2 candidates vie for Oakmont mayor’s seat
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With election season almost upon us, one of the more important elections in the local is area is for Oakmont mayor. With incumbent mayor Christopher Whaley deciding not to seek reelection, this is a two-person race with Democrat Sophia Facaros running against Republican Mark Springer, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list. Here are capsules of both candidates, along with some thoughts on the goals of the office.
Sophia Facaros
Political party: Democrat
Age: 69
Education: Bachelor of Science, Slippery Rock; Master of Education, University of Pittsburgh; Secondary Elementary Principal Certificates, University of Pittsburgh
Occupation: Retired, 38 years Pittsburgh Public Schools
If elected, what are two short-term goals? To work with the borough manager and council on recommendations to support our police department on the recruitment policy and to support the financing of a new fire truck and improvements at the sewer plant.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? To monitor and solve the Plum Creek flooding issues.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I plan to communicate with constituents through easy accessibility by all communication avenues, visibility at community and school events, and encouraging attendance at council meetings. Through my experience as a principal and present council member, including the citizens of Oakmont in the decision-making process is a priority and one that I will continuously reach out to everyone.
Mark Springer
Political party: Republican
Age: 56
Education: Riverview High School graduate, United States Navy, Allegheny County Police Training Academy – Act 120, various certifications/training in emergency response and police executive operations
Occupation: Manager of Security Services for a national security corporation
If elected, what are two short-term goals? During my campaign for mayor and talking with the citizens of Oakmont, it has been made clear that traffic safety and enforcement is the primary concern for our community. I will immediately work with PennDOT, our state representative and borough council to resolve our traffic safety and congestion issues. Specifically, I will review and make recommendations concerning the Hulton Road and Third Street intersection. I will also be looking to resolve traffic issues at the intersection of College Avenue, Allegheny Avenue and Allegheny River Boulevard. Safety is our primary responsibility as elected leaders, and these two intersections represent the most significant opportunity for all parties to work together to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The retention and recruitment of our police officers is an issue that the Borough of Oakmont Council and Civil Service Commission has been working to resolve. To improve retention, I plan to create advancement opportunities for the police officers, as well as training initiatives geared at motivating our police officers to professionally develop their skills and knowledge.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? I believe the Oakmont Police Department is a professional organization which strives for excellence and continued improvement. I plan to leverage this continuous improvement by becoming accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA). The CALEA accreditation program involves a comprehensive review of a law enforcement agency’s organization, management, operations and administration. As mayor, it is my goal to achieve this accreditation for the Oakmont Police Department within my first four years in office.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Today’s modern technology as it relates to email, text notifications, borough webpage and social media presents a plethora of opportunities to keep residents and businesses informed and included on decisions. I am a skilled user of these communication platforms and will utilize them to their fullest potential to communicate with Oakmont residents. I will be very active within the borough, engaged with the residents, available to address concerns and proactive in promoting our wonderful community.