To the editor:

The election for Jefferson County Commissioner will be held in November. Over the next nine months, I will be introducing myself to the voters, sharing my background and experience and hopefully earning your vote.

I am a former civil engineering designer and hands-on builder of municipal infrastructure. That occupation has provided me with practical and comprehensive insight into how city and county water, sewer and roadway systems are designed, maintained and repaired. I understand how these systems function because I have worked on them myself.

Our Jefferson County water system is in shambles. Addressing it will require leadership that understands it from top to bottom, from someone who can ask the right questions, demand accountability and help facilitate a turnaround and long-term success. I can be that commissioner.

I am also a cattle rancher, managing 75 cows on 300 acres on a county road on the southern side of the county. Living and working in our rural areas has shown me that we have tremendous untapped potential. We must do a better job of putting our rural resources to work for the benefit of the entire county. We also need to better unify the southern, northern and western parts of the county with our population center in the Steubenville area to become a stronger, closer-knit community.

As someone who has never held political office, and whose parents never did either, I bring a true outsider’s perspective. Our rural residents and farms have not received the attention they deserve. Every corner of this county matters. Every taxpayer deserves a voice.

My background also includes being from a family that owns and operates small businesses. Our work has included Nemo’s auto body and towing, trucking, crane services, ready-mix concrete supply, concrete block manufacturing and river barge unloading of aggregates and other building materials. We were also in the restaurant business. From those experiences, I understand how important it is to be disciplined and focused in how county money is allocated. It should not be wasted on unnecessary endeavors. We must invest in development that suits the uniqueness of our land layout and its transportation systems and ensure our labor force and building trades flourish.

A county commissioner oversees county management, administration, long-range planning and finances. While it is an elected position, there is no room for partisanship. Commissioners must work together and do what is best for the people. As an engineer, a lawyer and a farmer, I understand how to approach complex issues professionally and practically.

Most importantly, I grew up in a working-class family right here in Rayland. Getting dirty and doing the work ourselves was a normal way of life. I am a working father who wants what is best for our families and futures. I am straightforward and guided by common sense. My only desire in seeking this office is to put my experience to work for you. It would be my honor to have your vote this November.

Brent G. Nemeth

Dillonvale