Erie County Council: Municipal election race includes these nine candidates on the ballot

Control of Erie County Council will be at stake in November’s municipal election.

With four of council’s seven seats on the Nov. 7 ballot, Erie County voters will have an opportunity to drastically shift council’s 4-3 Democratic majority.

Depending on the outcome, the new council could be a boon ― or a roadblock ― to Erie County Executive Brenton Davis’s agenda for the next two years.

Here’s a look at who’s running:

Scutella, Foust compete for 1st District seat

In the 1st District, which covers the bulk of Millcreek Township, incumbent Democratic Councilmember Terry Scutella will face Republican challenger Cody Foust.

Scutella, 74, who was appointed to council in late 2021 after his predecessor, Kim Clear, became a Millcreek Township supervisor, is running for the 1st District seat for the first time. He serves as chairman of the council's personnel committee.

Scutella worked for 34 years as a revenue enforcement agent with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, retiring in 2009. He also served as a member of the Millcreek School Board for 12 years. Some of that time was spent as board president.

“My unique perspective is that the decisions I make come from a genuine concern for the welfare of the people of Erie County,” Scutella told the Erie Times-News in an earlier interview. “I am open-minded, and I consider all perspectives when making a decision. I take the time to listen to all stakeholders and colleagues before casting my vote.”

Foust, 37, is a graduate of the Erie Institute of Technology, and has been a field service technician repairing various types of equipment in the entertainment, self-service and healthcare industries, according to his campaign website.

“I’ve spent the majority of my life helping others by listening and repairing problems whether it be on equipment or a process,” Foust told the Times-News. “I also look for ways or ideas to be proactive so we do not repeat mistakes made in the past. My work in the healthcare field and out working in the field in general has a built a solid foundation for public service.”

Copeland, Hunter compete for 3rd district seat

In the 3rd District, which includes parts of Millcreek Township and the city of Erie, two new candidates will compete for the seat formerly held by Democrat Mary Rennie, who resigned on July 24.

Vying for the seat are Democrat Rock Copeland and Republican Kim Hunter.

Copeland, 39, is a gear product specialist at Mayer Electric. He’s also listed as chairman of the Erie Democratic Progressive Caucus and as a board member of the Erie Sewer Authority, on his LinkedIn page.

“I evaluate each problem from multiple angles and try to approach each interaction with empathy,” Copeland stated on his campaign website. “I believe our government should function the same way. We should act with intention and seek to improve our region with each decision.”

Hunter, 55, who's in culinary services, told the Times-News she brings a “fresh, unbiased perspective from a very family-oriented and down-to-earth taxpayer, not a politician.”

“We need to keep a balanced budget where all points of the county are considered, not just select areas,” she said. “I'd like to see regular audits of each department with complete transparency to the public, because as times change, so do needs and what was once considered a top priority financially may not be now.”

Shank, Drexel compete for 5th district seat

In the 5th district, which covers Greene, Harborcreek, North East and Summit townships, Republican incumbent and Council Chairman Brian Shank will run for a second term against Democratic challenger Christopher Drexel.

Shank, 59, who’s an Army veteran, a former state corrections officer and a fire police officer, told the Times-News his top priority, if re-elected, will be to continue making sure the needs of Erie County residents are met.

“Never forgetting the great people of Harborcreek, North East, Greene and Summit townships that trusted me with their votes and their voices to be their representative on County Council,” he added.

Drexel, 50, a district sales manager at Wireless Zone, a Verizon authorized retailer, said he intends to focus on collaboration and problem-solving, and bringing a much-needed fresh perspective to County Council.

“This approach may help to foster greater community engagement and input, leading to more effective solutions to issues facing the council,” he told the Times-News. “Additionally, the emphasis on integrity is also an important trait for a public servant, as it helps to build trust and transparency with the community.”

Schauerman faces Dolan and Bishop for 7th district seat

In the 7th district, which covers the southwestern portion of the county, incumbent Republican Councilmember Ellen Schauerman will run against Democratic challenger Lorraine Dolan and Independent candidate Rita Bishop.

Schauerman, 69, a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Hamot, is running for a second term. She serves as the chairperson of the council's finance committee.

"As a lifelong resident of Erie County and almost lifelong resident of District 7, my life has been dedicated to serving and giving back to Erie County in numerous and various capacities, as my campaign flyer lists," she told the Times-News. "I work hard and am engaged in everything I do. I will continue to address issues as they arise with a common sense approach coupled with fiscal responsibility that looks towards the future of Erie County."

Dolan, 65, works part-time as an assistant teacher at Lakewood Preschool. She also worked for nearly a decade with the League of Women Voters of Erie County, serving as president for two years.

She supports the operation of Pleasant Ridge Manor; provisions for enhanced broadband for homes and businesses in West County; enhanced cooperation to address the county's EMS crisis; and greater transparency, according to her campaign website.

"Serving on County Council is an immense responsibility," she told the Times-News. "Listen to your constituents. Discuss with your fellow council members. Reforms to establish adherence to transparency and the necessary oversight are needed to serve the public properly."

Bishop, 69, has been an auditor for Conneaut Township for the past six years, and is the owner of her own business, Personalized Computer Instruction, for 16 years.

"We need to start electing County Council representatives who are transparent in projects or deals that would affect taxpayers," she told the Times-News. "There are rules and laws in place that an elected official needs to follow in order to keep taxpayers' trust. County Council needs to be an independent body to oversee the services provided to citizens and ensure they are being delivered."

Erie County voters' guide: Erie County voters' guide to the races, candidates and issues in the 2023 general election

A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Council race: Nine candidates on municipal election ballot