Citizenship and Public Safety
On December 15, 2022, as my son and I were walking to Whitehall Library, he spotted a down wire across the street from Brennan Plaza. He knew to say something to me and to stay away. Together, we walked down to the police department before heading to the library because this was an emergency. Yes, my son, 7 years old at the time, was comfortable going to the police and making a report. As Mr. Rodgers taught us, "look for the helpers."
The children of Whitehall deserve to know that they can go to the police or dial 911 when they need help. It is with much gratitude and privilege that we know that we can do that.
My son is my hero as this is not the first time he was a helper. On November 6, 2020, as my mother was cooking diner she went to the restroom not noticing that there was a grease fire. My 6 year old son at the time came to me in our home office and said "Mommy, there's a FIRE!" We got everyone out and the fire under control. Our family will never forget that Whitehall Fire Department has come to our rescue. He learned at McAnnulty from South Baldwin Fire Department that you can call the fire department for help.
Children need to meet first responders so that they can get to know the helpers. It is an important part of citizenship to speak up and say something. This is why, on March 15, 2023, I asked why it appeared as though we were adding headcount to the police department when the fire department is in need of staffing during business. Whitehall Fire Department, including the chief, is all volunteer. Democratic opponent Councilman Phil Lahr responded that he does not care if Whitehall is unable to respond because another municipality fire department which receives during the business day staff funding will. Since Whitehall was founded upon the desire for better more local fire coverage, this was appalling.
As it turns out, Republican opponent Councilman Bob McKown* has been refusing to fund Whitehall fire company since at least November 2021. None of this is in the minutes of Whitehall Borough Council because these topics have been in executive session. These closed room meetings need to stop in the interest of transparency and this is why I am leaking these details. The public has a right to know. #opengovernment
On 4/19/2023, Whitehall voted fund the fire department despite not putting this topic on the agenda 24 hours in advance. This in my opinion is due to political pressure from myself and fellow candidate John Paravarti who did a mailing to Republican voters about funding the fire department. This is a victory for the people of Whitehall and the Whitehall Fire Department. It shouldn't have had to come to an emerency vote.
On 4/19/2023, Councilman McKown asked me to correct the spelling on this website at the last name on this website during council. This is the spelling that has been here all along. I have confirmed this spelling as per the elected officials page on the Whitehall Borough website and on the Allegheny County Elections Republican Ballot. The errors were in old Facebook comments which have been corrected since this request. This is what he chose to say instead of answering my question to council, "Will you commit to finish the pool and Brennan Plaza before you spend any more money on the parks?"
To his credit, Councilman McKown answered my clapback question of "Care to explain your relationship with Westbanco and the pool financing?" with an explanation that 1.5 million of the debt from the reconstruction of the firehouse on Route 51 was a roll-over into a loan with Westbanco and 6 million dollars was from the pool debt. My opinion is that it is a shame that the funds got intermingled like this to confuse essential service first responder needs with recreation spending. Also, my kid learned about needs versus wants in 1st grade. It is not clear that Mr. McKown CPA knows the difference between needs and wants.