LAWRENCE COUNTY Officials rethink rules for appointing people

Members for the new transportation committee are being sought.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County commissioners are looking at revamping a law that outlines how people are appointed to county authorities.
The ordinance was passed last month by the previous board of commissioners after they received flak for making a quick appointment to the county housing authority.
Brian Burick, who was not re-elected to a third term, drew up the ordinance because he said he wanted everyone to have a chance to apply for openings.
The law requires commissioners to announce any openings 14 days before taking a vote on any appointment, and anyone interested in the position must appear in person or send a letter stating their interest. They must also wait two meetings after getting the names before making an appointment.
The issue came up Thursday when county commissioners realized spots on the municipal and redevelopment authorities were expired. Both authorities were created last summer.
Commissioner Steve Craig said he didn't want to put the people involved through a long process of reappointment because they are so new.
"I would agree that the ordinance as it's now written can be refined. It sounds to me like it's a little cumbersome, but we still want to let the public know when there could be openings," Commissioner Dan Vogler said.
Commissioners did not indicate when they would alter the ordinance.
Transportation issues
In other business, commissioners are looking to create a public participation panel for transportation issues. The group is needed because the county is now part of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. The group's recommendations will become part of the overall road improvement plan for the county that uses state and federal money.
SPC guidelines require the members to be from certain racial or economic groups. They include senior citizens, a disabled person, someone living below the poverty level and people of black, Asian and Hispanic descent.
The panel must have a minimum of 15 people.