The 100 Most Powerful People in Washington County (2008)

THE 100 MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

March 7, 2008

The 2008 100 most powerful people in Washington County is our seventh edition.

But this year is easily the most volatile and complicated year for us. The defeat of former powerhouse John Pettit and the subsequent investigation by the FBI and US attorney’s office has shaken the halls of power.

The result is a dynamic that could lead to the final toppling of the old regime, when and if younger and less corrupt individuals start to run for office.

Another result is that the President Judge, Debbie O’Dell Seneca is easily the most powerful person in the county. But given the prohibition on the involvement in politics by sitting judges, we have always refrained and will continue to refrain from listing any judge or District Justice on the list. But Seneca is heads and tails above all of the individuals on the list at this time.

1) Larry Maggi-County Commissioner-Democrat-This is the first year that we have listed the now Chairman of the board of Commissioner. Maggi has been on a slow rise in political power in the county and 2007 proved to be a good year for the Commissioner. Maggi saw the defeat of his hated enemy John Pettit, the rise of himself as top vote gainer again and finally his taking over control of county government’s apparatus. In addition, he survived pitfalls surrounding the Paulette Benard case, the problem of assuming power from Bracken Burns and a dividing chairman’s race in the Democratic Party. All of these issues have pointed to his maturing as a political figure. If he could add both a better knowledge of the issues surrounding the county and a strong work ethic, Maggi could grow into the position. If he does not, he sows the seeds of his own future defeat. Last Year: 16th

2) Tim Solobay-State Representative-Democrat-Solobay has been another of the few rising stars of the Democratic Party. The now clear leader of the “Canonsburg faction” of the Democratic Party, Solobay has been only member of that faction to maintain power. The Canonsburg group nearly seized everything in the late 90’s under the leadership of Canonsburg Mayor Tony Colaizzio. But a series of missteps and mistakes have lead to the political demise of all of the group’s new wave of political figures. Solobay though has survived and grown stronger. Solobay has ambitions to take over the State Senate seat held currently by J. Barry Stout. Solobay in his quest to take over Stout’s seat has worked hard to become like Stout, finding grant money for projects all over the county. The result is that Solobay has become the leader of the local legislative delegation and young members like Jesse White have become new erstwhile allies. The difference between Solobay and Maggi is nearly non-existent, but we went with Maggi because he is less likely to stay at the top of the list than Solobay. Last year: 6th

3) Jack Murtha-Congressman-Democrat-Murtha shows his power in Washington County everytime that there is money needed for a grant. Unlike Republican Congressman Tim Murphy, Murtha apparently knows that Washington County actually exists for funding and assistance. Murtha is a national powerhouse and a strong opponent of the war in Iraq. His unfair attacks on a local solider from Canonsburg have diminished his reputation here but not his power. Murtha will continue to “bring home the bacon” and the result will be our county receiving its share of well our own taxdollars. Like many on this list, Murtha time in office is coming to an end; the question is who will eventually replace him. Last year: 3rd

4) Steve Toprani-District Attorney-Republican-Toprani is now easily the most powerful Republican in Washington County. The nature of his position, combined with his stunning defeat of long time District Attorney John Pettit have turned him into the shining light of Washington County politics. While many have sniped at his inexperience, the massive problems in the District Attorney’s office due to the tenure of the former D.A. have left Toprani nowhere but up to go. Smart, handsome and hardworking, Toprani now only has to deliver. His biggest weakness, lack of fundraising acumen, can be overcome by hardwork in the next four years. If he works on that, he could rise to offices outside of this county in the future. Last year: 58th

5) J. Barry Stout-State Senator-Democrat-This is the lowest rating ever for the man that likes to say, “Stouts got Clout”. Stout is Washington County’s version of Robert Byrd; he really brings home the bacon. Of course if the deal benefits his family’s excavating business, so much the better. Some even calls him Senator Grease behind his back for his ability to well find a way for everyone’s benefit. Stout’s health problems have lead to his decline on our list. His stay in the Washington County Nursing facility rankled all time Democrats and his declining health has people finally saying “Its time to move on”. When Stout finally gives up the power, there will be a huge power struggle with the possibility of Maggi, Solobay, Irey or Greene County Commissioner Pam Snyder taking the power. It will be great to watch though. Last year: 1st.

6) Diana Irey-Commissioner –Republican-This was a good year for Washington county’s most powerful woman. Irey helped defeat John Pettit, in spite of years of support for him, and defeat challenger Mike Neville. She is now part of the hidden coalition running county government and has learned to avoid the titles (like Vice Chairman) and take the power instead. Irey will eventually turn on Maggi when the timing is right and that will make good theater if not good government. The larger problem is where does Irey go with her career. She has been in a holding pattern for years and she is not getting younger. For a candidate whose appeal is based partly on appearance, she must find a home before father time takes that away. Our bet is that Irey will jump into a race for the State Senate when and if Barry Stout finally retires. Last year: 21st

7) J. Brett Harvey-Businessman-CONSOL Energy Inc.-While West Virginia and Greene County like to say that Coal is King, in Washington County it really, really is. Harvey oversees the most powerful business interest in Washington County and the main industrial output of the county. School Districts like McGuffey know and understand how important the coal industry is to their bottom line. Harvey is easily forgotten by some of the normal players in the county, because he only deals at the top. Not surprising he has worked closely with #1 ranked State Senator J. Barry Stout. Harvey moves up from last year because of the shakeup in Washington County politics. Last year: 10th