Tube City Almanac

November 04, 2010

Council OK's Lease With Brewster for Senate Offices

(News)


The office of McKeesport's new state senator will look a lot like the office of McKeesport's current mayor.

City council on Wednesday night authorized a lease with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for office space at the old municipal building on Lysle Boulevard, and at the present city hall in the former McKeesport National Bank Building on Fifth Avenue.

Those offices are for the new state senator from the 45th District --- Mayor Jim Brewster, who was elected Tuesday to fill the seat vacated by former state Sen. Sean Logan. Brewster, a Democrat, defeated Republican Paul Olijar, 55 to 40 percent. Len Young, a Libertarian, pulled about 5 percent of the vote.

Brewster, a former city councilman who ran against Logan for the seat and lost in 2000, has been McKeesport's mayor since 2003.

. . .

The Lysle Boulevard location will be used for constituent services, Brewster said Wednesday, while the fifth-floor office in city hall --- which Brewster currently uses as the mayor's office --- will be used as his local senatorial office.

He said constituent services are better suited to the municipal building, which also houses Twin Rivers Council of Governments and the Regional Chamber Alliance, along with the police and fire departments. The building has a handicapped-accessible elevator and other amenities the former bank building lacks.

The exact terms of the lease are not yet known, because the city's rent payments are calculated by the state and are based on the square footage that will be occupied by Brewster, said Dennis Pittman, city administrator.

The next mayor will use an unoccupied suite --- currently a conference room --- on city hall's second floor, where other administrators are currently located.

. . .

For Allegheny County Democrats, Brewster's election was one of few bright spots during a statewide Republican sweep that saw longtime Democratic legislators such as Jim Casorio of Irwin and David Levdansky of Elizabeth losing their seats.

But last night's council meeting was apparently not the last at which Brewster will serve as mayor. Although he's scheduled to be sworn into the Senate Nov. 17, Brewster said he doesn't expect to resign as mayor until after the December council meeting, where council will vote on the city's 2011 budget.

"I feel it's my responsibility to make sure I'm there, and make sure the budget is passed," Brewster said.

. . .

The city's proposed budget will be made public after Nov. 15. The draft budget of $19.5 million is balanced and includes no property tax increase, Pittman said, though he could not rule out increases in fees or other taxes.

Under the city's Home Rule Charter, there is no prohibition against the mayor holding another elective office, though he may not hold another city office or paid city position. The state Constitution says no senator or representative may hold any other office "to which a salary, fee or perquisite is attached."

To comply, Brewster said he will not accept a salary as mayor of McKeesport between Nov. 17 and his resignation.

The city charter requires council to appoint Brewster's successor within 45 days of his resignation. Council President Regis McLaughlin is expected to be named to fill the remainder of Brewster's term, which expires next year.







Feedback on “Council OK's Lease With Brewster for Senate Offices”

I had heard rumors that JB wanted to keep control of City hall but this is just ridiculous. There was nothing wrong with the space Senator Logan’s office is in now where constituents are used to seeking service. Why take money out of the private sector (rent) and put it into the city coffers? I thought our former Mayor was “business conscious”? Jason, I am sorry to be a critic here. I do applaud JB on his win. I endorsed him as I knew it was way past time that we had a voice in Harrisburg. I just hope that he actually spends some time there. What with planning to keep running the city, the Housing Authority, the MDC and such, how will he ever find time to serve his real bosses, the people of the 45th District that elected him? He is NOW endorsing Rege as Mayor, after originally throwing him under the bus in favor of Cherepko. Doesn’t he trust his right hand man with so many years of service to run the city? I do. I believe that Rege is and will be an upgrade and it is time for JB to get on with his life’s work.
Mayoral Candidate - November 05, 2010



BTW, I believe, but am not certain, that there is a law in Pennsylvania that prohibits EVERY elected official from serving on two bodies that tax the same constituents. Can someone with more legal expertise help me out? And I don’t mean the city’s consigliere, LOL. So if JB passes proposes a passed budget in McKeesport (which levies taxes), is he going to abstain from the State budgeting process? How can he violate this law that everyone else is held to? I held out hope that JB would be better as a State Senator than he was as Mayor. I am already having my hopes dashed. He should leave, for real, on the 17th and let Rege take over the job he has earned.
Mayoral Candidate - November 05, 2010



“Mayoral Candidate?”

Paul. Come on. We know it’s you.
John - November 05, 2010



“I am Spartacus!”

“No, I am Spartacus!”
Webmaster - November 06, 2010



It’s interesting, by the way, that of the last 20 comments, 11 have been from anonymous Potential Future Non-Machine Mayoral Candidate.

I’m gettin’ a twitchin’ in my bannin’ elbow again.
Webmaster - November 06, 2010



Jason,

I never denied this was me posting. I am sorry if I am posting too often. I endorse JB for the seat hoping for the best and so far, I have only heard the worst. Your coverage was by far the best I have read.

Are my other names still banned? LOL

I will try to tone it down and get back to my positive message for a Transformed Mckeesport. (Fingers crossed)

~That Crazy Gun Toting Former Councilman
Mayoral Candidate - November 06, 2010



Why can’t JB’s new office be in the same place where his constituency will be served? How can he serve his constituents in one building when his office is across town? Is this temporary just during the transition or is this “forever”? If the latter, color me confused. If I understand the arrangement….we as state taxpayers will be paying ourselves (McKeesport) to rent JB an office which is in addition to the other building which will serve constituents? Its robbing peter to pay…er…Paul (sorry Paul).....but TWICE.
Shadango - November 08, 2010



Jason, as I was out yesterday and fielded calls this morning, this ridiculous decsion by the Mayor turned Senator turned Mayorator(?) has really incensed the public. As you haven’t been afraid to offer intelligent commentary on his (and my) good ideas and bad ones in the past, I’d be curious to hear what your initial reaction to this announcement was and what you think after digesting it for a few days.

Thank you for bringing this issue to the public!

Paul
Leading Mayoral Candidate - November 09, 2010



I am not interested in taking sides or starting the 2011 election campaign here on Tube City Almanac, so please don’t ask. My interest is in promoting the McKeesport area, not in mudslinging.

I’d also be a lot more interested in the public outcry if some of this so-called public would actually identify themselves by name. Otherwise, it sure seems like “sour grapes.”

The arrangement is unusual in that Senator-elect Brewster is renting two offices in McKeesport. But it’s not unheard of. Plenty of elected state senators and representatives have more than one office. (Rep. Gergely has two — in White Oak and Munhall.)

Would you rather Mr. Brewster rent offices in Monroeville and North Versailles, for instance? The cost to the taxpayers would be exactly the same, only the City of McKeesport wouldn’t be collecting the rent.

If city council didn’t object, I’m not sure where this outrage is coming from. If anyone had a right to be upset, it would be the next mayor, who presumably will be chosen from the seven council members.

P.S.: I notice you’re the “leading” mayoral candidate. Is that according to the Gallup Poll or Roper?
Webmaster - November 09, 2010



(comment removed by webmaster due to excessive commenting by one political candidate)
Wants Fifth Floor Office - November 17, 2010



Comments on this entry are now closed.
Webmaster - November 10, 2010