Mar 1, 2025 4 min read

Last week’s annual state of the economy event hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce merits a closer look.

The stories detailing the event, published on the Feb. 21 front page of the Observer-Reporter, should be read together for a clearer understanding.

The main story, “Seeking Stability: Washington Co. economy topic at annual event,” offered an overview of the sold-out forum, which was held to discuss the economic health of the county.

Among the topics covered were an overview of the economic outlook; an update on energy, and a roundtable discussion on the future of higher education that featured three area college presidents.

The affair was clearly not one in which local elected officials would be expected to participate, but was more about providing in-depth information from experts relevant to county business leaders.

The three county commissioners were invited to the event to participate as attendees. However, two of the three – Republicans Nick Sherman and Electra Janis – did not show, and were not pleased, as detailed in the second story, headlined, “Republican commissioners slam chamber.” Democrat Commissioner Larry Maggi, who did attend, told the newspaper, “We’ve had good relations with the chamber for years and years. We’ve worked with the business community.”

Instead of networking with business leaders, Sherman and Janis prepared a scathing statement accusing the chamber of excluding them from the speakers’ platform for political reasons. Janis wrote, “It is hard not to conclude that politics had somehow influenced the decision-making process, which is not in line with the responsibilities and practices that the Chamber should uphold.”

It is difficult to determine exactly what is happening behind the scenes. The two Republican commissioners and the head of the chamber, Jeff Kotula, are not the best of friends. However, playing the political card makes no sense, as the Democratic commissioner was also not invited to the head table.

In my many years of observing local government, I have never seen elected Republican officials fail to support the local chamber of commerce. I can draw only one conclusion. Since assuming office, Sherman and Janis are coloring every issue through a political lens, and their immature reaction to the chamber event is the latest example.

Responsible governance apparently is not at the top of the Sherman-Janis agenda. Throwing accolades to local MAGA Republicans is important. (For example, praise Immigration/Customs Enforcement for picking up a local migrant prisoner.)

Getting a pat on the back from state and national Republican leaders is important. (Change election procedures guaranteeing that technical mistakes made on ballot envelopes invalidate the vote.)

Refusing to discuss mismanagement and failed projects that are costing taxpayers is important. (decision-making on the Russian cyberattack and delayed disclosure of terms of the Motorola radio contract).

When the political calculations are considered, the decision to assail the chamber is not such a head scratcher. Sherman and Janis are running a government based on getting votes, rewarding supporters and attacking those with whom they disagree.

The irony of the latest kerfuffle is that Sherman and Janis were invited to speak May 14 at a public forum sponsored by the Washington County Bar Association and several other organizations at the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe. The program focused on the contentious national election and voting rights. Both commissioners were in important leadership roles to explain election procedures in Washington County, ensure the integrity of the election process and permit the elections office to answer the public’s questions. Instead, they avoided the forum.

The year before, when Sherman and Janis were running for office, they were invited to participate in the annual forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Traditionally, all candidates attend to answer voter questions. Instead, the two were spotted having dinner together at a local church.

There is talk in Republican circles of taking a closer look at county operations in which the chamber is involved. Stay tuned for the next retribution-inspired shoe to drop.

Gary Stout is a Washington attorney.