In response to the article, “Westmoreland commissioner endorses chief of staff in Republican primary” (March 14, TribLIVE): Chuck Anderson sent a clear message that a vote for Sean Kertes is a vote for Gina Cerilli. Apparently the minority commissioner likes the status quo and couldn’t bring himself to endorse a second Republican with seven to choose from. Why would he, when he himself was appointed commissioner by Democratic judges 11 years ago, over the objections of the Republican Party, and he has rubber-stamped almost every policy Cerilli asked for?
Only Ted Kopas, a Democrat, votes against Cerilli. A look at Anderson’s donor list shows the same board members from our Municipal Authority as Cerilli. Kertes also sees no appearance of impropriety in accepting donations from no-bid ($1.6 million contract) Charles Volpe, who is a longtime friend of Cerilli. Is Volpe a secret longtime friend of Kertes and Mark Mears, or just buying influence?
Anderson said, “(Kertes) gives me sound advice.” Does that include Anderson’s assessment at the January Chamber of Commerce luncheon that Westmoreland County is in a “death spiral”?
There is a long list of commissioner failures under this administration.
Unlike Anderson, I endorse two Republicans not named Sean. We all respect Anderson’s military service. Join me in wishing him good health in his retirement.
John Ventre
Hempfield
The writer is a Republican candidate for county commissioner.