Peters Township Council: Robert Atkison and Robert Lewis

Robert Atkison and Robert Lewis are the two council incumbents running for reelection. Other candidates include Meghan Jones-Rolla and Ted Taylor IV. There were no Democrats to file petitions. 

Robert Atkison

• Current council chairman and an at-large member
• 49-year resident of the township, and has served on council for 20 years
• Has been a volunteer with the Peters Township Ambulance Service for 30 years, and is currently the assistant director
• University of Pittsburgh graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering
• Has had a 40-year career in the industrial field in engineering and management positions
• Military veteran
• Has been married for more than 50 years, and has four children and eight grandchildren

Why are you running for Peters Township Council?

Because I have the experience, the time, the commitment and the proven ability to do the job.

What is the biggest issue in the township, and how do you feel is best to resolve it?

The biggest issue right now is drilling, for treating and transporting, Marcellus Shale gas within the township. We’ll need to draft a defensible ordinance to provide for the maximum protection for our environment and property values. This must be done within the current Pennsylvania state laws.

In light of the current economy, with budget cuts at the federal and state levels, how can Peters remain solvent without major increases in taxes?

We’ve been operating in this "depressed" arena successfully for the past two years. Just like the managing of any successful business, you must prioritize, make the hard choices, spend the taxpayers’ money judiciously and not be afraid to say no. Council has certainly done that.

What is the first priority for council?

I certainly don’t know what 2012 will bring, but first priority will probably be to "stay the course" and to continue to manage the township business and orderly development of both residential and commercial properties. Good government has gained Peters Township a great reputation and we must maintain that. Our population growth didn’t happen by accident. 

Why should the voters reelect you?

I would hope the voters would recognize that I’ve been an integral part of the management and fiscally-responsible government we’ve all enjoyed for a number of years. I’ve got the proven track record and I’m proud of my involvement with this township.

Robert Lewis

• Pennsylvania State University graduate with a degree in architectural engineering, major in structures
• Has been involved with construction of many of western Pennsylvania’s larger projects
• Part of the Berkeley Research Group with offices in the PPG Tower
• Currently focuses on forensic engineering and analyzing troubled construction projects, and various building and construction failures
• Registered professional engineer in 15 states, and is certified as a project management professional by the Project Management Institute
• Has lived in Peters since 1977
• Appointed to the Peters Township Zoning Board in 1978, and was elected to his first term on council in 1982
• Was involved in the development of the township master plan for the development of Peterswood Park, and was involved with the negotiation with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission that resulted in the agreement to keep the Southern Beltway out of developed areas of Peters
• Had served on council for two terms and left to devote more time to his family
• Was reappointed to council in 2001 and has served since that time, winning in two previous elections
• Father of two grown children

Why are you running for Peters Township Council?

I have no mission, other than to respect the opinions of others and do what I think is best for the community. I have proven experience and a continued interest in our community, always trying to make Peters Township a better place.

What is the biggest issue in the township, and how do you feel is best to resolve it?

The success is also part of our problems. We continue to be stressed with traffic congestion and speeding. While we have made huge improvements in our rural roads, one of my big disappointments has been the inability to develop a major East–West corridor similar to the North–South, Route 19 and McMurray Road.  The development of the Marcellus Shale gas drilling, and gas processing and transmission will be very intrusive in our community, and I believe we need to take every step possible to protect our quality of life.

In light of the current economy, with budget cuts at the federal and state levels, how can Peters remain solvent without major increases in taxes?

We need to maintain the proper quality of life that is attractive to our residents. Our recent history has been funded in part by our growth. Regionalization of some of our government services, while maintaining our high standards appears to have the most positive potential to moderate the need for increased tax funding.

What is the first priority for council?

 The 2012 council will be made up of five current members and only two recently elected members. In that respect, the council’s first action is to implement the recently-adopted budget. The 2012 land use plan revisions will most likely have the greatest influence the next decade of development in the community.

Why should the voters reelect you?

We can all be proud of the township management and the efforts of all the volunteers who make contributions to the success of our community. I consider my willingness to serve on council as a contribution to the township of my experience and visions.

I have been supportive of a strong public safety policy and continue to be an advocate of diversified recreational development. While this community may not have the authority to prevent any drilling in Peters Township, I have consistently maintained that the drilling process and activity will be very intrusive to our quality of life, and strongly believe it does not belong in the developed areas of the township. How exactly we achieve that balance will remain a work in progress over the next several months.

Read our full list of municipal election candidates for the May 17 primaries . Also, visit our interviews with school board candidates below.