Manipole steps down from Cranberry Twp. Board of Supervisors after 16 years
CRANBERRY TWP — Mike Manipole has devoted his entire adult life to public service in Cranberry Township, guiding the community through decades of rapid growth, major infrastructure improvements and an evolving local landscape.
After 16 years on the board of supervisors, Manipole announced during a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6, he was stepping down from the role to spend more time with his family. With one year remaining on a six-year term, his final day as an elected official will be Dec. 10.
“This is probably one of the hardest things I ever had to do,” he said. “In fact, I’ve been here longer than I’ve been with my wife. Just to be a part of a bigger thing, it was absolutely nothing about me and all about us. It was so great.”
Manipole’s role in Cranberry over the years reached well beyond the walls of the municipal meeting room.
He began his career as a summer camp counselor before moving up to program director and eventually serving as Cranberry Township’s parks and recreation director. Along the way, he also spent time in the police and public works departments, contributing more than 35 years of service to the community he moved to as a young adult.
“I came here as a college student and my whole adult life has been spent here,” said Manipole, who currently works as a health and physical education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School. “This building (the municipal center) has been my home for so many years. No matter what was going on in my life, this was my home.”
Manipole helped shape Cranberry’s transformation from a quiet suburb into one of the region’s fastest-growing communities.
During his tenure, the township earned a coveted AAA general obligation unlimited tax rating from Moody’s — the agency’s highest possible mark — recognizing Cranberry’s strong and stable financial position.
“I’m proud of where we’ve gone,” he said. “We’re a full-service community where there’s things here for everybody. As you get older, you can age here with grace knowing that you’re well taken care of. There’s amenities here for you.”
Manipole was quick to point out he couldn’t have accomplished all he has in his professional life if it wasn’t for the people around him.
“I know that everywhere I’ve been or where I’ve gotten to go was because of the people around me,” he said. “These supervisors that we have here have been tremendous in supporting me. (Former Supervisor) Dick Hadley was an amazing mentor. He taught me so much, and each one of these guys in their own way have taught me different things. The people here are different than anywhere else. They’re kind, compassionate and want to jump in and help. They’ve allowed me to be a part of their family.”
While Manipole will preside over one final supervisors meeting in December, his four colleagues expressed their deep appreciation for his years of service and the impact he’s had on each of them.
Cranberry Township manager Dan Santoro, who said he’s met with Manipole on a weekly basis for the last five years, also took the chance to highlight his friend’s accomplishments, both personally and professionally.
“You’ve been an exceptional board member, exceptional friend, exceptional colleague and an exceptional mentor,” Santoro told Manipole in the final minutes of the meeting. “I appreciate your time on the board. I’m sorry to see you go, but I do understand. It’s time for the next chapter.”
Manipole said, however, that just because he’s stepping down from an elected position does not mean he’s done showing up around the township.
“I’m looking for what the next chapter’s going to be,” he said. “I’m going to try to find another place where I can come back here and help people, whatever that may be.”
