Westmoreland County controller candidates tout experience, watchdog role

In 2011, political newcomer Jeffrey Balzer campaigned for Westmoreland County controller with one message — the two-term incumbent had been in office too long.

Now, eight years later Balzer, 54, a Republican from New Alexandria, is seeking his third term and said his experience in running the office that serves as the county’s fiscal watchdog is why he should be retained by voters for another four years.

“A lot of things have changed, and I’ve learned a lot over the last years,” Balzer said. “I don’t think I was wrong, but that I didn’t have the information I have now.”

Democrat Mark Mears, the director of transportation for the Greater Latrobe School District, is challenging Balzer for the controller’s job when voters go to the polls Nov. 5.

Mears, 53, also serves as an elected auditor in his hometown of Mt. Pleasant Township.

“I understand finance, and I get it. It’s where I fit in,” Mears said.

The controller’s office oversees a team of auditors who review the finances of every county office, district justices and programs that receives county funds. The controller also sits as a member of the county’s prison, retirement and juvenile detention boards.

While not overtly critical of Balzer’s job performance, Mears said the controller’s office has become detached from county government and that Balzer has been unnecessarily critical of the county commissioners.

“You need to look at the courthouse and treat everyone the same,” Mears said. “He (Balzer) has not established relationships with the people he is auditing. That gives you a feel for the county and the people you work with in the county.”

Mears said he sees the controller’s job as one that works in concert with the commissioners but acknowledged that he would still be critical of decisions when warranted.

“I don’t care if they are Republican or Democrat, you are a piece of county leadership, and you should be working with the commissioners to try to help. The controller should be more involved in decision making,” Mears said.

Balzer said he won’t apologize for taking a critical look at decisions made by the commissioners.

“We have to oversee what the commissioners are doing and be the financial watchdog. This is an ever-changing business and having an independent controller’s office is best for Westmoreland County,” Balzer said.