SIZING UP THE NOVEMBER COMMISSIONER’S RACE

At the national and state level, the vote this November is an “off year election.” The voter turnout is expected to be light. This is unfortunate given that in Washington County the winning local candidates will be responsible for governing for the next four years. The contest to elect three county commissioners is, in my view, the most important of these elections.

The Pennsylvania County Code stipulates that each voter may cast a ballot for two commissioner candidates and that the three having the highest number of votes will be elected. This insures that the board of commissioners consists of two members from the majority party and one from the minority party to maintain a political balance.

Commissioner board decisions occur at their monthly public meetings. Other important commissioner functions include the salary board, election board, pension board, and prison board.  

The commissioners are responsible for monitoring and guiding the fiscal management of county government. The three commissioners work with  other county and state officials to ensure that citizens receive needed services.

Whatever the outcome of the election, the composition of the new board of commissioners will be noticeably different from prior decades. For the first time since 1996, Republican Diana Irey Vaughan will not be on the ballot. The other two incumbent commissioners Democrat Larry Maggi and Republican Nick Sherman are considered favorites to remain on the board. The political party that controls the board will most likely come down to whether Democrat Cindy Fisher or Republican Electra Janis captures the most votes. What follows is a brief analysis of each of the candidates.

Larry Maggi. Larry Maggi is currently serving his fifth term as commissioner. Commissioner Maggi is committed to keeping Washington County on the forefront of economic growth, low taxes, and quality of life issues.

Commissioner Maggi has a long history of public service. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1971. He then served 24 years as a state trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police. Mr. Maggi was first elected to public office in 1997 as Washington County’s Sheriff before being elected commissioner in 2003.  He continues to serve on a long list of veterans, community and governmental organizations.

Commissioner Maggi brings a wealth of experience and few surprises to the commissioner’s office. He has always been a watchdog of the public purse. Mr. Maggi recently joined with Republican Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughn in signing a bi-partisan, cost effective contract with the county’s chamber of commerce to promote long-term economic growth. This contract will ensure that the 25-year partnership between the county and chamber will continue to build and diversify our highly successful local economy.

Nick Sherman.  Nick Sherman is completing his first term as commissioner. When the local Republican Party attacked his fellow Republican commissioner, Diana Irey Vaughn, who worked tirelessly to get him elected, Sherman abandoned her. Mr. Sherman has shown himself to be an opportunist who places political calculations before good governance. He has supported election deniers rather than his responsible Republican, fellow commissioner.

Commissioner Sherman calls himself a “fiscal conservative.” However, he was the driving force behind the county purchase of the Crossroads Building at millions over market value.  Mr. Sherman has finally exposed his hand on his post-election plans for the economy and county government. On September 21, he voted against the above-described comprehensive contract to continue the county/chamber of commerce partnership to spark additional economic development. Sherman did not offer an alternative to the arrangement that has worked well for many years. One can only guess what other unannounced government changes Sherman has in mind if a new Republican board captures the majority.

Cindy Fisher. Cindy Fisher is currently serving her second term (9th year) as a Cecil Township Supervisor.   She has been the Chairperson of Cecil Township Board of Supervisors for the past three years and served three years as Vice Chairperson.  Prior to this elective office, she was an executive member of her local school’s Parent Council.  

Ms. Fisher is fiscally conservative and a moderate Democrat who has not raised taxes during her time on the Cecil Board of Supervisors.  She helped secure more than $1 million dollars in grants for improvements to Cecil’s five parks, bridges, the Montour walking trail, and improvements to its public works facilities. 

Like her running mate, Larry Maggi, her top priority is maintaining and growing a strong local economy.  Ms. Fisher recently outlined her economic vision in the Observer Reporter. It encouraged disgruntled residents in Allegheny County to move into Washington County. She stated, “With our growing economy, we can welcome Allegheny County families to our county by showing our area is a great place to work and live. We must promote that Washington County is not Allegheny County… we must not repeat Pittsburgh’s mistakes.”

Electra Janis.  Electra Janis is a young woman in her twenties who has not run for elective office prior to this campaign. She has no decision making experience in either county or municipal government. Ms. Janis has worked in her family’s restaurant business and been employed the past three years as district manager for her local state representative, answering questions for constituents.

There is an important distinction between Fisher and Janis. Cindy Fisher has the government experience and self-assurance to bring independent thinking to the Board of Commissioners. Electra Janis will follow the lead of her Republican handlers.