Nicholas, Timko pitch candidacies at GOP forum
ADAMS TWP — In the 12th legislative district, Ethan Nicholas and Scott Timko both portray themselves as solidly conservative and proud Republicans, though they hold some nuances in their approaches to policy.
The two candidates looking to replace former state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, who stepped down a month ago, agree on topics like supporting school choice and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operations. Meanwhile, they don’t see eye to eye on the role of data centers in Pennsylvania’s energy production.
At a candidate forum hosted by the Butler County Republican Women on Tuesday, April 28, Nicholas and Timko pitched themselves to voters at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse.
The debate, which neither candidate wanted to describe as a “debate,” was moderated by Carrie Yauch of the Butler County Republican Women.
Timko said, if elected, his priorities would include making efforts to repair local roads and striving to keep taxes low.
Timko expressed concern about the impact on quality of life increased growth along major corridors within the district has. He said he’s “not opposed” to the growth, but wants to make sure infrastructure is being repaired and can support the local populations of towns like Cranberry Township, Mars and Zelienople.
“Most candidates want to talk about big issues that you see on the national news. The simple truth is, this got me a lot of signatures. I would go up to voters and say, ‘my name is Scott Timko, and Franklin Road sucks,’” Timko said.
Timko said he’s signed a pledge he would never vote for anything that raises taxes on Pennsylvanians.
While Nicholas also wants to focus on fixing local infrastructure, he would focus on abolishing the state inheritance tax, as well as look into a way to get rid of property taxes to support senior citizens and first-time homebuyers, though he doesn’t know how to do that at this point.
“We’re taxed as soon as we’re born. We’re taxed when we go out to eat. We’re taxed when we drive our car, buy a car, sell a car,” Nicholas said. “We’re taxed on every single thing you can possibly imagine.”
“How many of you would love to see that go away?” Nicholas quipped.
Nicholas also expressed interest in “cutting red tape” for businesses.
Both candidates expressed support for promoting pro-school choice policies and strongly criticized the U.S. Department of Education.
School choice is Nicholas’ top platform issue. His perspective is unique — his son has Koolen-de Vries syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes developmental and intellectual delays.
Nicholas expressed his belief children should have access to all forms of education they need and that school choice policies help families access these programs.
“He’s going to need an education that’s fit for him,” Nicholas said.
Timko criticized the level of spending per student by Pennsylvania’s government and promoted what he views as positive impacts of school vouchers.
“It’s my experience that parents are not looking for control of the curriculum of their children,” Timko said. “They’re looking for options and they’re for a school that’s the best fit for their children.”
The candidates were asked for their thoughts on Seneca Valley School District’s intermediate high school project. Yauch said she has frequently heard from residents concerned about their taxes going up to support the project. She asked the candidates what the state’s role should be in “preventing school districts from raising taxes to prohibitive amounts.”
Both candidates acknowledged school board members are in a tough spot and did not want to throw anybody under the bus. But they believe the project is not a wise use of public funds.
“When you are floating a quarter of a billion dollars in debt to put a school together that’s already functioning very well, I think, is a misuse of funds,” Nicholas said.
Timko said the renovation is a “horrible decision.”
“As a resident of Cranberry, and someone who’s been there for 26 years, I’ve watched my property taxes and my school taxes go up consistently,” Timko said. “I think it’s a $150 million boondoggle and I think you’re quite generous when you say it’s going to be $250 million by the time it’s done.”
During her time as a representative, Scialabba was one of many legislators who championed embracing opportunities provided by artificial intelligence and data centers.
Nicholas holds a similar stance, saying Pennsylvania cannot fall behind neighboring states in technology and energy production.
Timko said he worries about data centers’ impact on things like residents’ electric bills.
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State House candidate Ethan Nicholas answers a question during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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State House candidate Ethan Nicholas answers a question during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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State House candidate Ethan Nicholas answers a question during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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House State candidate Ethan Nicholas speaks to Butler County Residents before an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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State House candidate Scott Timko answers a question during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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House State candidate Ethan Nicholas speaks to Butler County Residents before an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents pray before an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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Butler County resident leads a prayer before an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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Moderator Carrie Yauch asks the candidates a question during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents clap for State House candidates during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents clap for State House candidates during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents met for an open forum with State House candidates on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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State House candidates Scott Timko and Ethan Nicholas answer questions during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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State House candidates Scott Timko and Ethan Nicholas answer questions during an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
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State House candidates Scott Timko and Ethan Nicholas shake hands before an open forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
