Zimmerlink to seek re-election
Saying she has consistently made decisions in the best interest of Fayette County and for the right reasons, Republican Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink has announced she is seeking her party’s nomination in the May primary.
Zimmerlink is finishing her second term in office, and will be vying for one of two Republican nominations, along with Dunbar Township businesswoman Marilyn Cellurale and South Connellsville insurance/investment agent Dave Lohr.
“I ask the citizens of Fayette County for their continued support and their vote as I have a proven record of making decisions in the best interest of the county and for the right reasons,” Zimmerlink said. “My voting record on county issues has been consistent with my belief that county government can and should operate openly and within its means and without an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers.”
Zimmerlink said she believes that voters elected her because they knew that while some county issues are open to compromise and negotiation, other county issues and her principles cannot be compromised.
Zimmerlink was the target of litigation filed by Cellurale, and the county’s insurance company settled without going to court.
Jim and Marilyn Cellurale, Joseph Cellurale Jr. and Joseph Cellurale Sr. sued the county in general and Zimmerlink specifically in January 2009, claiming that Zimmerlink used her position to target them for alleged zoning violations. The county’s insurance company agreed to settle the case for $150,000 and the discontinuance of a zoning appeal the county mounted against them in 2007.
Zimmerlink filed a lawsuit last year against her fellow Democratic Commissioners, Vincent A. Vicites and Vincent Zapotosky, claiming they shut her out of government, hampered her constitutional rights, including the right to free speech, and stopped her from representing her constituents.
Zimmerlink’s attorney said the lawsuit was because her colleagues retaliated against her by freezing her out of governmental activity because she is outspoken and that forced her to abstain from votes on numerous occasions because she was not adequately apprised of what was going on. An attorney for Vicites and Zapotosky is seeking dismissal of the suit. A judge will make a decision on the fate of the lawsuit at a later date.
Vicites and Zapotosky are running a joint campaign in their quest for the two Democratic nominations this year. Al Ambrosini, a retired Allegheny Energy employee and former member of the Fayette County Airport Authority, also is seeking a Democratic nomination.
“I was elected to implement new and improved methods and to listen to the concerns of residents and I have done so and will continue because when my voice is heard, your voice is heard,” Zimmerlink said.
Zimmerlink said she has been consistent in representing residents and businesses fairly and without giving preferential treatment to those who are politically connected, adding that she believes that everyone should be treated the same.
Zimmerlink was first elected to office in 2004, and served as chairwoman for that four-year term. She said during that term there were improvements that resulted in increased efficiency and cost savings.
Zimmerlink said that while some of her initiatives and decisions have not all been supported by either of her fellow commissioners during her second term, those that were supported benefited the county.
“If re-elected I will continue to maintain my conservative approach to county government,” Zimmerlink said.
She declined a request to provide examples of what specific things she would like to accomplish.
Zimmerlink added that if she captures a third term this year, she would only accept the commissioner term’s starting salary and then not take the yearly pay increases.
As in past years, Zimmerlink said she would also continue to not accept campaign contributions.
“I’ve always appreciated the kind offers of monetary support and know those offers were made with the utmost right intentions but with the exception of accepting $2,000 from my father-in-law for the prior elections, I declined other offers and will continue to do so,” Zimmerlink said.
Zimmerlink and her husband, Tom, reside in Allison 1, Redstone Township.
She received a bachelor’s degree in political science/pre-law from California University of Pennsylvania and has a paralegal certificate from Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
She formerly served on the Fayette County Housing Authority.