Dec 29, 2002 By Paul Sunyak 4 min read

Angela M. Zimmerlink was reappointed to the Fayette County Housing Authority by a 2-1 vote of the Fayette County commissioners Friday, while fellow incumbent board member the Rev. Howard E. Dantzler Sr. was unanimously replaced by Belle Vernon Mayor James V. Bitonti. Zimmerlink secured a second five-year term when Commission Chairman Vincent A. Vicites finally cast his vote, opting to side with Commissioner Sean Cavanagh in reappointing Zimmerlink. Commissioner Ronald M. Nehls voted against Zimmerlink.

Vicites, who provided the swing vote, read a one-page prepared statement outlining how he came to his decision.

“Although I may be subjected to criticism from the media and critics, I want to gather all the available facts through consideration,” said Vicites. “It is my practice to not be stampeded by some sudden upheaval, nor will I exploit headlines for personal gain.”

Vicites said he had a two-hour meeting with Zimmerlink and walked away impressed with her capabilities and knowledge of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rules and regulations. He added that in reappointing Zimmerlink, he wanted to send a message to other board members that he wouldn’t punish them for taking action from their personal convictions.

“After weighing all the possible input I received from many citizens, I cannot and I will not penalize someone who volunteered to serve the county and performed her moral duty by calling attention to irregularities and problems that existed at the housing authority,” said Vicites. “I commend her vigilance and pursuit of her convictions. To do otherwise would send an adverse message to all authorities and various board members in Fayette County.”

Cavanagh said he didn’t need a written script to chronicle his support for Zimmerlink, whose reappointment he’s steadfastly advocated all along. He credited her with standing up “like a tank” in the face of overwhelming opposition at the housing authority.

“It was a no-brainer (for me). She is a role model for board members,” said Cavanagh. “I was with her all the way. … She’s deserved it. We need people out there who aren’t ‘yes’ people.”

Nehls said he has a personal philosophy best illustrated by the famous author who wrote, “Life is 10 percent of what happens; 90 percent of how you react to it.” Nehls added that former housing authority Executive Director Thomas Martoncik was “a good friend of mine” and the treatment he received while at the authority’s helm sticks in Nehls’ mind.

Martoncik was stricken with and subsequently succumbed to liver cancer. Nehls said the way he was treated during his brief housing authority tenure factored into his thinking regarding Zimmerlink’s reappointment.

Cavanagh credited the media with helping build public pressure to reappoint Zimmerlink. Without the editorial backing of three newspapers and talk radio, Cavanagh said, “There’s a good chance she wouldn’t have gotten back on.”

Bitonti was nominated by Nehls and seconded by Vicites after Cavanagh failed to get a second on his motion to have Myron Hoskins replace Dantzler. Cavanagh said Hoskins, an executive for Columbia Gas, had “impeccable credentials,” would not be a rubber stamp and had a non-political background.

“I think he would have been somebody who could assist Angela,” said Cavanagh. “My concern is the housing authority needs straightened out.”

Nehls noted that Bitonti has a “strong interest” in the housing authority, is a “man of impeccable character” and would represent the board “the way I think it should be (done).”

Vicites agreed with that assessment and added that he has “total confidence” in Bitonti, whom he described as a consensus-builder who can “move things forward in a positive nature.” Vicites added that Bitonti assured him he could work with Zimmerlink.

Noting that he was about to be outvoted, Cavanagh said he would vote for Bitonti, even though he preferred someone with fewer political connections. Cavanagh said “political things” lurk in the background with elected officials like mayors, which is why he wanted someone with “no ties to anyone in politics” to fill the spot.

Bitonti is the father of housing authority maintenance mechanic James A. Bitonti, who was hired in April 1993, according to current housing authority Executive Director Thomas L. Harkless. Vicites also said he was aware of the father-son relationship.

James V. Bitonti becomes the second Belle Vernon mayor to serve on the housing authority’s board of directors in recent memory. The other was Frank Ferreri, who served during the tenure of former Executive Director John Marra and was a stalwart Marra supporter.

Neither Zimmerlink nor James V. Bitonti could be reached for comment.