Verona Council has 5 seats up for grabs in November election

The Verona Borough Council will be looking for several new members.

Vincent J. Flotta, Patricia Lynn Hredzak-Showalter, Rhonda Worf, Nancy Carpenter and Raymon Suchevich are running for four, four-year spots on Verona council. Joseph Warren and Kelli Anne Collins are running for one, two-year seat.

Here are the candidates and their responses to the election questions posed by the Penn Hills Progress.

Nancy A. Carpenter

Political party: Democrat

Age: 67

Education: Chatham College graduate, 1976; University of Pittsburgh Medical School graduate, 1982

Occupation: Retired physician

If elected, what are two short-term goals? There are many short-, medium- and long-range goals that I have that involve increased safety in the town, infrastructure improvements and overall communication. There are two ways that I believe will get us there. One short-term goal I have is to continue the improvements in the borough administration. The hiring of our new borough secretary was a huge step in that direction. The next step will be to advertise for and hire an administrative assistant for the front office. This will allow for an increase in efficiency and effectiveness of borough operations. A second short-term goal is to work with council, the borough secretary and the community toward a sustainable and productive budget. Part of the budgeting will involve properly distributing the ARPA money that the borough received. A well thought out budget will go a long way toward Verona getting its financial house in order.

If elected, what is one long-term goal: One long term goal I have is to work together, as a team, with council, the borough secretary, Verona employees and residents to bring Verona into compliance with all state laws and policies. Once we have that established (and we are well on our way toward that goal), as well as working together toward a more unified council, and improving communication with residents, Verona can continue on it’s journey toward being an even more vibrant community in which to live, work and play.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Here in Verona, we have continued to see the need for an improved website as one way to communicate with the citizens of Verona. While this can not be accomplished immediately, with the recent addition of our new Borough Secretary, that is definitely on the “to do” list. We will also be looking into ways to increase emergency notifications to residents who require more “analog” communication, so as to be more inclusive of all the residents. We are currently working toward ways to promote healthy dialogue amongst council and with constituents, with the ultimate goal to be equal opportunity for all to be heard. One idea is to establish a virtual or hand written suggestion box, where residents can share any concerns, questions or praises they might have.

Kelli Anne Collins

Politcal party: Republican

Age: 59

Education: Graduated from Riverview High School, Oakmont, 1980

Occupation: Office manager of a dental office, 33-year employee

If elected, what are two short-term goals? To get to know and work with the businesses of Verona, fellow council members and law enforcement.

If elected, what is one long term goal? Improve council/ residents’ communications.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I want to bridge the divide between the older constituents who are less on social media and newer residents who are becoming more involved in Verona. Whether it be personal conversations, print media or visible information. Informed residents make for a more unified Verona.

Vincent J. Flotta

Political party: Democrat

Age: 47

Education: Riverview High School graduate 1992

Occupation: Graphic designer

If elected, what are two short-term goals? I would like to improve communication and transparency within the borough. These two things seem to be an ongoing issue within our town

If elected, what is one long-term goal? I would like to improve town infrastructure. Many parts of town are in serious need of upgrades and/or maintenance.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? By continuing to be present at public events and available to speak with either in person, through email, on the phone or via social media platforms. Although I feel that face to face is the best way of communication, I will continue to make myself available in every way possible.

Patricia Lynn Hredzak-Showalter (Trish)

Political party: Democrat

Age: 37

Education: Master’s degree in chemistry

Occupation: Lab Manager of Chemical Engineering Research Labs at Carnegie Mellon University

If elected, what are two short-term goals? I am proud that since being appointed to council earlier this year, I have already secured my first grant for Verona. If elected, my first short term goal next year is to see the Walkworks planning grant to develop Verona’s first active transportation plan to implementation within the borough, working closely with many community partners and organizations. My second short term goal is to continue to foster a stronger sense of community in Verona and support our local businesses. I am grateful every day that we choose to make Verona our home. Especially right now, as Verona is undergoing a renaissance. This year, I am chairing Verona’s Nov. 20 Holiday Kickoff Celebration, the inaugural Jolly Jamboree. Working closely with our chambers, I hope that by having added the trolleys this year to transport people within the Twin Boros all night, neighboring communities will more easily have the opportunity to come together in celebration while supporting our local businesses.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? My long-term goal is to utilize our forthcoming Active Transportation Plan as a foundation in which we can successfully apply for additional grants, such as MAP funding for a new comprehensive planning grant for Verona. Having a written plan put together with an abundance of community engagement will help provide the blueprint to secure Verona’s future.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Verona is a mix of generations, some who have never used social media or email, and some who can’t go an hour without it. Through my volunteerism, especially as the chair of Verona’s Parks and Recreation Board, I’ve connected with many residents in our area. The most successful events almost always utilize multiple means of communication, such as yard signs and emails, and social media and word of mouth. Going forward, if elected, I will advocate to keep our council and committee meetings in a hybrid format, and remind residents that they can also reach out to me outside of our meetings by email or phone 724-257-1045.

Raymon Suchevich

Age: Omitted

Political party: Democrat

Education: High school graduate

Occupation: Retired equipment operator

If elected, what are two short-term goals? Communication and transparency is huge within the borough. So I would like to keep the lines of these two items always open. And being on the police, fire and the public works committees, I would like to keep the town of Verona as safe as it can be with the newer and most up to date equipment that we can acquire.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Now that we have a new full-time borough secretary, try to get the budget passed without a tax increase and also to just keep Verona growing.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Council is in the process of working on getting the web site updated and running right and also utilizing our other sources of communication and other sources of social media.

Joseph Warren

Political party: Democrat

Age: 41

Education: Bachelor’s degree, industrial design

Occupation: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation

If elected, what are two short-term goals? As a current member of council, I have asserted fiscal responsibility in the planning of our budget in these first 60 days of my appointment, and I look to pass a responsible budget as a short-term goal. Next is to provide the necessary staffing, resources, and training for us to operate as a full-time municipality.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Assessing our current resources and community goals to assure that we have a strategy for the necessary capital improvements in advance of any needs to help us in being proactive in serving our residents, not reactionary. This will be to the benefit of both our long term residents, and newer residents in providing the amenities and services that Verona desires, and deserves.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process: Residents, business owners, and neighbors have been wonderful in sharing their feedback with me in person. Residents can also email me anytime with questions, suggestions, or feedback at jwarren@veronaborough.org

Rhoda Worf

Party: Democrat

Age: 70

Education: B.S. Elementary/Speech/Theater Arts; Master’s in Education

Occupation: Retired teacher and retired business owner

If elected, what are two short-term goals? 1. To document job descriptions and promote evaluations 2. To work closely with the Finance Committee, assessing expenditures for the coming fiscal year.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? To update code enforcement ordinances and reduce real estate delinquencies by establishing payment plans.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Present the item for discussion, state objectives, do any required research, request individual input (pro and con), make final revisions and vote.