Westmoreland Democrat chairman rips commissioner Courtney over golf event

July 10--The new chairman of Westmoreland County'sDemocratic Committee on Wednesday issued a blistering attack against a Republican county commissioner for participating in a charity golf event funded by a county vendor.

"It's shameful that Tyler Courtney actually bragged about his fancy golf outing on social media the day it occurred. It's as if he has no clue what he did is wrong," Chairman Henry Boldyzar Jr. said.

But Commissioner Tyler Courtney said he does not intend to repay the cost of playing in the Pro-Am tournament prior to the Constellation Senior Players Championship on June 25 at Fox Chapel Country Club.

"The Democrats' political motivation is apparent here," Courtney said. "I just think it's a witch hunt."

He said he was invited to join a foursome that included state Rep. Jim Christiana, R-Beaver, at the behest of a long-time friend, Highmark executive Tom Fitzpatrick. The group included a PGA Senior tour professional.

Highmark, along with UPMC, provides health insurance for Westmoreland County employees. The foursome got together on the day after Christiana sponsored legislation favored by Highmark in its dispute with UPMC over providing health care and health insurance in the region.

Courtney said he and Fitzpatrick have been friends for about 10 years. They met through Courtney's previous business endeavors in the private sector and occasionally have socialized. "We're just personal friends," Courtney said.

Boldyzar suggested Courtney repay Highmark $5,000.

Highmark spokesman Aaron Bilger said that, although the cost of a foursome in the charity event typically would cost about $20,000, the company paid less as a tournament sponsor.

"He (Courtney) participated as a guest of Highmark," Bilger said. "The golfing portion of the hospitality did not exceed $650."

Under state ethics provisions, elected officials must disclose gifts above that limit. There is no provision that prevented Courtney from accepting the gift.

Courtney said he will list a $500 gift from Highmark on his 2014 statement of financial disclosure when it is filed next spring. Earlier this week, he amended his 2013 disclosure to reveal a $500 gift for his participation in the same golf event last year.

"There is nothing to repay. It was a charity event," Courtney said. "And we have both Highmark and UPMC here. There is no favoritism here. We're not looking to change our plan."

Christiana could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

In 2005, former Democratic commissioner Tom Ceraso took political heat when it was revealed he attended the Masters Golf Tournament in Georgia at the expense of a lobbyist for a county vendor.

Ceraso eventually repaid the lobbyist $3,000 for his airfare and ticket to the event.

Rich Cholodofsky is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-830-6293 or rcholodofsky@tribweb.com.

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