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What County Government
Does for You
Posted 5-12-2005
People often ask me,
"What does county government do for me?" That is a legitimate question,
as taxpayers are entitled to know the activities of their government and
how their money is spent. The duties and services of county government
are numerous. I would like to share with you some answers to this
question, and, as we head into summer, place a special emphasis on our
beautiful park system.
When you dial 911, that
is county government responding to your call. We receive hundreds of
thousands of emergency calls each year and dispatch the appropriate
emergency responders. When you vote (and I hope you do vote), that is
county government conducting the election. We have 306 precincts in
Westmoreland County, and, twice per year, we make sure the voting
machines and election workers are in place and, most importantly, that
all the votes are counted.
There are many services
the county provides for obtaining, filing, or maintaining important
legal documents. When you need a dog license, fishing license, or
hunting license, you can get it at the county treasurer's office. When
you need a marriage license or need to file a will, you can do it at the
register of wills office. When you purchase a home, your deed is filed
at the recorder of deeds office.
Of course, the county's
primary responsibility is human services for our most vulnerable
citizens. We offer necessary services for senior citizens, children, and
families in crisis and those with mental or developmental disabilities.
Those who cannot afford private nursing home care for residential and
rehabilitative services can receive it at Westmoreland Manor, the
county's public geriatric hospital. And, the entire justice system --
from the minor judiciary, to criminal court, civil litigation, and
family court -- is conducted through, and those records maintained by,
county government. These mandated services are delivered in the most
efficient and cost-effective manner to best serve the needs of
Westmoreland County residents.
The only aspect of county
government that we are not mandated to provide is perhaps the asset that
most county residents can enjoy -- our network of county parks. They are
located throughout the county, so that no matter where you live one of
the major parks is a relatively short drive away. Three of our major
parks, Twin Lakes in Hempfield and Unity Townships, Northmoreland in
Allegheny Township, and Mammoth in Mount Pleasant Township, have lakes
available for fishing and boating. The fourth major park, Cedar Creek in
Rostraver Township, has the Youghiogheny River running through it and is
the premiere point of entry for the Yough River Trail. In addition, the
county maintains smaller parks like the Nature Park in Hempfield
Township and Bridgeport Dam in Mount Pleasant Township.
Most recently, with the
help of a state grant, the county acquired the Loyalhanna Gorge that
straddles Loyalhanna Creek in Derry and Ligonier Townships. The gorge is
a beautiful, largely undeveloped area that is the gateway to the Laurel
Highlands in our county. We plan to preserve this 1,300-acre tract as a
natural greenway and open space for the enjoyment of all county
residents and the many tourists who visit our region.
Each major park offers a
variety of activities, concessions, and picnic areas. Recreational boat
rentals are available at Twin Lakes and Northmoreland Parks; bicycles
can be rented at Cedar Creek for use on the Yough River Trail; and
Mammoth Park has its famous "Giant Slide" (please ride carefully).
There are large community
festivals at each park every year. Super Fun Day at Mammoth Park is
coming up on June 5. The largest of these annual events, the Arts and
Heritage Festival, will take place July 1-4 at Twin Lakes. It has become
recognized as one of the best and most popular arts festivals in the
eastern United States, with more than 100,000 visitors every year.
August Fun Fest will take place at Cedar Creek on August 14. The Labor
United Celebration takes place Labor Day weekend at Northmoreland Park.
It is one of the largest festivals of its kind anywhere and offers
top-notch entertainment and recognition of the valuable contributions
workers make to our society.
Unfortunately, it seems
that too often residents do not recognize all the resources we have
right here in our county. They recognize government for serving only
those functions they do not need like social services, or functions in
which they do not want to be involved like court. But our parks are not
only scenic and well maintained, they also offer a wealth of activities
and, perhaps most importantly, a venue for relaxation. Our parks are
something that county government provides to enhance the quality of life
for everyone. For people from all walks of life and from all parts of
our county, the parks are ours to enjoy.
For more
information on our county parks,
see the Westmoreland County web site.
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