Officials in a county in Western Pennsylvania are trying to figure out how Larry Markwood was reappointed to the county industrial authority board. It’s not that he doesn’t have the credentials, it’s just that he’s been dead since August 2012.
The Fayette County Industrial Authority board hasn’t met since 2010. According to The Associated Press, county commissioners said that they did interview candidates and sent letters to those who were previously on the board. However, they still reappointed Markwood.
“We will be smarter next time,” Chairman Vincent Zapotosky told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Wednesday. He explained that they had not received any notification about Markwood’s death, but that didn’t really please resident Terry Kriss.
“If the gentleman passed away two years ago, why didn't any of the board members pick up a phone or email you or (otherwise) let you know one of the board members is deceased and you need to reappoint or fill that position?” Kriss asked the commissioners.
Frank LaCava has been a member of the board for four years and said he never met Markwood and he’s never been called for a meeting. However, he’s still enthusiastic about being a member of the board, even if they did appoint a dead man by accident.
“The commissioners can't do everything. They appoint these boards in good faith,” LaCava said.