Joe says No—no more terms / By Martha Knight

SMETHPORT—Chairman Joe DeMott (R-Port Allegany) confirmed last week that he is in his last term as McKean County Commissioner. 

Noting that his second term still has two years and three months to go, DeMott said that he had always planned to serve no more than two four-year terms, DeMott said he has served in local government since 1985. When he leaves office he will have been in public service about 30 years.

Much of that time he was also a local businessman. A pharmacist by profession, DeMott came to the area in 1974 and operated a pharmacy in Port Allegany. Later he added a hardware store and another pharmacy.

DeMott has been a full-time commissioner, believing that the position and related responsibilities (serving on various other boards and agencies) amount to a full-time job.

He has enjoyed most aspects of county service, as well as his earlier service as Port Allegany borough councilman and mayor, DeMott said. He added that he doesn’t like campaigning, “blowing my own horn,” although he does like opportunities to meet and talk with community members.

DeMott has served as chairman of the Board of Commissioners ever since taking office, and has received the most votes for the office both times he ran.

DeMott said he looks forward to being able to travel and pursue other interests more, after retiring. He and his wife Susan have a son, Steve DeMott (married, with children) in Drexel Hill, and daughters Christy and Shelly DeMott in Chicago, and will enjoy spending more time with them.