Joseph E. Sinnott, Mayor

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am  - 4:30 pm
Phone: (814) 870-1200
Fax: (814) 870-1208

Joe Sinnott, a lifelong resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, graduated from Academy High School in 1984, and Gannon University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. His parents, Edward and Gloria Sinnott, both public school teachers, impressed upon him a value and love of learning that has enabled Joe to see each new step as an opportunity for growth. 

Following graduation, Joe worked for eight years as a chemist for the City of Erie, Waste Water Treatment Plant. In this capacity he worked with local industry to solve environmental issues and achieve compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations.  This work experience gave Joe insight into how the regulatory process works and continues to serve him as Mayor. 

In 1996 Mayor Sinnott was accepted to Case Western Reserve, School of Law. He was interested in the wide ranging possibilities practicing law afforded him. He graduated in 1999, returned to Erie and joined the firm of Quinn, Buseck, Leemhuis, Toohey & Kroto, concentrating in the areas of environmental and commercial litigation. Joe then practiced domestic and family law with the Erie firm of Carney & Good for several years, during which time he ran his first political campaign and was elected to serve on Erie City Council.  Joe was interested in serving the community that had been so good to him and his family over the years.  He saw public service as the venue for creating change and generating solutions that would allow Erie to continue to grow and progress.  In addition, he has the distinction of being the only Mayor to have been a city employee and City Councilman prior to becoming Mayor. 

The Mayor completed two years of a four-year term on City Council, 2004 through 2005, and was elected Mayor of the City of Erie, in November 2005.