Looking at Washington County’s ‘Profiles in Courage’
In 1956, John F. Kennedy, then a U.S. senator from Massachusetts, published “Profiles in Courage,” a landmark book on the American political class that would win the Pulitzer Prize. The book profiled eight Americans who placed courage and integrity above winning votes or retaining popularity to remain in office.
The foreword to the book tells us, “These are not just stories of the past but hope and confidence for the future.”
In these times of political polarization, not just for the nation but also in Washington County, I have identified several local individuals who deserve to be profiled for their courage. One is a Washington County civil servant, who along with her office staff, were not elected to anything. Nonetheless, her work demonstrates courage and integrity every day. I have also profiled three local elected officials.
Melanie Ostrander, director of elections, Washington County. Melanie Ostrander and her staff should have the most uneventful job of any county office. Supervising elections, processing mail-in ballots, training poll workers, securing voting equipment, keeping the public informed, and tabulating voting results have traditionally been conducted out of sight. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Washington County elections office has come under attack and is often at the center of political turmoil.
Two factors are responsible for this unprecedented situation. First, in October 2019, Gov. Tom Wolf signed Act 77 into law. What were thought to be bipartisan election improvements on mail-in ballots and other matters has resulted in bitter lawsuits. The county’s elections office is often called upon to explain the actions taken by the three county commissioners, who also serve as the county’s elections board. It takes courage and integrity to keep the election process safe and secure in an environment of ever-changing political and legal decisions made by others.
Second, for the last four years, supporters of Donald Trump have made her job a living hell. Numerous matters concerning local elections, including voting machines, certification of vote counts, and mail-in ballots have come under fierce attack.
A well-organized group of election deniers have shown up at commissioners’ meetings and at Ostrander’s office to demean her important work. The encounters inexplicably included two “exorcisms.” Rather than resign or back down in the face of hostility, she professionally implements the newest procedures and prepares for the next election.
Eugene Vittone, the late Washington County district attorney. Eugene Vittone served as district attorney from 2012 until his untimely death in 2021. He was a proud Republican who was first elected at a time when Democrats still controlled local government. However, once in office, his sole objective was to serve all citizens.
In my experience, Vittone always did what he thought was best, no matter the political consequences. One evening he called me to discuss a project important to him. When he casually mentioned he had terminal cancer, it was not to gain sympathy. He wanted to make sure his work was completed before he died.
A statement from the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association captures the courage and integrity of Vittone:
“Gene will be remembered for the tremendous contributions he made for the betterment of his community and profession. Humble and unassuming, Gene worked tirelessly to make Washington County and Pennsylvania safer. He was forward thinking in developing policy initiatives related to elder abuse and to mitigate the horrors of the opioid epidemic. Gene was a pioneer in utilizing prescription drug drop off boxes and Narcan to save lives that are now part of his legacy.”
Larry Maggi, Washington County commissioner. Larry Maggi is currently serving his sixth term as a Democratic commissioner. He has consistently been a watchdog of the public purse. Maggi is known for his integrity and courage in standing up for what he believes.
Rather than enjoy his retirement, Maggi was concerned about the harm that an inexperienced and unprincipled Republican majority could cause. Last November, he again ran for office. Over the last nine months, he has exposed and fought against numerous decisions by the Republican commissioners that are not transparent, wasteful, undemocratic, and against the tenets of good government.
Maggi’s annual Christmas party is a rare example of encouraging bipartisan goodwill. He invites elected leaders and county workers from both political parties to meet and reflect on their mandate to work for and improve Washington County.
Diana Irey Vaughan. For 28 years, Diana Irey Vaughan served as an elected Republican representative to the Washington County Board of Commissioners. When she was elected chairperson in 2019, Diana wanted to implement her long-held conservative and Christian values with honor and professionalism. She knew she could work with Democrats to keep Washington County’s economy flourishing and to improve local government.
Unfortunately, the Washington County Republican Party was taken over by radical election deniers. Irey Vaughan’s views were attacked, and her role as party leader was challenged. Irey Vaughn refused to agree with, manage, or manipulate the more threatening and outrageous elements of the Republican base to garner their support.
Ultimately, Irey Vaughn decided that her lifelong values to help those in need would be better served far from partisan political infighting. She did not seek reelection and, in 2003, became director of the Washington City Mission where her experience will be invaluable.
Residents are fortunate that these public servants have performed their duties for Washington County with courage and integrity. Each of them gives us hope for the future.
Gary Stout is a Washington attorney.