Race for Allegheny County Executive heating up; May primary election just days away

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Theresa Colaizzi, Dave Fawcett, Sara Innamorato. Michael Lamb, Will Parker, and John Weinstein are the six Democrats battling to become the next Allegheny County Executive. Joe Rocky is the only Republican running.

In a crowded primary race filled with seven candidates and important issues like public safety, housing, and county-run facilities, three voices have risen to the front of the pack: Sara Innamorato, Michael Lamb, and John Weinstein. On Friday, Channel 11 News sat down with each of them.

State Representative Sara Innamorato:

“Being a state representative and having those connections are completely and utterly vital for the next county executive,” Innamorato said.

Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb:

“I’ve been working around county government and city government for all of my career,” Lamb said.

County Treasurer John Weinstein:

“Six consecutive terms, I’m the only candidate who still works for Allegheny County,” Weinstein said.

We asked them what issues they would prioritize. For Weinstein, public safety is key.

“People have to feel safe and as the county executive, we could utilize resources to help the municipalities the communities that need it the most,” Weinstein said.

Innamorato stressed the need for affordable housing.

“It means that we are addressing the homelessness in our region, it means that we are creating programs where working families can afford to purchase a home and stay here and raise their family here,” Innamorato said.

Lamb wants to bring jobs back to the region and suggested free tuition for community college.

“We have close to 40,000 job vacancies here in Allegheny County and 60% require some form of certificate and not a four-year degree,” Lamb said.

On the issue of the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center and Allegheny County Jail. All agreed the jail needs new leadership, more staffing, and oversight.

As for Shuman, Lamb would like to partner with neighboring counties to help with costs.

“I think it has got to be publicly run because, to me, private says profit,” Lamb said.

Innamorato and Weinstein want to reimagine the juvenile center.

“The number one goal of that should be about restoration and connecting youth back to the community, ultimately,” Innamorato said.

“We are going to have mental health counselors, addiction counselors, we are going to have a truancy counselor,” Weinstein added.

Election day is this coming Tuesday and candidates have just days to sway undecided voters.

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