Housing candidate encounters obstacle

A commissioner has said he won't appoint elected officials to the authority.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Longtime state lawmaker Frank LaGrotta wants to be appointed to the Lawrence County Housing Authority, but he may have to wait until he leaves office to do it.
LaGrotta, who represents the 10th state legislative district, sent county commissioners a letter expressing his interest in being appointed after learning Friday that embattled Lawrence County Treasurer Gary Felasco resigned from the authority.
"I believe I am qualified, both by my experience and my record of service, to serve the people of Lawrence County in this capacity," LaGrotta wrote in a statement when questioned about his interest in the vacancy.
Commissioner Dan Vogler confirmed he received a letter from LaGrotta over the weekend expressing his interest in the authority opening, but Vogler says he cannot vote for LaGrotta.
"I made a statement last year when we were considering another appointment that I would not vote to put an elected official on the housing authority," Vogler said.
Vogler explained that he believes it lessens the possibility for people to play politics while on the board.
"I staked out a position and for me to change my position -- I don't think that would be right," he added.
Different opinion
Commissioner Steve Craig said he doesn't hold the same opinion as Vogler and feels they may eventually be able to place LaGrotta on the authority.
"There's going to be plenty of seats open on the board, and I have a ton of respect for Frank," he said.
In addition to the seat left vacant by Felasco, commissioners have been trying to remove Donald Conti Jr., also known as "Ducky," from the board after he pleaded guilty to a gambling charge.
Another seat will become vacant at the end of the year when Robert Heath's term expires. Authority members are not paid.
LaGrotta will leave office Nov. 30. He was defeated in the primary election by political newcomer Jaret Gibbons.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught said he does not agree that an elected official can't be placed on the board and will base his decision on the person.
Fosnaught said he will give LaGrotta the same consideration as the 35 other applicants.
cioffi@vindy.com