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Five compete for three seats on City Council

By LAURA JAMESON ljameson@lockhaven.com 28 min read

Heather Alexander (D)

LOCK HAVEN -- Heather Alexander is among three Democrats looking to earn a seat on Lock Haven City Council.

Alexander is a 1997 graduate of Bald Eagle Nittany High School and is currently employed with Woodlands Bank as the Lock Haven Branch assistant manager.

For over a decade, Heather has taken time to assist youth organizations. She's volunteered and held board positions within these organizations.

Heather is a member of the Mill Hall Methodist Church.

The Express recently asked Alexander six questions regarding herself and issues the City of Lock Haven currently faces:

Q: Due to nation-wide inflation, some small businesses have begun to see struggles and a decrease in shoppers. Do you have any ideas that could help bolster the economic makeup of our downtown?

A: I think that supporting Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. -- I know it's a separate entity -- forming that tight relationship so that we're all on the same page with events. Events are important, especially coming up to the holiday season. And letting the community know that we're here to support our small businesses, we want you to come out and support our small businesses and just create those events to get people in.

Q: City council continues to discuss the future of City Hall. What approach do you feel the city should take when deciding to remain at its current location or build/find a new facility?

A: For me the biggest thing that should be taken into consideration, because the economic struggle, is what's best for the taxpayers -- now and in the future. Is it best to start small with whatever project they may have so we can keep City Hall? We want to keep city hall, that would be my opinion. I get that getting a brand new building looks fantastic and who doesn't want a brand new building? But on the flip side of things, if it's not economically sound for our taxpayers, maybe that's not the best idea. And it's the same way with City Hall. As much as I would hate to see us lose City Hall, if that's not what's sound for the taxpayers maybe that's the way to go. I don't have all the information so it's hard for me to absolutely say I'm for this or for that.

Q: What are your thoughts on the potential sale/change at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport?

A: I think the airport has the potential to be a very big asset to our community. When I say I am not for it closing, I also understand that we take a big hit economically. I think that, again, for me it comes down to what is best for the taxpayers. I'm a taxpayer, I've been in the city for 19 years so I've seen taxes go up, I've seen the water bill go up. If keeping the airport and raising taxes is the best case scenario -- that's what we have to do -- then no I'm not for it. But if we can find a way to keep the airport and grow on its economic contribution that it could make to our community, then absolutely we should look into keeping the airport.

Q: Council's recent decisions to close various streets and alleys for private businesses has caused a slight stir amongst the business community. How would you approach a situation like this?

A: I definitely think it's best to hear from all of the restaurants and businesses in the community -- because we want to service all of them. You know, the Old Corner was the first to specifically, from my understanding, come with the proposal. But maybe the other businesses were waiting to see how successful it was to see if that was something they wanted to do. Clearly now they would like to move forward so I think it's best to ask "how can we help everyone?"

Q: How do you intend to be accessible and approachable to constituents within the city?

A: Making sure my face is out there and making sure the community knows that if you see me out and about you can stop me and talk to me. I am a very personable person, I love people, I love talking to people. So I would not shy away from someone knocking on my door and asking "what's going on?"

Q: Why do you feel you are a good fit for city council?

A: First of all, I work in banking so I have a financial background. I understand the concept of balancing budgets and that sort of thing. I think that's why I'm so big on what is best for being a taxpayer. Because I understand that it's tight, it's tough. I also love this community. We were one of the very fortunate communities that saw growth over COVID and I think that's just amazing. I want to be part of that. I'm proud of this little community. Those are the things that have pulled me in. I will also say my husband and I are first-time empty nesters -- our son went to college -- so my friends were like 'you need a hobby.' So I thought, why not politics?

Tami Brannan (D)

LOCK HAVEN -- Tami Brannan, a Democrat, is among those seeking one of three seats opening on Lock Haven City Council.

Brannan currently works for a tech company in a remote position. Before joining the corporate world she taught for 15 years. Prior to moving to Lock Haven, Brannan spent most of her life in Boise, Idaho, where she volunteered for various organizations. Those volunteer efforts continue in Lock Haven as well.

Brannan has volunteered for the Clinton County LGBTQ Network, Hope's Dream and Rescue Sanctuary, Treefort Music Fest, St. Luke's Hospital, Boise Public Library, Lee Pesky Learning Center, Interfaith Equality Coalition and the Boy Scouts of America.

The Express recently asked Brannan six questions regarding herself and issues the City of Lock Haven currently faces:

Q: Due to nation-wide inflation, some small businesses have begun to see struggles and a decrease in shoppers. Do you have any ideas that could help bolster the economic makeup of our downtown?

A: We have the city grants that are available for businesses. I'd have to look into it more, if it's for new businesses or established businesses. One way, if it's only available to new businesses, opening that up to established businesses. Another idea would be to find other creative ways to bring people downtown. The street closures are not necessarily working for the stores downtown. They're working for the restaurants and the bars. So how do we include the stores like It Is What It Is and Momoyo Otsu to make sure they're getting that traffic? Maybe adjusting how we do the street closures. One of the ideas I had was instead of closing the entirety of Main Street, maybe having the concert in the parking lot next to the Episcopal Church and letting at least half of Main Street stay open. So restaurants can still bring their tables out to one lane of the street but allow access to the other businesses.

Q: City council continues to discuss the future of City Hall. What approach do you feel the city should take when deciding to remain at its current location or build/find a new facility?

A: The main approach the city needs to take is looking at their funding. They do not have the funding to build a new police station. They do not have the funding to adjust the library into a different use. As well as if they were to use the library to move City Hall, it would take income from the library. If they would be taking that third floor meeting room for council chambers -- which would cause the library to not be able to rent out that space. I just don't think that is a feasible option. Just like I do with my very old house, there are millions of dollars worth of things that I want to do. But there are things I can afford to do and things that are more urgent. Looking at it from that perspective, this is what we have -- $2 million -- this is how we adjust based on what is needed. You know, roof, windows and moving the police out of the basement. We just can't get every shiny thing that we want.

Q: What are your thoughts on the potential sale/change at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport?

A: Inflation is an issue and the cost of running the airport far exceeds the income that it brings. I think the city just needs to realistically look at how they can either implement a way that (it) isn't losing money on the airport but also how are they going to be able to maintain it in the future. Because much like other portions of the city, they haven't been maintained in a way that keeps them usable.

Q: Council's recent decisions to close various streets and alleys for private businesses has caused a slight stir amongst the business community. How would you approach a situation like this?

A: I tend to side with the businesses that are upset. It is very obvious that the Old Corner has an advantage when it comes to being able to close that street. I know it affects the business of not just the other restaurants when it's closed on the weekends. It can affect the summer concert series and it affects the business of stores along Main Street. I don't think that it was thought through in agreeing to close for the whole summer. Maybe an occasional weekend here or there, but for the entire summer seems a bit much.

Q: How do you intend to be accessible and approachable to constituents within the city?

A: I currently have a Facebook page that anyone can access. I'm always willing to answer questions if people see me in the street. I attend most if not all events in the city and the surrounding areas. I have no problem if you see me at Weis grocery shopping, stop me and ask me a question. I will answer it. I also plan on having an email address specifically for city council business so people can reach out to me if they have questions. I would love to set up town halls if I'm elected, where people can come in and specifically talk to me if coming to a council meeting is something that they're not interested in.

Q: Why do you feel you are a good fit for city council?

A: I think I'm a good fit for city council because I bring a different perspective and demographic to council. Currently, it's made up of mostly older males and I know just from living in Lock Haven that our ratio of male to female and age-wise is not the way city council is made up. It's important that every person in this area has a representative on city council. I'd love to see even younger people get elected and be out there helping to make the city a better place, because they'll be living here longer.

Jeff Brinker (R)

LOCK HAVEN -- Jeff Brinker, a Republican, is looking to retain his seat on Lock Haven City Council.

Brinker was first elected to his role in 2021, to complete a term vacated by another council member. He is one of two Republicans that will be listed on the May 16 Primary ballot.

Brinker has worked at the Keystone Central School District for 28 years as a K-12 health and physical education teacher. He's also served as head soccer and wrestling coach.

His community service began over 30 years ago. In that time he's served as Clinton County Gideons president, president of West Branch Soccer Club, volunteered for the Wildcat Elementary Wrestling Club and Woolrich Little League. He is a member of House of the Lord Fellowship and serves on the Clinton County Republican Committee.

The Express recently asked Brinker six questions regarding himself and issues the City of Lock Haven currently faces:

Q: Due to nation-wide inflation, some small businesses have begun to see struggles and a decrease in shoppers. Do you have any ideas that could help bolster the economic makeup of our downtown?

A: It comes back down to how we can continue to thrive with our opportunities -- whether it's the downtown experience with the closing of Main Street, bringing in the bands. But as far as new stuff, that's always going to be a challenge. Continuing to listen to the Downtown manager, the new manager, continuing to work with them. That's going to be our best bet going forward. Other than not trying to increase taxes.

Q: City council continues to discuss the future of City Hall. What approach do you feel the city should take when deciding to remain at its current location or build/find a new facility?

A: We're still waiting for the Ross Library, the inquiry coming back, to find out whether the feasibility study makes sense. The ultimate goal is to save money and provide a safe workable facility for our workers. Not for just now but for the long term.

Q: What are your thoughts on the potential sale/change at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport?

A: The airport's been an integral part of our community for so long. It's still a viable resource to our area. But the challenge would be how do we move forward in the next 10, 20, 40 years or even tomorrow knowing that our cost is in the red? Whatever we do it has to be a homerun, we can't just sell and not get more out of it than what we really should. But ultimately we need to look at all of our options. I don't think we should rush into anything right away just to do something. This has been a 10 year problem so I don't believe it's going to be a 10 day fix. Take our time and do it right, whatever we do, to meet the needs of our community and balance the budget in the process.

Q: Council's recent decisions to close various streets and alleys for private businesses has caused a slight stir amongst the business community. How would you approach a situation like this?

A: One of the things that we're always looking at is how we can bring in people from the outside into our community. I think that's a great aspect of what we've done over the last few years. With COVID coming about, that has expanded the opportunities for downtown. I think one of the things we need to keep looking at is how we can continue to listen to the community. How can we better the downtown experience? It's a continuing revolving door to better the community, better the businesses and bring people into our community.

Q: How do you intend to be accessible and approachable to constituents within the city?

A: They are always more than welcome to come to a council meeting and express their concerns. I've talked to a number of people on the streets, through email or people coming and addressing me before or after a council meeting. It's always nice to listen to people because I'm representing them, it's not just me.

Q: Why do you feel you are a good fit for city council?

A: I believe being in the community for 17 years, being a teacher for the past 28 years and coach and being on council the last 2 years has really given me a real eye opening experience to what makes our community great, what our community needs and what to continue to bring out of our community. The best is yet to come. There's always challenges but I believe that I can have the opportunity to be a good voice to our community and continue to make it better.

Doug Byerly (R)

LOCK HAVEN -- Current Lock Haven City Councilmember Doug Byerly, a Republican, is looking to keep his seat on city council.

Byerly is also running for a Clinton County Board of Commissioners seat in this upcoming Primary. Byerly said, if he were to earn a position on both boards, he would choose only one seat to accept.

Byerly has served on city council for nearly two terms over eight years and has been a county resident since 1999.

He currently works at the world Campus of Penn State University as an admission counselor with a focus on the university's business-to-business partnerships.

While on city council, Byerly has served on various municipal and county boards including the Lock Haven Flood Protection Authority, the Clinton County Historical Society and the board of the Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He's also served on the Keystone Central School District Foundation Board, Leadership Clinton County Advisory Board, Clinton County Planning Commission, a trustee for the Ross Library, and Election Inspector for Lock Haven's 3rd Ward and is a 2003 Leadership Clinton County graduate.

The Express recently asked Byerly six questions regarding himself and issues the county is facing. These were his responses:

Q: Due to nation-wide inflation, some small businesses have begun to see struggles and a decrease in shoppers. Do you have any ideas that could help bolster the economic makeup of our downtown?

A: That's a difficult question. Unfortunately many times whatever changes the city could make, one can they make any changes that impact a business and two how do you implement them? I think the real longterm key is to continue to find a way to work better, more seamlessly with Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. and in particular the Clinton County Economic partnership. I've always believed, and this comes before my time on council, that Downtown Lock Haven ,Inc. should be a part of the Clinton County Economic Partnership. The way they were set up was kind of necessary at the time. And that's great and it's worked, but as you know Downtown Lock Haven Inc. has struggled. They're in a little better shape now... we're just kind of trading money. We would still give the same money if they were under the umbrella of the economic partnership. I think we're still trying to do similar things at the same time. If we had a more overarching plan maybe we wouldn't be having so many conflicts in regard to what we're trying to do.

Q: City council continues to discuss the future of City Hall. What approach do you feel the city should take when deciding to remain at its current location or build/find a new facility?

A: I don't believe we should stay at our current city hall. It's an old building, there's too many repairs, it's too costly. One, we don't need that space anymore. Particularly if and when the new city police building occurs. Which I believe it's going to occur. There's money out there to do that -- but you can only get that money for new construction. Our city planner tells us we can get that money. Our police chief is also pursuing money for a new build. If you put that building on city owned property -- to not take another property off the tax roll -- you have a new building that could be more attractive to long term regional police. If you take the police out of City Hall you'd need 10 offices and a city council chambers. You can find that in a lot of places or you can build that. The Ross Library has been mentioned, I think that would be a great option. Again... city owned property so it wouldn't be on the tax roll and has not been on the tax roll. We've had developers inquire about City Hall. They're a private entity, they can renovate that building at a fraction of the cost. I've had several tell me that they'll take that building... (they) can renovate that building into a commercial space, maybe some residential units very quickly.

Q: What are your thoughts on the potential sale/change at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport?

A: I think that's one of those situations that is going to take care of itself organically. Since that topic's been brought up the airport group has gotten together and have had several discussions from what I've been told. I'm 100 percent in favor of that, I don't think it should be sold. But I think we as the city should look at... we can't afford an almost $200,000 loss every year. So you've got to figure out a way to eliminate that loss. Well if you can eliminate that by keeping it as an airport and let another entity run it. Cities should pave the streets, have police coverage and get out of people's way. Let a group that knows how to run an airport, run the airport. I think that the airport group, and I'm surmising completely, that they'll propose a municipal authority to run that airport. If they propose that and explain it and lay it out I'm going to vote for that 100 percent. Because that takes away our loss. And you can't tell me that those smart people that know about aviation could turn a deficit, to break even to making money.

Q: Council's recent decisions to close various streets and alleys for private businesses has caused a slight stir amongst the business community. How would you approach a situation like this?

A: It's a difficult scenario when there's questions about how the requests are being handled. For me, there's not really any scenario that's been presented recently that I wouldn't approve. I think if a business makes a legitimate request, like they've done, that should be brought to council, discussed and hopefully approved. The recent question has been how those requests have been handled. Our staff tells us that they're all handled the same so I'm obviously taking them at full face value. That's really the only question at this point for me personally. It doesn't matter if a business requests one event or multiple events. I think we should do everything we can on city owned streets and properties to aid those businesses and do what they want to do to be successful. If it's found out those requests are being handled differently than that's a concern. Because then they're being screened ahead of time and not getting to council. The recent discussions have been on the number of dates. I kind of look at that and say, if a business is willing to do 50 events a year let them do 50 events a year. I completely disagree with the folks and, whether they're business owners or not, that say it only benefits one business. That's not true. That's not accurate at all. You may think it only benefits one business but that's really not true. I've gone down there, eaten at another business and gone to an event. It brings people downtown so it does have the opportunity to benefit multiple businesses. I think some people have already made up their minds about that. I think we have to do everything we can to help every business and if it's put through a legitimate way through the process to council.

Q: How do you intend to be accessible and approachable to constituents within the city?

A: That would surprise me, I know I have gotten numerous calls, emails, Facebook messages from constituents about items A,B, C and D. When I get them, if I can answer them or find out those answers I get them. If I do need to pass them along to city staff I do that, but then I ask to be included in a follow up. Have you been given an answer? It may not be the answer you want but has the issue been addressed. Our info is on the website, you can come to a meeting and I know every council member would give you their personal info to contact. I would disagree with that. That has not been the situation in my case.

Q: Why do you feel you are a good fit for city council?

A: I've been fortunate to serve two terms and it's been very enjoyable and a great learning experience for me. I'm at the point where I think you have to serve a term or two to really figure out how it all works... who to go through to get questions answered. I think we've got a good city staff overall in place and I think we've done some good things behind the scenes. But I think there are some things an experienced city council can help bring to fruition. Then there's going to be some new ones, once we get the city reservoir -- the dam project -- done and this airport question taken care of, the City Hall project on its path. There's going to be some new things with the water filtration authority needing significant renovations. I think experienced people on city council are important to continue to bring these on and not be afraid to make those decisions. I think I am in a good place for that and will hopefully have the opportunity to serve a third term.

Alex Di Costanzo (D)

LOCK HAVEN -- Alex Di Costanzo, a Democrat, is looking to reclaim a seat on Lock Haven City Council.

Di Costanzo briefly served in the role following the resignation of then-member Bill Mincer in May 2021. In November of that year, Di Costanzo lost the seat to current member Jeff Brinker.

Di Costanzo is owner and operator of The White Knight's Game Room In Haven and SA Piper Logistics, both in Lock Haven. He has lived in the area for seven years, starting SA Piper Logistics in 2018 and The White Knight's Game Room in 2022. Through each business he is a member of Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. and the Clinton County Economic Partnership.

Di Costanzo grew up on Long Island and received a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2014 from Binghamton University.

The Express recently asked Di Costanzo six questions regarding himself and issues the City of Lock Haven currently faces:

Q: Due to nation-wide inflation, some small businesses have begun to see struggles and a decrease in shoppers. Do you have any ideas that could help bolster the economic makeup of our downtown?

A: We need to develop reasons for tourism in Lock Haven. As of right now, I know people who go out to State College or Williamsport to do certain things. I want Lock Haven to be part of that conversation. I want people from those areas to say "oh this thing is in Lock Haven" or "they've got these restaurants let's check out Lock Haven tonight." I can't tell you what that answer is, I think it's a culmination of different things. I really like what The Fallon is doing. I'd like to see more of that. I've got some ideas of things to bring in that I want to do personally. It's such a complicated question and I like the answer "we want more businesses" because I want all of Main Street to be hopping. I feel we need more places to hang out, I'm excited for Golden Axe. I think that will be interesting. I think we need more third spaces in Lock Haven to encourage people to come downtown and hang out. Because if you're hanging downtown you're going to walk by these shops, pop into them and wonder what else is down here.

Q: City council continues to discuss the future of City Hall. What approach do you feel the city should take when deciding to remain at its current location or build/find a new facility?

A: I feel like we should be doing everything we can to take care of and manage the building that we own already. I believe it would be unwise to spend additional money building a new facility. Now, I have not seen the police barracks and the lockers and all that. But from what I understand and have been told they need significant work. That is something that has to get done. I always like getting multiple quotes and opinions on work that needs to get done. I think it's not a decision that should be made lightly to spend additional funds building a new building.

Q: What are your thoughts on the potential sale/change at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport?

A: There's a bunch of different parts of me that would interact with that. As growth for the city… bringing additional businesses to the city is always something I encourage. There's a lot of history at that airport which is what would concern me. I know it hemorrhages money and that is not in good financial sense to hold onto it. But there's a lot of history there and I know people would be very upset if it wasn't there. The business side of me, SA Piper Logistics, we are a logistics company and from what I've heard interested parties could be logistics companies -- so obviously there would be some competing interests there.

Q: Council's recent decisions to close various streets and alleys for private businesses has caused a slight stir amongst the business community. How would you approach a situation like this?

A: I'd like to understand more details of the concerns. Is it provable that you have a lack of sales? For example, we have a business out in Williamsport that when they close the parking lot for something, there is a demonstrable loss of sales these days. I'd really like to understand how it's impacted (busineses). Is it actually impacting (businesses), or are people just concerned? I like to look at things from the data. If businesses are taking a hit to their sales because of that I think that's absolutely something we need to look at. As a citizen I like the idea of it, but if it's damaging businesses that's not something I want. Or maybe there's an opportunity -- if we're giving treatment to increase sales of certain businesses what are we doing to help the other businesses as well that don't see that bump?

Q: How do you intend to be accessible and approachable to constituents within the city?

A: I like to think I'm already fairly accessible to anyone who would like to come talk to me. I do own a store in downtown Lock Haven that I am at frequently. I always love to talk and I care a great deal about this city. I'm always willing to hear out anybody who has concerns or questions or just wants to make this a better place to live. I love living in Lock Haven and I want to raise a family here. I want to make this city a place I want to raise a family in. Not that it isn't already, I want to grow it.

Q: Why do you feel you are a good fit for city council?

A: I own a couple businesses, I am fairly good in my own opinion at running them and managing employees, making smart business decisions. I make data driven decisions every single day and I think that's an important part of operating a city and making sure we're being as efficient and fair to all of our residents. I care a great deal about this city. I want to be here, I've chosen to live here. It may not be where I'm from but it's where I've chosen to settle down.

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