Incumbent Republican Councilman Thomas DeFazio is the only candidate listed on either ballot for a four-year term representing Sewickley's Ward 2.

DeFazio, of Frederick Avenue, lists his occupation in county election division records as business consultant.

Family: Wife, Jeanne; two adult children, Tom and Mandy; one grandson Evan

Education: Bachelor and master’s degrees in industrial engineering from West Virginia University

Occupation: Management consultant with MarketSphere Consulting and have also held consulting positions with Coopers & Lybrand, and Perot Systems. For past 11 years have been a co-owner (with wife) of Cheers Gifts, Antiques, Interiors in Sewickley. Have held positions with Mellon Bank and also served as an adjunct faculty member at both LaRoche College and Robert Morris University, teaching in the MBA program at Robert Morris.

Related Experience: Have served one four-year term as councilman. Also president of the board of the Samaritan Counseling Center and have been on the board of the Pittsburgh Fellows.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I have lived in Sewickley for 14 years and love the community. I have seen where improvements can be made in what the borough does, and I want to be in a position to influence how we operate as a municipality.

What will be your single most important priority if you are elected? Allowing the borough to grow (in the right way) while maintaining a tight fiscal rein on spending and taxes. The borough is at a turning point, we need leadership with foresight who can understand from a business perspective what needs to be done and the potential return on investment for that to occur.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I bring to the table a unique blend of being a seasoned business person (have been in the business world for
30+ years and a management consultant for 20 years.) Also as a co-owner of a small business, I understand the challenges that they face in a tough economic environment.

What is your favorite thing about the community?
Unfortunately we did not move to Sewickley until after our kids had graduated from high school and were both in college. From our friends who do have children in QV, I am thrilled at the reputation, education and personal attention they receive as students in the district.

My wife and I absolutely love living here. We love being able to walk to the business district for purchases and the many great restaurants that we have all within an easy walk. Sewickley is truly unique. It is a community made up of many diverse individuals and that is fantastic. We try to do all of our shopping in the Village (again from owning a business in town, I know how much local support is valued).

What is the biggest problem facing the community?
I would love to be able to see more affordable housing available so that young families can move in and take advantage of the Village and the great school. With the aging population, maintaining taxes at a level that does not force them to move out is tremendously important. In addition, again with the aging population, one-level living (or living where an elevator is available) is certainly a desirable feature and one that needs to be addressed.