Brackenridge could be without a mayor early next year, at least temporarily.
Incumbent Lindsay Fraser is undecided on whether she’ll seek reelection, and no one else has shown interest in the position heading into the May 20 primary election.
A representative at the Allegheny County Elections Division said that nobody from either of the two major political parties filed candidate paperwork.
That doesn’t mean that someone can’t get on the ballot in November, however. A resident could run a write-in campaign or run as an independent candidate this fall.
Fraser, born and raised in the borough, is not affiliated with any political party. The county deadline for independents to file paperwork is July.
Her indecision comes just four years after she unseated longtime Mayor Tom Kish in a surprise victory, earning more than 30% of the vote and making it the first time in 12 years that borough residents selected someone new to lead the community.
“Being elected to represent Brackenridge as mayor has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime,” Fraser said. “But I think there is an assumption that it’s a full-time job with compensation. People are often surprised to learn that it’s an $88-a-month role.”
Other communities have been wading through similar political struggles.
Freeport has been without a mayor since Zack Gent’s departure at the end of last year. Gent announced his resignation plans in October, saying that some members of council didn’t take him seriously or want him involved in decision-making.
Though Fraser led the borough as public spokesperson through the tragedy of police Chief Justin McIntire being shot and killed in 2023, she has been frustrated by stalled initiatives during her first term.
A previous employee of the Harrison Township zoning office, Frazer said after her election that she hoped to engage more residents in the daily business of the borough through an updated website and social media presence. Both of those projects have faltered.
She also wanted to steer the borough toward collaboration with neighboring municipalities in the form of shared services and more.
The borough ultimately consolidated its police department with Tarentum, leaving a void in Fraser’s list of duties. The mayor does not have a vote on council issues but typically oversees the police.
“I feel like I’ve been able to elevate the role of mayor and connect with the community differently,” Fraser said. “But I’m going to give it some time and see what happens this summer.”
On Brackenridge Council, three of the six members are running unopposed for reelection this year. They are incumbents Dino Lopreiato, Tim Kolar and Randy Elliott.
There will be at least one new face on council in coming months. Vice President John Stanzione announced he is moving from the borough. Council expects to accept his resignation at its meeting Thursday.
Officials will seek people interested in representing the 2nd Ward and could appoint a replacement May 1 .
Fraser said she is interested to see how that plays out.
“I think John Stanzione’s departure after nearly 10 years of service leaves big shoes to fill,” she said. “I’m interested to see what council does with the appointment to his seat in May.”
Fraser noted the borough’s upcoming public works construction and said “we are likely to see changes to our senior staffing over the next 12 months.”
She’ll announce a decision in July on whether she’ll run for reelection.
If no one runs for mayor, it will be up to council to handle the position.
Calls to Solicitor Craig Alexander were not immediately returned.