Write-in candidate vies for Lancaster Township supervisor seat
Questions about transparency and fiscal responsibility have been a recurring theme at Lancaster Township meetings in recent months.
The three-person board of supervisors will welcome a new member next January following the upcoming general election on Nov. 4.
After winning the Republican primary in May with 61.9% of the vote and receiving numerous Democratic write-in votes, Mike Doban appeared to be running unopposed in the general election, where his name will appear on the ballot as both the Republican and Democratic candidate.
However, one resident, Joel Grobe, will vie for the 6-year term as a write-in candidate.
Originally from western New York, Grobe moved to Pittsburgh to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in English literature.
Grobe moved to Zelienople in 2004 and later settled in Lancaster Township in 2010. Following the birth of his son, Grobe transitioned into real estate.
Over the past decade, he has served in various leadership roles that include being a board member and president of both the Zelienople Area Business Association and the Zelienople Historical Society.
Grobe said he gained valuable experience helping the community balance economic growth with historical preservation.
“I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to maintain that balance,” Grobe said. “Growth and preservation can coexist, but it requires listening, communication, and a willingness to understand both perspectives.”
Earlier this year, Grobe joined the Lancaster Township Planning Commission, where he said he noticed a disconnect between residents’ concerns and township decision-making. His campaign, he said, centers on bridging that gap and fostering cooperation among officials and residents.
“If elected, one of my main goals is to ensure that everyone — residents, officials and developers — feels they are working together for the good of our township,” he said. “No one will get everything they want, but by working together, we can guide Lancaster Township’s growth in a thoughtful and balanced way.”
Back in July, chairman Greg Kessler and vice chairman Rich Marcotte had the opportunity to appoint Doban to the board following the resignation of Timothy Zinkham.
Despite two taxpayers requesting that they appoint Doban at that time, they instead chose Lisa Wylie, who has since served as the third supervisor.
Doban, meanwhile, has lived in Lancaster Township for more than 30 years and is a retired IT consultant.
He said he is seeking to give residents “a stronger voice in township matters.”
Doban said his campaign is built on honesty, transparency, efficiency and clear communication. He previously served on the township’s planning commission, which included two years as chairman, and on the board of auditors.
He said Lancaster Township is “standing at a crossroads” and noted that he wants to ensure that development is carefully managed to preserve the township’s rural character.
“We can’t stop progress, but we can manage growth,” he said, adding that he welcomes residents’ involvement through meetings and online engagement.
