UPCOMING EVENTS

 ISSUES AND PRIORITIES

--From "Growing Pains in the Suburbs," a Pittsburgh Press series by Edwin H. Beachler, 1951 That's a glowing review from one of our local newspapers, and even after 56 years, I think it reflects the way Mt. Lebanon is seen locally, and how we like to see ourselves.

I believe we live in a very special place; this is why my wife, Laura, and I have chosen to raise our children here. Mt. Lebanon boasts a close-knit community spirit, excellent public services, a nationally recognized school system - and easy access to America's Most Livable City. How did we get so lucky?

Of course, it isn't luck. As I've come to appreciate over the last few years, Mt. Lebanon has a long history of careful stewardship, practiced by both leaders and residents who successfully balanced concerns for our community's past, present, and future.

I hope to participate in that effort, by being elected as your 3rd Ward commissioner. Briefly, here are my priorities:

• Responsive Government. After speaking with many neighbors over the last seven months, my sense is that residents feel little connection to their ward commissioners. There's more excitement about a presidential election that's 13 months away than for one that's just a few weeks from now.

  Our commissioners make more decisions that affect our daily lives than any other government body, and yet many of us aren't sure who they are or what they do. Voter apathy plays a part in this, but I believe our commissioners need to be more visible, and held more accountable for their actions.

  One way to ensure this is to televise the commission meetings on our local cable access channel, as school board meetings are currently broadcast. This is a change that's long overdue. Recorded meetings should also be available online. I will strongly advocate for this, if elected.

  I will also be accessible to 3rd Ward neighbors, by e-mail and by phone. If you contact me with a question or concern, I will reply to you within 48 hours in most cases. In addition, I will periodically canvass our neighborhood, seeking input on decisions that affect us all.

• Fiscal discipline. As a husband, father, attorney, and business owner, I work with (and within) budgets on a daily basis. I generally approach this task with two thoughts in mind: don't spend more than you can afford, but be open to the occasional short-term investment that can result in long-term gain.

  For instance, I believe a new and improved community pool will yield great dividends for current and future residents, and should be pursued. However, a Sandcastle-style "aquatic park" makes little economic sense, and should be avoided. Simply put: let's dream a little, and actively encourage new ideas that will attract new homeowners, while enhancing life for one of our most valuable resources: our long-term residents. But let's be smart in a changing economy. Let's take advantage of the formidable intellectual capital we have here, and make reasoned decisions together.

• Economic growth. Mt. Lebanon offers a good business climate, as evidenced by the success of shops and restaurants on Washington and Beverly roads. I strongly support efforts to tie new residential and commercial development to our light-rail station, through the Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID). Mt. Lebanon came to life as a classic "streetcar suburb," and this continues to be one of our great advantages.

  The new hotel planned for Washington Road, long discussed and finally on the road to reality, will be an economic plus, and will likely spur further growth in the Uptown area. While I have concerns about the lack of formal process that got us to where we are on the hotel project, I'm committed to see it through to completion.

But there's more we can do. Mt. Lebanon is widely known as a great place to live; part of our future success lies in nurturing our community as a great place to work, dine, and shop as well. Our current local employers and entrepreneurs are key to this effort. They're the experts on doing business here. As commissioner, I will work closely with these stakeholders to expand Mt. Lebanon's possibilities, and allow us to grow our tax base without raising taxes or cutting services.

As an attorney who represents both small businesses and large corporations, a South Hills native, and part of a growing family, I believe I have the judgment and diversity of experience that allows me to see the "big picture" of Mt. Lebanon's future. This future should include not just new construction and tax breaks, but also concern for public safety, our beautiful parks, and the uniqueness of our community.

I believe we need to work together on these priorities and more, to continue to realize the value of Mt. Lebanon. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to serve you, and I ask for your support.

 PLEDGE TO EXCELLENCE

To show his commitment to good government, and his desire to
become the best public servant he can be, Andy has
signed Local Government Academy's "Pledge to Excellence."
Check it out.