Commissioner Michael J. Washo

Democratic Nominee for County Commissioner

Born and raised in Scranton , Mike Washo graduated from Scranton Central High School before attending college at the University of Michigan , where he earned his B.A. in History. Subsequently, Mike pursued graduate studies at Wayne State University in Detroit and later earned his master’s degree (also in History).

Mike began his professional career in the field of historic preservation, working for the State of Michigan Michigan’s Bureau for Historic Preservation. Mike recognized that historic preservation constitutes much more than merely an attempt to preserve old buildings for posterity; it can also serve as a powerful economic development tool. Indeed, when done properly, urban planning becomes a major catalyst for economic growth. Mike eventually rose to become Deputy Director of Historical Programs for the entire state.

In 1983, Mike moved back to Lackawanna County , and over the next decade, he worked for the City of Scranton under two mayoral administrations (one Democrat and one Republican). Upon being named Director of Scranton’s Office of Economic and Community Development, Mike was placed in charge of all economic development programs in the city at a time when Scranton ’s renaissance was in its infancy. Most notably, Mike acted as Scranton Scranton’s point person for the development of the Steamtown Mall, which served as the building block for all of the later development that has taken place in and around Scranton .

After working for his family’s business (P&W Washo) for several years, Mike returned to public service when a vacancy was created on the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners in early 2005, and he was appointed to fill the seat of departing Commissioner Randy Castellani. Since that time, Mike has been a tireless advocate for the hardworking taxpayers of Lackawanna County .

Additionally, Mike’s volunteer service to Pennsylvania and the region has included numerous board positions and organizational memberships. On two occasions, he was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission. He also served on the Citizens Advisory Council, which offers advice to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Governor, and the Pennsylvania General Assembly on matters of environmental regulation and policy. Furthermore, Mike was a founding board member or officer in a number of local organizations including: the Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton Tomorrow, the Community Concerts Association, the Lackawanna Regional Cultural Council, the Friends of the Everhart Museum, the Lackawanna County Visitors and Convention Bureau, and Penn’s Northeast (a non-profit economic development organization), among others.