New Arnold city clerk jumping into his job

Arnold's new city clerk has more than 30 years experience in financial analysis, pharmaceutical sales and business ownership and hopes those skills will help him in his new role.

Mario Bellavia, 54, of Plum, started on the job June 18. He was hired at a council meeting earlier this month at a salary of $40,000.

A Valley High School graduate, Bellavia received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Clarion University in 1986, and has worked for businesses such as Pepsi-Cola Co., Federated Investors, Abbott Laboratories, and Management Science Associates. He also owned a State Farm Insurance agency in Lower Burrell.

Bellavia is an Arnold native, born and raised on Ridge Avenue.

He said he applied for the city clerk job because he's near retirement age and thought it would be good to learn something new.

He was one of three candidates.

All council members and Mayor Karen Peconi Biricocchi approved Bellavia's hire.

Councilwoman Deborah Vernon said Bellavia is getting acclimated to the job and thinks he's off to a good start.

“I know he's already looking at grants and some other things that we could really use in the city,” she said. “I have had the occasion to speak with him on a couple of issues concerning my department. He's been very open and very communicative with me. That's the part that I most like.”

Vernon oversees the city's Public Works Department.

Councilman Joseph Bia said Bellavia already is doing a fantastic job, and the city can expect great things from him in the coming months.

“In the next six months or so, we're going to see some big things ... some recommendations on how we can better spend our money for the city, save in a lot of places,” he said.

Bellavia said he already applied for a grant through Keep PA Beautiful, which would loan surveillance cameras to the city to help combat dumping.

“People will cut their trees down, and they'll throw all the branches and stuff in the city lot, and you can't cite them for it cause you don't know who did it,” he said. “Now, with these cameras, you'll be able to see in and around the neighborhood.”

Bellavia said he was happy to be hired and always is looking to learn something new.

“That's how I built my career,” he said. “I'm very diverse.”

Madasyn Czebiniak is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@tribweb.com, or on Twitter @maddyczebstrib.