Eberly praises county commissioners
In an unexpected move, Fayette County’s premiere philanthropist Robert E. Eberly has offered “high praise” to the three county commissioners for tackling property tax reassessment and using municipal bond borrowing power to fund “worthy projects.” Eberly conveyed his thoughts in individual letters forwarded to Commissioners Ronald M. Nehls, Sean M. Cavanagh and Vincent A. Vicites on Friday. Eberly’s position stands in stark contrast to four years ago, when he issued a letter sharply critical of the administration of Vicites, Cavanagh and then-Commissioner Harry E. Albert III, and essentially deemed none of them worthy of re-election.
While issuing no official endorsement with this year’s primary election just four months away, Eberly weighed in with a generally positive commentary on the job done by the current commissioners. He also focused on the fact that they seem to have developed a better and more positive working relationship.
“I have always believed in giving credit where due and, as I approach my 85th birthday, that responsibility seems clearer now than ever,” began Eberly. “Accordingly, I need to say to each of you that the present Fayette County Commissioners deserve high praise for having the courage to reassess county real properties for the first time in two generations and for being willing – also for the first time in many years – to use the county’s long-term borrowing power to fund worthy projects, particularly those related to local economic development.
“The fact that all three of you, in the process of this important work, have apparently cast aside the politics of confrontation in favor of a more collaborative approach, makes these accomplishments all the more commendable,” said Eberly.
The millionaire philanthropist and long-time president of Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, which has served as the county’s lead economic development agency, said that he is also conscious of the commissioners’ efforts to control the costs of running county government. In that ongoing effort, he mentioned possible future action to reduce the cost of county tax collection “as proposed by … the Herald-Standard.”
But the reassessment that goes into effect this year and the $11.7 million bond are “far more important” to Eberly because they represent “strong steps” to strengthen revenue and cash flow at the county level.
“I have absolutely no doubt that fairer property taxes and your enhanced ability to respond to economic development opportunities will help attract business and residents to local communities,” said Eberly. “Those new businesses and residents will bring increased vitality to our local economy … as well as additional tax dollars to the county, its municipalities and our school districts.”
Eberly ended his correspondence by stating his “sincere hope” that in the years ahead, the commissioners will continue to “boldly lead our communities” in becoming more user-friendly for new businesses and residents.
To aid in that effort he recommended creation of a consortium to better coordinate development of local water and sewage systems, and a similar consolidation of land use planning and zoning practices throughout the county.
Eberly also called for increased collaboration to improve local school performance, and to “upgrade and integrate” the county’s technical resources. He also mentioned continued efforts to expand the county airport and complete the Mon-Fayette Expressway.
“Although no response is necessary, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss these or other matters,” concluded Eberly.
Nehls, whom Eberly backed in the 1999 commission election as a challenger, said Eberly’s letter caught him by surprise. But Nehls said it contained welcomed words, mostly because praise is rare when one sits in a commissioner’s chair.
“Anywhere in the county almost, you never get anything that’s good. You always hear about what’s bad. They always let you know about the bad things but rarely do you hear about the good,” said Nehls. “It’s really overwhelming (to get this feedback from Eberly) … It’s always nice to hear from someone with such a magnificent reputation in the community that we’re doing a good job.”
Nehls said that while he has “no idea” on whether Eberly’s letter amounts to any type of re-election endorsement, he believes that as an elected official he’s made significant contributions to establishing harmony and getting some major things accomplished.
“I pushed for the reassessment and I pushed for the bond … I think I brought a needed advantage to (the board) and I’m proud (of that),” said Nehls. He added that during a recent six-person gathering in front of the courthouse, someone singled him out as “the only difference” between this administration and the previous one. “And I take great pride in that,” added Nehls.
Vicites said that he’s always recognized and appreciated Eberly’s financial support and personal concern for the county, even when Eberly criticized the commissioners as he did four years ago. Vicites in turn acknowledged the good that Eberly has done through the years.
“I’ve always tried to get along with Bob Eberly,” said Vicites. “I think the man’s done a lot for Fayette County. He’s got his heart in making a better Fayette County. And you’ve got to give him credit. He’s tried his best.”
Vicites said the county has made significant progress in the past four years and he appreciates that someone of Eberly’s stature recognizes that fact.
“It’s nice of him to send something to us to congratulate us,” said Vicites. “I think that this administration has been recognized as being very progressive. We’ve solved a lot of lingering problems and we’ve moved the county forward. I think there was a lot of problem-solving that took place in this administration, with the revaluation (reassessment), the amphitheater, our space problem in the courthouse, and many other (things).”
Cavanagh, who once called Eberly a “pharaoh” who used his financial and political influence to control the county, said the letter shows that Eberly is “man enough” to give credit where he feels it is due.
“It’s a 180-degree turnaround from four years ago, when he was saying that we need all new commissioners. I appreciate his letter,” said Cavanagh. “I think whether it’s Sean Cavanagh or Bob Eberly, there’s good and bad in everybody. Nobody’s perfect. He sent that letter and he was man enough to, as he said, ‘Give credit where credit is due.'”
Added Cavanagh, “That just shows that a guy of his stature, financially and politically, understands that we’re doing the right things to make the county successful … I did a state-of-the-county address (on cable television) to talk about all of the positive things that are going on in the county. There’s a lot of positive things going on.”