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For Allegheny County Council: Gastgeb, Lacek, Caldwell & Tessitor
• District 5: Two-term incumbent Republican Vince Gastgeb of Bethel Park is being challenged by longtime Democrat Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Barbara Logan. On paper, both are attractive candidates. But it's Vince Gastgeb, a sales manger, who has the proven track record and who should be allowed to keep making the good-government sale for the public. This most effective Republican should be returned to the Democrat-dominated body.
• District 6: Democrat Joan Cleary of Brentwood seeks a second term on the council. In lieu of raising property taxes, she says she'd consider imposing a jobs- and business-killing 10 percent tax on alcoholic drinks. Next! Republican Donald Lacek of Castle Shannon, an insurance agent, has the proper appreciation of small business that would serve the people well, adding another much-needed Republican voice to County Council.
• District 7: Another fairly even matchup pits incumbent Republican Sue Caldwell of Plum against Verona Councilman and banquet facility owner Nick Futules. Ms. Caldwell was appointed to the council last year when Eileen Watt resigned to seek a state House seat. While Mr. Futules indeed has the right reform mind-set, we again think it's important to maintain as many GOP seats as possible to keep the Democrat majority honest. Elect Sue Caldwell in her own right.
• At-large: Democrat incumbent John DeFazio holds one at-large seat. By charter and registration edge, his re-election largely is pro forma.
However, the retirement of Republican Dave Fawcett for the minority at-large seat effectively has come down to a race between GOP nominee Chuck McCullough and Reform Party candidate David Tessitor.
Mr. McCullough is embroiled in a controversy over how he handled a widow's estate. We'd rather see that matter resolved before recommending him to elected office.
We've not always agreed with the sometimes unorthodox Mr. Tessitor, who has spent many years battling for his version of "reform," but he certainly would liven things up on Allegheny County Council and make the public think.
Being all for thinking and cautious of McCullough, we endorse David Tessitor of the North Side for the second at-large seat.
