Meet Daniel Chiavaroli, Candidate for Nazareth Borough Council

Nazareth Borough Council has one seat open for election this year in "Ward 3" and two candidates are running.

Of those candidates, one is an incumbent - Daniel Chiavaroli, a Democrat and current council president.

The other candidate is Troy Keenhold, also a Democrat.  Keenhold did not respond to messages left by Patch asking him to participate in a questionnaire, which can be seen in its entirety to the right.

Without further ado, Daniel Chiavaroli answers your questions:

Age: 64

Residence: 231 S. Whitfield St., Nazareth

What is your political affiliation: Democrat

Education:

• Shamokin High School class of 1965
• USAF Technical schools
• National Cash Register (NCR) Technical Schools, 1969 - 2000

Profession/Work Experience:

• National Cash Register (NCR) Field Engineer
• Repair Supervisor of an NCR Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Refurbishing Department

Community Service:

• Nazareth Borough Council, 1984 to Present
• Nazareth Ambulance Board - President
• - Board Member 

Why are you running for Nazareth Borough Council?

This is the way I choose to give back to my community.

What qualifies you to serve on the council?

• Nazareth Borough councilman for 27 years
• Experience as the repair supervisor of an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) refurbishing department managing a department of 17 employees.

What do you see as the council’s roles and responsibilities?

The primary responsibility of a councilman is to be a responsive representative of the people. As council president, my goal has always been to recognize the need for citizens to address council at borough meetings and allow time for them to express themselves.  Then it is the responsibility of council as a whole to act on  the requests of the citizens.

Where do you think the borough can reduce spending and/or save money? (Please be as specific as possible)

I think all proposed expenditures should be evaluated both at budget time and when the item is being purchased. Whether it is office supplies or a vehicle, each item must be looked at to see if there is a true need and if the taxpayers can afford it.

What are your ideas for promoting economic development in the borough? (Please be as specific as possible)

I have high hopes for the recently created "Economic Development Commission." The people who have volunteered to be part of this commission represent the best that Nazareth has to offer. I feel that economic development for Nazareth will be in a "Nazareth Business District," which includes the current downtown.

What are your hopes for Nazareth’s police department?

My primary hope is to continue to provide first-class policing services to Nazareth at a responsible cost. The state-recommended personnel minimum for a small department is 10 officers. The current borough at full force would be six officers. Today, we have a chief and two full-time officers. Council is currently evaluating the options to fully man the current department or look for other options that will provide first-class service at a responsible cost.

Do you feel regionalizing or contracting services, the two most discussed options, are the way to go? Why or why not?

The Borough has contacted other local departments regarding potential options to policing. Recently, has given council on the services they can provide.  We have had some very early one-on-one discussion with other municipalities regarding the possibilities of providing policing at a reasonable cost. All of the options have not yet been explored. I believe that the borough can benefit from the economies of scale that regionalizing, contracting services or joining with another department can bring.

What one thing would you most like to accomplish if elected to Nazareth Borough Council?

I would like to see our downtown become a destination for entertainment, dining and shopping.  One step at a time, each step leading the way to another step. I would be proud to be part of Nazareth citizens coming together to help revitalize our business district. One small step has just happened with the return of a hardware store on Main Street -- Nazareth Hometown Hardware. Now, we are ready for the next step.

Anything else you would like voters to know?

Please, get out and vote!