Onorato Won't Seek 3rd Term As County Executive

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Dan Onorato says he will not seek a third term as Allegheny County Chief Executive.

"I've been in elected office for a long time in this town," he said. "I've enjoyed it. I was a councilman, I was a controller, two terms as county executive and personally, it's time for me to move on," he said.

County Council President Rich Fitzgerald says downsizing and consolidating county government will be Onorato's legacy.

"Some of the government reforms that he has brought forth will be his legacy for many, many years to come," he said.

Onorato said he wants to focus his last year on greater airport utilization, Marcellus Shale development on county property and fighting a court-ordered property reassessment in 2012.

While Onorato gives up one job, he's still considering a run next year for State Auditor General when Jack Wagner must step down.

So who will be the next executive?

Fitzgerald, an Onorato ally, is expected to announce his candidacy shortly, as is County Controller Mark Flaherty who signaled he would run no matter what Onorato did.

While Onorato has some time to sort through his political future, his successor has a much shorter window of opportunity. Nominating petitions with a thousand names must be filed by March 8.

Dan Onorato did an interview with Robert Mangino on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA: