October 19 Issue - Newspaper - Page 6
EDITION 1
Page
Page13
6
May 2023
EDITION 8
October
2023
July 19
2 2023
PROFILE
Let’s meet Electra Janis
Candidate - Washington County Commissioner
The Weekly Recorder recently sat down with
Washington County Commissioner Candidate Electra
Janis to get a better understanding of the candidate,
her background, and her vision for Washington
County. Janis and her running mate, current sitting
County Commissioner Nick Sherman, ran a highly
successful primary campaign and will face off against
Commissioner Larry Maggi and newcomer Cindy
Fisher in the general election. Three commissioner
seats are available in the general election.
Who is Electra Janis? Family, educa�on, background,
residence etc.
I am a small business woman with Government
experience. I grew up in the South Hills of Pi琀琀sburgh
but have lived in Peters Township since 2021. I
graduated high school at 17 years old as a Junior. I
went straight to Chatham University and graduated in
just 3 years with a Psychology degree, and then went
on for my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology.
A昀琀er doing some work at Western Psych, I ventured
into state government serving as the District Director
for State Rep. Natalie Mihalek for four years. I run a
restaurant in the airport and have experience
managing people and know what it is like to write a
paycheck firsthand and be responsible for someone’s
livelihood.
What are they key issues which need fixed within the
county?
The current 911 system needs upgraded, and the
contract that was voted on is not the most cost efficient
or beneficial op琀椀on. That needs overturned.
We need be琀琀er mental health services in the County.
We can hire more case workers without breaking the
bank and affec琀椀ng the taxpayer.
We need to develop the Southern beltway and bring
businesses into the county.
We need to keep taxes low and not raise them.
What mo�vated you to run for the posi�on of county
commissioner, and what do you hope to accomplish
during your tenure?
I saw there was an open seat with a re琀椀ring si琀�ng
commissioner, and I felt this was my calling to help
make immediate changes in the county. The things I
stated above are things I hope to accomplish.
Can you describe your experience and qualifica�ons
that make you well-suited for the role of county
commissioner?
I have small business, government, and human services
experience. I know how to budget from running the
books of my restaurant. I learned the ins and outs of
state, federal, and county issues when serving ad
District Director for a member of the house. Most
importantly, 1/3 of our $130 million dollar budget is
human services. I have managed and worked with
clinicians and helped those who need us the most. I am
qualified to make these budgetary and hiring decisions
based on what I know this county needs.
Electra Janis - Candidate for Washington County Commissioner
How do you plan to ensure transparent and accountable government in your role
as county commissioner?
I believe there should be a database for the county that tells you where every dollar
that goes out of the county goes. You should have access to all funding records and
county salaries etc.
How would you handle budgetary challenges and priori�ze spending on essen�al
services and programs?
I will cut majority of department budgets gradually by 5%. The departments will not
no琀椀ce, and most importantly, nor will the taxpayers. Funding will be reassigned.
What steps would you take to foster coopera�on and collabora�on among
different departments and agencies within the county government?
If I am elected with Commissioner Sherman, we will have leadership that is united.
We will have staff retreats for row offices and staff and department heads to help
with communica琀椀on and working together. We will work together and create unity
and healthy working rela琀椀onships for this county.
Can you outline your approach to addressing social issues like affordable housing,
mental health services, and substance abuse preven�on in our county?
I have my master’s in psychology. Human Services are important to me, and it is 1/3
of our budget. We will hire more case workers and crisis employees. We will make
sure there is follow through with the cases in the county, so people have
accountability and do not lose the resources we can provide a昀琀er they are put
through a human services hardship.
I plan to have more free outdoor parks, programs, and things for kids to do to keep
them out of trouble with their friends.
How would you address issues related to
infrastructure and public services within the county,
such as roads, schools, and healthcare facili�es?
I plan to enhance Washington County public
transporta琀椀on. Not only to make it affordable but add
routes to make it more accessible. We have residents
who want to contribute to the county and workforce
but have no means of transporta琀椀on. Not to men琀椀on,
no way of ge琀�ng to medical appointments etc.
What strategies do you have in mind to promote
economic development and job growth within the
county?
People follow jobs. We have oil and gas as our
cornerstone. If we con琀椀nue u琀椀lizing this resource,
businesses will start and stay here in the county and
people will stay. We need to use what we already
have.
Electra Janis with her grandparents and her role models, Jim and Electra Agras.
