Southwest PA News

Rep. Bud Cook has reiterated his call for an audit of the Washington County Local Share Account (LSA). In a statement, he outlined three actions aimed at restoring trust in the county's commissioner offices.

Cook emphasized the need for "fair and transparent government" to regain public trust in Washington County. He criticized the commissioners for spending $30,000 on legal fees to prevent grant records from being disclosed under the Right-to-Know Law.

He called for a "complete forensic audit" of the LSA to account for funds, citing research from 2021 that found nearly $10 million unaccounted for. Cook described this as "fiscal and government malpractice."

Additionally, he proposed that a rotating member of the House of Representatives should be allowed on the LSA board to ensure transparency. Currently, only one out of six representatives from Washington County has served on the board.

Cook also announced plans to introduce legislation during the 2025-26 Legislative Session that would transfer control of the Local Share Account from counties to state authorities. He stated that "the Washington County board has proven it cannot be trusted."

Cook concluded by asserting his commitment to these demands, emphasizing that governmental integrity is crucial and must be prioritized by elected officials in Washington County.