Patrick Leighty may be going from the private sector to public servant, but you could say it’s in his blood.

Leighty was appointed to the county engineer’s post and will fill the remainder of former engineer Doug Cade’s term that expires Jan. 1, 2017.

This is a good move that should see a continuation of the efforts to improve the infrastructure and roadways throughout the county.

While he is new to the post in the public sector, Leighty brings a wealth of experience to the head of the county engineer’s office.

Not only from the professional experience during his time with E.L. Robinson, but the experience he gained early on while being around his father, Pat, who is in a similar role as administrator in the Village of South Point where he still works today.

We are eager to see the vision Leighty has for the department along with the county’s roadways and infrastructure.

Outgoing engineer Doug Cade also deserves a lot of credit for his public service to Lawrence County during his time in office, and while it may be a new face as the head of the department; we expect Leighty to continue to build on the foundation left by his predecessors.