Bell seeks third term as Greensburg mayor, cites improvements, work ahead
Mar. 11—Democrat Robert "Robb" L. Bell is seeking a third term as mayor of Greensburg.
Bell, 66, is a Greensburg native. He said the city has maintained services and made improvements without raising taxes since he took office in 2016. He said no tax increase is planned.
"Even though we've made a lot of upgrades in the past several years, we will continue to strive for more improvements, on a daily basis, in every department of our city government, to ensure that we're maximizing the Greensburg resident's tax dollars," Bell said.
He said he has worked with Greensburg council members, city staff and local agencies to "revitalize and reenergize this city into a place that makes us all proud. We've made tremendous strides in reaching our goals, but we have a lot of work ahead of us to get closer to the finish line in reinventing our city."
City improvements Bell lists during his time as mayor include: An update of code enforcement ordinances "to create a more friendly environment for those that would like to upgrade their residences;" upgrades to computer software and hardware, including a new online platform for those seeking permits from the planning and development department.
Regarding public safety, Bell said, the city has supported and equipped the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department, which gained a new truck for Hose Company No. 6, and has "completely upgraded all equipment and the visibility of our police department."
The mayor and council on Monday are expected to engage the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to help evaluate candidates to succeed Shawn Denning, who resigned as city police chief after being arrested Jan. 24 on federal charges of serving as a go-between in purchases of drugs from California.
City officials also are expected to vote on a discipline and retirement agreement with patrol Officer Regina McAtee, who was suspended over an undisclosed issue.
Recreational improvements during Bell's mayoral terms include: modernization of Veteran's Memorial Pool; expansion of recreation programs through agreements with neighboring Southwest Greensburg and South Greensburg; and improvements at Mt. Odin Golf Course and at Lynch Park, where a drainage system was installed.
Efforts that are to begin in 2023 include an upgrade of the Kirk S. Nevin ice arena, reconstruction of the Spring Street playground and installation of new play equipment there and at other neighborhood playgrounds.
The city has begun a program to target blighted properties, in partnership with Westmoreland County and the County Land Bank, and has supported cultural and community events, Bell said. He noted 57 new businesses have opened in the city since 2019.
"We need more," he said. "We need to confront the hard work ahead and finish the job."
A graduate of Saint Vincent College, where he studied business administration, Bell works as a national project manager.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .
