2 candidates running to replace retired Winfield Township tax collector
Winfield Township is looking to fill a hole in its government, as its previous tax collector, Donna Nagle, resigned on Jan. 31.
Until the end of 2025, township taxes will be collected at the Butler Township office.
Nagle’s term officially expires at the end of 2025. Two candidates — Marla Klabnik and Maisie Miller — have stepped up to run in May’s primary election to replace Nagle as the township’s tax collector starting in 2026.
Both candidates are running as Republicans, making it likely the winner of this primary will be unopposed in the November general election.
Currently, Klabnik serves as secretary for Winfield Township’s planning commission and also serves on the steering committee, which is developing the master plan for the renovation of the Winfield Township Community Park.
Klabnik said she has experience in business and financial fields, having once owned and operated a convenience store and “done bookkeeping in nearly every role.”
“A tax collector must be organized and quickly respond to requests from constituents and companies needing tax-certification letters,” Klabnik said. “Organization and responsiveness are the core of my talent stack.”
Before running for tax collector, Klabnik served as administrator of Middlesex Township from September 2021 to December 2022. She also briefly served as interim township manager there after the resignation of Tom Hartwig in June 2022, until the appointment of Jeffrey Winkle that October.
Miller currently serves as a treasury/finance analyst with the Pittsburgh-based multinational law firm K&L Gates, a position she will continue in if elected. She said she has been working in finance in some capacity for the last 12 years.
Miller has roots in the area. She grew up in Saxonburg, graduated from nearby Knoch High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Robert Morris University.
“Now being more established in my career, I am excited at the prospect of a new challenge and learning experience to utilize my skill set in a different way,” Miller said. “This role is a great opportunity to be involved in the community while leveraging my business and finance experience.
Klabnik: When Winfield’s tax collector resigned, I reached out to the county to see what the position entailed. As chance would have it, the assessor’s office was holding training for the new tax-collection program, and I was invited to attend. I was excited to see how the software managed the duties of the tax collector. The system is very user friendly and will make reporting more efficient. Once I sat through the training, I knew I wanted to serve the people of Winfield Township in this capacity.
Miller: I decided to run for this position since it is a great way to serve the residents of my community. My great-grandparents, George and Helen Cypher, were prominent members of the community, and I would like to use this opportunity to continue their esteemed legacy. This position is a perfect transition from my work experience and credentials to assist my community while also honoring my great-grandparents.
Klabnik: As tax collector, I will offer online payment for those that prefer to pay by credit card. This will be in addition to the current payment methods of cash or check. I will ask the board of supervisors to move the tax office back to the township building. This will improve accessibility. I will have both morning and evening hours to accommodate those working various shifts. I will bring back collection dates at Concordia to serve our township residents there.
Miller: If elected, I will continue to follow local, county and school procedures as implemented. I will maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations, as well as effectively managing the collection process. I will add additional payment methods, such as credit cards and online payments, to help make the payment process more timely and convenient. Most importantly, I am focused on doing what is in the best interest of the community and I am motivated to provide excellent service and to ensure a positive experience for our residents.
