Former Democratic Challenger to Run Again for 1st Ward Seat

A former challenger will try to serve the remainder of former Councilman Alan Purcell’s term on the council.

Democrat Gary Marchese will run against Republican incumbent Richard Jasterzbski in a special election in November to see who will serve as the 1st Ward councilman.

The Wayne Democratic Party announced Marchese’s candidacy Monday afternoon.

“I’m happy to run and for the opportunity to try and serve the people,” Marchese said. “If elected, I will do the best job I can for the people I represent.”

Purcell, a Republican, resigned earlier this year. He has been suffering from emphysema for years and recently began using a portable oxygen tank.

Purcell defeated Marchese 584 to 425 votes in the 2011 General Election. Marchese ran on a platform of alleviating flooding and fostering economic development in the 1st Ward.

Earlier this year, the council selected Jasterzbski to fill Purcell’s seat until the election is held and the votes are certified.

The candidates have been endorsed by their respective county political committee. The candidate elected in November would serve until the end of Purcell’s term in December 2015.

Marchese was slated to run to fill one of three at-large terms in the General Election. The county Democratic Committee will select a candidate to replace Marchese.

Marchese has lived in the 1st Ward for nearly 30 years. He has coached at the Wayne Boys & Girls Club for years. He served on the Wayne Township Recreation Board for 20 years. 

“I’m delighted that Gary is running and I think he’s going to win,” said Ray Egatz, chairman of the Wayne Democratic Party. “We’re not happy with the circumstances that it came about however, but we anticipate a good race.”

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