Feb 7, 2019 2 min read

Retired Colonel Mike Belding of Waynesburg has announced he will seek the Republican nomination for Greene County Commissioner.

Belding, 55, retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2012 and returned to Greene County because of “fond memories growing up here, the deep-rooted ethics and values exhibited by hard working individuals and the genuine friendliness of people.” He said it was an easy decision to move back here. “My wife and I love this place and chose to come back here to raise our children and spend the rest of our lives.”

Belding, a graduate Waynesburg Central High School and Penn State University with graduate degrees from Webster University and the National War College, spent 27 years as an aviation officer, pilot, strategic planner and analyst before returning to Greene County and using that leadership and experience to serve the county and its organizations.

Reflecting on masters degree studies in both management and national strategy, Belding states, “the organizational structure of the Greene County Government is ineffective, dysfunctional, and lacking in every characteristic of good governance. Since 2012, every social standard, economic metrics and measurable demographics of Greene county has been in decline.”

As commissioner, his top three priorities will include combating the opioid/illicit drug crisis, diversifying the economy and reforming the government toward principles of good governance vice partisan politics. Referencing politics, Belding said, “I’m a registered Republican, but my initiatives are less politically driven and more by the needs of the taxpayer – principles over politics. At the county level, we should all be focused on what is important to our future: the safety of our children, strength of the economy, success of our education system, and opportunities presented to the next generation, not results of the next election.”

A campaign kick-off and meet the candidate reception is scheduled for Feb. 22, 6:00-9:30 p.m. at Valley View Farm, 108 Orndorff Road in Waynesburg.

“I’m committed to Greene County and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work towards a better future,” summarized Belding. For more information or to RSVP to the event, please contact the campaign at 724-710-9877 or visit www.mikebeldingforcommissioner.com.