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January 29, 2003
Tom
Balya to Seek Third Term as Westmoreland County Commissioner: Lays Out
Strategy for Future Role of County Government
Gathered with family,
friends, and supporters, Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Balya today
announced he will run for a third term as commissioner in the upcoming 2003
Municipal Election.
"Westmoreland County is
growing and prospering, and county government has responded to many
challenges, but our work is not done," Balya said. "As in the past, I will
not make outlandish or unrealistic promises. I pledge to manage Westmoreland
County government efficiently, work to minimize the burden of property
taxes, open county government to its citizens, and improve the economic
climate to give all residents the opportunity to succeed.
"I have been honored to serve
as county commissioner for the past eight years. Today I ask the citizens of
Westmoreland County to again support my candidacy."
In announcing his candidacy,
Commissioner Balya highlighted the state of Westmoreland County and laid out
his vision for the future -- "Westmoreland Tomorrow."
"While I am proud of our past
achievements, it is equally important to establish a plan for the future,"
Balya said. "'Westmoreland Tomorrow' is my strategy that ensures the
continued development of our county, the safety of its citizens, a good
quality of life, and the delivery of high-quality human services. We will
meet these goals, while honoring a commitment to fiscal responsibility and
prudent investment."
Commissioner Balya's
"Westmoreland Tomorrow" plan addresses four major themes: public safety;
economic and infrastructure development; human services; and amenities and
quality of life.
"The safety of county
residents is of extreme importance today," Balya said. "To that end, we are
implementing a new high-band radio system and finalizing our re-addressing
project to ensure reliable, uninterrupted emergency services. Looking
forward, I continue my support and assistance in the development of the
Emergency Services Training Center to train our life-savers."
Westmoreland County recently
finalized the first competitively-bid bond issue in more than a decade to
fund a new 800-MHz emergency radio system that is schedule to be completed
in 2004.
"I will also continue to work
to keep our communities safe through innovative programs like Balanced and
Restorative Justice and School-Based Probation for juveniles, and the
expansion of diversionary programs for non-violent adult offenders. Programs
like these make our streets safer, rehabilitate offenders, and save
taxpayers money."
Commissioner Balya cited
several initiatives to aid in economic expansion, including the development
of additional marketable space in the county's industrial parks and the
creation of new industrial parks; completion of the county's Intermodal
Center; and support for the completion of the Route 22 reconstruction, Route
30 improvements, and transportation projects in the Tri-Cities area. As
Chairman of the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation and a
member of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and Pittsburgh Regional
Alliance, economic improvements have been key components of Commissioner
Balya's administration.
"We must continually find new
ways to improve the county's economic climate," Balya said. "Growing our
economy not only creates and retains good-paying jobs and new business
opportunities, but it also expands the county's tax base to ensure that
important county services provides are not disrupted. Through solid
financial management and sometimes difficult decisions, we have been able to
avoid the massive deficits that the federal and state governments now face.
We must keep up the momentum."
Commissioner Balya also
reaffirmed his dedication to programs for children, senior citizens, and
those suffering from mental illness or mental disability.
"I will honor my commitment
to our most vulnerable citizens to provide quality services in a dignified
manner through the county's growing adoption program, expansion of long-term
care options at Westmoreland Manor, increasing the number of seniors
receiving services through the Area Agency on Aging, and the expansion of
our successful residential and vocational programs for those with mental
illness or mental disabilities."
The final pillar of
Commissioner Balya's "Westmoreland Tomorrow" strategy, quality of life,
involves enhancing the county's park system as a recreational and
environmental asset; improving tourism through the new Tourism Grant
Program; and working with Westmoreland Heritage to promote the county's rich
history and its important role in the formation of the nation.
Commissioner Balya was first
elected in 1995 and re-elected in 1999, when his colleagues named him
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
The 2003 Primary Election
will be held May 20. |
