A former Centre County commissioner is running to return to the board.
Vicki Wedler, who was elected to three terms and served as county commissioner from 1988-2000, announced her candidacy this week for the Board of Commissioners.
Wedler, a Republican, was the first woman elected Centre County commissioner and was the first woman president of the Susquehanna Economic Development Association-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), an 11-county service region.
‘Vicki, an energetic ‘people person,’ has loved serving the people of Centre County and is excited and energized to bring that experience and desire to serve back to the government,’ a news release announcing her campaign stated. ‘Vicki always remembered, and never stopped reminding people, that the people of Centre County were ‘her bosses.’ Vicki loves public service and believes her experience and dedication to wanting to make a difference in the lives of others can best serve the people of Centre County as a Centre County commissioner.’
Wedler, of Ferguson Township, said that economic development is a primary focus for her. She has previously served as director of the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Board and as a board member of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC) and the Bellefonte-Intervalley Chamber of Commerce.
During her time as commissioner, she also was County Conservation District director, chairman of the County Board of Elections and a member of the Board of Assessment and Revision of Taxes, the Retirement Board, Prison Board and County Library Board.
Prior to entering public service, Wedler’s career included positions with Corning Glass Works, agricultural education at Penn State, West Penn Power and the Pennsylvania State Education Association. She is currently a licensed Realtor at Kissinger, Bigatel and Brower.
Wedler’s involvement with various civic and charitable organizations includes having served as president of the Centre County chapter of the American Cancer Society and starting the first Relay for Life fundraiser in the county.
‘Vicki is not afraid to face problems and difficult issues and always weighs the facts in terms of their impact on you the taxpayer,’ her announcement said.
All three commissioners positions are up for election this year. Republican incumbent Steve Dershem and Democratic incumbents Michael Pipe and Mark Higgins have each announced they are seeking re-election.
The primary election is on May 21. Tuesday was the first day to circulate and file nomination petitions.
