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June 20, 2008

Orelli mum on Veon campaign

By John K. Manna

New Castle Councilman Chet Orelli Jr. has declined comment on a newspaper account regarding his former boss’ re-election campaign.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported in its Sunday edition that more than 80 e-mails obtained by the newspaper showed how then-state House Minority Whip Mike Veon’s campaign drew dozens of state employees to work for his re-election.

Veon, a Democrat from Beaver County, lost his re-election bid to Republican Jim Marshall.

Orelli, who was an aide to Veon at the time, was one of several staffers to receive a bonus. His bonus was $10,065.

State Attorney General Tom Corbett is investigating the bonuses to determine whether they constituted an illegal use of political work.

The Post-Gazette said that a legislative aide to Veon had e-mailed a script for telephone canvassers to use in Veon’s primary race.

According to the Post-Gazette, the script reads: “Mike wanted me to give you a call to see what issues are most important to you. Also he want(s) to remind you that if you ever need any help to call his district office in Beaver Falls at 847-1352.”

The script was sent to both Brett Cott, Veon’s top aide, and Orelli at their state accounts, the newspaper said.

Regarding the Post-Gazette story, Orelli said yesterday, “I can’t comment on it.”

When asked if he has been interviewed by the attorney general, he said, “I can’t comment.”

And when asked whether he has appeared before a grand jury, Orelli responded, “I cannot comment on that.”

Orelli, now a policy adviser for state Rep. Jaret Gibbons of Ellwood City, said in December that he “was never aware of the e-mails.”

He also said previously that he had been told that his bonus was for legislative work.

Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo was asked whether he was concerned, because Orelli is an elected city official.

Mastrangelo responded, “At this time, I’d just like to reserve my comments.”

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