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The seat for 1st Ward council member is the lone council race being contested in the Nov. 3 election, with incumbent Democrat Tim Rapp facing off against Republican newcomer Bob Baenig.

Rapp, 52, of 204 E. Ninth Ave., has served six years total on council, having received a two-year appointment in the early 1990s, and winning a full four-year term in 2005.

He is a 1975 Highlands High School graduate and works as a crane inspector at Allegheny Ludlum Corp.'s Brackenridge Works.

When asked what ideas he has to offer on attracting new businesses and residents to the borough, Rapp said, "As far as residents, there are some good deals here on older homes, and I would like to see the borough help market them maybe on the Web site.

"I would like to work with the school district to keep (Grandview Elementary) school open here. Right now, we are trying to get some grants for the playground. I think if we could get that message out, a lot of younger families would move into this town."

Rapp said attracting businesses is more difficult in the current economic climate but he sees at least a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

"I've been reading that old towns are going to come bac , that people like to shop in small shops," he said. "We have some neat old buildings and I think we could try to help businesses move in with some tax breaks. We also have to be more aggressive in doing something with these abandoned buildings."

Baenig, 22, lives at 305 E. Ninth Ave. and is making his first run at public office.

A 2006 Highlands High School graduate, he also received an associate degree in 2008 from Newport Business Institute. He is employed as a clerk at Giant Eagle in New Kensington.

He looks at attracting residents and businesses in a different way.

"We should definitely lower taxes and fix up the streets, get them in better shape," Baenig said.

As for any other proposals, Baenig was reserved.

"I just want to get on there and learn everything I can about the town before offering any other ideas," he said.

When it comes to providing new services to residents, Baenig thinks one already provided can be improved.

"I definitely think we need better street lighting — more street lights," he said. "Walking on some of the streets at night it is pretty dark, especially Corbet Street."

Rapp said, "We offer a lot of services now. I can't think of anything (new) right now."

Baenig said borough voters should consider his candidacy because "I'm young and I can offer a lot of fresh ideas."

Rapp said voters should consider him because he has lived in the borough all his life and loves it. He said he has developed good relationships with borough employees and people such as state legislators. He says that takes time to establish but are important to getting things done, and he has been active in organizations such as the recreation committee.

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