Growing up in a tight-knit Greek-American family, where hard work and candor were mixed with compassion and loyalty, Electra Janis has always been in a hurry.

She graduated from high school a year early, finished college at Chatham in 3 1/2 years, and earned her Master’s in psychology in two. She hasn’t looked back since the days she helped her family’s restaurant business, helping to keep the books straight, the food on order, and personnel services fully operational, and from the time she helped her grandfather with the trade schools that produced so much of the region’s outstanding workforce.

She has worked as district manager for local state Representative Natalie Mihalek, handling day-to-day crises for constituents in search of a guide through the maze of government.

A resident of Peters Township, Electra chose Washington County for its family atmosphere, great schools, and neighbors who connect on a human scale when it comes to helping out.

Her family life, she says, taught her values, while working in the family’s restaurant taught her to stay humble.

Her combined life experience and youthful drive have helped to shape her agenda for Washington County.

She has pledged total transparency and openness regarding the county’s financial books and will work to rein in spending.