After finishing second in the May Republican primary election, John Eichelberger is seeking his third term as a commissioner in Blair County.
“I feel I have the experience necessary to serve as commissioner,” said Eichelberger. “We are facing troubled times with cuts in the federal and state budgets that directly affect the county. I feel I have the experience to guide the county through these difficult times.”
With the closings in the past couple years of the Sam Ray shop, C-cor and other industries, Eichelberger feels that bringing jobs to Blair County is the most pressing issue today.
“We need to continue to work with the economic development agencies in the private sector and our elected officials on all levels,” said Eichelberger. “We need to first, maintain the facilities that we have in operation today. Second, we need to expand on the existing operations and third, we need to work to attract new business not only to Blair County but to our region. Everyone benefits if a new industry opens within a reasonable driving distance to Blair County.”
Many industries looking to relocate are looking for tax breaks. As a commissioner, Eichelberger has voted in favor of KOZ’s (Keystone Opportunity Zones) and LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance) zones. Some areas of Blair County have longer tax breaks than others and a few don’t have the ability to offer any breaks at all.
“The circumstances in each municipality and school district are different,” said Eichelberger. “We work with the municipalities and school districts to do what they feel is needed to promote economic development. We don’t tell them what they need to do. The tax-free zones keep us competitive with surrounding areas. By offering these zones, it is keeping Pennsylvania competitive with other states. This is not something that is unique. Many other states are offering similar things. If we don’t offer tax-free zones, we will be at a disadvantage.”
Property tax is the only form of income for the county other than state and federal money. Currently the property is taxed on a 1958 assessment. Eichelberger doesn’t feel that a new assessment is necessary.
“Property tax reassessment is a revenue neutral decision,” said Eichelberger. “It won’t generate any new income. About one-third of the properties in the county would have their taxes increased, one-third would decrease and one-third would stay the same. For the county to perform a reassessment, it would cost over $3 million without any help from tax reform at the state level. It would be very difficult for the county to take on that obligation.”
Eichelberger would like to continue his service to the residents of Blair County.
“People can expect me to work hard and put in a 40 hour work week,” said Eichelberger. “I will be honest with the people. If I am re-elected, the voters of Blair County will get someone who has the personal integrity that is needed to hold this office and they are getting a qualified elected official.”
Eichelberger is on the Republican ballot in the November election.
