Take 10 with Denise Lesnock
On Sept. 12, Denise Lesnock was hired as Canonsburg’s borough manager, replacing Bob Kipp. She has been employed by the borough for 16 years, most recently as assistant borough manager. We asked Denise 10 questions about her background – and her take on her new position.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and spent most of my childhood in Connellsville. My family moved to Finleyville in 1977 and I graduated from Ringgold High School in 1980. I have two children. My son is 33 and lives locally with his wife and my granddaughter (Audrey). My daughter is 25 and is in the Navy.
2. What was your career before being employed at Canonsburg Borough?
I started a career in pharmacy technology and have an associate’s degree from CCAC. I worked in retail pharmacy for several years. I had the opportunity to go back to college, so I made a career change and earned my Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from California University of Pennsylvania. I worked for a tax firm filing personal and business tax forms and performing general accounting services for businesses. I saw an opening and applied for a staff accountant position at a company that serviced and outfitted helicopters. I enjoyed working there. It was a fast pace and exciting.
3. When were you hired in Canonsburg, and what have your duties been over the years?
In 2000, I applied for and was hired as the director of finance at the borough. In 2002, I was named the assistant manager. My job duties have been accounts payable, coordinating accounts receivable, general ledger work, balancing 24 cash accounts, budget preparation, administering health benefits and retirement/pension calculations for the borough and sewer operations. I file annual state reporting forms and have also written grants for our Concerts in the Park.
4. Canonsburg has not increased its millage rate for several years. In your opinion, how has it been able to sustain its budget without raising taxes?
We are always looking for ways to reduce our costs. We go out for bids on health insurance regularly. We just signed a new contract for our electricity supplier that will cut costs approximately 60 percent. We review our fee schedule annually to keep up with our costs. This year our road crew saved us approximately $25,000 on a job on Cecil Street by doing most of the work themselves. Next year’s budget has money for equipment purchases that they need so that they can do more and not have to sub it out.
5. What do you see as Canonsburg’s biggest assets?
Location, location, location! In a time where a lot of downtowns are falling into decay, ours is drawing new businesses. Our park/pool is an asset that keeps drawing people in. We have a great school district as well!
6. In the eyes of Canonsburg’s residents, what are the most crucial issues in the borough?
The issues we hear about daily are needed road repairs, parking and public safety. We try to take care of as many complaints as we can with the funds available.
7. For a borough manager to be successful, he/she must have a good working relationship with its council, mayor and department heads. How do you create such a relationship, especially when council members change every few years?
I’ve known the department heads for years. They came up through the ranks. I’ve had a good working relationship with the mayor for years as well. When decisions need to be made, I value and trust their opinions. I have a great group working in my office. We decided to eliminate the assistant manager’s position because they are stepping up and taking on more work. The hole that needs to be filled is zoning and we will remedy that as soon as we can. We are working as a team. I want everyone to be proud of the work we do. Council does change every few years, but it’s like any relationship. You hate to see a familiar face go, but a new one comes with a certain amount of excitement and new ideas.
8. How did being assistant manager with three different managers aid in formulating your approach to the management position? And did you talk with managers from other communities before accepting the position?
I’ve learned that being a borough manager is a unique position. I’ve watched three managers ride the position out. I’ve seen them brimming with pride and I’ve seen them give up. It’s a job where you have seven bosses and not enough time in the day to get to everything done, but you try. I have talked to a few managers from other communities at conferences over the years. At times we call on each other for help. We all struggle with similar things like ordinances, insurance costs, equipment purchases and pension costs.
9. Before you began working in Canonsburg, had you heard of its Fourth of July celebration and/or its musical heritage (Perry Como, Bobby Vinton, etc.)?
I have to be honest and say I had not heard about either. What I did know was that Canonsburg was home to Sarris Candies. I remember watching the Perry Como Christmas special every year on TV when I was young. The first time I was in town (for a wedding) I saw the statue in front of the building and knew immediately it was Perry Como. I’ve enjoyed listening to the stories of him and Bobby Vinton.
10. Being a borough manager is considered a 24-7 position. But when you do have free time, how do you like to spend it?
We enjoy traveling to North Carolina’s Outer Banks or where ever a cruise will take us. We also enjoy camping, kayaking and fishing.
BONUS QUESTION: What’s been the highlight of your career?
Meeting Harrison Ford was definitely a highlight. He owns a huge collection of aircraft and was a customer of the helicopter company I worked for. He brought in a helicopter to be repainted and outfitted with floats. They would announce “Harry’s on the floor” when he landed.