LaGrotta wants Felasco's seat on housing authority board

June 20, 2006


By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News

The critic wants to replace the convict.

However, state Rep. Frank LaGrotta has at least one vote against him in his pursuit of a seat on the Lawrence County Housing Authority board.

LaGrotta informed Dan Vogler, county commissioner chairman, of his wishes to take over the seat previously held by county Treasurer Gary F. Felasco. Vogler, who received a letter from LaGrotta Saturday, said Commissioners Steve Craig and Ed Fosnaught also are aware of the legislator’s request.

Last week, the beleaguered treasurer announced his resignation from the board. The move ended the county’s efforts to unseat him through legal means. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development already had suspended Felasco from the board on Nov. 29.

A Venango County jury convicted Felasco last month on theft-related charges. He stole more than $44,000 from the treasurer’s office in 2003. Felasco awaits an Aug. 1 sentencing date.

For the past two years, LaGrotta has publicly criticized housing authority operations. His opposition to a lawn care and painting contract in May 2004 served as the starting point of his publicly expressed discontent.

“I applied because I believe I have much to offer in terms of experience and government knowledge to work to continue cleaning up an obvious mess,” LaGrotta said.

“My first action would be to call for a forensic audit of the authority. Of course, being on the board gives me more access. I have none now. I’m not allowed access to anything.”

Vogler would not discuss the merits of any particular candidate. However, referring to a comment he made in December, Vogler said yesterday he would not vote for an elected official to sit on the housing authority board.

“I made that statement,” he said. “I have to stand by it.”

However, LaGrotta, an Ellwood City resident, won’t be serving the residents of the 10th District much longer. He was narrowly defeated in the May 16 primary by Democratic challenger Jaret Gibbons.

“I have the utmost respect for Commissioner Vogler, but I disagree with his position and definition of elected official in this case,” LaGrotta said. “I will not be on the ballot in November and will leave office Dec. 1. I would have hoped for an exception to the policy.”

Vogler appeared to be unmoved by the distinction.

“As we speak tonight, he is still an elected official.”

Like his colleague, Fosnaught said he would not comment on LaGrotta.

“There are a lot of good candidates,” he said. “His name will be considered among the others.”

Attempts to reach Craig for comment were unsuccessful.

Vogler said the board vacancy will be announced at two public meetings, the first one today.

Authority board chairman Robert Heath said he has no opinion on LaGrotta or whoever else wants to be on the board.

“The commissioners picked good so far,” he said. “As long they’re nice and want to work, I’ll be glad to have them.”

When Felasco’s seat is filled, the commissioners will have one, perhaps two, more openings to address. Heath’s term expires in December.

The commissioners have gone to court seeking to remove Donald “Ducky” Conti from the board in response to his guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge involving illegal gambling devices.

County common pleas Judge J. Craig Cox will preside over that hearing, which is scheduled for July 31.