Michael Ducker Wants Back on Baldwin Council

ELECTION RESULTS HERE: http://patch.com/A-426t.

No Republicans are on the ballot for Baldwin Borough Council seats during May 21's primary election, but seven Democrats are running for four council seats, including Michael Ducker (no headshot available.)

Name on Ballot: Michael R. Ducker

Age on May 21: 59 years old

Incumbent? Yes or No?: No.

Primary Political Party: Democrats

Occupation: Allegheny County Correctional Officer for 28 years (retired in July 2012)

Work History/Previous Political History: "Served on (Baldwin) Borough Council from 2000 to 2008. During this time, I was President of council and served on almost every committee. Democratic committee member (for) over 20 years."

Post-Secondary (College, Trade School, et al.) Education History: Certification at Pennsylvania Camp Hill Correctional Facility

Why Do You Want a Spot on the Baldwin Borough Council?: "To serve the people of Baldwin Borough and address the issues that my constituents feel are most important to them."

What Are the Two or Three Issues Facing Baldwin Borough That You Care the Most About and Plan to Address?: "There is ONE main issue facing Baldwin Borough, and that is our budget and how our revenues are spent. The issues recently brought up about adding police officers, paving more roads and maintaining our borough are all great ideas BUT cost money (taxpayers' dollars). Everything we do as a council must be done out of necessity and not because it sounds good politically.

"Councilmen Moeller, Brown and Collet voted to raise taxes when it was NOT NECESSARY." [Confirmation of vote (Monday, May 20, 2013, 11:09 a.m.): According to approved council meeting minutes from a Dec. 6, 2011, meeting, Moeller, Brown and Collet voted for a real estate tax increase of 0.33 mills. The "necessary" part of Ducker's quote is Ducker's opinion.]

"Like many others in our borough, I live on a fixed income. We must hold the line on taxes not only for our seniors but also residents going through tough economic times.

"I have experience and a working relationship with (state) Sen. Jay Costa (and state) Reps. Harry Readshaw and William Kortz, and I will take the time to personally meet with each of them in an attempt to bring state tax dollars back to our borough through grants."

Are You Married? Do You Have Children? If So, How Many?: "Happily married to Maryanne going on 35 years.

"Three children who we are very proud of: Melissa is an industrial engineer for Walt Disney World working as a Planning Manager, Park Operations; Michael is employed by Mitsubishi Power Systems as a Market Research Manager with a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering; and Elizabeth is a sophomore at Penn State University. All graduated from Baldwin High School."

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