When Michael Calder first made the decision to run for Export mayor in 2009, he felt that the borough was at an inflection point in its history.
After his election, Calder spent the next eight years working with council to revitalize the borough’s downtown area, and the borough presented him with the 2025 B. Earnest Long Selfless Service Award at council’s March meeting.
“I was captivated by the folks in this room,” Calder said. “I don’t take any credit for doing any of it on my own.”
Calder’s response was very much in line with his political career in the borough. When he was written in by several voters as a potential council candidate, and was subsequently approached about running for mayor, Calder said he was “humbly uncertain” that he was qualified the job. When his grandfather, Aldo, died in 2004, Calder decided to move into his grandparents’ Export home while he attended law school at Duquesne University. He said he developed a love for the town over the years.
Export Solicitor Wes Long, who presented the award that is named for his father, said Calder was indeed being humble.
“In eight years as mayor, he was very instrumental in resurrecting Export from the dark ages of past administrations,” Long said. “He was a big part of making it what it is today.”
When Calder, who is an attorney in Pittsburgh, stepped down from the mayor’s seat at the end of 2017, the Westmoreland Heritage Trail was well on its way to being extended through Export. That project is further spurring business development and attracting visitors to the borough’s downtown.
“Export today is a community where people really enjoy coming, and if you’re trying to get a parking spot on a Friday or Saturday night, good luck,” Long said with a laugh.
Calder thanked the council, many of whom he worked alongside during his time as mayor.
“In my life’s story, the best chapter will always involve Export,” he said.
