6 names on ballot in Charleroi’s council race

Three incumbents and three newcomers are competing for four available seats.

Charleroi’s ballot for the Nov. 4 general election will feature a crowded six-person race for four borough council seats — the result of a primary that mixed traditional filings with strategic write-in wins.

Only one Democratic candidate, Nancy J. Ellis, appeared on the primary ballot. Incumbent Paul Pivovarnik joined the race after mounting a successful write-in campaign to secure the second Democratic nomination.

On the Republican side, Lorraine Smith and Deborah M. Devigne advanced through ballot filings, while incumbents Larry Celaschi and Joseph “Joe” Smith earned their spots through write-ins.

Also on the ballot is a mayoral race between Ernest Merritt and Ellis, who will appear in both contests unless she withdraws from one before the general election.

Larry Celaschi (R-incumbent)

Celaschi said his top priorities center on fiscal responsibility, community maintenance and restoring Charleroi’s image.

Larry Celaschi

“It is always a top priority to make certain that we work towards giving the taxpayers an annual balanced budget that delivers essential services for our residents,” he said. “Police, fire department, borough administration, code enforcement and street department. These are the key components that keep Charleroi afloat and working with your tax dollars.”

He added that maintaining and improving borough infrastructure is essential.

“We must improve our infrastructure and continue blight elimination throughout our entire community,” Celaschi said. “We also need to maintain what we already own before branching out to other avenues using a ‘Fix it First’ mentality that can lead to cleaner, safer streets; reduced blight; stronger community pride and property values. Visible improvements always shows progress.” He also prioritized economic revitalization and downtown renewal.

“Downtown and economic revitalization is a key priority. But first, we need to work towards a goal of restoring Charleroi’s appearance and image that has been badly damaged,” he said. “Over the past 21 months, the loss of 24 businesses and over 750 jobs have devastated our community. Reviving Charleroi’s appearance and image is essential to attracting new investment and homeowners.”

Celaschi supports hiring a professional firm to guide that work.

“A common-sense, realistic plan to promote our borough, attract anchor tenants to replace the former Corelle Brands/Pyrex facility and encourage small business to locate here,” he said, adding, “restoring Charleroi’s image is the foundation for economic growth and community renewal.”

Deborah M. Devigne (R)

Devigne said her priorities focus on public safety, accountability in local government, economic development and restoring civic pride across Charleroi.

Deborah M. Devigne

“If you live in Charleroi, you know that our first responders, police officers, EMS personnel and street crew are true heroes,” she said. “They deserve our full support to keep our community safe and thriving.”

She added that transparency from law enforcement is also important.

“I would urge our local police board to encourage the Charleroi Regional Police Department to regularly publish reports in the newspaper,” she said, noting this would exclude cases involving minors.

On government accountability, Devigne emphasized professionalism and respectful engagement.

“Your borough elected officials must be transparent and accountable, that means they shouldn’t knowingly engage in election misconduct,” she said. “Also they should interact with their constituents in a respectful manner whether in person or on social media platforms. We need to ensure that every constituent’s voice is heard and valued even when we disagree with them.”

Devigne stressed that economic development is a team effort.

“It’s time to spark Charleroi’s economy,” she said. “I, along with Ernest Merritt, Lorraine Smith, Larry Michael Celaschi and Joe Smith, are dedicated to working hard to attract new businesses, create jobs and encourage growth.”

She acknowledged everyday challenges residents face.

“We understand it’s frustrating, especially for those who have mobility issues, not having a grocery store or a pharmacy in Charleroi,” she said. “We promise to do everything in our power to ensure these basic services are available for our residents.”

And she said civic pride is essential. “Let’s unite to restore Charleroi’s former glory! By embracing our shared values and community spirit, we can rebuild a safe, prosperous, and vibrant community where everyone can prosper,” she said.

Nancy J. Ellis (D)

Ellis said her top priorities are restoring unity and professionalism among borough officials, while supporting public safety and building stronger partnerships with government agencies.

Nancy Ellis

“The first thing I would hope to accomplish would be a sense of unity for the good of the community,” Ellis said. “The council must function as a team dedicated to the well being of the borough and the citizens.

“We have to put differences aside for the common good. We all have differing opinions, but we must be adults and disagree in a professional and respectful manner, not degrade or demean another council person for expressing a different opinion.”

She said collaboration beyond Charleroi’s borders is essential.

“A council member must be able to work with county, state and federal officials to ascertain what assistance can be provided to the borough to help the borough make it through difficult economic times,” Ellis said.

Public safety remains a constant concern.

“At all times, we must focus on the safety of the citizens and attending to the needs of our police department and our fire departments, their officers and members,” she said.

Paul Pivovarnik (D-incumbent)

Pivovarnik said he remains focused on fiscal responsibility, development and attracting new businesses to Charleroi.

“My priorities have always started with fiscal responsibility,” Pivovarnik said. “We have to be careful stewards of taxpayer dollars while still maintaining the services our residents depend on.”

He said economic development is critical.

“There’s always room for improvement, especially when it comes to attracting new businesses,” he said. “We were kind of promised, or at least led to believe, that the Corning site wouldn’t sit vacant — but here we are. We need to aggressively search for new industry and do everything possible to make Charleroi appealing for investment.

“Charleroi has a lot to offer. With the right planning and leadership, we can build on what we have and make this community stronger for future generations.”

Joseph ‘Joe’ Smith (R-incumbent)

Smith said his focus is on accountability, fair funding and restoring pride in Charleroi.

“One of my top priorities is to find out how and why Charleroi

Joe Smith

became the dumping ground for the influx of immigration that changed the fabric of our community,” he said. “We can’t fix what’s broken until we understand how it got that way. Knowing the truth is the first step toward preventing history from repeating itself.”

He also wants to see better engagement from higher-level officials.

“We need to press our state and federal elected officials to make sure Charleroi finally gets its fair share of funding and opportunity,” Smith said. “For too long, our town has been overlooked.”

As a lifelong resident, Smith emphasized community identity.

“As an elder spokesman, I want to bring Charleroi back to its roots, where community pride meant something,” he said. “It’s time to refocus on restoring what made Charleroi a great place to live, work, and raise a family, so future generations can once again call it home with pride.”

Lorraine Smith (R)

Smith said she is focused on resident engagement, senior support and rebuilding the local business base.

Lorraine Smith

“My first priority is to work hard for the people of Charleroi,” she said. “I want to be available to talk and listen to their concerns and have their interests heard by other members of council. We need transparency in local government and residents deserve it. I would also like to get the youth of the borough involved in learning how borough council works.”

She also wants to support older residents and people with disabilities.

“My second priority is to find ways to try to help the elderly and handicapped home owners in Charleroi with small property spruce ups,” Smith said. “I would also like to create events that are family based fun for residents.”

Business development is another core issue.

“My third priority is to bring businesses back. I will work tirelessly to do this,” she said. “The people who make this town their home deserve to have a local pharmacy and grocery store. Along with that, (I would like to) find ways to keep the businesses that we currently have. They deserve recognition for remaining here throughout the years.”

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. For polling places and sample ballots, visit the Washington County Election Office website.