CARRIE TONGARM

FOR SHARPSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL

Carrie Tongarm (she/her) is an attorney focused on Environmental, Energy and Real Estate law. She is an LGBTQIA advocate who helped rally local support for the recently passed Sharpsburg Human Rights Ordinance. Tongarm moved to Sharpsburg in 2018 with her wife and three kids and immediately fell in love with this riverside town. She firmly believes that Sharpsburg truly is for everyone, and will work everyday to make sure it always is.

As an attorney, Tongarm has actively worked on several Diversity and Inclusion (“D&I”) initiatives within the legal community. She has presented on D&I topics for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute locally and in Harrisburg at the Environmental Law Forum. She was also a founding member of the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and Inclusion Coalition, an organization committed to working with law firms and institutions to promote diversity in the legal community and the city. Tongarm is deeply committed to advancing diversity, inclusion and equity in Sharpsburg.

Growing a healthy and vibrant community is a top priority. Tapping into her extensive environmental law expertise, Tongarm will support the Sharpsburg Ecodistrict efforts for clean air, stormwater management, and green infrastructure initiatives. She understands the intricate and nuanced body of environmental laws and can advise on complex environmental issues. As a real estate attorney, Tongarm has served as a mediator and arbitrator for the Allegheny County Bar Association Pro-Bono Landlord Tenant Project, offering her dispute resolution services at no charge to low income individuals. Tongarm is uniquely qualified to think critically about future development in Sharpsburg and advocate for the needs of the community, while balancing the interests of economic growth.

Listening is the foundational tenet of advocacy. Tongarm’s priorities include actively listening to the concerns of all residents. Whether a lifetime Sharpsburger or a new neighbor, Tongarm believes that your opinion matters. Tongarm will work to provide easy access to council and initiatives that impact the community. She will create a safe and welcoming space that encourages all residents to ask questions, raise voices, and be heard.

Community building starts with community engagement. A strong future depends on thoughtful consideration of the past. This community has deep roots and Tongarm intends to build upon this solid foundation to help grow Sharpsburg into a community that reflects and serves all residents. She does not have all of the answers, but she does have ideas. If you have ideas too, then Tongarm will listen.

Sharpsburg is home. Tongarm lives on Clifton with her family and can often be seen playing badminton in Kennedy Park with her three kids, walking her three dogs, or just spending time on her front porch with her lovely Wife. She is a future lifetime Sharpsburger and proud to be a candidate for Borough Council.