Kosanko seeks Rostraver Township commission seat

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

After two years on the Belle Vernon Area School Board, Republican Justin Kosanko is making a bid to serve as a Rostraver Township commissioner.

There are two seats coming open on the Rostraver Township Board of Commissioners. They are currently held by Henry Boldyzar Jr. and Ray Iacoboni.

Kosanko has been a resident of the township since 1998, having spent his childhood in neighboring Washington Township. Kosanko said his family has lived in the township for seven generations, with much of the Cedar Creek Park property once belonging to his ancestors. 

Kosanko said despite his family’s long history in the community, he is the first member to seek an elected leadership position, and the commissioner’s role would increase the impact he could have in the community.

“With the school, it seems your hands are tied a little bit since there are nine on the board,” he said. “With the township, there are five.”

Kosanko said state regulations and union contracts sometimes limit what board members can do, while being a township commissioner provides a more direct route to problem solving. 

“Why isn’t my road paved — that’s something I can address,” Kosanko said. “I just want to help as many people as I can. It seems I can do that as a commissioner.

“The current administration has done a good job of having growth throughout the township. We’re seeing new houses coming in. … It helps your tax base.”

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