The Ellwood City Borough Council may travel back a few years pending Tuesday’s election results.
Five candidates are running for three positions. As two candidates are incumbents and two are former council members, it is likely the council will reorganize in December with an old composition. Incumbent Ralph Chiappetta sought reelection but lost in the primaries.
A full list of candidates running for Lawrence County and local positions can be found here.
Candidate bios are primarily from Kitchen Cabinet’s Meet the Candidates held before the primary elections in May.
Suzanne Bleakney
Republican
Suzanne Bleakney is the only newcomer on the scene. She worked at the Ellwood City Red Cross office until it closed this summer and subsequently started her own social service agency, Ellwood City Community Partnership, this past month. Her main goal is to give youth a reason to stay in Ellwood.
George Celli
Republican
Celli was a former council member, having served for 17 years until 2013. He is a retired accountant and current member of the Lawrence County Industrial Development Board. While on council, he greatly enjoyed being able to help people when they called.
Judi Dici Democrat/Republican
Judi Dici is a former council woman, retired teacher, and retired law enforcement officer. Her most important emphasis is on hiring the most qualified person for the job and making all decisions based on what is in the best interest of the borough and taxpayers.
Dici is running on the Democratic ticket, however she won a write-in campaign in the Republican primary. Hence, members of either party voting a straight party ticket will vote for Dici.
Marilyn Mancini Democrat
Marilyn Mancini is an incumbent seeking reelection and has served since 2008. She is an office manager at Mark Hasson State Farm Insurance.
In a candidate biography, Mancini wrote, “I want Ellwood City to grow and prosper as a strong, vibrant community for our children. This is my personal and ongoing goal for the present and future of our town. I have worked to keep this city safe, secure, and ready for the future. I plan to continue to work for the good of all who live in Ellwood City with your vote.”
John Todorich Democrat
Also seeking reelection is John Todorich, who has been on council since 2008 and is currently the vice president. He is a retired international union representative.
Todorich believes the current council is working very efficiently along the path toward Ellwood revitalization and making Ellwood more business and family friendly. He is seeking reelection to keep Ellwood moving forward.
