Mayor James Brewster feels McKeesport would benefit more from forming its own Chamber of Commerce, rather than continuing its membership in the Mon-Yough Regional Chamber Alliance.

Some city council members support the mayor's idea.

"I'm not rapping what the RCA does for this city. It's been positive," said Mr. Brewster, who is a member of the RCA board of directors. "But I feel McKeesport needs its own identity. Attention must be focused on available commercial and residential investment opportunities and incentives that McKeesport has to offer, rather than those promoted regionally."

His comments came during last week's council meeting. The RCA is made up of 33 communities, including McKeesport's neighbors, towns such as White Oak, Glassport, Dravosburg, West Mifflin, Duquesne, Clairton, and the boroughs of Elizabeth, Liberty, Lincoln and Port Vue.

The group's mission is to work for the economic vitality of the region. One of its major goals is support of the Mon Valley Expressway.

"I think a local chamber would be more aware of this city's needs to achieve growth and economic vitality," Mr. Brewster said. "City growth is best achieved by focusing on positive aspects, not negativity. What the region offers speaks for itself. People need to know what McKeesport is all about."

Councilman Darryl Segina and council President Regis McLaughlin agreed.

"A regional chamber thinks regionally; that's what it is supposed to do. I don't think people are fully aware of the city's positive aspects," Mr. Segina said.

"McKeesport is pointed in the right direction -- up," Mr. McLaughlin said. "A local chamber might do a lot more to keep McKeesport moving forward."

Mr. McLaughlin also said that the Alliance needs to move its office from its Jack's Run Road, White Oak, site to a McKeesport address "where it would be more conspicuous."

"Identity is the key. I don't know if we can achieve positive results fully with the RCA," Mr. Brewster said.

The mayor said that the city should quit RCA, but first "sit down to begin a dialogue" with the group.

Howard Carpenter, RCA executive director, said he and some directors are surprised by Mr. Brewster's concerns.

"The Alliance has always worked with the city to help achieve its goals," Mr. Carpenter said. "Our board has discussed the issues the mayor and council might have. We want to sit down with him. An invitation to set up a meeting already has been extended."

"Our directors for some time have expressed a need for the Alliance offices to be more centrally located," Mr. Carpenter said. "It's something we can discuss when we meet with the mayor. I'm confident that together we will be able resolve the issues."