Letter to the editor: Fritz well qualified to be commissioner
The writer of the letter “We need qualified candidates in Westmoreland commissioner race” (March 28, TribLIVE) believes Patricia Fritz isn’t qualified to run for Westmoreland County commissioner. I disagree.
Fritz was a supervisor for PennDOT for 23 years with responsibilities that included the smooth operation of the busy District 12-5 office in Westmoreland County. She supervised 237 employees, with hiring and budgeting responsibilities.
After her time with PennDOT, she served as a real property specialist/administrative officer for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (first female on a civilian base), with the responsibilities of overseeing the budget, buildings and everything else on 179 acres at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, as well as the budget and property of the 28th Air Traffic Control squadron at the John Murtha Johnstown Cambria County Airport.
After retirement, she pursued law enforcement and became the first female chief deputy sheriff ever in Westmoreland County. As second in command at the sheriff’s office, her responsibilities included a $4 million budget and scheduling/supervision of 100 deputies, supervisors and clerical staff.
If you have been paying attention to local news, you have seen that of the three Republican candidates challenging the incumbents for county commissioner, Fritz was the only one who correctly filed her petition/paperwork.
If you don’t think all of this qualifies Fritz for commissioner, it’s simple: Before you cast stones, know your facts. You can vote, or not vote, for Fritz; that is your right. But shame on those who belittle her and others in the process.
John Svetkovich
Hempfield
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