Payne-Harrison, 3 incumbents win in West Mifflin

Republican Jeffrey Kuzma finished fifth in the council race.

Incumbents Anthony J. Olasz, Daniel Davis, Karen Santoro and newcomer Carla Payne-Harrison were the top four vote-getters in Tuesday’s West Mifflin council race, according to unofficial election results.

Republican Jeffrey A. Kuzma was also on the ballot.

Olasz, Davis, Santoro celebrated at an election party with other members of council. They tallied up results from local polls during this event.

With all precincts reporting,  Olasz led with 3,613 votes, Payne-Harrison with 3,378, Santoro with 3,072, Davis with 3,024,  and Kuzma, 2,359.

“It’s been interesting and fun for my first run at politics,” Kuzma said. “The last few cycles of elections, I have been debating whether or not I want to put my foot into the water, and deciding to do it this cycle. Being part of the election process, it’s been fun. I knew it was going to be a tall task for a Republican to win, and I am very thankful for all those votes.”

Olasz was appointed to council after former councilman John Inglis was elected to the state House in November. His father, Magisterial Judge Richard Olasz, won Tuesday evening as well.

“I am mad I lost to my dad, again,” Olasz said. “I’m just excited, and I am glad the voters had the confidence in me to continue to represent West Mifflin.”

A resident of the borough for 58 years, Santoro said she’s happy the election is over and is ready to continue her work.

Davis said because he is president of SHACOG, his involvement in the West Mifflin government helps him be involved in what is happening around the borough.

“I feel great. I am glad the three of us that were on council got in,” Davis said. “I think we will move forward like we need to in West Mifflin. Thank you for coming out to vote and we have a higher vote count than in the spring. I am proud to represent West Mifflin in other functions.”

Payne-Harrison said even though it was a “bumpy race,” she is excited for the possibilities of being on council. She is looking forward to joining those who got reelected.

“I am really looking forward to working with them, and to just improve some of the things that are happening in West Mifflin right now,” Payne-Harrison said. “I want to sincerely thank everybody that took the time to vote for me, who encouraged me, who called, who texted, who put their faith in me.

“I really plan on doing everything that I can to live up to my word for the voters of West Mifflin. I understand that a lot is going on in the world, and I plan to do what I can to make West Mifflin a better place.”