County Council
The county executive may be limited to three terms total.
Allegheny County's charter limits the executive to three terms in a row, but doesn't bar a return after a break. Five county council members want voters to close that gap with a May ballot question capping the job at three terms total. The ordinance calls that ambiguity undesirable. Next, the bill goes to the government reform committee.
Written by Amy Whipple
Council would like voters to close a potential loophole in the home rule charter.
Five council members proposed a referendum for the May primary election ballot that would limit the County Executive position to three terms.
Currently, the charter limits the executive to three consecutive terms and does not prohibit additional service after a break. The ordinance calls the ambiguity “undesirable” and cautions against its potential abuse. The rationale for the proposed limit is that it allows for both “extended public service” as well as “expanding access” to the position.
The executive is the highest elected county official and is responsible for the oversight and operation of 20 departments. While they may appoint a designee, whoever holds the role is also the sole official designated to negotiate and sign contracts and agreements on behalf of the county.
Sara Innamorato is the fourth person to serve in the role, which was first held by Jim Roddey. The county’s move from a three-commissioner system to a home rule charter created the position—and the council—in 2000. Rich Fitzgerald is the only executive to serve three terms (2012-2024).
The bill was referred to the government reform committee.
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