operations.

”With the pandemic and everything going on, there is not too much activity on the zoning board,” Stanzione said. “I figured if I could help out being a commissioner, that would help me get involved a little bit more.”

Being the youngest candidate, he hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the board.

“I just want to help out with the community and bring a different set of eyes and younger generation to the board,” he said.

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