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With three years remaining on her tenure as mayor
of the City of St.
Marys, Sally Geyer has lofty goals for the city's future.
"I want to see St. Marys as the hub of the western part of Pennsylvania,"
Geyer said. "We, and I speak for city council, have laid down the welcome
mat to anyone who wants to talk to city officials about coming to St. Marys.
The council members that I have shared a seat with have been open-minded
about listening to everyone."
Geyer noted that a number of changes are currently underway, including new
additions that are expected to benefit area residents.
"The ATA and the city have been working to put a bus terminal on Depot
Street. There will be a parking garage, a new hotel and possibly a new
restaurant," Geyer said.
She added that a new business is also expected to open in the former St.
Marys Chevrolet building located along the Million Dollar Highway.
All of this progress is part of one of the goals Geyer initially set when
she ran for her first term as mayor: to bring new things into the city.
"The town seemed to stagnate for many years and needed to revitalize.
The first term brought in new stores, new housing, additional classes at the
Community Education Council and a pride in the people as we watched Sheetz
open (and) Rite Aid build a new store. I see more and more outside interests
interested in coming to St. Marys and we welcome them," Geyer said.
Geyer also noted that, in addition to new businesses coming to the area, the
downtown landscape has also changed a great deal since she first took over
as mayor.
"We tore down old buildings that were no longer being used and built new
businesses that hired locals for job creation. There is an interest in St.
Marys from chain companies to put in businesses here," Geyer said.
While St. Marys has changed quite a bit during her terms as mayor, Geyer
remarked that she too has been changed by the experience.
"I understand the workings of city hall more. I see what needs to be done to
keep the city running smoothly. I enjoy representing the City of St. Marys
and try to attend everything I can as the face of the city with grace and
dignity. I speak out highly for St. Marys," Geyer said.
According to Geyer, the variety of personalities representing the city
through positions, including city council, also have helped the area to
grow. She encouraged residents interested in helping the city continue
moving forward to consider running for office.
"I like all the members of council that I have served with through the
years. Each person adds a perspective to the issues. I may not always agree,
but there are discussions and not arguments. Our council meetings are done
in a timely manner and egos are left at the door," Geyer said.
Moving forward, Geyer has her sights set on encouraging organizations to
fill the Airport Industrial Park and to also make it worthwhile for former
residents to return to the area after graduating from college.
"The city manager probes every lead that he gets for the industrial park and
I support all of it," Geyer said.
She noted that hopes the Marcellus Shale industry helps to create additional
jobs in the area as well.
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