City of Erie voters will elect a new city controller for the first time in 12 years during the Nov. 4 municipal election.
Both Democrat Brooke Sanfilippo and Republican Matthew Strupczewski believe they are best suited to become the city’s financial watchdog.
May primary result: Sanfilippo, Strupczewski claim Dem, GOP nods in Erie city controller’s race
Sanfilippo, 47, is a pension and 401(k) administration manager who defeated two members of City Council, Chuck Nelson and Ed Brzezinski, to win the Democratic nomination for city controller in the May 20 municipal primary. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting.
The candidates for City of Erie controller are shown. From left, Republican Matthew Strupczewski and Democrat Brooke Sanfilippo.
Strupczewski, a 24-year-old U.S. Army officer, ran unopposed for the GOP nomination. He holds a master’s degree with graduate certificate in financial analysis; a bachelor’s degree in marketing; and a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in military studies.
The city’s controller watches over various aspects of city finances, including contracts, purchase orders and pension funds. The controller is also tasked with verifying and auditing city records and accounts.
Democrat Brooke Sanfilippo.
Sanfilippo said her qualifications include working for Erie County government, as well as experience with pensions.
“I bring an unmatched set of qualifications to this race,” Sanfilippo said.
“I work with financial advisors and actuaries regularly and I will bring a strong, collaborative attitude to the Office of City Controller,” she said.
Strupczewski has touted his military experience as an asset, saying it “taught me how to lead under pressure, manage complex operations, and maintain strict adherence to rules and procedures — skills directly applicable to overseeing Erie’s financial operations.
Republican Matt Strupczewski.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat — you can’t have an opinion when you’re auditing; you either do your job or you don’t.” Strupczewski has said.
Current City Controller Teresa Stankiewicz, a Democrat, is prohibited from running again because of the city’s limit of three consecutive terms.
The city controller currently earns $38,000 annually. However, City Council in September 2024 approved a 97% yearly pay boost for the controller’s post, increasing that salary to $75,000 a year.
The raise takes effect in January, which means the municipal election winner will receive the higher salary.
Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on X at@ETNflowers.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Democrat Sanfilippo, GOP’s Strupczewski seek Erie PA controller’s post