Jan 17, 2003 By Patty Shultz 4 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A mayoral decision to reject requests for retention on several boards and authorities has drawn criticism from those being replaced. On Tuesday, by a 3-to-2-vote margin, council approved Mayor Judy Reed’s decision not to reappoint George Puskar to the city municipal authority. Reed also chose not to retain Roy Taylor as a member of the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority.

Council must approve certain board and authority appointments while designations to the city housing authority and redevelopment authority are at the sole discretion of the mayor.

While Reed stated the revamping of the panels were related to the city’s need for “fresh ideas,” Puskar and Taylor believe the moves were more tied to the mayor wanting to “stack the boards to more favor her agendas.”

“She (Reed) ran on the platform that it wasn’t going to be politics as usual if she was elected, but here it is,” said Taylor. “I feel that I have done a good job for the redevelopment authority and the City of Connellsville.

“The bottom line is that she does have the right to make her own appointments, but shouldn’t they be made to make things better?”

Taylor, a former member of council, said he submitted a letter to Reed and members of council in November seeking his reappointment to the panel and was surprised to learn Wednesday morning that his tenure on the board was not renewed. In addition to his administrative background and knowledge of building construction, Taylor said his being a minority also contributed to the board.

“I know my qualifications and what I have done on the board have been exceptional,” said Taylor. “I feel that my being a minority in a high profile position and doing a good job in the community was an example to other minorities.”

Taylor said he is not acquainted with Reed’s replacement appointee Marilyn Weaver or her background.

“When I have had to make appointments to boards and authorities, I have always looked to choose someone who would do what is right for the city,” he said. “If you do that, there are no regrets and I only hope they have done the same.”

Puskar had served 24 years as a member of the municipal authority and had a similar reaction when Reed appointed Kevin Clark to the panel.

“It’s not about me; I’m just a little blip on the radar screen,” said Puskar. “It’s the way that they are going about doing things. They are trying to assume control of all the various boards and authorities and for what purpose is what concerns me.”

Puskar, like Taylor, had submitted a letter seeking reinstatement to the authority, believing his tenure had proved to be beneficial to the overall operation of the entity.

However, said Puskar, he had his doubts that he would be retained due to a confrontation last year with Reed in connection to a request by her that sewerage lines along East Crawford Avenue be replaced by the authority and the board’s subsequent denial.

The request came prior to the roadway undergoing reconstructive work by the state transportation department.

“There was no good reason to replace them,” said Puskar. “We had them thoroughly inspected with a video camera and the engineering firm. They were in good working order and it would have cost in excess of $300,000 to do it. But the mayor thought it should be done.”

Other issues, too, he said, have caused friction between the mayor and the authority.

“We have a very good municipal authority that has always tried to stay non-political,” he said. “Our goal has been to do things the right way and keep the rates down and we have done that.”

Reed, meanwhile, said the decision to replace Puskar and Taylor was difficult, but necessary.

“I have some serious concerns about the municipal authority and its operation,” said Reed. “I believe that having a professional engineer (Clark) will help.”

Concerning Taylor’s replacement, Reed said the city was moving in a new direction and that it was important to have fresh ideas.

Council additionally voted to retain Peggy Rice as a member of the health board, Samuel Spotto, planning commission, Sean Pilla, zoning hearing board, Walter Cable, senior center board and Paul Whipkey to the city shade tree commission.

Reed appointed Harold “Snipe” Hartz to the housing authority, replacing Joseph Hrezo who had served on the panel since 1991.