Incumbent supervisor ousted by newcomer in Allegheny Township

May 30—After a narrow win via write-in votes, Republican newcomer Jeff Pollick has defeated longtime incumbent Supervisor John Rennick "Ren" Steele in Allegheny Township.

Pollick edged Democratic write-in Allegheny Township supervisor candidate Joseph Ferguson by 11 votes, clinching a win on both ballots in the primary, according to official results from the Westmoreland County Board of Elections.

"I'm elated," Pollick said Tuesday. "My campaign team was made up of dozens of township residents that are highly respected here. They were my political platform and made this win possible."

Pollick earned 152 write-in votes to Ferguson's 141.

Steele garnered 32 votes and has served as supervisor for 12 years.

There was a total of 356 write-in votes cast, enough to affect the outcome if the incumbents were among them. Other individuals receiving votes were Kathy Starr, James Morabito, Fank Weissert, Christine Ashbaugh, Adam Robin Anderson and Ryan Goehring.

Pollick previously was victorious over Steele in his Republican primary race for Allegheny Township supervisor, with 56.68% of the vote on the Republican ballot.

"I'm very excited, and my adrenaline is flowing," Pollick said.

Pollick's campaign stressed an emphasis on retaining and supporting businesses in the township and attracting new businesses.

He said he is eager to start serving the township.

"I would like to create a township business association that would assist businesses to provide information and offer weekly/monthly specials to its residents," Pollick said. "Additionally, I'd like to create a farmers market to possibly start early this fall."

Supervisors serve six-year terms.

Pollick, 52, owns and operates Wooden Door Winery locations in Allegheny Township and Vandergrift.

Steele, 74, did not respond to a request for comment.

Morabito, a township supervisor, praised Pollick's inaugural campaign and said he looks forward to working with him.

"Even though it was a very close race, I'm very proud of Jeff. He ran a respectful campaign and followed the guidelines of the election process. Jeff is a positive person and a great businessman," Morabito said. "He has a lot of great ideas to move Allegheny Township in a positive direction."

Supervisor Michael Korns extended congratulations to Pollick on Tuesday, while complimenting Steele's service to the township.

"Ren Steele has been an excellent colleague of mine since I was elected in 2019. He has done a very good job as supervisor for the residents of Allegheny Township," Korns said.

Korns noted one of Steele's accomplishments during his tenure was holding the line on taxes.

"Steele has held the line on taxes and accomplished a number of things, not the least of which include the existing and future Route 356 improvements and our outstanding Tredway Trail. Ren always acted selflessly in the best interest in the township, something all members of our board should strive to do."

Korns' term ends in December 2025, and Morabito serves through December 2027.

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .