6 candidates seek 4 open seats on Bradford Woods Council

Four Republicans, a Green Party candidate and an Independent are in the running for four open seats on Bradford Woods Council.

According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, incumbents Kevin Rhule, Victoria Laird Pongrace, David A. Baldonieri and Charles C. Coltharp will face newcomers Daniel Bo Dimond and Ward Allebach in the Nov. 2 election.

Pongrace has served eight years and is the current council president. Rhule has served on council for four years and oversees the Environmental Parks Advisory Committee. Baldonieri has served 23 years. Coltharp served eight years.

Here’s a look at the candidates and their responses to questions posed by the Trib for the upcoming election.

Ward Allebach

Political party: Green Party

Age: 55

Education: Bachelor of Arts, journalism, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Master of Science, environmental studies, California State University, Fullerton

Occupation: Professor of environmental studies, University of Pittsburgh

If elected, what are two short-term goals?

As a small, wooded borough, threats to our trees are the biggest issue that we face. From deer-browsing damage to invasive species, the borough needs to be an active player in educating residents about how to be better stewards of their own properties. My two primary goals will be (1) to better communicate these many real threats and (2) to offer residents tools and resources to do something about them. These are simple, proactive goals that our council can and should be addressing. A 2019 survey of the community, to which almost 40 percent of borough residents responded, clearly showed that an overwhelming majority of residents are concerned and will take steps to protect our woods. Given my experience with these issues — professionally, academically, and in the community — I think I am well equipped to advocate for our residents and the many other challenges facing our borough.

If elected, what is one long-term goal?

To ensure that our woods remain healthy for years to come. All available science suggests that they simply will not do this themselves, and unfortunately, new and improved ordinances won’t solve the long-term problems. I feel that the solution is much more about communication, and, if elected, I think that my experience as a business owner, an educator, and a parent will be a great asset on borough council. As president of the Bradford Woods Conservancy since 2009, I have learned a lot about our woods, and I’ve actively advocated for improved management throughout the community. But in the two-plus years that council has been considering updating our tree ordinance, I feel that too few steps have been taken, and I’d like to be part of the process moving forward.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process?

As a small borough, it’s much more possible to involve a significant part of the community in major decisions, much more than in a larger municipality. We can reach our residents through newsletters, bulletin boards, social media, and maybe most importantly, through community organizations like the Bradford Woods Community Church, the volunteer fire company, the Women’s Club, the Couples Club and conservancy, as well as community businesses. Through the conservancy, I have been advocating for several years the need to create a Comprehensive Tree Management Plan for the borough, and I believe the best way to do that is through a deliberate process that involves all of these and other stakeholders from our community. By actively involving more people in the decision-making, we can better ensure that public policy will benefit the entire community.

David A. Baldonieri

Political party: Republican

Age: 62

Education: Bachelor of Science, civil engineering, Penn State University

Occupation: project manager

If elected, what are two short-term goals?

1. Put a plan in place to address the problem of deer overpopulation in the borough.

2. Complete the borough’s municipal separate storm sewer system requirements with a minimal financial impact on taxpayers.

If elected, what is one long-term goal?

Develop a walking trail system throughout the borough that ties into the larger, regional trail systems in the area.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process?

In a borough the size of Bradford Woods, grass roots efforts seem to be the most effective way of providing information to the residents, and, more importantly, getting their feedback. I plan on staying engaged with my neighbors to understand their issues.

Charles C. Coltharp

Political party: Independent

Age: 57

Education: Bachelor of Architecture

Occupation: Architect

If elected, what are two short-term goals?

Hire a new manager and balance our budget.

If elected, what is one long-term goal?

Continue our roads program that was started seven years ago.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process?

Our meetings are open, and we do not, currently, limit our conversations. We also utilize a newsletter to communicate important decisions and issues with our residents.

Daniel Bo Dimond

Political party: Republican

Age: 40

Education: BSBA degree from the University of Pittsburgh

Occupation: Manage a local small business

If elected, what are two short-term goals?

To maintain the integrity of the Bradford Woods community with a focus on fiscal responsibility and understanding the needs of the community.

If elected, what is one long-term goal?

To develop common-sense solutions for community development and growth.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process?

I plan on utilizing traditional forms of communication and networking to drive attendance at council meetings.

Victoria Laird Pongrace

Political party: Republican

Age: 52

Education: Master of Science, University of Pittsburgh

Occupation: Occupational therapist

If elected, what are two short-term goals?

Since Bradford Woods is predominantly a residential community, revenue sources are limited to earned income and property taxes. We have financial challenges resulting from unfunded government mandates. As members of council, we have an obligation to meet these mandates in a fiscally responsible manner. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate an atmosphere of fiscal responsibility by promoting inter-governmental cooperation and grant award attainment as alternatives to raising taxes. In an era of ever-increasing government involvement in our daily lives, I will work to preserve private property rights. Doing so is of utmost importance to my constituents.

If elected, what is one long-term goal?

Having grown up in Bradford Woods, preserving the character, beauty and sense of community were catalysts for wanting to serve on borough council. These considerations are the basis for every decision I’ve made as a member of council. I will also continue to act in a fiscally responsible manner, boost police-community relationships and find creative ways to keep Bradford Woods an independent municipality.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process?

During my first term on council, I was instrumental in re-instituting the borough newsletter. It has been one method to share important topics with the community. We also have an e-blast mailing list to alert residents to various activities, including road closures/projects, upcoming ordinance matters and council meetings. Lastly, I spend a great deal of time walking through the neighborhood and attending community events, which gives me the opportunity to speak directly to many residents. This allows me to listen to constituents’ concerns and to inform them of policies that will directly impact them.

Kevin Rhule

Political Party: Republican

Education: Graduate of Clarion University

If elected, what are two short-term goals?

Continue positive and realistic approach to our woodlands; ensuring protection of individual property rights, while encouraging re-planting of younger trees to replace our aging trees. Initiated the first group tree purchase for borough residents and expect to continue that program. Always willing to listen to understand the concerns of residents and to ensure that actions are taken for what is best and appropriate for the entire borough. Working on tree management strategy for borough with EPAC (Environmental and Parks Advisory Council).

Continue to address the deer overpopulation; reducing the physical and financial impact to personal property, the reduction of undergrowth, and the responsible managing of the number of deer. Through our survey, we identified the number of deer in the borough significantly exceeding the state’s identified maximum sustainability of deer population per square mile (over triple). Currently developing a deer management strategy with the EPAC committee.

If elected, what is one long-term goal?

Define and improve safety of walking areas within the borough, which was an identified concern and need, through our survey and discussions with residents.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process?

I am always available to constituents through phone calls, email, council and borough activities such as Couples Club. With the accepted usage of internet-based meetings; would like to see if we can provide that additional access on an ongoing basis, to increase awareness and allow residents who are not able to attend meetings due to family and ability conflicts. Working on improving the borough’s EPAC website to inform residents more about trees, plantings, ordinances and provide links to important resources.