Washington County Commissioners have wasted no time in naming a replacement for the chairperson of the Local Share Account (LSA) Committee to replace current chair, Jeff Kotula. Kotula announced this week that he would be resigning from the position he has held since the committee’s inception in 2008. Kotula gave no reason for his action, but emailed the following statement to WJPA: “I have served as Chairman of the Washington County Local Share Account Review Committee since its inception 17 years ago and believe it is time for me to take a respite from the process. While I am proud of the work of the diverse group of dedicated individuals I have served with on the committee, I have also noticed the only person remaining from the original committee formed in 2008 is me…so it is time for some fresh eyes on the process and a new chairperson for this important committee. I have again worked with the team at the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington on this year’s process and everything is in place for a successful 2025 review which will ensure a seamless transition for the new chairperson and the committee. In my opinion, each member of the current committee would be qualified to lead the process, however, the selection of a chairperson is the county commissioners’ decision. I have valued the trust the county commissioners, committee, applicants, and public have placed in me over the past 17 years and look forward to the continued success of this impactful program for Washington County.” The board announced Wednesday that Mark Hrutkay of South Strabane Township would step into Kotula’s shoes as Chairman of the LSA Board. Hrutkay is a former Director of Human Resources at CONSOL Energy and a former chair of the Washington County Republican Party. The Local Share Account was established to support community and economic development through gaming revenues generated from gaming revenue at Hollywood Casino at the Meadows.