Robert Prah Jr.

Robert L Prah Jr

Robert L. Prah Jr. (born 09 August, 1982) is a young politician from south-western Pennsylvania.

A Democrat, Prah has served on the Smithton Borough Council from 2004-2005. Prah was first elected to Council at the age of 21. At that time, he was the youngest to ever serve on Smithton Borough Council. During Prah's first year on Council, he focused on agenda items such as more activities for the youth in the Borough. After Prah's first year on Council, he decided to assist the current Mayor, Christine Tutena, with the Borough Police Department's Part-time force. Prah worked with the 2 officer force and did most of the scheduling. During this time period, Prah decided to run for the office of Mayor. Prah had his petition filed at the Westmoreland County Courthouse and his name was placed on the May 2005 primary. In a close race, Prah was victorious over Tutena and was now unopposed in the November general election. Prah continued to work as a council-member while campaigning up to the general election. Prah used tactics that were never used before in such a small town of nearly 500 residents. Prah used techniques such as "door to door", "door hangings" and even mailings. With days leading up to the general election, Prah went back and touched base with several of the residents in town to remind them of the date/time/location of the election. On election day, Prah was successful in his bid for Mayor, defeated Tutena who had attempted a write in campaign.

In 2006, Prah's first year as Mayor, he has successfully obtained several grants for the Borough of Smithton. He has secured a grant in the amount of $22,000 from PA Senator Robert Regola and also $5,000 from State Representative R. Ted Harhai. Prah is still awaiting 3 grants in the amount of: $15,000 from Congressman Murtha; $5,000 from State Representative R. Ted Harhai; and another $5,000 grant from R. Ted Harhai. The $22,000 will be spent on the purchasing of a new Borough Police car. The Borough has approved the purchase of a 2006 Dodge Charger and will replace the deteriorating 1994 Chevrolet Caprice.

In regards to the Police Department, Prah has increased the number of Officers and hours worked per week. When Prah was sworn in as Mayor, the department employed 2 Officers. Each Officer worked no more than 6 hours per week. Year to date, Prah currently employs 4 part time Officers and the Borough's first ever Full time Officer. The hours that the department works now has nearly tripled. The Smithton Borough Police Department works an average of 35 hours per week. The Borough is considering purchasing a second new vehicle in addition to the Charger. Borough officials are in the process of seeking a Dodge Magnum police car.

Early life and Military service

Prah was born and raised in Smithton, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Westmoreland County and attended the Yough School District. He went to Barren Run Elementary, Yough Middle School and Yough Senior High School. Prah was a 2001 graduate of Yough Senior High and graduated as the Senior Class treasurer. During high school, Prah held two jobs: His first job was at the former 76 Truck Stop and former Perkins Family Restaurant as a server and also worked at the West Newton Giant Eagle as an Assistant weekend manager and stock.

Upon graduation from Yough Senior High School, Prah attended Basic Combat Training/One Station Unit Training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Prah was at BCT during September 11, 2001. Prah graduated from Ft. Benning on December 12, 2001 as an Infantryman. Prah earned the National Defense Ribbon and Army Service Ribbon during this time. Prah was later assigned to the 1st Bn 110th Infantry, based out of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Upon completion of BCT, Prah began training as a Bradley driver and went to Ft. Indiantown Gap on a monthly basis for training. Prah completed his 11M training in November 2002. In December 2002, Prah's unit was called to active duty. Prah and his unit were tasked with conducting Air Force Security Operations in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Prah was on active duty for nearly 22 months. During this time on active duty, Prah managed to continue to serve the Borough of Smithton as a council-member and also as a soldier. Prah was nominated as "Soldier of the Month" by his squad leader. Prah was released from active duty on 24 Nov 2004.

As Prah was released from active duty, he continued his enrollment at California University of Pennsylvania and later contracted with the Panther Battalion Army ROTC program, lead by LTC J Bender. Prah would graduate in May 2006 at the rank of 2LT. Prah continued his schooling at California University and graduated in May 2006. Prah has attended numerous schools to include: Army Leadership Development Assessment Course at Ft. Lewis, WA; Basic Officer Leadership Course at Ft. Benning, GA; Basic Officer Leadership Course at Ft. Huachuca, AZ.

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