A second former McKean County commissioner has thrown his hat
into the ring to reclaim a seat he had held for eight years.

On Monday, Larry Stratton of Farmers Valley announced he’s
entered the race for commissioner, vying for a seat on the
Republican ticket.

Earlier this month, former Commissioner Al Pingie also said he’s
in the race, which already includes The New Directions Team of
commissioners Clifford Lane and John Egbert, along with Richard
Danielson, who is looking to gain the seat currently held by
Commissioner Bruce Burdick. Port Allegany Mayor Joe DeMott has also
stated his intention to run.

The primary election is slated for May 15. Stratton was defeated
in his bid for re-election in 2003.

“Lots of people have asked me to get involved again,” Stratton
said. “I have been interested in it (county politics) since I’ve
gotten out.

“I have experience. Nobody can argue with the amount of
dedication I had while I was in there, and the time I spent in the
courthouse, not just for the sake of spending it, but to get things
done. I will be a full-time commissioner. The old adage that we
were given two ears and one mouth has a good foundation.”

Stratton touts eight years of experience in the position,
serving two terms as chairman of the panel from 1996 to 2004.

Among those issues that Stratton would like to address include a
“top heavy” county government filled with a multitude of
high-salary administrative jobs that have been created by the
current board of commissioners.

“This required at least $1.2 million of the landfill money to go
for current expenses, money that was to go into a long-term
investment,” Stratton claims. “The only long-term investments of
the county were the Sena-Kean Manor, which over the long term
actually made the county money, and the landfill, which also is now
in private ownership.

“The huge monthly legal bills are rapidly eating up the
balance.”

Sena-Kean was sold to Complete HealthCare Resources for $3
million last year.

Along those lines, Stratton said, if elected, he would like to
look at all the high-salary positions individually to see which
ones were still needed.

“I would look at them and see if any changes needed made,”
Stratton said.

Meanwhile, Stratton lists economic development as a major goal,
namely getting “… the word out regarding the benefits McKean County
has to offer new industry and to strengthen ties with existing
employers.”

According to Stratton, with the influx of senior citizens in the
county there are many specialized services for them that could
expand to produce higher employment. Potential economic development
could also take place in the area around the Kinzua Reservoir.

“We need to be able to use it (reservoir) more,” Stratton said.
“It is time for the federal and state governments to relax the
stranglehold they have on (the reservoir). More campsites can be
built around there. It’s a terrific body of water and should be
taken advantage of.”

Since leaving the courthouse, Stratton has been serving as a
substitute teacher at 10 area schools. He received a bachelor’s
degree in agriculture from Penn State University and attended the
Smethport school system.

He has been a member of the Coryville Church of Faith for more
than 50 years and currently serves as trustee and lay delegate to
the conference. Stratton also has more than 45 continuous years as
a 4-H leader in McKean County.

Stratton and his wife, Starr, have two children, five
grandchildren, four stepchildren and two stepgrandchildren.