8 seek 4 seats on Oakmont council
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There are four seats up for grabs on the Oakmont Borough Council.
Voters in the November election will select four members from the eight candidates seeking seats. The Democrats and the Republicans are equally represented, with four candidates from each party, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.
Here are capsules of the candidates, along with some thoughts on the goals of the office.
John Arnold
Political party: Republican
Age: Omitted
Education: Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering, Tufts University; Master of Science, electrical engineering, Catholic University of America; post-graduate work at the University of Southern California
Occupation: Retired electrical engineer
If elected, what are your short-term goals? My first goal is to improve stormwater management within the borough. I will follow through with the projects underway as well as with planned projects funded by the American Rescue Plan. My second goal is to improve Oakmont Walking trails. I plan to tie together existing trails with improved signage and with recommended sidewalk routes between trails. The use of sidewalks to tie together trails will include sidewalk improvements to increase pedestrian safety.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? Upgrade the wastewater treatment plant to expand capacity, improve wastewater treatment and reduce “bypass” events. This will improve the Allegheny River water quality and provide the future treatment plant which Oakmont will require.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I plan to improve the communication between residents and the council by expanding the borough website to include highlights of council meetings, decisions, and proposed actions. This will better give constituents an improved “heads up” on proposed actions. I always respond to constituent emails promptly and plan to continue to do so. I also make myself available to talk directly to constituents, and their input is always used as part of my decision making. I attend any meeting to which I am invited to provide information and discuss concerns, and I work with constituents to incorporate their concerns into council actions, such as resolutions and proposed ordinances.
Kimberly Butler
Political party: Republican
Age: 64
Education: Bachelor of Science, LaRoche University; Master of Science, Carlow University
Occupation: Retired corporate vice president, BNY Mellon
If elected, what are your short-term goals? My first goal is to work to address the speed of drivers in Oakmont. This is a consistent concern I hear from residents throughout the borough. My second goal is to focus on the stormwater management plan for the Commons, Plum Creek and throughout the borough. I will work to ensure the projects and grant money appropriated stay on schedule and budget, and that residents are kept informed.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? To keep a safe, welcoming and thriving community, we need to focus on public safety and our aging infrastructure. It is critical that we listen to our first responders, business owners, and residents on topics like public safety, road repairs, street lighting, and parks. To achieve these goals, we must be aggressive in obtaining both federal and state grant money and have a systematic approach for implementation. We must also be fiscally prudent with the Oakmont budget to protect the taxpayer wallet. As a member of the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce, I look forward to working with my colleagues on Council as we reinvest in these significant assets in our community.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process?Above all, I want to be an accessible and responsive member of Council. It will be my top priority to communicate regularly with my neighbors and constituents by email and social media. We can also leverage technology with podcasts and electronic surveys. Likewise, I will always be happy to discuss your concerns by phone, on the street, or in the grocery store.
Tracy Eaton Hatok
Political party: Republican
Age: Omitted
Education: Riverview High School, Slippery Rock University
Occupation: Surgical technologist
If elected, what are short-term goals? My primary goal once elected is to ensure fiscally conservative policies and budgets are established and maintained. I take very seriously the responsibility to oversee Oakmont Borough tax revenues and ensure they are allocated in the most prudent ways possible.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? Once elected, my ongoing goal is to uphold traditional Oakmont values. This includes: military veterans will always be recognized and honored, our country and religious holidays will continue to be celebrated during parades, and the American flag will always be flown and respected.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I encourage all residents to attend Oakmont Borough Council meetings either in person or online. As an elected official, I welcome concerns and feedback of Oakmont citizens and businesses to be brought to my attention, either through email or phone call.
Hilary Felix
Political party: Democrat
Age: 34
Education: Bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania; HR master’s certifications through Michigan State University
Occupation: Career in sales engineering recruiting; currently SAHM
If elected, what are your short-term goals? Increasing driver accountability by working with the police department (ex. stop sign safety) and update pedestrian crosswalks around the upper and lower boulevards to make it safer for people to access the restaurants and shopping. Also, police recruitment and retention. Oakmont deserves full-time officers who know the community and its members.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? One of my long-term goals is to make Oakmont green again. We need a more accessible way to recycle and compost for a sustainable future. I have begun preliminary work with Verona on these matters, which will ensure twin borough success and ease costs. And always voting against anything that may be harmful for the environment (ex. fracking).
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Social media is a powerful tool to have your voice heard from anywhere. Community members may not be able to attend in-person meetings or may not feel comfortable voicing their opinion in front of an audience. Online organization is key for transparent communication to everyone in Oakmont.
Tracey Holst
Political party: Democrat
Age: 53
Education: BS in human resources, MA in labor relations, Doctorate in organizational leadership
Occupation: Human resources executive
If elected, what are your short-term goals? Research and secure additional funding, including grants, to help maintain and upgrade Oakmont Borough’s infrastructure for storm water management to best support sustainability for the future. Support and partner with local small business with a variety of projects, such as zoning, to continue to build on our “small town” appeal that is welcoming to all families.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? Work on the Community Gateways project through evaluating all forms of signage and community identification. This would also encompass the traffic concerns and as well as lights and patterns to not only help our residents but also visitors to our area.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Surveys in various forms, electronic communication tools, including but not limited to text messages, apps, and emails, open door Council meetings, and walk the neighborhoods and talk to constituents.
Jamie Leonardi
Political party: Democrat
Age: 35
Education: BA in communications, University of Pittsburgh; Master’s in management, Carnegie Mellon University
Occupation: Senior technology manager
If elected, what are your short-term goals? Implement an enhanced, centralized borough communication plan to help residents stay up to date on borough projects and community events. Also, improve current waste management services. Oakmont deserves better than leaking trucks, damaged property, and improper recycling and composting.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? During my term, I will work diligently to actualize projects that will strengthen Oakmont’s character, services, and policies, as covered in the still-pending 2021 Comprehensive Plan. Many long-standing issues are being explored, including updated business and redevelopment zoning, improved community gateways, enhanced park access, and expanded stormwater management. I value both the expert analysis and the community input driving the 2021 Plan, and the final recommendations set forth deserve prioritization. Driving progress on the Comprehensive Plan is critical to ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for Oakmont and its residents.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Oakmont residents deserve the opportunity to share their voice with borough leadership outside of public comment at council meetings, which are especially difficult for parents, shift workers, and people with reduced mobility to attend. I plan to expand the level of engagement with constituents by introducing surveys, listening sessions, stakeholder meetings, and community events, which will improve communication and create a more inclusive Oakmont.
Laura Messina Amos
Political Party: Republican
Age: 57
Education: Riverview High School graduate, studied at Emmaus Bible College
Occupation: Small business owner, music educator
If elected, what are your short-term goals? As a small business owner, I am passionate about supporting our small businesses in Oakmont. My short-term goal is to work with the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce and act as a liaison with the Borough Council. I believe having an advocate on our Council is important because small businesses have taken a tremendous hit throughout the past season, yet these businesses remain a fundamental part of our thriving community. I am also excited to learn more about and support the proposed LED lighting project for our business district. Also, due to the new bridge, housing developments, and businesses being established over the past decades, we have seen significant vehicle traffic increases in many of our neighborhoods. I would like to work with the newly elected mayor to help address the safety concerns for pedestrians so that we may all continue to enjoy our wonderful walking town for generations to come.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? I would like to build a partnership with state local officials, Oakmont Chamber of Commerce, and outside funding sources (including foundations and nonprofits) to create an easily accessible central area where Oakmont residents can gather for events. My vision is derived from Oakmont HOAs, which have clubhouses and/or outdoor spaces where folks can meet together for activities. This gathering place, which would be built on borough-owned property, could include a small community center or perhaps an outdoor gazebo.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? As an elected official, I would be representing all residents and businesses and would be committed to corresponding through emails addressed to me through official channels. Part of my duty as a Council member would be to work with the local committee to whom I am assigned and provide updates on my activities at Council meetings, on the Oakmont Borough webpage, and through Oakmont social media.
Amanda J. Pagnotta
Political party: Democrat
Age: Omitted
Education: Bachelor of Arts in secondary education social studies, Bachelor of Science in political science, Master’s in educational administration with an emphasis on supervision and leadership
Occupation: Educator
If elected, what are your short-term goals? Both short-term goals fall under organizing our efforts to ensure safety and security of our community and its people: Action on flooding control must be prioritized. Incentivize officer retention by raising the minimum wage and/or exploring the opportunities to add another full-time position.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? Ensure that we are planning for a fiscally responsible future. We have aging equipment and facilities in the fire department. With a volunteer department, we need to make sure they have what they need to be successful, and we can plan for the larger expenses that will inevitably be needed in the future by ensuring that the decisions we’re making today across all budget items are smart and necessary.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Our borough website should be able to serve as a hub. We have a calendar on the site, which could be expanded to include an all-inclusive calendar of events, clubs, activities and specials in Oakmont. The more traffic this calendar generates, the more likely community members will be aware of when discussions, forums, and meetings occur where they can share their voice.