Washington County commissioners, row officers sworn In
Washington County’s three commissioners and row officers were sworn in Tuesday.
Inside Courtroom No. 2 in the Washington County Courthouse, the commissioners and row officers took their oaths of office and began their duties.
Returning Democratic Commissioner Larry Maggi and Republican Commissioner Nick Sherman were joined by Republican newcomer Electra Janis, a businesswoman who holds multiple degrees in psychology and human resources management, and worked as a district director with the Pennsylvania state House.
It was a passing of the torch of sorts, as longtime Washington County commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan did not seek reelection after first winning the seat in 1995 and serving in office for nearly three decades.
“They are big shoes to fill,” said Janis, who at age 27 is six years younger than Irey Vaughan was when she took office at age 33. “She has been a great support and role model and friend through this process, and she said she is only a phone call away. I will be calling her.”
Irey Vaughan will begin her new role as president and CEO of Washington City Mission on March 1.
“I’m excited for (Commissioner Janis) and I wish her the best,” said Irey Vaughan, who had been the only woman to have served as a Washington County commissioner.
Maggi is currently serving his fifth term on the board of commissioners. He was first elected to the position in 2003.
The courthouse was packed with family, friends and supporters who were on hand to witness the swearing-in ceremony of the elected officials.
In addition to the commissioners, those who won seats as row officers took the oath of office Tuesday. They included: Raymond Phillips, clerk of courts; S. Timothy Warco, coroner; Jason Walsh, district attorney; Laura Hough, prothonotary; James Roman, register of wills; and Tom Flickinger, treasurer.
Walsh, who was appointed district attorney in August 2021 following the death of Eugene Vittone and won his first full term in November, was sworn in by his brother, Westmoreland County Judge Justin Walsh.
“Two kids from Donora – who would have thunk it?” quipped Justin Walsh.