Q&A Tuesday: Rich Fitzgerald Supports Tax Increase

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) -- With a vote scheduled for Tuesday afternoon that will determine the fate of a proposed 1 mill property tax increase, Allegheny County executive-elect Rich Fitzgerald stops by the KDKA studios for Q&A Tuesday with Mike Pintek.

Fitzgerald explains why he believes the 21 percent property tax increase - the first in 10 years - is necessary to prevent drastic cuts to human services and the Community College of Allegheny County. 

Pintek asks why Fitzgerald supports the tax increase after outgoing County Executive Dan Onorato's proposed budget called for no new taxes.  Fitzgerald counters that the steep spending cuts called for in the Onorato budget inspired a public outcry demanding that funding for social programs be reinstated.

Particularly controversial were the $5 million cut from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, which would leave over $17 million in matching funds from the state on the table.

Fitzgerald goes on to discuss his hopes for his upcoming term in office, and takes your phone calls about the proposed tax increase and more.

Listen to Mike Pintek every weekday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA!