This interview is part of a weekly series of conversations with candidates for local government positions leading up to the November 4 municipal election in Pittsburg, Kansas. This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Schnelle: And how long have you been on the city commission?
McNay: Ending my second term, my 8th year.
Schnelle:Are you also the mayor of Pittsburgh, or how does that work?
McNay: The mayor is not an elected position separately, so the commissioners elect the five commissioners as the mayor each year, and we try to share the joy.
Schnelle: Okay, so what are your goals in your first year as commissioner if you're elected?
McNay: Thank you for that question. I am proud of the progress Pittsburgh has made in the last few years, and particularly in providing affordable and accessible housing.I am committed to making sure that we continue the progress with housing that is available for all ages, all abilities, and all income levels. So that's really my primary focus and one of the reasons I would like to be re-elected.
Schnelle: Is there anything else that you're particularly proud of in your last few years as a commissioner?
McNay: Sure. I think the investments that businesses and the state and federal government are making in our community are without parallel. And it is putting us in a position where we will be able to sustain our development and our services, depending on the next few years, what happens with the economy and policy?
Schnelle: Are you the longest-serving commissioner on the board as of right now?
McNay: No. Commissioner Chuck Munsell, I think, is serving his 10th or 11th year.
Schnelle: How have you seen Pittsburgh evolve from the beginning of your time as commissioner to now?
McNay: What has been rewarding is that the collaboration among the city government, education, and business has really grown, and you can see the impact. One impact for Pitt State is Guerrilla Rising; lots of people came to the table, Block 22. We have businesses that are coming to town because of PSU students, the potential workforce interns who would be available to help grow their businesses.
Schnelle: What do you want voters to know about you?
McNay: I'm very proud live in Pittsburgh, to I'm not from here. I married a local boy and raised two sons here. And I just feel a lot of pride and love for Pittsburgh and want to be a part of maintaining our growth and building a community that is for everyone, all ages, all abilities, where they can go to school, stay here, get a job, grow old here, and love Pittsburgh as much as I do.
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