City races for mayor, council heat up

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May 11, 2009

By MIKE FAHER The Tribune-Democrat Mon May 11, 2009, 08:39 AM EDT

Twelve Johnstown residents have entered the race for five City Council seats – including the mayor’s chair – available in this year’s elections.

But in the May 19 primary, the four Republican candidates can rest easy: The only competitive races are on the Democratic ballot.

In the mayor’s race, three Democrats are pursuing the nomination for one spot in November’s general election:

• Tom Trigona, 63, is in a unique position: While he has served as Johnstown’s mayor since 2006, he is running for that position for the first time.

The Harshberger Road resident and retired Greater Johns-town teacher was a city councilman who happened to be serving as deputy mayor when former Mayor Don Zucco resigned, allowing Trigona to move into that spot.

• Anthony Gergely, 75, is a Napoleon Street resident who is making his first run for office.

He has gained recognition by heading several civic projects, including his efforts to light the city’s bridges without using tax money.

• Donnie Rozier Jr., 38, operated Clinton Street Pizza 6-Pack and Restaurant.

His campaign has raised eyebrows because the Wilson Street resident’s former business is closed and in bankruptcy.

Rozier also owes more than $20,000 in delinquent taxes in three municipalities.

• Former city businesswoman Sharyn Spinelli is the sole GOP candidate for mayor.

In the race for four available City Council seats, the field of five Democrats includes only one incumbent. Current councilmen Nunzio Johncola and Al Reynolds decided to not seek another term:

• Rose Englehart Howarth, 51, is a Harold Avenue resident who is a leader of the volunteer West End Improvement Group.

She is an employee of Greater Johnstown School District.

• Marie Mock, 49, of Blaine Street, also is involved with the improvement group. Mock, who works for FNB Wealth Management, is running as a team with Howarth.

• Bill Neatrour, 62, of Glenn Street, is seeking his third consecutive term on City Council.

He taught for more than 35 years in Greater Johnstown School District.

• Duane Roberts Jr., 29, is the youngest candidate on this year’s ballot. He operates a Kernville business, Global Guardian LLC, and is a native of that neighborhood.

• Pete Vizza, 52, lives on Fronheiser Street. He worked for almost three decades as a photographer at The Tribune-Democrat and now works for Greater Johnstown High School.

In the council race, the Democratic primary will essentially eliminate one candidate from contention in the fall.

There is no contest on the Republican primary ballot, with three candidates for the four available council seats. They are Richard Beauregard, Lonnie Rietscha and current Councilwoman Ann Wilson.

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