Transforming a
City – Aggressive government driven development
 |
| Robert "Bob" W. Cranmer |
In
the early 1990s, Pittsburgh was still reeling from the sudden demise of its
once renowned steel industry. Seen then as the buckle of the “rust belt,”
prospects for a quick recovery looked unlikely, - if not impossible. But
through focused leadership, the city and the county, Republicans and Democrats
found a way to work together and blaze a path that led to an ongoing
transformation now heralded and recognized the world over.
About the Speaker
Robert
"Bob" W. Cranmer is a veteran, Pennsylvania businessman and
politician, best known as a former Republican County Commissioner of Allegheny
County, Pennsylvania, from 1996 to 2000. Allegheny County is the second most
populous county in Pennsylvania following Philadelphia County.
Location:
Henderson Auditorium in Quigley Hall
Allegheny College
E. John Street, Meadville, PA 16335
Henderson Auditorium in Quigley Hall
Allegheny College
E. John Street, Meadville, PA 16335
Date:
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Time:
6:30 p.m.
RSVP:
Don Marteeny, don.marteeny@secowarwick.com
814-332-8487
814-332-8487
Complimentary
Food & Beverages to be provided
More about Bob
Cramner
He was born
in Pittsburgh and grew up in the suburb of Brentwood where he still resides
with his wife Lesa (as well as Cambridge Springs, PA). He graduated from
Brentwood High School in 1974 and Duquesne University in 1978 at which time he
was commissioned a second lieutenant of military intelligence in the Regular
Army. He went on to serve various assignments with the 101st Airborne Division
and in Washington D.C. Leaving the Army in 1986, Bob went to work for
AT&T and returned to Pittsburgh. Entering politics he was elected Allegheny
County Commissioner in 1995 and served as chairman of the board. Working with a
fellow commissioner and the mayor of Pittsburgh Bob was instrumental in the
implementation of a major development plan involving significant redevelopment
downtown, construction of two new professional sports stadiums, and a
world-class convention center.
Being a
member of the first Republican majority in Allegheny County government since
the Great Depression, Cranmer subsequently split with his Republican running
mate over major differences concerning the managing of the county government,
and formed a close governing alliance with Democrat commissioner Mike Dawida. He was initially heralded as a "traitor" by fellow Republicans but
persevered in order to rescue the county from ineffective policies. The
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated "that despite the political suicide he
brought upon himself, this was the turning point that helped the county recover
from earlier mistakes". As chairman he made
significant changes to county government, reducing county taxes by 20 percent,
reducing county personnel by 18%, merging twenty-eight county departments into
six, creating the position of County Manager, an integrated county 9-1-1 system,
and forming a joint city/county economic development organization. The economic
development organization is most notable for the coordination and construction
of The Waterfront business/commercial/residential development on the former
site of the United States Steel Homestead Works.
He led an
effort to establish home rule in Allegheny County, which created the position
of County Executive and County Council. Bob also subsequently initiated the
creation of the Allegheny County Airport Authority to manage the Pittsburgh
International Airport in a more effective manner. The combined leadership of
Cranmer, Dawida, and Mayor Tom Murphy led to a building boom in Pittsburgh
dubbed “Renaissance III” that was a catalyst for how the city would be viewed a
decade later when it was selected to host the 2009 G-20 summit, led by
President Barack Obama.
The
Post-Gazette commented in 1998 that “Allegheny County Commissioners Bob Cranmer
and Mike Dawida understand the importance of a strong urban core and, through
their partnership, have helped the mayor find ways to do what lesser leadership
would considerable unthinkable. It is a meeting of such focused minds and
willing spirits that stands to take Pittsburgh into a new era. Call it
Renaissance III or call it just a better place to live, this is the blueprint
of a renewable city that more people will be proud to call home.”
Cranmer's
tenure in office had an impact upon the size and cost of county government as
well as the quality of life in Allegheny County. The Post-Gazette would sum up
his time in office with the following when he announced that he would not seek
reelection:
"Commissioner
Cranmer has made the ultimate political sacrifice. If that is the mark of a
citizen-lawmaker – to be honest, to spurn patronage, to reform the public
sector and then get out – this commissioner has been one such leader. Allegheny
County could use a few more Bob Cranmers."
