As your Recorder of Deeds, I believe the people of Fayette County deserve straight answers, not political spin. This page is dedicated to addressing the most common questions about the office, my record, and my plans moving forward. From protecting your property rights and modernizing our services to cutting waste and standing up for veterans, I want you to see exactly where I stand.
Your trust matters, and transparency isn’t just a promise — it’s how I run this office every single day.
I’ve always believed voters deserve honesty — not rehearsed political answers. My focus is, and always will be, on doing the job Fayette County residents elected me to do: protecting property rights, keeping records secure, and running a fiscally responsible Recorder’s Office that saves taxpayer money year after year.
I’m committed to continuing that work for as long as the people of Fayette County want me to serve in this role. If someday the voters call me to serve in another capacity, that decision will be theirs — not mine.
For now, my full attention is right where it belongs — serving the people of Fayette County and keeping our Recorder’s Office running efficiently, transparently, and with integrity.
I’m already delivering on this. I’ve overseen the transition to Tyler Technologies and more modern software, which has made the office more accurate and efficient than ever before. I also digitized Fayette County’s records, giving residents and professionals faster, easier access while safeguarding the originals. These upgrades not only protect your property rights but also ensure that every document is processed with full accountability and transparency. Moving forward, I’ll continue adopting proven technology that strengthens security and keeps Fayette County at the forefront of record management.
I launched an ADA-compliant website that’s easy to use on both computers and smartphones. I’m working toward free deed fraud protection online and expanding search capabilities so attorneys, title companies, and homeowners can pull up records in seconds. No more waiting in line for something that should be at your fingertips.
By March, Fayette County residents will have access to free deed fraud protection—something no previous administration has provided. That means if someone tries to forge or tamper with your deed, you’ll know right away. I’ve also put safeguards in place to keep fraudulent filings from slipping into the system in the first place.
The contractor in question was already working on the courthouse walkway project. They were on site, and I saw firsthand the quality of their work. When rain kept delaying that project, I asked if they had the manpower and certifications to take on additional projects my office needed.
Here are your 7 questions answered directly:
Where did I find them? – They were already working right here at the courthouse.
Are they friends of mine? – No.
Are they relatives? – No.
Are they donors? – No.
Are they supporters? – No.
How did I find them if they weren’t friends, family, donors, or supporters? – They were on site working for the county already.
Did I visit similar projects they did? – Yes, I saw the walkway project they were doing at the courthouse, which was exactly why I had confidence in their ability.
The truth is simple: other contractors I spoke with either didn’t have the required certifications, the manpower, or the time to get the work done. This contractor did, and I made a decision in the best interest of the people of Fayette County to move the project forward.
Technology should serve people, not burden them. My priority is efficient, secure access—online fraud monitoring, expanded e-recording services, and streamlined search tools that save time and money for residents and businesses.
I’ve shown it can be done. Year after year, I’ve cut spending in my office while still modernizing services. I’ve delivered more with less by focusing on smart investments that save money long-term. Modernization doesn’t mean bigger budgets — it means cutting waste, streamlining processes, and putting taxpayer dollars to work where they actually help residents.
I’ve already taken action. Our records are protected through redundant backups that ensure nothing is lost, even in the event of a system failure. On top of that, I’ve partnered with Tyler Technologies, a trusted leader in government software, to provide secure, encrypted systems that meet the highest cybersecurity standards. Protecting your property records isn’t something I’ll do “someday” — it’s something I’m doing right now.
Every dollar the office collects belongs to the taxpayers. I publish clear budget numbers and return excess to the county’s general fund instead of wasting it. That’s why I’ve been recognized for responsible budgeting.
I oppose hidden or inflated fees. I will fight to keep fees low and predictable, and I’ve already reduced unnecessary costs so residents aren’t nickel-and-dimed.
By being resourceful. Modernization doesn’t always mean more money—it means smarter spending. I upgrade technology only when it cuts costs and helps residents directly.
Veterans come first. Their records are handled with priority and care. I’ve launched a veteran voter ID program and will continue expanding benefits—making it easier for vets to access discounts, services, and fraud protection.
Yes. I plan more outreach sessions with local VFWs and American Legions to promote free deed fraud protection and explain how veterans can use their ID programs to access community discounts.
No. That claim is a distortion of the facts.
I raised concerns about discrepancies in Fayette County’s mail-in ballots. Voters deserve full confidence in the process, and I believed those concerns needed to be addressed.
The county solicitor was required to respond, but that’s routine in any case against the county. It was minimal and had no impact on county operations or my office’s budget.
I decided not to pursue additional motions because I found more effective ways to work on election integrity—through lobbying efforts and legislative action. That’s where real, lasting reforms can be made.
Absolutely not. The Recorder of Deeds office was never involved, and no office funds or staff time were used.
The case was short-lived, routine, and had zero impact on Fayette County taxpayers. The claim that it “cost money” is nothing more than a political talking point.
My record shows consistent fiscal responsibility and modernization:
Cutting spending in the Recorder’s Office every year.
Digitizing records for faster, safer access.
Launching an ADA-compliant website.
Creating a Veteran Voter ID program.
Preparing free deed fraud protection for all residents.
Simple—while others twist the facts, I’ve proven that I defend election integrity without burdening taxpayers, and I’ll continue to do so.
No. That claim is misleading. There was never a single $75,000 “renovation contract.” These were small, incremental purchases made over the year, all aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and productivity as we continue digitizing decades of property records.
Ergonomic chairs and workstations so staff could scan and index records for long hours without injury.
Durable conference tables and public counters to better serve residents face-to-face.
A new server room humidifier to protect both microfiche and modern digital systems.
Every purchase followed county policy. We sought multiple quotes for furnishings and documented every expense for full transparency.
Yes. The District Attorney, the Attorney General, and the Ethics Commission all reviewed the matter. At this time they found no wrongdoing.
Politics. The truth doesn’t fit their narrative, so they twist it. The reality is simple: I didn’t decorate an office—I built one that serves the people of Fayette County with integrity, transparency, and pride.
If “lavish” means giving staff safe equipment, protecting vital records, and making the office more accessible to residents, then I’ll wear it proudly—because this office belongs to the people of Fayette County, and I’ll keep treating it that way.
No. That claim is false. What we did was a public awareness campaign to educate residents about the services of the Recorder of Deeds Office—nothing more.
They listed only the Recorder of Deeds Office name and contact information. No campaign slogans, no political messages, and no self-promotion. Just the information people need to reach us.
Yes. State Senator Pat Stefano, for example, distributed nearly identical materials. Sheriffs, state reps, and many other officials across Pennsylvania do the same to connect residents with government services.
The ad aired during a local high school football game on WMBS. Its purpose was to explain the Recorder’s Office—what we do with deeds, mortgages, veteran records, and more—so residents understand how we serve them.
Because taxpayers deserve to know what their government offices do and how to access services. That’s not politics—it’s transparency and accountability.
To my knowledge, no other office in Fayette County is delivering this level of community outreach. That’s not a criticism—it’s just the higher standard I set. If you’re paying for the office, you deserve to know how it works.
Yes, but here’s the truth: it was a personal legal dispute where the attorney used block billing—a questionable practice that often inflates charges by lumping services together without detail.
Absolutely. I paid the legitimate fees. Then, without warning, the attorney demanded an additional, exorbitant amount that was never part of any signed agreement.
I filed preliminary objections, and the attorney failed to respond within the court’s required timeframe.
No. This was a private matter, completely unrelated to taxpayer funds or county operations.
Politics. My opponents are twisting a personal dispute into a smear. The truth is simple: I’ve run the Recorder’s Office with accountability, transparency, and integrity from day one—and that’s what really matters to Fayette County taxpayers.
No. That claim is completely false and intentionally misleading.
Air pump – used for server maintenance to clear dust and debris from sensitive equipment and ventilation areas in the server room. This prevents overheating and hardware failure.
Humidifier – protects both microfiche records and the server room. Proper climate control is critical to preserving historical documents and digital systems.
Flashlights – used by staff during power outages, inspections, and when working in archive storage areas with limited lighting.
Absolutely not. Every item is still located in the Recorder’s Office and used exclusively by staff for official duties.
They’re routine, responsible measures to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the office—essential for preserving public records.
Politics. Opponents are twisting basic office maintenance into a so-called scandal. But the people of Fayette County know better—I’ve always put transparency and integrity first.
The 2024 scheduled audit of the Recorder of Deeds Office found:
No fraud No abuse No misappropriation of funds No material weaknesses All expenditures were lawful, justified, and documented
And that’s not just my opinion—it’s the official conclusion of the County Controller, the auditors, and the Solicitor, following a full review of financial records for the calendar year of 2024.
Yes, the Controller’s office noted a few automation fund purchases they felt may not align with their interpretation of the fund’s purpose. But even they admitted this was a matter of professional opinion—not legal authority. In their letter dated March 14, 2025, they acknowledged that automation fund laws are “quite broad,” and their remarks were based on erring on the side of caution, not on any legal violation.
Let’s also be clear: several other row offices are scheduled for the same audit. This was part of a routine audit process and was not initiated due to any complaint or reported violation.
Yet despite this, the establishment is using the audit header to try to mislead the public. What’s worse—they never made the report public themselves. This is just another smear attempt, hoping people will believe headlines without seeing the actual facts.
But no worries—you deserve the truth, and you’ll get it.
The full report, along with a formal response from the Recorder’s Office Solicitor, can be found below.
I invited this audit because I believe in transparency. And unlike other offices where financial records can take 30 days to access through a Right-to-Know request, I posted the report directly to my social media—no delays, no spin, just the facts.
If you want real oversight, let’s ask about the millions of dollars flowing through:
Why aren’t they being held to the same standard?
I’ve modernized the office, built an ADA-compliant website, cut turnaround times, and equipped staff to serve you better. I’ve welcomed scrutiny—and the record shows it.
This office belongs to you, not the political insiders. And that’s exactly how I’ll continue to run it.
To my knowledge, no I am not under investigation by the Attorney General’s Office—or by any law enforcement or ethics agency and never have been.
Every purchase, every decision, and every modernization effort in the Recorder’s Office has been documented, submitted through the county’s financial system, and fully transparent. If there had been any wrongdoing, the Attorney General, District Attorney, or Ethics Commission would have taken action. They haven’t—because there’s nothing to find.
These rumors are nothing more than politically motivated smear tactics designed to distract from my record: cutting spending every year, modernizing services, protecting property rights, and delivering real transparency for Fayette County taxpayers.
Independence protects taxpayers. I don’t answer to commissioners, party bosses, or special interests—I answer to the people. That said, I will cooperate where it helps residents, but I won’t rubber-stamp reckless spending or bad policy.
Transparency is not just a promise — it’s how I already operate. Through the Right-to-Know process, residents can access office budgets and spending information today. I’ve also gone further, asking if I can legally publish our bank statements directly on the Recorder’s website so taxpayers can see exactly where every dollar goes. I’m waiting on a formal response from council which takes time and research, but make no mistake — my goal is full, proactive transparency so the people of Fayette County don’t have to ask for the truth, they can see it anytime.
I’ve done it successfully for years. I oversee budgets, staff training, modernization, fraud protection, and daily operations.
We already have an amazing staff in the Recorder’s Office — some of the most professional, hardworking people in Fayette County government. I make training a priority, but the truth is, our staff already sets the standard for professionalism and customer service. Residents, attorneys, and title companies know they’ll be treated with respect and efficiency when they walk through our doors. My role is to keep investing in their training and tools so they can continue to deliver the top-notch service Fayette County deserves.
When I came into office, Fayette County’s property records were stuck on old microfiche, which made them hard to access and vulnerable to damage. With the help of my incredible staff, I made it a priority to digitize every deed so they would be preserved and accessible for future generations. Today, those records are on a secure drive, they’re being indexed for searchability, and within the year they’ll be available directly on our website for residents, attorneys, and title companies to use. What was once an outdated and fragile system is now becoming a modern, transparent, and secure resource — and I accomplished it, alongside my staff.
By delivering results. People don’t trust words; they trust action. I’ve proven year after year that I cut costs, modernize services, and fight for property rights. That’s how you rebuild trust.
Everyone who comes through our doors deserves the same level of service — whether you’re a homeowner checking your deed, an attorney working on a closing, or a title company processing dozens of records. The key is that my staff is truly amazing. They handle every request with professionalism and efficiency, and I will always support and defend their work ethic and dedication. By giving them the tools and training they need, I ensure they can continue to meet the needs of all groups fairly, while keeping ordinary citizens at the heart of everything we do.
Because I’ve proven it. While others talk, I deliver: lower spending, modernized systems, fraud protection, veteran services, and transparency. My opponent represents the same establishment that raised your taxes and nearly bankrupted our county. I represent you, the people. I’ll keep fighting for your property rights, your tax dollars, and your trust—just like I always have.
My opponent brags about being a “lifelong Democrat” like that’s some kind of qualification. All that really means is he’s loyal to the same failed policies that have crushed taxpayers and grown government. Me? I’ve worked with Republicans, Democrats, independents, and even third parties — because I’m a man of the people, not the party bosses. I don’t care what letter is next to your name; if it’s good for Fayette County, I’ll fight for it. That’s the difference. He answers to his party. I answer to you.
Because my record proves it. I’ve never been afraid to stand up to the political establishment, no matter how loud they get. My opponent, on the other hand, is cut from the same cloth as Vince Vicites — and Vince doesn’t want an independent Recorder of Deeds, he wants a puppet who will keep quiet while he raises your taxes. Since 2019, county taxes have gone up 78.2%, while the row offices — including mine — have consistently stayed under budget. You have to wonder why politicians keep demanding more from taxpayers when we’ve proven responsible budgeting is possible. I won’t shut up about that. I’ll keep fighting for the people of Fayette County, not the establishment.
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