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Real Challenge Ahead
Posted
11-4-1999
Well the election is over and everything turned out great. I was very happy
to lead the ticket and to see all the other Democrats do so well. I think
our message of unity paid off as every countywide candidate won and the
appellate court candidates also did well in Westmoreland County.
It was really satisfying to
see Tom Ceraso and myself win by sizeable margins. Al Bell and Tony Marsili
also worked hard and have been at this grind for many years. They certainly
deserved to be elected. The weather affected the turnout but I think it cut
both ways as neither party had more voters stay home because it rained.
It probably wouldn't have
been a huge turnout anyway, but I never saw election day weather be so
miserable.
Now the real challenges
begin. The judges will assume tough jobs in Family Court. Chris Scherer will
have a tough job facing the challenges of the Sheriff's Department. Tom
Ceraso and I face the real challenges. Along with Scott Conner, we will face
difficult budget decisions, a myriad of administrative problems, and the
experience of getting to know each other's personalities.
I'm very optimistic about the
future relationship of the new Board of Commissioners. I think Tom and Scott
will bring a new level of energy and new perspectives to the job. It will be
a real learning experience for them as it continues to be for me. We will
learn together, work together, and I believe we will be a breath of fresh
air for county government.
The campaign is over and it
takes time to wind down. Right now we are hustling around the county trying
to take down all our signs. The cast of winning candidates will now prepare
for the tough part of the process, governing. The campaign can be a long,
demanding grind, but it is not as difficult as governing. One simply cannot
make everyone happy when making decisions but if all three Commissioners
keep one goal in mind, doing what is best for the citizens of Westmoreland
County, thing will work out fine. |
