Republican State College Borough Council member R. Thomas Berner announced he will seek re-election.

Berner said he intends to preserve neighborhoods, establish a long-range tree replacement program and make regional government strong.

Other council members spoke highly of Berner's service on the council.

"There are some things he has brought up I support, and some things he has brought up that I don't support, but I believe he's an excellent representative of the citizens," said council member F. Dan Winand. "(Berner) is intelligent and committed and it's a pleasure to serve with him."

While other council members may not agree with all of his opinions, Berner said he is willing to stand alone on an issue rather than violate his principles.

Berner, a professor of journalism and American studies at the University, was the only council member to vote against the in-lieu parking program in 1986.

"Year after year I kept trying to change the program so that developers would have to provide parking on site," Berner said.

The in-lieu parking program allows developers to pay into a fund rather than provide the required parking facilities. Berner said a recent compromise limiting the number of spaces developers can buy is acceptable.

Improving borough-University relations is another major tenet in Berner's platform.

"The borough needs to publicly review and approve University construction, especially when it borders on a neighborhood," Berner said.

He said he approves of a possible joint University-borough parking facility.

The primary will on May 21 and the general election is on Nov. 5.

Other council members up for re-election are Republicans Peter Lang and F. Dan Winand, and Democrat Jean McManis, however, none have publicly announced if they are running.