2 running for Middlesex Township supervisor
In this November’s general election, one seat is up for grabs on Middlesex Township’s three-member board of supervisors. The incumbent, Supervisor Robert Brash, will attempt to fend off challenger David McMaster.
Neither candidate is cross-filed. Brash is running solely as a Republican, while McMaster is running as a Democrat.
Middlesex Township is currently undergoing an update to its comprehensive plan, which has not been updated since 2004. Both candidates agreement the township must find a way to manage the wave of development coming its way.
Brash, 54, of Middlesex, is the founder and owner of the construction contracting company Roice Construction, based in Allison Park, Allegheny County. He previously worked in real estate development.
He first joined the township board of supervisors in 2016, when he was appointed to fill the seat formerly occupied by James “Hap” Evans, who resigned. In the 2017 general election, Brash retained his seat.
“What really interested me about it is, there's so much going on with our area these days … so much up-and-coming infrastructure,” Brash said. “I just felt like I wanted to be a part of having a hand in the developments and the changes that the township would encounter over the next five or six years.”
If reelected, Brash’s immediate goals are to make sure future development is undertaken responsibly.
“There are so many people interested in coming to the township and developing here, both residential and commercial,” Brash said. “And I don't see the need to rush right into this stuff. I think that we should take a look at what this means down the road, how it might impact the residents.”
Brash also added that supporting the local police department and keeping taxes low were also key parts of his platform.
McMaster, 72, of Valencia, was formerly a supervisor as well a member of the Zoning Hearing Board. His previous term on the board of supervisors ended in 2007. Aside from his prior service to the township, McMaster is a retired electrical engineer.
Although McMaster no longer holds a seat in any township office, he is still a frequent presence at meetings of the supervisors.
“My qualifications include serving the township previously and continued attendance at township meetings to be informed on current issues in the township,” McMaster said.
Prior to this year, McMaster sought to return to the board of supervisors in 2021, but lost the general election against incumbent Donald Marshall.
“I want to have an opportunity to serve the residents of the township, to be a voice for those residents who feel alienated by local government,” McMaster said.
When on the board of supervisors, McMaster contributed to the development of Middlesex’s last comprehensive plan update in 2004. As the township prepares to update its comprehensive plan for the first time since then, McMaster hopes he can play a part.
“As a former member of the 2004 Comprehensive Plan, I hope to bring my experience to this process,” McMaster said. “Without a plan and continued input from the residents the township has no direction. If you do not like the direction of the township, you need to get involved to change the direction.”
