Tyrone Councilman Bill Fink is seeking a move up the ladder in the borough’s municipal government.
Fink, elected to council in 2003, is running for the Republican nomination for mayor in the May 17 primary.
Fink is originally from Tyrone, born here in 1946 and a 1964 graduate of Tyrone Area High School. Fink spent more than 30 years working as a federal security manager for the United States Department of Transportation before returning to Tyrone several years ago.
In a recent statement submitted to The Daily Herald, Fink said, “Let me be clear, I have not entered a popularity contest, I\’m running for a public office. My goal is to reach out beyond the boundaries of our community in an effort to better serve our community and the interests of our residents. I ask you to keep in mind the other individuals on Team Tyrone who are seeking four open council seats, they are equally important.”
Fink explained the May 17 primary is the opportunity for voters “to rearrange the Borough building and let some fresh faces in that can offer some new ideas and new approaches to our community needs.”
Fink said, “Tyrone’s future is yours; together we can make a difference”
The candidate explained, “I am offering the public an opportunity to be a participant in Borough government. It\’s your tax dollar\’s being spent; you should have a clear understanding what they\’re being spent for.
“I understand why residents don\’t attend council meetings, enough said about that,” said Fink. “When someone addresses their elected officials they shouldn\’t be referred to a contract employee or receive political rhetoric as an answer. You elected people to conduct your business in a manner that benefits you. The people you elected are answerable to you directly, not through a contract employee.”
In his statement, Fink added, “As voters if you fail to ensure government oversight, if you fail to question or if you think by ignoring it, it will go away, you\’re wrong.
“I believe in open and honest government,” said Fink. “If you elect me as your mayor, I will continue to research and investigate issues to ensure they\’re in the best interest of all the people as I have done while serving you on Borough Council. This is your electorate and everyone elected to Borough Council is answerable to you, hold them accountable.”
Fink said he would “work cooperatively with other elected officials to foster strong working relationships with neighboring governing bodies as well as state, county and federal lawmakers in an effort to improve the quality of life in northern Blair County.”
Fink added, “As mayor, it is my personal responsibility to ensure the interests of our residents take center stage; you come first.
“As voters you face a unique opportunity in this years election, you can change the face of Borough government,” said Fink. “You can elect a mayor and four new council members who will work for you so that you receive the benefits of your tax dollars not just the crumbs that remain after everyone else takes their cut.”
Fink concluded by asking community members to vote for Team Tyrone and himself and noted “all are individual thinkers” and were in it for the community.
