Deb Baughman Announces Candidacy for Bedford Commissioner

Deb Baughman of Saxton has announced her candidacy for Bedford County commissioner and is seeking the Democratic nomination.

"I believe we are 'Bedford County Strong' with many assets that can be utilized to create a prosperous future," Baughman said of her inspiration to run. She already has a strong campaign team in place and is looking forward to being out among voters to hear their concerns.

Baughman said her goal is simply put: keep all of Bedford County strong.

Baughman believes the county has been heading in the right direction through the coordinated efforts of local officials and community and business leaders. She wants to keep that momentum going and believes in building bridges between residents, municipalities, civic groups, agencies and businesses.

"Everything I do as commissioner will be to create a better life for you and your family," Baughman said of her commitment to residents.

A campaign kick-off event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Bedford American Legion. All those interested in Baughman's campaign are invited to attend. Attendees will learn more about her and how to get involved with her campaign. Following the event, the Bedford County Democrats will hold their regular monthly meeting.

As the 2018 Democratic nominee for state representative in the 78th District, Baughman is known for leading an energetic and positive grassroots campaign that focused on the needs of rural families and communities. During that campaign, Baughman organized several community "cash mobs" to support local businesses and call public attention to economic challenges faced by farmers, local business owners and non-profit organizations.

Baughman said she believes county government should be efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.

"Elected officials should conduct themselves as servant leaders who sit at the people's workbench." Baughman said. "I want to be the kind of leader who embraces challenges and doesn't let go until a solution is found.

"One such challenge is our declining population and rising average age. In all corners of the county we share the same hope for the future: that our children stay close to home. Finding ways to provide opportunity for our youth and young families to make a decent life for themselves in Bedford County is critical to our future and will benefit everyone."

A related challenge, Baughman said, is the widespread lack of reliable and affordable cellular and broadband service throughout the county.

"Everyone realizes cellular and broadband is an expectation of modern life – just like having electricity. I support efforts underway to address this problem, but I'd like to find ways to hurry it along."

She also supports plans for a new birthing center in Bedford County and believes the project is an excellent example of the effectiveness of local government working with community members and organizations to bring about positive change.

Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Lesley College and a master's degree in education from Wilkes University, Baughman also completed additional graduate level coursework at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in contract negotiation. She was a public school teacher for 25 years and retired in 2013 from the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. She developed and taught a career education course for 17 of those years, partnering with local K-12 and higher education stakeholders as well as community and local workforce leaders to develop and maintain a relevant curriculum that focused on four key areas: career awareness and preparation; career acquisition; career retention and advancement; and entrepreneurship.

Prior to beginning her teaching career, Baughman was employed by a broker/dealer licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission where she earned the designation of registered representative licensed to sell mutual funds and variable annuities. Relocating to rural Pennsylvania 34 years ago to raise her family, Baughman has been a Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher and church leader.

Today, she enjoys being a grandmother to three young granddaughters. She and her husband, John, attend Trinity Church in Saxton and believe it is important to give back to the community. John, whose family has lived in Bedford County since colonial days, is also a retired teacher and a Republican elected to the Tussey Mountain School Board.

Baughman serves as legislative chair of the Bedford Business and Professional Women, is a member of the Bedford County Farm Bureau, the Saxton Sportsmen Association and the Pennsylvania State Education Association-Retired. She is a founding member of Fair Districts Bedford County which seeks independent redistricting reform. Baughman is actively involved with the rural caucus of the PA State Democratic Committee and is a passionate advocate and leader for rural issues and working families.

She is also an active member with the Bedford County Democrats and the Helen B. Hughes Federation of Democratic Women. She is an avid outdoors-woman who can be found hunting, fishing and boating in her free time.