Jan 25, 2008 By Amy Zalar 4 min read

The fourth time was a charm Thursday when the Fayette County commissioners voted to name George Robert Onesko of Luzerne Township to a one-year term on the Fayette County Housing Authority. Onesko, who was approved by a vote of 2-1, will complete the unexpired term of William “Trip” Radcliffe that ends on Dec. 31, 2008. Voting in favor of the appointment were Commission Chairman Vincent Zapotosky and Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites. Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink voted against the appointment.

Zimmerlink, who had been appointed to fill the vacancy earlier this month, opted not to accept the appointment. When she accepted, Zimmerlink and Zapotosky voted in favor of her appointment, while Vicites voted against it.

Onesko was the fourth person nominated to fill the vacancy as none of the first three motions garnered seconds.

Zimmerlink initially nominated Donald Miller, followed by Vicites making nominations for James V. Bitonti and Harry Joseph. After none of the motions received seconds, Zapotosky nominated Onesko, to which Vicites offered his second.

Zapotosky explained that Onesko is a maintenance director at a high-rise not affiliated with the housing authority.

Zimmerlink said was disappointed that Miller’s nomination didn’t garner a second because she served on the housing authority for two full terms and had been told by commissioners that her input would be valued.

Zimmerlink said she believes the reason Miller was not selected was political. Zimmerlink said Miller is a former Republican Party leader in the county who ran for county commissioner. Also, she said Miller was the campaign manager for Russ Rhodes, who ran lost to Ed Fike in the Uniontown mayoral race. Harry Fike was appointed to the housing authority earlier this month.

“I had hoped politics would be left at the door,” Zimmerlink said, referencing a prior comment made by Zapotosky.

Zapotosky responded that the choice of Onesko had nothing to do with political involvement.

“I feel Mr. Onesko brings a wealth of experience, which is a part of leaving politics at the door,” Zapotosky said.

Zapotosky pointed out that he supported Zimmerlink and was the only other commissioner who nominated and voted for her.

Vicites then said his first choice was Bitonti, a former board member whose son works for the housing authority.

Although Vicites said Bitonti did not vote on any issues relating to his son, Zimmerlink disagreed.

Vicites said although he also wanted Joseph, that did not occur.

“We have to move on. I don’t know Mr. Onesko but I know he interviewed well, seemed intelligent and experiences in building maintenance and I felt he was a good alternative choice,” Vicites said.

Zapotosky and Zimmerlink then voted to rescind the motion to appoint Zimmerlink to the housing authority.

The commissioners then voted to appoint Mike Lucy as an alternate member of the zoning hearing board.

A motion made by Vicites to appoint Tom Sankovich to the Regional Trail Commission did not receive a second, when Zapotosky suggested holding off until hearing back from the trail commission.

Vicites and Zapotosky approved a motion to reappoint Tim Emory and Rob Sleighter to the UCC Appeals Board. Zimmerlink was against the action, saying she was unsure if the men were interested in being reappointed.

Vicites and Zapotosky approved the appointment of Bill Kania to the Fayette County Industrial Development Authority.

Zimmerlink said she was unsure if Kania is interested in the appointment.

A motion by Vicites to appoint Dave Gumbert to the industrial authority did not receive a second.

The commissioners then unanimously voted for each to serve on the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2008, with Vicites and Zimmerlink serving as commissioner representatives and Zapotosky serving as a local elected official representative.

Zimmerlink clarified that the SPC bylaws state that county commissioners must take on the role at the SPC.

Vicites said it is in the bylaws for the SPC, which is different that the municipal authorities act of 1947. Vicites previously expressed concerns about Zimmerlink serving on the housing authority, citing the municipal act.