Bedford County Commissioner – Vote for Not More than Two

Josh Lang

1. Office candidate is running for? Bedford County Commissioner

2. Candidate party affiliation (Republican, Democrat or other?) Republican

3. Candidate's full name? Josh Lang

4. Candidate's current age? 32

5. Candidate's town of residence? Bedford

6. Candidate's immediate family? Son of Joe and Cathy Lang. I have one brother, Chris Lang and four sisters, Jess Kraft and Emily, Madilyn, and Elaina Lang.

7. Any details that candidate wishes provide regarding family? See question 6.

8. Candidate's current occupation or occupation retired from? Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Commissioners. Previously, I served over six years in the Army and spent a 15 month tour in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Cavalry Scout. When I returned, I noticed the transitional issues that veterans faced and took it upon myself to advocate on their behalf throughout Pennsylvania and the nation. I previously worked as a business analyst and senior technical training specialist in the private sector.

9. Candidate's previous experience in elected office? I have served as the Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Commissioners since January 2016.

10. Why are you running for this office? Since serving as Bedford County Commissioner, I have made it a personal goal of mine to represent residents' interests – to truly be a public servant. For me, this position is more than a job; it is my passion. I love the fact that I get to serve and get to make a difference. Being a veteran myself, I have advocated on their behalf to ensure they receive the support they deserve. Additionally, I have worked to develop programs to support families, coordinated and collaborated to address the opioid epidemic, advanced educational opportunities, saved hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, spearheaded broadband and cellphone service throughout Bedford County, and have recently taken the initiative to find solutions for attracting and retaining young adults in Bedford County. These are just a few of the areas that I have made a difference in. I will continue to be someone that people can rely on, I will listen, and I will continue to be someone that is present throughout Bedford County.

11. What is the biggest problem you expect to face in office? Our population continues to decline as a county. Young adults are not choosing to stay and families are not choosing Bedford County to live. Our death rates have exceeded our birth rates and student enrollment in the county remains an issue. The Bedford County Commissioners passed our regional comprehensive plan; the most comprehensive plan in Pennsylvania history. This plan discusses strategies for improving this area. Although rural communities are not immune to this problem, I do not accept the fact that is problem that cannot be addressed. Since passing this plan, we have hired an entrepreneurial development coach in which we have seen several new jobs and businesses created. We have worked with the community to add new recreational opportunities, worked with cellular carriers to add cellphone service in the county and have recently taken steps to begin a broadband pilot project that we hope will lead to other projects throughout Bedford County. Most recently, I have coordinated and collaborated with community members focused on attracting and retaining the young adult population. This committee will focus on several areas including economic development, housing, transportation, education, promotion, and activities.

12. What is the most important issue related to the position you are seeking? As a County Commissioner, I focus on several issues. To define one specific issue is difficult. It takes working on issues in unison to move Bedford County forward. Personally, I work with community members on several issues. I firmly believe that by working with the community by coordinating and collaborating with one another is how we thrive. No one person has the answers to all of the complex issues that face our county, but through taking an adaptive approach, together we can efficiently address those issues. However, if I am to focus on one of the most important issues I would say addressing the population decline as that focuses on several key aspects of the county. By taking steps to address this issue we can help the county in a multitude of different ways.

13. What are your primary goals for the position you are seeking? I will continue to address attracting and retaining young adults. I will continue to work to improve infrastructure by addressing structurally deficient bridges, implementing new recreational opportunities, advancing broadband and cellphone service, and supporting municipalities in their infrastructure projects. Being fiscally responsible will continue to be a focus of mine and in doing so I will continue to look at innovative strategies for controlling county costs. Supporting our public safety community will always be a top priority. I have visited all of the service providers throughout the county and I will continue to work to support their efforts. Ensuring veterans receive the support they deserve and implementing new programs on their behalf will continue to be a goal of mine. I will continue to provide outreach and educational opportunities throughout the community. I have planned events such as town halls, grant information sessions, and I have traveled throughout the county educating community leaders on programs and services that can benefit them. Since being a County Commissioner, I have focused on working with the community and will continue to do so to focus on several key areas including supporting families, businesses, agriculture, addressing the opioid epidemic, and reducing recidivism at the correctional facility. In regards to our day-day-to-day county operations, I will continue to leverage technology to improve operations at the courthouse and work with department heads to attract and retain employees and to support their initiatives that will support Bedford County citizens.

14. What opportunities do you perceive in the position you are seeking? There is always an opportunity to work with the community. I work for the citizens of Bedford County and believe it is my duty to be present at activities and functions, to listen, and to give any way possible. Coordinating and collaborating with one another will make it possible for Bedford County to thrive.

15. What other comments would you like to make regarding the position you are seeking? Since being elected as Bedford County Commissioner in 2015, I have shown my deep desire and passion for serving the interests of Bedford County. It has been an honor serving and I am proud of all that we have been able to accomplish. I will continue to have an open door policy and would encourage your ideas for making Bedford County a great place to live. I would appreciate you putting your trust in me for the next four years by voting for me on Tuesday, Nov. 5.