Monessen hires new controller

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

Monessen is on its third city controller in eight months, and the newest appointee will likely be a familiar name. 

Retired city Clerk Rosalie Nicksich was named controller in a 3-2 vote this week with Mayor Matt Shorraw and councilmen Don Gregor and Gil Coles voting in favor and Lois Thomas and Tony Orzechowski dissenting.

Nicksich retired at the end of 2013 as former Mayor Mary Jo Smith prepared to leave office and incoming Mayor Lou Mavrakis was about to take over.

When Shorraw called for the vote on Nicksich’s appointment, Orzchowski said he believed Gregor would have to abstain.  

“Why?” Gregor asked.

Orzechowski said it was because Nicksich is a member of the Grandview Cemetery Board, which employs Gregor as the cemetery’s superintendent.

“It’s immaterial,” Gregor said. “Actually, I checked with the state ethics board myself. I (would) have no control over her (city position as controller).”

“But doesn’t she control your job?” Orzechowski asked.

“No,” Gregor said. “And I don’t need to explain to you why. She’s on my board of directors. She does not control my job. And even if she did, there is no interest involved there. 

“She has no control over me as far as councilman. And I have definitely no control over Rosalie Nicksich as controller. I don’t think anyone has any control over her. You have my sympathy (city Administrator), Mr. (John) Harhai.” 

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