Hardy will probably seek re-election
The Fayette County Court of Common Pleas will appoint three temporary members to the Fayette County Election Board, an indication that all three current county commissioners, including Republican Joseph A. Hardy III, are seeking re-election. Officially, Republican Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink and Democrat Vincent A. Vicites have already announced their intention to seek re-election. Because all three election board spots are being temporarily filled, Hardy is apparently running for re-election as well.
By law, the individual commission members cannot act as a member of the election board if they are running for office.
Laurie Lint, director of the Fayette County Election Bureau, said Wednesday morning that the request for three new members of the election board was in motions court, and she was waiting to hear who the three temporary board members would be. By afternoon, she had still not received notification of the names of the temporary board members, who in the past have usually been county court judges.
The election board is responsible for certifying the election results and handling any complaints or problems that arise on election days.
Hardy, 84, the millionaire founder of 84 Lumber could not be reached for comment, but a spokesman said Hardy has picked up nomination petitions, the first step toward getting on the ballot.
Jeff Nobers, vice president of corporate communications and Hardy’s spokesman, said although Hardy has picked up petitions, no final decision has been made regarding Hardy’s candidacy. He said a formal announcement would be made in a week or so.
Commission candidates have until March 6 to collect the 250 signatures of registered members of their party needed to gain placement on the May 15 municipal primary ballot.
In addition to Vicites and Zimmerlink, two others have announced their intention to seek the office. Democratic candidates Sean M. Cavanagh, a former commissioner, and Vincent Zapotosky, a former candidate, have already announced their candidacies.