Saturday's Snowfall in Media /Video October 29th 2011

Yesterday's October snowfall in Media

Rain, Sleet, Snow and The Eastern Precinct

Campaigning for office and the position of Council to me isn't a part time job.......... and not even a full time job, it's an ALL THE TIME JOB.  Today we covered a lot of ground in the Eastern Precinct despite the windy, slippery conditions at hand.    I wear running shoes door to door which neither repel water or provide adequate traction on snow covered porches.  When you knock on a lot of doors in a 34 degree rain, you begin to appreciate the small things in life, like a working doorbell.


Either way, after residents got over the initial surprise of seeing someone at their front doors in the middle of blustery, wet and snowy conditions; they were quite talkative.  One concern I was invited in to a home to discuss, was an issue a family had with Media's Code Enforcement.  They are relatively new residents who felt they weren't getting proper responses from the Borough on an issue they had with their sidewalk.  They also felt the situation wasn't being assessed properly and therefore would require repair on their part.  As I've mentioned before, these issues don't get resolved overnight, but the appreciation of someone coming to their home asking what concerns they had is really what public service is about.  I've met a lot of people and following up has been time consuming, but I haven't missed one person yet.

If you know me and I've come to your door, you know I don't push agendas or talk down opponents.  Unfortunately, I've also been told by residents that this courtesy hasn't be reciprocated by my democratic opponents.  In fact, I received a complaint about it today.  A lady told me a democratic candidate came to her door stating the republicans won't be knocking on doors, her reply to him was to the extend of, "they were already here, I met them."  To me those kind of statements just create division that doesn't do anyone good.

Truthfully, that stuff is not important to me, but what is, is doing a good job, taking the time to listen to people and getting the job done.  I don't walk with a list, there's nothing strategic or calculating about; I go to each and every house regardless of what party they subscribe to.

I hope you enjoy the day-to-day campaigning updates, feedback and what's really on the minds of residents in this town.  There are a lot of people who drop by this site daily, but I appreciate those I met today who say they enjoy reading this blog. Thanks!

If we haven't knocked on your door yet,  we will!  

Check us out in next week's Town Talk!

VOTE Tuesday, November 8th

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: TimeBank potluck & meeting at Hedgerow Theatre

Update from Transition Town Media




Hello, friends,

Due to the nasty weather and especially the threat of 4 inches of snow on the ground by 6pm, we've decided to cancel this afternoon's TimeBank potluck & meeting at Hedgerow Theatre.

We will reschedule it as soon as we can!

Thanks and apologies for the short notice.

Transition Town Media

Becoming Local, Green, and Resilient!

Announcement can be found on their Facebook Page

The First Snow Flakes of the Season fall on Media

With the temperature slowly dropping, the rain that has been falling throughout the morning is now slowly changing over to wet snow.  Good thing today's Halloween Parade was cancelled as it would have made for tough conditions.


Does Deals on State Street have their snow shovels out?

Support Media's Local Businesses

This is a great store, whether you're in to running or not.  Karen and the crew do a great job at motivating people to get into excersing.....they do for me.  They also provide a nice social event on Thursday evenings with their group runs throughout Media.


You're in luck, they are having a sale TODAY!

25% OFF EVERYTHING THIS SATURDAY (10/29) 10am-12pm only!!!

Make sure to stop in early because the sale ends at 12...no exceptions!  We have lots of great winter gear on our racks now.  Maybe start your Christmas shopping early??  Or get that Garmin you've had your eye on...even socks count in this sale!!  This is one you don't want to miss!  

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BMRCMedia and like us on Facebook: Bryn Mawr Running Company of Media to get all the latest updates on what's happening in our store.

Thanks friends...good luck if you've got a fall race coming up!

BRYN MAWR RUNNING CO MEDIA

       13 E State Street

       Media, PA 19063

          610-627-0600

www.brynmawrrunningco.com

Making a Difference for the Residents in the Southern Precinct

I've been spending a lot of time with residents in the southern precinct. Whether it's the concern with speed bumps on Jefferson, the gravel at Olive and Jefferson, the abandon house on Vernon, commercial trucks parked outside of people's homes, or the issues in our recent letter; the important thing is that we are our trying to make a difference. How? By listening to what people have to say.

Thanks for the feedback and continued support.

Tedman

Dear Southern Precinct Residents,

It has been an honor to serve and work directly with you. We have worked on your behalf on a number of issues that have directly impacted your neighborhood.  It is our obligation to represent your interests and ensure that your voice be heard.  We are committed to protecting your rights by opposing developments that are out of character with our town and by exposing governmental mismanagement that impacts your neighborhood. For the last 10 years we have led the fight to protect your neighborhood from over development. Here are several things we have done to protect your neighborhood.

Our Attention to Development in your Neighborhood:

• Hampton Inn Project:  From the Hampton Inn proposal to the empty lot at Manchester and Baltimore Pike, Media Republicans have worked to defend your neighborhood from overdevelopment.  Led by committeewoman, Kristi Dick, the fight to ensure the protection of your rights from overzealous developers ensued.  Tedman O'Hara sums it up best, " It is our duty to protect you from harmful development that negatively impacts the scope, feel, and nature of our town." Many people feel a hotel is needed in Media. And, although the Hampton Inn was approved, the model proposed to be built will be of  lesser impact to the community than the original proposal.  

• 200 E State Street: We continuously work with the developer to reduce the size and scale of this projected apartment complex and are attempting to keep the impact on the residential neighborhood to a minimum. 

• 200 Baltimore Pike: Negotiated with the developer to pull the parking garage away from the residential area softening the impact to the neighborhood. We also recommended abandoning the street to alleviate a costly expense to the Borough, thereby, transferring that cost on to the developer. 

• Manchester One Way Street: Borough council studied this issue for over a year before Pete Alyanakian fought to have this voted on. 
  

Costly Traffic Mismanagement:

• CMAQ- Congestion Mitigation Air Quality

Borough council has not been kind to the southern precinct over the CMAQ grant we were awarded in 1997! The democratic majority has put their interests above yours by awarding a no bid contract to a political crony to redesign the traffic lights along Baltimore Pike.  The objective of the grant was to make traffic flow better through timed signals.  Unfortunately, this incomplete redesign has taken over 13 years and has exceeded $200,000 of your money. This inexcusable situation is constantly monitored by Pete Alyanakian and our candidates in order to hold the people accountable for this disaster.  The CMAQ project is causing people to cut through your neighborhoods to escape the traffic jams on Baltimore Pike, which directly affects your quality of life.  We have been voting to oppose paying the Borough engineer for his work on this project.  FYI... Springfield Township redesigned traffic lights from Springfield Mall to Bishop Avenue and completed the project in 2 years.  

Your Hometown Team:

Pete Alyanakian, Toni Cavanagh DiMonte, Tedman O'Hara

*** VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH ***

The Scare Trade Ball Saturday, Oct 23rd 2011, 7-10pm

Fair Trade is hosting their annual Scare Trade Ball:

Come in Costume or Party Clothing

Join us for Food, Wine, Dancing Demonstrations & A Silent Auction. Tickets are available now at Selene Cooperative & Earth & State. Or Contact Ira at 484.234.0672

Adults - $25
Students - $15

A Sink Hole, Abandoned House and those Plastic Bags

As I go door-to-door I'm always interested in the concerns residents have.   Some I typically know about (traffic, taxes, etc.), but there are many things that come as a surprise.  For instance I spoke to neighbors on North Olive and 8th Streets who are quite displeased with a very serious sink hole problem located in their backyards.  I was shown it first hand and it certainly was a lot bigger than I expected with a high rate of water coming out of a 36" rusting drainage pipe.  The borough is looking at this, but the time it's taking has residents concerned.

In the southern precinct today I met a couple who have an adjoining home to one that was recently abandoned on Vernon St.  It's not only a fire hazard, but structurally it's unstable to the point the roof is caving in.  I understand these things don't get resolved over night, but as someone who is running for council, these people need face-to-face reassurances from their elected officials that these issues are going to be addressed and fixed.  They deserve timeframes and commitments. Period!

Also in the southern precinct today,  I ran into a person who stated that there has to be someway to stop a vehicle that goes from street to street in the early morning hours dispersing the plastic bags containing advertisements and coupons.  I know what he's talking about, I get them too.  I know this has been addressed by council, but again it's getting the lines of communication open that allow these issues to be resolved.

You learn a lot seeing and meeting people at their homes.  Whether it's commercial trucks I have to take pictures of inorder to have removed from residential streets, hazardous trees cut down, emails I get through this blog or the problems described to me today; I'll get it addressed.

Tedman

Missing Cat in Media Orange and 4th St

Please call the number below should you find an orange cat named Cheddar.

A Proven Record of Leadership that Works for Media

Pete Alyanakian, Toni Cavanagh DiMonte, Tedman O'Hara

VOTE Tuesday, November 8th 2011

OUR RECORD OF LEADERSHIP:

In the last 15 months theBorough has been fortunate to have a cooperative council effort that has enacted many new initiatives that are designed to better serve the residents of Media. In the last year, as lead by Council President Pete Alyanakian the bi-partisan team has accomplished the following on behalf of the residents:

• Settled the 3rd Street dam ownership issue in 10 months that previous councils had not settled over 10 years. The Dam issue has cost the taxpayers over $350,000 just to maintain the structure that we didn’t own! The settlement allowed the Borough to apply for additional funding to help pay for our estimated $650,000 cost share.
• 3rd Street Dam: In 1998, Media Council signed an agreement to build a 2 lane road over a new dam. We have applied for and received over $750,000 in grants to pay for the borough cost share to repair the dam.
• Instituted new residential ordinances that makes it easier to complete home improvement projects.
• Cut expenses without impacting services by replacing politically connected consultants with more professional and cost effective professionals.
• Created an Economic Development Committee that has brought together all groups to promote and market Media in harmonious atmosphere:

• Secured a $23,000 sponsorship for co-hosting MBA events making the events bigger and better,

• Developed marketing brochures that has promoted Media to a wider audience increasing visibility cost effectively,

• Created the Media Showcase event that is designed to raise money and awareness for our non-profits while promoting Media as an Arts and Cultural destination;

• Increased signage on Baltimore Pike to improve visibility for retail stores.

Community Development: Preserving our Residential Neighborhoods is not a slogan but a promise to balance the commercial and residential developments with the surrounding neighborhoods. Councilman Cunningham recommended and sponsored the following legislative changes that ensure your neighborhood is protected from over development.

• Jim sponsored an ordinance that preserves and protects our residential base by requiring a 50 foot landscaped green buffer between residential and non-residential zoning districts, eliminating multi-family home conversions in the R-1 and R-2 Districts,
• Our team has addressed an overly restrictive ordinance that prevented a shed from being built without permit to a more sensible ordinance thatenables residents to add and expand porches and decks without going through the expensive zoning hearing board process,
• We created an historical resources overlay district to help protect historic structures not already in historic districts.
• We fought to make the proposed Hampton Inn motel on Providence Road and the office-retail complex at Baltimore Pike more compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods.
• We secured $35,000 for road and intersection improvements at Hampton Inn site.
• Started a multi-year repaving program that uses the liquid fuel money as intended to repave streets not diverted for other budgetary needs.
• Expanded the Sidewalk Reimbursement Program assistance program to include all property owners and increased help for residents whose sidewalks needed repair more than once.
• We have established special police intersection patrols in residential areas, upgraded street crosswalks and repaved long neglected residential streets, added more shade trees and greatly increased tree trimming, assisted residents in repairing street tree damaged sidewalks,
• We have instituted a plan to install more efficient and effective sodium vapor street lights across town.

Economic Development: Council President Alyanakian has made the Business District a priority this year focusing on expanding our current street fairs and trying new events that will become a part of our dynamic social scene.  Since becoming council president he has enacted the following action plan while securing $23,000 in sponsorship dollars:

• Cultural & Economic Development Committee: Created to bring together the various non-profits in a cohesive proactive manner to promote Media as a Arts and Cultural destination. This group has started the following initiatives:

• Established in 2010, this committee was formed to give all groups a voice in how we attract visitors and establish Media as an Arts and Cultural destination.

• Members include representatives from Fair Trade, Farmers Market, MBA, theater, MAC, and community volunteers working together to promote arts and culture.

• Signage and Sponsorship: For the last 12 years council, our consultants, and the MBA have discussed how to attract the motorists on Baltimore Pike to State Street. Pete authorized the “Downtown, Retail, Dining” signage that now graces our Olive ST Parking garage. This sign not only is visually appealing but provides room for upcoming events and is a potential new revenue stream through sponsorship opportunities for the MBA.  

• Partnership withBrandywine Visitors and Convention Bureau that brings BVCB in as a primary sponsor for MBA events adding $23,000 in new funds that have made our street fairs bigger and better in 2011.  

• MBA in partnership with BVCB now prints a quarterly ad flyer highlighting upcoming events in Media that that is distributed by BVCB to various hotel and business outlets throughout the Delaware Valley broadening our market reach at no cost to the MBA.

• Media State Street Showcase: In April 2011, Pete authorized council to institute a new event that will highlight Media’s arts and cultural offerings with the inaugural State Street Showcase at the Media Theater.The purpose of the showcase is to help our local non-profits raise money while partnering with the Theater on a community event featuring musical acts. The proceeds of the event will benefit local Media non-profits and represent an investment by council to promote awareness and appreciation for all they contribute to make Media the destination it has become.  

Public Safety: We have hired part time police officers helping us reduceovertime and man hours while increasing effectiveness:

• Installed Stop Sign at 3rd and Lemon which 2 democrats voted to oppose.
• Since July 2010 we have worked with the police department to increased traffic enforcement throughout the borough with an aggressive campaign to stop vehicles from “rolling” through stop signs and ticketing speeding drivers.
• Pedestrian Safety: Council has dramatically increased signage alerting motorists to crosswalks and have eliminated crosswalks that were not safe.  

Fiscal:  Since July 2010 we have secured over $725,000 in grants to complete the 3rd Street Dam Project saving the taxpayers of Media the financial burden:

• Secured funding for 3rd Street Dam design -saving tax payers-$75,000 in 2011
• Secured a grant for $650,000 that will fund the construction of the 3rd St Dam.
• Sold 1 West Street netting the taxpayers $630,000.
• Recommended solicitor and engineer consultants to bepaid on flat retainer verse hourly rate. The initiative saved the taxpayers, an average of $45,000a year for the engineer alone.
• Replenished the Capital Reserve Fund enabling Media to fund future purchases.

Environment:   Media has been a municipal leader in environmental initiatives for the last 10 years. Under Pete’s guidance Media has been recognized for being the leading municipal producer of solar energy.  Governor Rendell recognized Media’s solar efforts with the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. Gov Rendell also appointed Pete to his Climate Change Action Committee.

• Environmental Awards for Solar Energy for Media Initiative:

• Awarded over $340,000 in grants to build the systems
• 2002- Municipal Buyer of the Year
• 2004-Greenest Borough Award-Armory Solar Project
• 2007-EAC Award-Solar Energy Projects
• 2008-Govornor’s Award for Environmental Excellence- Highest environmental award in Commonwealth.

• Installing electric car charger at the firehouse that will run on solar energy.

Regionalization: This concept is planning for future emergency service and parks/recreation needs with neighboring municipalities.

• Council has started the process of exploring regionalizing services with our neighboring communities in Upper Providence, Middletown and Nether Providence. We have explored sharing fire equipment to help reduce costs and increase services without raising taxes.  This is a long term planning initiative to prepare for future funding issues that may arise.
• State Street to Ridley Creek Initiative: Under Pete’s community leadership discussions have taken place for a pedestrian friendly trail from Glen Providence Park to Ridley Creek State Park. This idea will link users from GP through a trail that extends to Ridley Creek along the watershed.

Communication: Never before has council had bipartisan leadership that represents the residents and not a political party agenda.

• We have opened up committee assignments to all residents who wish to serve on our various boards and commissions regardless of political affiliation.
• There are more residents than ever attending council meetings and participating in discussions than ever before.
• The Borough, under Pete’s authority, now publishes all public documents pertaining to any issue that is openly available for inspection.  
• Transparency is a common theme for all candidates but never has council shared more about the workings of council than now. We have uploaded and made available all documents on our web page that directly affect residents.
• Media Community Service Award: Pete established the Media Community Service Award in 2011 to recognize Media residents who unselfishly serve our community. The long overdue acknowledgement finally allows council to officially recognize our citizens that make our town special

Shade Tree Committee:  As Shade Street Liaison Pete was directly responsible for the following:

• Jury Parking GarageProject : Under Pete’s guidance the Shade Tree Committee created thebeautification effort of the flowering garden at the Jury Parking garage at Front and Orange Street.
• Sidewalk Reimbursement Program:Pete established the sidewalk reimbursement program that saves old growth trees and helps residents with sidewalks repairs.  He applied for and received a grant from Senator Pileggi for this initiative.
• Gateway Projects: Lead the effort to replant the Media “gateways” with flowers and scrubs to make them more appealing to visitors.

RECENT ISSUES: Policy Decisions: Our opponents keep talking about policy decisions they do not agree with. You decide for yourself which decisions/initiatives you agree with.

1. One West State: Sold for $650,000: Council decided years ago that 1 West should be a retail space dedicated to having an anchor tenant that attract shoppers to the business district. There is a tremendous amount of risk in municipal governments owning commercial properties which is why so few own property.  The democratic majority received an offer for $1 million in 2005 that was rejected by council by a 5-2 vote the dissenting votes cast by Bill Tyson and I. The democratic minority and council candidates all supported a lower offer with more risk.

1. Media Theater: For many years council has embraced the theater as a vital component for making Media an arts destination and stimulating our local economy.  Unfortunately, under Mr. Hall’s reign as vice president, the relationship between the theater and council deteriorated to its lowest point. Hard to believe he claims to be “trained listener and problem solver”.  

1. 3Rd Street Dam: Closed by the PA DEP in 1996 this project has devoured over $330,000 of your tax dollars through legal and engineering fees. Most of the funds were paid to the politically appointed borough engineer and solicitor for various short term fixes or opinions. Since becoming council president in July 2010, Pete has applied for and received a grant for $75,000 from the county to help offset the design cost. In addition, he authorized council to apply for a state grant for the remaining balance of $650,000 for the dam repair.  In August 2011 we welcomed Senator Pileggi into council chambers where he delivered on our request for the funding. Pete was also instrumental in getting the ownership settlement that gives dam ownership to the county and Broomall’s Lake, saving Media the burden of future expenses or repairs.  

1. Board and Committee Assignments:We appreciate anyone who has or desires to serve on our various boards and commissions. For many years council adopted an unofficial policy of automatically renewing board terms for members who’s terms were expiring.  This policy had the unattended consequence of not allowing other residents the opportunity to serve. We think it is prudent to evaluate the qualifications of all interested residents in serving on our boards and commissions and not reappointing the same residents over and over again.  Our goal was to increase the effectiveness of each board by selecting candidates based on their qualifications and desire to serve not on political connections. We feel this policy change will make the boards more responsible and enable more people to serve.

Commitment/Qualifications:

Please take the time to compare our record to our opponents.

1. Brian Hall

• Served on council from 2006-2010.
• During his tenure he missed 90% of his committee meetings.
• Opposes 3rd Street Dam settlement.
• Supported the rights of convicted sex offenders to live wherever they want in Media.

2. Kent Davidson

• Has not offered one sustainable idea other than bashing and misrepresenting the records of people who have actually served.  
• The partisan political rhetoric he spews fosters discontent and political isolationism. 

2. Paul Robinson

• Served as vice president but was not supported by the Media Democratic Party to continue to serve in 2006 

Delco Times covers Media Election Race

A great article written by Susan Serbin covers the election we have coming up for Media Borough. The piece was in today's paper and can also be found online at the delcotimes.com website.

Pete Alyanakian, Toni Cavanagh DiMonte, Tedman O'Hara

O’Hara is a professional information technology consultant. He has authored an informational blog on Media for several years, regularly reporting on council meetings, as well as borough business and community activities.

“Knowing many residents and families in Media, having grown up in this area, it’s an honor and an obligation as a candidate to fairly represent Media with integrity and sound judgment. I was unsuccessful in my last two attempts for council, but that has only inspired me to continue as a candidate and advocate for the community,” O’Hara said.

O’Hara echoed Alyanakian’s view on the cooperative benefits of the bipartisan coalition established through the support of the Media Republicans.

“This issues resolved in the last year have been historical, and I hope to continue this based on my abilities, experience and success I have had in the economic development and technological fields,” he said.

Skill Sharing Workshop & Potluck Dinner - Media Oct 25th 6-9pm

Speed bumps, the Hampton Inn and Media's Southern precinct

Going door-to-door on a Sunday with the Eagles playing doesn't produce a whole lot of lively conversation, but today sure was different.  I was able to spend a few hours with the residents in the southern precinct to see what was on their minds and what can be done to make that side of town better.

To this day, there is still displeasure towards the coming of the Hampton Inn.  In fact, being down by Jefferson and Providence Road, you get a good perspective of what a hotel will mean for the aesthetics and traffic change for that section of town.  On paper it may have not been much, but dropping this from six stories to four is a major improvement and one I'm glad we took the time to fight for.  I completely understand the concern of the people whose homes will be in the shadow of this new facility.

The recent condo development slated for Edgmont and Jefferson is another issue on people's mind.  "Why is the borough bringing these condo's in?" was a statement I heard more than once and yet another important  issue worth addressing this year.  Much like the Hampton Inn, it's the obligation of borough council and the candidates to represent the residents FIRST!

I went on to ask them what they thought of the speed bumps, but came to learn that most residents don't think they work at all and would rather have them paved over once the new Aqua street work is done.  One resident had me observe that vehicles don't even slow down when they go over them. They were right! I was happy to report that CMAQ will finally be finished after a decade long delay.  It won't resolve the issues on Jefferson St., but it should help with traffic that spills over from Baltimore Pike.

I don't knock on just specific doors, I knock on EVERY door.

Thanks for your time, feedback and inviting me in to your homes. I greatly appreciate the support.

Tedman O'Hara


www.tedmanformedia.com

New Cantina and Tequila bar coming to Media...

Philadelphia may have Steve Starr and Georges Perrier, but right here in Media we have our own featured restaurant owner, Loic Barnieu.  You may know of his work through Picasso's and La Belle Epoque  on State Street.  If you haven't, check out his fine wine bar and food that has the quality and ambiance of a big city experience, but yet is as close as a short stroll for many Media residents.


Coming in early 2012,  Loic will be opening up an new restaurant called Diego's in Media at the same location of the former Coffee Club.  It looks to be quite high-end with an extensive tequila bar we haven't seen before.


They already have a logo and setup a Facebook page 


Diego's Cantina & Tequila bar is set to open in the beginning of 2012. It will feature all natural meats cooked over a wood burning grill to bring out the best Mexican cuisine to Media and a bar with over 40 tequilas. "Diego's FB page"

Third Street Bridge Discussion tonight at 7pm Borough Hall

The third street bridge has been big news in 2011, because unlike the last decade of incompetency, it's now getting fixed.  Despite years of inaction and finger-pointing, Media is now seeing what leadership looks like.

Tonight there will be one last meeting on design and layout of the bridge.  Some are against it, some for a bike path, but many in support of the overall repair of what Penn Dot has categorized as one of the 10 most dangerous dams in the State.  I understand the passion behind each position, but am glad to see people presenting ideas of what would make this situation better.

Leadership matters and so does the commitment some of our elected leaders have towards getting infrastructure projects done for the community.  It's been through Pete Alyanakian and the bipartisan leadership that we're now talking about what it will look like and NOT how it will be paid for or if it will ever be fixed.


Tedman O'Hara


Third Street Bridge Discussion tonight (10/13) at 7pm Borough Hall

Video From Media's 31st Annual Food Fest

If you didn't get a chance to make this year's Media Food Fest, here's a video provided by the Daily Times to show you what you missed.

Media Boro. 2011 Leaf Schedule

A lot of people have been looking for this, so here it is.  Media Boro's 2011 Leaf Schedule.


You can also download the file at Media Borough's site.

What Media's Talking About.

Thanks for the time that many of you took to discuss the issues that are important to you in Media.  I got to see a lot of people on the western side of town this morning, who are interested to know more about the 3rd St. Bridge, why it took so long, and what can be expected after its completion.  All of which I've explained on this site a number of times.  Overall, it's great to get positive responses on action towards the bridge and the appreciation from the community on the grant money we received from the state.

I also had questions about the RTM schoolboard and am happy to let people know that Media Republicans are pro-active on this front with our school board candidate Chris Guilday.  For the record, Media's current and only schoolboard member, Veronica Barbado has worked tirelessly towards keeping Media Elementary a quality school for the community while holding the line on Taxes.

I appreciate the feedback and enjoy going door-to-door to see what can be done to improve upon our town.  It's a pleasure to serve and work with the community.  People talk about action, but much like our accomplishments in 2011, we're out making it happen street by street.  See you soon.....

Tedman for Media Borough Council.

It's not about politics, it's about results 

and doing what's right for the community we grew up in.

Pete Alyanakian, Toni Cavanagh DiMonte, Tedman O'Hara

Media's original Mexican Dinners at Koffee Korner, five years running.

You like Mexican food?  Of course you do and as a nice compliment to Dos Gringos, Koffee Korner is back with their legendary Thursday and Friday Night Mexican Dinners.  I've been mamy times and have recommended it many times more.  If you haven't been, you should.  Nice vibe with the ambiance and the food is excellent. 

Koffee Korner on Facebook:

It's Back....Media's original Mexican Dinners at Koffee Korner, five years running.Stop by every Thursday and Friday Night 5-10pm, We are BYOB!

The Mexican dinner menu will feature Chimichangas, Enchiladas,Burritos, Quesadillas and Tacos with your choice of meat: Marinated steak, Shrimp, Chicken, Pulled pork and Vegetarian.

It's about the community we grew up in, not politics

A year ago, 1 West State St. sat dormant with with little to no interest from buyers.  Prior to that, the former borough council had six years to resolve the situation, but didn't think $1,000,000.00 offers were good enough.  After two failed  leases, extensive legal and administrative costs, the building deteriorated and lost tremendous value.

Meeting Minutes 2005

Fast forward ahead one year to 2011 and 1 West State St has now been sold to the top bidder who is expected to open a well know Italian restaurant at the beginning of 2012.  The local businesses are enthusiastic and so are many residents.  Much like the 3rd St. Bridge, inaction and lack of leadership has cost this town dearly during a time where many are struggling right here in Media.  We're trying to improve that and hope you look at the results we've accomplished in just one year.

It's not about politics, it's about results 

and doing what's right for the community we grew up in.

Pete Alyanakian, Toni Cavanagh DiMonte, Tedman O'Hara
For Media Borough Council

Media's Halloween Parade with Cecily, Oct 29th 2011

UPDATE: Due to inclement weather in the forecast, the parade has been postponed until Sunday, Oct 30th 2011.  Starts at 2:00pm

We still have a ways yet before the 47th annual Halloween parade here in Media on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2pm, but I suppose it's never to early to get your costume ready.  This is always a special occasion for the town, and really, who doesn't like a good parade?  Not only that, but this year's event will be hosted by area resident and local meteorologist, Cecily Tynan from Channel 6.

I'm sure Cecily will give us ample warning with what we can expect from the weather, but just in case, the rain date is Sunday, Oct. 30.  See you at the parade,

Media Borough has a new website

Sometime last week Media Borough unveiled their new website which can be viewed at www.mediaborough.com.  For a reported $15,000 to re-design, people are asking was it worth it?  Seems there is still no twiiter ability and during last week's cancellation of the Food Festival the announcement was handled by visitmediapa.com, which is fine, but at least have a link or update on mediaborough.com also.


Quite frankly I thought the old one worked just fine.  However, let's see what the public has to say.  Take our Poll >>>>>>>>>>

Celebrate Media 2011 and Help Strengthen the Community

http://visitmediapa.com/celebratemedia website:

"Celebrate Media" is an entertainment showcase to be held at the Media Theatre November 9-11, 2011. Click here to launch the event poster which has all the details. All proceeds from the "Celebrate Media" events will be donated to the non-profit organizations in Media which enrich the community through their volunteerism and spirit. Join us at the Media Theatre for Celebrate Media, three nights of art, music and performance to benefit many of the nonprofit organizations that strengthen our community...

November 2011 - Leadership Making a Difference

Leadership Making a Difference for Media Borough In November 2011, Media residents will have an opportunity to express who they want to lead their town for the next several years.  It is important to understand the issues and differences being proposed by the candidates, which we will do with this political overview of the 2011 election and the events over the last year.

You are going to hear and read many different opinions about the achievements over the last year that has allowed Media council to settle some of its most vexing issues it has been facing for over a decade.  We will try and explain how we settled the issues and what our position was. The purpose of this overview is to provide you the background and facts to fully understand what the impact has been to the tax payers of Media. We hope that by clearly explaining the issues voters will be able to fully understand who has the ability to lead the Borough for the coming years. Many of these issues have been played out in public for many years. In fact, the accomplishments can be viewed on All Things Media under the “Seven Major Achievements in the Last Year“ tab.
First, however, it is important to understand what the Media Democrats see as the most “critical” issue of this campaign – trust in the leadership of your local government. According to the Media Democrats “Trust is essential to good leadership”, let us examine the trust you have entrusted through the records of the two camps. Over the past twelve years, Council President Pete Alyanakian, has worked hard to earn your trust by representing the best interests of the residents. He has earned your trust by leading Media in several major initiatives including developing the Solar Energy for Media Initiative, settling the 3rd St Dam lawsuit, applying and receiving over $750,000 in grants, sold One West State to the highest bidder, creating the Media Community Service Award, and developing an economic development initiative that includes all major committees working together on behalf of a more vibrant business district. We have done this in just 12 months, and more will be done to position Media as the economic hub of Delaware County. Council needs to manage resources to continuously reinvent itself to remain a vibrant retail and residential destination. Media voters have entrusted Pete with this responsibility by electing him 3 times making him the longest serving and most experienced member of council. Much will be made of the council president change that occurred in July 2010 when two Democrats and two Republicans decided, that in the best interests of the Borough, a change was needed in leadership to better address major issues impacting the boroughs ability to govern. This change has been called many things, but what it did was prioritize agenda items that needed to be resolved.  In fact, newly appointed Council President Pete Alyanakian recognizing the need to better serve the residents, utilized the skills of all members of council making committee assignments based on experience and skill sets, not on political affiliation.   The accomplishments by this revamped council has saved taxpayers over $750,000 in direct funds, replenished a depleted Capital Reserve Fund and has positioned the borough to better manage its resources in the future.  The Democratic Candidates will go door to door and focus on the way the change was made, not on the results that have been accomplished. They will talk about how the public was betrayed by the change when in fact the taxpayers have been better served by the changes by decisively settling long term issues through pragmatic approaches to problem solving. You deserve better than Democratic candidates who claim to be ‘trained problem solvers,” but then were given 4 years on council and ignored the problems which they were elected to address!

In fact, all three of the Democratic candidates are on record as opposing the 3rd Street Dam settlement after previously supporting it.    This policy flip flop would have cost Media taxpayers over $750,000 plus additional legal and consulting fees. In fact, the Democratic leadership has stalled and delayed the settlement for 13 years. The Republican candidates running for Council, including Pete Alyanakian, Tedman O’Hara and Toni Cavanagh DiMonte would like to invite you to compare our records to our opponents and cast your vote accordingly. We have been responsive to the issues that have been ignored for far too long. You can bet our opponents will try and down play what has been done this year or take credit for these achievements like they try and take credit for “Saving Media School” when 2 of their candidates did not even live in the area during that time.  Leadership is earned by working hard for the best interests of the residents, it is not a right of a political party to rule without doing what they promised to do.
Please consider voting for our committed, hometown team of long time Media residents dedicated to community service.  Watch for future updates on the campaign and position papers that will clearly spell out the differences in our agenda and approaches to leading Media Borough. Thank you, Pete Alyanakian