3 candidates vie for 2 ballot spots for Penn Hills Council seats

Editor’s note: The Penn Hills Progress is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.

Penn Hills residents will have three people to choose from in the upcoming primary election to fill two available seats on council, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.

Two of those people — Councilman John Petrucci and Deputy Mayor Catherine Sapp — are incumbents.

Here are the nominees and their responses to election questions posed by the Tribune-Review.

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Joanne Fascio

Democrat

• 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 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.

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.

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John Petrucci

Democrat

• 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 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 plays 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. 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. I am committed to a stronger and more prosperous community for all. I am a public servant, not a politician.

Catherine Sapp

Democrat

• Why did you decide to run for election?

Penn Hills is fortunate not to have some of the challenges that many of our neighboring communities are faced with. However, we are not exempt from our share. One of the biggest issues that needs to be addressed is we need a more diverse police department. It is extremely important that we hire more African American police officers. With Penn Hills having a population of almost 50% of African Americans, our police department should somewhat match our demographics. Another big issue is growing our fund balance. I am working closely with our business manager, finance department, council and residents to collectively discover new avenues to grow our fund balance without having to raise our taxes. Lastly, it is important to me for all of our Penn Hills residents to be in the “know” of what’s happening in their municipality. Even more so to understand how and where their money is being spent.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Since 2016 I’ve worked hard to ensure Penn Hills is a balanced, budgeted, beautiful and transparent place to live and work. Since I have been extremely successful in my role as deputy mayor and acting mayor, as well as a valued, respected council member, I decided to run, hopefully be reelected to continue doing my part in serving and moving our great municipality forward. While making sound, responsible and, at times, hard decisions, I enjoy working with our local government officials, municipal vendors and department heads. We make a great team and work extremely well together. It is my desire to successfully complete ongoing projects with the knowledge, understanding and established relationships that are in place. Finally, I love working, living and serving in Penn Hills. Our municipality is on a great path. I desire to maintain and add to this positive course of action and accomplished work that I’ve been part of establishing.

• What should voters know about you?

I am proud of Penn Hills. I will continue to work hard to ensure Penn Hills maintains a balanced budget with no “near-future” tax increase. I am working to ensure our good police department becomes more diverse. I will continue to work toward ensuring Penn Hills is recognized as “One Penn Hills” with all neighborhoods within the municipality being inclusive. I pledge to continue listening to the concerns, needs and questions of our residents. I enjoy serving as deputy mayor, and I pledge to continue working together toward community excellence ensuring Penn Hills is not only the largest municipality outside of the City of Pittsburgh, but also a much-desired place to live and work just as I did 30 years ago. I am responsible, respected and transparent.