SLIPPERY ROCK — Residents will see at least two new faces on borough council next year, with the possibility of even more.

Four candidates are running for three, four-year seats on council, with one candidate also on the ballot for a two-year seat.

Regina Greenwald, the lone incumbent and current council president, said she wants to follow through with recent projects in the borough, especially the demolition and renovation of the old First National Bank building on the corner of New Castle and Main streets, dubbed the Gateway Park Project.

“I think we have things to finish that I would like to see us continue on,” Greenwald said. “I think they're important for our community and important for the future of the borough.”

Greenwald, a nine-year resident, said she feels good about her chances despite recent complaints, which other candidates have echoed, about transparency issues.

“There's been a lot of negative information in the community, and we've addressed that,” Greenwald said. “I think we've gotten past that.”

Another familiar face running for a four-year seat on council, Itzi Meztli, served one term on council that ended in 2015. Meztli said he feels transparency will continue to be an issue unless council seats change hands.

“Right now decisions are made by a little clique on council,” he said. “We need open and transparent government.”

Meztli said he also doesn't agree with council's recent financial decisions, especially concerning the park project. Meztli said he considers the spending frivolous and irresponsible, and would rather focus on bringing businesses into the borough.

“I want to do everything we can to bring businesses to Slippery Rock,” he said. “I don't think having a fancy little park there will do that.”

Russell D. Karl, who is assistant district attorney in Butler County, said council needs new perspectives.

“I think there needs to be a new voice on council. I don't believe council is as in touch with the borough as they used to be,” he said.

Karl is running for both the four-year and two-year seats on council. If he wins both seats, the two-year position would be filled by an appointment made by council.

Eugene Allison is also fighting for a four-year position. Allison served two terms on the council beginning in the late 1990s. He said residents no longer feel welcomed by the council.

“Currently I feel the council president doesn't want anybody at the meetings,” he said. “I'd like to get Slippery Rock residents feeling welcome and needed at the council meetings.”

Allison said he feels well-connected with the borough community, which he's lived in for 52 years.

“I've got a good feel of what's going on in the community,” he said. “This is my town, and I care about it.”