The Region News

Dean Moretton is running for the Republican nomination to serve on the Porter County Board of Commissioners representing District 1 for a four-year term. The primary will be held on May 7.

As commissioner, Moretton would prioritize adequate staffing and funding for first responders, promoting local economic development and fostering job creation, and improving current infrastructure while planning for future needs, according to a Facebook post.

According to his LinkedIn page, Moretton is chief commercial officer (CCO) of Hydrogen Technologies, which "has patented a breakthrough method for burning hydrogen and oxygen in a vacuum chamber to create high-temperature steam or hot water with zero greenhouse gases." For the past several years, he has also been an angel investor. He holds a BS degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

Moretton also spent time as an Eagle Scout Advancement Coordinator for the Boy Scouts of America, and he was a founding member of BSA Explorer Troop 911, which gives 15- to 21-year-olds experience with first-responder job responsibilities.

He is a member of the Kankakee Valley Electric Cooperative Board, according to Hydrogen Technologies.

According to their website, the Porter County Board of Commissioners acts as both executive and legislative bodies of the county government. Their duties generally apply only to unincorporated areas of the county outside municipal boundaries of the cities and towns. Responsibilities are numerous and include supervising road and bridge construction and maintenance, developing programs to cultivate economic progress, auditing and authorizing disbursements for the county, and appointing members to serve on various boards, commissions, and committees. The commission is made up of three members, each representing one district.