The investigation continues into a Bradford man’s challenge of
McKean County commissioner candidate Al Pingie’s campaign finance
reports.

As of Monday afternoon, there was no immediate word on when a
decision might be reached in the case.

The matter is currently before District Attorney John Pavlock,
who has jurisdiction over election matters.

“We have received the material from the elections office,”
Pavlock said, remaining tight-lipped about the case. “It’s still
under investigation.”

The situation arose after Bruce Holiday of Bradford wrote a
letter dated May 18 to Director of Elections Judy Ordiway stating
that Pingie received election campaign contributions from several
businesses, claiming such contributions are illegal.

The reports were filed before the May 15 primary election,
during which Pingie claimed one of two Republican spots on the
general election ballot in November. Port Allegany Mayor Joe DeMott
won the other position.

Also appearing on the November ballot will be Democrats Clifford
Lane, a current commissioner, and Judy Church of Smethport.

In his letter, Holiday wrote that Pingie received election
campaign contributions from several businesses, claiming such
contributions are illegal.

Ordiway said a candidate can’t accept contributions from any
incorporated business. The total amount of contributions in
question amounts to $650; Pingie listed a total of $2,600 in
contributions between Jan. 1 and April 30, according to a copy of
the campaign finance reports filed at the courthouse.

Pingie has since sent back checks to the businesses and sent
them letters apologizing for the error, noting he didn’t mean to
show any profitable gain or malicious intent.

The county’s three-member board of elections will be notified of
any decision in the case, officials said.