2 seeking Tarentum's 3rd Ward council seat

Both candidates vying for Tarentum’s 3rd Ward council seat say they want to help continue the borough’s revitalization.

Newcomer Brian Nolan, a Republican, is taking on Democratic incumbent Jim Bonner for the four-year term.

Tarentum’s 3rd Ward consists of the borough’s West Tarentum neighborhood.

“Truth is, I like (Bonner),” Nolan said. “I just want to try to do my part to help.”

Nolan, a resident of West Eighth Avenue, said having new voices on council keeps the ideas fresh.

“I just want to help my community,” he said.

If elected, Nolan would continue the fight against blight, saying there’s still much work to be done with dilapidated properties.

“It would also be nice to have more things in the area for the kids to do,” he said. “There’s not a whole lot. If we want to keep them on the straight and narrow, we need to give them something to do.”

Bonner, seeking his second term, said that if he is reelected, a top priority will be to get the borough’s newly established Environmental Advisory Council up and running.

“I’m excited to work with our new community volunteers to help make Tarentum more beautiful, healthy and sustainable,” he said.

The Stewart Street resident said he’d also focus on completing Tarentum’s enrollment in the Dollar Energy Fund to help people with financial challenges.

“I’ll work to secure the initial funding needed to start the program and then encourage everyone who can to chip in and help,” Bonner said.

Nolan said a goal would be trying to help find funding for the fire departments and help provide safety inspections for the elderly.

“Some of them aren’t in the position to go out and buy things they need,” he said. “It would be nice to provide the fire volunteers with smoke detectors so they can give them out to those in need.

“I want to rally for the school district to give a tax break to the elderly and people on a fixed income.”

He also would seek to initiate services or programs to help rid drugs from the borough.

“It would be great to get rid of the dealers, but we also have to have some resources for people who are addicted and need help,” he said. “It requires the whole community to do this. There’s not an easy answer, but all I can say is I can try.”

Bonner said he would like to help reverse declining population and increase homeownership.

“People that own their homes are often more vested in their community and stay longer,” he said.

“I believe that Tarentum should explore ways that renters can eventually acquire property. For those looking for a new or first home, the borough must work with our school district (Highlands), community development and funding organizations, and government agencies on all levels to make Tarentum as desirable and accessible as possible to live and raise a family.”