Washington councilmen sworn in
Observer-Reporter
Washington Councilman Matthew Staniszewski is pictured in this 2018 photo.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Matthew Staniszewski is sworn in as a new councilman for the city of Washington by newly sworn-in Common Pleas Judge Brandon Neuman.
Matthew Staniszewski was welcomed back to Washington city council Tuesday afternoon during his swearing-in at a reorganization meeting.
“I look forward to working with everyone and I thank you,” he said.
Staniszewski, 40, of Buttonwood Avenue, was elected in November after his name appeared on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. He previously served eight years on council, from 2006 to 2014. He then spent three years working as the director of community and economic development in New Castle, but recently moved back to Washington. Now he’s the manager of Homestead Borough in Allegheny County.
Hours after he took his own oath of office, newly elected Washington County Judge Brandon Neuman swore in Staniszewski while his wife, Melanie Staniszewski, held the Bible.
Staniszewski thanked his friends, family and supporters for the opportunity to sit on council once again and said he was looking forward to working with the other members of council.
“We might not always agree, but that’s when great ideas are generated and come to fruition,” he said.
Staniszewski, who will serve as the director of the city’s department of parks and public buildings, said he wants to “enhance the utilization of the parks,” continue to support emergency services, strengthen economic development and “provide more opportunities for recreation, especially for families and children.”
Councilmen Ken Westcott and Joseph Manning welcomed Staniszewski. Manning, who was sworn into office in a private ceremony Tuesday morning, also thanked voters for giving him a third four-year term on council in the November general election.
“I’m looking forward to the new year,” Manning said.