My work as a county commissioner, so far
Time and events are forces beyond our control, and they move quickly, often deviating from our expectations. This reality has held true for the first four months of my tenure as vice chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners. However, we must not allow these external factors to sidetrack us from our goals.
As leaders, we must focus and continue to drive our agenda forward, undeterred by any distractions. My objectives were clear from the start: to establish a transparent, honest, and efficient government that prioritizes the needs of working families. I aim to create opportunities for good jobs, safe communities, and a bright future for our young people.
I have governed with these principles guiding my decisions. I am excited to report that there is a renewed sense of enthusiasm in our county. I have been engaging with developers and witnessing the short- and long-term planning and implementation of exciting new projects that will soon come to fruition.
The merger between UPMC and the Washington County Health System is a positive step toward ensuring that our county continues to have access to high-quality health care services. The merger will help preserve existing jobs, bring in a $300 million investment, and a $40 million donation to keep commitments to our community. I strongly support this plan and have advocated for its approval both locally and in Harrisburg.
I voted to terminate the current 911 emergency services contract with MRA, Inc. to upgrade the countywide 911 emergency radio system. The public safety committee and I were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with MRA’s lack of communication, detail, and progress regarding the project. Meanwhile, the county was fulfilling its commitments and investing federal American Rescue Plan Act funds into the initiative. However, after a year of minimal progress and mounting frustration, the Board of Commissioners decided that it was time to sever ties with MRA. After conducting a bid process, the public safety committee, along with the firm Mission Critical as a consultant, will begin reviewing bids in the future.
I am committed to an open and transparent process that will result in a recommendation for a dependable and reliable countywide 911 emergency radio system, which will benefit our first responders and the public.
The rainiest April in history challenged our emergency services, and they were up to the task. I stayed up on weather reports, toured flooded areas, and provided supplies to needy families as the relentless storms pounded our county.
I approved over $9.2 million in recommendations of the Washington County Local Share Account (LSA) Review Committee. The board recommended 51 projects for approval this year, directing to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities throughout the county. The LSA committee considered a total of 94 applications, totaling $28 million in requests. The LSA investment will be leveraged by over $13 million in additional funding for a total of over $22 million in economic impact for the county.
I played a key role in establishing the Blight Mitigation and Demolition Fund program, which aims to eradicate blight in our communities. It’s essential to tackle blight, as it not only creates an unhealthy environment but also hinders economic development and negatively impacts the quality of life in Washington County. Areas affected by blight can have a negative impact on municipal resources. Furthermore, blight contributes to negative perceptions of the community, potentially affecting the well-being of its residents.
I, along with Nick Sherman, the chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, have recently unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and openness. To make it easier for the public to participate, we proposed a series of evening commissioners’ meetings at 6:30 p.m. to allow for greater participation by those who cannot attend meetings during the day. The Board has returned to have semi-monthly meetings. The Commissioners will also hold town hall meetings to answer residents’ questions. These meetings will be spread across the county to ensure maximum participation. Lastly, we will produce a quarterly newsletter to keep residents informed on county news and events, which will be available in the weekend edition of the Observer-Reporter.
Having earned my master’s degree in psychology, my focus has been on the continued development of the county’s human services department. We have recently hired a new director, Dr. John Tamiggi, who has already shown outstanding leadership. I am currently visiting all the departments and staff to understand their requirements and needs to improve their work and the county’s operations. I have also been advocating for increased mental health counseling in the county, and we seek to add another provider office to meet this challenge.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and during this time, we aim to promote awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues. We also want to highlight the impact of mental illness and addiction on everyone. As a county, we should ensure that we allocate the necessary resources to help those in need.
I am currently assisting in developing plans for a new Fire Academy, which aims to provide better training for emergency responders across the county and the wider region. Additionally, I am involved in creating a new public safety center that will bring together public safety personnel such as the sheriff, parole officers, county medical and mental health resources, and the court system. The primary objective is to divert suspects toward treatment instead of jail time. I am grateful for the support of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman as we seek federal funding for these projects.
I will ensure we explore all available options for state and federal funding for our projects and programs. This will ensure that we keep our budget sound, spending in check, and avoid raising taxes.
I have had the opportunity to visit many of our wonderful senior centers and witness firsthand the work of our volunteers, as well as the joy of our participating seniors. Additionally, I have visited schools and interacted with children of all ages. My monthly visits to the Rainbow Learning Center preschool in Washington to see Ms. Pam and her students have been a highlight of my time in office. I fully support the tremendous work they do for children and our community. I am also excited to collaborate with Sheriff Tony Andronas and District Attorney Jason Walsh this summer on their Youth Probation Outdoor Camp.
These are some of the issues and projects that I have been working on. I am proud of the progress we have made so far, but we still have a lot of work to do. My primary focus will continue to be on creating jobs, promoting economic development, and building stronger communities as we move forward with Washington County.
I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous residents, business owners, public officials, and other individuals throughout the year. It is truly the best part of my week when I get to hear your comments and concerns about the happenings in our county. I get a glimpse of the unique and wonderful businesses, hardworking people, and leaders who keep our county moving. As your commissioner, I am humbled and motivated each day to serve the residents of Washington County.
Electra Janis is a Washington County commissioner.