Rich Fitzgerald
Executive of Allegheny County
In office
January 3, 2012 – January 2, 2024
Preceded byDan Onorato
Succeeded bySara Innamorato
Personal details
Born (1959-05-08) May 8, 1959
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseCathy Tomasovich
Children8
EducationCarnegie Mellon University (BS)

Rich Fitzgerald (born May 8, 1959) is an American elected official who served as the 3rd County Executive of Allegheny County. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a member of Allegheny County Council from 2000 until 2011 as the District 11 representative.[1]

Early life and education

Fitzgerald was born on May 8, 1959 in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood. He is the oldest son of Dick and Pat Fitzgerald.[2] He attended St. Lawrence O'Toole grade school and later Central Catholic High School. He then attended Carnegie Mellon University where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.[3]

Career

Before his political career, Fitzgerald worked as an engineer for Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He later started his own business, Aquenef, which provides water treatment services to the oil and gas industry.[4]

Fitzgerald became the first County Council member for District 11 in January 2000 and held the seat through 2011. From 2004-2011, he served as the President of Council.

He ran for County Executive in 2011, defeating former county Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty in the Democratic primary and Republican D. Raja in the general election. Fitzgerald was sworn into office as County Executive on January 3, 2012.[5] He was re-elected in 2015, defeating Republican businessman Dale Holman, and in 2019, defeating Republican former county Councilor Matt Drozd.[2]

During his tenure as County Executive, Fitzgerald focused on growing the economy, attracting young people, diversifying the job market, investing in infrastructure, improving public health and protecting the environment. He has also worked with state and local officials from both parties on regional issues such as transportation, education, housing and human services. He has not raised taxes or instituted budgetary layoffs, and has improved the county's credit rating.[4]

Fitzgerald has also faced criticism for his actions in office. He has been legally required to attend the monthly Jail Oversight Board meetings but has never done so during his tenure as county executive, instead sending a designee.[6] This has drawn criticism from some board members, community groups and advocates who say he is ignoring the problems at the jail.[7] On August 3, 2023, county councilwoman and Allegheny County JOB member Bethany Hallam filed a lawsuit against Fitzgerald and others for their use of representatives during the monthly board meetings.[8]

Fitzgerald has also been criticized for his handling of deaths and other concerns at the jail and for his relationship with the natural gas industry.[9]

Political beliefs

Fitzgerald identifies himself as a Democrat who believes in investing in infrastructure, education, health care, and environmental protection. He also supports labor unions, women's rights, and LGBTQ rights. He has been a strong ally of Governor Josh Shapiro, President Joe Biden and former Governor Tom Wolf, and has worked with Republican leaders such as former County Executive Jim Roddey and former Governor Tom Corbett on regional issues.[3]

On environmental issues, Fitzgerald has been accused of being too close to the natural gas industry. He has allowed fracking on county lands, and attempted to broker a $1.1 billion deal with Peoples Natural Gas to upgrade and operate the county's sewage system, but the deal was scrapped following public outcry and legal challenges.[10]

Personal life

Fitzgerald is married to pharmacist Cathy Tomasovich. They reside in Squirrel Hill and have eight children.[1][2]

References

  1. 1 2 "County Executive | Biography of Rich Fitzgerald". www.alleghenycounty.us. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
  2. 1 2 3 Our Pittsburgher of the Year: Rich Fitzgerald - Pittsburgh Magazine. https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/our-pittsburgher-of-the-year-rich-fitzgerald/.
  3. 1 2 A Q&A with Allegheny County’s Rich Fitzgerald - City & State PA. https://www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/2023/01/q-allegheny-countys-rich-fitzgerald/382363/.
  4. 1 2 Rich Fitzgerald talks about his legacy as County executive - NEXTpittsburgh. https://nextpittsburgh.com/latest-news/rich-fitzgerald-talks-about-his-legacy-as-allegheny-county-executive-and-whats-next/.
  5. ↑ Jones, Mike (Jan 3, 2012). "Fitzgerald Sworn-In as Allegheny County Exec".
  6. ↑ County Executive Rich Fitzgerald is legally required to attend Jail .... https://laptrinhx.com/news/county-executive-rich-fitzgerald-is-legally-required-to-attend-jail-oversight-board-meetings-so-why-hasn-t-he-gone-in-nearly-a-decade-WOKlzQ/.
  7. ↑ Fitzgerald's lack of attendance at Allegheny County Jail board meetings .... https://triblive.com/local/fitzgeralds-lack-of-attendance-at-allegheny-county-jail-board-meetings-stirs-debate/.
  8. ↑ https://www.pghcitypaper.com/news/show-up-and-do-your-job-hallam-sues-fitzgerald-for-jail-oversight-board-absence-24329358
  9. ↑ Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald defends jail administration ... https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/03/06/Allegheny-County-Executive-Rich-Fitzgerald-defends-jail-administration/stories/201903060131.
  10. ↑ Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald scraps $1.1 billion deal with ... https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/10/29/Allegheny-County-Rich-Fitzgerald-Peoples-Natural-Gas-Authority/stories/201910290123.
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