Joseph Claar, a Greenfield Township supervisor for the past four years, has thrown his hat in the ring and is running on the Democratic ticket for Blair County Commissioner.
“I believe the individuals who are in there now are not putting forth the effort that is needed for our county,” said Claar. “We’re a growing county. The current commissioners look at the position as a part-time job. I want to focus our efforts on the entire county, not just 17th Street in Altoona and Logan Township.”
Claar believes that economic development is an important issue facing the future of Blair County.
“What we are doing now for economic development is good, but we need to do more. The so-called Green Banana region is ripe and will get rotten if we don’t promote growth in the northern and southern ends of the county. We need to find manufacturing jobs and other business for the county. We need to get the whole county involved.”
The Daily Herald asked Claar his position on the possibility of a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone for the former Westvaco plant in Tyrone.
“If it gets jobs back in the area and puts people to work, I am in favor of it,” said Claar. “We have granted KOEZ’s in Greenfield Township and I am in favor of getting people back to work.”
With cuts in the state budget for social services, The Daily Herald asked Claar if he feels the cuts would hamper Blair County?
“Our county government is looking only at state funding right now,” said Claar. “We need to look beyond the state for assistance. There are federal programs available that can help ease the problems from state budget cuts.”
When asked about the possibility of property reassessment in Blair County, the candidate said, “I am not well versed on that issue and can’t give an educated response.”
Claar, has been a volunteer fireman with the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company since 1984. He is the president of the relief association which deals with the state-issued money and equipment and personal protection issues and is the vice president of the company.
“I think the commissioners should be willing to look at any way to subsidize volunteer fire companies,” said Claar. “Right now we are in a vicious cycle. People can’t spend money at fundraisers because they don’t have jobs. If we get the job situation fixed, things will improve. If the county would grant monies to the companies, they should be granted equally across the board. Each company, no matter the size should be granted the same amount.”
Claar is hopeful for the future of Blair County.
“I would love to see the jobless rate come down,” said Claar. “I want to look at our neighbors and see them out working and bringing home a good paycheck. Right now, Blair County is lagging behind and waiting for others to set the trend. I believe that we should be out in front promoting the areas here in Blair County that are ripe for new business.
“The townships, boroughs, schools and county should be willing to grant tax relief to get business to locate here. I’m talking about all areas along I-99. If you look at New Pig, they are rebuilding after their fire last year. There are many empty buildings that can be marketed if we just push the issue. Look at Tyrone Township. They have been left high and dry through the development phase. There is a whole area that could be developed. We need to use all areas.”
Claar is on the Democratic ballot for Blair County Commissioner in the May primary.
