As the May primary election nears, Westmoreland County residents need to pay attention to the commissioners race. County commissioners make decisions that impact our day-to-day lives.
I am alarmed at proposals made by a Republican candidate running as a challenger to incumbents Doug Chew and Sean Kertes. In a campaign mailing, John Ventre proposes downsizing county government from three commissioners to one county executive. Is he proposing to be a self-proclaimed autocrat?
This same man claims that if elected, he will distribute remaining covid relief funds to the people. County code does not allow one commissioner to do anything without a second vote, and covid relief funds had to be spent before the end of 2021.
Imagine having someone who obviously has no understanding of how the commissioners office works wanting to not only be commissioner, but make himself an autocrat. American Rescue Plan funds have been earmarked for enhanced broadband, food insecurity, homeless shelters, blight remediation and mental health care. Our county needs funding for these programs.
If you are a Democrat, support Ted Kopas and Sydney Hovis for commissioner. Kopas has prior experience. If Republican, think twice before voting for someone who seems to have autocratic aspirations.
Diana Steck
North Huntingdon