Published: November 04, 2009 01:14 am      

Datsko elected Ebensburg mayor

EBENSBURG — Democratic political veteran Randy Datsko soundly defeated newcomer Republican Cecelia Houser in the race for mayor, 718 to 366.

Datsko, a three-term Ebensburg council member, will replace Mayor Charles Moyer, who is retiring.

Both candidates placed an emotional meaning on the campaign – Houser as a

former junior council member, and

Datsko, who served three terms as council president. Houser and Datsko showed respect for each other, and a commitment to improving Ebensburg. Their view of the mayor’s job differed, with Datsko stressing police supervision and Houser emphasizing the need to attract new businesses.

Cambria Township

Cambria Township incumbent Supervisor Dave Hoover, a Democrat, fought off an aggressive challenge from Tim Bracken, who lost the Democratic primary but was a write-in winner to earn a place on the Republican ticket. Hoover received 908 votes to 700 for Bracken.

Bracken, service manager at a Bedford car dealership, says his job as a master mechanic makes him capable of operating township equipment and repairing it, thereby saving the township maintenance costs.

He promised to reinstate spring clean-up and cut down on illegal dumping.

Hoover campaigned on his record, stressing that it’s been 19 years with no increases in real estate taxes, and that he has helped maintain a balanced budget.

Other races

In Jackson Township, incumbent Republican Supervisor Dave Bracken fell to Democrat Mark Westrick.

With all precincts reporting, Westbrook won handily, 738 votes to 453.

And in Nanty Glo, Democrat Michael Edwards won a spot on Borough Council over Republican Karen Monborne Lytle, 157 votes to 122.