Apr 21, 2003 4 min read

This is in response to an April 4 letter by Miranda Adenhart wherein she praised Commissioner (Sean) Cavanagh’s behavior. I hope the newspaper will be fair and extend the same courtesy to me. In presenting another side of Cavanagh, I am calling attention to an incident that occurred following a meeting on April 9 at the 911 Center. As people were milling about, my husband asked to speak to Mr. Cavanagh. Cavanagh waved him off, refusing to speak. My husband is Steve Hartsek, a 73-year-old Korean veteran and former businessman who is known to be courteous and respectable and for his calm personality. He again said to Cavanagh that he did not appreciate rumors spread about our family.

Cavanagh, playing for the crowd, raised his hands and screamed that he was being threatened. Then he yelled that my husband had a gun. He ordered law enforcement officers to take Steve outside and search him. It was total shock because nothing occurred to precipitate such wild accusations. My husband was subjected to public humiliation, defamation of character and extreme anxiety. It was an unexpected attack, and a complete shock for which my husband required medical attention.

There is no way to rationalize such reckless conduct by a public official in a public place. This is not the first incident of Cavanagh’s bizarre actions of waving arms and screaming. This is his way of attracting attention and making it appear that he is always a victim.

Furthermore, the security officer mentioned that Steve had passed through his security with no problem and knew him to be a decent person.

We often read sensationalized articles about Cavanagh.

Mr. Cavanagh, if you are not capable of shame for your conduct, at least you cannot claim this time to be the “victim,” because this time you imposed that title upon my husband.

Vicki Hartsek

Uniontown

A case of buyer beware

Back in December 2001, I purchased a used vehicle from a local dealer. Along with this vehicle, the salesman sold me their best-extended warranty, $1,300 worth. This bumper-to-bumper warranty, anything happens you bring it back here, we’ll take care of it warranty, has recently been put to the test. Much to my surprise, and disappointment, it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on. Even though the brochure, the contract and the salesman specifically state that these repairs should be covered, they are not being honored.

The dealer can’t even answer why. It has been three weeks now and no one is returning my calls. Simply put, they have no idea what they sold me. Now I am faced with seeking legal help. Not only are these repairs not being covered, but they won’t even service the vehicle where I purchased it. Maybe there are two other bumpers on my vehicle that I’m not aware of.

Michael Pappas

Brownsville

Retirees can promote public good

Hello, retirees. Where the heck are you guys?

I know you retired to get a break, but hey, I’m bored. How about you?

We need your leadership in the townships, boroughs, cities, counties and state. We don’t need the professional politicians who spend most of their time telling the news and local papers that I did this and my opponent didn’t, so vote for me for another term.

We need qualified people like retirees who don’t need the money and would be interested in doing what is right for the county and the majority of the people, not special interest groups.

Do we really need three “full-time” commissioners that do what for the big bucks they make?

I’m sure there are a lot of qualified retirees out there who would be willing to hold these offices for no salary or a pittance and expenses.

Come on, let’s give a little free time. Let’s make the meetings and get involved. We may be too late this term, but watch out next election.

G.W. Hallas

Vanderbilt