3 seek Democratic party nomination in Penn Hills mayoral race
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According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, incumbent Mayor Pauline Calabrese faces challenges from Deputy Mayor Frank Pecora and Qiana Buckner in the Democratic primary for Penn Hills mayor.
No Republican candidates are pursuing their party’s nomination.
Here are the candidates and their responses to the election questions posed by the Penn Hills Progress.
Qiana Buckner
Why did you decide to run for election? I announced my candidacy for several reasons, but the most important one is change. I am running because I believe in the success of our community and it starts with us. We can create real change when we come together while respecting our differences. We need to impact the community of Penn Hills at a greater capacity and invoke not only change, but solutions. We have been putting politics in front of the needs of the people in the community for so long and it is now time to create safe spaces so that government officials, community leaders and most importantly the residents can work together to bring about monumental change that will impact future generations.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Government accountability and transparency.
Why should people vote for you? I am a long time advocate for our community and a strong leader who loves to serve people. I am excited about T.E.A.M work and joining forces with our residents and other leaders, because by working together each of us will achieve more. As the next mayor, I would like to create safe spaces for our youth and young adults. I would like to use my position to support current businesses and bring in more small businesses to our area. I want to invest in public infrastructure; invest in our parks and public service and sidewalks where needed. I want to support our public safety officials and build strong community relationships. I want to support the borough council to build an agenda that helps all. Finally, we can’t do any of this without my helping to create government accountability and transparency. I want to build relationships and create partnerships that bring in resources that help to make our community stronger.
Pauline Calabrese
Why did you decide to run for election? Years ago, my husband and I were having coffee, discussing how sad it was watching Penn Hills on a downward spiral. We wondered, “What are they going to do about it?” Then we said, “What are we going to do about it?” So we rolled up our sleeves and got involved.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Disinvestment – I’ve been tackling it since day one. I’m working with officials at every government level, law enforcement, non-profits and faith-based leaders. I’ve launched a marketing campaign to improve public relations to attract businesses, developers and new residents. I’m in the midst of improving the quality of life for all.
Why should people vote for you? I am completing goals: Tripled the fund balance to $10 million, balanced the budget — no tax increases or cuts in service, raised our S P Rating, enhanced public safety – added 15 police officers, new vehicles, modernized police and EMS equipment, increased funding to fire departments and upgraded infrastructure.
Frank Pecora
Why did you decide to run for election? I decided to run for mayor at the prompting of many residents who feel the need for drastic changes in how local government conducts its business. I agree that changes need to be made and feel, as mayor, I can be the driving force behind such change.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Facilitate change by providing strong financial oversight and accountability, acquiring federal, state and county funding for projects to reduce the burden of additional taxes and/or fees on local taxpayers, improving public safety, promoting economic growth/development by encouraging public/private partnerships, improving transparency in the local government and promoting community relations.
Why should people vote for you? I am a life-long resident and will serve the full four-year term. I have no other political aspirations, other than to improve the quality of life for our residents. I will be available to all residents of Penn Hills and address their concerns promptly.