Please provide a biographical narrative.
With the exception of a brief period when I was a child, I have lived in Clearfield County my entire life – primarily in Hyde.
I am married to the former Beverly Williams from Bigler. I have two children Zac Lawhead and Amy Fry and four grandchildren.
I am the youngest of four children. My parents and one brother are deceased.
My experience and involvements include:
- Three times elected as Lawrence Township Supervisor. I have spent several years as the chairperson of the Lawrence Township Board of Supervisors;
- Current president of the Clearfield County Association of Township Officials;
- Founding member and current president of the Montgomery Run Watershed Group;
- Have held the position of secretary/treasurer of the Centre Cemetery Association for about 20 years;
- Current member of the Old Town Sportsmen’s Club and a long-time member of the National Rifle Association;
- A member of Clearfield Elks Lodge 540 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America for about 25 years. I have twice been exalted ruler and have held several offices and have been on a number of committees. I am currently on the board of trustees and am the chairperson for the Flag Day Ritual Committee.
- My wife and I are the vendor coordinators for the High Country Arts & Crafts Fair. This event is sponsored by the Past Exalted Rulers Association of the Clearfield Elks and all proceeds go to local and Elks’ charities. This years’ fair will be our 27thannual and the date is July 12.
Prior to my election to Lawrence Township Supervisor, I worked for many years in retail sales first at Thompson & Buck Inc. of Clearfield and then at Clearfield True Value.
I am an avid hunter and enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Clearfield County has an abundance of natural beauty.
What motivated your interest in running for Clearfield County Commissioner?
I want to use my 16 years of experience in local government for the benefit of Clearfield County.
What qualifications do you possess that would benefit the Clearfield County Commissioners’ Office?
I have 16 years of experience in local government and 27 years of experience working in retail sales in the area. I have negotiated several union contracts and I have worked well with employees at all levels. I am a practical person and generally, I can look at a problem and come up with a workable solution to the benefit of those involved.
Government transparency has been a buzzword in politics for the past few years. Do you feel that the county is transparent enough? If not, what needs to change?
Yes, I believe county business has been done out in the open.
If elected, how would you reach out and form relationships with citizens of Clearfield County? How would you reach out to those citizens in the outlying areas of the county?
With my current position as president of the Clearfield County Association of Township Officials, I can connect with local government officials and then to the local citizens.
If elected, what measures would you take to ensure the efficient operation of Clearfield County?
I would have direct involvement with departments and personnel, be aware of issues and concerns of the county offices and see to the financial well-being of the county.
What is your opinion on regionalization of government positions, police forces, etc. within Clearfield County?
If it will definitely improve services, be economically beneficial to all of the involved municipalities, enable citizen participation and the majority of the population approves, I believe it would be a good thing.
If elected, what measures would you take to generate economic development opportunities for Clearfield County?
I would work closely with the Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. Chief Executive Officer Rob Swales and local groups to promote Clearfield County.
If elected, what would be your top priority as Clearfield County Commissioner?
I would promote a positive image of Clearfield County through direct contact with state and local officials.
What are the greatest challenges facing Clearfield County? If elected, what measures would you propose to resolve them?
As with most rural areas, job growth and economic development are major challenges. What can we do to promote Clearfield County? What must be done to keep our children and grandchildren here? These questions are vital and need sound and practical answers.
We have several industrial and commerce parks in the area that must be promoted nationally and internationally to attract growth.
Tourism promotion is a help, but it does put a burden on local services, such as police and fire. It does still need to be a part of the solution. Working with state and federal officials to make sure we have a business-friendly atmosphere is a top priority.