The five Republicans who will compete for four open seats on Murrysville council are all casting an eye toward the municipality’s future — in particular, how it will grow.
“One of the biggest challenges is maintaining our infrastructure while thoughtfully and conservatively managing growth,” said incumbent Jason Lemak, 47. “I’ll support creating a new comprehensive plan that sets a clear path for long-term infrastructure investment and responsible development.”
Lemak said a large part of that planning will involve a reassessment of Murrysville’s current zoning map.
“Zoning is one of the key tools we have to guide growth, support local businesses and preserve the unique feel of Murrysville,” he said.
Former councilman Loren Kase, 44, agreed.
“Zoning has to be looked at, especially as we grow,” Kase said. “We have to be able to welcome business and make sure we’re zoned to develop the community we want. And along with that comes the renewal of our comprehensive plan.”
A comprehensive plan is a state certified document that lays out a town’s goals and vision for its growth over the next decade.
“We need to look at how zoning plays a part in that,” Kase said.
Darren Miller, 42, has lived in Murrysville since 1987 and volunteers at his church, with the Westmoreland Heritage Trail and at his children’s elementary school.
“Service is at the heart of everything I do,” Miller said. “On council, I’ll focus on fiscal responsibility — no unnecessary tax increases. I’d like to improve the ‘walkability’ of our vibrant downtown spaces and support local businesses, which are the heartbeat of the municipality.”
Miller said he’d like to cultivate a sense of community, encourage new business growth and encourage young couples to remain in Murrysville to raise their families.
Incumbent Jamie Lingg, 51, said her record reflects her position as a fiscal conservative and a proponent of limited government.
“I opposed the runaway costs of the amphitheater project, protected taxpayers’ property rights and blocked unlabeled bathrooms in our parks,” Lingg said, adding that the main challenge for the town is planning renewal.
“The comprehensive plan visualizes the next 10 years for our community,” she said. “This should not be the council’s plan, but the community’s plan. It’s imperative that council encapsulates Murrysville’s aggregate community interest and avoid the contamination of a biased implementation.”
Attorney Michael Korns, 43, would be the second person in his family to occupy a Murrysville council seat if elected — his wife Jamie is a former council member.
Korns cited Murrysville’s recent census data in his pitch for guiding future development.
“Murrysville is a special place … but we can’t take our success for granted. Since 2010, our population has been stagnant, and since 2020, we’ve seen the steepest decline in Westmoreland County,” Korns said. “With a new comprehensive plan, we can modernize our ordinances, promote responsible growth and make our town more welcoming to business — helping expand our tax base and provide relief to homeowners and seniors.”
Korns pointed to neighboring Penn Township, which has seen some of the most growth in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs in recent years, according to census data.
“There’s no reason that can’t happen here, with well-planned adjustments to our land use and zoning, to protect residents while ensuring a brighter future,” Korns said.
No Democratic candidates filed for the May 20 primary, and current council President Dayne Dice is running unopposed for mayor. The council seats are four-year terms.