Mayor plays key role in facilitation

In a world of political chaos, State College remains an outstanding community to live, work and play.

As an independent candidate for mayor, I am committed to enhancing the borough’s quality of life. To do this, I will perform my duties per the borough’s Home Rule Charter, which states:

▪ The mayor is the presiding official of council.

▪ The mayor is the ceremonial head and official representative of the borough.

As can be seen, the mayor does not legislate, does not make policy. Those powers are vested in council. Given that, the mayor still plays a significant role in borough governance and my perspective on current issues are addressed below.

Currently, there is a “we versus them” perception by some members of our community based on their experiences in appearing before council. As presiding official, I will ensure all who come before council are treated equitably and with respect. Since speaking to council is the first interaction some residents have with borough governance, the experience should be a positive one and encourage all residents to participate and engage in the legislative process.

With more than 1 million visitors to the region, we taxpayers pay for police/medical services and their impact on our infrastructure. Since the borough is restricted from participating in sales tax revenue, have access to a liquor tax or a hotel tax, as mayor I will be principal advocate and lobbyist for changes to state law that would provide authority for municipalities like ours, to choose what alternate forms of revenue generation would be suitable for the borough. I am already involved in this effort as spokesperson and principal architect of an increased self-determination/local autonomy initiative sponsored by the Coalition of State College Neighborhoods.

The density development downtown and the protection of our neighborhoods are key components to the livability and fiscal stability of the borough. Currently, we have a significant opportunity to shape the future of development of the borough and the stability of our neighborhoods through the Zoning Revision Advisory Committee. As mayor and having served on the Planning Commission, I am fluent in the zoning process. When development projects and ZRAC recommendations are brought before council, I will:

▪ Ensure everyone has an equal voice in the discussion.

▪ When possible, facilitate consensus or compromise among opposing parties.

My representative vision is that the borough:

▪ Remains a safe community.

▪ Is an engaged community whose residents feel part of the borough’s decision process where all voices are heard and the art of compromise is appreciated.

▪ Has a vibrant downtown that offers a variety of venues to residents and visitors.

▪ Is a community in which residents have access to affordable housing.

State College is a diverse, tolerant and inclusive community. As mayor, I will continue to bolster our status through engagement with individuals and groups to ensure that divisive issues are addressed quickly. I will vociferously condemn any acts which diminish our status of being a community of caring and respect.

As mayor, I will be a facilitator and be a to/from conduit of information for the community. Facts and dialogue are key to community cohesiveness and to mitigate the adverse effects of rumor and innuendo. To do this effectively, the mayor must have the leadership traits of honesty, integrity, loyalty and selfless service.

These qualities were instilled into me by my parents and strengthened and refined during my leadership development at the Naval Academy. My Marine Corps service and my professional duties at Penn State provided me the opportunity to use these values every day. These values are who I am and what I will bring to office of mayor.

This story was originally published October 22, 2017 at 1:21 AM with the headline "Mayor plays key role in facilitation."