In the race for the Democratic nod for the Ward 3 council seat in Monroeville, newcomer Lois Drumhiller edged incumbent Ron Harvey by fewer than 100 votes last week.

The Allegheny County Elections Bureau reported that Ms. Drumhiller won by an unofficial count of 550 votes to 471 April 22.

Ms. Drumhiller, 54, a licensed respiratory therapist, is no stranger to the political process. She ran for delegate in the 2000 elections and has served as a poll watcher.

But among members of Monroeville Council, she is most likely known as a highly involved citizen who has spoken out about controversial initiatives such as the Monroeville Redevelopment Authority and traffic concerns related to a development near Jamison Lane.

She said her candidacy was driven by a desire to effect positive change in the community in which she plans to live for the rest of her life.

"What draws most people into running is an interest to serve in the community," she said. "That's how it works in health care, which is -- in and of itself -- a public service.

"It's something I thought I'd be prepared to give my time to and be serious about."

She also said that campaigning for Steve O'Donnell in the 18th Congressional District brought her in touch with residents of the 3rd Ward, which encouraged her even more to run for council.

She said speaking with residents firsthand is something she hopes to continue if she's elected to council in November.

"Sometimes you need to make a point of meeting people locally," she said. "That's something that should be routinely done, and I feel that most people will agree with that.

"It can't just be on the way to the elections; it has to be an ongoing process."

Among the key issues she hopes to address on behalf of the 3rd Ward are protecting property rights of residents, improving the way information is relayed and attracting business without sacrificing residential neighborhoods.

"We want to promote the proper kind of growth, but we want to maintain a tax base," she said.

Currently unopposed for the council seat, Ms. Drumhiller said she will focus on meeting more constituents before the general election. She also said she hopes to use her campaign as a way to draw residents into the political process in a manner similar to how she has become involved.

"I think we have interesting times ahead for communities. I think we need to not be afraid to get in front of a microphone, as a citizen with legitimate concerns, and to speak out," she said.