Zimmerlink critics, newspaper taken to task
Wow, what a week this has been for Fayette County Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink. I am still in shock by the Herald-Standard’s disturbingly obsessive, overzealous, incredible saturation of its pages with the full frontal attack on her integrity. The nonsensical articles — if one can actually call them that — were merely a public scourging of her by so many small-minded men.
You allowed everyone to take a swing at her, to jump on the political bandwagon and spew bitterness and rage. Surprisingly, in the weeklong assault, there were no harsh comments to be found by a woman, or by any waitress.
It just illustrates what a “good ole boys” type of county we reside in. It read almost as if the men have circled their wagons and are intent in running her out of dodge. Simply because she has more intelligence, dignity, common sense and courage to fight for her beliefs than they do. Funny how a woman who thinks for herself, and does not cave to pressure and threats, can generate such hostile press by her fellow commissioners.
I admire and respect Zimmerlink for continuing to look at the issues objectively, logically and fairly, and to explore all options. There is no personal gain or self-interest in her decisions. She is always accessible, has helped me on countless occasions, and gets fast results. She is the “get her done” commissioner for me, and keeps her word.
For instance, her views on the need for a new prison: she did her research, thoroughly considered the data and realizes what a fiscal bombshell a new prison would be on the ever-dwindling number of taxpayers, the majority of whom do not support the other two commissioners in their rush to build. She stated that we have to live within our means, and that is true.
Why jump the gun Mr. Ambrosini? You said the engineering firm Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates are “very respected in this field” and are considered “the gold standard in prison analysis and design.”
A peek at their website gives a different story. That “gold standard” firm is less than 30 years old, from Mechanicsburg and is known for its designing of schools. Their site shows many promising projects in the works, such as a parking lot for a Rite Aid, a drive-thru automated teller machine for a bank in York and a Cabella’s store. Now that’s the gold standard Ambrosini must be searching for. But, to their credit, the firm did receive an honors award for designing a Nature Center in Harrisburg.
Also, the firm’s ratings have dramatically changed in one year. In 2011 they ranked 396 out of the 500 largest architectural firms in the U.S. by the Engineering News Record. In 2012 they ranked 467 out of 500. Quite a drop in one year. Our county can do better in a search for a bidder.
All Zimmerlink did was challenge the need for a new prison, and asked her peers to consider upgrading and expanding what we currently have, so we can stop the financial bleeding of the county. Yet, all hell broke loose in trying to beat her back. So much behind the scenes activity going on, perhaps that is why everyone wanted to slam her last week in print: subterfuge.
Who is going to pay for this project, Mr. Ambrosini? Perhaps (controller) Sean Lally can donate any money he receives if he wins his lawsuit against the county — or perhaps if he drops that litigation, it would save the county money.
Again, kudos to the Herald-Standard for publishing his absurd letter on Thursday, referring to an old lawsuit of Zimmerlink’s. And the ensuing gibberish of his content was indecipherable. Those certainly are not his words. I wonder what local attorney helped write that letter? What a hypocrite you are, Mr. Lally. Your title suits you perfectly.
Beware, Fayette County — you are going be paying for a new prison at the fairgrounds before you know it. It is a done deal, as evidenced by the sudden need for security guards at county meetings and Mr. Zapotosky likening that need to the shootings at the Navy Yard earlier in the week. Commissioner Ambrosini claims the guards are needed to prevent a “circus atmosphere” at the meetings, yet he is paid extra to retain order at them. Who pays for those guards?
Parents, will you feel safe bringing your children to the fair with a prison next door? I think not. Today, from 6 to 8 p.m. a public hearing will be help at Eberly Campus to discuss plans for this fiasco. But beware — all questions must be submitted in writing, and will be read by a moderator. Sounds like it is already out of our hands. Perhaps that’s why Mr. Ambrosini hired those extra guards. Hang in there, Angela. It can only get better.
Marybeth Homistek is a resident of Fairchance