WASHINGTON COUNTY CAN CONTINUE TO THRIVE

We should all wish Nick Sherman, the new Republican Chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, along with his fellow commissioners, Republican Electra Janis and Democrat Larry Maggi, the best as they embark on their new term in office.

Washington County is now firmly in the ranks of the majority of Pennsylvania counties that are governed by a Republican-led Board of Commissioners. Historically, Republicans have constructively managed their local county governments. The rule has been to focus on community issues and to avoid the ideological political battles and acrimony so prevalent in the State Capitol and in Congress.

In Washington County, rather than expect the worst, Democrats who are disappointed with the election results should hope for the best. Until proven otherwise, the new administration deserves our support.

Washington County can continue to thrive as an overachieving mid-size Pennsylvania county offering plentiful jobs, economic growth, and a standard of living that middle class families can afford. The blueprint is in place to guarantee success without disrupting the existing management plan. Knowledgeable civil servants with little interest in politics can continue to keep the wheels turning and the economy humming.

The new Board is awash in experience and valuable knowledge. Commissioner Maggi has been in office for twenty years and Sherman for four. They both favor low taxes, economic development, and ready access to services. Commissioner Janis is an untested addition, but nothing in her campaign indicated an affinity for more radical positions. While there will be disagreements the three commissioners should be able to find common ground on many important issues.

Commissioner Sherman offered some encouraging plans at the first voting meeting of the Board. The decision to schedule evening board meetings and the proposal to hold town halls across the county will make local government more accessible. In the previous term, a small group of election deniers and Republican Row Office officials hijacked afternoon meetings. They coordinated their efforts to articulate radical positions and to unfairly criticizing the Commissioners. The new schedule should provide an opportunity for average residents to weigh in with legitimate complaints and suggestions.

In his initial remarks, Sherman made a commitment to focus the new administration on human services and public safety. Arguably, both issues are among the most important deliverables of county government. However, the new administration should seek the advice of experienced department heads who understand their respective domains before making major changes.

The initial task facing the majority Republican Commissioners was the appointment of high-level support staff who will advise the Board on legal, financial, and administrative matters.  The decision to appoint local attorney Gary Sweat as County Solicitor had merit. Attorney Sweat has municipal law, real estate, and oil/gas experience with no apparent political agenda.

The choice of Daryl Price to serve as chief of staff surprised many observers. Mr. Price graduated with a business degree from W&J College and has worked as an Adjunct Professor at Point Park University. Unlike his two predecessors in the position, Michael Namie and James McCune, he has little experience in county government.  At this point, the important position of financial director has not been filled. Apparently, the commissioners will continue to use the services of the financial advisor retained last year to perform this service.

The last four years saw the elected Republicans in the Row Offices dominate many ugly news cycles. It would be a welcome relief if these officials settle calmly into their courthouse duties, follow instructions from the Commissioners and President Judge, and remain bi-partisan during their terms in office.

The County Controller, April Sloane, will stay in the news for her arrest on felony animal cruelty charges as the case makes its way through the criminal justice system. Sloane shows no intention of resigning despite universal demands that she do so. If she decides to serve out her term, only impeachment proceedings by the State House of Representatives and a trial in the Pennsylvania Senate can remove her. Because of the time and millions of dollars it takes to impeach an elected public official, this result is highly unlikely.

I will finish this commentary by highlighting two county projects that continue to be discussed but which were never implemented. My thought is that the beginning of a new term may be the perfect time to reintroduce them before the commissioners’ plates get too heavy.

Washington County Cultural Center. Washington County needs a building or campus dedicated to local cultural activities and the arts. The commissioners in other counties the size of Washington have created “Cultural Center Authorities” with the focused goal of purchasing, developing, and preserving a community cultural center. A county created authority would bring together the numerous music, theater, creative arts, and cultural groups to locate and maintain a permanent home.

Washington County Diversity Commission.  Over the last decade, Washington County has continued to get more diverse. The introduction of oil and gas operations and other economic opportunities have brought families with diverse backgrounds to live and work in our communities. Numerous Pennsylvania counties undergoing similar changes have formed Diversity Commissions.

Such a working group, appointed by the commissioners, but functionally independently would be charged with creating a strategic plan to encourage minority participation in community life and to promote racial equality. The simple but important goal would be “we are all better off when we are all better off.”