Armstrong County commissioners chairman, Pat Fabian, seeking re-election

Pat Fabian has announced that he will seek re-election for Armstrong County Commissioner.

“I feel I am a proven leader, have made the tough decisions and am confident in my ability to produce positive results for the tax payers of Armstrong County,” said Fabian, 42, of Manor Township. “I come to work for the people of the county every day, all day, and believe that the best is yet to come.”

Fabian, who is currently commissioner chairman, will run as a Democrat in the May 21 primary.

His agenda includes expanding resources for mental health and preventing substance abuse, working with federal, state, local and private stakeholders to develop strategies for rural broadband expansion, purchasing new election equipment, pushing Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. for more investment in the county, consolidating the county Economic Development Department and Planning/Community Development Department, improving county government infrastructure, and promoting county marketing and tourism.

“We have accomplished many things in a short period of time and the momentum is moving in the right direction, but there is a lot of work still to be done,” Fabian said.

County commissioners serve four year terms.

During his initial run for election in 2015, Fabian pushed for reducing the cost of government and keeping the tax burden off county residents. He said he wanted to ensure that taxpayers have a voice and to push for change.

There have been no tax increases during Fabian’s term, something he attributes to reducing wasteful spending, downsizing the county’s asset inventory and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

Fabian added the decision to sell the Armstrong County Health Center was difficult but ultimately benefited taxpayers.

“We were able to negotiate with the new owner’s a 98 percent employee retention, enhancement of patient care and assurances that upgrades would be made to the aging facility,” Fabian said. “Also, the building went back on the tax rolls.”

Madasyn Czebiniak is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Madasyn at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@tribweb.com, or via Twitter @maddyczebstrib.