With three seats opening up on the State College Borough Council, seven residents have filed petitions to run with the Bellefonte Elections Office.

Republicans who have filed petitions are Jim Delong, Richard Garis, John Holobinko and incumbent James Meyer. For the Democratic Party, Mary Barnes and incumbents Elizabeth Goreham and Janet Knauer have filed petitions.

Delong said he is running based on sociological motivation he receives from looking at Mazlo's hierarchy of needs.

"Mazlo in sociology talks about how people need to reach a certain fulfillment," he said.

He said the community is not — and should not — be defined by government, but rather organizations and other aspects that make up life.

Disregarding ideological views is very important, Delong said.

"I would be approaching sector issues unburdened by our ideology, rational assessment of needs, cost and political decisions with respect to the diversity of our entire population," he added.

Garis said that if he is elected he will try to bridge the gap between students and local residents.

"Nobody really likes each other right now, and I'd like to try and bring locals and students together," he said.

Garis said the borough is spending more money than it can afford and hopes to put a "ceiling" on some of the spending and is also concerned with current zoning regulations.

He said the borough needs "a little less government" and hopes the council will listen to the input of students so students will want to stay here after graduation.

Garis also has many ideas about riot prevention.

"There's a reason for the riots especially since we haven't had them until just recently, and I have ideas on what caused that," he said.

Garis said he could not comment on what those causes are.

Barnes said if elected she would combat all of the problems the borough faces.

"I'm interested in keeping State College a great place to live," Barnes said.

She wants to make sure places are built where students can go to enjoy alcohol-free interaction with other students, she said.

"The student population needs a place to go that is not alcohol-oriented," Barnes said.

Goreham petitioned to run again for a council seat and is concerned with bringing environmental issues to the borough's attention.

"Environmental concerns should be a part of the decision-making process," Goreham said.

She is an advocate of on-street recycling as well as enforcing the use of recycled paper by the borough.

It is important for students to become involved with the government so they have a voice in the community, Goreham said.

"My real stance is that I want more people involved in the government," she said.

Goreham said she thinks she has a lot of support and represents the community's beliefs.

Holobinko, Meyer and Knauer could not be reached for comment yesterday.