Troy M. Clawson recently filed nomination papers to seek election in the November general election for Warren County Commissioner, as an Independent.

“I can now finally join the process,” Clawson noted.

Clawson described his desire to run for Warren County Commissioner being about the responsibility and not the power involved in the position. He feels Warren County has so much potential for success.

Since being appointed to Youngsville Borough Council on October 14, 2013, Clawson has jumped into local government with both feet. He has been an advocate for Youngsville attending COG meetings regularly and contacting state legislators to discuss pending legislation or to garner support for local grants.

“Being an advocate is all about relationships,” he said. “As a member of the COG Fire Services Committee and council liaison to Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department (YVFD), (I am) currently working with many volunteer first responders and elected officials towards a plan to certify compliance with Act 37. This plan would help to ensure ambulance coverage throughout the entire county.”

Clawson says he has been building, and continues to build relationships with many organizations and elected officials.

Clawson holds a B.S. in Forensic Accounting from Edinboro University and has experience in local government, which would drastically reduce the learning curve.

“I am no stranger to budgets, cost benefit analysis, and interpreting financial statements,” said Clawson. “Teamwork is another important thing that voters should think about when electing a County Commissioner. More things get done when everyone works together, as opposed to conflicting ideas or priorities, which hinder problem solving. The ability to execute the job is also vital. Similarly, it is essential to make sure the public is very much a part of the process.”

If elected, Clawson said he will donate half of his salary locally, where it would have the most impact.

This does not mean he will work any less than fulltime. Clawson said he strongly believes public service “comes with a responsibility to serve the public, not the other way around. Giving back to the community is something (I) feel strongly about, because without our community, what do we have?”

Clawson volunteers to help assist a number of organizations throughout Warren County. He has assisted YVFD in setting up their website on warrencofire.org. He also regularly attends Revitalization of Youngsville (ROY) meetings and actively seeks to help them in any way possible.

“It is a great organization with a great mission and great results.,” he said of ROY. “They have done, and continue to do great things to help improve our community.”

Through his involvement with ROY, Clawson had the opportunity to be on a steering committee to help establish an endowment fund for the local area, which became known as The Brokenstraw Valley Fund. Clawson then became a member of the oversight committee of the fund, where he was elected Finance Vice Chair. Clawson is also the current Vice President of the Warren County Visitors Bureau Board of Directors as well as a Hospitality Committee member for the Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails Summit, which will be held in Warren on September 20-22.

“Tourism and tourismrelated businesses are something Warren County should be focusing on further. Tourism is the #2 industry in Pennsylvania. Warren County has something many places don’t have and it could easily be shared more without totally destroying our precious resources. With a declining tax base, tourist dollars are that much more important,” Clawson said. “Tourists spend money in our communities, but do not use many of the services local taxpayers do, which helps our local economies. Warren County needs to get a bigger piece of the tourism pie before it is too late.”

“The definition of opportunity is a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something,” Clawson said. “Warren County has been full of opportunity for (me).”

Clawson said he was lucky enough to meet his wonderful wife, Wendy Gruber, who was born and raised in Dunns Eddy. They were married on September 8, 2012 on the shore of the Allegheny River. As soon as Clawson moved to Warren County, he said “he knew he had found a home.”

His business, The TMC Tax Experience, LLC, was relocated to Youngsville. Clawson has roots in the community and wants to see it prosper along with all the other similar small towns in Warren County. “Warren County has what it takes to succeed! Warren County must start selling that to everyone near and far,” he said. “That has to start in our communities first and then it will continue to progress to the point of attracting new citizens, businesses, and opportunities.”

Clawson said he has heard about “brain drain”, but said he is a glaring example of the exact opposite.

“There are five good reasons, in no particular order, to vote (for me) in November,” he explained. “One, I will be a team player. Two, I will try to address the declining number of volunteers at our fire departments by attempting to incentivize more participation. Three, U will work collaboratively with numerous agencies to increase tourism, tourismbased businesses, and related industries. Four, I will make every effort to encourage economic development throughout the county. Five, I will work diligently to help form a long term vision and plan for Warren County.”