Erie County Council race: three Democrats, four Republicans on primary ballot

Entering a post-pandemic landscape has brought its own set of challenges to Erie County.

And for voters participating in the May 16 municipal primary election, choosing who best to serve on Erie County Council to meet those challenges — from prioritizing investments and helping the underserved to providing checks and balances in a heated political environment — will likely be top of mind.

As it stands, County Council has a 4-3 Democratic majority. Four seats will be on the ballot in the primary election.

In the 1st District, which covers the bulk of Millcreek Township, incumbent Democratic Councilman Terry Scutella will face two Republican challengers: Cody Foust, 37, a field service technician, and Lou Aliota, a pharmacist consultant and a former Millcreek school director.

Foust is unrelated to county controller and former county councilman Kyle Foust.

Scutella, 74, who was appointed to council in late 2021 after his predecessor, Kim Clear, became a Millcreek Township supervisor, will run for the 1st District seat for the first time.

In the 3rd District, which includes parts of Millcreek Township and the city of Erie, incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Mary Rennie, 65, will run for a second term against Republican challenger Kim Hunter, 55, who works in culinary services.

In the 5th District, incumbent Republican Councilman Brian Shank, 59, will run for a second term against Democratic challenger Chris Drexel, 50, a regional sales manager.

In the 7th District, which covers the southwestern portion of the county, incumbent Republican Councilwoman Ellen Schauerman will run unopposed.

The Erie Times-News asked the candidates facing opponents a series of questions. Some of their responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What unique perspective do you bring to Erie County Council?

1st District race:

Aliota (R): I believe my lifelong positions in the management and financial (economics) operations within medical centers and assignments in both private and public entities addressing healthcare issues, and my active participation in the public sector as an elected public official, provides the foundation to contribute to our community.

Foust (R): As a husband, father and Millcreek resident and taxpayer, I have faith in my belief that I can lead District 1 in a well-rounded approach including all residents. I look beyond the bad news towards the future and focus on the solution for the issue at hand. I move toward positive action, which is a key for change and progress. I’ve spent the majority of my life helping others by listening and repairing problems whether it be on equipment or a process. 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.

Scutella (D): My unique perspective is that the decisions I make come from a genuine concern for the welfare of the people of Erie County. 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. Having served on the Millcreek School Board for 12 years, I know what it takes to listen, learn and compromise. That is the duty of any elected official: To listen, learn, and compromise to do what is best for the greater good. This is the duty of an Erie County councilman that I take very seriously.

3rd District race:

Hunter (R): A fresh, unbiased perspective from a very family-oriented and down-to-earth taxpayer, not a politician.

Rennie (D): I’m proud to say that I have spent my career to date serving all people of Erie County, no matter their age, income, education, politics or ZIP code. As executive library director, I planned and oversaw the creation and delivery of those facilities and services, whether Erie, Edinboro, Fairview, Millcreek, Mill Village or West Springfield. More than that, many times I also physically and personally delivered those services to every corner of Erie County. I’m very honored to represent the people of District 3, but I believe in the totality of Erie County. I know that we are stronger together. Finally, I believe that a government of, by and for the people should do what it does best, which is to help its citizens be their best — for themselves, for their families and for others.

5th District race:

Drexel (D): I intend to have a strong focus on collaboration and problem-solving, which could bring a much-needed fresh perspective to the Erie County Council. This approach may help to foster greater community engagement and input, leading to more effective solutions to issues facing the council. 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.

Shank (R): Being an honorably discharged Army veteran, I bring years of leadership experience to the table. My years of law enforcement experience brings many different types of problem-solving skills forward. As a fire police officer of a local volunteer fire department, I have acquired a unique set of listening and coping skills when dealing with extreme emergencies and persons needing assistance.

If elected, what would you consider your top priorities?

1st District race:

Aliota (R): The financial management of the county as it pertains to citizens’ taxes and the oversight of expenditures on a continuous basis by reviewing the needs in many issues of safety, security, health and welfare of our community. I have for many decades profess and adhere to responsibility, accountability and transparency. As a public official, I have taken an oath of office to protect, defend and preserve our United States and Pennsylvania constitutions with fidelity and will not violate the “trust of the people."

Foust (R): My No. 1 priority is giving residents opportunities. Opportunities at furthering education for residents right here in Millcreek and Erie County. An opportunity in career development for employees and for the employers to assist in keeping the current and future workforce here and not having to relocate. An opportunity to help connect residents with mental health and counseling services through programs available here in Erie County. An opportunity to assist local law enforcement and agencies to combat the current opioid epidemic.

Scutella (D): My top priority is to provide services to Erie County residents within budget. Every county government in the commonwealth's one job is to provide services to its residents, including human services, public services, election services, court services and more. The fine men and women who work in county government provide these services, and it is my job to make sure that these services are provided within budget. It is only after those services are provided should the budget be used for economic development and projects. The buck stops with Erie County Council. It is our job to make sure that services are provided without breaking the bank. My next highest priority is to fill a number of key open positions in county government in order to provide those services. At this time, too many positions remained unfilled, which is limiting services to our residents.

3rd District race:

Hunter (R): We need to keep a balanced budget where all points of the county are considered, not just select areas. 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.

Rennie (D): First must be county government operations, which in my opinion have been either mismanaged or woefully neglected over the last couple years. How can we expect an administration to promote better economic health in Erie County when it has been actively embracing deficit spending and has given the appearance of not paying all of its bills in a timely fashion? My second focus is community and economic development. First, if we truly focus on making data-driven decisions, we wouldn’t be doing the very same things that have failed in the past, such as putting too much emphasis on one or two businesses, business types, or trying to achieve cost-savings efficiencies on the backs of workers. Secondly, Erie County government is uniquely positioned for economic development facilitation. While it has no direct control or oversight of vital services such as water and sewer, road maintenance, police and fire services, or schools, it does serve as a conduit for state and federal funding, and a natural umbrella for collaborative projects countywide.

5th District race:

Drexel (D): As a community leader, my top priority is responsible economic development that benefits all members of the community. To achieve this goal, I am committed to fostering the creation of good-paying, sustainable jobs with benefits. By attracting and retaining businesses that prioritize fair labor practices and invest in their employees' well-being, we can build a stronger, more resilient local economy that lifts up all members of our community. Keeping a community healthy and safe is (also) an important responsibility. We need to make sure that emergency responders, like firefighters and EMS, have the resources they need to quickly and effectively respond to emergencies. It's also important to work with local environmental agencies to ensure that we are protecting our environment from harmful pollutants. We can help people access quality healthcare by expanding access to medical services and promoting healthy behaviors. Lastly, social programs can help to support vulnerable community members and improve quality of life for everyone.

Shank (R): When re-elected, my top priorities will basically be to follow the same path I have taken on County Council for the last three-plus years. Making sure the needs of the people of Erie County are taken care of will always be top priority. 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. Making sure to look at the county budget and utilize all means available to not raise the taxes of the hard-working people of Erie County. As a member of a volunteer fire department, I truly understand the needs of an EMS system. It is a good system that does need some help from our elected officials and its community. The key to any mission consists of two key elements: communication and transparency.

Do you believe the Brenton Davis administration is on the right track with its economic development initiatives? Or should human services be prioritized more?

1st District race:

Aliota (R): I do believe the administration has not been transparent and fully assessed the needs of the citizens in our community. What has the administration based their priorities on and what were the objectives and future projections of the return-on-investment(s)? I direct your attention to the many public correspondences asking for simple answers to questions and issues I have personally addressed which has resulted in my sincere and unwavering accountability of public officials. It is not known whether there has been sufficient assessment of the human services needs for our county whether discussed or published.

Foust (R): The administration can go in the direction it best sees fit to lead Erie County through the post-pandemic struggles we are all currently facing. What is missing here is that zero money is spent in Erie County without Erie County Council's approval and council has voted in favor for both projects and for the economic development department personnel. I will be in favor of new growth and redeveloping areas of Erie County with proper planning, direction and documentation to back any projects positive potential in Erie County. Human services for Erie County have resources readily available. I’ll have a similar approach to human services if there is information with facts and specific details on how the funds will be spent and will it have a positive result for the residents of Erie County, I will be in favor of it.

Scutella (D): As long as I am a public servant, the people will come first. That is our one job in Erie County government: To serve our residents. On the economic development front, I think we have a duplication of services that are being provided in the county. Multiple organizations already exist to provide economic development opportunities. Are we all chasing the same money? Could the efforts be streaming? I am not saying that government has no place in economic development. Government has a role in precipitating economic development. I just feel that the current set up of the economic development programs in Erie County government are repetition of already existing services in the county. I think that Erie County government could use American Rescue Plan money to support already existing economic development organizations, not just recreate already existing programs and services.

3rd District race:

Hunter (R): I believe that Brenton Davis is on track with these initiatives, not only from an environmental standpoint but we will have a long-term return on these investments. This does not mean that he is not prioritizing human services as these investments will help to bring good paying jobs to the area that are desperately needed. The human service issues need to be a collaborative effort of each municipality, the city and the county collectively.

Rennie (D): Erie County government is the conduit for area human services. Hundreds of millions are spent annually on it. It is foolish not to focus on ways of doing it better. However, I also believe that much of human services is hopelessly mired in addressing problems that are only continuing to increase, whether poverty, gun violence, homelessness, crime, drug addiction and overdoses, domestic violence, child neglect and so forth. The problems with Erie County are widespread and will not be solved by pitting one municipality against another, or encouraging division, as has been done over the past couple years. In fact, if this trend continues, I look for overall area business growth and population to decline. It doesn’t have to be this way. Integrity should be a two-way street and would be a win-win approach for the county.

I supported the original talking points from Brenton Davis, which was to embrace community and economic development initiatives that are “data driven.” Unfortunately, I have concluded that it was just talk. Large sums of money went out to projects and initiatives which have merit, but in truth would have received funding from other sources. The Economic development department has spent a lot of money but has not initiated any new formal partnerships or collaboration, let alone initiatives. I would be more inclined in fact, to say that Erie County government is more insular than it has been over many years.

If he were making data driven decisions, he might be focused on the past studies done by Penn State Behrend as well as the Brookings Institute that show rather conclusively that this area has suffered more negative economic consequences due to some of the most extreme socio-economic segregation of people within any geographic area of the U.S., lack of long term strategic investment in advanced technologies, travel infrastructure, and the general lack of efforts to encourage educational attainment and social connections between people. Finally, rather than attempting to bridge the urban-rural divide, Mr. Davis appears to be seeking to make it a competition, and much worse than it already is. We need more people in county government who will work toward stopping these constant attempts at division by way of deceit.

5th district race:

Drexel (D): I am expressing frustration with politicians making self-serving decisions and reallocating funds without consulting the public or taxpayers. This type of behavior can certainly erode public trust in government and lead to a sense of disenfranchisement among citizens. It is concerning and disheartening to observe someone who prioritizes their personal and professional motives over the needs and concerns of the community, as it can lead to a lack of accountability and disregard for the well-being of others.

Shank (R): My voting record tells the story on how I feel. As council chairman, I try to understand the needs of the people. I have worked long and hard to find the balance between the two worlds. We need to make sure we are good stewards of the people's money. As a volunteer with the fire department, I have truly seen and experienced the needs of the people of Erie County and in the districts I represent. When Erie County does well, the people also do well. When we help create new family sustaining jobs for the people of Erie County, we all are winners. Who wants to see their children move away when they can't find jobs? I truly belief nobody does. How do we help fix it? Simple — become part of the solution. Project Resolve, I proudly voted yes! Project Neptune, I proudly voted yes! Why? Because we have made a mess of Lake Erie and WE need to help clean it up and keep it clean so future generations can have clean safe water.

How do you feel about Diverse Erie and the 2020 resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in Erie County?

1st District race:

Aliota (R): I believe in our established system of equality as delineated in the Equal Opportunity laws. The economy of the county must first be addressed in an objective manner to secure the economy before anything. I do not agree the “resolution” as stated that “racism” is a “health crisis." I would question the genesis of how the statement developed and what the objective criteria (was) in establishing the statement.

Foust (R): It is time to get the issues with the DEI commission and council sorted out. I will have no issue supporting the DEI commission moving forward. The commission needs to provide information with facts and specific details on how the funds will be spent and how it will have a positive impact for the residents of Erie County. County Council voted in favor of Resolution 43 of 2020 and I will abide by the resolution in place.

Scutella (D): Yes, I do agree with the 2020 resolution that declared race is in a public health crisis in Erie County. I support the Erie County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commission, however, I am not happy with the outcomes and deliverables of the commission thus far. The DEI commission is running in place and that is a leadership problem.

More: How Erie County is addressing its other public health crisis: racism

3rd District race:

Hunter (R): I believe in the program and its merit, but this is not black and white. Being a woman from a bi-racial marriage, racism and judgment comes in all forms, from age to gender, ethnicity and color. I am a firm believer that we are all humans that deserve respect and understanding. The more we separate we as humans, the stronger the divide will become.

Rennie (D): There is absolutely no doubt that racism is a public health crisis in Erie County. There are well-documented statistics that bear out the awful truth of this statement. It hurts everyone, both directly and indirectly. It’s a fact that we leave a lot of human capital on the table in Erie County. Ultimately it holds us back collectively, and that too is well documented. I support the Erie County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission; however, I also insist that the commission be accountable, transparent, independent, forward thinking and proactive. They should not simply exist as some bureaucratic arm of county government. Quite frankly, I hold their contracted, paid leadership almost as accountable as the county executive for the negative stonewalling that has effectively slowed or stopped progress over the past year. I am hopeful that we are past that, however the status quo must change for the better. That means the commission must have a vision and a strategic plan. Socio-economic power is not something that can be distributed like candy. It must be grown, nurtured and developed, and it must be done in tandem with encouraging social responsibility between and with all people of Erie County.

5th District race:

Drexel (D): The establishment of the Erie County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission demonstrates a commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in Erie County, which is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and just community. I fully support and am committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our community. As for the resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, I think it's an important recognition of the harm that racism can cause to individuals and communities. By acknowledging the systemic nature of racism and its impact on social determinants of health, Erie County is taking a step towards addressing the root causes of health disparities and promoting equity and justice in the community.

Shank (R): I was one of the council members that supported the creation of the commission. I did not support the former county executive's inappropriate promise of $10 million but I supported the $3.5 million. I am very concerned on how the commission has spent over $1 million without helping the community as of yet. I must say it appears the commission is just another name for economic development. I stand on my voting record.

Are you satisfied with the way elections are managed in Erie County?

1st District race:

Aliota (R): I am not satisfied with the present manner of the elections in Erie County. Any system can be compromised and the voters must have a seat at the table to address the discrepancies on an ongoing basis. There is always room to do better in the basic foundation of our government’s election system.

Foust (R): The Erie County Elections and Voter Registration department is always looking for ways to improve and secure voting throughout the county. I applaud the department for their dedication to task at hand. I am satisfied with the direction the department is headed.

Scutella (D): I would not recommend any changes in the Election Department. The Election Office team is honest, hardworking, and dedicated to ensure that our elections are conducted with integrity.

3rd District race:

Hunter (R): While I am adapting to change, my one objection is that early ballots are out nearly seven weeks prior to election day and this is confusing to many. I'd like to see that time shortened.

Rennie (D): Elections in Erie County have been overwhelmingly affected by changing Commonwealth legislation over the past several years. Each election we’ve had from the primary of 2020 has been markedly different, and I look for more changes before things settle down into what could be considered “routine.” Having been the three-time chair of the Board of Elections, I can say this: No matter the new technologies utilized, there is one constant, and that is that we have an Elections staff who are hardworking, honest and honorable.

5th District race:

Drexel (D): Expanding voter access and making it easier for people to vote is crucial for ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process. Here are some ways to achieve this: Implement early voting, offer mail-in voting, increase polling locations, automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, online voter registration and make Election Day a national holiday.

Shank (R): I am satisfied with our staff in the elections office. However, I was very disappointed that in the last election a huge mistake was made: Forgetting to count all the votes. When that mistake was found, it was fixed promptly. We had a meeting to identify the shortcomings and implemented more checks and balances so this would never happen again. The people demand and deserve fair and honest elections. I did not support purchasing the new electronic polling pads because I felt that they were an unneeded expense and more technology that could possibly fail. The director of elections is doing a great job and so are the staff and volunteers that keep the office running.

More: 'Human clerical error' in midterm election leads to 485 uncounted votes in Erie County

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

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Council primary election: 3 Dems, 4 GOP running for office