The Pennsylvania Primary is next Tuesday, May 18th, where voters will nominate a party’s candidate for the upcoming general election on November 2nd. East Washington residents will have the opportunity to vote for one of the following candidates, depending on their political party affiliation. Third-party candidates are not on the ticket for the Pennsylvania primaries.

Before you vote, we thought it would be helpful to introduce residents to the candidates running for Mayor. We asked both to submit a short bio on who they are and why they are running for Mayor. On the Republican ticket is Matthew A. Boice and on the Democratic ticket is Kristopher LaGreca.

Please note that East Washington Borough and East Washington Council will not be endorsing a candidate for Mayor. This post intends to provide residents information about the election as a service to the candidates and an introduction to voting residents.

The candidates for Mayor are:

Matthew A Boice

Mayoral Candidate (Republican)

I have been a resident of East Washington Borough for 34 years. I moved into the Borough in 1987 where I rented until I purchased my home on Beau Street in 1991.

I am a retired high school teacher and currently the Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church 1793 in Washington.

Growing up in Butler County, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving back to your community and looking after your friends and neighbors. During my adult life, I have tried to uphold those teachings. Over the past 44 years, I have served various churches as an organist and at one was also the janitor. For 12 years I volunteered as a Girl’s Softball Coach. For 14 years I was a volunteer assistant with the Washington High School Band. I am a member of the Cornerstone Legacy Board for Citizens Library and a member of the Board of Directors for Elmhurst Pool Club.

When asked by then President of the Borough, Guy Tucci, I joined the East Washington Borough Council and served from 2014-2019. For the past 15 years, I have also been the Director of the Washington Festival Chorale. Also, I am very active in the Masonic Fraternities, and the Shriners where we raise money to benefit, Muscular Dystrophy, The Eye Foundation, Special Olympics, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Recently, several residents of the borough encouraged me to run for the office of Mayor. After much thought and prayer, I have decided to pursue the position. I know my dad would approve.

As Mayor, it would be my responsibility to assist the President of Council in the performance of his/her duties, to supervise the police department, to act as a liaison with the surrounding municipalities in the county, to be a promoter of the borough, and to advocate for ALL of the residents of East Washington Borough.

As a teacher and coach, I have always been successful at helping people to work together for a common goal, even when opposing viewpoints were present. I learned early in my teaching career that, “together we can accomplish much if we don’t care who gets the credit.”

Thank you for your consideration.
Matthew A. Boice

Kristopher LaGreca

Mayoral Candidate (Democratic)

East Washington is special. And it’s not just the tree-lined streets, historic homes, and walkable neighborhoods that make us special. It’s the people. On any given day, you’ll find your kids running about. Dogs on a walk with their owners. And neighbors chatting with neighbors.

You don’t get this sort of community just anywhere. It’s built into the DNA of the boro and in the hearts of those who live here. This is what makes East Washington special; the 1st choice for folks that want connection and community in the place they call home. As your candidate for Mayor, we need to capitalize on this and continue building a viable community for families.

As a current council member, I work with all the members to advance the business of the boro. I listen, learn, and do my best to contribute to discussions in a thoughtful, respectful manner. I have the deepest respect for my fellow members and have the utmost confidence that this current council advances the needs of our community.

As a technology specialist, I will introduce new communication methods that increase our collaboration. I bring 15+ years of digital agency experience to help make our operation more efficient and increase communication with our residents.

As a family person, I know that attracting families to East Washington is critical to our long-term growth. New families will continue to support, enrich, and bring life to East Washington. Collaborating with our council, our local businesses, and other partners to support East Washington families is my priority.

Please visit www.kris4mayor.com to learn more about me and my four visions for East Washington.

Kristopher LaGreca

The Pennsylvania Primary is May 18th Pennsylvania primary and the general election on November 2nd. The Borough of East Washington Polling location is at First Christian Church located at 615 East Beau Street. For more information on the election please visit the Washington County Election website.