The Centre County Board of Commissioners yesterday voted 2-1 vote not to change the Centre County district attorney position from part-time to full-time status.

The deciding vote was cast by Denny Sciabica, the board's newest member. Sciabica campaigned in support the idea of a full-time district attorney position but voted against the proposal.

Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar said he could not explain Sciabica's change of heart.

"There is no rational explanation for it -- he showed that he did not do what he said he would do, and he is just another disappointing politician," Gricar said.

Although Sciabica originally supported making the position full-time, budgetary reasons steered his decision.

Increasing the district attorney's salary from $40,000 to $79,000 would be too great a burden on taxpayers, Sciabica said.

"I felt I had to do what is best for the county and therefore could not justify the decision at this time," he said.

Commissioner Vicki Bumbarger Wedler, the board's chairwoman, also cited the pay raise as a factor, saying that there is no guarantee the salary would stay at $79,000. The state sets the rate and could increase it at any time, putting more of a burden on taxpayers.

Bumbarger Wedler called the state law a "sham," saying the law would not require Gricar to work more hours.

Commissioner Keith Bierly remained the board's lone supporter of full-time status for the district attorney.

"Those who are involved in the criminal justice system in Centre County know (a full-time district attorney) is needed," he said.

Bierly and Gricar agreed that opponents of a full-time position might have worked against them. Gricar said this could have influenced Sciabica's decision.

"(Sciabica) could have listened to some people who may have clout and do not want a vigorous district attorney," he said.

Gricar said he does not see the issue going anywhere at the present time -- at least not with the current Board of Commissioners -- but vowed to continue his efforts.

"We will have to have another leader who can show greater intelligence and be more decisive," he said.

But Bumbarger Wedler said the sooner this issue is behind the board, the sooner the board can attend to serving the citizens' needs.

"I am sick to death of this issue, and hope we can put it behind us," she said.

Yesterday's vote is by no means a setback, Gricar added.

"I am happy as a part-time district attorney and will run again next year," he said. "It is the public that is at a loss."