This is Disappointing

I am not a fan of Shawn Flaherty trying to run for County Council after supporting Raja in 2011, but I also don't like the campaign tactic of trying to subvert the Democratic process.


From the Tribune-Review:

Challenge filed to Shawn Flaherty county council petition signatures

Four Allegheny County residents filed an objection Tuesday to the nominating petition of a Democratic candidate for county council.

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/3693170-74/county-flaherty-petition#ixzz2O6EsgRIU

Why would the Democrats support Shawn Flaherty

County Councilman Jim Burn does not appear to be running for re-election for his seat on Allegheny County Council.  

The district was changed a bit with redistricting this past year and it appears to be a little tougher of a win for a Democrat than before, but should still be held by the Democrats.

Two Democratic candidates have emerged to replace Jim Burn. One is named Mary Gibson a lawyer for Giant Eagle that appears to have a long list of Democratic Party activities. The other candidate is Shawn Flaherty. Mr. Flaherty is the son of former Pittsburgh mayor Pete Flaherty and also served as a State Representative for a few months back in 2006.

I liked Mr. Flaherty when he won a seat in the State legislator and was disappointed to see him lose to now State Senator Randy Vulakovich in November of 2006. However, Mr. Flaherty turned his back on the Democratic Party in the fall of 2011.

Shawn Flaherty was disappointed that his cousin, Mark Patrick Flaherty, lost to Rich Fitzgerald in the Democratic Primary for County Executive. This bitter lost led Shawn Flaherty to support Raja, the Republican candidate in the General Election:

2 Democrats back Raja

 

Democrats Rally for Raja

 

So my question is why would the Democratic Committee want to support Shawn Flaherty for a post that if elected could make life pretty tough on the Democratic County Executive? I think the Democratic Committee and the Democrats in the 3rd County Council District should really think hard about who to support this spring.

 

On another note, the only Republican candidate for this council seat that I have heard about it Mike McMullen.



Ross Township Democrat Running for Allegheny County Council

Glad to see someone is going to take on the extremely Republican/Tea Partier Matt Drozd.

From the North Hills Patch:

Daniel A. McClain Jr. has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the District 1 seat on Allegheny County Council.

District 1 is currently represented by Republican Matt Drozd. The district is comprised of Aleppo, Ben Avon, Coraopolis, Emsworth, Findlay, Glen Osborne, Glenfield, Haysville, Kilbuck, Moon, North Fayette, Ross, and West View.

"To be a great county means safe neighborhoods, affordable and quality housing, reliable public transit options, sustainable infrastructure funding, and economic development that provide quality jobs at living wages," said McClain. In a statement, he indicated that his campaign would seek to inspire a public conversation on critical issues and viable solutions that "especially reflect the views and wishes of residents in County Council District 1."

McClain, 34, grew up in the North Hills and was a 1996 graduate of Avonworth High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from Penn State University in 2000 and his M.B.A. degree from Robert Morris University in 2006. He currently serves his community as the Treasurer of Girty’s Run Joint Sewer Authority Board and the Vice Chair of the Ross Township Democratic Committee.

McClain was hired by U. S. Steel Corporation in 1999 as a management associate and advanced through a series of increasingly responsible roles before relocating to the Republic of Serbia in 2008 to serve as Director - Transaction Processing Center where he was responsible for accounts payable, account receivable, and payroll transactions at U. S. Steel’s Serbia facility. He returned to Pittsburgh when he assumed his most recent position, Manager - Internal Audit in 2009.

"My private sector experiences, along with my firm grounding in our community have taught me that we have so much to be proud of in District 1 and throughout Allegheny County," he said. "I intend for my campaign to focus on solutions to our problems and a serious and informed dialogue about the challenge of working together to ensure future economic development and job creation so that all of our residents and communities share in our revitalization."

Ed Kress Mailing

Here is the mailing sent by Ed Kress. He is running for the Republican County Council At-Large. Ed Kress was appointed when Chuck McCullough resigned to run for County Executive.

Two More Mailers from Heidelbaugh

Here are two more mailings sent by Heather Heidelbaugh. She is running for the Republican County Council At-Large seat currently held by Ed Kress (who is also running).

Heather Heidelbaugh Mailing

Here is the mailing sent by Heather Heidelbaugh. She is running for the Republican County Council At-Large seat currently held by Ed Kress (who is also running). Ed Kress was appointed when Chuck McCullough resigned to run for County Executive.