Scott Zimmermann challenges Joe Noro for Aspinwall Mayor

The Aspinwall Mayor election will give voters the choice between Democrat Scott Zimmermann and Republican Joe Noro.

Here’s a look at what the candidates had to say before election day.

Scott Zimmermann

Age: 56

Democrat

Education: Bachelor of Science from Penn State University

Occupation: Industrial/commercial electrical contracting

Community Involvement/Volunteer work: Aspinwall UCC board of appeals, Aspinwall parking steering committee, Aspinwall Zoning Ordinance update committee

Years residing in municipality: 25

What would your specific safety initiatives look like over the next 4 years?

“I will modernize our police department to meet today’s demands and expectations by creating the position of police social worker. Police social workers provide on-site, real-time incident de-escalation that creates a safer atmosphere for both the officers and the individuals involved. They detect the subtle cues of abuse and neglect, and they provide assistance to residents navigating the myriad complexities of governmental services. They are trained in providing counseling and support to crime victims and those who have suffered trauma or loss. A community police social worker is long overdue.

Freeport Road pedestrian infrastructure has become dilapidated to the point that navigation is dangerous and the appearance is unbecoming of the town we want to be. I will lead a concerted effort to attract state and federal funding to assist with these necessary and overdue improvements.

Are there any safety programs you feel would warrant a tax increase?

“As we all know, a couple of years ago we instituted both a millage and business tax increase. Combined with an increased effort to obtain state and federal funding, and a reorganization of our police department, there will be no issue meeting any fiscal demands required for these improvements, additions and changes.”

Joseph D. Noro

Age: 67

Republican

Occupation: Retired plant manager at Schneider’s Dairy

Community involvement/volunteer work: Current Aspinwall Mayor, council for 23 years, including stint as president; Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services lifetime member, volunteer at Veteran’s Place of Washington Boulevard, Local UAV club, former member of UPMC St. Margaret Patient Safety Advisory Committee, former coach and vice president of Aspinwall Area Baseball Association (now Fox Chapel Baseball Association)

Years residing in municipality: 67

What would your specific safety initiatives look like over the next four years?

“Additional focus on departmental excellence, traffic calming and public safety, including work to complete the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program assuring use of best practices in law enforcement; safety on Freeport Road, including automated cross walks, new lighting, new road striping and sequencing the stop lights to allow pedestrians more time to cross; reducing speeding within the community including flashing speed signs, 3D safety crosswalks, higher rumble strips and lighted stop signs in high violation areas; and bringing new technology and innovative ideas.

In addition, the rehabilitation of the #2 Fire House will provide the community a base for emergency management. Successfully executing these initiatives, especially the Law Enforcement Accreditation and the multifaceted traffic safety measures, will significantly contribute to keeping all residents safe and is highly likely to help maintain Aspinwall’s ranking as a top place to live in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania.”

Are there any safety programs that you feel would warrant a tax increase?

“The aforementioned safety initiatives will be completed without any municipal tax increase, thanks to a focused strategy of external funding and responsible budgeting.

We are actively pursuing public safety grant monies to fund capital improvements, specifically the renovation of the #2 Firehouse, which is critical for borough emergency management, including storms, warming and cooling stations and periodic utilization by Foxwall EMS, and the extensive Freeport Road enhancements.

By rigorously pursuing external funding, we can enhance the safety and quality of life in Aspinwall, maintaining our ranking as a top place to live, without adding to our community’s current tax burdens.”