Fitzgerald Looks Ahead To 2015
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Last month, Allegheny County executive Rich Fitzgerald announced for re-election in 2015.
On Friday, he was questioned about his accomplishments and goals for a second term at a taping of the KD/PG Sunday Edition.
"I think the biggest thing is that we've really improved the economic climate of what's going on here in western Pennsylvania," Fitzgerald told KDKA political editor Jon Delano and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette executive editor David Shribman.
"We've seen job growth be tremendous over the last three years. Our unemployment rate is down into the low 4's which many economists almost think is near full employment," he added.
While Fitzgerald touts the region's economy, he has also been a strong leader within his Democratic Party.
Delano: "Have you become the political boss of this region?"
Fitzgerald: "No, I think I'm part of a team of people that works together with Mayor Peduto, with Congressman Doyle, with Senator Costa, Leader Dermody in the House."
But the seeming unity harkens an earlier time in Pittsburgh that Fitzgerald embraces.
"When you go back to the [David L.] Lawrence era, where we've moved forward the most is when we've come to a consensus and that consensus isn't because Rich Fitzgerald says it should be this or that Bill Peduto says it should be this. We all sit and work together -- some might call it in the backroom in some instances, but we sit and we collaborate and we work together."
One person not part of that team is County Controller Chelsa Wagner whom Fitzgerald opposes for reelection.
Fitzgerald: "I'd like to see professionalism and people who understand the role of the office and go from there."
Delano: "And Ms. Wagner is not that person?"
Fitzgerald: "Hasn't been to this point."
As for a second term for himself, Fitzgerald says his goal is to build on the first.
"We've had unparalleled growth in property values in this region and we want that to continue. We want to improve neighborhoods that maybe haven't seen some of the success that we've had."
No other candidates have yet announced.
You can watch the full interview on the KD/PG Sunday Edition this Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
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