Ruth Lavin takes her work seriously.

Lavin, a Republican incumbent running for the State College Borough Council, said her dedication makes her an excellent candidate.

"I think everyone who knows me knows that I work hard and care deeply about the community, even if they may not always agree with me," Lavin said.

Council member Tom Daubert said Lavin puts a lot of time into her council work.

"As far as I'm concerned, she's the best person on council," Daubert said. "She does her homework, she is up on all the issues, she really does a super job."

One aspect of working on the council involves listening to everyone's concerns, Lavin said.

"I'm interested in hearing from all segments of the community," she said.

Lavin, who was council president from 1990 to 1991, said she was instrumental in establishing the borough's recycling program. She also pushed for the borough's staff to expand recycling, which will include magazines starting in June.

Consolidation -- the proposed merging of the State College Borough and several neighboring townships -- is an issue that should be put on the ballot and determined by the citizens, Lavin said.

"That's the only way to tell how people feel about it," Lavin said. "I'm in favor of getting the question answered, but the people need to make that decision."

Lavin supports the occupancy limit, which prevents more than three unrelated people from sharing a single-family home or duplex.

"I think it is for the welfare of everyone," Lavin said. "If we lose our adult population, there will not be decent places to live for students."

The limit prevents the town from turning into a student ghetto, she added.

Lavin said she worked to have family houses that are converted into rental properties inspected regularly.

Inspections are important to prevent students from dwelling in unsafe properties, Lavin said.

Lavin said she would not comment on the fair housing ordinance because the ordinance was passed by the council and is not a campaign issue.