Mayor Jack Allen received the Allegheny County Boroughs Association’s “Borough Official of the Year” award on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Rivers Club in Pittsburgh.
“To be given this award is an accomplishment that I never imagined receiving,” said Mayor Allen. “But it’s definitely a group effort. We work together as a team in Bethel Park and this award is a reflection of that.”
The award is given to an official who makes an extraordinary contribution to local government.
“It’s an honor to serve with Mayor Allen as he always puts Bethel Park first,” said Municipal Council President Tim Moury. “He’s willing to help in times of need for our community. And, he’s a calming force when we’re faced with challenges.”
Known as the “Voice of Bethel Park,” Mayor Allen is the main voice residents hear on phone messages and Bethel Park TV (BPTV) announcements for information and community updates. They also see him regularly at Municipal Council meetings highlighting resident and local business accomplishments, awards and achievements.
“I truly enjoy showcasing our incredible community members at Council Meetings,” said Mayor Allen. “This is one of the main highlights of my job as Mayor.”
Recognitions that he announces include anniversaries, birthdays, Gold Star and Eagle Scout Awards through both his office and the American Legion, and proclamations recognizing service of organizations such as Kids to Parks, EMS Week, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness, School Choice Week, Extra Mile Day, National Library Week, Bells across Pennsylvania, Helper Recognition Week, Veterans Day, Motorcycle Awareness, Police Department Week, Fire Department Week, and MS Awareness Week.
Mayor Allen also hosts a local business show, “Jack of All Trades,” and recently won a Greater Pittsburgh Community Media Award for an episode featuring one of Bethel Park’s adjacent communities, Castle Shannon Borough.
Along with these duties, Mayor Allen also hosts the annual 90+ Club Luncheon for Bethel Park residents age 90 and over. He organizes volunteers for beautification efforts across the Municipality and visits elementary schools to read books to students and answer questions related to government and Bethel Park. His other annual events include the Halloween and Holiday Lighting Contests held in October and December.
“These programs have become iconic events and participation has substantially increased over the years,” said Moury.
Mayor Allen also performs numerous weddings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies and attends many special events for Bethel Park businesses and residents.
As a veteran, he’s a strong proponent of Bethel Park’s veteran population, personally assisting in the development and organization of annual Memorial Day activities, including a parade, remembrance services and a veteran luncheon. In 2013, Mayor Allen also initiated the Bethel Park Military Banner Tribute Program to honor Bethel Park veterans. He organizes the rotation of the National Colors on local veteran graves at the Bethel Park Cemetery and plans bus trips for American Legion Post 760 members to visit other American Legion posts.
“Mayor Allen is a remarkable leader and is truly deserving of this award,” said Moury.
Mayor Allen was first a Bethel Park Council Member in 1997, representing Ward 2 and went on to become mayor 10 years ago.