Monica Merrell to Seek County Commissioner Seat

Peters Vice Chair Monica Merrell formally announced her candidacy for Washington County Commissioner Thursday night.

Merrell, who has served the past three years on Peters Township Council, after winning as a write-in candidate, made the announcement before the Washington 9.12 Project.

Among those attending the gathering  at The Toffee House, were her husband, William, a former Peters Township Council member and , a candidate for the Republican nomination for Washington County Judge.

“Washington County is a wonderful place, but I think one of the biggest challenges ahead is the managing of taxing and spending,” Merrell said. “We also have to position Washington County to get better benefit from the state and federal level."

Merrell said the county must seek to bring new business to the region and to be certain the county prepares students, educationally, to go into business, so they will stay.

"In the recent stimulus, Washington County got about an eighth of what Allegheny County received," said Merrell. "I can’t understand that discrepancy. Surely we didn’t need the $550 million, but I think Washington needs the opportunity for better representation, such as a liaison."

Merrell cited her experience in business as a major qualification for the office of commissioner. She is the owner of Vesta Business Services, which does consulting in the area of facility and construction management, human relations, safety, insurance and computer services.

Prior to opening her business, Merrell was a director in the Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, where her duties included management of several nursing service departments, space planning and oversight for construction activities. She managed other resources and projects at Mercy, in a career that covered 30 years.

Merrell is a graduate of the Local Government Academy’s Newly Elected Officials Course. She said her experience gained on council has prepared her for the step to become County Commissioner. Merrell said she took the course to be "the best council person she could be."

“The step to commissioner is sort of a progression,” Merrell said. “I think that many of the problems we face in Peters are similar to the ones we face in the county."

"Obviously, what’s going to be different is the constituency," she said. "I’ve tried to get out among the people of the township to stay in touch with them and this would be a larger constituency."

Merrell said she will campaign at the grassroots level and expects to work closely with her husband in the campaign.

“One of the things that makes the difference is getting out to meet the people," she said. "They need to understand your platform and what you have to offer."

"We’ll be out knocking on doors, appearing at meetings like this and just getting out to meet the people," Merrell continued. "I’m fortunate that I already have volunteers who will work with me and through connections I already have.”

Merrell is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in Business Management and holds a Master of Science degree from LaRoche College.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the LaRoche College Alumni Association, the Washington Symphony Orchestra and the Washington County Chapter of Zonta International.

She is a member of Rolling Hills Country Club and a member of the National Rifle Association.

Her husband, William, is a member of the Republican State Committee, elected in Washington County in 2010.

"There are a number of things we can address," Merrell said. "The county deserves a full-time dedicated commissioner."