(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)
“I got to tell you…this is the best time of the year for Aliquippa, man, and I just love this time of year.”
Those words from Aliquippa mayor Dwan B. Walker relayed the current whirlwind of positive change surrounding the city, all while the tradition of Quips football staying in the picture during November returns to reality once again. The mayor made a quick visit to the Beaver County Radio studios on the November 18 edition of A.M. Beaver County to talk with Matt Drzik about the latest updates about the city.
One of the biggest updates came just nine days ago, as the city strongly voted “Yes” on a Home Rule Commission that will be set in motion so that Aliquippa can move to a Home Rule Charter system within the next couple of years. “This is a part of our exit plan to come out of distress status next year,” Walker stated. “Part of that plan was for us to reevaluate the former government and bring it more into fruition, [and] how it can affect the people and have more of the being and buying into that.” Walker reiterates that the change isn’t a knock on the previous government, but simply a change to get the community more involved.
Walker also recently represented the city in Washington, D.C. as he took a tour of the White House and got to meet and talk with President Joe Biden about the financial support that cities like Aliquippa need to help with their infrastructure. While the process is slow, the mayor acknowledges that the recently elected team of Josh Shapiro, John Fetterman, and Chris DeLuzio–along with the re-elected Rob Matzie–will continue the process of refurbishing Aliquippa in the same direction it had been going.
As far as the parts that allow Mayor Walker to call it “the best time of the year,” the giving and festive nature of the Christmas season has permeated Aliquippa in several ways. One city club donated over 40 turkeys with dinner sides to families throughout the area for the Thanksgiving holiday, and the holiday cheer will continue as the city will celebrate their “Light Up Night” on December 1–further details can be found on the mayor’s Facebook page. All of this mixed with the Aliquippa football team’s current success carrying a 10-0 record into the WPIAL semifinals…and the mayor’s stance on this time of year being the best becomes full of substance.
To check out the full conversation with Mayor Walker, click on the Facebook feed below!