Bethel Park mayor named Borough Official of the Year
Share this post:
Bethel Park Mayor Jack Allen has received the Allegheny County Boroughs Association’s Borough Official of the Year award.
“To be given this award is an accomplishment that I never imagined receiving,” Allen said. “But it’s definitely a group effort. We work together as a team in Bethel Park and this award is a reflection of that.”
The award, presented Feb. 4 at the Rivers Club in Pittsburgh, is given to an official who makes an extraordinary contribution to local government.
“It’s an honor to serve with Mayor Allen as he always puts Bethel Park first,” Tim Moury , municipal council president, said. “He’s willing to help in times of need for our community, and he’s a calming force when we’re faced with challenges.”
Known as the “Voice of Bethel Park,” Allen is the main voice residents hear on phone messages and Bethel Park Public Access Television announcements for information and community updates. They also see him regularly at municipal council meetings highlighting accomplishments, awards and achievements of local residents and businesses.
Recognitions that he announces include anniversaries, birthdays, Gold Star and Eagle Scout Awards —through both his office and American Legion Post 760, for which he serves as junior vice commander —and proclamations recognizing service by organizations.
“I truly enjoy showcasing our incredible community members at Council Meetings,” he said. “This is one of the main highlights of my job as mayor.”
He also hosts a local business show, “Jack of All Trades,” and recently won a Greater Pittsburgh Community Media Award for an episode featuring one of Bethel Park’s adjacent communities, Castle Shannon Borough.
Along with those duties, Allen also hosts the annual 90+ Club Luncheon for Bethel Park residents ages 90 and older. He organizes volunteers for beautification efforts across the municipality and visits elementary schools to read books to students and answer questions related to government and Bethel Park.
His other annual events include the Halloween and holiday lighting contests held in October and December.
“These programs have become iconic events and participation has substantially increased over the years,” Moury said.
Allen also performs numerous weddings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and attends many special events for Bethel Park businesses and residents.
As a veteran, he’s a strong proponent of Bethel Park’s veteran population, personally assisting in the development and organization of annual Memorial Day activities, including a parade, remembrance services and a veteran luncheon.
In 2013, Allen initiated the Bethel Park Military Banner Tribute Program to honor Bethel Park veterans. He organizes the rotation of the National Colors on local veteran graves at Bethel Cemetery and plans bus trips for Post 760 members to visit other American Legion posts.
He was first a Bethel Park Council member in 1997, representing Ward 2, and went on to become mayor 10 years ago.