Swissvale Mayor Holds Kick-Off Party for District Justice Campaign

Swissvale Mayor Deneen Swartzwelder Saturday night kicked off her bid for a magisterial district justice position at a campaign launch party held at

Swartzwelder, a Democrat, was joined by Allegheny County Council President Rich Fitzgerald, also a Democrat, who is making his own bid for the position of County Executive. Fitzgerald and several of his staff members were in attendance.

“We’re friends from politicking together,” Swartzwelder said.

The quaint, imaginative café was crowded with supporters for Swartzwelder’s campaign. The current district justice, Ross Cioppa, is retiring from his seat. His office is the territories in magisterial districts in Allegheny County. Swissvale's cases are now moving to Forest Hills.

currently holds the office in Forest Hills and is running to keep the position. Swissvale and Swissvale Council also are running in the race for district judge. Election Day is May 17.

Thomas Saulsbury of Forest Hills said he will be voting for the mayor this May.

“I’ve been a fan of hers since she took over the crime watch in the ‘90s and I’m here supporting her tonight," he said.

Neighbor Jeannine Valentino, a visiting school therapist, agreed.

“She’s perfect for the job," she said. "She’s a single mom and the sole proprietor and sole employee of hew own business, 'Deneen Cleans.' She’s been a community leader for a really long time. She was a big part of crime watch -- she cares about Swissvale more than anyone I know.”

Valentino went on to explain that, since garnering the position of mayor, Swartzwelder restored the Halloween Parade to its former caliber, initiated an Easter Egg Hunt and created Community Days, a local summer party held at the football field. Since she became mayor, the police department has gained a detective and a K9 unit.

“The Halloween Parade was dead for 20 years until Deneen revived it," Valentino said. "We had a really big turn out this year."

Kris McDaniel, a longtime friend of the mayor, cited her contribution to the beautification of the neighborhood.

“For 15 years, she has been planting flowers with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. She plants and maintains flower pots throughout Swissvale and along the Parkway.” McDaniel said. “She’s done wonders for this community."

Swartzwelder also spoke at the event.

“You know I work hard at everything I do, but I can’t do it without your support,” she said. 

Swartzwelder and her two daughters, Brittany, 21, and Jessica, 19, handed out campaign buttons and posters.

"I am really excited about my mom's campaign," Brittany said. "She has done great things for Swissvale. I'm really proud of her."

Jessica added, "She totally deserves it. She really has worked hard all her life."