The Cambria County Commissioners have asked Dean Gindlesperger, a Cambria County War Memorial Authority board member, to resign.
County Solicitor William Barbin said Gindlesperger is accused of awarding a no-bid contract for about $130,000 to purchase a scoreboard back in 2016. The company awarded the contract, Amphype, is reportedly tied to Gindlesperger’s son.
“Pennsylvania law requires all governmental agencies, including the Cambria County War Memorial, to publicly advertise and accept public bids for all purchases and they did not do that in this case,” Barbin said.
In a letter signed by Commissioners Thomas Chernisky and William Smith, they write: “without immediate definitive action, you will continue to abuse your position as Chairman of the Cambria County War Memorial Authority. We, the Cambria County Commissioners, have determined that you need to be removed from your position of trust and responsibility with the Authority immediately.”
The state ethics committee launched another investigation in December, regarding a financial arrangement between Gindlesperger and the arena’s facility manager to store arena equipment.
“Lots and lots of people have no faith in the integrity of government,” Barbin said. “If you don’t start somewhere enforcing rules and holding people accountable for rules, we have no legitimate government.”
No other board members have been accused. Gindlesperger could not be reached to provide a comment.
The commissioners say they will replace him at their next meeting on August 16.