Published: October 19, 2009 11:39 pm      

Young Republican challenges Democratic veteran for mayor

EBENSBURG — In most ways, the two candidates running for mayor of the county seat are opposites: He’s a veteran officeholder and a Democrat, which gives him the voter registration advantage.

She’s a young newcomer and a Republican, which puts her in more than one group of minorities.

But as longtime Mayor Charles Moyer prepares to retire, Randy Datsko and Cecelia Houser see an emotional significance in running for public office.

“It’s an honor to be able to do this,” said Datsko, reflecting on his three terms as an Ebensburg council member, including six years as council president.

“This is America. It’s a humbling experience to have come so far. When we think of our immigrant grandparents getting off the boat, who would have thought?” he said.

Houser, too, finds deep meaning in her candidacy.

“I’ve loved this town forever, and I would like to raise a family here,” said Houser, a student at Penn State Altoona who is majoring in journalism and public relations.

“I would like to encourage small businesses to come here and make it easier for businesses to locate in Ebensburg. It’s nice to go downtown where I know people and they know me. I will always encourage young families to locate here, because it’s a great place to raise a family,” she said.

When Houser, 22, served as an Ebensburg junior council member, she sat next to Datsko, 56, a seasoned councilman.

“She’s very nice,” he said.

Houser remembers that, too, and has respectful things to say about Datsko.

But politically, “we are very different,” she said.

Datsko said he understands the primary focus of the job.

“As a councilman for three terms, with six years as president, I understand the responsibilities of council and of mayor and of borough manager,” he said.

“It is primarily the mayor’s responsibility to oversee enforcement of the ordinances, and also to be an ambassador of sorts for the borough,” he said.

Houser said she understands the mayor’s role with overseeing police, but she wishes to focus on recreation also.

“I’ve always been active as a volunteer, and being a junior council member was a great experience. I’d like to encourage youth to be involved,” she said.

Datsko agrees and cites his own volunteerism as an example.

“My primary job is an insurance representative for Church Mutual, but I’m also a missionary/director at the Western Pennsylvania Prison Outreach Ministry,” he said.

“I volunteer at the federal prison in Loretto one night a week and speak at churches and other organizations to promote awareness and education.”

Although Ebensburg has a Democratic majority of registered voters, neither candidate thinks that necessarily eliminates Houser’s chances.

“Ebensburg has elected a Republican mayor before,” Houser said.

“People here are always open to new ideas and to trying new things. Running as a minority party candidate shows that I am committed and dedicated.”

Datsko said he is ready to be mayor.

“I want to help the borough move forward,” he said.