Feb 27, 2007 By Christine Haines 4 min read

All three incumbent Washington County Commissioners have announced that they are seeking re-election. Incumbents J. Bracken Burns Sr. and Larry Maggi will be running as a team to capture the Democratic nomination, while Diana Irey will be seeking the Republican nomination in the May Primary. Burns said it just makes financial sense for him and Maggi to run together.

“We work together day to day. When he was originally interested in running for commissioner, I supported him,” Burns said.

Burns said that by running as a team, he and Maggi can more efficiently use their campaign funds.

“I’ve never spent as much as my opponents and I don’t intend to this year,” Burns said.

Burns, Maggi and Irey all pointed to the positive developments in the county over the past three years that they have been in office, including an increase in the population and number of jobs in the county and a decrease in the unemployment rate.

Burns said his 37 years in public service in the county, including 11 as a county commissioner, set him apart from other candidates seeking the office.

“I’ve been there 38 years, Diana’s been there for 12 years and Larry’s been there four years as a commissioner and six as sheriff. It sets me way ahead of someone who is running for the first time and has no track record,” Burns said. “I’m proud of my 38 years of service and would like to continue.”

Burns served as the county’s emergency management director before becoming a county commissioner in 1996.

“I’m a quality of life kind of guy and I’m concerned about Dutch Fork Lake and Canonsburg Lake. We want to get them rehabilitated,” Burns said. “We’ve talked in the Mon Valley about a walking trail along the river. I know the people in Fredericktown are interested in that type of thing and Charleroi is interested in a history center along the river.”

Burns said economic development projects take place where businesses want to be, not necessarily where the jobs are most needed, so some areas of the county may appear to receive less attention than others when it comes to economic development.

“What folks need to realize is if we are doing something in the county it helps all of us by increasing the tax base in the county,” Burns said.

Maggi, who is in his fourth year as a commissioner, said the past three years have been among the most rewarding years of his life.

“I’m proud of the fact that we have low taxes and I think we have spent taxpayer dollars wisely,” Maggi said.

Maggi said he has lived in Washington County his entire life, except for the years he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served for 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police before serving six years as county sheriff.

“I know what’s going on in the county. I’ve been the tip of the spear, so to speak, as a state policeman and I’ve seen the problems firsthand,” Maggi said.

Maggi said he would focus on the county’s growth if re-elected.

“Washington County is growing fast and one of the things I want to make sure of is that we’re growing smartly. We can’t lose our country charm. That’s what makes us different from our neighbors to the north,” Maggi said.

Irey said that unlike the political challengers, the three incumbents have a track record that the voters can check.

“They know what we stand for,” Irey said. “People need to be conscious that you are going to be careful about how you’re spending their money.”

Irey said the one thing that most distinguishes her from her Democratic colleagues in office is her approach to county finances.

“The biggest difference is my very conservative approach and my desire to trim the budget even if a tax increase is not necessary,” Irey said. “I’m accessible to the public. I will meet with people who want to meet with me. I will return phone calls and I will go to their place of business to meet with them.”

Irey, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Representative against U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, said running for Congress again is the farthest thing from her mind.

“I am totally committed to serving the people as commissioner for the next four years,” Irey said.