Rege Ebner
INPERSON
BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN PA!
The New Franklin Park Borough Manager, Rege Ebner,
plans to build on his predecessor’s success.
BY JENNIFER BROZAK
M
anaging a borough that’s already been named
a “best community to live in” certainly comes
with its own set of pressures, but new Franklin
Park Borough Manager Rege Ebner is primed for
the task.
Ebner, a Shaler native, officially took over the position at the
beginning of 2019, following the retirement of former Manager
Ambrose Rocca. Ebner previously served as the assistant town
manager, finance director and tax collector in neighboring
McCandless for more than 19 years.
“I saw the opening for the Borough Manager position with the
Borough of Franklin Park as an opportunity to further utilize my
knowledge and abilities and be more involved in the borough’s
decision-making process and in directly serving its residents,”
says Ebner, who has an undergraduate degree from Duquesne
University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. “I am
fortunate that the borough council and mayor have given me this
opportunity.”
Around the same time that Ebner began his new role, USA
Today and 24/7 Wall Street published a list of the best cities
to live in for each state. In Pennsylvania, Franklin Park topped
the list, thanks to its high median household income, high
percentage of adults who have at least a bachelor’s degree, and
low rate of violent crime. Ebner is not surprised by the honor.
“Beyond the raw numbers in the survey, you need only
drive through the borough or talk to some residents to truly
understand what makes it such a unique and great community,”
he says. “Franklin Park is a combination of old and new; housing
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plans, farmland and green space; a thriving business community;
a well-maintained and diverse park system; recreation programs
for all ages; and schools and places of worship.”
Moreover, borough oversight and decision-making is done by
“residents serving in elected, appointed and volunteer positions
who are deeply involved in the community,” he adds. “Their
recommendations and decisions are carried out by employees
who are dedicated to their jobs and in providing the highest level
of service to borough residents.”
The desire to help local residents thrive is what inspired Ebner,
58, to pursue a career in community management, he explains,
stating that local government is “where things happen.”
“Residents often turn to us first when they have a question or
a problem,” he says. “I enjoy the opportunity to meet residents
and talk about their wants, needs and perspectives. It is truly
gratifying when I am able to help a resident with an issue
they have or provide them with information that is of benefit
to them.”
As the borough’s new manager, he simply wants to improve on
the successes Rocca championed during his tenure.
“I greatly appreciate the training and insight passed on to
me by my predecessor before he retired. My goal is simply
to provide support for borough residents, elected officials,
volunteers and staff in the most effective and efficient manner
possible, and to provide that support with honesty, integrity and
compassion,” he says. “I believe that if I can do that, the talents
and abilities of those individuals will continue to shine and
guide Franklin Park into the future.” ■