May 13, 2002 By Vince Vicites 3 min read

I have spent 20 years in government service methodically accepting criticism and insults (many voiced without factual information) as just a part of my job. Those comments clearly intended to provoke me into offensive bickering are nearly always ignored. However, Commissioner Cavanagh spewed out such a reprehensible and blindsided attack against me that it left me no choice but to respond.

I cannot recall any occasion in our political world of a responsible government official, who had differences with a colleague (particularly the same party), ever resorting to such obnoxious conduct. It would require volumes to properly expose his many lies which would only put me at his level in the eyes of a weary public. Of course I would welcome telephone calls from any concerned citizen who would like an explanation of those reckless charges.

Instead, I would like to analyze the motivation and rationale for Sean’s behavior. One wonders what lurks in a mind that could produce such a hateful and vicious assault on a fellow commissioner. The general public can hardly imagine what it’s like for me and others to have to work every day with someone who tries to intimidate and flaunt his authority. Unfortunately, I am sure the public can expect to see more and more blindsided attacks against me in the future as the election year draws near.

In the past, Commissioner Cavanagh has accused me of being controlled by Fred Lebder. I have always set the record straight on that accusation. The people of Fayette County know by now that my decision making is focused on standing up for what I believe is best for the county’s future. I make my own decisions. Recently Sean Cavanagh has accused me of attacking him for stating publicly that he and Fred Lebder are working closely together. Simply put, this was no attack, it is a known fact.

I do worry about what effect the situation has for the future of Fayette County. The past couple of years our people have had reason to be optimistic about the direction we were taking them. Who knows what will happen if those opposed to prosperity and change gain new strength.

Until now, this board of commissioners has produced more initiatives and started more projects than was seen in the last 40 years combined. It needs our cooperation and teamwork to see them through to completion. I remain 100 percent committed to the goal of completing these projects.

By now the citizens of Fayette County know me for my honesty, integrity, conservative prudence in fiscal management and my respectable dignified personal character.

No malicious attacks by Cavanagh or his surrogates can change that.

Vincent A. Vicites is chairman of the Fayette County Board of Commissioners.