Six candidates seek four seats on the Jefferson Hills Borough Council in the Nov. 3 election.

Incumbents Janice Cmar and Christopher King will face challengers John Scott Albrecht, Vickie Hatfield-Ielase, Lawrence Krutules II and Brian Militzer.

John Scott Albrecht

Albrecht, 48, works as the senior portfolio manager for Federated Investors Inc. He is on the ballot as an independent candidate.

He has a bachelor's of arts degree in political science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master's of science degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University and an advanced certificate in accounting from Robert Morris University.

He is a representative with the Municipal Securities Rule-making Board, Pittsburgh Society of Financial Analysts and the National Federation of Municipal Analysts. He also is a trustee and the treasurer of Jefferson Hills Public Library since 2007.

"I have considered getting involved in politics at the local level for some time and decided to do so after several friends and associates convinced me that I could make a difference with my background and experience," Albrecht said.

Albrecht is running for council to help operate the borough government as professionally and efficiently as possible, and make it responsive to residents, he said.

Albrecht said he would like to see improvements to borough assets such as parks, fields and library, as well as upgrading road infrastructures. He also would like to see effective economic development within the borough.

Jan Cmar

Cmar, 54, was elected to borough council in 1997, 2001 and 2005. She is a graduate of Mansfield University and Duquesne University, and is a teacher in the Peters Township School District.

Cmar volunteers for several nonprofit organizations and is a member of Phi Delta Kappa education fraternity.

"Based on my experience and education, I have the qualifications to not only contribute but to also provide a unique point of view," Cmar said.

The three most important issues in the borough are taxation, road maintenance and repair and commercial development.

"Local government must provide efficient and effective services at the lowest cost ...road maintenance and repair is critical ... additional commercial development is needed to expand our tax base and reduce the burden from Jefferson Hills' homeowners," she said.

Additionally, Cmar said during the past two years, there have been changes to borough government.

"However, we need to refocus on community recreation for residents of all ages," she said.

Vickie L. Hatfield-Ielase

Hatfield-Ielase, 48, is a life-long resident of Jefferson Hills. She attended Ohio Valley Christian College and is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania. She works as a substitute teacher in Clairton School District and is the seasonal manager at Hickory Farms.

Hatfield-Ielase volunteers at the Whitehall Church of Christ food bank, is a bible school teacher and worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. She also volunteers with youth baseball, football, baton and parent organizations at Jefferson Elementary School.

Hatfield-Ielase is running for borough council because "things have changed over the years, and not for the good," she said.

"People don't like things but never step up to the plate to change it. I would do it rather than sit back. By setting an example for my children to get involved and try to change things the right way instead of griping and complaining."

Improvements to borough recreation, labor contracts, community involvement, economic development and transparent government are the main issues in the borough, she said.

Christopher King

King, 38, has served on council since 2006. He is a graduate of John Carroll University and works as a consumer products sales representative.

King is a Cub Scout den leader and parishioner at St. Isaac Jogues Church. He also served on the borough's recreation authority from 2000 to 2005.

King is running for re-election "to hopefully continue the progress this current council has made the past two years," he said.

Recreation, sewage and business and commercial development are the three main issues in the borough, he said.

When asked what needs to be changed in the borough, King said, "the mindset."

"You have to be willing to accept change," he said. "The key is to come up with a plan, sharing that plan with your employees, setting realistic goals, and then making sure everybody adheres to the agreed upon objectives."

Lawrence J. Krutules II

Krutules, 37, would like to see more development within the borough, he said. He has an associate's degree in science from Community College of Allegheny County North Campus, and works as a tug boat mechanic at US Steel Clairton Works

Krutules is a member of Jefferson Hills Zoning Board. He coaches fast-pitch softball, youth baseball and the Lady Pirates travel softball Junior Olympics team.

He is running for borough council to "try to help advance the borough to the next level," he said.

Business development along Route 51, recreation and parks, and infrastructure that meets the growing needs of residents are the three most important issues in the borough.

"I think the biggest need in the borough is to pursue businesses to want to located in the borough to create local jobs and help lighten the tax load," Krutules said.

Brian Militzer

Militzer, 51, is a previous member of Jefferson Hills Borough Council. He also is a Democratic committee member, member of the Jefferson Hills Auxiliary Police, Jefferson Hills Area Ambulance, National Rifle Association, ASE Auto Tec and Pleasant Hills Gutherie Lodge 509.

Fiscal responsibility, providing necessary services and having transparent, fair and honest government are three issues the borough faces, Militzer said.

"I display a working knowledge on controlling costs, maintaining reasonable tax rates and bringing in additional revenue, and providing the necessary services for all of the residents," he said.

If elected, Militzer said he would like to bring change that would provide "confidence in our local council. Pride in our community, with open and friendly meetings where you are able to speak and be heard," he said.

Militzer is a South Hills High School graduate. He attended Connelly Trade School, where he received the title of Master Cabinetmaker and studied for six months at Airco Welding School to become a certified welder. He owns B & R Starters Inc. in Pittsburgh.