2 weeks Ago By Kellen Stepler
Editor’s note: The Signal Item is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election. Three Collier commissioner seats are available in this year’s election. The Republican primary candidates are incumbents Wayne Chiurazzi and Karianne Suter, along with Mark Lewis and Jason Wylie.
The Democratic candidates in the primary are incumbent Mary Ann Cupples Wisniowski, along with Tim Downey Jr., Lawrence Mendicino, Julie Murphy and Ethan Styche. The Signal Item asked each candidate, “ What is the biggest issue facing Collier Township right now, and how would you address it?” Wayne Chiurazzi Age: 59 Education: Pennsylvania State University and Duquesne University School of Law Occupation: Attorney, The Chiurazzi Law Group “In my years as a commissioner and as president of the Collier Board, we have achieved Banner Community status distinguishing Collier as a model community.
We will continue to strive for excellence. “Collier’s biggest issue is dealing with the escalating costs of operations on the following: infrastructure improvements, insurance, parks maintenance, improvements, development and utilities. We need further succession planning to manage the anticipated growth of the township.
There is a clear need to bring in developmental personnel to learn and be prepared to manage the ongoing challenges and the future growth of the community. Organic revenue growth from new developments will be a part and Collier leads the way in that area in the community at large. “I am proud to be a Collier commissioner and ask for your support in running for this office in the upcoming election on May 20, 2025.
My best.” Mary Ann Cupples Wisniowski Age: 74 Education: College degree and a master’s degree, Duquesne University Occupation: Teacher for 38 years in Pittsburgh Public Schools and certified as a reading specialist K-12, retired. “My husband Jim and I have lived in Collier Township since 2009.
I have been involved in Township meetings and committees since then. I was appointed commissioner in 2021 and was elected to serve my current term. “Things I am most proud of during by five years as commissioner include the installation of a cell tower on Nike Site Road to increase cell coverage in that area, the township helping to fund a pilot program to provide volunteers at one of the fire houses to ensure a quick response, increase of funding to our fire departments and contributing to our EMS.
“My short-term goals now, and if I am reelected, are to work for responsible development, improvements to our parks, help to ensure the safety of all our residents, and continue to work toward making Collier a great place to raise a family.” Tim Downey Jr. Age: 61 Education: Chartiers Valley graduate Occupation: Realtor “Thank you for your consideration in this respected position of Collier Township Commissioner.
I have been in Collier Township for all my 61 years, having served on the vacancy board, zoning hearing board, judge of elections, historical society and the Panhandle Trail. I am registered Democrat having additional support from my Republican friends. I am a licensed Realtor, a Chartiers Valley graduate with 31 years of continued education, mentorship and training within the Real Estate industry.
“With our developing community still evolving, we need to focus on clear and responsible spending while maintaining our growing infrastructure. All corners of the township’s residents, from children to seniors, must be represented and included looking forward while providing adequate facilities and programs to benefit everyone. Some of the concerns for Collier Township are funding for our three volunteer fire departments, Collier EMS, and Collier Parks and Recreation.
“To additionally offset taxpayer costs, we can work through grant funding, private and corporate donations, and support from local businesses with potential for more cooperation. I want to make sure all utilities are available to all residents in Collier, along with establishing guidelines for developers to extend the utilities to the border of their developments so not to bypass or restrict utilities to existing homes and future developments.” Mark Lewis Age : 66 Education : 1977 Chartiers Valley High School graduate/University of Pittsburgh paramedic program Occupation : Retired facilities and transportation director “It’s tough to sum up Collier Township into one issue.
Fiscal responsibility and transparency are two of the biggest issues residents want addressed. Taxpayers want to see where their money is being spent. We have three fire departments and an EMS service that desperately need financial support and updated equipment.
A new fire engine currently costs approximately $1 million. That money cannot be raised through a boot drive or annual fund drives. The EMS service receives $20,000 annually from the township toward its $1.
5 million budget. In the past 20 years, volunteerism has dropped drastically across the country. The township needs to be looking toward the future and assist with adequate paid staffing in that area.
“Misinformation is circulating regarding new ballfields the township is looking to build. I am all for expanding community recreation, but why aren’t we looking at grants or corporate sponsorships, versus tax increases or building them in phases. Township safety needs to be addressed with police presence throughout the entire township, enforcing traffic laws to curb speeding, crosswalk replacement and install sidewalks to ensure safety of pedestrians.
“If elected, I would like to see adequate funding where it is needed, grants for recreation, and the township meetings go back to being held at 7 p.m., a reasonable time where taxpayers can attend and be heard on issues that affect them and their money.
” Lawrence Mendicino Age : 64 Education: Bachelor’s degree, communications, Geneva College Occupation: Agent/Owner—Larry Mendicino Agency LLC, representing Farmers Insurance as well as other companies providing auto, home life and business insurance services “The biggest issue I see is ball parks and recreation funding, as well as timelines for completing community projects. Work with other commissioners to prepare and present plans to our township residents with transparency in costs and benefits. Develop ways to fund projects without increasing taxes.
“Create check-in schedules with companies performing road work and other projects to ensure these projects are completed in a timely manner.” Julie Murphy Age : 61 Education : MBA from Carnegie Mellon University; B.S.
in industrial and systems engineering from North Carolina State University Occupation : Adjunct professor at University of Pittsburgh Graduate Business School; nonprofit board director “I am excited about the opportunity. Collier has experienced 70% population growth in the last 20 years. While this growth brings new neighbors, more tax revenue and fresh opportunities, it must be managed strategically — with an eye on safety, quality of life, planned development and infrastructure.
“My priorities include: Ensure the safety and security of our residents, while upholding the standards we expect in Collier; strategically manage our growth with purpose, benefiting both current and future generations; enhance our sense of community in our parks, trails and common places in our neighborhoods and in collaboration with our businesses; preserve Collier’s unique appeal by keeping it clean, green and beautiful. “I have decades of experience in business leadership, nonprofit board directorship and dedicated volunteer service. A Collier resident for over 26 years, I am deeply connected.
My husband, Bob, and I raised four successful graduates of Chartiers Valley.” Karianne Suter Age : 50 Education : Bachelor’s degree Occupation : Teacher at Chartiers Valley School District “I am passionate about our community and want to continue to work with our excellent township employees and residents to make Collier the best it can be. I thrive on building bridges between both parties and approach every situation with fairness and integrity.
I most importantly make decisions that serve the greater good of our residents. “I want to be actively involved in shaping its future while ensuring fiscal responsibility. A growing community needs thoughtful planning, especially when it comes to balancing development with maintaining the quality of life for residents.
” Ethan Styche Age : 36 Education : High school Occupation : Constable “I’ll focus on continued revitalizing of the community and upgrading local baseball fields. Driven by a passion for public service and youth development, I plan to prioritize infrastructure improvements; increased recreational opportunities; and safer, well-maintained public spaces. “Our baseball fields are more than just places to play — they’re where our kids learn teamwork and build lifelong memories.
It’s time we invested in our future, and that starts right here at home.” Jason Wylie Age: Did not provide Education: Associate’s degree in architectural drafting and design Occupation: CAD technician III “Collier Township needs fresh leadership and greater transparency — two priorities I intend to address directly by applying my extensive experience as a leader in the Army and Army National Guard. “I firmly believe it’s time for younger generations to step forward, lead proactively and guide our community toward a brighter future.
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