County Council District 9
District 9 incumbent and old-school conservative Democrat Bob Macey’s retirement could mean a big change in who represents the region. Vying for Macey’s seat are engineer and Duquesne City Councilor Aaron Adams, educator Dylan Altemara, and food justice advocate Kellianne Frketic. All have deep area roots, but candidates’ policy positions range from moderate to progressive.
Bio: Born and raised in Duquesne to family of police officers. Penn State graduate. Works in engineering. In 2022, elected youngest-ever member of Duquesne City Council at 23.
Economy: Says he will “advocate for the workers of this region and ensure they get a fair deal.” Would seek phased approach to tax reassessment.
Public safety: Wants to invest more in community policing. Says he would “support first responders.”
Health: Seeks greater access to mental healthcare programs.
Infrastructure & environment: Would prioritize upgrades to community-owned infrastructure with an eye toward supporting area businesses.
Endorsements: ACDC, Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, Pittsburgh Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, The Beacon Coalition, Pa. Sen. Nick Pisciottano, Macey
Bio: Fourth-generation Mon Valley resident. Cal U undergraduate and Southern New Hampshire graduate degrees. Pursuing education doctorate at Point Park while teaching at Community College of Beaver County.
Economy: Wants to partner with state and federal agencies on “Main Street” initiatives. Supports property tax updates and five-year reassessment system. Pledges transparency and annual budget efficiency review.
Public safety: Seeks a study of potential merger between county police and sheriff’s departments. Supports community diversion program to keep people out of jail using money from taxing nonprofits such as UPMC.
Health: Wants to expand mental and behavorial healthcare to divert people away from criminal justice system. Cites personal experience losing friends in push for greater access to substance-abuse prevention.
Infrastructure & environment: Seeks to create oversight commission to ensure environmental money is properly spent. Says clean air is a priority and would levy higher fines on polluters. Would work to install 500 EV chargers.
Endorsements: None listed
Bio: Cites “a century” of family history in the Mon Valley. Elizabeth Twp resident. Duquesne graduate with culinary school experience and MBA from Ohio U. Works for Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and does local organizing.
Economy: Seeks local investment in renewable energy and green manufacturing. Supports workforce development programs and vocational education. Favors tax incentives for local hiring but with long-term commitments. Calls housing crisis “urgent challenge.”
Public safety: Supports greater and consistent funding for violence prevention efforts. Seeks investments in reentry programs for incarcerated people. Supports cannabis reform. Calls conditions in jail “deplorable” and seeks funding for alternative justice models and diversion programs.
Health: Supports easier access to mental healthcare and substance-abuse treatment. Wants to increase access to fresh food and expand WIC and SNAP acceptance at local stores.
Infrastructure & environment: Seeks audits to ensure environmental money is properly spent. Pledges further lead line removal and higher fines for air and water polluters. Supports paid leave during air quality emergencies. Seeks greater local investments in environmental jobs and training programs.
Endorsements: Young Democrats of Allegheny County, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Pa. Working Families Party
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2025 and Election Guide (Early 2025).
