Beaver County probes real estate deal with ex-solicitor amid concerns

In Beaver County, Pennsylvania, a real estate transaction involving former county solicitor Joe Askar has raised concerns about potential insider dealings. Askar purchased the old Beaver County Times building for $675,000 in August 2023, shortly after the county reassessed the property, valuing it at $3.2 million. He is now set to sell the building to the county for $2.8 million, which would yield a profit of over $2 million. County Controller, Longo, has questioned whether Askar had prior knowledge of the county's interest in the property due to his position with the Beaver County Assessment Office. She has requested an investigation from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to clarify these concerns. Askar has denied any wrongdoing, claiming he bought the building as an investment and had no insider information. Despite assurances from Beaver County Commissioners Chairman Dan Camp that the sale is legitimate, public perception remains skeptical, with many questioning the ethics of the transaction. The situation highlights the complexities of real estate dealings within local government and the potential for conflicts of interest when personal relationships intersect with public responsibilities.