She’s Running!: Charlotte Stephenson on Women in Government, Fiscal Responsibility, and Elections That Matter
by Jason Margolis
For Charlotte Stephenson, this is the right time to run for Mt. Lebanon Commissioner of Ward 2.
It’s right for her personally, as she is at “a time in my life where I have the time to dedicate to doing the homework necessary to do good work for the community. I would enjoy doing that.”
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| Charlotte Stephenson announces candidacy for Ward 2 Commissioner |
It’s also right for her politically, as she believes the world needs more women in government, that the MTL Commission has “not been responsive to the people” who are paying for what they vote on, and no other viable Republicans candidates are running.
Fresh off attending a “Ready to Run” conference at Chatham University designed to encourage the female “51% minority” to have more formal input in the political system, Stephenson has been out canvassing for signatures around Mt. Lebanon. She is working to join the currently only female Commissioner, Kelly Fraasch of Ward 5, on a Commission that some have called an ‘old boys club.’
Speaking to the way Fraasch has reportedly been treated in decidedly gendered ways on the Commission, Stephenson said, “I have noticed that, and it needs to be changed. Kelly and I see eye-to-eye on many things. I have always wanted to work with Kelly, and I think we would work well together. She is level-headed, makes good decisions, and does her homework. I wouldn’t just vote same as Kelly [because we are both women], it would be based on what is right. But a lot of times she is right.”
However, gender issues are far from the only thing motivating Stephenson to run for Ward 2 Commissioner. Speaking on some of the more controversial issues in the community, Stephenson called the municipality’s approach to deer management a “staggering fail.” She added that “it has not been a successful program. Whether you are for or against it, it isn’t working. Deer-car collisions went up 67%.” While acknowledging that “We probably need deer management of some kind,” Stephenson emphasized that it should be non-violent and “well-thought-out … We need a middle ground.”
Describing herself as “fiscally conservative,” Stephenson commented on the general financial state of the municipality: “We need to hold the line on taxes. I don’t want to see any increases.” She also said that there are likely savings to be made in collaboration with the school district, referencing the new multi-purpose rifle range as an example. Stephenson also promised as Commissioner to “keep her eye on the ball” for ways various collaborations could reduce the tax burden in what she sees as a high-taxed community.
Stephenson also expressed concerns about the way the current Mt. Lebanon governmental structure works more to serve special interests and neglects the recommendations of its own boards. As an illustration, she spoke about the recent recommendations of the Environmental Sustainability Board regarding the artificial turf project being ignored by the Commission. Instead, Stephenson believes that the “Sports Lobby” overpowered the Commission with their “clout.” She added, “Sports are important, but there are a lot of other things that are important too. This special interest group has driven a lot of things, especially with the turf.”
Stephenson commented that she believes when people volunteer their time on a board, the Commission has an obligation to heavily consider their recommendation – not personal agendas. Otherwise, “It discourages involvement,” and she warned, “I don’t think we are using people as a resource.”
As she has been walking around Mt. Lebanon, where she has lived for the past 32 years, obtaining signatures has also been an opportunity to hear what is of concern to the residents. Stephenson says the top issues she hears the most about are Pay As You Throw (PAYT), concerns about the serious drug issues in the community, the need for a dog park, and fears connected to the municipality’s spot tax assessment program. People are also concerned about the physical conditions of many of Mt. Lebanon’s structures, as is Stephenson, who added that “We own properties that we are not maintaining. We should be reluctant to take on more things until we take care of what we have … I am a big stickler for taking care of what we have first.”
Stephenson said that not only is she “ready to serve, and ready to work hard” but that this is something she has been working towards her entire adult life. Indeed, her community service resume in Mt. Lebanon includes active involvement with the MTL Veterans Committee, the MTL Drug Task Force, the Denis Theater Foundation, the MTL Foundation for Educational Involvement, and being past-president of the MTL Extended Day program. She also has been involved at the Allegheny County level, including initiating a “Visit a Vet” program to support veterans who are on their own.
Ultimately, Stephenson said she is running for Ward 2 Commissioner because “elections matter.” If you want to reach out to candidate Charlotte Stephenson, she said she is eager to hear what is on your mind. Stephenson can be reached at: stephensoncs@verizon.net.
Update May 6, 2017 11:30 AM Charlotte's campaign website is http://www.votecharlottestephenson.com/
