While Fayette County Commissioner Sean Cavanagh lost his bid for a third term this spring, he said he still is interested, and may return to the environment where he got his start politically, the county housing authority.
While it appears to be a longshot that Cavanagh could secure an appointment, he said he would serve if asked.
"I grew up in public housing, and I've been involved with (the authority) for 12 years," Cavanagh said.
Commissioners Cavanagh and Ron Nehls, defeated in the spring primary, will be replaced by Republicans Joe Hardy and Angela Zimmerlink on Jan. 6, 2004.
Cavanagh could nominate himself to replace housing authority Chairman Ken Johnson, whose term expires in December. But Nehls has said he would not vote for Cavanagh.
"It's not out of any disrespect for Mr. Cavanagh, but he's had his time, and I believe there are others," Nehls said.
Johnson, a businessman who grew up in Fayette public housing, said he wishes to return.
"There's still work to be done," Johnson said recently.
Commissioner Vincent Vicites, who could not be reached for comment, is unlikely to vote for Cavanagh, because of a history of feuds between the two.
In the early '90s, Cavanagh's criticism of the housing authority originally focused on the crime rampant in authority properties. His later, broader criticism, together with news coverage and an investigation from the federal department of Housing and Urban Development resulted in bribery charges and a conviction of the executive director, John Marra.
Cavanagh went on to win election as county commissioner in 1996 on the strength of the authority investigations.
Another opportunity may present itself to the new board of commissioners early next year.
Johnson said Zimmerlink may have to step down, owing to a mandatory limit of elected officials on the housing authority board.
The board already has Beverly Beal, a Laurel Highlands School District director, and Belle Vernon Mayor James Bitonti.
"So her continuing to serve on the board would be a conflict of interest," Johnson said.
If she were to step down after her term as county commissioner began, she, Hardy and Vicites would get to pick her replacement to serve the remaining four years of her five-year term.
But Zimmerlink, who has not commented, is a Republican, and Hardy has said he is not in favor of confrontational leadership. Hardy has not commented about Cavanagh publicly, however.
An authority board member who has been an on-again, off-again supporter of Cavanagh's said he would be an asset.
"Sean has been here before, and he's certainly capable," said Beal, who is the housing authority board treasurer.
Cavanagh emphasized that he is not seeking the appointment, but said he would be the ideal candidate.
"I certainly have the experience, putting the county budget together and confronting the wrongdoing at the authority. I think I could be a tremendous help," he said.
Other positions will become vacant next month.
Both Cavanagh and Nehls have agreed that Vicites supporter Martin Griglak must be replaced at the Mental Health/Mental Retardation advisory board and at the Airport Authority.
Griglak has been at the center of a controversy at the MH/MR board, where he serves as chairman.
According to Nehls, the auditor general's office confirmed that Griglak referred a matter to their office for possible investigation.
"They said 'I wouldn't worry about it, we're just looking into a complaint,'" Nehls said.
Griglak could not be reached for comment, but Cavanagh, who also serves on the board, said Griglak has politicized the board and terrorized the staff to the point that he simply must go.
"He's evil, and he's Vince Vicites' henchman. Vince makes likes he's nice in public, but behind the scenes, they're cutting everybody.
"I appointed this guy to several boards because I thought he was intelligent, but I just didn't realize what kind of person he was," Cavanagh said.
While Griglak would not say in published accounts just what the auditor general matter is about, Cavanagh said he believes it is linked to an anonymous letter that was circulated last year, accusing Cavanagh of improper dealings with MH/MR.
The letter accused Cavanagh of renting a home he owned to the organization, but he did not own it, according to tax records. He did own a home on the same street where his mother now lives.
Five terms at the MH/MR board will expire next month, including Griglak's.
His term also expires at the Airport Authority.
