Find out about the "power of possibility" with the Power of 32.
For more information, visit the website in Tom's links.
 

WELCOME
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the residents of Westmoreland County since 1996. Through this web site, I have promoted my vision for our county and tried to better understand your concerns. Working together, we have promoted a proactive, fiscally responsible agenda of growth, service, and safety. The challenge of building on our success continues.

Please visit the news section to learn more about Westmoreland County government and my  perspective about the many challenges we face. In the politics section, I discuss current issues from the local level up to the national political scene. The views section contains the monthly articles I write for the weekly papers.

I welcome your opinion on the important issues facing Westmoreland County, as well as our state, nation, and world. To facilitate the discussion, please visit my polls page. Please e-mail me with your questions, concerns, and ideas. I hope you enjoy the site, and find it both informative and entertaining.

COUNTY NEWS -- December 18, 2009
Commissioner Balya Donates $3,500 to County Charities and Vocational Schools -- Continuing a holiday tradition he began in 1996, Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Balya today announced $250 donations to 14 nonprofit charitable organizations and vocational technical schools in Westmoreland County.

THE PEOPLE WE MEET
New on the photographs page, August 23, 2010, you'll find a picture of Tom with Sonny Caruso and Casey Kacik at Tom's golf outing. Go there by clicking on the picture in this section.

THE DIFFICULTY IN MANAGING PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENSES
In these challenging times, public sector financial management at all levels of government is often criticized for its inability to control costs and "stay within budget." It is indeed a constant challenge to set and not exceed realistic spending targets. One event, possibly two, will occur in Westmoreland County that will be impossible to plan for financially: the Jennifer Daugherty murder trial will be a death penalty case, and District Attorney John Peck may also seek the death penalty in the Kevin Murphy murder trial. This article is not a philosophical argument for or against the death penalty; rather, it is a description of how difficult it is to manage public sector expenses. Click on the icon in this section to read more.

STIMULUS AIDS WESTMORELAND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
While there may be varying opinions about the federal government's "stimulus" package, Westmoreland County government will see a benefit that will allow us to reduce energy consumption. By saving on energy costs, we can slow spending and not reduce direct services to constituents in need. We are finalizing the details of a $3 million energy grant that is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Click on the icon in this section to read more.