Etna appoints Alice Gabriel to fill council vacancy

Etna council has a new representative, one who said the borough’s revitalization inspired her to consider serving in local government.

Alice Gabriel, who moved to the borough two years ago, was appointed by council during its Feb. 16 meeting. She will fill the unexpired term of the late Rudy Milcic, a longtime councilmember who died in January.

The term runs through December.

“Etna is already working hard to revitalize the neighborhood, and I am excited to be a part of it,” Gabriel said.

“I see inspiring women in Etna, women who have created and contributed to some truly wonderful initiatives. Some have official titles, others are more behind-the-scenes, but all of them make a difference. They make me want to make a greater difference, too.”

Gabriel moved to the borough from the Southside Slopes and said her family immediately fell in love with the town.

“We felt lucky to have found this neighborhood,” she said.

Though Gabriel has not served in municipal government before, she is involved in the community through volunteerism.

She helps with the Garden of Etna and is on the board of the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library, currently serving in her second term as membership coordinator.

As a new council member, Gabriel hopes to contribute to projects that will make Etna more pedestrian-friendly and bike-accessible, “a place that is easier for residents to access the things they need without using cars,” she said.

She said she wants to boost the borough’s profile with outsiders, too.

“I want people outside the community to be drawn here whether it’s for jobs, restaurants and other businesses to visit, or fun events they want to attend,” Gabriel said. “I want to encourage community engagement, and I want for every Etna resident to have a voice.”

Like many small towns across the region, Gabriel feels the borough’s priority issues lie with good infrastructure and access to community services such as the pool or a new library.

“My neighbors and I want a thriving community that is safe and family friendly, where people of all backgrounds come together,” she said. “I encourage my neighbors to come to me with their concerns and ideas, and I look forward to serving my community.”