Croftcheck challenges Roberts for controller position
Fayette County Controller Mark Roberts will face a challenge from the man he defeated in the general election four years ago when he seeks the Democratic nomination for the post on May 20. The other candidate seeking the Democratic nomination, John “Toots” Croftcheck, ran as an Independent in the 1999 general election. The winner of the nomination will face another candidate who also ran for the post four years ago.
The candidate who wins the Democratic nomination will face Republican candidate John “Sonny” Mikita of Brownsville in the November general election. Mikita ran as a Democrat in the 1999 primary and finished fifth in a field of five behind Roberts and three other candidates.
While the political affiliation of Croftcheck is different than it was four years ago, what hasn’t changed is Croftcheck’s strategy. Just as he did in 1999, Croftcheck is running a campaign that is critical of Roberts.
“There’s so much wrongdoing in Fayette County I feel it’s my obligation to run.” said Croftcheck. “I feel we shouldn’t have a guy who couldn’t control his own budget as the chief financial officer of the county,” he added, contending that Roberts filed for bankruptcy and misled people about living in Fayette County when he first ran four years ago.
Roberts, meanwhile, has pledged to not become involved in a negative campaign during his re-election run.
“I’m disappointed that my opponent has resorted to running a negative campaign again. He is casting baseless accusations, innuendos and outright lies instead of telling the voters why they should vote for him,” he said.
While Roberts acknowledges he filed for bankruptcy years ago, he said he believes his record over the past three years speaks for itself. Roberts said he inherited an office plagued with problems, when he first took over in January 2003.
“In the first three years, I’ve corrected problems, improved procedures and streamlined the office,” he said. Roberts said he has brought the audits in the office up to date, prevented the county from entering into many risky or costly contracts, stopped inappropriate payments and saved county retirees nearly $4 million by recommending a change in retirement fund investments.
Croftcheck, 62, of 7445 National Pike in Menallen Township, said he feels it is his duty to give the voters a choice. He is a graduate of Uniontown Area High School and attended two years of courses on economics, finance and local government sponsored by Central Westmoreland County Labor Studies and Industrial Relations. Croftcheck said he has more than 30 years experience in financial matters. He was chairman of Area 2 Legislative Committee of Fayette County for the United Steelworkers of America. Prior to retirement at the age of 55, he was a member of USWA for 28 years and served as local union president, trustee and auditor for 24 years.
“I know the controller office is one of the most important, diversified and busiest in the county. Working in government requires dedication, honesty and responsibility. If elected, I will handle your tax dollars in a fiscally responsible manner. Also, I will restore trust, respect and confidence in the controller office,” Croftcheck said.
Croftcheck is a member of the Amvets Post 103, Hopwood, American Legion Post 51 and Valley Sportsman Club. He and his wife, the former Faye Rose Berisko of Keisterville, have been married for 44 years and have two children.
Roberts, 35, of 53 Wilson Ave., Uniontown, is a 1990 graduate of Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in business management and also has obtained more than 20 credits for professional education in auditing. Prior to being elected controller, Roberts worked as an assistant director with the bureau of compliance of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue; as a senior account representative for Bankers Security and as an analyst and systems engineer at UMPC health system where he created financial reports.
“In my heart I know I’m the most qualified candidate. When I invited my opponent to a debate and even offered to pay for it, unfortunately he refused my offer,” Roberts said. “If there is any merit to his claims or he believes he is the best candidate, he should jump at the opportunity to debate me.”
“I’m hopeful I will be elected for my education, experience and proven record,” Roberts said. He is married to the former Jennifer Hickey of Uniontown and is the son of State Rep. Larry Roberts, D-South Union.