West Mifflin mayor faces challenger in primary

Chris Kelly has held the office for 16 years.

West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly is being challenged by fellow Democrat Dale R. Pavlik in Tuesday’s primary election.

The Mon Valley Independent contacted each candidate and submitted a list of questions to them to focus on the issues facing their residents. Pavlik did not respond.

After high school, Kelly attended California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest California). After one year, he had an opportunity to attend the Allegheny County Police Academy, taking numerous police administration courses concerning fiscal management and learned accountability, reasoning and public engagement.

Kelly said he’s well versed on municipal law, has been available to the public, has overcome obstacles and has been a conduit between residents and administrators.

He has been mayor for 16 years, and his goals if reelected include having absolute transparency with the public, working with all forms of development coming into the area and guaranteeing an even playing field for all West Mifflin residents. Working on the Allegheny County airport is another objective.

“By calling out those with hidden agendas, I believe my record speaks for itself on that issue,” Kelly said. “The airport serves as a crucial asset for regional development, yet it appears to have not received the attention it deserves, particularly in comparison to the development at Arnold Palmer Airport along Route 30. We must explore future development possibilities more earnestly.”

With the upcoming interchange opening at Lebanon Church Road due to the Mon/Fayette Expressway construction, Kelly said the area has “significant commercial opportunities on the horizon.”

There is also the potential for riverfront development along the Monongahela River from the Rankin Bridge to Clairton, and Kelly said collaborating with local attractions like Kennywood Park, Sandcastle and the Waterfront could lead West Mifflin toward a future filled with opportunity, especially with Route 43 providing access to Route 837 near Kennywood.

Kelly has also been an advocate for the U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel merger, and he said that will continue if he is reelected.

“Our local mayors have shown a commendable commitment to the Nippon merger, and I have facilitated discussions among our community leaders to strategize on presenting our case to the (Council on Foreign Investment in the United States) panel,” Kelly said. “This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes investment, future development, and community partnerships.”

Kelly cites the Community College of Allegheny County as another underutilized resource that holds “great potential for empowering our youth.”

Kelly said that by fostering local collaborations that mirror the success of the Mon Valley School, the area can guide students toward sustainable career paths without the burden of significant student debt.

Kelly is also an advocate for dealing with other issues in the West Mifflin area including Mon View Heights apartments. After criminal proceedings involving the owner are wrapped up, Kelly said there will hopefully be a demolition and rebuilding of that part of the community.

For more 12 years, Kelly has been an advocate for the redevelopment of Century III Mall. He has reached out to neighboring municipal leaders in Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills and Baldwin regarding the formation of an authority to oversee the redevelopment effort that is currently underway.

“Thanks to the support of Allegheny County, we finally see a glimmer of hope for revitalizing this site, which would positively impact the communities along the Route 51 corridor,” Kelly said. “Such a collaboration would benefit all our communities while strengthening the local tax base.”