New Fox Chapel council members seek to boost communication with residents

Improved communications between Fox Chapel and its residents will be the priority for two newly elected council members, each said.

Democrat Sarah Hanna and Republican Brad Harrison earned four-year terms in the Nov. 2 general election, along with Republican incumbents Harrison Lauer and Andy Bennett.

“The number one thing that spurred me to run was community members urging me to,” said Hanna, 39. “I knew that if I could earn a seat I would do my best to help the communication flow.”

Hanna, who earned a bachelor’s degree from The Catholic University of America, works as an integrative health coach.

Harrison, too, attended Catholic University, obtaining master’s degree after studying at the U.S. Naval Academy. He owns a manufacturing business.

Harrison, 42, said residents spoke frequently to him during the campaign about their thirst for transparency and the need for increased dialogue regarding borough business.

“In our current technological era, residents expect and deserve to know information about the activities and decisions of our local government in real-time as much as possible,” he said. “Receiving input and ensuring citizen awareness of future actions are key functions of a local government.”

Whether it’s news about contracts, street paving or property demolition, Harrison said he’ll work to boost the timely exchange of information.

In the months leading up to the election, Hanna and Harrison campaigned together, knocking on doors and talking to residents.

“Folks were very encouraged to see that we are from two different parties but already working together to show we are committed to collaborating to do what is best for our community,” Hanna said.