Election Guide: County Commissioner

Two Republicans and seven Democrats are vying for three open count commissioner seats—and voters will be charged on Tuesday with choosing two of each to move on to the general election.

Incumbent Diana Irey Vaughan and challenger Bill Northrop are the only two Republicans, while incumbent Larry Maggi and the other six challengers are vying for nods on the Democratic side of the ballot.

Here’s what you need to know about the candidates before you go to the polls Tuesday:

Bill Northrop (R)

Did not respond to an emailed questionnaire or telephone calls seeking comment.

Diana Irey Vaughan (R)

Age:  48

Education Background: I completed training at West Virginia Business College, and took additional classes at Fairmont State in accounting and at California University of Pennsylvania in constitutional law.

Work Experience/ Prior Public Service: I am currently serving  my fourth term as Washington County commissioner.

Why are you running for county commissioner? I am seeking another term of office to complete projects I am currently working on including, but not limited to, the completion of Southpointe II Industrial Park and Starpointe Industrial Park, improvements and expansions of the Washington County Airport (including an aviation related business park), and the development of a coordinated delivery system for veterans benefits that includes a partnership with the Washington County Courts for a veterans court, and a diversionary treatment program coordinated by SPHS and the United Way.  

During my service, Washington County has enjoyed one of the lowest tax rates in the region, with job and population growth.  I have a track record of financial discipline and responsive service.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Washington County, and how do you think they should be handled? The biggest single problem facing Washington County today is the need for re-assessment, which is court-ordered.  We have fought for and accomplished a stay in execution of the current court order to complete a countywide reassessment as the current base-year assessment system the commonwealth mandates counties use is unconstitutional because it violates the uniformity clause of our constitution.

The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s own report admitted that our current system does not assure fair standards are met in uniformity and equity only one year after a reassessment is complete under our current state-mandated system.

Currently there is legislation in the state house that would force a moratorium on court-ordered countywide reassessments for a period of 18 months to allow the Legislature time to select and implement new procedures. 

I support this legislation as I do not support a tax expenditure of $7 million for a system that does not work, while there is hope that the commonwealth will find a solution and fix this problem.

Randy J. Barli (D)

Age: 56

Educational Background: A graduate of California Area High School, graduate of Penn State University with an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology, earned an electronics certificate from the Mon Valley Vo Tech School and is a licensed electrician.

Work Experience/Prior Public Service: Retired electrical contractor, served as a project manager for a Washington, D.C. firm and operated a $1 million monthly budget, member of U.S. Steelworkers Local 1557 and 1187, member of the United Mine Workers Local 1248 (as well as 1648, based in West Virginia), Coal Center councilman from 1983 to 1989 and then again from 2000 to 2002 and a county Democratic committeeman (since 2003).

Why are you running for county commissioner? Because it doesn't seem to me like too many people really care what's going on. I want to help Washington County through economic recovery.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Washington County, and how do you think they should be handled? The top two issues affecting Washington County are Marcellus Shale dilling and property tax reassessment. If elected, I would research the issues carefully to ensure that the 16 job responsibilities of a Washington County commissioner were followed. People need to do their jobs, and elected officials need to get down to earth and handle the issues.

If elected, I promise to be a full-time public servant—I guarantee I will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to represenent all taxpaers and be relatable to everyone.

Larry Maggi (D)

Age:  60

Educational Background:  Graduate of McGuffey High School and California University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in education. Served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Work Experience:  Worked/retired from the Pennsylvania State Police as a trooper, served six years as Washington County sheriff and now serving as Washington County commissioner.

Prior Public Service:  Served for two years in the U.S. Marine Corps. and 25 years as a state police trooper, twice elected as Washington County sheriff and twice elected as Washington County commissioner.

Why are you running for county commissioner? I was born, raised, worked and educated in Washington County. Other than the years I served in the Marines I never left the county. I feel that I understand the issues and what is important to the people in Washington County and can continue to lead and make a difference.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Washington County, and how do you think they should be handled? Washington County is growing quickly. We will be facing challenges related to a possible reassessment, Marcellus shale drilling, and the environment. We must continue to keep taxes low, continue job creation and take care of our environment while keeping our country charm. Working together to meet these goals is of utmost importance.

Joseph M. Manning (D)

Did not respond to an emailed questionnaire or telephone calls seeking comment.

John M. Petrisek (D)

Age:   40

Education Background:  1988 graduate of Bentworth High School, 1992 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College with a B.A. in history, 1995 graduate of Ohio Northern University College of Law, with a J.D.

Work Experience:  15 years in the private practice of law—a practice that I opened on my own in February 1996 after passing the state bar exam.  I have built the practice from scratch and now have represented nearly 2000 people (most of whom are Washington County residents) in virtually every area of the law.  In addition, I maintain commercial and residential rental units in Bentleyville and operate a car wash in that community also.

Prior Public Service:  12 years as a Bentworth school director—five years as board president (current position). Also served 14 years as a municipal solicitor, representing borough councils, municipal authorities and zoning hearing boards on an almost daily basis on a broad range of issues including, but not limited to, oil and gas, taxation, infrastructure development and collective bargaining issues. Also served for 15 years as a volunteer coach and organizational leader in the Bentworth Midget Football Program.

Why are you running for county commissioner?  I had no plans on running until the announcement by Commissioner J. Bracken Burns that he would not be seeking re-election.However, upon hearing of his decision I looked at the issues facing the county in the coming years—most particularly tax reassessment and the development of our oil and gas reserves—and came to the conclusion that my background as an attorney, school board member and municipal solicitor have provided me with the perfect combination of skills and experience to effectively lead the county and deal with these and other issues.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Washington County, and how do you think they should be handled? The two biggest issues are the reassessment and oil and gas development. Regarding reassessment, it is critical to make sure we move forward with the process in a fair and efficient matter and hire the best possible people to conduct the reassessment. This will be a costly endeavor and we do not want it to be done improperly because if it is, it will result in a debacle such as that seen in Allegheny County.

Oil and gas development is a tremendous economic opportunity for the county but there are also great concerns about the potential environmental impact and the massive amounts of construction and infrastructure development. I have represented clients in the negotiation of oil and gas leases and have also assisted another attorney with a number of lawsuits arising out of issues concerning oil and gas rights, property damage and environmental issues.  

I know oil and gas law and am very familiar with the industry and how it will develop in the county.  The drilling of the wells is but one small part of the process. It is the development of those wells and the construction of pipelines, compressor stations and other facilities that will have an even greater impact on the county in the years to come. My background and experience gives me an advantage over my opponents in dealing with these issues.

I also believe that my background as an attorney/municipal solicitor makes me the most well-qualified candidate dealing with other issues facing the county, including collective bargaining and infrastructure development issues.

Harlan Shober (D)

Age: 66

Educational Background: Graduate of Chartiers Houston High School, attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2 yrs), and computer, sales, and technical training with Bell Telephone and AT&T.

Work Experience: Pennsylvania Transformer in Canonsburg, 32 years with Bell and AT&T as manager, 12 years as owner of Shober Homes Inc. (residential home builder).

Prior Public Service: Previously served as chairman of Chartiers parks and recreation board, sanitary sewer authority, president and coach of youth organizations, president of Washington County Builders Association, Chartiers Houston School Director (12 years). Currently serves as chairman of Chartiers Township Board of Supervisors (16 years), president of Washington County Association of Township Officials, chairman of the Finance Committee for State Township Organization, Assistant Treasurer of Washington County Democratic Party.

Why are you running for county commissioner? I feel that I have the experience, proven record and ability to make decisions based on my vision for what our county needs for the future. I am proud of Washington County and would like to help set the direction for the next four years that will assure an even better place for all of our families.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Washington County, and how do you think they should be handled? Tax reassessment: The system is unequal but we must make sure any reassessment, unless the court takes another direction, is done correctly and most efficiently. The impact on the different categories of people should be looked at closely to minimize the negative situations, etc. My computer and business background will be valuable in this process.

Marcellus Shale: Manage the local impacts across the county with a strong ordinance that is consistent and that strives to protect our future environment.  Establish relations across all parties to bring this together. Minimize the negative impacts by establishing expectations from the gas industry players and following up using the relationships developed.

State/federal revenue reductions: Lead the county operations as a business or our home where we find ways to stay within our budgets. By working with the people in the departments, places to save will become obvious. Encourage all of our communities to work together and with our county and state/federal contacts to do things more effectively.

Job creation and retention: Develop county wide strategic planning to identify and form action plans to encourage new commercial development which in turn will create jobs.

Infrastructure: Create a county wide master plan for roads, water and sewer lines, bridge replacements and parks and recreation. Work with all communities to assure the whole county is addressed.

Greg Sulc (D)

Age: 42

Education Background: Graduated Penn State, business administration, 1991

Work Experience: Aquatics Director of Mon Valley West Partnership

Prior Public Service: Eight years North Strabane Township Supervisor, two years as Chairman, five years as vice chairman, five years North Strabane Township Planning Commission, four as chairman. Ordained elder and session member at Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church. Also serves as the president of Up with Kids Childcare there.

Why are you running for county commissioner? I have been blessed with a gift to serve people, and for the past eight years as a supervisor in North Strabane Township we have raised the bar higher for the surrounding townships. As county commissioner I will raise the bar higher for neighboring counties. As a true conservative, I will be fiscally responsible to keep the county moving forward with the same staff.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Washington County, and how do you think they should be handled? Marcellus Shale development throughout Washington County will be the dominant issue affecting Washington County. Working with the industry to ensure the most positive financial effects, while protecting environmental concerns, maintaining infrastructure and preserving the culture of our region will be my major concerns.

Fostering communication between industry, communities and local government representatives will be necessary to form the kind of successful synergy that creates responsible progress. I will strive to create and implement positive solutions for both the industry and our residents. We have the opportunity to create a model template for county-level involvement with this industry.

Wayne E. Watson (D)

Age: 60

Educational Background: Graduated from Trinity Area High School in 1968, graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1972 with B.S. in business management, and continuing education with additional labor classes through Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Work Experience: Retail clerk for Giant Eagle Markets (1974 – 1987); business agent, and later director of business agents for United Food and Commercial Workers (1987 – 2007); trustee of UFCW Local 23 Pension Fund, UFCW Local 23 Health and Welfare Fund and the Anthony J. “Bud” Lutty Scholarship Fund; board member of Federal Credit Union; president and delegate of the Washington-Greene Central Labor Council (1984 –present).

Prior Public Service: Member of the board of directors of the Greater Washington County Food Bank, served as a coach, umpire and scheduling agent for the Greater Canonsburg Youth Baseball Association, volunteer for the United Way, Salvation Army, Auberle House Group Home, Avis Arbor Women’s Shelter, Race for the Cure and Challenger Baseball.

Why are you running for county commissioner? I have spent more than 30 years representing working men and women. With the problems we are facing today, and will continue to face in the foreseeable future, I feel the need to continue being a representative of ALL our Washington County residents.

I want to give them a voice in government, which does not come from someone who is a career politician, influenced by big businesses and industry, or who is tied or obligated to wealthy individuals. I am someone whose only commitment is to the residents of Washington County.

My work as a board member of a federal credit union and the trustee of a pension fund and health and welfare fund has given me extensive experience negotiating contracts, dealing with multi-billion dollar companies, and identifying and finding reasonable solutions to problems—which are beneficial and productive for all parties.

Through serving these various organizations, I have also been versed in setting policies, interviewing and hiring money managers, consultants, actuaries and advisers to the funds, overseeing activities of fund administrator, approving expenses and improving benefits while controlling costs of the fund.

These are all duties which a commissioner is responsible for, along with the ability to maintain a close working relationship with state and federal representatives, which I have already established over many years through my leadership in labor.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Washington County, and how do you think they should be handled? There are many issues that Washington County is facing, and the single biggest—which encompasses all others— is listening, understanding , responding to and representing the needs and concerns of the people. Topping the list of these concerns and issues are the Marcellus Shale industry impact, the countywide reassessment, and economic development.

I feel that they should be handled in the following ways: In regard to Marcellus, discussions need to take place with our state and federal representatives over state wide regulations. In addition, townships and municipalities must be given an opportunity to collaborate and coordinate activities and resources associated with zoning hearings and ordinances. By combining efforts and sharing information, each individual municipality would be better able to keep the cost of these actions down, so that they are not bankrupting their budgets and then raising taxes as a result.

The Marcellus Shale industry representatives have stated that they wish to bring prosperity to our area. In order to ensure that they are living up to that goal, we must keep an open dialog among all parties.

Our natural resources can be a benefit to our community, but only if they are harvested in a way that protects the health and safety of our residents and our environment. We must ensure that the Marcellus Shale Industry becomes the responsible neighbor that they have said they wish to be.

With respect to the reassessment, ideally, it would be best if the Legislature would implement a uniform plan statewide. I have a record of working productively with our legislators, and would like this issue to be no exception.

However, if they choose not to proceed in a timely manner (or at all), then I feel the responsibility falls to the commissioners to move ahead with a county reassessment and remain committed to it if and when we are potentially faced with litigious obstacles.

Although some individuals may be opposed to it, the majority of our county residents are conveying to me their eagerness for reassessment to begin. Ultimately, my decisions are and will be made based upon the wishes of our residents, which are of the most benefit to our entire community, not just select individuals.

In terms of economic development, people often look for ways to further improve and update the already productive areas. My vision for Economic Development includes ALL of Washington County. We certainly have populous areas which are thriving, but we also have areas that are primed for revitalization, but for whatever reason, have been overlooked or forgotten in the past. The Mon Valley is ripe with potential, as factories and plants sit empty and opportunities go unsought.

The Burgettstown area is another location where our attention is needed and deserved. Green technology is advancing at an incredible speed right now, and there is no good reason Washington County should not be taking full advantage of that and bringing good, family-sustaining jobs to our residents. I plan to see that places which are already well developed continue their success, but also that places which are most in need of rejuvenation receive it.

My goal is to bring all areas of Washington County up to a level growth and development that we can all be proud of—as one community.