Attorney and former State College Borough Council member Donald Hahn announced on Wednesday night that he will run for State College Mayor in this year’s election.
The Democrat becomes the first candidate to declare a run for the seat since Mayor Elizabeth Goreham announced on Monday that she will not seek a third term.
Hahn, 52, is an attorney with the State College law firm of Stover, McGlaughlin, Gerace, Weyandt & McCormick, P.C. He also is currently vice president of the State College Redevelopment Authority.
A Centre County native, Hahn is a graduate of State College Area High School.He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State and a law degree from Villanova University School of Law. Hahn lives in the borough with his wife, Cynthia.
“As a State High graduate, Penn State alumnus, and borough homeowner, I know that our community is a wonderful place in which to grow up, to go to school, and to raise a family,’ Hahn said. ‘As mayor, I want to work to keep it that way.”
In announcing his candidacy, Hahn said his priorities include neighborhood stability, fiscal sustainability, diversity and inclusion and advocating for progress and change in Harrisburg.
“State College is a great town. Penn State is a stable and well-paying employment center, the downtown is vibrant, property values remain strong, and State College consistently earns high ratings for safety,” Hahn said. ‘However, the borough needs to protect the stability of its neighborhoods through a combination of zoning, ordinance enforcement, and owner-occupied housing initiatives, such as the Community Land Trust and the Homestead Investment Program.’
He said borough leaders need to focus on maintaining a sustainable tax base and keeping costs affordable. He also noted fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes ‘the best and brightest minds from around the world’ as well as ‘the sons and daughters of small-town and inner-city Pennsylvanians.’
Hahn previously served on borough council for 12 years, including two as council president. His stint on council ended when he decided not to run for re-election in 2013. He also spent four years on the board of the Pennsylvania Municipal League.
‘As mayor, I’ll work to foster constructive debate on council, efficient municipal decision-making with full opportunity for citizen input, and the courteous reception of public opinion,“ he said. ‘Through my 12 years on borough council, I am proud of the many tough votes I have made to protect the neighborhoods. As mayor, I will not hesitate to veto ordinances which are detrimental to neighborhood stability.’
In announcing his bid, Hahn praised Goreham’s tenure as mayor and as a council member.
“Mayor Goreham has been a great leader, especially with respect to the environment, inclusion, and entrepreneurship,” Hahn said. “As mayor, she took a bold and progressive stand in favor of marriage equality and has been a steadfast advocate of innovation and entrepreneurship, as embodied in the New LeafInitiative. She supported Council resolutions against the USA Patriot Act and Pennsylvania’s repressive Voter ID Law. Our community is a better place because of Elizabeth. I value our shared experiences, and I will continue to seek her advice and assistance in public service.”
Pennsylvania’s primary election is on May 16. In addition to mayor, three borough council seats will be up for election in State College.
