ASM International, NWPA Student Night, November 20, 2014, Allegheny College

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

Date:  Thursday, November 20, 2014

Time:  6:30 p.m.

RSVP:  Don Marteeny, don.marteeny@secowarwick.com
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."