Deb Baughman Announces Bid For Second Term As Bedford Co. Commissioner

Deb Baughman and Matthew Wilt are announcing their candidacies for Bedford County Commissioner in the 2023 Democratic Primary.

After rolling up her sleeves to get to work in 2020, Baughman realizes there is still much work to do. She is asking voters for a second and final term to finish projects, tackle additional challenges and prepare for a new generation of elected county leaders. “Being a commissioner is a complex and demanding job with a steep learning curve. After navigating the COVID pandemic during my first year, I have now hit my stride and feel a passion to continue my service to the people of Bedford County.”

Baughman promised voters in her first campaign that she wouldn’t shy away from taking on tough issues. A top priority was to keep Bedford County strong through broadband infrastructure development. By working with fellow commissioners and other partners to create a three-phase master plan, high speed broadband access has been provided to 3900 new Bedford County addresses as part of Phase One. Ten new towers are currently under construction as part of Phase Two. Securing Federal grant dollars have made this progress possible. If re-elected, Baughman is excited to finish tower construction and begin phase three of this initiative involving fiber optics technology. “I believe that people in more rural areas of the county deserve the same opportunities for high speed broadband as other residents. This is both a quality-of-life issue and an economic one. It is an expectation of modern life and comparable to rural electrification in the 1930s. I will not rest until the county is covered by accessible and affordable broadband.”

In addition to managing the county broadband initiative, Baughman also serves as prison board chairperson. “During my first year as commissioner, it became clear there were numerous and serious problems at the correctional facility. A bold move was made to bring in the PA Department of Corrections to oversee an extensive assessment, resulting in a major personnel and operations overhaul. With changes implemented by the new warden and his administrative team under board oversight, I am proud of the efforts that led to the correctional facility receiving a DOC inspection report of 100% compliance in 2022. Under current leadership, programs aimed at reducing recidivism have been implemented, and by prioritizing recruitment and training for correctional officers, the BCCF maintains nearly full staffing- no easy feat in this employment environment.”

Baughman also served as chairperson of the County Election Board until her re-election bid this year. Major changes were implemented by the state beginning with the 2020 Presidential election year. On top of the implementation of mail-in voting, was the need to conduct safe elections during the COVID pandemic. “Overseeing 40 precincts to ensure the accuracy and integrity of every county election is a sacred duty, and one that must be administered to the highest standards.”

In spite of the pandemic and inflation, to better serve the public and give value to the taxpayer, projects were prioritized during the current term to include: rectifying years of deferred maintenance and necessary upgrades to county-owned buildings; finding cost savings by improving systems and energy use; correcting inefficient operations and procedures; increasing wages to assist with recruiting and retention; improving an underfunded retirement fund; and addressing deficient courthouse security. In spite of the COVID pandemic and inflation, good progress has been made and must continue in the future. The commissioners also assisted economic recovery from the COVID pandemic through disbursement of business and non-profit grants.

During Baughman’s current term, progress was made in stabilizing the county’s financial position. “Bills are being paid on time without the need for a tax anticipation note. There is an adequate fund balance and outdated accounting practices have been brought into compliance. These factors have contributed to a rising high quality bond rating.

Knowing that obtaining grants leverages county funds and expands opportunities, the 2023 county budget provides for hiring a part-time grant writer. Baughman believes, “No potential grant funding should be left on the table. A grant writer’s salary will be a small portion of the funding received. We need a person whose sole responsibility is to have eyes on available grants and the knowledge to follow the process through. With the current funding streams, this should benefit the county greatly.”

Baughman believes there is a need for continued community and economic development, including infrastructure upgrades and expansion. Modern housing and modern amenities are an expectation that is yet to be fully achieved. Baughman concludes it is only possible to meet these challenges by working together in dynamic partnerships with elected officials at all levels, organizations, and members of the private sector to keep Bedford County strong now and into the future.

As commissioner, Baughman serves on numerous boards and committees including: United Way of Bedford County, Bedford County Regional Education Foundation, Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, Bedford County Development Association, Bedford-Somerset Developmental & Behavioral Health Services, South Central Counties Solid Waste Agency, and the Area Agency on Aging. She sits on the Bedford County Airport Authority and is its past chair. Baughman is a member of the Bedford County COVID-19 Advisory Committee, part of the PA Rural Health Initiative. She graduated from the County Commissioners’ Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Center for Excellence in Leadership Program and also serves on the state CCAP Election Reforms Committee and Economic Development Committee. Other professional memberships include PSEA-Retired, the Bedford County Farm Bureau, and the Bedford County Business and Professional Women.

Baughman, a retired teacher, lives in Saxton, is married to John and has three sons and four granddaughters.” It has been a great honor to serve as commissioner. I work hard at this full-time job and strive to do my best for the beloved county I serve. I hope voters will bring me back for a second and final term to continue the work I began.”