‘My heart is in the community’
Newest Fayette commissioner attends first voting meeting

Fayette County’s newest commissioner participated in his first voting meeting on Thursday, marking his official start in the role.
“I’m here full-time now, I’m giving it 110%, and I’m ready to help,” said Commissioner Henry “Dutch” Kaufman after Commissioner Scott Dunn formally introduced him at the end of the meeting.
Kaufman was appointed in May by the county’s judges following the resignation of Dave Lohr earlier that month. Kaufman will serve the remainder of Lohr’s term, which is set to expire in December 2027.
“We’re happy to have him here,” Dunn said during yesterday’s meeting.
A Republican from Uniontown, Kaufman is a lifelong Fayette County resident, a licensed pharmacist and served on the Uniontown Area School Board for 20 years. He was one of 21 applicants for the position and was appointed by the five judges of Fayette County Common Pleas Court.
“My heart is in the community, and I think anyone that knows me, knows that,” Kaufman said after Thursday’s meeting.
In his letter of interest for the position, Kauffman expressed a willingness to work with Dunn, a Republican, and Commissioner Vince Vicites, a Democrat.
He reiterated that sentiment on Thursday, saying again that he doesn’t foresee a problem working with both commissioners.
“We have a good working relationship and I don’t see any reason why it’s going to change. I’m always one of those people that tries to reach a consensus,” Kaufman said.
Vicities, who was not at yesterday’s meeting because he was attending a funeral, said in a phone interview late Thursday afternoon that he looks forward to working with Kaufman.
“He seems to be very interested and focused on doing good things for the county, and I look forward to working with him to help Fayette County,” he said.
Kaufman described his first meeting as “like jumping back on a bicycle” due to his previous experience on the school board, but did acknowledge that his role as commissioner is “a little bit more intense,” citing the wider reach of county government.
Kaufman said he considers himself a numbers person and is still learning the ins and outs of his new role. He has been spending time listening to community members and trying to understand where the county’s finances stand.
“Once I see where the county is at and get a better handle on the finances, I’ll be able to advocate for specific issues,” he explained.
He added that he plans to work with everyone and is interested in hearing from all parties in the county.
“It’s going to take some time, but I want to hear from anybody in the county and all the parties that reach out,” Kaufman said.