Lohr to seek re-election to Fayette County commissioner seat
Fayette County Commissioner Dave Lohr, a Republican, is seeking re-election.
Since taking office in 2016, Lohr said he has been a tireless advocate for the county. Lohr notes “Commissioners are the face of the county. As commissioner, it’s been my mission to not only see the good in Fayette County, but to make sure others see it as well.”
The good that Lohr sees includes opportunities to build and grow business locally.
“Fayette County is ideally situated for anyone looking to grow a business,” said Lohr, noting the county has a low cost of living, with easy access to rivers, railways, and major highways, and is conveniently located to Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Baltimore and Washington, DC. He has worked to promote business opportunities in the county regionally, nationally, and internationally, actively pursuing companies looking to relocate.
As part of his business initiative, Lohr said he works hand-in-hand with state and federal legislators to ensure that the infrastructure required to attract business to Fayette County is in place. Completing the runway extension is another piece in Lohr’s plan to build business in Fayette County. Materials make up half the cost of the project, and Lohr has developed a plan for securing those materials at no cost to taxpayers.
According to Lohr, broadband access is also critical. “From education, to tourism, to business, countywide high-speed internet access is important on so many levels.”
In addition to networking with businesses and services to build the economy, Lohr is also committed to efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
“Too often, ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help’ has meant the opposite. Instead, I ask what I can do to help you do your job better,” he said. To that end, Lohr said he has streamlined the county’s permitting process.
Lohr said his fiscal initiatives were key to a recent upgrade by Moody’s in the county’s bond rating. This includes working closely to keep county expenses in check, and changing departmental policies and procedures to make county government operate more efficiently. In particular, Lohr offered employees a high deductible health plan paired with a health savings account, saving the county thousands of dollars.
Lohr believes his vision for Fayette County is catching on.
“I’m excited about Fayette County, where we are and where we’re going. We’re poised to grow and excitement is contagious. Things are already happening, and when people see things happening, others jump on board,” he said.
As commissioner, Lohr sits on the Board of the Conservation District, the Board for the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and the State Correctional Institution at Fayette Advisory Board. In addition, he is an active member (lifetime) of the Connellsville Alliance Church, he has served as an elder and youth director for more than 20 years. He is a board member of Penn Highlands Teens for Christ of Uniontown and sits on the advisory board for Champion Family and Children Center.
Lohr is a lifelong resident of Fayette County. A graduate of Connellsville Area Senior High, he attended Asbury Bible College and Penn State Fayette, the Eberly Campus. He is a Navy veteran, having served as a machinist’s mate and chaplain’s assistant. Since 1986, Lohr has been self-employed in the insurance and securities business.
Lohr is married to the former Gretchen Killinger. He is the son of Homer R. Lohr and the late Alice (Ritenour) Lohr.