How Slippery Rock Mayor candidates plan to address residents, businesses and the university
Incumbent Republican mayor Jondavid Longo and his Democratic opponent Douglas Cook will face off in the Slippery Rock mayor race on Nov. 4.
The Butler Eagle asked the candidates recently how they’d address residents, businesses and the university.
Their answers are below. Subscribers can read more.
For the residents and businesses
Longo said it is more important now than ever for the borough to discuss code and zoning, as he believes outdated ordinances could hurt residents, established businesses and developers.
He also emphasized the importance of enforcing the zoning ordinances the borough implements.
Longo said the recent sale of the vacant lot on Main Street is one example of the economic development that the borough hopes to stimulate. He said development was delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and developers are only beginning to feel comfortable investing again.
As for the residents, Longo said he would continue to commit to infrastructure and public safety, highlighting the importance of a community and police department that feels safe.
For the downtown area, Cook said he would want to involve the businesses in conversations and focus on thinking outside the box. He said a borough that tries to offer the same amenities ends up competing with neighbors, when municipalities should work together to grow the entire region.
Longo reaffirmed he will never sign his name to a property tax increase and is exploring tax abatement opportunities.
For residents, Cook said he would like to see things go back to how they used to be with neighbors getting along and working things out among themselves.
He said people should be able to respectfully disagree with one another.
Cook said one of the reasons he moved to Slippery Rock was the small college town feel, but as the borough grows, he said he would look into mixed type housing developments that include spaces for families and homeowners as well as renters.
He said he recognizes the borough’s limited space and would aim to maximize it.
Working with the university
Longo said that every decision he makes considers both residents and the decision’s impact on the university and its students. He said as an alumnus, he recognizes the boon that the university is on the borough.
He said he will never approve a property tax hike, partially to keep rent low.
He said he would continue to invest in both infrastructure and public safety so families of prospective students recognize Slippery Rock as a safe town.
He also expressed pride in relationships he’s built with the university and its leadership.
Cook said he’d focus on keeping students from the university in the community, saying the university is the biggest draw of people into the borough.
He said he would approach the university and collaborate with its leaders to find new ways to sell the community back to students.
