GOP commissioner candidate challenges ballot order selection for Westmoreland primary

Members of Westmoreland County’s Elections Board could meet this week to consider allegations of impropriety made by a Republican candidate for county commissioner over a lottery that chose the ballot order for May’s primary.

John Ventre, one of seven GOP commissioner candidates seeking two nominations this spring, wants a do-over.

Ventre was present at last week’s drawing at the courthouse but declined to select his own number. He was given the sixth position on the ballot.

On Monday, he said it was improper for a co-worker to serve as proxy for candidate Sean Kertes when ballot positions were determined for the more than 500 candidates seeking office.

“I’m sure he didn’t cheat, but it wasn’t right,” Ventre said.

Kertes, who works as the chief of staff to retiring Commissioner Charles Anderson, received the top position on the primary ballot. Francine Gibbon, Anderson’s secretary, attended the drawing and participated on Kertes’ behalf.

“The whole thing looks improper,” Ventre said.

Kertes said Gibbon was not on duty in her official capacity and took time off of work to attend the drawing.

Elections Bureau Director Beth Lechman said while there is no prohibition against proxies drawing names for candidates, the elections code suggests candidates sign letters authorizing someone to draw on their behalf. Elections bureau employees drew numbers for candidates who were not present and did not have proxies at the meeting.

Kertes did not submit a letter authorizing someone to draw on his behalf. Republican candidate Ron Gazze was the lone Republican commissioners candidate to draw his own number. His name will be listed fifth. Heather Wersing Cordial authorized her sister to draw on her behalf and received the third position on the ballot.

“The complaint was forwarded to the county solicitor’s office and human resources,” Lechman said.

The county election’s board in most years includes the three county commissioners. Democratic commissioners Ted Kopas and Gina Cerilli, because they are candidates this year, recused themselves from the board. Common Pleas Judges Christopher Feliciani and Meagan Bilik-DeFazio were appointed as their replacements.

Lechman said the next regularly scheduled board meeting is April 27. Plans are being made for the judges along with Anderson to convene this week to discuss Ventre’s complaint and other items.