5 Republicans vie for 4 council seats in Trafford primary
May 13—When Republican voters in Trafford head to the polls Tuesday for the primary election, they will find a slate of five hopefuls seeking four open seats on borough council.
Incumbent Zack Cole is seeking reelection. He will be joined on the ballot by newcomers Justin L. Batzel, Brian M. Lindbloom, Lauren Lindsay and Bill Mence.
Batzel, 28, is a paint technician at Holtec International in Turtle Creek. He has been a firefighter for 12 years and is captain and vice president of the fire company.
"I just think we need some changes to bring some small businesses back into town. Possibly by offering tax breaks," said Batzel, who is single. "I would also like to see some of the old buildings in town cleaned up."
Lindbloom's name should be familiar. In addition to being the chief of the volunteer fire department and business manager for Trafford Emergency Medical Service, he previously served on the borough planning commission and civil service commission and is a former code enforcement officer.
The 53-year-old believes the experience he gained while serving in various capacities in the borough uniquely qualifies him to be councilman.
"I just think now is the right time. With my unique experience, I believe now is the time to try to turn around the town," said Lindbloom, who is married and has a grown daughter and grandson living in Montana.
Lindsay, 27, is making her first run for public office. The Penn-Trafford High School and Westmoreland County Community College graduate said she has had an interest in government and politics since her father, Michael Granata, served on North Braddock council "many years ago."
"I've had a real interest since then. I'd think I can benefit the community by serving," Lindsay said. "I'm looking forward to making a difference."
She is a project manager in retail lending with PNC. Lindsay and her husband, Ian, moved to the borough in February 2020.
Mence, 53, said he has been attending council meetings for months to gain knowledge of concerns in the borough.
"I always wanted to serve the community. And I think people should have a voice in government," he said.
He also believes borough officials should take action "to curb speeding in residential areas."
Mence, who is single, has worked at Certified Flooring Distributors in Verona, a flooring-carpeting business, for nine years.
Cole, 31, is in his first term. He did not return calls seeking comment.
Chair of the borough's public safety committee, Cole generated controversy last year when he made a comment about former Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine's gender on Facebook. He later said the comment was a joke.
In June, Gov. Tom Wolf wished a Happy Father's Day to all Pennsylvania dads on his Facebook page.
Cole posted a reply that referred to the former sex of Levine, a transgender woman with two children from a previous marriage.
Cole refused to speak to a reporter after that incident but posted a statement on social media. In it, he said he was "the type of man to say what was on my mind, regardless of hurting someone's feelings."
He said he was angry at Wolf and Levine for their handling of the covid-19 pandemic. He said the statement was "not an apology" but acknowledged the original comment was "in bad taste."
Incumbent councilman Casey L. Shoub Sr., 70, is the lone Democrat running. He will seek one of the four council seats against the Republican nominees in the Nov. 2 general election.
Incumbent council members Ralph Deabner and Leslie Peters are not running again.
The candidates are seeking four-year terms.
Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@triblive.com or via Twitter .
