Write-In Candidate Challenges W.O. Mayor

By Jason A. Mignanelli
The Tube City Almanac
October 31, 2021
Posted in: Politics & Elections, White Oak News

A last-minute write-in candidate is challenging incumbent White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton in Tuesday’s election.

Kelly Doyle, who manages the McKeesport Agape Center on Lincoln Way, says she’s running for mayor because she feels strongly about serving the people of White Oak.

“I already spend up to six days per week serving the community through the Agape Center, so the mayor position would come naturally to me,” Doyle says.

Marton, who has served as White Oak mayor since 2004, won both the Democratic and Republican nominations in May’s primaries. She has not faced opposition since her first election.

“I have no problem with anyone running against me,” Marton says. “I just ask for a good, honest and fair campaign.”

Doyle describes herself as a wife and a mother, and she is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Her family operates “Doyle Mails It,” a contract post office and mailing service in White Oak.

“I truly just want to represent all citizens,” Doyle says. “I think the mayor should be transparent and accessible. I’d also like to potentially update the website and have more of a footprint on social media platforms to keep citizens informed.”

Marton has spent nearly 26 years serving White Oak borough as a member of council from 1993 to 2004, and then as mayor. She says she’s proud of what she’s been able to accomplish.

“I’ve lived in White Oak my whole life,” she says. “I’ve owned a home here, and I’ve been instrumental in helping to get a lot of things done during my time as mayor.”

Marton also was one of the founders of the White Oak Animal Safe Haven, a no-kill animal shelter, and served for 18 years as its director.

“I was heavily involved in organizing the Community Days fireworks,” she says. “I helped open the very first library in White Oak at the Heritage Hill Complex. I opened the first senior center (LifeSpan) at Rainbow Volunteer Fire Department.”

Marton describes herself as a strong supporter of the borough’s veterans — including the work of American Legion Post 701 — and the borough’s first-responders.

“I have and always will support our police department,” she says.

Doyle says she knows that write-in candidates have a difficult time getting elected, but says she has a plan and is ready to take office, if she wins on Tuesday.

“I know it’s going to be tough to win with such little time left, but a series of events have pushed me to do this, and I feel like I’m making the right decision by running,” Doyle says.

Jason A. Mignanelli is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh’s North Hills and a student at Duquesne University. He may be reached at mignanellij@duq.edu.

Originally published October 31, 2021.

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