By Linda Metz, Staff writer

lmetz@observer-reporter.com

The controversy continues within the Washington County Democratic Committee.

Committee members, now under leadership of new Chairman George Vitteck, again appeared Tuesday before Judge John DiSalle, about a month after everyone thought the committee's internal problems had been settled.

This time, Vitteck sought court intervention to obtain financial records and two computers from former chairman Milan P. Marinkovich. The computers were given to the committee by U.S. Rep. John Murtha.

According to Vitteck, Marinkovich has failed to respond to regular and certified letters requesting the items. Vitteck took over chairmanship of the committee about a month ago by defeating Marinkovich in a committee election.

DiSalle issued a writ of seizure for the property, but it was not filed Tuesday. Attorney James Jeffries said he would file it today.

Vitteck said the committee plans to hire a Canonsburg accounting firm to conduct an audit of the financial records once they're turned over by Marinkovich.

"But we have no idea where they're at," Vitteck said.

Also at question was a $4,100 check issued by Marinkovich, who claims the amount is all that is left in the committee's coffers.

Jeffries said the committee was unsure whether it could set up a new account and deposit the check. However, he said the committee now plans to do so after meeting with the judge.

"I don't want to cause any further embarrassment to the Democratic Party, and I hope to settle this amicably," said Vitteck, who went on to point out that time is of the essence as Pennsylvania's primary is quickly approaching.

"Pennsylvania may end up being a key state in this presidential election," he stated.

Meanwhile, Marinkovich said he was shocked by the news that his opponents returned to court Tuesday.

"I just got back from Georgia visiting my son," Marinkovich said. "It would have been nice if someone would have contacted my attorney."

In fact, Marinkovich said he plans to attend a committee meeting Saturday at the Alpine Club in Washington, where he will hand over the computers.

"That would be fantastic," said Jeffries.

As for the financial records, he explained that he didn't keep "books per se," but instead filed expense reports with the county and the state. Marinkovich said those reports can easily be obtained and are on file with the county's election bureau.

"And $4,100 is all that's left," Marinkovich said.

Hopes were that the January election of officers would end an 18-month legal battle that began when the two men last faced off for the chairmanship on June 15, 2006. At that time, committee members Harry Sabatasse and George Retos sought an injunction to halt the election, citing voting irregularities. The men claimed people ineligible to cast proxy ballots were stuffing the ballot box in favor of Marinkovich.

Washington County Judge John DiSalle granted the injunction. The move resulted in months of legal wrangling that went as high as the state Superior Court.

The two factions finally decided to put their differences aside on Dec. 14, just moments before another hearing was to be held before DiSalle. They agreed to hold another election, but with the state Democratic Committee's supervision.

Obviously, old wounds take time to heal.

"I may have lost the battle, but the war isn't over yet," said Marinkovich, who continues to serve as a committeeman.

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