Pilchowski won’t seek re-election to supervisor position

An article by Angela Niemi    3 Comments

Treasurer Judy Kiley won’t be the only face missing at Highland Township Board of Trustees meetings next year. Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski has also opted against running for re-election this November.

“I’ve decided it’s time to take a break and step back for a bit,” she said. “It was never my intention to become a career politician. As a politician, I feel very strongly that you serve and then move on. I’ve done my bit of serving. And now it’s time for someone else to have a chance to do that.”

As of Jan. 20 of this year, Pilchowski has worked for the township for the last quarter of a century. She first began as a secretary for former supervisor Tom Dunleavy in 1987 and then was the secretary for former supervisor John Stakoe when he took over the position. Stakoe eventually appointed Pilchowski as deputy supervisor.

When Stakoe was elected as a state representative in 2002, Pilchowski was appointed to be the township supervisor. She was elected to the post in 2004 and 2008 as a Republican.

“I’ve always loved working here. I love every aspect of it. Even on the most aggravating days, it was well worth it,” said Pilchowski, who remains unsure what she will do next. “I’m just going to take a break and assess the situation.”

Pilchowski said she decided to announce her intention to not seek re-election early so that those interested in the position will have have an opportunity to think about running and get all their paperwork in order.

“This gives people the opportunity to get ready and to make a decision,” she said.

The filing deadline for those interested in running for township supervisor is May 15. The Highland Township supervisor serves a four-year term and currently earns $65,691 annually.