Westmoreland commissioners tout accomplishments, look to the future in State of the County addresses

Jobs, economic development, affordable child care and infrastructure enhancements were touted by Westmoreland commissioners Friday during the annual “State of the County” luncheon.

More than 200 business and community leaders attended the event at Stratigos Banquet Center in North Huntingdon. It was sponsored by the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.

“I am happy to work alongside of colleagues who wake up every day wanting to make it happen,” Commissioner Doug Chew said. “As we celebrate the county’s 250th anniversary, the county has its foot planted, and we are prepared to pivot. Will we pivot from the past? will we pivot to the future? Now is the time for us to fiercely face the future with boldness and determination. The citizens of Westmoreland County deserve nothing less.”

Chew said the county’s focus on expansion and upgrades to local broadband infrastructure will be key to future growth and compared those efforts to the basic needs of clean and safe drinking water.

Commissioner Sean Kertes focused on the county’s efforts to promote job growth and lure business and industry. He touted successes in filling the county’s industrial parks and the creation of a program to work with local school districts to link students with potential employment opportunities.

Throughout the past several years, the county has struggled to fill its job openings with about 250 vacant positions throughout government, even as commissioners increased salaries and paid signing bonuses to some newly hired workers.

Kertes said early discussions are underway to make child care a focus of the county’s efforts to fill those positions.

“My colleagues and I have started to explore this option. We are looking at a different generation of workforce,” Kertes said. “We are exploring the option of trying to incentivize the option of having child care for our employees.”

While a plan still is on the drawing board and not ready to be unveiled, preliminary discussions have been held regarding a proposal to link with a local nonprofit to provide day care for county employees.

“We’re still exploring this option and we have to make sure we have the finances make this possible,” Kertes said.

Commissioner Gina Cerilli Thrasher said a shortage of foster parents also must be addressed. The county children’s bureau has more than 250 children in foster care, and there are 14 more awaiting homes.

“The bureau is in desperate need of homes willing to foster children from birth to 21 years old,” Thrasher said. “It is very sad when we cannot find foster homes for children.”