Democratic County Executive Candidates Debate Issues

May 13, 2011 9:21 PM

(Photo Credit: NEWSRADIO 1020 KDKA)

Reporting Marty Griffin

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Heard On NEWSRADIO 1020 KDKA, KDKA, Local, News, Politics, Watch + Listen

Election Returns

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –The two Democrats running for Allegheny County Executive went at each other Friday morning on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.

The debate was hosted by KDKA’s Marty Griffin.

Rich Fitzgerald and Mark Patrick Flaherty first focused on their strengths to be county executive, but the candidates generally clashed over campaign ads, including a new Flaherty on the Port Authority tunnel which Fitzgerald called a lie.

“No, I am not lying, and I definitely am not desperate. I think the tunnel’s a real issue. I think it was done incorrectly,” Flaherty said.

“I had nothing to do with the tunnel, but it’s a Corbett-like attack,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s what Tom Corbett used last fall against Dan Onorato. And, again, if you’re the controller in charge of the county tax dollars, where were you for the last eight years talking about the tunnel?”

Fitzgerald attacked Flaherty for sharing a post office box with Republican Corbett.

“I have not aligned myself with Tom Corbett,” Flaherty said.

“Why use the P.O. Box at all?” questioned Fitzgerald.

“First, of all it’s a vendor. I have a vendor who was a vendor for Mr. Corbett,” Flaherty explained.

But much of the debate, the candidates talked over each other.

Marty Griffin repeated a commonly heard refrain on the campaign trail that this race was between “lazy” and “crazy.”

Both candidates denied being either.

Democrats will pick their nominee next Tuesday.

Democratic County Executive Candidates Debate Issues

Eric Bambraugh

Mark Patrick Flagherty is obviously head and shoulders above the other guy. What a hot head and so not right for my county
Stop Gov. Entitlement

I agree with Eric. This Rich Fitzgerald is just wanting to make a name for himself. Send him home with his tail between his legs.
Dave

I agree completely. Fitzgerald making deals with the gas industry and attempting to justify his actions?! What hypocrisy! Hopefully, Flaherty wins the primary; otherwise, it’s business as usual.
Supporter

Rich Fitzgerald, is a great candidate! Fitzgerald’s knowledge, on the county and what boroughs need is far beyond what Flaherty can even comprehend. Fitzgerald, is not going to risk our tax dollars for an idea on drilling gas. Voting for rich, is voting a sound county with good ideas and willing to work with people.

FLAGHERTY SUPPORTER

fitzsgerald is a Joke and a liar. Flagherty is not going to use tax dollars and you need to learn the facts and not believe fitzs made up false alligations.

VOTE FLAHERTY

John

On election day Voters need tell Mark Patrick Flaherty “NO FRACKIN WAY with your Marcellus gas proposal.”
Glassport

“No Frackin Way”… its great. Rich, is not going to flush our tax dollars down the well! Maybe, these democratic people in my town will open there eyes and worry about glassport, and not there selves
FedUp

And that would be worse than Mayor Luke?
Richard

It doesn’t matter who wins, it’ll be a democrat (as always) and Pittsburgh will get what it deserves (as always) and there will be much voter remorse (as always) and nothing that matters will change for the better (as always). Who cares anyway, it’s only Pittsburgh and those of us outside of the city can just sit back and laugh (as always)!
No More Flaherty’s

Won’t it be great when Fitz wins and MPF has to sign his pay check?
Fugly

Does he wear purple lipstick….God,he’s ugly !!!….I’ll bet he has to sneek up on a glass of water !!!
Independence Day

Raja may be an Immigrant but a smart enough one not to be a Democom may I remind you of Tom Murphy Democom the man that ruined Pgh to the point where were still feeling the effects.
I think Richard below is correct anything is better than a Democom even Republican Raja.
REPUBLICAN

Really Flaherty a democrat do you believe that or is it just a label BEWARE who your voting for. These rich politicians sure like to fool the BLIND!!!!!