Q&A: Edgewood Mayoral Candidate Ruth Pickering

Ruth Pickering is running for the position of mayor in Edgewood Borough in the upcoming primary this Tuesday. Here are her answers to a few questions regarding local issues. Candidate and current Mayor Mal Hellett also was sent the same list of questions. His answers will run on Patch before Tuesday.

Why are you running for mayor?

The decision to run for the Mayor’s job was based on the need to have an individual who is knowledgeable, professional and supportive of the police department and of the police chief with whom the mayor must work.  As a team, the mayor and the police chief have the opportunity to strengthen the Borough on many different fronts, but always with resident public safety as a priority.  I believe it is vital for us to be ever vigilant and enhance that which makes Edgewood special for its residents.

What experience prepares you for this position?

From 1990 through 2001, I served this borough as its first female mayor, as well as serving on the Edgewood Foundation and as a member of the C.C. Mellor Library Board of Trustees.  Those 12 years served to enhance the additional experience I bring to the position. The following is a brief overview of that experience. 

• Worked for Heinz USA as manager of sales communications and sales training; retired after 26 years.  Twice recognized for community service to the American Cancer Society and later to Family House, Inc.

• American Cancer Society:  past president of the Greater Pittsburgh Unit; secretary of the Pennsylvania Division; recognized at both levels for outstanding volunteerism.

• Family House, Inc., provides affordable housing for those traveling to Pittsburgh to deal with a life-threatening disease.  I have been involved with this organization for more than 25 years having served as a member of the Board of Directors, secretary of the Board, and now I have been honored with Director Emeritus status. 

• I am an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church and currently worship at Beulah Presbyterian Church where I have just served six years as a member of the session and completed a year as president of the corporation.  In addition I served as a member and as chair of the Pittsburgh Presbytery Committee on Ministry.  I also sing in the Beulah Church Sanctuary Choir.

• Graduate of Edgewood High School

• Graduate of Ohio University with a BSJ and an MSJ.

What are the main issues facing the borough?

Public safety, crime and all of the related issues are the most important issues from the mayor’s viewpoint.  The mayor’s major responsibility is that of the police department and working with the chief.

Chief Payne is probably the most outstanding police chief in Allegheny County and he is respected at all levels of law enforcement in the Commonwealth.  He deserves the support that will enable him to implement programs of public safety while building and strengthening relationships with neighboring communities.

How will you address those issues?

The public safety issues must be addressed with the most professional police force available.  When training is required, it will be offered.  Education is critical for the officers and for the community so that all understand that residents and the police, alike, have a role to play in public safety.  Issues may be addressed through the newsletter, small group gatherings, the library and whatever will communicate the desired message. 

How will you promote stability in borough leadership?

I believe that professionalism is the most important key to promoting stability.  The mayor, a volunteer, must match the professionalism of the Chief and together they can emphasize the importance of doing the right things.  Although management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.  My community service is known for experience, integrity and doing what is the right thing for the Borough.

What plans or programs would you hope to promote?

It is vital to ensure that all of our officers have the most up to date training available whether it be a new computer program or qualifying with a new weapon.  Professionalism is key.  Also I wish to further our Citizens Police Academy, perhaps have a junior academy, build our block watch program, enhance the Dare program with our schools.

Further, I believe a concentrated, structured recreation program is important for our young people during the summer months as if the young people have nothing to do, they will invent it and it could be trouble.  We have the resources with Koenig Field, tennis courts and a basketball court that all should be put to use with our young people.

How will you effectively work and communicate with the police chief?

The Police Chief and the Mayor will be a team that meets at least daily and works as a unit to further public safety in the borough.  I probably will meet with him three to five times a week.  However, we will have to sit down and discuss what will be best.  I believe the mayor is a support to the Chief and should not try to do the job for him.