Commissioner candidates address issues impacting Greene County
WAYNESBURG – While the four candidates running for three seats on the board of commissioners in Greene County next Tuesday expressed a sense of optimism about the county’s future in the next four years, they said, however, there are several issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Seeking the three seats on the board are Democratic incumbent Blair Zimmerman; former Democratic commissioner Dave Coder; Republican incumbent Archie Trader and Republican newcomer Keith McClure.
Commissioner Charles Morris, who lost his chance to run for another term by just 19 votes in the Democratic primary, has indicated he plans a write-in campaign for re-election.
In separate interviews, the four balloted candidates identifiXed housing, infrastructure expansion, jobs and the drug epidemic as issues that need to be tackled if Greene County is to keep pace in the area of economic growth.
Blair Zimmerman, who is seeking his first full four-year term after his appointment to the board in 2012 to complete the term of Pam Snyder, said, “We are hitting on economic development as hard as we ever have, but this should have been looked at 40 to 50 years ago,” he said.
The loss of jobs in the coal industry is going to continue, he said.
“Let’s face it, The coal industry is not going to be here forever,” he said.
Zimmerman, himself a coal miner for 40 years, said while the county’s economy is “holding its own,” he recognizes the downward trend with the coal mines.
“There is this mindset that layoffs are a temporary thing and there will be call-backs,” he said. “The temporary thing no longer exists.”
When asked what the commissioners can do to kick start housing developments, Zimmerman said, “Continue to go after grants. It has to start at the local level with the townships and boroughs. We are a resource and it should be noted that when we talk about housing we have to talk about expanding sewer and water infrastructure because they go hand-in-hand. You can’t have a housing development where there is no water or sewer facilities.”
He said the county needs all kind of housing – low-income housing, senior citizen housing and lots and property on which to build.
“Housing has to evolve, and I would identify Carmichaels and Greensboro as great locations for housing development,” he said.
While Greene County is not a “high-rise” county and there is a dearth of land on which to build in Waynesburg Borough, the former mayor of Waynesburg did point to the county’s support of the 52-unit Gateway Senior Housing Project in Waynesburg.
“There are other pockets in the county, specifically Mt. Morris, Ruff Creek and Morris Township, that offer great possibilities,” he said.
In the western part of the county, beyond Nineveh in Morris Township, Zimmerman said, “West Greene wants its own identity. They don’t want a Walmart. They need infrastructure.”
Zimmerman recalled two questions were frequently asked of him as mayor.
“First, where is the Walmart sign? And running a close second was, Why don’t we have more sit-down restaurants?” he asked.
With respect to the latter, Zimmerman is hopeful development at the county airport along Route 21 will provide the answer.
“Growing up in Greene County, I genuinely care about the people and I want to make a difference in their lives,” he said.
“I feel as a commissioner I have been approachable and available and I am also learning all the time.”
Dave Coder served as county commissioner from 1996 to 2010. He served as district director for former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, who now works in Gov. Tom Wolf’s office, and as chief of staff for state Rep. Pam Snyder.
That experience has been “invaluable,” Coder said.
“I still get phone calls from congressional staffers and my leadership roles as president of the County Commissioners Association and chairman of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission are immeasurable experiences I can bring to the table,” he said.
Coder also identified infrastructure and housing as paramount issues in Greene County.
“Water and sewage need to be extended to many parts of the county if the county is going to grow and prosper,” he said.
The oil and gas industry, as well as coal, need as much support as possible, he said.
“All of these play a major role in our economic future, but the county has to come up with an energy policy that makes sense because energy is the strong point of our country and we should use it,” he said.
He said he remains optimistic about the economic picture in Greene County.
“The commissioners can be very helpful, and with my experience and contacts with federal and state officials, I can access knowledge and resources to help the county move forward in the next four years,” he said.
Senior and single-family housing are essential to the people of Greene County, he said.
“I am glad to see the project on High Street develop and I applaud Morris Township with taking the initiative of a public/private partnership to make some of these housing opportunities available,” he said.
Coder also mentioned the importance of recreation.
“The Greene River Trail needs to be expanded and during my tenure I was involved with some big infrastructure improvements with water projects and recreation,” he said.
Coder said he brings leadership qualities to the board of commissioners.
“I can recognize an issue, formulate a plan to make it happen and see the project to fruition,” he said.
After being exposed to the workings of the state and federal governments, he believes he can be most effective working as a commissioner.
“I feel I can put my skills and experience to the best use on the county level,” he said.
Archie Trader, who is seeking his third term as commissioner, decided to run again so he can see the airport project completed.
“It should start full speed next year and once we get all the permits for the access road then we can begin marketing property for sit-down restaurants and a hotel,” he said.
Trader, who spent more than 40 years as a former business owner and manager for the Weyerhaeuser Co., admitted to being frustrated how slow government moves.
“Sometimes it is difficult to accept,” he said, referring to the time it has taken to acquire permits related to the airport project.
He, too, emphasized the need for more housing, but pointed to the Ruff Creek area as a key site for future development. Moreover, he said the county will be looking at the Nineveh area, which already has a sewage plant in place.
“We will be helping them get water there,” he said.
Trader said the general economic picture in the county is “fairly decent right now,” despite the impending closure of Emerald Mine and the slow down of gas well drilling.
“I am optimistic about Greene County’s future,” he said.
“The location of Greene County is almost perfect, what with the interstate system and the county’s proximity to Morgantown, W.Va. Things are in place.
“Now, we just have to make sure everything comes together.”
Trader did express concern with rampant drug use.
“I sit on the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board with Human Services, and we are now working with all five school districts on educating students,” he said.
Trader also expressed frustration with the state’s failure to pass a budget.
“We are funneling a lot of money to human service right now because that agency is so dependent on state money,” he said. “Perhaps the state ought to take a look at how we do our budget. We haven’t had a tax increase in more than seven years, and we get ours done on time.”
Keith McClure, who is making his first run for public office, said he thinks the county needs to fight the drug epidemic, “for the protection of our children and our future way of life.”
He also said there is a great need to continue to create good paying jobs in the energy industry as well as beyond, diversifying the county’s economy.
“I also think we need to continue to reform county government so the people’s voice can be heard loudly and clearly and that would include keeping taxes low and spending lower,” he said.
“I promise to fight to keep our impact fee money and will remain in constant contact with our state officials.”
When asked about the state of the county’s economy, McClure said, “Many factors play into the economic picture in Greene County.
“There is currently a downturn in natural gas prices, but I believe it will eventually come back.
“We need to be ready and have plans in place to spur related industries such as electric generation plants and manufacturing that will continue to bring growth to our area.”
He also said he thinks the economic future in Greene County is bright and the people of Greene County are hard-working.
“We need to continue to create good paying middle-class jobs and our county will prosper,” he said.
McClure said he knows the importance of both industries as he considers them the “life blood” of the county.
If elected, he would look to continue the success that gas and oil have had over the area.
“It is an inconvenience and a convenience at the same time. It is a ripple effect,” he said. “With gas and oil, it also brings in restaurants, stores and stability in housing.”
He said he is a hard worker and very committed to this area.
“I’ve been lucky to make a good living here and my roots are here,” he said.
“Like many people, I want their children and grandchildren to stay nearby. As commissioner, I would use what I know and love to focus on creating good, sustaining jobs to keep our families together.”
McClure said he is always looking for ways to be an innovative problem solver.
“I will look for efficiencies and streamline operations to provide the best services while saving taxpayer money,” he said.
“I think what separates me and makes me unique is that I will not be controlled by special interests or be beholden to anyone other than the people of Greene County who elect me.
“If I am elected, I will work and be your ‘Voice in Greene County,” he said.