CRANBERRY TWP — The Adams Township office rented by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, for which he came under fire last week, has been leased for nearly a decade.

According to copies of leases between Metcalfe and John Johnston, owner of The Johnston House, the representative has paid $475 per month in rent to the business since December 2012, and is contracted to do so through the end of this month if the lease is not renewed.

Metcalfe’s political opponents and critics attacked the incumbent for having the office, at 7041 Crider Road, Suite D, without having advertised it or making it open to the public. Metcalfe has defended the office by saying it is for legislative business and storage, rather than for constituent services, like his office in Cranberry Township.

The 21-year representative said he previously rented a space on Route 8 for that purpose, but moved those operations to The Johnston House for the lower lease price. A copy of that lease indicated Metcalfe paid $925 per month to rent a 725-square-foot office at 1165 Pittsburgh Road in Middlesex Township from James F. Evans.

A review of other leases for district offices rented by other Butler County state representatives and senators indicated that no other county legislator currently leases an office that is not advertised to the public.