The Candidates
Patricia DeMarco
Candidate for Mayor
Bio
- Forest Hills Borough Council Member 2016-2020 and Vice President 2020 to 2023
- Fifty-year career in energy and environmental policy in both private and public sector positions.
- Served as Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association.
- Served as Director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University.
- Pennsylvania Municipal League- Board of Directors 2021-2024.
- CONNECT (Congress of Neighboring Communities) President 2021-2022 Chair, Research Policy Council 2024 to Present.
- Senior Scholar, Chatham University, Adjunct Faculty 2012 to present
- Battle of Homestead Foundation – Treasurer 2018 -2020, Board Member 2021-2022
- Board of Trustees, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 2019 to Present; Secretary of the Board of Trustees 2022-2023, Vice President 2024-2026
- Board of Trustees, Allegheny Land Trust 2020 -present.
- Penn Future Women of Lifetime Achievement Award 2020.
- Carnegie Science Award in Environment 2019.
- Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light Visionary Award for 2018.
- William R. Freudenburg Lifetime Achievement Award, Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences 2017.
- Author: “Pathways to Our Sustainable Future- Global Perspective from Pittsburgh” University of Pittsburgh Press. 2017
“In the Footsteps of Rachel Carson- Harnessing Earth’s Healing Power.” Urban Press. 2022
“ReImagine Appalachia – Healing the Land and Empowering the People” Elsevier- Springer Nature. 2024
Why I'm Running for Mayor
As Mayor, I will be an advocate for all the citizens of Forest Hills.
- Security: Public safety and security frame the underlying confidence of people to feel comfortable walking around neighborhoods, visiting parks and businesses, and conducting our lives without apprehension. Maintaining police, fire and emergency services in a robust state of responsiveness to community needs and preparedness for emergencies is the mark of a secure community.
- Business: I will focus on the business community, especially working with our civic organizations to market and promote our business district as a means to increase the tax base. Forest Hills lies on the corridor between emerging high tech and clean manufacturing sectors, and we have an opportunity to enhance our business district.
- Collaboration: I will build collaboration with our neighboring communities. As Mayor, I will participate in the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce, and collaborate with the Mayors of our surrounding communities to strengthen attention to the needs of our area. Especially in the area of economic development, stormwater management, air quality and emergency response coordination.
- Education: I will convene Quarterly Town Hall Briefings open to all citizens to discuss issues of concern, to receive briefings from our county, state and federal elected officials, and to inform citizens about the rights and obligations of engaged citizenship. I will continue the tradition of hosting community events in collaboration with the Council on Arts and Culture and the Borough Council. I will visit schools and civic organizations as appropriate to help students become informed and engaged citizens.
In all of my actions and in fulfilling my obligations as Mayor, I adhere to a high standard of integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law. I especially commit to hold the constitutional right in Forest Hills of all citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.
By working together, we can create a community where anything is possible! I respectfully ask for your vote on Election Day!
Angelo Baiocchi
Candidate For Borough Council
Bio
- Currently a member of Borough Council.
- Resident of Forest Hills for 14 years.
- Married to my wife, Maureen, for 30 years. Have 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
- BS in Pharmacy from University of the Sciences (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science) and MS in Information Science from University of Pittsburgh.
- Involved in the community. Previously the webmaster for Forest Hills and a member of the Environmental Advisory Council. Have designed, created, and supported websites for local commercial and non-profit organizations. Previous member of Friends of Forest Hills Dog Park Committee which was instrumental in the development of the Forest Hills Dog Park.
- Provided IT Consultation in developing voice and data procurement for new Forest Hills borough building.
- Worked in private and government sectors in healthcare and information technology, including 45 years of federal government experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs and 12 years with the University of Pittsburgh. Retired from the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System as Vice President, Information Management.
- Managed a diverse workgroup of professional and technical personnel and was responsible for a departmental budget in excess of 15 million dollars.
- Oversaw implementation of a world class hospital information system and developed and pioneered a number of innovations that were replicated nationwide.
- Received a Presidential Commendation in 1991 for work related to barcode technology in automating the Department of Veterans Affairs prescription refill program.
Why I'm Running For Borough Council
Over the last three years I have worked tirelessly to advocate for our community’s needs, and ensure that our local government is accountable to its residents. That includes prioritizing safety issues such as traffic calming and child safety, to improving infrastructure, securing funding for community programs, improving the use of technology in the borough, and working on environmental initiatives.
Together with my colleagues I have initiated and worked on the following:
- Traffic Calming: Installed speed humps and reduced the speed limits on many of our roads.
- Fencing was installed around three of our playgrounds to protect small children from running into traffic.
- The Westinghouse Lodge completed a major renovation with improved amenities.
- The Pool Lodge received a number of upgrades.
- Successfully applied for and received a number of grants to upgrade the parks and other borough facilities.
- Worked to update our IT Service Provider to ensure data and computer resources are more secure as well as implementing Facility Rental Software and an Electronic Document Management and Storage system.
There is much more work to be done, and I am eager to continue representing our residents and advancing policies that align with our shared values. I remain committed to fostering a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all who call Forest Hills Borough home.
I would be honored to receive your support and to continue working to create positive change in our borough.
Barbara Martin
Candidate For Borough Council
Bio
- Currently the President of Borough Council.
- Resident of Forest Hills for 11 years.
- Retired from the University of Pittsburgh as a Senior Systems Analyst at the School of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office.
- MS in Information Science from University of Pittsburgh and BA in Dance from Point Park University. Penn State Certified Master Gardener, Certification in Sustainable Horticulture, Landscape and Garden Design and Sustainable Landscapes from Phipps Conservatory.
- Previously the Chair of the Forest Hills Environmental Advisory Council and Chair of the Penn State Edible Teaching Garden. Currently a member of the Late Bloomers Garden Club, Volunteer at Forest Hills Farmer’s Market and volunteer at Penn State Edible Teaching Garden.
- Have designed and created pollinator-friendly certified gardens.
Why I'm Running For Borough Council
I am currently President of Borough Council and have overseen and guided numerous innovations and improvements.
Three years ago, I was appointed to the position of Chair of Borough Property and worked closely with the Public Works and the Finance Committees. My focus was on infrastructure improvement, ensuring compliance with state and local stormwater regulations, safety measures for employees and ensuring the needs of our residents were supported.
I and other Council members worked on the following:
- The clean-up and sale of the former Senior Citizens Center that sat idle for over six years. The revenue from the sale was used to offset some of the cost of the renovation of the Westinghouse Lodge including new playground equipment, rebuilding and painting the outside charcoal grill, and a new outside pavilion.
- Paving the worst roads in Forest Hills as part of the Borough’s Road Paving Program including alleys and service roads that were neglected for the last fifty years. This paving reduces the workload for the Public Works Department by cutting down on patchwork.
- Community outreach with a dedicated group of volunteers finishing a three-year pilot project on the eradication of invasive plants from the Main Park. Ensuring that Integrated Pest Management methodology is being used in our public spaces as well as parks.
- Being part of the Grant Writing committee that applied for and received grants for improvements to our sewers, parks, roads and borough trees.
- Made certain that new energy efficient windows were finally installed in the Public Works Main Garage as well as new windows for the second Floor of the Fire Department.
- Initiated regular maintenance programs for our buildings with emphasis on a proactive rather than reactive approach.
I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished together but there are more challenges ahead and I would appreciate your support for my re-election so we can continue to create positive change in our borough.
An Lewis
Candidate For Borough Council
Bio
- I have over 25 years of management and leadership in the local government sector and have worked extensively with officials, community members and key partners.
- I serve as Executive Director of Steel Rivers Council of Governments which represents 19 municipalities in Allegheny County’s Monongahela Valley.
- I spearheaded the team focused on addressing blighted properties which formed the multi-municipal land bank, Tri-COG Land Bank, which currently works in 30 municipalities in Allegheny County, including Forest Hills; I am the Executive Director.
- I am a creative, resourceful leader with extensive experience in administration, planning, fundraising, research, program development, project management and supervision.
- I have a proven track record of securing state and federal funds to support a variety of local government programs and infrastructure projects.
- I have a deep understanding of and extensive experience in public policy which emphasizes implementable goals.
- I have a strong commitment to policy and program development and evaluation tis that is built to achieve positive results and which includes thoughtful awareness of community and input from residents.
- I have been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses for over 25 years at various higher education institutions including: University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University.
- I am committed to developing future generations of local leaders and to spark an interest in local government service.
- I serve on several local boards and committees which are devoted to community and neighborhood economic revitalization and local government service.
- I have two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s Degree of Public Policy and Management from the Heinz School at Carnegie Mellon University.
- I moved to Forest Hills in 2023 with my wife, Karen. We are delighted to be active members in our community. We have 3 grown sons.
Why I'm Running For Borough Council
I moved to Forest Hills almost two years ago and plan to grow deep roots here. Forest Hills is the kind of community that I want to invest in, contribute to, and give my skills and time to. I have over 25 years of professional experience working with local governments. I have a lot to bring to the governance of the Borough and would like to extend the use of my knowledge and skills to build and strengthen the community.
As a member of council I would:
- Expand connections with our neighboring communities to ensure that our residents receive the best public services possible
- Foster intergovernmental cooperation which is critically important in the face of federal program cuts.
- Pursue state and federal grant opportunities to increase the quality and quantity of our public services.
- Maintain transparency and good governance practices.
- Encourage and improve public participation in Council meetings to make sure that all citizen voices are heard and considered
- Open additional channels for communication and dialogue with citizens.
- Improve Ardmore Boulevard business district-making it safer, more lively and attractive to new businesses.
Your support would provide me with the opportunity to use my expertise to serve the citizens of Forest Hills.
Tom Theilacker
Candidate For Borough Council
Bio
- Born and raised in Forest Hills.
- Previously served on Forest Hills Borough Council.
- Life Member of the Forest Hills Volunteer Fire Department.
- 2008 Graduate of Woodland Hills High School.
- Employed with US Steel, currently serving as the Emergency Services Training Coordinator for the Mon Valley Works.
- Formerly served on Woodland Hills EMS Board of Directors.
- Grew up watching my father, Jim Theilacker, work and volunteer in Forest Hills. He recently retired after 51 years with the Public Works Department.
Why I'm Running For Borough Council
Having previously served on Council I understand the challenges and commitment necessary to serve our community. I believe there are many important issues we need address that include:
- Increasing intergovernmental cooperation. Our neighbors and us have many of the same challenges. I think there are a variety of opportunities to work together with them to be more efficient and cost effective. This is especially important when it comes to public safety.
- Continuing to find ways to invite public participation and input before decisions are made.
- Continuing to increase our online and social media presence.
- Ensuring our volunteer boards and committees can give feedback on issues in their purview before decisions are made by Borough Council.
- Increasing our commitment to be responsible stewards or our community’s tax dollars. This is especially important in these uncertain financial times with recent tax increases and additional increases on the horizon.
- Continue to investigate ways to revitalize our business district, taking advantage of our proximity to the City of Pittsburgh and the development its East End has seen.
I learned a lot during my previous term on Forest Hills Borough Council and look forward to using that experience to continue making Forest Hills a great place to call home. I’d be honored to have your support and get back to serving my community.
Nina Sowiski
Candidate For Borough Tax Collector
Bio
- I was born and raised in Forest Hills.
- I spent several years outside of Forest Hills but moved back in 1990.
- I was elected twice to the Borough Council and was President of Council for part of that tenure in office.
- I retired in 2012 and wanted to become active in, and contribute to our borough.
- As a volunteer I have served twice on the Tree and Shrub Committee.
- I am currently on the Arts and Culture Advisory Council.
Why I'm Running For Borough Tax Collector
In 2023 our former tax collector retired and I was elected to fill the remainder of that term. I am now running for re-election to that position because I want to continue to improve and streamline the tax process for our residents. During my brief tenure we accomplished the following:
- Updated the delinquent return policy to ensure residents are notified promptly on outstanding balances.
- Jordan Tax Service, Inc. was appointed the Deputy Tax Collector for the Borough of Forest Hills which has improved services for all Borough and School Real Estate Tax payments.