Ratkovich to sue housing authority

February 17, 2006

By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News

Lawrence County Housing Authority’s maintenance superintendent said board members, management and a retired supervisor have created a hostile work environment.

Angelo Burrelli, who was Robert Ratkovich’s predecessor, has another view.

“As far as I’m concerned, he’s being a baby.”

Claiming he has been subjected to personal and political harassment, Ratkovich announced he will sue the authority for violating his civil rights and subjecting him to severe emotional distress.

In a letter dated Feb. 9, Ratkovich’s attorney, John R. Orie Jr. of Pittsburgh, notified Robert Evanick, the authority’s executive director, of Ratkovich’s intentions.

“Mr. Ratkovich has informed me that the harassment is interfering with his ability to properly perform his job for the Housing Authority,” Orie wrote.

During its meeting last week, the board — in two 3-1 votes — stripped Ratkovich of his deputy director’s title and placed him under Evanick’s direct supervision. Donald “Ducky” Conti voted against the resolutions.

Under the authority’s prior management structure, Ratkovich reported directly to the board. His annual salary — $66,976 — did not change.

Ratkovich, who also is New Castle City Council president, was out of town when the board met.

“Very big surprise,” he said. “That’s basically what it is.”

He questioned the manner the board came to its decision and the motivation.

“It was brought up under miscellaneous items (on the agenda),” Ratkovich said. “Mysterious, they had prepared resolutions. It never got discussed.

“How did they come up with that plan without discussing it in executive session?”

Robert Heath, authority board president, said he could not comment because the issue involves pending litigation. Attempts to reach authority solicitor Louis Perrotta were unsuccessful.

Ratkovich said his pending lawsuit was not the result of the board’s latest action. However, it led him to inform the board of his plans.

Orie charged that Burrelli plays a significant role in the campaign against Ratkovich.

“Mr. Burrelli continues to exert substantial influence at the Housing Authority and that the harassment of Robert Ratkovich by Mr. Burrelli and his political cronies continues to this day,” Orie wrote. “In fact, Mr. Burrelli has been quoted as saying that he is still ‘in charge’ of the day-to-day operations at the authority.”

Burrelli rejected Orie’s allegations.

“I have nothing against Rob,” he said. “Naturally, I have friends (at the authority). I’ve been there 20 years.

Burrelli also dismissed Ratkovich’s claim that he lacked proper training.

“He took a civil service test that states he was qualified.”

Burrelli added that he trained Ratkovich. Prior to retiring, Burrelli said, he directed Ratkovich to talk to Dennis Marlow, assistant maintenance superintendent, if any problems arose on the job.

“Ratkovich’s gotta remember one thing — he’s been there (11) months. He wants what I (earned) in 20 years in (11) months.”

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