Cavanagh seeks health center probe
Fayette County Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh wants an investigation of “illegal activity” at the Fayette County Health Center Authority, based on allegations brought to his attention by former employees and those currently working in the building. Cavanagh said he has taken his call for investigation to Fayette County District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon, the FBI’s Charleroi office and other “appropriate state and local authorities,” including Auditor General Robert P. Casey Jr.
The Health Center Authority operates a single building on New Salem Road, renting office space to several government agencies, including the county Mental Health/Mental Retardation Agency.
“I wouldn’t call for this if so many people weren’t calling me on a daily basis and coming forth with information,” said Cavanagh. “I’ve had people come forward – former employees and people who work in the building – who have alleged these things. I’ve talked to about four different individuals.”
Added Cavanagh, “You know the old saying, ‘Where there’s smoke there’s fire?’ Well, there’s a whole lot of smoke here.”
Cavanagh said he has heard numerous allegations that bear investigation, including the following:
– A deliberate shutting down of telephone, heating and air conditioning service to “harass” the MH/MR staff.
– Deliberate damage to the building’s roof in an act of insurance fraud.
– The use of an employee to type “political attack innuendo letters” at the instruction of a board member who thus used government resources “for his own covert political activity.”
– A board member “orchestrating the filing of false grievances” by a union employee.
– Bid rigging, unfair labor practices, illegal firings and the “fixing” of meeting minutes.
– An employee who worked for free on the home of an elected official and was rewarded with “substantial pay raises” on more than one occasion.
Cavanagh, who made his intentions known Thursday, said the information funneled toward him is too serious to ignore, the sources are credible and the allegations warrant investigation by appropriate legal authorities.
“As county commissioner, it is my duty to inform the proper law enforcement agencies about this activity that has been reported to me,” Cavanagh wrote in his request. “I believe that this agency should be investigated so these improprieties can be brought to light, since this is a taxpayer funded entity.”
Cavanagh also noted, “The names of individuals who have come forward will be given to the appropriate (investigating) agency in confidence.”