LAWRENCE COUNTY Panel alters way to fill slots

Restoration work on the county veterans memorial won't start until the spring.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- After taking flak for making a quick appointment to the Lawrence County Housing Authority, one county commissioner wants to set a new procedure for making those designations.
Commissioner Brian Burick introduced an ordinance that would allow anyone interested to apply for openings on the county's housing, airport, municipal and redevelopment authorities.
Burick said he wants everyone to have a chance to apply for openings -- which are unpaid positions.
Donald Conti attended the commissioners' meeting Nov. 23 and asked to be appointed to the housing authority. Commissioner Ed Fosnaught nominated him, and Burick and Commissioner Roger DeCarbo agreed.
Burick said Tuesday that a fellow commissioner has in the past criticized the other two for making snap decisions without first talking about them at a caucus.
"This will create a process," Burick said. "No one will say anything was preset."
Proposed ordinance
Burick's proposal includes the following:
UCommissioners must announce any openings 14 days before making a final vote on an appointment.
UAnyone wanting to be considered must either personally appear before the board at a public meeting or submit a written statement to be read at a public meeting.
UA final vote shall not be taken until the second public meeting after the first applicant's statement is made or read.
Burick added that he would also like to see those interested state why they want to serve and ensure that they are able to attend the authority meetings.
Commissioners will vote on the matter after it has been publicly advertised.
In other business, it was learned that work on the veterans memorial at the county courthouse will not start until spring.
Burick said the contractor hired, along with the county's architect, recommended it be put off until there is better weather.
Commissioners are having the memorial restored and new sidewalks put in. Golon Masonry Restoration of Pittsburgh is doing the work.