COUDERSPORT — Potter County Commissioner Paul W. Heimel is running for re-election this year, seeking a Republican nomination in the May 21 primary.
“Our county is facing some serious challenges, but we also have some promising opportunities as we enter the new decade,” Heimel said. “I look forward to putting my experience to work as we continue to build the partnerships necessary to tackle the major tasks that lie ahead.”
Among his priorities are strengthening the economy, reforming criminal justice, increasing services for military veterans, and improving the local quality of life.
“Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach and a deep commitment,” Heimel said. “Solutions that have proven results are being put into place, but they take time. I hope to be able to continue that work in 2020 and beyond.”
Heimel’s service as a commissioner has been recognized statewide and nationally. He earned the coveted Pennsylvania County Commissioner of the Year Award in 2017, which was a first for Potter County.
It was based in part on his leadership of a rural coalition that persuaded the state legislature to increase in-lieu-of-taxes payments on state-owned land, resulting in an additional $650,000 coming into Potter County school districts, townships, boroughs and the county government every year.
At the national level, he has served as vice-chairman of the Veterans and Military Service Committee, an influential organization that has successfully lobbied for federal support of military veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Most recently, Heimel was appointed chairman of the Courts & Corrections Committee for the National Assosciation of Counties (NACo). He’s also an active member of NACo’s Rural Action Caucus, effectively advocating in Washington, D.C., for rural counties’ interests.
A lifelong resident of Potter County, Heimel became familiar with the county and its citizens during a 20-year career in local newspapering. He broadened his experience over the next decade in the business world as a corporate communications manager.
Soon after becoming a commissioner, Heimel spearheaded a concerted effort to improve communications and save the county money through websites and other tools.
In response to shale gas developments, he worked with his colleagues to organize a countywide water protection work group. He has also engaged with industry leaders, environmental groups, business owners and regulatory agencies for a broad-based perspective on the complex issues surrounding the gas industry.
Locally, he served for two terms on the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, is a member of the governing board of his church, has worked with several civic organizations, and has coached youth baseball.
“I’m proud to be part of a board of commissioners that has established a solid record and would like to continue that momentum,” Heimel said. “I’ve benefited in so many ways from working with Commissioners (Doug) Morley and (Susan) Kefover over the years, and I look forward to putting that experience to work when a new board is seated next January.”
He and his wife, Lugene, have five grown sons and five grandchildren.
