Lauer takes over as PT manager
Paul Lauer is no stranger to Peters Township admininstration.
Peters Township employees, past and present, attended Monday’s council meeting to wish Michael Silvestri well.
Paul Lauer, longtime assistant manager of Peters Township, was officially named manager Monday following the retirement of Michael Silvestri.
This is only the second time in 35 years that Washington County’s most populous municipality has appointed a new manager.
Silvestri, 64, worked for Peters since 1976 and was named township manager in 1981, replacing Jim Ross. His last day on the job is Friday.
During Monday’s council meeting, Silvestri’s leadership and vision for the township were praised and recognized by local, county and national leaders.
“Tonight is Michael’s last meeting,” Lauer said. “When you have that kind of commitment to a community, it does not go unnoticed.”
Indeed. All three Washington County commissioners attended to present Silvestri with a certificate of appreciation.
“He has been a single constant in Peters,” said Commissioner Harlan Shober.
Silvestri received special recognition from state Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair; state Sen. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Jefferson Hills; and U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-18.
Council presented the longtime manager with a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol and a special red-and-white Peters Township street sign that reads “Silvestri Way.”
“You have not gotten that much applause in 40 years,” joked Robert Lewis, council president.
The most moving tribute came from Lauer, who worked with Silvestri for 32 years.
“Michael doesn’t handle compliments well,” Lauer said. “He is a humble guy.”
Lauer said the township keeps a plaque with the name of every council member who has served since Peters became a home rule community in 1976, and he added a second plaque honoring township managers who have served since that time. Forty-five names are on the council plague, but only two are on the manager plaque, he said.
“I am always left with the feeling of not working for him, but with him,” Lauer said. “We are a small family here. Michael, you are my friend and I am going to miss you. We’ve probably spent more hours together, working together, than we have spent with our spouses.”
Silvestri thanked council.
“I am not comfortable with accolades,” he said. “I was just doing my job. Peters is in a good position to succeed.”
In another matter Monday, council approved the creation of an assistant library director position. Peters Township Public Library became part of the township government last year.
“As the library has gotten bigger, we have been looking at ways to restructure positions,” said Myra Oleynik, library director.