As the lone Democrat serving as a Blair County Commissioner, Donna Gority is seeking a sixth term in office serving the county.
“I believe that I have gained knowledge and experience,” said Gority. “I still have a lot more to learn. I have been fortunate to be asked to serve on the highest level of the state commissioners association, I am currently serving on advisory boards and believe that this experience is very useful to Blair County.”
There are many tough issues facing the county, but Gority believes the need for a supplemental budget on the state level is the biggest issue facing the commissioners.
“There is such a big need for a supplemental state budget at the county level right now,” said Gority. “Our human services departments need that funding. We will have to cut back or scale down important projects. The funding we need most is for drug and alcohol treatment and counseling. If we don’t get the funding to treat these people, there is going to be a spiral of addiction to heroin, opiates and other drugs that could be decimating to the county for a long period of time.”
As the county searches for ways to replace the many jobs lost in the last few years, Gority believes that tax breaks are a possibility for businesses.
“The tax breaks, LERTAs, KOZ and KOEZs are necessary tools to enhance businesses to come to municipalities,” said Gority. “These options are available to many communities. Some of them, need approval of two, three and even four levels of government. I have served on the GADEC (Greater Altoona Economic Development) board. As commissioners we have supported economic development efforts through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The county has been very supportive of the municipalities when they apply for KOZ, KOEZ or LERTA zones.”
Blair County has taxed property on the latest assessment that was taken in 1958. Gority believes that there needs to be a re-assessment of the property in Blair County.
“I believe that is our constitutional obligation to reassess property taxes,” said Gority. “According to the constitution, we are to be fair and equitable in our taxation. There is no way that we could stand in a court of law and say that our taxes are fair and equitable. The people are willing to pay their fair share. The reassessment would be expensive, but we could pay for that through a bond issue. Everyone needs to pay their fair share of taxes.”
After serving five terms as a commissioner, Gority believes she still has plenty to offer Blair County.
“I will continue to work hard and be a full-time commissioner,” said Gority. “I am a hands on person. I am active in the community. I serve on boards from economic development to hospital boards to theatre boards. I love Blair County. I am easily accessible at the commissioners office, the human services offices, my home or my cell phone. I expect to be able to offer the same hard work I have given for nearly 20 years and will be able to give even more as I continue to learn more. It seems just when you think you are knowledgable on a subject, there is always something new that you learn.”
Gority is on the Democratic ballot for Blair County Commissioner in the November election.
