Politics & Government

Cranberry Supervisor Dave Root Says He Won't Seek Re-Election in 2013

The board's only Democrat, Root was first elected in 2008.

After more than five years on Cranberry’s Board of Supervisors, Carnegie Mellon University professor Dave Root said he would not seek re-election in 2013.

Root, currently on the only Democrat on the board, said he reached the decision after much prayer, along with discussions with family, friends and supporters.

“I appreciate all those who have urged me to run again, committing their time and money, but this is the right choice at this time,” he said in a statement. “I believe we are all called to serve, so when my term expires at the end of the year I will be pursuing other opportunities.

Find out what's happening in Cranberrywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Root, who was first elected to council in 2008, said he appreciated all the hard work he has seen by the townships staff in supporting the community during his years on the board.

“As a supervisor I’ve learned a tremendous amount about local government and I am glad that I was able to represent the taxpayers as a true fiscal conservative,” he said.

Find out what's happening in Cranberrywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A former fighter pilot who is retired from the U.S. Navy, Root also encouraged Cranberry residents to get involved with their community, especially with township government.

“Our representative republic doesn’t work if citizens aren’t aware of what their government is doing and hold all accountable,” he said. “Thank you for supporting me these last few years.”

While Root won’t be seeking reelection, several other Cranberry residents have announced their intentions to run for the Board of Supervisors in 2013.

Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company President Bruce Hezlep and Seneca Valley School Board member Eric Gordon are both seeking the Republican nomination in the May primary election while longtime resident Michael Warrington is running on the Democratic ticket.

What do you think? Are you disappointed Root won’t be running for supervisor in 2013? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter

Check out some of today's other top stories here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here