FOREST COUNTY, Pa. — Lifelong Tionesta resident and businessman Mark Kingston has announced his candidacy for Forest County Commissioner.

“Mark believes it’s time for him to give back to the community and serve the residents of Forest County,” according to his campaign announcement. “Mark’s work ethics and work experiences, along with his attention to detail has prepared him well for this position. Mark will make it his priority to serve the people in this great county.”

Kingston graduated from West Forest High School and has resided in the Tionesta area for his entire life. His son Brady is a student at University of Pittsburgh and his son Shane lives with his wife Randa and daughter Madalyn in Cambridge Springs, Pa.

He has served as President of Forest County Extension Board and served many years as President of the Tionesta Recreation Board. Kingston was the President of the Tionesta Lions Club on two separate occasions and was involved with many of the club’s projects while being honored as a Melvin’s Jones Fellow, which is the highest form of recognition for a Lions Club member. He attends the United Methodist Church in Tionesta and serves presently as a Trustee.  He also coached Junior High basketball at West Forest High School for many years.

Kingston has owned and operated Allegheny Valley Landscaping for the past 20 years. Prior to starting his own business, he worked in the construction industry. He was maintenance supervisor for ten years at West Forest High School and a manager for several gravel plants while working for Tionesta Sand & Gravel and I.A. Construction.

Kingston is a member of Allegheny Valley Sportsman’s Association and Kellettville Sportsman’s Association where he participated in building structures for the Ross Run Children’s only fishing derby. In his free time, Kingston enjoys watching his son play college basketball, fishing, hunting and helping others in his community. He also enjoys watching his granddaughter grow up.