Aaron Moore

May 17, 2023

An Arnold slate headed by mayoral candidate Shannon Santucci was claiming victory in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. With 40% of precincts reporting, Santucci had about 65% of the vote over Mayor Joe Bia II, who had 35%, according to unofficial results. In the race for two council seats, newcomer Aaron Moore and incumbent Philip McKinley were leading with 33% and 29% of the vote, respectively. They were leading over Michael Barbiaux, 19%, and Deborah Conwell, 18%. Voice of Westmoreland endorsed Santucci and Moore. “Aaron has been a long time member leader at VOW, attends City Council meetings and volunteers his time to both the Redevelopment Committee and Youth Council. Shannon is a longtime community leader who listens to the needs of Arnold residents,” Voice of Westmoreland organizer Amanda Rose Piern said. “Their win is the first step toward creating a government where the people who work the hardest and bear the greatest burden are also the ones who write the laws.” “We ran a local, people-funded campaign; our average donation size was $50,” Moore said. “I know, as a leader, you have to take ‘you’ out of it. It’s bigger than you. It’s your community. And it was the power of the people in this community who made this win possible.” No Republicans were on the ballot for mayor or council. Describing Arnold as a “Democratic stronghold,” McKinley said the primary was likely to decide the election. Councilman George Hawdon did not seek reelection. Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian by email at brittmeyer@triblive.com or via Twitter . Categories:Election | Local | Plum Advance Leader | Top Stories | Valley News Dispatch