Attorney Paul Zavarella, of Plum, was selected to be the interim District 8 county councilman Tuesday night. Mr. Zavarella was nominated by council President John DeFazio and approved by an 11-1 vote.
The seat opened in May with the death of longtime Councilman Charles Martoni. The district covers Plum, Monroeville and 15 smaller Mon Valley communities.
"The people [on council] all seemed to be for him. If you look at his resume, he's more than qualified," said Mr. DeFazio.
Mr. Zavarella will serve until the Nov. 5 municipal election, when a replacement will be chosen to serve the remainder of Mr. Martoni’s term, through 2021. Mr. Martoni died on May 19.
"I knew [Mr. Martoni] for very many years. Those are very big shoes to fill. I hope I can do as good a job as he did," said Mr. Zavarella.
Both parties will have the opportunity to select candidates for the general election. Instead of a special primary election, local party committee members in the 8th District will choose the candidates. Democrats may choose Mr. Zavarella, but are not bound to do so.
Councilman Nick Futules, D-Oakmont, abstained from the vote because he is a client of Mr. Zavarella's firm. Councilman Paul Klein, D-Point Breeze, was not present.
Councilman DeWitt Walton, D-Hill District, was the lone vote against Mr. Zavarella's selection, Mr. Zavarella had not said he would support legislation before council to create a county-wide civilian police review board, which Mr. Walton called a litmus test. "He was less than affirmative," said Mr. Walton.
"I think [civilian police review boards] have been a very resourceful tool in other jurisdictions. I just don't know enough about it to commit myself at such an early juncture. I need more time to study," he said after his appointment.
In addition to the police review board, Mr. Zavarella could potentially vote on at least two significant bills before council, one to ban LGBTQ conversion therapy for minors, and one to create a county oil and gas lease registry. Councilwoman Anita Prizio, D-O'Hara, who introduced the oil and gas registry, said she did not ask him about the registry.
"I'm willing to work with anyone. I'm looking forward to working with him," said Ms. Prizio.
"I'm ready to roll my sleeves up and go to work, but I need time to review," said Mr. Zavarella.
In his interview Monday with members of council, Mr. Zavarella said that he would look to Mr. Martoni for inspiration in terms of responding to constituents.
"I think he was a good listener," said Mr. Zavarella. "He had a long history of constituent services."
Mr. Zavarella, son of the late Common Pleas Court Judge Paul Zavarella, did not take any strong positions on particular issues, instead saying he'd be a liaison between the communities in the district and the county. "It's important we get out and find out what the people want."
He also said he'd be interested in economic development in Mon Valley. "I'd like to see growth down there."
"The concerns of Monroeville, Plum and Edgewood are a little different from some of the other communities in the district. I'm anxious to get in there and make sure I treat every community subjectively," said Mr. Zavarella.
"He was willing to reach out to his communities. A lot of what we do is good communication," said Councilman Pat Catena, D-Carnegie, who called himself "very enthusiastic" about Mr. Zavarella.
Asked what made him the best candidate, Mr. Zavarella said, "I think with my experience, I'd have the wherewithal to run an effective campaign. I think I could win an election. That's important to consider when you're making the appointment."
Christopher Huffaker: chuffaker@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1724, or @huffakingit on Twitter.
First Published: June 19, 2019, 1:04 a.m.
