Zimmerman to run for full term
WAYNESBURG – Incumbent Greene County Commissioner Blair Zimmerman announced Monday he will seek the Democratic nomination for his first full term to the board of commissioners.
Zimmerman was appointed commissioner in 2012 by Judges William Nalitz and Farley Toothman to replace Pam Snyder, who was elected state representative for the 50th District.
As a former track coach, Zimmerman said he “hit the ground running” to ensure there was no gap in services for the residents of Greene County. He said, “Filling Pam’s shoes was a challenging undertaking but I felt my past experiences had prepared me for the task at hand.”
Prior to his appointment as commissioner, Zimmerman served as mayor of Waynesburg Borough for nearly nine years.
“As a lifelong resident of Greene County, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn about a wide variety of people here by serving them in many different capacities through community organizations,” he said.
For 17 years, Zimmerman volunteered as a firefighter in Waynesburg and Franklin Township and was elected lieutenant for three years. He also served as president and board member of Greene County Habitat for Humanity for 20 years and is a multiple-year member of the Relay for Life Committee.
Zimmerman is currently secretary of the board of commissioners, chairman of the Greene County Prison Board, a member of both the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and County Commissioners’ Association of PA. Additional board service includes Greene County United Way, Southwest Regional Hospital and Community Action Southwest.
“I took an early retirement from Cumberland Mine so I could dedicate full time and energy to working for Greene Countians as commissioner, and I feel my service has benefited our area. I am pleased with our board’s accomplishments,” he said.
The commissioners have renovated and initiated security measures at both the courthouse and the Fort Jackson Building, which houses Greene County Children Youth Services and Human Services.
When Zimmerman took office, he said his goal was to improve the quality of life in Greene County. Completed projects include a new kitchen facility at the county prison, new hangars at the airport and a new recreational facility and renovations at Mon View park and pool. “We also have provided various grants to boroughs and townships, including the Greensboro kayak/canoe ramp for the physically challenged,” he said.
Zimmerman said he hopes to complete current projects, such as the continued airport facility development, community water/sewage infrastructure and an initiative to work with area veterans’ groups to establish veterans transitional housing.
“I think the current board of commissioners has worked well together in a bipartisan effort to accomplish many projects without increasing taxes,” he said.
Zimmerman is a 40-year member of the United Mine Workers’ of America and is president of the Washington Street United Methodist Church Council, having attended that church since childhood.
He attended California University of Pennsylvania and the Community College of Allegheny County. He has three grown children and three grandsons. “I love this county and my job as commissioner. I am ready and able to continue serving the people of Greene County.”