Apr 27, 2006 By Christine Haines 3 min read

Three Democrats are seeking their party’s nomination in the primary in the 49th Legislative District, which covers portions of Washington and Fayette counties. Incumbent Peter J. Daley is being challenged by Randy Barli of Coal Center and James Rohaley of Daisytown, West Pike Run Township. Only Rohaley participated in a recent Herald-Standard Editorial Board session for the candidates.

Rohaley is a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Coast Guard for nearly four years in the American, European and Asiatic Pacific theaters of operations. He also served five years in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

“I enlisted at 16 because I thought we had the best country in the world,” Rohaley said.

Rohaley was a Washington County Board of Assistance caseworker for 12 years and a public assistance examiner for 10 years. He also served as the West Pike Run Township justice of the peace for 12 years and served on the California Area School Board for eight years.

“I’ve been disappointed with the way the Legislature’s been acting. They talked about tax reform, then they tied it to gambling. They knew that these people looking for a franchise would be putting out millions of dollars,” Rohaley said.

Rohaley said Harrisburg is overdue for reform.

“I’m hoping enough legislators will be thrown out that new people will come in who aren’t motivated by money,” Rohaley said. “I’m not a rich man, but I’m financially stable.”

Rohaley said he would be supportive of an open records law that includes members of the legislature.

“I think the Legislature is the only branch of government that can’t be audited, so they get away with whatever they can,” Rohaley said. “If the Herald-Standard asked me for the records, I would give them to you. What they are doing is a crime.”

Rohaley said he also supports lobbyist disclosure and an independent board to handle redistricting.

“Our legislators set them (the districts) up to their advantage, not the taxpayers’ advantage,” Rohaley said.

Rohaley said he would not accept any money from political action committees.

“I don’t believe in that. When I was on the school board, the vote was often 8-1. I was offered bribes and I was threatened with being beat up. I played it straight. I never took a nickel from anybody,” Rohaley said.

Rohaley said that although he is 80, his age should not be a factor in the election for the two-year term.

“I would be a full-time legislator. I would be available,” Rohaley said. “Both of my grandfathers went well into their 90s. I’m in good health and I hunt, fish and camp.”

Barli has been a member of the Washington County Democratic Committee since 2002 and previously served as a Coal Center Borough councilman. He also is a former member of United Mine Workers of America locals 1248 and 1648 and United Steelworkers of America locals 1557 and 1187.

Daley is currently in his 12th term. Among his accomplishments, Daley lists his work toward the completion of the Mon/Fayette Expressway, $8.5 million toward California University of Pennsylvania’s Eberly Science and Technology building and $4.5 million in grants to communities in the 49th District.