Pittsburgh City Council lauds, roasts outgoing member Darlene Harris

Pittsburgh City Council proclaimed Monday Darlene Harris Day despite an ongoing police investigation into allegations that the departing councilwoman stole several curios that had been gifted to the city.

Council honored Harris — its longest serving member — for more than a decade of service, including the salvation of an employee pension system that was facing state takeover in 2010 because of chronic underfunding.

“We have been both friends and foes,” said Councilman Ricky Burgess. “She was a fierce adversary and a very generous ally. Darlene was and is the hardest working member of council. I’ll miss you.”

Harris, 66, of Spring Hill said she harbored no ill will toward anyone. She singled out council President Bruce Kraus, who she’s blamed for the police investigation, and Mayor Bill Peduto with whom she clashed regularly in recent years. She said she liked both officials personally.

Kraus last week filed a police report alleging that Harris, while cleaning out her office, took five items from a curio case that had been given to the city by Chinese dignitaries. Harris said she intends to keep the items despite written requests from Kraus for their return.

“I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve done a thing wrong.”

Harris, during an awkward but cordial exchange with Kraus, recalled that he once accused her of throwing a gavel at him.

“As a person I have no problem with you, but working in council it’s been a rough time since our new mayor came in,” she said, offering Kraus an apology.

Kraus would only say that it takes two people working together and sharing responsibility for a good relationship. After the meeting he said he would check on the police investigation after the New Year’s holiday.

“The police report is filed and it’s in the hands of the police now,” he said.

Council members took turns lauding and kidding with Harris for her dedication and antics since taking office in 2006, including a cellphone ringtone of her barking dog that often interrupted council meetings.

Harris lost her seat in the Democratic primary this year to Bobby Wilson, also of Spring Hill.

Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith on behalf of council presented Harris with a pewter plate with an engraving of the Golden Triangle and a glass paperweight with Pittsburgh City Council etched on its face.

“Now here’s gifts you can actually take and nobody will question,” Kail-Smith said, drawing laughter from the other members.

Their comments moved Harris to tears.

“There were good years with every council member, some more than others, but that was as council not as people,” she said.

Harris said her most important accomplishment was helping to save city pension plans.

Pittsburgh in 2010 was facing state takeover of underfunded pension plans when council and city Controller Michael Lamb hatched a plan to pump about $735 million in parking tax revenue over three decades into the plans. Harris, then council president, worked tirelessly to get the bailout approved, convening an 11th hour meeting just before a state deadline on New Year’s Eve 2010 for a final vote on the issue.

“All I can say is it’s been a wonderful life,” she said.