Tube City Almanac

January 04, 2012

Cherepko Sworn Into Office; New Administrator Hired

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CORRECTION, NOT PERFECTION: This story was wrong about the time and location of Cherepko's swearing-in.

McKeesport has not just a new mayor, but a new top administrator as well.

In a ceremony Monday, Michael Cherepko was sworn in as McKeesport's 22nd mayor. He succeeds Regis McLaughlin, a longtime member of city council, who was elected in 2010 by council to succeed Jim Brewster upon Brewster's election to the state Senate.

Cherepko, of Fawcett Plan, was a teacher for 12 years in the McKeesport Area School District and served on city council for eight years, including one year as council president. He announced before the election that he would take a leave of absence from his teaching position if elected mayor.

In addition, during council's biennial reorganization meeting on Monday night, Matt Gergely of Haler Heights was named the new city administrator. Gergely, who managed Cherepko's successful mayoral campaign, also will serve as City Treasurer.

. .

Gergely replaces City Administrator Dennis Pittman, whose affiliation with McKeesport dates back three decades, to the administration of former Mayor Louis Washowich, and whose service included roles with the Redevelopment Authority, the McKeesport Development Corp. and the city's Community Development Department.

Former city Solicitor J. Jason Elash returns to that position after a one-year absence. Elash, who served as solicitor during Brewster's administration, was removed by McLaughlin and after several months of disagreement was replaced by the Plum Borough law firm of Bruce Dice and Associates.

Council's appointment of Elash is "subject to" acceptance of "working procedures" between the mayor, council and the city administrator.

. . .

Two new members of city council were sworn in Monday. Dan Carr and Keith Soles replace Cherepko and former Councilwoman Loretta Diggs, who lost her bid for a Democratic nomination to council in the May primary.

Councilman Dale McCall and Richard Dellapenna also return to council; McCall, who had previously served on council, was appointed in 2010 to fill the remaining year of McLaughlin's term, while Dellapenna was appointed in 2011 to fill the remaining months of his late father's term. Both McCall and Dellapenna won Democratic nominations in May and the general election in November.

Darryl Segina was elected council president, while McCall was elected vice president. Patricia Williams of Haler Heights was reappointed city clerk for a two-year term.

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Feedback on “Cherepko Sworn Into Office; New Administrator Hired”

Doesn’t it seem like a conflict of interest in having the city administrator also handling our city’s treasury? Or is this somehow seen as a legit cost saving measure to combine the roles (I assume that the new city admin is getting the same salary as the previous one?)

Just seems to me like the two roles should be independent, with the treasurer paying close watch to the finances – watching all the money coming and going, and making sure all is well, and the admin taking care of all the other city business. You know, a “checks and balance” sort of thing. Security worth the extra paycheck in my opinion.

Or maybe I am in need of some schooling on the actual functions of the two roles and there is no conflict at all?

Would have preferred to see new/different blood altogether in the solicitor’s office as well — the previous bad blood and arguments can only color things going forward.

That all said, I am glad to see a new face in the administrator office. Maybe residents will get better attention to their concerns now?

Mr. Gergely, please never lose sight of the fact that residents that approach you and/or the mayor for help want some empathy and true consideration of their issue, not just a brush off. Sincerely, good luck in your new roles.
Shadango - January 05, 2012



The Home Rule Charter actually calls for two positions, one of City Administrator and one of Finance Director. The positions have been combined into one for cost savings measures. The role of City Administrator is to be involved by leading the day to day operations of the city, overseeing the Department Heads and the rank and file. The Finance Director to obviously be one top of the city’s finances. Making sure the money is coming in and being paid out as well as looking for opportunities for better investments and things of the like. I have always been of the opinion that a man can not serve two masters and that separate people should hold these two important rolls. It has been penny wise, pound foolish in my humble opinion not to put different people into the two jobs. It is my opinion that different skills sets are required for the jobs. I believe my friend Dennis did a great job but was overwhelmed by all the duties at times. I like Matt and wish him all the best as he tries to tackle this monster.
Paul - January 09, 2012



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