Archbald is in a rare position among local communities. It's growing. Businesses and residents are moving in.
The growth comes with a downside: Cost. New residential roads need to be plowed, garbage picked up and property protected.
Managing growth, controlling costs and keeping taxes down are overriding concerns in the Democratic primary. Incumbents William Durkin, Jeff Munley and Kenneth Propst seek to retain their party's nomination against a challenges from Maria F. Tomassoni and John Shnipes Jr.
There are no Republican candidates for the council.
"Those new businesses and people may be paying taxes, but it may or may not be enough to cover the additional cost," said Mr. Propst.
The three incumbents running for council cite the governing body's newfound gentility in a borough and region whose politics are marked by acrimony.
"We are working well together, and we've seen progress and are getting things accomplished," said Mr. Munley. This will be the last campaign for Mr. Munley, who believes in self-imposed term limits.
Mr. Durkin, an accountant by trade, said the current crop of elected officials has balanced the budget while avoiding tax increases.
Mr. Propst, a former mayor, enjoys being on council more so than mayor. As mayor, he said he would only vote to break ties and oversaw the police. As a council member, he votes on everything and, he thinks, has more influence.
The challengers don't have any criticisms of the current council. Both said they want to serve their community.
Ms. Tomassoni said she would like to enlist more citizens to participate in borough operations and improvements. Lifelong resident Mr. Shnipes wants to give back to the community and has a particular interest in helping the police department.
Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com
William Durkin
Age: 42
Family: Wife, Nancy, daughter, Kathleen and son, Fitzy
Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting from Marywood University
Employment: Controller at Motorworld for 14 years, worked at Eckersley and Ostrowski LLP.
Experience: One term on council, served as comptroller
Top Issue: Managing growth
Jeff Munley
Age: 51
Family: Wife, Debbie, and children, Sean and Lauren
Education: Attended Penn State, studied business management
Employment: Marywood University maintenance/receiving, formerly at Cintas
Experience: Councilman for 6 years, recreation committee, volunteer coach
Top Issue: Road improvement
Kenneth Propst
Age: 69
Family: Wife, Maureen, and six grown kids
Education: Archbald High School
Employment: Owner of Propst Transportation
Experience: Serves on County of Lackawanna Transit System Authority since 2012; Archbald council 2009-present, Archbald mayor 1998-2005.
Top Issue: Balancing service and costs
John Shnipes Jr.
Age: 37
Family: Jamie, three kids
Education: Attended Johnson Technical and Penn State University autocad and drafting
Employment: Lackawanna County Prison
Experience: Youth athletic coach
Top Issue: Quality of life
Maria F. Tomassoni
Age: 45
Family: Single
Education: Bachelor of Science in communications from Marywood University
Employment: Substitute teaching at LaSalle Academy, formerly with state Department of Labor and Industry
Experience: Borough beautification committee, borough controller in 2012
Top Issue: Expanding public involvement