New Arnold mayor sets sights on fixing city's 'horrible' roads

New Arnold Mayor Joseph Bia’s assessment Monday of the city’s top priority remained unchanged since he defeated former Mayor Karen Peconi last May.

“Our roads are horrible,” Bia said. “Many of them have fallen into disrepair.”

Getting them repaired is the challenge facing Bia and city council members because the city’s financial condition remains precarious.

“We’re strapped, financially,” said Bia, who chaired the accounts and finance department as a councilman.

“I received a very encouraging phone call from one of our state representatives about some aid we will be receiving,” Bia said, declining to elaborate.

“We’re going to do the best we can,” Bia said. “Obviously we’re not going to solve every problem in the city, but we’re going to do the best we can.”

Bia defeated Peconi by a three-to-one margin in the primary.

Peconi became embroiled in controversy in 2018 after making Facebook posts regarding the shooting of black teenager Antwon Rose II in East Pittsburgh by a white police officer.

Referring to people protesting the actions of the police officer, Peconi wrote: “None of them work. That’s how they can do this at 7 a.m. … Very sad.”

That resulted in protests outside council chambers and a request from council to Gov. Tom Wolf to have her removed from office. She later apologized for the posts.

Bia said her actions were “an embarrassment to the community.”

In addition to beginning the new year with a new mayor, Arnold has a new councilman and an open council seat Bia formerly held. Applicants are being sought to fill that seat. Bia said the city has received one letter of interest to date.

The appointment for Bia’s former seat will likely occur at council’s regular meeting next Tuesday. Bia swore in all newly elected officials, including Councilman George Hawdon and incumbent Councilman Phillip McKinley.

Hawdon was appointed council’s director of accounts and finances. Councilwoman Deb Vernon was appointed as public safety director, and McKinley will remain the director of parks and buildings.

Bia’s replacement on council will take over the public works department.

Correction: An earlier version of this story has been revised to correct the spelling of George Hawdon’s name.