Before entering the race for Scottdale mayor, Lindy House said she never saw herself as a leader. But as she prepared to officially assume her role Monday, Jan. 5, the mayor-elect said she has one goal: to build a stronger link between the community and its government.
“Our best leaders are very good followers,” House said, recognizing her position alone cannot create change.
A Georgia native, House, 43, moved to Westmoreland County 12 years ago. For years, she was a stay-at-home mom, a time when, she said, her boys — who are now grown — were her “whole universe.”
In 2020, her family settled in Scottdale, where she quickly became a fixture at the Scottdale Historical Society. It was through her community service work that neighbors began to encourage her to run for mayor.
“We like to say that the house is what brought us to Scottdale,” House said. “The people are what made it home.”
With a prominent social media presence and widespread community support, House won the mayoral election in November against incumbent Mayor Charles “Chuck” King, after defeating him in the April Republican primary. King, 83, held the position for 15 years.
A reluctant leader
When neighbors initially suggested she run for office, House said, she was against it entirely. However, through the persistence of her fellow citizens, she eventually relented.
“My motivation throughout this campaign process has not been securing a vote,” House said. “It’s about: how can I help in the best way possible?”
In her role as mayor, House will oversee Scottdale’s police department while continuing to volunteer in the community of 4,000 residents. She said the town’s architecture and historic charm allowed her to “spread her wings,” and she is eager to preserve that history.
Among her primary concerns are the empty storefronts along Pittsburgh Street. Residents have expressed hope she can “breathe life” back into the borough, particularly following the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2024, which House helped plan.
“Because she has so much energy, I am worried about the expectations that people have for her,” said Aaron Hollis, a member of the Scottdale Historical Society and House’s next-door neighbor.
Hollis noted he has seen firsthand how House has pulled organizations in new directions and hopes she can do the same for the borough.
Collaboration in borough
One of House’s closest collaborators will be Stacey Coffman, Scottdale’s borough manager. Coffman, who took the position in June 2024, has already worked with House on various volunteer projects.
“I think the change for Scottdale will coincide with some of the things I’m trying to do as borough manager,” Coffman said.
While House oversees the police, Coffman manages the borough’s finances, including the yearly budget and council proposals. She also leads general operations and maintenance, from street upkeep to sewer system requests.
Both women share a unique perspective on the town, as neither grew up in Scottdale. Coffman said that outsider status doesn’t matter compared to their shared goal.
“Me and Lindy want to bring Scottdale back to life,” Coffman said.
A legacy of mentorship
House said she is always looking to learn from those around her.
“I never, ever want to be the smartest person in the room,” she said.
She has sought guidance from West Newton Mayor Mary Popovich, the first female mayor in that town’s history, who has held office for 16 years. Popovich has spoken with House several times to offer support and guided her into joining the Pennsylvania Mayors Association.
“She is true to herself, and if you’re true to yourself when you’re doing something, you will be successful,” Popovich said.
Popovich recalled her own transition into politics was difficult because there were no women in the role before her, but she sees great potential in House.
“I think she’s going to have longevity. She’s a doer,” Popovich said.
Looking forward
Constituents are already taking notice. During a recent interview at a local coffee shop, House was approached by Denise Roslonski, a resident since 1979, who shared her excitement about seeing a woman in the leadership role.
House is also focused on the next generation, hoping to get Scottdale’s youth more involved.
Southmoreland High School student Tyler Usher, 16, said, while he cannot vote yet, resources for young people are vital.
“I think it’s a good idea to involve young people in politics early so they have a better understanding of it whenever they’re eligible to vote,” Usher said.
As House prepared for her swearing-in, she had one piece of advice for the young girls watching her.
“Don’t be afraid to fail,” she said, “because no matter what the result is, with whatever you do, you can always learn something along your path.”
Shayla Fulton is a contributing writer for TribLive.
