Cambria, Elk County awarded for local government excellence

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Multiple Pennsylvania municipalities and local government officials were recognized on Wednesday, including some in Elk and Cambria County.

Governor Josh Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger recognized them during the 28th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence for their dedication to strengthening their communities and better serving their residents.

The recognitions occur each year on Pennsylvania Local Government Day, which focuses attention on the need for strong, independent, and active local government in the Commonwealth and celebrates the valuable contributions made by residents serving their communities.

The following local government officials were recognized:

• Melissa Komar, Executive Director, Johnstown Regional Sewage and the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority – Cambria County
• Preston Boop, County Commissioner – Union County
• John Jablowski, Councilmember, Wilkes-Barre Township – Luzerne County
• Bruce Koller, Finance Director and Deputy Director, Allentown Parking Authority – Lehigh County
• An Lewis, Executive Director, Tri-COG Land Bank, Executive Director, Steel Rivers Council of Government – Allegheny County
• Rebecca Ross, AICP, Principal Planner, Delaware County Planning Department – Delaware County
• H. Scott Russell, Township Supervisor, East Hempfield Township – Lancaster County
• Amy C. Seeley, Borough Manager, Canton – Bradford County
• Derek Slaughter, Mayor, Williamsport – Lycoming County

The following municipalities, organizations, and counties were recognized:

Intergovernmental Cooperation

• Johnsonburg Borough and Ridgway Borough – Elk County
• Tarentum Borough and Brackenridge Borough – Allegheny County

Building Community Partnerships

• NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Carbondale – Lackawanna County

Environmental Wellness Initiatives

• Pine Township – Lycoming County

Fiscal Accountability and Best Management Practices

• City of Scranton – Lackawanna County

Health and Wellness Initiatives

• Greene County Human Services and Food Security Partnership/MAGIC – Greene County

Innovative Community/Governmental Initiatives

• Central Keystone Council of Governments – Union County
• Dormont Borough – Allegheny County
• Mt. Lebanon – Allegheny County

Innovative Planning and Sound Land Use Practices

• East Cocalico Township – Lancaster County

Promoting Community/Economic Revitalization

• Mayor Thomas Guzzo and the City of New Kensington Council – Westmoreland County

Responding to Adversity

• Darlington Township – Beaver County
• West Reading Borough – Berks County

Technology Advancements

• Middletown Township – Bucks County

“During Local Government Week, we are privileged to celebrate the local officials and organizations from all across Pennsylvania who dedicate their time, effort, and passion to getting stuff done and delivering real results for their communities. Our city and local governments are where the rubber meets the road – and our 2024 award recipients have shown exceptional dedication, the capacity for innovation, and an unwavering focus on making their communities a better place,” Governor Josh Shapiro said. “From working directly with the people in their communities to provide essential services, to answering calls for help in 911 dispatch centers, to helping their most vulnerable neighbors during challenging times – each of these awardees has made a positive difference in Pennsylvania, and the Commonwealth is proud to recognize them for their excellence.”