New Churchill mayor intends to personally visit newcomers

If you’re a new resident of Churchill, you’re likely to get a knock on your door.

And standing outside will be Paul Gamrat, Churchill's new mayor, who has made it his mission to personally welcome all new borough residents.

“I take them a welcome packet,” said Mr. Gamrat, who was appointed mayor last month by Churchill council to replace Paul McKenna, who has stepped down from the post and retired from his job so that he and his wife can travel.

Mr. Gamrat, 63, who has never held public office before, said he learned the borough was looking for a mayor from its website. After talking with his wife, Pattie, he applied. His term expires at year’s end.

Mr. Gamrat has lived in Churchill for 35 years.

“We are a safe community, with great police and people,” Mr. Gamrat said. “We have great neighbors.”

He has served as the chair of the local Democratic committee and is active in the Churchill Garden Club. The Gamrats also have made it their mission to clear litter from the Greensburg Pike exit of the Parkway East. “I despise trash,” he said. Mr. Gamrat, who worked as a special education teacher in the Wilkinsburg School District, said one of his goals as mayor is to attract younger residents.

He believes that can be accomplished by bringing amenities to the borough such as bike trails and coffee shops and businesses that cater to younger people. Two places where businesses could be located, he said, are the former Westinghouse site along the Parkway and the former Churchill Country Club.

He also would like an app on the borough website that would allow residents to ask questions and give feedback.

“That way, if someone wants to know something, they can ask,” he said

So far, being mayor of a community with 3,100 residents has been challenging and fun, Mr. Gamrat said.

“My first council meeting was Feb. 13, and I was a little nervous,” he said.

But he already has plans to run for another term.

“I have my signatures. I just need to file the papers.”

So, has life changed much since becoming the borough’s top official?

“Not really,” he said. “I am still Paul.”