Allegheny County Council Meeting: May 23, 2023

The Allegheny County Council met on May 23, 2023, for a regular meeting that included multiple proclamations, public comments on campaign finance reform and shelter closures, and votes on campaign finance ordinances and a resolution on semi-open primaries. Fourteen members were present.

Proclamations

• Teen Mental Health Awareness Day (May 23, 2023): Sponsored by Councilmember Bennett, recognizing the importance of teen mental health. Youth speakers from the PA Youth Advocacy Teen Working Group (Brynn McSorley, Mohammed Shidid) spoke about stigma and awareness.
• Dr. Timothy Wagner – 2023 Pennsylvania Principal of the Year: Sponsored by Councilmember Dewar, honoring the Upper St. Clair High School principal for leadership and mental health initiatives.
• Shaler Hampton EMS – 2023 Pennsylvania EMS Agency of the Year: Sponsored by Councilmember Pritzio. The EMS chief noted that EMS in Allegheny County receives only 3.6 million of the 251 million public safety budget, urging council to engage with local EMS agencies.
• Additional proclamations read into the record: for Harley Hartley, Point Pleasant, and Eagle Scouts Patrick Bennett, Daniel Snyder, and Brandon Graham.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Campaign Finance Reform (before votes):

• Dan Grisbeck (Bethel Park) urged support for ordinances 12607-23, 12608-23, and 12609-23, calling current unlimited donations "outsized influence" and asking for a veto override if needed.
• Mary Ann Raymer (Bethel Park) noted almost $5 million spent on county executive primaries, with individual donations up to $100,000 and PACs up to $112,000. She argued for aligning with FEC limits.
• Matt Singer (Chief of Staff to Controller Corey O'Connor) expressed the Controller's support, highlighting enhanced disclosure and the inclusion of child care expenses as a barrier-breaking measure.

On General Items (after votes):

• Tanisha Long: Criticized the planned closure of the Smithfield Shelter in June 2023 without council notification or relocation plans, comparing it to the Schumann situation. She urged council to present a motion against closure.
• Jacob Pohl: Shared personal story of alleged human trafficking and exploitation, describing isolation and confusion walking the streets.
• Elizabeth Schonger: Supported Tanisha Long, demanding a written plan for displaced shelter residents.

Discussion Items

Campaign Finance Reform Ordinances:

• 12607-23 (sponsored by Dewar and Macy): Repeals existing Chapter 220 and establishes campaign contribution limits (aligned with FEC limits: $3,300 individual, $5,000 PAC) and updated reporting requirements. Councilmember Dewar proposed an amendment to align language across all three bills; passed 15-0. On the main bill, Councilmember Bukowski opposed, arguing it is outside county jurisdiction. Councilmember DeMarco raised concerns: doesn't address independent expenditures (e.g., $734,000 in DA race, Working Families Party in county exec race), allows self-funded candidates up to $100,000, and penalty structure. Councilmember Dewar responded that council has authority and that limits prevent direct coordination with PACs. Vote: 13-2 (Bukowski and DeMarco opposed). Motion passes.
• 12608-23 (permissible uses of campaign funds): Councilmember Dewar offered an amendment to expand from child care to family care (suggested by Councilmember Klein). Passed 15-0. Main bill passed 14-1 (Bukowski opposed).
• 12609-23 (campaign reporting deadlines): Held by sponsor Dewar after passage of 12607-23, awaiting administration action on possible veto; no vote taken.

Resolution on Semi-Open Primaries (12681-23):

• Sponsored by Councilmember Dewar, urging the General Assembly to enact SB 400 to allow semi-open primaries (independents can vote in party primaries). Councilmember DeMarco supported concept but noted bill's lack of administrative details. Councilmember Katina supported but preferred fully open primaries. Motion passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Key Outcomes

• 12607-23 (Campaign finance limits) passed 13-2.
• 12608-23 (Permissible campaign fund uses) passed 14-1.
• 12609-23 (Reporting deadlines) held.
• 12681-23 (Semi-open primary resolution) passed by voice vote.
• Previous appointments and minutes approved unanimously.

Liaison Reports

• Councilmember Dewar thanked elections director Voy and poll workers for a quiet primary. Write-in totals for countywide races now available.
• Councilmember Hallum announced the Jail Oversight Board meeting rescheduled to June 8, 4 p.m. (Gold Room), noting recent deaths at jail and renewal center.
• Councilmember Palmery reported attending CCAC graduation and praised the event.
• Councilmember DeMarco reported Carnegie Library Board approved negotiating with the county for management of the law library.

New Business (Referred to Committees)

• 12695-23: Ordinance for climate action plan by July 1, 2024 (to Sustainability & Green Initiatives).
• 12696-23: Sale of property at 83 Union Ave, North Versailles, for $3,300 (to Economic Development).
• 12697-23 and 12698-23: LERTA programs for Pittsburgh and Clairton (to Economic Development).