Unethical practices

I fully agree with the Post- Gazette’s July 21 editorial “OneMan Show” about Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald having free rein and infrequent challenges by other elected officials. During my tenure in County Council, I was a staunch advocate for the residents of Allegheny County by constantly challenging the county executive.

As one of many examples, I blew the whistle and averted the sale of a county asset at a giveaway price that was supported by Mr. Fitzgerald while he served as president of County Council. My concern also was that because there was little if any open bid process, the extremely low sale price may have benefited major campaign supporters at the expense of the taxpayers.

Mr. Fitzgerald’s abusive use of power is only the tip of the iceberg. One can only wonder why he was not brought up on charges when he was accused of misusing county assets ( a county vehicle) by the county controller, reported in the PG in November 2014. This is particularly of concern because any of his constituents would not have been exonerated so easily if they were accused of breaking the law.

There are many examples of his nontransparent and dictator - type of government including failing to reveal the details of his bidding for Amazon’s second headquarters, reported by the PG in January 2018. These examples and other inappropriate practices have been reported by the PG’s reporters, and the misuse of a county asset was uncovered by a county controller audit.

There are many abuses and practices by Mr. Fitzgerald and other elected officials who sit in high positions of power that warrants investigation.

MATT DROZD

Ross

The writer is a former member of County Council and is running for county executive.