Paul Kosko of Hempfield has joined a field of at least four candidates who are seeking two Republican nominations for Westmoreland County commissioner.

Kosko, 62, joins incumbents Sean Kertes and Doug Chew, along with retired executive John Ventre, as candidates in the May primary as Republicans attempt to hold their majority on the board of commissioners.

Kosko is a retired computer information systems manager at the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County and is making his second run for county commissioner. He finished fourth in a seven-candidate field in the 2019 GOP primary, behind the two incumbents and Ventre.

“With my extensive public service experience and education, I am confident that I can start the job day one and lead the county forward. I am frustrated with what I see and what I have experienced. People are fed up like me,” Kosko said.

Kosko was born and raised in Jamestown, N.Y., graduated from Jamestown Community College with an associate degree in accounting and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in business administration from Point Park University.

Kosko said he opposes property tax reassessments and the legalization of recreational drugs. He said he wants to eliminate cronyism, unnecessary contracts and bloated budgets and supports regionalization of core services.

“We need a balance between management, labor and government to help the economy grow. We have to treat each other with respect in the workplace and in our communities,” Kosko said.

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