Commissioner candidates debate at Chamber
Democratic candidates for Fayette County Commissioner, Vince Zapotosky (left) and Al Ambrosini comments during a recent debate held by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
Republican candidates for Fayette County commissioner, Angela Zimmerlink (left) and David Lohr take part in a recent debate held by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com
The candidates for Fayette County Commissioner, (from left) Republicans Angela Zimmerlink and David Lohr and Democrats Vince Zapotosky and Al Ambrosini, participate in a recent debate hosted by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
The four Fayette County commissioner candidates attended a public forum Thursday evening hosted by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.
The debate, the second of which that was held that evening, was aired live on Fayette TV and a local radio station.
The candidates, Democratic Commissioner Vincent Zapotosky, Democratic challenger Al Ambrosini, Republican Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink and Republican challenger Dave Lohr, each answered random questions from chamber members as well as questions posed by audience members.
Regarding the “hot topic” of school consolidation, Zapotosky said the state Legislature should fund public education at a higher level, although some form of regionalization may be needed. He said the priority should be the education our children receive.
State Rep. Timothy Mahoney, D-South Union, commissioned a study that showed how money could be saved by consolidating administrations while keeping the individual identity of the local high schools.
Zimmerlink said consolidation is out of the purview of the commissioners, but she said she will read the information and make a decision on the issue.
Ambrosini said schools are in a difficult situation because of funding and something should be done.
“The economy isn’t going to support what we have at this time,” Ambrosini said.
Lohr said he thinks that making school boards larger could allow them to lose touch with the people. He said he hopes it won’t be a “political ping pong ball.”
Regarding conflict resolution and problem solving in the commissioners’ office, Zimmerlink said when there is an issue she looks at the problem, looks at the other side and then makes a resolution.
“I will never, ever take a back seat or run away from a problem,” Zimmerlink said. “I will never apologize for what I have done or what I will do. When you do not have all the information there’s a problem.”
Ambrosini, who was in corporate management for 30 years with Allegheny Energy, said solving problems were part of his everyday job. He said he will bring professionalism and a cooperative manner to the county.
Lohr said as an insurance and investment agent, he has learned how to come to the best conclusion. He said as long as people are adults and put the county’s interest at heart, solutions can be reached.
Zapotosky said there must be a willingness to accept that at times someone isn’t always right. He said the keys are compromise and communication.
On the issue of changing the negative perception of the county, Ambrosini said he will lead by example and bring a high level of ethics to the office.
Lohr said he would treat everyone equally while Zapotosky said attitude is everything.
“We have a beautiful county. We have to start believing in each other,” Zapotosky said.
Zimmerlink said while it is true that Fayette County has problems and issues, they have to be addressed.
She said she doesn’t get up in the morning and decide to pick on her fellow commissioners.
“I think the media plays a big role and many times they’re unfair,” Zimmerlink said.
On the topic of the Marcellus shale natural gas drilling boom, Lohr said he embraces the industry, calling it the greatest opportunity the county has had for a long time.
Zapotosky said he supports the industry and believes the state and federal agencies will handle the adverse impacts. He said he also supports implementation of an impact fee.
Ambrosini said that Marcellus shale isn’t like the coal and coke industry of days past, adding that the commissioners should focus on bringing manufacturing jobs to the county.
Zimmerlink said she formed the county Marcellus shale task force on her own after her follow commissioners voted against a county task force. She said she welcomes the industry without sacrificing the health, safety and welfare of the county.
Each of the four candidates were given two minutes for opening statements and one minute for closing statements.
Zapotosky said if he is re-elected to a second four-year term, every decision he will make will be in the best interest of working families and children.
Zimmerlink said she has a proven record of being effective and makes every decision in the best interest of the county and for the right reasons.
Ambrosini, making his first run at public office, said he has a lot of management experience and will bring professionalism to the office.
Lohr said it is his fourth run at the office, adding that he is persistent. The U.S. Navy veteran said he served this country because he loved it and he wants to serve the county for the same reason.
The forum was attended by about two dozen people. The municipal election is Tuesday. Voters can select two candidates and the top three vote-getters will take office in January.