Hardy beefs up Vicites’ campaign chest
Search campaign finance reports Nearly half of the $43,685 Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites received in campaign contributions toward the end of last year came in a form of a single $20,000 donation from fellow Fayette County Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy III, according to Vicites’ annual campaign finance report.
The $20,000 Hardy contribution was made on Dec. 5 according to the annual report, which reflected campaign activity through the end of 2006. The contribution was by far the largest of any included in the report. On the report, Hardy is listed as the owner of 84 Lumber Co.
Vicites, a Democrat, and Hardy, a Republican, are both seeking re-election this year. While Hardy and Republican Commission Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink are the only two candidates seeking the two Republican nominations for Fayette County commissioner in the May 15 municipal primary, Vicites is one of five Democrats seeking two party nominations.
When Hardy announced his intention to seek re-election, he said he would like to seek all three sitting commissioners retain their offices, saying they work well as a team. While there have been numerous unanimous votes throughout the last few years, Hardy and Vicites have teamed up against Zimmerlink to vote for numerous controversial decisions, including the three most recent appointments to the Fayette County Airport Authority. Earlier this year, the authority, which includes individuals who have done business for Hardy, voted to rename the Connellsville Airport in honor of Hardy.
In addition to Hardy’s sizable contribution, Vicites also received donations last year from two airport authority members, Jesse Wallace III and Terry Shallenberger. Wallace contributed $200 in the form of two $100 donations, while Shallenberger contributed $100.
Two county solicitors also made contributions to The Friends of Vincent A. Vicites campaign committee, including Fayette County Solicitor Joseph E. Ferens Jr., who contributed $100, and the law firm of Cupp and Cupp, with whom county solicitor John S. Cupp is affiliated, which contributed $300 to Vicites’ campaign comprised of a $100 donation and a $200 donation.
Gerald Moore of West Newton, owner of Nutrition Inc., which has the food service contract for the Fayette County Jail, contributed $100 to Vicites’ campaign.
Democrat Gary Gearing, who along with Vicites lost the Democratic nomination for state Representative in the 51st District to Timothy S. Mahoney in last year’s spring primary, also contributed $100 to Vicites’ campaign on Nov. 27, after the fall election.
Because Vicites ran for office last year, he was required to file the annual campaign finance report.
Vicites’ annual report included an amount brought forward of $13,494 and contributions of $43,685, for a total amount available of $57,179. The report listed expenditures of $14,076, leaving a cash balance of $43,103. The report also lists $26,156 in unpaid debts and obligations.
Hardy was the only other commissioner candidate who filed an annual campaign finance report on the Pennsylvania Department of State Web site. Hardy’s annual report showed a final balance of zero, reflecting a beginning balance of $14,948, and $14,948 in expenditures. The report also lists no contributions or unpaid debts and obligations.
The remaining candidates’ first campaign expense reports for the 2007 election are due in early May. The other four Democratic candidates seeking the two party nominations are Sean M. Cavanagh, John “Toots” Croftcheck, John “Sonny” Mikita and Vincent Zapotosky.