Third time was the charm for a Sharpsburg teen seeking a seat on borough council.
Roman Mason, 19, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Kacie Cope, who resigned in late September.
“It makes me feel good,” Mason said sitting in his new seat after the Oct. 24 council meeting. “I ran the previous two times and lost, but I guess it’s like preschool all over again. Third time’s a charm. You fail tying your shoes the first two times. The third time, you get it right and you’re here where you wanted to be.
“I’m excited to get to work and start helping the constituents of this town and putting my words to action.”
Mason served as a junior councilman during the 2022-23 school year. He also was a member of the borough’s parks and recreation commission.
The 2023 Fox Chapel Area High School grad and recently registered Democrat is enrolled at Duquesne University studying accounting.
Mason is the youngest person to serve on Sharpsburg Council in modern history. The borough was chartered in 1842.
Mason plans to serve on council’s communications committee and contribute to other efforts.
“It means a lot for me and a lot of my friends and the younger generation in general,” Mason said. “I think there’s a lot of smart young people that don’t have the voice or don’t know where to get started (in local government). For me to be able to be in this position and allow myself to be a voice for Gen Z and communicate for young people is great.”
Mason told council that recent visits to Swissvale and Pittsburgh and speaking with leaders in those communities have expanded his mind. He also said his university schedule would not preclude him from attending meetings.
Third vacancy
Cope’s departure was the third council vacancy in about a year and a half.
Councilwoman Carrie Tongram announced her resignation in May 2023 and formally stepped down the following month. She moved to O’Hara to be with family.
Fellow Democrat David Breingan was appointed in June 2023 to fill the vacancy through the rest of the year, and the position was listed as a two-year seat on the November 2023 ballot.
Tongram was in the second year of a four-year term.
Kayla Portis left her council seat earlier this year for a new political post.
She was in the third year of her term and resigned to fill the shoes of then-Mayor Brittany Reno.
Reno resigned in June citing personal and family reasons.
Portis, a fourth-generation resident and 2003 Fox Chapel Area graduate, was selected unanimously out of five candidates to become the borough’s first Black mayor July 11.
She became its first Black council member after being appointed in February 2021. She was elected to a four-year term in November of that year.
Breingan, executive director of Lawrenceville United, once again was tapped to fill the vacancy in late July. Mason was a candidate for the seats of both Portis and Tongram.
Cope, a political newcomer, was sworn in to a four-year term on council in January.
The interior designer and owner of The Bold by Kacie Cope Interiors said via email to the borough that a February fire caused a need to devote more time and resources to her business.
“It has been an honor to serve the community of Sharpsburg over the past year and an honor to serve alongside each of you,” Cope said in part via email to the borough. “I have found myself unable to devote the necessary attention to my council duties, particularly as we approach the important budget season. I believe it’s crucial for the council to have the full commitment and participation of all its members during this critical time.”
She went on to thank her colleagues and community for their support and understanding.
Similar to Tongram’s situation, Cope’s seat will be on the November 2025 ballot as a two-year seat.
Mason would serve through the end of next year and run in the May primary should he wish to keep the position.
Council unanimously voted to accept Cope’s resignation Oct. 24.
It voted shortly after that action 5-1 to appoint Mason.
Councilman Corey Ochai said he was impressed with the young man’s determination and repeated attempts to serve the community.
“Your love for people will outweigh any perception of lack of experience,” Ochai said. “I’m proud to see you here.”
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Councilman Jonathan Jaso dissented.
He said his vote was not against Mason but a reaction to how council handled the vacancy.
The expectant vacancy was posted on the borough website Oct. 16.
Letters of interest were due to borough Manager Christine DeRunk by noon Oct. 23.
The post also stated attendees should plan to attend the Oct. 24 council meeting for interviews.
Council has 30 days to fill a vacancy after a resignation is accepted. Resident voters could petition the Allegheny County Courts to appoint someone should the vacancy remain after the mentioned time frame.
Jaso also cited Mason’s lack of participation in any electoral processes as a concern given his recent voter registration.
The councilman said after the meeting that he had full confidence in Mason’s ability to contribute to the borough.
Councilwoman Sarah Ishman said there were two candidates for the position with the second later declining the opportunity.
“I did not see a reason to wait even longer for more candidates,” Ishman said after the council meeting. “We had two applicants, but one chose to drop out today. I do not know why.
“Roman is a dedicated resident of Sharpsburg. He served the borough as a junior councilperson for several years and brings a fresh perspective to council. I am very excited that he is willing to serve the borough.”
Jaso attempted to table the appointment, but his motion failed for lack of a second.
Ishman made the motion to appoint Mason. She also made the motions to appoint Breingan to council at the previous meetings.
Portis swore in Mason to office.
“There have been a lot of firsts here in Sharpsburg,” Portis said. “I am so glad that Roman made history tonight. He is a great addition to council. He has a lot to offer.”