Allegheny County Councilman Michael J. Finnerty has announced his resignation effective today after 11 years representing the county’s Fourth District.
The district includes Avalon, Carnegie, Collier, Crafton, Heidelberg, Kennedy, McDonald, McKees Rocks, Neville Township, Oakdale, Pennsbury Village, Robinson, Scott, South Fayette, Stowe and Thornburg.
Mr. Finnerty, 71, D-Scott, said in a news release that he submitted his resignation letter Thursday. Mr. Finnerty was in his third term on council and planned to run for a fourth term in 2017, but he accepted a position on the staff of newly elected state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Kennedy.
Ms. Kulik’s district covers areas west of Pittsburgh, including Scott, Carnegie, Neville, Coraopolis, McKees Rocks, Robinson and Emsworth. That region overlaps some of the area Mr. Finnerty represented on county council.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the people of Allegheny County,” Mr. Finnerty said. “The past 11 years have been enjoyable and challenging, and I am grateful to the residents of District 4 for selecting me to represent them.”
During his tenure, Mr. Finnerty chaired council’s committees on Budget and Finance, Economic Development and Housing, Health and Human Services, and Education.
“It was not an easy decision to leave county council,” Mr. Finnerty said. “But I am looking forward to continuing my service to the public in Rep. Kulik’s office, and I wish my colleagues on council the very best as they move forward.”
Council will appoint an interim member, and District 4 voters will choose a new representative for a full four-year term in 2017.
Andrew Goldstein: agoldstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1352.
First Published: December 30, 2016, 6:34 a.m.
