VENANGO COUNTY, Pa. — Bonnie S. Summers, of Cranberry Township, has announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination as Venango County Commissioner in the May primary election.

She previously was elected county commissioner in 2011 and served a full term until opting not to seek reelection.

Prior to seeking public office in 2011, Summers retired as administrator of the county’s mental health/mental retardation and substance abuse programs after more than 30 years with the county.

In announcing her candidacy, Summers said, “I am running because I believe that I can help Venango County to be successful, be prosperous, and have a  quality of life where county families can thrive.  I possess the experience as a very active former county commissioner who was not afraid to spend the time and work hard for the people I served.”
    
Summers earned a Masters of Public Administration degree and has completed training in leadership, fiscal and administrative management.  

“When I left the county, it was known across the state as a model of service delivery,  administrative coordination and was fiscally solvent,” said Summers.  “I am dedicated to continuing that level of quality of life in Venango County.”

As commissioner, Summers served as chairman of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board and coordinated a administrative and fiscally responsive system with the support of the seven involved counties.  Also, she served as chairman of the Northwest Planning Commission.  She helped develop the county’s Land Bank program and continues to serve as chairman.  While in office, she coordinated children and youth services with the court and developed supportive programs for children whose parents or guardians were in jail.

At present, Summers is vice chairman of the Cranberry Economic Development Committee, member of the Venango County Economic Development Authority, member of the Drug Overdose Task Force, member of Sugar Valley Lodge Board and chairman of the Family Services and Children’s Aid Shelter Capital Campaign.

“I believe in turning the challenges we face into opportunities because there is nothing that can’t be done with leadership, hard work, creative thinking and communication with others,” said Summers.  

“One of my main goals is to increase the opportunities for young people to live and thrive here as well as to reduce the use and dependence on illicit drugs that are a barrier to the opportunities.”