Editor’s Note: The Signal Item is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.
Both candidates seeking the Democratic nod for Carnegie mayor say they’re running to bolster growth and development in the borough.
Sam Bigham, 23, and Dave Klug, 59, are the Democratic nominees seeking their party’s candidacy in the primary election May 20.
Current Mayor Stacie Riley did not seek reelection.
There are no Republicans on the spring ballot. Barring a write-in campaign this fall, it’s likely that the winner of the Spring primary will be mayor next year.
Sam Bigham
Education: Two bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in history and political science
Occupation: Executive director of the Carnegie Community Development Corporation
What is the biggest issue facing Carnegie right now, and how would you address it?
The biggest issue facing Carnegie is the loss of business and foot traffic in the borough. We had an amazing recovery after the flood of 2004, but some fires and a pandemic set us back. I want to restart that growth by supporting our businesses.
We can use funding from the state’s Main Street Matters program and other programs to provide direct aid to our businesses and subsidize new businesses moving to Carnegie. We also need to work with developers, the state and other regional partners to redevelop our vacant and blighted properties.
We also need to bring people to Carnegie to patronize our businesses by continuing successful events like the Farmers Market and revamping older events like the Carnegie Crawl.
We have to get people talking about Carnegie and our unique businesses so they’ll come here, spend their money and hopefully choose to stay.
Dave Klug
Education: A.I.P. bachelor’s degree
Occupation: Professional illustrator and adjunct professor at Chatham University
What is the biggest issue facing Carnegie right now, and how would you address it?
I have my home and business here in Carnegie. One of the things that brought me here was the great potential in the town, but I have seen very little to no improvements.
There seems to be a lack of urgency to get things done. In just a few years, I’ve transformed my property, Double Dog Studios, into a new landmark. My vision is to do the same for the entirety of Carnegie, turning it into a gem, a cultural destination full of art, dining and shopping.
I’m not afraid of a challenge, quite the opposite, bring it on!
We need to build upon our foundation by bringing people together. My life experiences and business, personal and artistic connections make me the perfect candidate to be the voice that Carnegie needs — to promote and spread the word to a broader audience and bring new businesses and a place for new families to call home.