Mayor makes history as 1st Hispanic mayor in Western Pennsylvania
Making history is no easy task.
Mayor Robert Tuñón made history in 2024 by not only becoming the first Hispanic/Latino mayor in Etna, Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh, but also as the first Hispanic/Latino mayor in Allegheny County and in Western Pennsylvania.
It's a title he holds with pride, but Tuñón said he understands the weight that it brings.
"I know that there will be many more who come after me. And being the first, I want to do a good job so that others can trust us," Tuñón said.
He learned that mindset from his family. Originally from Panama, Tuñón's family came to the United States with the goal of achieving their American dream.
Tuñón hopes that holding office will encourage other Hispanic/Latino people to take the leap.
"I think one of the things that it does is it says this is possible. This is possible for Latinos to serve in public office. They should be," Tuñón said.
Since taking office, Tuñón has already been hard at work helping the borough's business district grow, discussing plans to provide needed resources to the people of Etna, and breaking ground on a new community library.
"We envision this place of being able to help our kids go further, get farther, and take the next steps in their future," Tuñón said.
He added he is excited about this new adventure and can't wait for what the future holds.
"I'm part of the American dream I've got getting to live that," Tuñón said.
The mayor also shared a message in Spanish regarding Hispanic Heritage Month.
"Quiero que todos disfruten este mez de la herencia hispana. todo los evento y las celebrationes que tenemos. Es muy importante que este mez y todo el ano que nunca olvide que donde venimos y que donde vienen nuestras familias," Tuñón said.
Translation:
"I want everyone to enjoy this Hispanic Heritage Month. All the events and celebrations we have. It is very important that this month and the whole year, never forget where we come from and where our families come from," Tuñón said.
