3 candidates seek pair of Penn Hills council seats
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In the Penn Hills Council race, two incumbents and a newcomer are vying for two open seats. Deputy Mayor Catherine Sapp and councilman John Petrucci are trying to hold off newcomer Joanne Fascio.
Here are the candidates and their responses to election questions posed by the Penn Hills Progress:
Joanne M. Fascio
Why did you decide to run for election? Over the past few years I have become more involved in and aware of how government functions in Penn Hills and like a lot of people have had my share of complaints. At the same time I have learned more about Penn Hills by increasing various volunteer activities such as Home Meals delivery, the Penn Hills Service Association, the Penn Hills Shade Tree and the PH Anti-Litter programs. These activities have opened up a fuller understanding of the people and issues in Penn Hills. It seems the right time to direct some positive energy toward solutions and I believe that I can do that effectively and fairly.
What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Penn Hills faces a myriad of issues (stimulus spending, infrastructure, taxes, good governance, economic development, public services) but most important is that we encourage and support citizen participation, transparency and government accountability. There are many good, concerned people in Penn Hills and we need to seek them out, sustain healthy conversations and encourage their involvement in solutions. We may not always agree, but we need to do a better job of listening to each other and coming to common cause. With broader input and the support of community response we can turn challenges into opportunities that result in progress for our community.
What should voters know about you? With over 30 years working for and with the county and state, I understand how government agencies work and am prepared to take on the challenges presented. I have learned how to approach problems: determine the facts; assess the current environment and finally apply the interpersonal skills needed to create consensus. I will work to build upon the existing assets in our community while injecting some of our younger citizens’ perspective and skills. This is an opportunity for great change and Penn Hills must project not only our willingness but our enthusiasm to embrace that change and growth.
John Petrucci
Why did you decide to run for election? As current councilman of Penn Hills, one of my biggest attributes is the focus I spend on being accessible to the residents. I am retired, and that allows for the time needed to answer residents’ concerns personally on a daily basis. Currently, I spend many hours a week working with the municipal manager on various issues such as reviewing contracts coming up for bid, looking out for the taxpayers, and getting involved in community activities. I have instituted numerous policies and ordinances that benefit Penn Hills in many ways. The time I have spent serving on council has given me a deep understanding of the challenges Penn Hills faces, and I am always thinking of how I can make Penn Hills better for all of us that live here.
What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The growth of our population and the economic development of our community is a big issue to address. To enhance both of these we must tackle the issues that hold us back such as the increase in taxes, sewage, litter, and code enforcement. Each one of these play a key role in the redevelopment of our community. The cost to live in this community must be reasonable from the taxation aspect. We need to watch government spending so taxes are not raised. Ensuring a balance budget. Code enforcement must be proactive, not reactive, so we should increase the number of code officers and the development of a new code program to better serve the community. We must combat litter in every way possible to give this community the curb appeal that attracts home buyers and businesses. And we must always explore ways to reduce our sewage cost to the public.
What should voters know about you? I am dedicated and hardworking with the background, experience and proven track record to make Penn Hills a better place to live, work and play. Committed to a stronger and more prosperous community for all. I am a public servant not a politician. Supported by local unions/trades.
Catherine Sapp
Sapp did not respond to requests for information for this article.