Belmont County Commissioner Matt Coffland announced plans to run for re-election, citing his successful first term in office and his goals for the next four years that will focus on continued economic development, job creation, balanced county budgets and efficiency in county government.
"I have been fortunate to represent the citizens of Belmont County the past three years and hope their confidence will allow me to continue progressive planning and an aggressive approach to job creation and economic development for the betterment of all residents of Belmont County," said Coffland. "Our county is on the leading edge of the entire oil and gas development process, which will represent thousands of good-paying jobs in Belmont County and allow our younger residents to work locally, raise their family and care for aging family members. This oil and gas economic development explosion, for which I am actively involved with, will allow our county to prosper for years to come."
Coffland said some of his most rewarding accomplishments in his first three years include the $1.3 million Mount Victory Road Water Project, the multi-million dollar Neffs Area Sewer Project, improvements to the Airport Authority in Barnesville, the creation of the Belmont County Buildings Department and bringing 25 new jobs to Martins Ferry through Environmental Coordination Services and Recycling.
"After discussing my plans with many voters recently, the one theme everyone seems to appreciate is to continue the momentum we have started the past three years and the transparency and availability of the leadership in the courthouse," Coffland said. "I am looking forward to my ongoing rapport with local elected officials and governmental leaders in Columbus and Washington and continuing the large economic development projects we have initiated. Also, I will continue to work with small business and manufacturing as well as our retail centers."
Coffland has served on many boards and commissions during his years as a public servant.
He currently serves on the Transportation Improvement District, the Ohio Area 16 Workforce Investment Board, the Family and Children First Council of Belmont County and the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments' Association.
Coffland resides in Shadyside with wife, Lisa, and two children, Matthew and Macy. He said he has enjoyed being a commissioner for the past three years and looks forward to the opportunity to continue his services to the residents of Belmont County.
