8 battle for 4 Plum council seats

There are four Plum council seats open as voters take to the polls in November. Two former councilmen, three incumbents and three newcomers make up the eight-candidate field for the council positions. On the Democratic side, candidates are Michael Creighton, Jennifer Lynn Pusateri, David Odom and Justin Michael Tuskan. Republican candidates are Paul Dern, David Seitz, Mike Doyle and Steven Robert Taylor.

Here are the candidates and their responses to election questions posed by the Plum Advance Leader.

Michael Creighton

Why did you decide to run for election? The reason that I made a choice to run for election is simple. I feel like people who t, hink like me are not seen in politics anymore. I am running for the majority of people who are not on the far right, nor the far left. I’m a guy who sees issues as not just black and white and understand both sides have valid concerns. Conversation is a lost art, negotiating does not happen anymore, and we need that to move Plum forward. In my day-to-day life, I spend time talking to people, and finding solutions for both parties involved to come to an agreement. We have an opportunity to move Plum forward and become the destination for families to put down solid roots. We need new people, with new ideas to act and improve our infrastructure and community.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Plum is what most would consider a bedroom community, and that means that most of the tax revenue collected is based on homestead tax, with very little revenue from businesses. Plum is the largest Boro in Allegheny County and one of the largest in the state. And yet, we have very few small businesses. I personally know people who have not moved to Plum because of the limited number of shops and restaurants we have. We have a great community, beautiful homes, and amazing people who live here – why not showcase that? The blueprint is out there on how to take Plum to the next level. We need bold leaders to act on that.

What should voters know about you? I grew up in Wilkinsburg and went to Woodland Hills High School (Class of 1995) and I have seen all different levels of the income spectrum. In my view, food insecurity is one of the biggest issues facing the people of my generation. I work as a Sales Consultant for Sysco Food Services of Pittsburgh. When Covid started, I saw how much food insecurity is impacting our neighbors. As helping to feed our neighbors is my passion, I committed to donating my time and resources to work with some of our local nonprofits. 412 Food Rescue, Knead Community Kitchen, and Veterans Leadership Program are great local partners who help to fight hunger by providing good, nutritious meals for people in need. We all have a ton of problems on our day-to-day life and worrying about your next meal is un-American. When I am not helping people find meals, I spend my summers at a local baseball field with my son Domenic and my wife Allison, coaching our kids, and enjoying America’s favorite pastime.

Paul Dern

Why did you decide to run for election? I am very proud to be a Plum resident. I have lived here my whole life, and I want to continue to see it thrive, flourish and grow. I am confident in my ability to continue to serve this community with the best interest of our residents. I will not shy away from making tough decisions and will always uphold the highest of integrity.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? This is my fourth year on council and if re-elected, I will continue to make progress on initiatives already underway including, developing the stormwater task force, expanding communal services (recycling, infrastructure), and encouraging community engagement through various borough HAPs and activities. In the coming years, I would like to focus on expanding the commercial business presence in the community, evaluating the current public safety structure to address identified gaps, and continue to work with the Borough Chamber of Commerce on the resurgence of the community due to covid impacts.

What should voters know about you? I have lived in Plum Borough for 60 years and I have raised my three children here with my wife, Dawn Marie. I have been employed by UPMC for almost 40 years. Outside of work, I love to umpire baseball and softball games, ride my motorcycle and bicycle, and enjoy family time!

Mike Doyle

Why did you decide to run for election? I have been honored to serve my community as a councilman and am very proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved. For example, we’ve held the line on taxes, realizing six-figure surpluses year after year. Our bond rating has been upgraded 7 times over the last several years, which demonstrates our financial strength and borrowing ability at lower interest rates. We’ve more than doubled the investment into our infrastructure improving our roads and storm sewers systems. Not to mention the more than $260,000 investment we made into our school systems safety. Our children, teachers and schools are now safer than ever.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Without a doubt it is the EPA Federal mandate known as MS-4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System). This is a massive unfunded federal mandate addressing water quality. Over the next few years we will need to create a whole new division in our DPW to implement and maintain this system.

What should voters know about you? I hope the voters of Plum know me as a common sense, fair, dedicated and experienced councilman that has nothing but their best interest in mind. I will always put our taxpayers first. I ask the voters of Plum for their continued support and for their vote. I won’t let you down.

David Odom

Why did you decide to run for election? I endeavor to continue to provide leadership on council that promotes initiatives designed to improve various operational and support functions of the Borough and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Continue the implementation of stormwater management improvements across the Borough and promote economic support of Plum businesses post-pandemic.

What should voters know about you? I’m a candidate with proven leadership experience that will continue to demonstrate consistent values and vision for our community.

Jennifer Lynn Pusateri

Why did you decide to run for election? I chose to run because I am passionate about my community. I have a genuine interest in making a positive change. I felt that it’s time for fresh leadership, diversity and not to mention a female perspective is desperately needed on our council. I started becoming active in the community last year and felt what better way than to take it one step further. I want to help as much as I can because that’s truly my nature, just a caring heart. I want to be a voice and help implement change where change is needed. I want our young girls (including my own) in the current generation to see that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, even as a woman. Of course, I want to win but it’s not about winning or losing for me but rather than giving it my all, making history and enjoying the journey.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Infrastructure improvements and maintenance would be alongside finding solutions on how to make Plum more attractive to businesses to build, expand or relocate to our community. There are many general issues that are placed in front of council on a regular basis so it will be critical to look at our community as a whole.

What should voters know about you? I am a mother of three beautiful children, two of whom graduated Plum Senior High and one who attends Plum’s Elementary school. I am caring, passionate, and open minded. I genuinely care about how people feel and what affects them in their everyday living. I am very involved with the community as well as my daughter’s school. I am the founder of the Plum Strong Facebook Page which reflects all of who I am. My goal when creating this page was to find positive/productive ways on communication and transparency for our community. It was merely to find ways of giving back, helping those in need, supporting small local businesses but most of all just wanting to see people smile and having a place to feel supported. The free raffles on the page are such a huge hit and really brings our community together. I am currently serving as a board member of the Plum Chamber of Commerce. The chamber represents many of the small businesses in our community.

David Seitz

Why did you decide to run for election? During the six years that I previously served on Council, we were very successful in providing and improving essential services, expanding the activities and opportunities available to the community, and we did so in a professional, efficient and financially responsible manner. My goal is to make sure the Borough continues on this path and does not revert to the days when individual and political agendas governed council’s meetings and actions.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Funding the borough’s infrastructure needs, including stormwater management, is a very important issue, along with bringing more commercial, retail and/or dining development into the borough. I currently serve on the Planning Commission and there has been almost no new development in the borough in last 18 months. Additionally, supporting and ensuring the continued success of the police, EMS and the local fire departments is an on-going, critical issue. I’d also like to work for expanded recreational opportunities within the borough, such as walking trails or pickleball courts.

What should voters know about you? I have lived in Plum for almost 30 years with my wife Su and our two children, Staci and Aidan. I’ve been active in the community through leadership roles in various organizations, such as the Plum Baseball Softball Association, Plum Council and the Plum Planning Commission. Professionally, I have an engineering degree and a law degree and I’ve worked as in-house counsel at a Fortune 300 company for the last 21 years; I also love to golf. Politically, I believe that practical, common sense values and ideas, and limited, efficient government, are the keys to success and prosperity.

Steven Robert Taylor

Why did you decide to run for election? “I was born and raised in Plum and I want to insure that all existing and future families moving into Plum will continue to be able to raise their families as I did, enjoying the benefits of Plum’s rural surroundings and fantastic schools and Plum’s junior organizations (such as) baseball, football, soccer, etc.”

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? “Maintaining affordable taxes by being user friendly to businesses and economic growth.”

What should voters know about you? “(I’m a) lifelong resident of Plum, married to my beautiful wife, Tammy, for 37 years. (We have) two fantastic children, Brooke and Zach, and two wonderful grandchildren, Taylor and little Jack. I’m truly a blessed man. If elected, I believe in an open-door policy and that my position is always to serve the taxpayers and residents of our hometown (of) Plum.”

Justin Michael Tuskan

Why did you decide to run for election? I’ve called Plum home most of my life, and now I’d like to give something back by working to make sure that our community is one of the best places in Western Pennsylvania to live and do business. I want our local government to avoid the divisiveness that we see far too often in Washington and Harrisburg, and to make informed decisions that serve the best interests of the entire borough. Whether you’re a business on Route 286, or a homeowner in one of our many neighborhoods, the men and women elected to Plum Council should work for you.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I see four equally important issues facing the Borough right now: infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and engagement. First, we need to make significant improvements to storm water management and accelerate the work of the Storm Water Task Force. Second, we should explore programs to incentivize new business to locate to Plum, and identify ways to help existing businesses gain access to the resources they need to be successful. Third, we must work collaboratively with our volunteer fire departments to address manpower and equipment issues. Finally, council should explore additional efforts to more frequently and effectively communicate with Plum residents and organizations that serve our community.

What should voters know about you? I live in Plum with my wife Caitlin and our 8-year-old daughter. As an attorney at a mid-sized law firm in Pittsburgh, I spend the majority of my days listening to clients, analyzing their situations and finding solutions to whatever problems they may be facing. I hope to take that skill set and apply it to my work on behalf of Plum residents as a Member of Council. To learn more about me and my campaign, please visit justintuskan.com.