1 00:00:01,420 --> 00:00:02,350 Starting now. 2 00:00:03,050 --> 00:00:07,270 Commonalities where guests find common ground through uncommon 3 00:00:07,290 --> 00:00:10,910 conversations, politics, religion, finances, 4 00:00:11,010 --> 00:00:14,590 all the topics your grandmother told you not to discuss with friends. 5 00:00:14,930 --> 00:00:17,550 And now your host, Matthew Dowling, 6 00:00:17,770 --> 00:00:20,590 and today's guests on commonalities. 7 00:00:23,620 --> 00:00:28,030 Well, hello, and thank you for joining us on another episode of Commonalities. 8 00:00:28,030 --> 00:00:30,790 This is actually episode 20, 9 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:35,390 so we are 20 in now to the show. Uh, I apologize, 10 00:00:35,620 --> 00:00:39,630 I I did have a new show on Tuesday of this week, um, 11 00:00:39,630 --> 00:00:43,630 but you were hearing the best of for the, the past week or so. 12 00:00:43,630 --> 00:00:48,230 I've been a little under the weather and, uh, and so I apologize for that. 13 00:00:48,230 --> 00:00:50,150 But we're back up and running. 14 00:00:50,240 --> 00:00:54,950 My guest today is a good friend of mine and one of the sponsors of our 15 00:00:54,950 --> 00:00:59,950 program, mayor Bill Gerkey. Mayor Gerkey, thanks for joining us here today. 16 00:00:59,980 --> 00:01:00,470 Well. 17 00:01:00,470 --> 00:01:03,950 Thanks for having me, Matt, and glad to see that you're doing much better. 18 00:01:04,300 --> 00:01:07,350 Well, you know, we on this program, uh, 19 00:01:07,420 --> 00:01:12,230 talk politics at all different levels. In fact, it's not just politics. 20 00:01:12,230 --> 00:01:15,470 We talk about, we say at the beginning of the show, we talk about politics, 21 00:01:15,830 --> 00:01:17,550 religion, and finances, 22 00:01:17,550 --> 00:01:21,470 all the things your grandmother told you not to talk about. And, uh, 23 00:01:21,710 --> 00:01:23,190 and that's what we do here. 24 00:01:23,190 --> 00:01:27,910 But today we're gonna talk about government that is closest 25 00:01:28,040 --> 00:01:32,870 to you, the people. And sometimes, uh, that is where, 26 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:37,710 uh, the most amount of change in your life can be made. 27 00:01:37,710 --> 00:01:42,630 People make a big deal out of what's happening in the United States Senate 28 00:01:42,630 --> 00:01:46,110 or in Congress, or even in the State House. Um, 29 00:01:46,110 --> 00:01:48,310 but when it comes down to brass tack, 30 00:01:48,850 --> 00:01:51,830 the fact that your garbage is picked up on time, 31 00:01:51,830 --> 00:01:54,950 the fact that your parks are clean, uh, 32 00:01:54,950 --> 00:01:57,110 the fact that your roads are taken care of, 33 00:01:57,270 --> 00:02:00,150 those are the things that we see each and every day. 34 00:02:00,150 --> 00:02:03,110 And those are the things that municipal government, 35 00:02:03,110 --> 00:02:06,990 like the city of Uniontown are responsible. So, 36 00:02:07,180 --> 00:02:11,630 I wanted to have you on the program today to talk a little bit about some 37 00:02:11,950 --> 00:02:16,830 exciting things that are happening, but beco, before we go there, um, 38 00:02:16,830 --> 00:02:17,790 you know, bill, 39 00:02:17,790 --> 00:02:22,630 I've known you for a long time and I know that you are a, 40 00:02:22,950 --> 00:02:25,390 uh, a major union town, 41 00:02:25,970 --> 00:02:30,390 red Raider basketball fan, and, uh, they're playing tonight. 42 00:02:30,390 --> 00:02:33,710 So I wanted to get your insight on, uh, 43 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:38,470 on our Red Raiders and what you think will happen, how you think Coach K will, 44 00:02:38,470 --> 00:02:41,910 uh, will do, and, and how's that game gonna turn out for us? 45 00:02:41,980 --> 00:02:45,590 Well, I don't have a Crystal ball Mac, but um, 46 00:02:46,220 --> 00:02:50,390 I've seen Uniontown play probably three quarters of their games this year. 47 00:02:50,390 --> 00:02:54,710 They're well coached, um, well disciplined team. Um, 48 00:02:54,710 --> 00:02:56,710 they're going up against a tough opponent tonight, 49 00:02:56,710 --> 00:02:59,680 but I think at this time of year, they're all tough opponents. 50 00:02:59,680 --> 00:03:03,120 So hopefully they, they can pu pull out a win tonight. I, 51 00:03:03,120 --> 00:03:07,000 I've talked to the coach this morning. He said he has his team ready to go. 52 00:03:07,340 --> 00:03:09,040 And I think everybody in the community, 53 00:03:09,040 --> 00:03:12,960 we're all hoping that Uniontown wins tonight, along with Laura Highlands, 54 00:03:12,980 --> 00:03:16,240 cuz that sets up a show down next Monday night. I think, um, 55 00:03:16,240 --> 00:03:20,240 everybody in the city will, will go to see that game. So we're wishing out, 56 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:23,120 we're wishing all the, the best of Coach K and his staff and his team. 57 00:03:23,310 --> 00:03:27,560 Well, we have Bill over in the producer's chair, and, uh, bill, I, 58 00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:29,040 I guess you have a mic over there. 59 00:03:29,150 --> 00:03:33,280 What's your prediction for the outcome of today? Tonight's game, uh. 60 00:03:33,470 --> 00:03:38,440 A lot of people will be watching our live stream on the W Nmb s Facebook page. 61 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:40,920 <laugh> <laugh>. That's my prediction. 62 00:03:40,920 --> 00:03:44,320 For, you know, it's, it has amazed me. Um, I, 63 00:03:44,320 --> 00:03:49,000 I watched the live stream of both of the Uniontown Laurel 64 00:03:49,240 --> 00:03:51,040 Highlands games, um, 65 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:55,800 and I've been following basketball more than I normally do, um, 66 00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:57,800 because I have some clients that, uh, 67 00:03:58,030 --> 00:04:02,720 that wanted to make sure that we highlight some basketball information on 68 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:05,040 their, uh, social media accounts. 69 00:04:05,040 --> 00:04:08,240 It's one of the things that my company does is we, uh, 70 00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:12,320 we manage social media for small businesses and political candidates, 71 00:04:12,320 --> 00:04:14,120 people like that. Um, 72 00:04:14,380 --> 00:04:18,920 and you guys have reached the 2000 watcher 73 00:04:19,160 --> 00:04:23,480 mark, uh, on Facebook. What is is simply, uh, 74 00:04:23,590 --> 00:04:28,560 just astonishing to me that you have all of those people crammed into the 75 00:04:28,560 --> 00:04:28,800 gym, 76 00:04:28,800 --> 00:04:33,800 and then you have 2000 people that are logged on to their phones 77 00:04:33,810 --> 00:04:37,320 or their computers, and, you know, as many of us, uh, 78 00:04:37,510 --> 00:04:40,880 know who follow livestream, um, 79 00:04:41,080 --> 00:04:45,480 generally statistics say that for every viewer that you see 80 00:04:45,970 --> 00:04:47,120 on a livestream, 81 00:04:47,180 --> 00:04:52,160 you have 3.5 people that are watching because people watch 82 00:04:52,160 --> 00:04:56,880 as families or as groups. So simply thousands of people are tuning in. 83 00:04:56,880 --> 00:05:01,600 Maybe they like to hear the sound of Brian Marx's voice, I'm not sure. Uh, 84 00:05:01,600 --> 00:05:03,640 but they're definitely, yeah, that's it, by the way. Yeah, that's, 85 00:05:03,640 --> 00:05:05,160 that's what it is. But, uh, 86 00:05:05,160 --> 00:05:10,160 they are definitely watching our Red Raiders and the Laurel Highlands Mustangs 87 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:12,880 and, and our local teams here. And, you know, 88 00:05:12,910 --> 00:05:16,440 high school sports are so very important in mayor, 89 00:05:16,440 --> 00:05:21,160 I think you would agree with me because high school sports not 90 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:26,080 only give an athletic outlet to the 91 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:30,640 young people that play them, but they keep our young people off of our streets. 92 00:05:30,640 --> 00:05:35,080 And if they're off of our streets, um, they stay outta trouble. And, 93 00:05:35,080 --> 00:05:40,080 and so I think there's a huge benefit to the community to have not only 94 00:05:40,270 --> 00:05:43,400 good high school sports, not only high school sports, 95 00:05:43,580 --> 00:05:45,720 but good high school sports at that. Would. 96 00:05:45,720 --> 00:05:49,640 You agree? Absolutely. And, and you can, you can see, see that and, 97 00:05:49,900 --> 00:05:53,760 and the community, it helps the community also, the community gets behind them. 98 00:05:53,900 --> 00:05:57,360 And as I've always said is my, I guess it's three and a half years now, 99 00:05:57,360 --> 00:06:00,960 I've been, I've been mayor and what my goal has been, and I'll, 100 00:06:00,960 --> 00:06:02,080 it'll continue to be, 101 00:06:02,130 --> 00:06:06,360 is to bring the community together through whatever venue or avenue that we, 102 00:06:06,430 --> 00:06:10,480 that we pick. But that's a good way of bringing the community together. Um, 103 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:13,040 I've talked to people that are going to the game tonight, 104 00:06:13,140 --> 00:06:16,640 but there's a lot of people like you and Bill had mentioned that they're going 105 00:06:16,640 --> 00:06:20,800 to watch it on livestream on w Nmb s but the gyms are filled. So it, 106 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:25,720 it's a really great service that w Nmb s provides. And, uh, matter of fact, 107 00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:29,480 just for a short period of time, I'll make a real short story of this. 108 00:06:29,810 --> 00:06:32,800 We went to church last night and I wanted to see what Gebel was doing, 109 00:06:32,970 --> 00:06:37,280 so I was able, we went to eat dinner, pulled it up on my phone, and it was just, 110 00:06:37,280 --> 00:06:39,560 it was the first time that I've watched it on livestream, 111 00:06:39,660 --> 00:06:42,360 and it was just really nice for me to sit there and watch. 112 00:06:42,360 --> 00:06:45,560 We were in a restaurant, turn the, the, uh, the, um, 113 00:06:45,560 --> 00:06:48,600 volume down and got to watch the, the Gators win win a game last. 114 00:06:48,600 --> 00:06:51,040 Night. Is it now you were watching the Gators during dinner? 115 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:52,600 Not during the sermon church. 116 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:54,200 Right? Absolutely. Fortunately, 117 00:06:54,220 --> 00:06:57,480 the church was over at eight o'clock and we didn't get broadcast until. 118 00:06:57,480 --> 00:06:59,800 Eight o'clock. Well, I can tell you one thing for sure, 119 00:06:59,800 --> 00:07:03,440 I wouldn't wanna be the person answering the telephone at Mama Marque's Pizza 120 00:07:03,650 --> 00:07:05,560 on, uh, on game night, 121 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:09,800 because I know they always advertise specials and so forth. And, uh, 122 00:07:09,860 --> 00:07:13,480 and I'm sure the kitchens not only in their restaurant, 123 00:07:13,700 --> 00:07:15,680 but in restaurants across town, 124 00:07:16,050 --> 00:07:20,800 do better on game nights than they do on most Friday nights. Um, 125 00:07:20,800 --> 00:07:24,520 so there's an economic boom that it brings to, uh, 126 00:07:24,520 --> 00:07:28,720 to the area as well. And you think, you know, this is just high school sports. 127 00:07:28,720 --> 00:07:30,800 This isn't the Super Bowl. Um, 128 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:33,440 but it does make an economic impact here in the local. 129 00:07:33,440 --> 00:07:36,360 Area. And, and like you said at the beginning of the show, Matt, 130 00:07:36,590 --> 00:07:41,160 that we can sit here and talk about, um, national government, state government, 131 00:07:41,540 --> 00:07:45,720 but what people are really interested is what's going on in their community and 132 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:48,880 high school basketball, is it just taking the limelight right now? 133 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:50,480 And it brings the community together and, 134 00:07:50,480 --> 00:07:54,120 and it's really fun for everyone to have a conversation about high school 135 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:57,840 basketball. And it, as your show says commonalities. 136 00:07:57,910 --> 00:07:59,640 A lot of people have different opinions, 137 00:07:59,740 --> 00:08:03,440 but we all come together and that brings us all together, which I really enjoy. 138 00:08:03,550 --> 00:08:05,760 Well, you know, we're talking recreation. 139 00:08:05,770 --> 00:08:08,680 So that's gonna gimme a great segue to, uh, 140 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:11,720 one of the other topics that I wanted to talk to you about today. 141 00:08:12,110 --> 00:08:17,080 I know the city of Uniontown has already connected the Sheep Skin Trail, 142 00:08:17,080 --> 00:08:18,480 which we're hearing, uh, 143 00:08:18,680 --> 00:08:22,960 a lot about to the South Union Township, uh, 144 00:08:23,050 --> 00:08:24,400 portion of the trail. 145 00:08:24,540 --> 00:08:29,480 But you guys are getting ready to connect to the North Union area, 146 00:08:29,890 --> 00:08:31,800 um, or their section of the trail, 147 00:08:32,100 --> 00:08:35,760 and that sheepskins gonna run right through Uniontown. 148 00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:37,560 So why don't you tell me a little bit about that, 149 00:08:37,560 --> 00:08:41,000 that project and what's going on with, uh, 150 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:43,280 kind of a quick update on the Sheep skin trail? 151 00:08:43,310 --> 00:08:48,250 Sure thing, Matt. It's really exciting for me when I, um, 152 00:08:48,320 --> 00:08:53,290 became mayor, uh, probably a short time into my office, into my term, 153 00:08:53,300 --> 00:08:54,133 um, 154 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:59,060 township supervisor Bob Ship Bar paid me a visit one day and it looked pretty 155 00:08:59,060 --> 00:09:01,940 easy, like what South Union did. But they, of course, 156 00:09:02,050 --> 00:09:05,620 they didn't go through the, the center of a city and I, 157 00:09:05,730 --> 00:09:08,700 I was really not aware of what, what we needed to do. 158 00:09:08,700 --> 00:09:11,580 But we got our team together and we started planning, 159 00:09:11,580 --> 00:09:13,180 which we started from square one. 160 00:09:13,180 --> 00:09:17,980 Made a few mistakes and a few good moves, but, uh, 161 00:09:17,980 --> 00:09:22,020 this past summer we started at Dunbar Street, I mean, excuse me, 162 00:09:22,020 --> 00:09:26,300 at Pennsylvania Avenue next to CLOs Lumber and started our trail and it went 163 00:09:26,300 --> 00:09:28,540 behind Bailey Park and, uh, 164 00:09:28,540 --> 00:09:32,540 we crossed Dunbar Street and we ended up at the end of the year, 165 00:09:32,750 --> 00:09:36,460 we ended up on Fayette Street. So we have a, we have a, the trail is complete, 166 00:09:36,890 --> 00:09:40,380 I wouldn't say complete, but the walkways complete the signage. 167 00:09:40,380 --> 00:09:44,620 There's always things to do with the trail that I was not aware of originally, 168 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:49,140 but now I'm as, as I'm learning, there's more and more to do. But our next, 169 00:09:49,160 --> 00:09:50,540 our next goal is of, 170 00:09:50,540 --> 00:09:54,780 I wanted to say that that trail that I described from Pennsylvania Avenue up to 171 00:09:55,390 --> 00:09:59,660 up to Fayette Street, that was all done by the city's workers. 172 00:09:59,660 --> 00:10:04,060 And I wanna send a big thank you out to John Linsky. Um, 173 00:10:04,060 --> 00:10:08,180 he headed up that job and there was a lot of other people that were instrumental 174 00:10:08,180 --> 00:10:12,580 in getting that done. So now what our goal is in the springtime, 175 00:10:12,580 --> 00:10:15,820 which spring is just around the corner, looks like it's here today, but, 176 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:20,380 but whatever the case may be behind the Auto Land store that goes from Fayette 177 00:10:20,380 --> 00:10:23,300 Street up to Beon Boulevard, there's no traffic there. 178 00:10:23,540 --> 00:10:28,140 We're going to remove the, the railroad tracks there and pave that area. 179 00:10:28,470 --> 00:10:33,420 So then that's a pretty easy job compared to what we have in 180 00:10:33,420 --> 00:10:37,380 front of us. You know, going down the center street of, of Uniontown, 181 00:10:37,380 --> 00:10:42,140 down Beeson Boulevard, down behind Capella's Restaurant and get to the, 182 00:10:42,140 --> 00:10:44,180 um, north Union township border. 183 00:10:44,180 --> 00:10:49,100 There's a lot of things that need to be ironed out. Um, 184 00:10:49,100 --> 00:10:50,540 we're working on that. The commissioners, 185 00:10:50,540 --> 00:10:53,260 all three of the commissioners have been very instrumental, 186 00:10:53,260 --> 00:10:57,460 very helpful in getting us some grants and trying to plan this out. 187 00:10:58,190 --> 00:11:00,940 So, um, we're looking forward to, um, 188 00:11:00,940 --> 00:11:04,420 getting that section behind Auto Land completed, um, 189 00:11:04,420 --> 00:11:07,460 in a month or two so we can see a little more done then, 190 00:11:07,730 --> 00:11:12,540 then we go into Beon Boulevard, and that's gonna be a little more, um, 191 00:11:13,520 --> 00:11:16,900 problematic, but we have a plan there. And then get, 192 00:11:17,220 --> 00:11:20,620 get behind Capellas, which again, the areas that, 193 00:11:20,890 --> 00:11:25,820 that people aren't traveling, um, with a car is a little easier than, 194 00:11:25,850 --> 00:11:29,300 than going through the center of Uniontown. But we're working on it and, 195 00:11:29,300 --> 00:11:30,220 and it is exciting. 196 00:11:30,590 --> 00:11:32,380 Alright? It definitely isn't. 197 00:11:32,380 --> 00:11:35,220 And that's another economic driver that we see for the community. 198 00:11:35,220 --> 00:11:39,460 We've seen what trails have done for the great Allegheny Passage. Um, 199 00:11:39,760 --> 00:11:44,140 and I, in my youth, before I had a fake hip, uh, 200 00:11:44,140 --> 00:11:47,820 I rode on a bicycle from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, 201 00:11:48,110 --> 00:11:52,740 DC That's a great trail. They've now connected from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, 202 00:11:53,160 --> 00:11:57,480 Maryland. I've never had the opportunity to, to ride that portion of the trail, 203 00:11:57,780 --> 00:12:02,320 but I know that, uh, that you have businesses that spring up that, uh, 204 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:06,600 that take care of that tourism that's coming through your area. And, 205 00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:10,000 and I think that'll be a great thing for our local community. 206 00:12:10,170 --> 00:12:12,960 We have to get our first break in here today, 207 00:12:13,290 --> 00:12:16,720 so stay with us and we'll be right back here on commonalities. 208 00:12:19,670 --> 00:12:24,320 You're listening to commonalities where guests find common ground through 209 00:12:24,640 --> 00:12:25,840 uncommon conversations. 210 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:29,640 We'll be back after this brief break to recognize our sponsors. 211 00:12:33,660 --> 00:12:34,920 Are you enjoying the program? 212 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:39,120 You're listening to support commonalities and help keep us on the air by making 213 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:44,040 a donation of five, 10, or $25, or any amount you feel comfortable sharing 214 00:12:44,040 --> 00:12:47,880 online@donate.commonalities.online. Again, 215 00:12:47,880 --> 00:12:51,840 that is donate.commonalities.online on the worldwide web. 216 00:12:52,060 --> 00:12:56,840 Buy our host a cup of coffee or help pay for airtime at donate dot commonalities 217 00:12:56,840 --> 00:12:57,673 online. 218 00:13:04,680 --> 00:13:07,480 Hello, Uniontown Mayor, bill Gerkey here. 219 00:13:07,730 --> 00:13:11,440 There's nothing quite like the feeling of home. That's sense of belonging. 220 00:13:11,720 --> 00:13:15,960 Those fall Friday nights under the lights, those winter nights in the gym, 221 00:13:16,240 --> 00:13:17,120 watching our red Raiders, 222 00:13:17,520 --> 00:13:21,800 those refreshing spring afternoons at Bailey Park rooting on our Red Raider 223 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:23,360 softball and baseball teams. 224 00:13:24,310 --> 00:13:28,160 I am grateful for those memories and hope our community's children and 225 00:13:28,160 --> 00:13:31,400 grandchildren can enjoy those memories too. But to do that, 226 00:13:31,400 --> 00:13:35,760 we have to plan for the future. During my first term in office, 227 00:13:35,760 --> 00:13:39,240 the city has got Bailey Park back to a place where we can be proud of. 228 00:13:39,960 --> 00:13:43,280 Begun our city's first comprehensive plan in over 20 years. 229 00:13:44,050 --> 00:13:47,040 Started work on the city's section of the Sheep Skin Trail, 230 00:13:47,750 --> 00:13:51,840 worked on eliminating blighted properties and are rebuilding the city's 231 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:55,920 neighborhoods. We've updated the faulty equipment in the parking garages, 232 00:13:56,020 --> 00:13:59,640 and we're bringing a more competitive, reliable, faster, 233 00:13:59,640 --> 00:14:02,760 and less expensive internet service to our city residents. 234 00:14:03,730 --> 00:14:08,320 We have done a lot, but there's still more to do. So I Bill Gerkey. 235 00:14:08,320 --> 00:14:13,000 I'm running for a second term. We're Uniontown proud, we're Uniontown strong, 236 00:14:13,380 --> 00:14:17,720 and together we can continue to rebuild Uniontown for the next 237 00:14:17,720 --> 00:14:18,553 generation. 238 00:14:20,470 --> 00:14:20,960 Paid. 239 00:14:20,960 --> 00:14:22,240 For by Mayor Billey. 240 00:14:28,160 --> 00:14:30,940 I'm Melinda de LaRose. As an Assistant District attorney, 241 00:14:30,970 --> 00:14:34,900 I've protected Fayette County families and fought to uphold our constitutional 242 00:14:35,100 --> 00:14:37,900 rights. As a prosecutor and trusted local attorney, 243 00:14:37,930 --> 00:14:41,940 I've provided victims of crime with a strong voice and put criminals behind 244 00:14:41,940 --> 00:14:45,300 bars. My pledge to you as Judge is to follow the law, 245 00:14:45,300 --> 00:14:47,620 always maintain the highest ethical standards, 246 00:14:47,620 --> 00:14:52,000 and to run a courtroom that's respectful of your time and tax dollars. 247 00:14:52,300 --> 00:14:55,320 I'm Melinda de LaRose asking for your vote for Judge. 248 00:14:55,350 --> 00:14:57,480 Paid for by Friends of Melinda de LaRose. 249 00:14:58,070 --> 00:15:00,040 When it comes to buying a home, 250 00:15:00,430 --> 00:15:03,480 what you see isn't exactly what you get. 251 00:15:03,870 --> 00:15:08,800 That's why home buyers should call Dave Dowling At Grandview Inspections 252 00:15:08,930 --> 00:15:13,240 at 7 2 4 2 0 8 4 1 0 8. 253 00:15:13,590 --> 00:15:16,800 You'll see colorful flowers, freshly painted walls, 254 00:15:17,090 --> 00:15:21,360 granite countertops, gleaming hardwood floors, and other touches. 255 00:15:21,710 --> 00:15:25,560 What you can't see is the cracks, ancient plumbing, 256 00:15:25,840 --> 00:15:27,040 dangerous wiring, 257 00:15:27,370 --> 00:15:32,040 or broken appliances that might be revealed when you hire 258 00:15:32,110 --> 00:15:36,080 a home inspector. And when it comes to home inspectors, 259 00:15:36,250 --> 00:15:40,400 knowing yours has the qualifications and experience needed, 260 00:15:40,510 --> 00:15:42,640 should be your number one concern. 261 00:15:43,070 --> 00:15:47,640 Dave Dowling with Grandview Inspections is an architectural engineer 262 00:15:47,710 --> 00:15:52,680 with over 30 years of commercial construction experience and hundreds 263 00:15:52,680 --> 00:15:54,440 of inspections under his belt. 264 00:15:55,310 --> 00:16:00,160 A home inspection is an opportunity for you to hire an expert to walk 265 00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:05,080 through the home and prepare a report outlining the home's major components. 266 00:16:05,270 --> 00:16:10,200 What needs immediate attention and what will require maintenance after you move 267 00:16:10,200 --> 00:16:13,720 in your home is one of your biggest investments. 268 00:16:13,970 --> 00:16:17,920 So make sure your investment is everything you hoped it to be. 269 00:16:18,190 --> 00:16:21,800 Call Dave Dowling at Grandview Inspections at 270 00:16:21,800 --> 00:16:25,520 7 2 4 2 0 8 4 1 0 8. 271 00:16:31,840 --> 00:16:35,950 Is your business using analog strategies in a digital marketing world? 272 00:16:36,320 --> 00:16:37,153 If so, 273 00:16:37,230 --> 00:16:41,950 then contact Matthew or Rebecca Dowling at Coordinated 360 for a 274 00:16:41,950 --> 00:16:45,950 professional consultation where we bring in-depth knowledge and functional 275 00:16:45,950 --> 00:16:47,870 expertise with a holistic perspective. 276 00:16:48,750 --> 00:16:53,350 Coordinated 360 provides digital marketing, paid ad and media buying services, 277 00:16:53,370 --> 00:16:56,590 web design, social media management, video production, 278 00:16:56,590 --> 00:16:59,270 and more for businesses, organizations, 279 00:16:59,270 --> 00:17:02,910 and political campaigns with decades of experience. 280 00:17:02,910 --> 00:17:07,590 Matt and Becky at Coordinated 360 can help you craft your unique message 281 00:17:07,810 --> 00:17:12,750 and share it with the world. For a no risk media evaluation and recommendations, 282 00:17:12,940 --> 00:17:17,830 call 7 2 4 3 2 0 22 12 or visit 283 00:17:18,030 --> 00:17:22,990 us online at www.coordinatedthreesixty.com. 284 00:17:23,340 --> 00:17:26,270 Find us also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, 285 00:17:26,600 --> 00:17:30,190 or email info coordinated three sixty.com. 286 00:17:34,410 --> 00:17:39,110 You are listening to commonalities where guests find common ground through 287 00:17:39,470 --> 00:17:40,630 Uncommon Conversations. 288 00:17:42,940 --> 00:17:47,070 Well, thanks for sticking with us. Our, my guest today is Mayor Bill Gki, 289 00:17:47,070 --> 00:17:50,600 mayor of the City of Uniontown, and we've been talking, um, 290 00:17:51,080 --> 00:17:54,520 actually a lot about high school sports. I'm kind of afraid that, uh, 291 00:17:55,120 --> 00:18:00,080 Jonathan Goth may, uh, may come after me for, for still in his topic of, uh, 292 00:18:00,380 --> 00:18:01,600 his show. But, uh, 293 00:18:01,720 --> 00:18:06,040 we've also been talking a little bit about the Sheep Skin Trail and some 294 00:18:06,040 --> 00:18:10,720 recreation pieces that are happening in the city of Uniontown now, 295 00:18:10,720 --> 00:18:12,320 mayor Erky, um, 296 00:18:12,350 --> 00:18:16,120 I know there's not a lot to update everyone on right now, 297 00:18:16,180 --> 00:18:20,720 but I did want to make note of the fact that you guys are working 298 00:18:20,890 --> 00:18:25,640 on a comprehensive plan and planning is so extremely 299 00:18:25,640 --> 00:18:27,040 important, uh, 300 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:31,200 for municipalities because that's where you not only 301 00:18:31,590 --> 00:18:33,560 decide what's gonna be done in the future, 302 00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:35,680 but how you're going to fund things in the future, 303 00:18:35,680 --> 00:18:37,560 whether it will be through tax revenue, 304 00:18:37,810 --> 00:18:42,040 whether there are grants available to you. Um, so I, 305 00:18:42,040 --> 00:18:45,320 I know you're doing the, the first, uh, uh, 306 00:18:45,320 --> 00:18:49,680 comprehensive plan in nearly 20 years or in 20 years, 307 00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:52,640 if I'm correct. So tell us a little bit about, uh, 308 00:18:52,640 --> 00:18:54,640 what's going on with that comprehensive plan. 309 00:18:54,740 --> 00:18:57,760 Yes. Um, the city, as Matt had said, 310 00:18:58,060 --> 00:19:01,760 the city had not had a comprehensive plan update for 20 years. 311 00:19:01,760 --> 00:19:05,920 So actually we started from square one. And, and again, um, 312 00:19:06,200 --> 00:19:08,400 whenever you're starting at Square one, you make a lot of mistakes. 313 00:19:08,400 --> 00:19:12,640 And when you make mistakes, it takes up time. But, um, 314 00:19:13,310 --> 00:19:15,920 a after we got our bearings together and, 315 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:19,880 and found which direction we want to go, we hired Gibson Thomas, um, 316 00:19:20,210 --> 00:19:21,960 to head up our comprehensive plan, 317 00:19:21,960 --> 00:19:26,000 getting with some of the members of the community to get an idea where we want 318 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:30,760 to go. And without a co uh, an updated comprehensive plan, it's really hard, 319 00:19:30,760 --> 00:19:31,880 if not impossible, 320 00:19:31,880 --> 00:19:36,720 to get some of the certain grant fundings that you need to improve our 321 00:19:36,720 --> 00:19:39,800 city. And, and that's one thing that I couldn't understand at one time, 322 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:43,720 that grants are very important to be able to get things done. Just, 323 00:19:43,910 --> 00:19:46,400 I'll go back to the Sheep Skin Trail. You know, 324 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:50,520 the city did provide some of the funding to do some of the sheep control, 325 00:19:50,520 --> 00:19:54,640 but to do all of the Sheep Skin trail grants play, 326 00:19:54,640 --> 00:19:58,080 play a major role, if not a, a complete role in that. So, 327 00:19:58,080 --> 00:20:00,480 but back to the comprehensive plan, I'm excited. 328 00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:05,320 We've had a couple meetings over talking about the comprehensive plan, 329 00:20:05,320 --> 00:20:06,920 getting some people in the community involved, 330 00:20:07,020 --> 00:20:08,600 and I think by the end of the year, 331 00:20:08,720 --> 00:20:13,600 we're gonna be more concrete on what we're doing and make the public much more 332 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:16,960 where aware of where, where we are going and, 333 00:20:16,980 --> 00:20:18,720 and it'll be an improvement to our city. 334 00:20:19,260 --> 00:20:20,320 You know, and, and, 335 00:20:20,320 --> 00:20:24,120 and I wanted to pause there and talk just a little bit about grants. 336 00:20:24,120 --> 00:20:27,760 In my six years in the, in the legislature, uh, 337 00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:32,440 I worked with a lot of municipalities that were looking for funding. And, 338 00:20:32,530 --> 00:20:35,400 um, you know, I, you come to, uh, 339 00:20:35,400 --> 00:20:39,800 a grant maker with what you think is a fantastic project, 340 00:20:39,820 --> 00:20:44,120 and it may be a fantastic project we'll use just for, uh, 341 00:20:44,120 --> 00:20:48,320 the sake of an example, the Sheep Skin Trail, uh, as an example. 342 00:20:48,820 --> 00:20:52,400 But many times when you apply for the first grant, 343 00:20:52,900 --> 00:20:57,720 one of the things that they're gonna want you to do is to get some engineering 344 00:20:57,720 --> 00:21:02,480 done and get some drawings in place because grant makers don't 345 00:21:02,480 --> 00:21:05,120 like to, uh, don't like to, 346 00:21:05,530 --> 00:21:10,440 to go on the mindset that, you know, we got Bobby Jo that works for us, 347 00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:13,600 and, and they got it all figured out, and they know how they're gonna do it. 348 00:21:13,830 --> 00:21:15,480 They want to see, you know, 349 00:21:16,080 --> 00:21:19,960 concrete architectural drawings on how things are done. 350 00:21:20,050 --> 00:21:21,960 So sometimes, uh, 351 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:26,400 it may cost a municipality a little bit extra to get that 352 00:21:26,670 --> 00:21:31,000 work done through the grant process, but in the long terms, 353 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:34,520 the municipality is better off because a, 354 00:21:34,630 --> 00:21:39,520 a good plan is put in place, good architectural drawings, uh, exist, 355 00:21:39,620 --> 00:21:44,600 and then you can apply for additional grants to actually do the project. 356 00:21:44,940 --> 00:21:49,760 But many times, uh, it takes a little longer to get things done, 357 00:21:49,760 --> 00:21:50,720 then, you know, 358 00:21:50,720 --> 00:21:54,360 if we could just send the street department down there with some blacktop and 359 00:21:54,360 --> 00:21:58,480 they, and they start rolling, uh, with their own, uh, knowledge. 360 00:21:58,850 --> 00:22:02,440 Exactly. And, and that's one, that's one of the things that I, 361 00:22:02,440 --> 00:22:06,080 it was hard for me to understand at the beginning, but I agree with Matt. 362 00:22:06,340 --> 00:22:08,400 And even, um, 363 00:22:08,690 --> 00:22:13,040 we did receive some grant funding for the Sheep Skin Trail. Um, but, 364 00:22:13,610 --> 00:22:18,560 uh, the city I think applied once before I became mayor. Then we applied, 365 00:22:18,810 --> 00:22:23,000 so the third time. So a lot of times with grant funding, when you first apply, 366 00:22:23,190 --> 00:22:25,640 you're not guaranteed that you're gonna be awarded that grant. 367 00:22:26,410 --> 00:22:31,000 So you learn a little bit about your mistakes and go and apply again and go 368 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:35,200 apply again. So again, that takes time. So, um, 369 00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:37,920 it's a little frustrating that it takes so long to get this done. 370 00:22:37,920 --> 00:22:41,600 And I'll go back to Mr. Schiff Byer whenever he came to see me. 371 00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:45,800 It looked pretty easy whenever I first looked at the plans. But as time goes on, 372 00:22:45,800 --> 00:22:50,760 there's a lot of moving parts that we have to put them all together to make this 373 00:22:50,760 --> 00:22:54,880 project work, but it, I feel confident that it will come to fruition. 374 00:22:55,530 --> 00:22:59,400 So, you know, we have a a a couple things that, uh, 375 00:22:59,750 --> 00:23:04,440 that happen when exciting things are happening in a downtown corridor. 376 00:23:04,950 --> 00:23:09,320 I know, uh, the city of Connellsville has dealt with this to some extent. 377 00:23:09,620 --> 00:23:12,600 The city of Uniontown is now dealing with it. 378 00:23:12,800 --> 00:23:17,720 We're bringing people to downtown. And downtown, 379 00:23:18,010 --> 00:23:18,360 uh, 380 00:23:18,360 --> 00:23:23,280 Uniontown is not the downtown that it was designed to be in 381 00:23:23,280 --> 00:23:24,560 the late 18 hundreds, 382 00:23:24,560 --> 00:23:29,160 even in the 1920s during kind of the renaissance of downtown, 383 00:23:29,330 --> 00:23:33,480 because everyone's driving one of these big vehicles, 384 00:23:33,480 --> 00:23:37,480 these SUVs or pickup trucks or, you know, 385 00:23:37,480 --> 00:23:41,560 there are no compact cars. Of course, in the 1920s, if you had a car, 386 00:23:41,560 --> 00:23:44,200 it wasn't compact either. Um, you know, you had. 387 00:23:44,200 --> 00:23:46,600 Those, but there weren't as, as knocked in Arabia. But there were, 388 00:23:46,600 --> 00:23:47,880 there weren't as anywhere near. 389 00:23:47,880 --> 00:23:52,680 As many as there weren't near as many. So that brings me, um, to, 390 00:23:53,010 --> 00:23:56,480 to, uh, kind of my next topic and my next transition. 391 00:23:56,850 --> 00:23:59,800 We have what we call the Grand Old Lady of Main Street, 392 00:23:59,800 --> 00:24:02,400 the State Theater Center for the Arts, uh, 393 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:05,600 which is just less than a block from City Hall there, 394 00:24:06,110 --> 00:24:11,040 a beautiful newer parking garage that was built right behind 395 00:24:11,040 --> 00:24:16,000 that building. And on show nights, I know it fills up rather quickly. 396 00:24:16,850 --> 00:24:19,800 Um, in fact, very funny, Erica Miller from the, 397 00:24:19,800 --> 00:24:23,160 the theaters rigged my cell phone right now, so I'll have to get back to her. 398 00:24:24,050 --> 00:24:26,320 Um, but, uh, that, 399 00:24:26,430 --> 00:24:31,160 that parking garage had some issues and some issues that you guys had 400 00:24:31,160 --> 00:24:35,400 to figure out because, you know, I've parked there during a, 401 00:24:35,850 --> 00:24:39,880 uh, a show at the theater and then have been stuck, 402 00:24:39,880 --> 00:24:44,120 and the firemen have had to come open the gates and, and let us out. 403 00:24:44,820 --> 00:24:48,320 But some of those problems have been addressed. So tell us a little bit about. 404 00:24:48,320 --> 00:24:51,280 That. Oh, absolutely. Those problems have been addressed. Um, 405 00:24:51,350 --> 00:24:54,880 just to bring people up to speed. Um, our parking garage, 406 00:24:54,900 --> 00:24:59,200 the one Matt is speaking of, behind the state theater, we've just, 407 00:24:59,200 --> 00:25:01,400 we just paid that off payment, made the final payment, 408 00:25:01,400 --> 00:25:05,600 I can't remember if it was December of last year or January of this year, 409 00:25:05,980 --> 00:25:08,320 but we don't have a payment there anymore. 410 00:25:08,320 --> 00:25:12,760 But that building's still in good shape and it can generate some 411 00:25:13,350 --> 00:25:15,960 income. But with the equipment that we had there, 412 00:25:16,290 --> 00:25:19,560 it was the same equipment that when it was originally built. And of course, 413 00:25:19,560 --> 00:25:22,930 that was 15 years ago, 16 years ago. 414 00:25:23,340 --> 00:25:28,290 So Mark John had spearheaded a project of getting us parking 415 00:25:28,360 --> 00:25:33,170 garage equipment at before, up until now, 416 00:25:33,470 --> 00:25:38,000 the parking garage was not able to accept credit cards. 417 00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:42,080 And sometimes when you put cash in, it wouldn't give you the proper change. 418 00:25:42,080 --> 00:25:44,440 So that, that makes an inconvenience for people. Of course, 419 00:25:44,440 --> 00:25:47,240 if you walk across the street to City Hall, if you know, 420 00:25:47,240 --> 00:25:50,080 to walk across the street to City Hall, the girls there would, 421 00:25:50,080 --> 00:25:53,760 would make that right. But then again, I've talked about time again, 422 00:25:53,760 --> 00:25:56,600 people's time is valuable and, and, you know, 423 00:25:56,600 --> 00:25:59,080 you walk over there to a strange place say, Hey, I didn't get my changer. 424 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:04,000 I can't get out. But now we've got equipment in there, it isn't completed yet, 425 00:26:04,100 --> 00:26:07,120 but hopefully, and I keep saying this, within a month, 426 00:26:07,390 --> 00:26:10,640 that you'll be able to use the parking garage and, 427 00:26:11,420 --> 00:26:14,200 and then we can utilize the two hour parking on the streets. 428 00:26:14,200 --> 00:26:16,560 We hired a parking enforcement officer, 429 00:26:16,690 --> 00:26:20,640 so I always say that parking in downtown Uniontown was the wild West, 430 00:26:20,640 --> 00:26:24,880 but we don't want it to be that way, and we're gonna transition into a, a, 431 00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:29,120 a more organized parking situation in the city. So I'm excited about that. 432 00:26:29,490 --> 00:26:30,880 Of course, it's been three years. 433 00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:34,760 I saw it whenever I came into office and I see it now. But we're working, 434 00:26:34,760 --> 00:26:38,840 and I believe that that'll come again to fruition here real soon. 435 00:26:39,150 --> 00:26:40,160 Well, you know, 436 00:26:40,160 --> 00:26:45,000 in parking enforcement is so very important because you have Joyce find jewelry 437 00:26:45,050 --> 00:26:49,440 on that block. You have new Bowers flowers that are right there. Um, 438 00:26:49,440 --> 00:26:53,160 you have places that are even Marylands on Maine, um, 439 00:26:53,160 --> 00:26:55,960 that are bringing people from outside of the, 440 00:26:55,960 --> 00:27:00,920 the union town metro area to shop and to eat and to 441 00:27:01,160 --> 00:27:02,760 dine. And, uh, 442 00:27:02,760 --> 00:27:06,920 and so we wanna make sure that the parking spots that are available on the 443 00:27:06,920 --> 00:27:09,200 streets are available to them. 444 00:27:09,260 --> 00:27:12,160 And too many times we see the, 445 00:27:12,160 --> 00:27:16,880 the people that are working in those downtown establishments, um, you know, 446 00:27:16,880 --> 00:27:18,880 parking all day in those spots. And, 447 00:27:18,880 --> 00:27:23,840 and we wanna make sure that that's not the case that you have, uh, you know, 448 00:27:23,840 --> 00:27:26,280 parking for your out-of-town visitors. Of course, 449 00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:29,920 if you work downtown and you're just stopping for five minutes to pick something 450 00:27:29,920 --> 00:27:31,520 up, that's one thing. 451 00:27:31,520 --> 00:27:36,200 But to park there for a full eight hour shift takes parking away 452 00:27:36,200 --> 00:27:40,400 from, uh, from a client from out of town that, uh, that we want to be able to, 453 00:27:40,650 --> 00:27:42,440 to have them spend, uh, 454 00:27:42,760 --> 00:27:47,280 spend their money because we want people to come to Uniontown with pockets full 455 00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:51,840 of money and, you know, leave Uniontown with empty pockets. Well, I I like that, 456 00:27:51,840 --> 00:27:56,040 Matt. You know, so, so that's our goal here in downtown Uniontown. Bill, 457 00:27:56,040 --> 00:27:58,960 we have another break we have to get to, and, uh, 458 00:27:58,960 --> 00:28:01,160 then we'll be right back here on commonalities. 459 00:28:04,460 --> 00:28:09,040 You are listening to commonalities where guests find common ground through 460 00:28:09,360 --> 00:28:10,560 uncommon conversations. 461 00:28:11,080 --> 00:28:14,560 We'll be back after this brief break to recognize our sponsors. 462 00:28:18,220 --> 00:28:19,480 Are you enjoying the program? 463 00:28:19,480 --> 00:28:23,840 You're listening to support commonalities and help keep us on the air by making 464 00:28:23,840 --> 00:28:28,720 a donation of five, 10, or $25, or any amount you feel comfortable sharing 465 00:28:28,720 --> 00:28:32,640 online@donate.commonalities.online. Again, 466 00:28:32,640 --> 00:28:36,720 that is donate.commonalities.online on the worldwide web. 467 00:28:36,900 --> 00:28:41,280 Buy our host a cup of coffee or help pay for airtime at donate dot commonalities 468 00:28:41,280 --> 00:28:42,113 online. 469 00:28:49,360 --> 00:28:52,240 Hello, Uniontown Mayor, bill Gerkey here. 470 00:28:52,490 --> 00:28:56,360 There's nothing quite like the feeling of home, that sense of belonging, 471 00:28:56,520 --> 00:29:00,560 those fall Friday nights under the lights, those winter nights in the gym, 472 00:29:00,840 --> 00:29:01,680 watching our red Raiders, 473 00:29:02,000 --> 00:29:06,520 those refreshing spring afternoons at Bailey Park rooting on our Red Raider 474 00:29:06,920 --> 00:29:08,040 softball and baseball teams. 475 00:29:08,980 --> 00:29:12,880 I'm grateful for those memories and hope our community's children and 476 00:29:12,880 --> 00:29:16,280 grandchildren can enjoy those memories too. But to do that, 477 00:29:16,280 --> 00:29:20,360 we have to plan for the future. During my first term in office, 478 00:29:20,360 --> 00:29:23,680 the city has got Bailey Park back to a place where we can be proud of. 479 00:29:24,480 --> 00:29:28,000 Begun our city's first comprehensive plan in over 20 years. 480 00:29:28,730 --> 00:29:31,760 Started work on the city's section of the Sheep Skin Trail, 481 00:29:32,470 --> 00:29:36,640 worked on eliminating blighted properties and are rebuilding the city's 482 00:29:36,640 --> 00:29:40,480 neighborhoods. We've updated the faulty equipment in the parking garages, 483 00:29:40,540 --> 00:29:44,320 and we're bringing a more competitive, reliable, faster, 484 00:29:44,320 --> 00:29:47,440 and less expensive internet service to our city residents. 485 00:29:48,410 --> 00:29:53,040 We have done a lot, but there's still more to do. So, I Bill Gerkey. 486 00:29:53,040 --> 00:29:57,760 I'm running for a second term. We're Uniontown proud, we're Uniontown strong, 487 00:29:58,060 --> 00:30:02,400 and together we can continue to rebuild Uniontown for the next 488 00:30:02,400 --> 00:30:03,233 generation. 489 00:30:05,150 --> 00:30:05,640 Paid. 490 00:30:05,640 --> 00:30:06,960 For by Mayor Erky. 491 00:30:12,750 --> 00:30:14,680 When it comes to buying a home, 492 00:30:15,030 --> 00:30:17,960 what you see isn't exactly what you get. 493 00:30:18,270 --> 00:30:22,960 That's why home buyers should call Dave Dowling At Grandview 494 00:30:22,960 --> 00:30:27,920 Inspections at 7 2 4 2 0 8 4 1 0 8. 495 00:30:28,270 --> 00:30:33,240 You'll see colorful flowers, freshly painted walls, granite countertops, 496 00:30:33,470 --> 00:30:35,960 gleaming hardwood floors, and other touches. 497 00:30:36,270 --> 00:30:40,080 What you can't see is the cracks, ancient plumbing, 498 00:30:40,640 --> 00:30:41,840 dangerous wiring, 499 00:30:42,210 --> 00:30:47,080 or broken appliances that might be revealed when you hire a 500 00:30:47,080 --> 00:30:50,760 home inspector. And when it comes to home inspectors, 501 00:30:50,890 --> 00:30:55,040 knowing yours has the qualifications and experience needed, 502 00:30:55,150 --> 00:30:57,200 should be your number one concern. 503 00:30:57,630 --> 00:31:02,520 Dave Dowling with Grandview Inspections is an architectural engineer 504 00:31:02,590 --> 00:31:07,560 with over 30 years of commercial construction experience and hundreds of 505 00:31:07,560 --> 00:31:09,080 inspections under his belt. 506 00:31:09,950 --> 00:31:14,840 A home inspection is an opportunity for you to hire an expert to walk 507 00:31:14,840 --> 00:31:19,600 through the home and prepare a report outlining the home's major components. 508 00:31:19,790 --> 00:31:24,640 What needs immediate attention and what will require maintenance after 509 00:31:24,640 --> 00:31:28,400 you move in your home is one of your biggest investments. 510 00:31:28,610 --> 00:31:32,600 So make sure your investment is everything you hoped it to be. 511 00:31:32,870 --> 00:31:36,440 Call Dave Dowling at Grandview Inspections at 512 00:31:36,440 --> 00:31:39,960 7 2 4 2 0 8 4 1 0 8. 513 00:31:46,600 --> 00:31:49,660 I'm Melinda De LaRose. As an Assistant District Attorney, 514 00:31:49,690 --> 00:31:53,740 I've protected Fayette County families and fought to uphold our constitutional 515 00:31:53,740 --> 00:31:56,540 rights. As a prosecutor and trusted local attorney, 516 00:31:56,540 --> 00:32:00,540 I've provided victims of crime with a strong voice and put criminals behind 517 00:32:00,540 --> 00:32:03,860 bars. My pledge to you as Judge is to follow the law, 518 00:32:03,860 --> 00:32:06,060 always maintain the highest ethical standards, 519 00:32:06,060 --> 00:32:10,620 and to run a courtroom that's respectful of your time and tax dollars. 520 00:32:10,920 --> 00:32:14,460 I'm Melinda de LaRose asking for your vote for Judge paid. 521 00:32:14,460 --> 00:32:16,140 For by Friends of Melinda de LaRose. 522 00:32:16,590 --> 00:32:20,740 Is your business using analog strategies in a digital marketing world? 523 00:32:21,190 --> 00:32:21,820 If so, 524 00:32:21,820 --> 00:32:26,420 then contact Matthew or Rebecca Dowling at Coordinated 360 for a 525 00:32:26,420 --> 00:32:30,620 professional consultation where we bring in-depth knowledge and functional 526 00:32:30,620 --> 00:32:32,580 expertise with a holistic perspective. 527 00:32:33,420 --> 00:32:38,100 Coordinated 360 provides digital marketing, paid ad and media buying services, 528 00:32:38,160 --> 00:32:43,040 web design, social media management, video production, and more for businesses, 529 00:32:43,100 --> 00:32:47,600 organizations, and political campaigns with decades of experience. 530 00:32:47,600 --> 00:32:52,280 Matt and Becky at Coordinated 360 can help you craft your unique message 531 00:32:52,460 --> 00:32:57,240 and share it with the world. For a no risk media evaluation and recommendations, 532 00:32:57,750 --> 00:33:01,800 call 7 2 4 3 2 0 22 12, 533 00:33:02,090 --> 00:33:04,080 or visit us online at 534 00:33:04,700 --> 00:33:09,600 www.coordinatedthreesixty.com. Find us also on Facebook, 535 00:33:09,600 --> 00:33:10,920 Instagram, and Twitter, 536 00:33:11,290 --> 00:33:14,720 or email info coordinated three sixty.com. 537 00:33:19,260 --> 00:33:23,840 You are listening to commonalities where guests find common ground through 538 00:33:24,160 --> 00:33:25,360 uncommon Conversations. 539 00:33:27,670 --> 00:33:31,680 Well, thanks for sticking with us. My guest today is Mayor Bill Gki, 540 00:33:31,680 --> 00:33:34,280 and we're talking all things city of Uniontown. 541 00:33:34,280 --> 00:33:38,560 We've already covered the sheepskin trail and the economic boom 542 00:33:38,950 --> 00:33:42,800 that has the potential to bring to downtown Uniontown. 543 00:33:42,800 --> 00:33:47,600 We talked about people from outside of Uniontown coming downtown to 544 00:33:47,600 --> 00:33:50,840 shop and dine and to have a nice night out. 545 00:33:50,840 --> 00:33:54,120 And the fact that we have the parking garages, um, 546 00:33:54,130 --> 00:33:58,840 if they're not yet very soon, will be in tiptop shape. Um, but you know, 547 00:33:59,500 --> 00:34:02,560 one of the things that Uniontown has been known for, 548 00:34:02,660 --> 00:34:07,640 for many years outside of our local area is 549 00:34:07,780 --> 00:34:12,200 the street festivals that have happened in downtown 550 00:34:12,200 --> 00:34:13,640 Uniontown. You know, 551 00:34:13,640 --> 00:34:17,960 upwards of 20 to 30,000 people that have attended annual 552 00:34:18,210 --> 00:34:21,680 Italian festivals and so forth. Uh, 553 00:34:21,680 --> 00:34:26,400 there was a period of time where when Terry Serell was doing those, uh, 554 00:34:26,400 --> 00:34:31,200 unfortunately Terry is passed on and is no longer with us. But, 555 00:34:31,200 --> 00:34:35,320 uh, I hear some exciting news, mayor Gki, that the, uh, 556 00:34:35,320 --> 00:34:39,120 the Italian festival, perhaps we'll call it an ethnic festival, 557 00:34:39,510 --> 00:34:44,240 will be coming back to the streets of downtown Uniontown 558 00:34:44,430 --> 00:34:48,760 with that ambience and atmosphere. And of course, uh, 559 00:34:48,760 --> 00:34:52,680 some of that great food. I don't know if you like the Giuseppe sandwich, but, 560 00:34:52,680 --> 00:34:57,160 uh, but I know that's a top seller there. So tell me a little bit about, uh, 561 00:34:57,270 --> 00:35:01,840 what's on the drawing board for the Italian festival in 562 00:35:01,840 --> 00:35:03,080 Uniontown this summer? 563 00:35:03,350 --> 00:35:07,440 Good, thank, thank you, Matt. Um, around the first of the year, 564 00:35:08,090 --> 00:35:12,620 um, Ron Romeo, Jim Santilli, Rick esy, 565 00:35:12,920 --> 00:35:16,900 and the group from the Sons of Italy contacted Mark, John and myself, 566 00:35:17,590 --> 00:35:20,380 uh, about seeing what interest, 567 00:35:20,380 --> 00:35:22,700 if we had any interest to working with the, 568 00:35:22,840 --> 00:35:26,780 the Sons of Italy and bringing the Italian festival back to Union Town. 569 00:35:26,780 --> 00:35:30,980 You know, when Covid came, um, it kind of changed the way our life, our, our, 570 00:35:30,980 --> 00:35:35,460 our life's lives were lived. And that's something that went by the wayside, 571 00:35:35,460 --> 00:35:40,000 and there's a lot of work to putting, putting an Italian festival on. So, um, 572 00:35:40,630 --> 00:35:44,280 mark John Moki and I went out to visit with the, uh, 573 00:35:44,280 --> 00:35:49,280 gentleman out at the Sons of Italy and got into discussions of how would do 574 00:35:49,280 --> 00:35:52,240 this, who would run it. And, uh, we've, um, 575 00:35:52,840 --> 00:35:56,080 we've finally come to the decision that the Sons of Italy, 576 00:35:56,080 --> 00:36:00,200 they know how to run this festival, and we have the venue. So we, 577 00:36:00,540 --> 00:36:03,080 the particulars will come out a little bit later, 578 00:36:03,080 --> 00:36:07,880 but basically what I'm saying is that we've worked in conjunction with the 579 00:36:07,880 --> 00:36:10,160 Sons of Italy, with the City of Union town. 580 00:36:10,300 --> 00:36:14,840 Our police department is on board or street departments on board, 581 00:36:14,860 --> 00:36:17,680 and that's something like to just send a, 582 00:36:17,790 --> 00:36:21,040 a shout out to our fire police and street departments. 583 00:36:21,720 --> 00:36:26,120 Whenever Mok and I come up with an idea, they, they back us 100%. 584 00:36:26,420 --> 00:36:27,960 And we've got a, I think we, 585 00:36:27,960 --> 00:36:30,320 I know we have a really good partner in the Sons of Italy, 586 00:36:30,740 --> 00:36:31,920 and we plan on having, 587 00:36:31,920 --> 00:36:36,480 they plan on having the Italian festival the weekend of August 12th and 588 00:36:36,480 --> 00:36:39,960 August 13th, and they're just starting their marketing plans. 589 00:36:39,960 --> 00:36:41,600 So there's a lot more to come along, 590 00:36:41,600 --> 00:36:46,200 but I'm excited and everyone in the city are very excited about the Italian 591 00:36:46,560 --> 00:36:49,160 festival or ethnic festival, whatever they may call it, 592 00:36:49,160 --> 00:36:50,720 coming back to the City of Union Dam. 593 00:36:50,820 --> 00:36:54,240 And we get to showcase our city with a good group of people promoting it. 594 00:36:54,710 --> 00:36:58,840 Absolutely. And I know people come all the way from Moundsville West, 595 00:36:58,840 --> 00:37:03,760 West Virginia, from, uh, from Morgantown, West Virginia, and, 596 00:37:03,760 --> 00:37:08,520 uh, they come here just to enjoy, uh, that ethnic food. 597 00:37:08,520 --> 00:37:09,220 You know, 598 00:37:09,220 --> 00:37:13,000 one of the things that amazes me about Southwestern Pennsylvania is it doesn't 599 00:37:13,000 --> 00:37:17,760 matter if you are Polish, if you're Slovak, if you're Irish, if you're Italian, 600 00:37:18,490 --> 00:37:23,200 um, you know, we really are a melting pot, um, 601 00:37:23,220 --> 00:37:25,040 for all of those ethnicities. 602 00:37:25,140 --> 00:37:29,560 And we're so lucky because we have those, uh, 603 00:37:29,560 --> 00:37:33,920 all of the, those food items from those different backgrounds, uh, 604 00:37:33,920 --> 00:37:38,920 that are available at our local eateries here, right in downtown. Um, 605 00:37:38,920 --> 00:37:43,440 you know, I gotta plug, uh, my friends at, uh, world importing. 606 00:37:43,510 --> 00:37:48,480 I was really sad to see that, uh, that after years and years it was, 607 00:37:48,530 --> 00:37:53,120 uh, being sold and, uh, the Romeo family would no longer own it. 608 00:37:53,570 --> 00:37:56,440 Uh, or actually they were looking for a buyer for a while. 609 00:37:56,820 --> 00:37:59,280 Now they found a buyer in Pic Lamini, 610 00:37:59,300 --> 00:38:03,640 and you can go in there any day of the week and, uh, and get your, uh, 611 00:38:03,640 --> 00:38:06,720 Italian foods and cuisine, uh, 612 00:38:06,720 --> 00:38:10,840 right in downtown Uniontown. Not to mention, um, you know, 613 00:38:10,840 --> 00:38:12,640 during Lent we have, uh, 614 00:38:12,640 --> 00:38:17,560 some Lenin specials at places like demarcos and Rs and even Maloney's 615 00:38:17,560 --> 00:38:21,440 and tit lows. So great eateries in downtown Uniontown. 616 00:38:21,440 --> 00:38:25,280 And I'm really excited for this festival, which will be going on. 617 00:38:25,450 --> 00:38:29,240 We gotta get our last break of the day in and, uh, 618 00:38:29,410 --> 00:38:32,480 we will come back with final thoughts here on Commonality. 619 00:38:35,940 --> 00:38:40,520 You are listening to commonalities where guests find common ground through 620 00:38:40,840 --> 00:38:42,040 uncommon conversations. 621 00:38:42,600 --> 00:38:46,040 We'll be back after this brief break to recognize our sponsors. 622 00:38:49,740 --> 00:38:51,000 Are you enjoying the program? 623 00:38:51,000 --> 00:38:55,320 You're listening to support commonalities and help keep us on the air by making 624 00:38:55,320 --> 00:39:00,240 a donation of five, 10, or $25, or any amount you feel comfortable sharing 625 00:39:00,240 --> 00:39:04,120 online@donate.commonalities.online. Again, 626 00:39:04,120 --> 00:39:08,160 that is donate.commonalities.online on the worldwide web. 627 00:39:08,380 --> 00:39:12,800 Buy our host a cup of coffee or help pay for airtime at donate dot commonalities 628 00:39:12,800 --> 00:39:13,633 online mine. 629 00:39:17,460 --> 00:39:20,320 I'm Melinda de LaRose. As an Assistant district attorney, 630 00:39:20,350 --> 00:39:24,360 I've protected Fayette County families and fought to uphold our constitutional 631 00:39:24,360 --> 00:39:27,160 rights. As a prosecutor and trusted local attorney, 632 00:39:27,160 --> 00:39:31,080 I've provided victims of crime with a strong voice and put criminals behind 633 00:39:31,080 --> 00:39:34,400 bars. My pledge to you as judge is to follow the law, 634 00:39:34,640 --> 00:39:36,920 always maintain the highest ethical standards, 635 00:39:36,920 --> 00:39:41,280 and to run a courtroom that's respectful of your time and tax dollars. 636 00:39:41,580 --> 00:39:44,600 I'm Melinda de LaRose asking for your vote for Judge. 637 00:39:44,600 --> 00:39:46,760 Paid for by Friends of Melinda de LaRose. 638 00:39:49,700 --> 00:39:54,080 You are listening to commonalities where guests find common ground through 639 00:39:54,480 --> 00:39:55,880 uncommon Conversations. 640 00:39:57,270 --> 00:40:02,160 Well, thanks for sticking with us. My guest today has been Mayor Bill Gerkey, 641 00:40:02,160 --> 00:40:04,760 and we're gonna go to final thoughts here in just a moment. 642 00:40:04,780 --> 00:40:09,600 But I was really excited about today's show because a lot of times we 643 00:40:09,600 --> 00:40:13,640 talk about politics, we talk about what's happening at the state level, 644 00:40:13,640 --> 00:40:15,600 at the federal level, and, uh, 645 00:40:15,900 --> 00:40:19,760 and I'm very blessed to have some connections into, uh, 646 00:40:20,110 --> 00:40:22,120 into some of those groups of people and, 647 00:40:22,120 --> 00:40:27,080 and like to bring statewide newsmakers here to Wmb s 648 00:40:27,130 --> 00:40:31,000 to, to be able to talk to us here in Fayette County directly. 649 00:40:31,260 --> 00:40:33,920 But as I said at the top of the show, you know, 650 00:40:33,920 --> 00:40:38,720 the government layer that is closest to you is normally your municipal 651 00:40:38,720 --> 00:40:40,440 government. And, uh, 652 00:40:40,440 --> 00:40:44,840 and that's why it's been exciting to talk all things City of Uniontown today. 653 00:40:45,080 --> 00:40:45,670 Mayor, 654 00:40:45,670 --> 00:40:50,520 I wanted to turn it over to you to let you give any final thoughts as 655 00:40:50,520 --> 00:40:54,920 well as any contact information. If someone needs to get ahold of City Hall, 656 00:40:55,180 --> 00:40:58,600 how can they go go about doing that? If they, uh, 657 00:40:58,780 --> 00:41:02,960 are interested in getting involved with the Sons of Italy's, um, 658 00:41:03,330 --> 00:41:07,280 Italian festival that we've promoed on the show today, how, 659 00:41:07,280 --> 00:41:09,480 how can people go about doing that? And, 660 00:41:09,480 --> 00:41:11,680 and what are kind of your final thoughts for the day? 661 00:41:11,990 --> 00:41:15,320 Well, thank thanks Matt. Um, Jim Santilli is, 662 00:41:15,320 --> 00:41:18,840 and I don't have that information in front of me, but, uh, 663 00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:23,680 you could call City Hall, um, or, um, okay, 664 00:41:23,890 --> 00:41:27,320 uh, <laugh>, excuse me. You can call City Hall and, 665 00:41:27,380 --> 00:41:31,160 and I'm sure they can get you in touch with Mr. Santilli. Um, 666 00:41:31,520 --> 00:41:35,480 there was a couple other thoughts that I had, you know, 667 00:41:35,480 --> 00:41:38,680 we're excited about the, um, about the Italian festival. 668 00:41:38,680 --> 00:41:39,960 One thing I wanted to bring up, 669 00:41:39,960 --> 00:41:43,640 we're having a citywide cleanup day on April 22nd, 670 00:41:44,260 --> 00:41:47,840 and we go around and clean up the alleys and the streets. 671 00:41:47,840 --> 00:41:49,840 It's not a clean out your garage day, 672 00:41:49,840 --> 00:41:53,840 but it's to make our city look more beautiful. And we planted, 673 00:41:53,840 --> 00:41:58,640 that's a Saturday between eight in between eight 30 in the morning and noon 674 00:41:58,640 --> 00:42:02,160 that would, would gather down, uh, at the empty lot across from, um, 675 00:42:03,020 --> 00:42:07,480 the Galton Gardens on, on Gallatin Avenue. And we'd go out through, 676 00:42:07,480 --> 00:42:11,320 throughout the city and, and have areas that we, that we clean up. Um, 677 00:42:11,320 --> 00:42:15,760 and that's something that we've done even through Covid and long before I became 678 00:42:15,760 --> 00:42:19,400 mayor, it's been something that the city has done, and the girls at City Hall, 679 00:42:19,890 --> 00:42:23,400 um, are putting that together. And we're very blessed to have a, 680 00:42:23,430 --> 00:42:27,840 a good staff in the Mayor's office. Um, and there'll be more information, 681 00:42:27,840 --> 00:42:28,840 there'll be some, matter of fact, 682 00:42:28,840 --> 00:42:32,440 there'll be some flyers sent out about the cleanup day on, um, 683 00:42:32,760 --> 00:42:33,920 April 22nd. 684 00:42:33,950 --> 00:42:35,040 Well, thanks Mayor, 685 00:42:35,040 --> 00:42:38,480 for being with us and for sharing your thoughts and everything that we talked 686 00:42:38,480 --> 00:42:41,360 about Uniontown today. Uh, so very important. 687 00:42:41,380 --> 00:42:43,560 One thing I'd remind anyone who's listening, 688 00:42:43,560 --> 00:42:47,480 if you wanna see Uniontown become a bigger and better city, 689 00:42:47,480 --> 00:42:50,000 it takes your effort. So get involved. 690 00:42:50,060 --> 00:42:54,160 And thank you for listening to today's episode of Commonalities. 691 00:42:54,710 --> 00:42:56,720 This has been commonalities, 692 00:42:57,030 --> 00:43:01,280 a show where guests find common ground through uncommon conversations. 693 00:43:01,360 --> 00:43:04,120 Copyright 2022 Coordinated 360, 694 00:43:04,340 --> 00:43:07,840 all public rebroadcast should be done with prior written approval from Matthew 695 00:43:07,840 --> 00:43:12,600 Dowling. All requests should be sent to info@coordinatedthreesixty.com. 696 00:43:12,600 --> 00:43:15,240 Thank you for listening to commonalities.
24Feb, 2023
