Local business owner Michael Black said on Tuesday that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for State College mayor in this spring’s primary election.
Black is the owner and founder of Black Sun Studio, which specializes in digital and film services for advertising, commercial and editorial enterprises.
‘There is already so much that is good about State College,’ Black said in a release. ‘My goal as mayor is to work with all of our residents, neighborhoods and businesses to make it even better. I want State College to be an even more attractive, vibrant and welcoming community — economically, culturally, recreationally and logistically. I will reach out to Penn State and surrounding communities to help position State College and Centre County as premier locations to live, work, learn and play.’
Black moved to State College in 1991 to pursue a doctoral degree in higher education from Penn State. He started Black Sun in 1994 and in 1997 decided to work full time as a photographer, designer and creative director. In 2005, he designed and built the LABB creative studio at 700 E. Beaver Ave.
Prior to moving to State College, Black received a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Springfield College in 1985 and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988. He worked for three years as a student affairs professional at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Black is a graduate and executive board member of Leadership Centre County. He volunteers as a coach for State College Little League, Centre Soccer, Our Lady of Victory HOOPS, Grow the Game and SC AIR, and has served on the advisory council for the Penn State Center for Public Diplomacy’s World in Conversation project.
“As mayor, I will be guided by five core values: inclusivity, mindfulness, compassion, creativity and vibrancy,” he said. “I believe these five values will enable State College to be better and reach its full potential in every aspect of what we do, how we do it and why we do it. We must be honest, reflect on who we are and challenge ourselves to improve. I promise to listen carefully, to consider all sides of an issue and to make decisions with the utmost integrity.’
He and his wife, Tonya, a State College Area School District teach have a son, who is a student in the Delta program.
Mayor Elizabeth Goreham said in February that she would not seek a third term. Attorney and former borough council member Don Hahn also has announced that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor.
The primary election is May 16.
