As I leave office after 16 years as county commissioner I will also be closing down this website. I want to thank the many visitors to what I believe is the first and longest running website by an elected official in Westmoreland County. I am appreciative of the interest, regardless of the reason for visits to this site.

Over the years I have used the site to better inform readers about the operation of county government. I also offered my perspective on politics, both locally and nationally. Since most citizens' understanding of county government is shaped by the limited number of articles in local papers, I believed that to give a more thorough explanation of important issues would allow readers to gain more insight into the workings of county government.

In a county where the printed political discourse is shaped, almost exclusively, by right wing extremists, I believed offering a different political perspective was important. Some people agreed with my political ideas and for others it only fueled their opposition. But whether you agreed or disagreed with me, I called it as I saw it. I hope my candor was appreciated in a political environment where most elected officials are afraid of saying something that may cost them a vote.

I will admit that as the end neared, I didn't keep the site as dynamic as it had been. It takes work to produce new articles and I can proudly say the writings were my own. The photos were included to better acquaint readers with the people I met throughout the county. The poll question was included for entertainment value as it was no more (or less) scientific as say the KQV radio poll.

Thank you to Citizens Telephone Company of Kecksburg that hosted this site. Thank you to Annette Blanar for her patience and professionalism in managing and designing the site, and thank you to all the readers…you made this website a success.