City Council
In 2005, at the age of 28, Matt Staniszewski was elected to serve as a Councilman for the City of Washington. Staniszewski continues to be an advocate of the public -- putting people first and not politics. Staniszewski has never voted for a tax increase and continues to tighten the belt on government spending. In the 2009 Primary Election, Staniszewski won both political parties' nominations with the Democrat party writing in Staniszewski's name. Staniszewski was then elected to serve a second term on City Council. Due to responsible fiscal management, in 2011, the City of Washington is "back in the black" with a nearly $350,000 anticipated surplus going into 2012.
Other Background & Notable Accomplishments
Departments / Election History
- Elected in 2005 at the age of 28
- Deputy Mayor (2005-2007)
- Director of Accounts and Finance / CFO (2005-2007)
- Director of the Public Works Bureau (2008-Present)
- Won BOTH political parties' nominations in the 2009 Primary Election
Home Owner / Neighborhood Improvements
- Developed a comprehensive paving and infrastructure plan (more streets have been paved in the last three years compared to the previous twenty years - the majority of Staniszewski's projects did NOT use any tax money - they were paid from the Local Share Account known as Gaming Revenues)
- Created a tax incentive plan to encourage home owners to invest in and improve their property (home owners do not have to pay taxes on the improvements for a period of five years)
- Partnered with PennDOT and State Officials to develop the Route 19 Corridor Project (complete reconstruction of Lincoln and College Streets as well as enhancements to the city's entrance)
- Secured funding to improve neighborhood and city playgrounds
- Repaired sidewalk intersections to ensure wheelchair accessibility
- Continues to work with area police departments and the District Attorney's Drug Task force to make Washington safer
Technology Initiatives
- Established a county 911 wireless public safety system (cuts down response time from 15 minutes to less than 4 minutes for fire / emergency personnel - the system ties directly into the Washington County 911 system and has the ability to expand throughout the entire county)
- Computerized the City of Washington's Accounting and Financial Systems
- Installed wireless laptops in police cruisers to provide immediate criminal information
- Upgraded the City of Washington's PA One Call response system to be internet based
- Installed police surveillance cameras in known high crime and drug areas
- Replaced street lighting with energy efficient "green" lighting
- Developed a plan to provide free wireless internet throughout the entire City of Washington
Community / Actions
- Served as acting Mayor during the Historic George Washington Hotel fire (the largest fire in the city's history posing an immediate threat to human life) - Staniszewski oversaw the evacuation and worked with regional emergency response comprising of police, fire and ambulance
- Led the relief and donation efforts providing essential living supplies and clothes helping individuals who were displaced for more than two weeks from their home and belongings after the hotel fire
- Co-founder of the 'Citizens Making a Difference Program' (grew into today's successful neighborhood watch programs throughout the city)
- Co-organized various Community Days in Washington Park and festivals in Uptown Washington
- Partnered with Tri-County Patriots of Independent Living to declare Disability Awareness Day - During this day, Staniszewski rode in a wheelchair throughout the City of Washington to learn about accessibility issues