6 candidates face off for 4 seats on Oakmont Council

There are four seats up for grabs on Oakmont Council. Voters in the Nov. 4 election will select four members from the six candidates seeking seats.

Democrats have four candidates on the ballot, while Republicans have two, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.

Here is a look at each candidate, along with their responses to questions asked by the Advance Leader.

John Arnold

Age: 81

Political party affiliation: Republican

Education: BSEE Tufts University, MSEE Catholic University of America ( Washington, D.C.), post-grad work at the University of Southern California

Occupation: Retired

Years residing in municipality: 18

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Much of the state funding (liquid fuels payments, etc.). is established by law, but both federal and state grant opportunities may suffer in the future. We will continue to avail ourselves of every opportunity to apply for grants. Future major projects will require sound financial planning, including the judicious use of issuing municipal bonds (when market conditions make this advantageous). The borough will have to tighten its belt in some areas (administrative costs, future wage increases, etc.., but I believe we can provide the excellent quality of essential services with only modest tax increases (inflation will, of course, affect us all). Some less-than-essential activities can be curtailed to contain the budget.

What is the biggest issue facing Oakmont, and how do you plan to address it?

I believe the “biggest” issue will be road maintenance and improvement. Our single largest project (the upgrade of our wastewater treatment plant) is well underway and will require continued attention, but no significant problems are currently anticipated. Continuity of council oversight in this area will be very important. I plan to address this (roads) via the judicious use of a new bond issue to contain near-term tax impact.

Charles F. Fox, IV

Age: 46

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Education: JD, Western Michigan Thomas Cooley School of Law, Gannon University-Business Administration, Kiski Area High School

Occupation: Attorney: Uncapher, Uncapher & Fox

Years residing in municipality: 11

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

I would carefully weigh each new project’s costs against its benefits to the community and look for creative funding options before turning to taxpayers. I give the current board credit for actively pursuing grants, and I would continue that approach to keep Oakmont moving forward while keeping taxes reasonable.

What is the biggest issue facing Oakmont, and how do you plan to address it?

As a lawyer, I’m concerned about the borough’s past and future legal expenses, which have cost taxpayers significantly. While our current legal guidance is strong, having a council member with legal training can help craft ordinances that are clear, enforceable and less likely to invite costly litigation.

Amanda Pagnotta

Age: Did not answer

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Education: BS in political science, BAE in secondary education - social studies, M.Ed. in supervision and leadership

Occupation: Educator

Years residing in municipality: Did not answer

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

There are certain infrastructure projects that must always be prioritized — continuing to work on stormwater management and finding solutions to maintain safe roads. There are an incredible amount of grants out there, so finding ones that don’t require a match or allow for minimal matching is ideal. As a classroom teacher, I am used to finding solutions that maximize outcomes with minimal funding.

What is the biggest issue facing Oakmont, and how do you plan to address it?

One of the biggest challenges facing our borough is the condition of our roads — a consequence of living in a place with all four beautiful seasons. I’ve learned that addressing stormwater and underlying earth issues often takes much longer than expected to the necessary steps of advertising, bidding, bid acceptance and construction scheduling. While spot repairs can temporarily resolve smaller issues, we are approaching some major decisions regarding the brickwork on Allegheny River Boulevard. It will be essential to explore every opportunity for grant funding to help us maintain roads that are both safe and true to Oakmont’s historic character.

James “Jim” Parsons

Age: 66

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Education: BA in communications from University of Dayton in Ohio

Occupation: Retired WTAE news director/investigative reporter

Years residing in municipality: 27

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Oakmont’s borough management team, along with council members, already have a strong recent history of successfully applying for grant funding for major projects. It’s important for council to continue to provide consistent support in that area and to always be on the lookout for new grant opportunities while ensuring that any local matching fund requirements are within the borough’s budget expectations.

What is the biggest issue facing Oakmont, and how do you plan to address it?

As I have been campaigning door-to-door this year in Oakmont, I have been listening to the concerns of residents, and what I have consistently heard is that they are worried for our country. Yes, there are a myriad of local issues that need to be addressed — traffic at the Hulton Bridge, bumpy bricks on Allegheny River Boulevard, overpopulation of deer, stormwater runoff, Riverside Park upgrades, etc. Residents expect their local leaders to deal with those issues while keeping taxes down, but they’re not necessarily worried about them. What causes them deep concern are the seemingly daily attacks on the freedoms that our democracy provides for us while elected officials in Washington — from both major parties — stand idly by and allow it to happen without a fight. I would like to be part of whatever steps can be taken at the local level to protect our hometown from decisions in Washington that would impinge on our freedoms.

Joseph F. Rodkey, Jr.

Age: 58

Political party affiliation: Republican

Education: The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University, J.D. 1992, Cum Laude; Saint Francis University (Loretto, Pa.) 1989, B.A. political science, minor psychology, Summa Cum Laude

Occupation: Actively practicing attorney – complex commercial litigation. Former partner at major global law firm now continuing that practice locally (as well as assisting the legal needs of residents) here in Oakmont on Allegheny River Boulevard as the Fowkes Rodkey law firm.

Years Residing in Oakmont: 12

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Your government spending money should be like a family budget: a constant balance. There are basic needs that must be met within the resources reasonably available. We need to be honest — dealing with inflation is a concern and requires fiscal discipline. I support priority-based budgeting with strategic allocation of assets that address essential needs for the entire community such as safety, lasting infrastructure and growing the local economy. This includes aggressive pursuit of all available grants, sound financial planning for major projects through bonds and achieving operational efficiencies at the local administrative level. We must have a realistic view of basic economic realities while striving to maintain and enhance our local community.

What is the biggest issue facing Oakmont, and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest capital issues are boulevard repair, stormwater management and wastewater plant improvements. What should not require large capital investment, but is a major concern needing immediate attention, is enhanced traffic control and pedestrian safety. I have unanimously heard from neighbors — “Speeding through town is out of control,” and “Why are stop signs optional in Oakmont?” We like to say this is an idyllic walking community, yet it is dangerous to cross our streets. (I know because I was struck and injured by a vehicle this summer while walking in a cross-walk). As an avid community walker, this was an issue even before I got hit. I support increased law enforcement presence at high traffic hours and improved signage/lighting/messaging, among other interesting possible alternatives suggested by neighbors on the campaign trail.

Isaiah Wilson

Age: 26

Political party affiliation: Democratic

Education: Graduate of Central Catholic High School

Occupation: Security consultant

Years residing in district/municipality: 6

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

My philosophy is simple. If a project can wait, it should wait. But if it can’t, especially when it involves life safety or essential services, we must act. That starts by looking carefully at where we can cut back or reallocate existing funds. If that’s not enough, I’m willing to support a tax increase, but only if it’s absolutely necessary and clearly communicated to residents. Last year, we were faced with that exact situation. The borough had to raise taxes. While the increases touched many areas, a large portion went toward much-needed upgrades to emergency services. These are the tough decisions that come with leadership, and I will always prioritize the safety and well-being of our community.

What is the biggest issue facing Oakmont, and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest issues facing Oakmont today are aging infrastructure, stormwater management, and traffic and safety concerns. These are problems that require long-term solutions and responsible planning. We need to revise our comprehensive plan and set strong timelines for key projects. That includes making finances a central part of the planning process, so we can avoid sudden tax increases or rushed decisions. If a tax increase becomes necessary, it should be done carefully and in a way that minimizes the impact on residents. Most importantly, we need to be transparent with the public about what we’re doing and why.