Dershem Seeking Reelection as Centre County Commissioner

Centre County Commissioner Steve Dershem will run for another term on the county’s governing board, he said on Monday.

The Republican incumbent will be seeking his sixth term as commissioner, having first been elected in 2003.

“My approach to county government has always been one of teamwork,” Dershem said in a statement. “I have had the privilege to work with many creative and talented county staff and directors to face and solve challenges both great and small.”

Examples of that teamwork during Dershem’s tenure, he said, include of the development of a modern countywide 9-1-1 system, construction of the Public Safety Training Center for emergency responders and development of mental health and substance abuse programs that have since been a model for others throughout the state.

A resident of Bellefonte, Dershem said he hopes to continue in his role to provide “vital services and productive solutions,” for every area of the county.

“I am proud to seek reelection to the leadership of an organization that is dedicated to the improvement of our communities, the betterment of the lives of our residents and the prudent use of your tax dollars,” he said.

All three current Centre County commissioners are running for election in 2023. Democrats Mark Higgins and Amber Concepcion previously announced their campaign, with Higgins seeking a third term and Concepcion running for her first elected term after being appointed in January to fill the vacancy created by Michael Pipe’s departure.

One challenger, Republican Marie Librizzi, also has announced her plans to run.

Primary Election Day is May 16. The first day to circulate and file nominating petitions is Feb. 14.