ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – Vince Gianangeli (R) was sworn in Thursday as Belmont County’s new commissioner by Common Pleas Court Judge John Vavra at the county courthouse.
It was a packed house in the courtroom with around 60 of Gianangeli’s supporters, friends and family on hand to witness him take the oath of office.
Gianangeli tells River News Network that he plans to tackle many issues in his new role including the ten-year delay of the cracker plant in Dilles Bottom, economic development and animal welfare. But he says his first priority is to meet with county employees.
I think the first order of business has to be me going around to the various departments and meeting the employees that I don’t already know.
Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner
Gianangeli told the crowd at his swearing in ceremony that there is riverfront property in Belmont County that can be developed, including the land designated for the cracker plant.
so for ten years now we’ve talked about this cracker plant and I’m in favor of it. I have no problem with it. I’m in favor of good jobs, bringing people into our community that will attend our schools, who will be spending money at the malls, in the grocery stores. but let’s face it, ten years. That’s a decade. perhaps the state could come and build it, or allow us to have our property released so we can develop it.
Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner
He plans to find out the status of the cracker plant from state officials in Columbus.
I’m going to talk to Jobs Ohio in Columbus about it and so I need to get a hold of Scott Owens with Jobs Ohio and have a discussion with him.
Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner
Gianangeli will remain Colerain Township Fiscal Officer and cited an opinion by the attorney general stating that those types of positions are compatible with his new role.
He thanked people involved in animal rescue groups, especially Belmont County PAWSitive Placements, for their dedication to helping pets find homes and for their work in supporting his campaign. He said he hopes to bring volunteers back to the Belmont County Animal Shelter.
I’ve also talked about these animal groups and the dog shelter. I think it’s wonderful that we’re going to be building a new animal shelter, but that animal shelter should be housed with employees and volunteers, the volunteers who are not there any longer. And that’s free help. I look at those animal groups as public servants also
Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner
Because they’re protecting our animals that were being euthanized. they are no longer are being euthanized. So we’re just gonna make those animals much better so that they get adopted.
Gianangeli said he is beginning his 41st year of public service but does not consider himself a politician. He instead says he is a public servant who reports to the people of Belmont County. He served as Director of Belmont County Job & Family Services and showed the crowd an award of appreciation those employees gave him.
He thanked his wife, Patti, family and supporters. Following the ceremony, he honored them with a luncheon at the Sons of Italy in Bellaire.
His four-year term as commissioner commenced today, Jan. 2.
