Allison Berger not seeking reelection for O'Hara council

O’Hara councilwoman Allison Berger won’t seek reelection when her term expires in December, leaving wide open the race for the Fourth Ward.

Berger said she’ll miss the conversation and debate that goes hand in hand with municipal government but that it’s time to step down.

“The decision is for time management reasons,” Berger said. “I would like to give more time to my family, and work has become more demanding.”

Berger was first elected in 2013, not too long after she moved into the township.

She was spurred by fellow council member John Denny to make a bid for the local position, and said she is thankful for the experience.

“This was my first time serving as an elected official,” she said. “I met John Denny through the Anstine Excellence in Leadership program, and when he realized I was moving into our neighborhood, he encouraged me to run for council. I am thankful that he did because I would not have run otherwise.”

Serving the township has been rewarding because of the contributions to the quality of life in O’Hara and the opportunity to work with and learn from members of council, staff and the public, Berger said.

Among the accomplishments she is most proud of is working with councilman Chuck Vogel and the RIDC Alliance to restore Port Authority bus service to RIDC Park. Also, she said, it was gratifying to have participated in plans for the construction of the $9.3 million Lauri Ann West Community Center and the $3.5 million Saxonburg Boulevard sewer project.

“Most of all, I value working with and for residents of O’Hara and will continue to do so until my term ends in December,” she said. “Although I will miss it, I do look forward to having more family time.”