As a local parent and resident of Allegheny County for 17 years, I’m excited to vote for Darwin Leuba for county controller in the Democratic primary election May 16. This office carries crucial responsibilities long neglected by our electeds.
The county controller serves as auditor for Allegheny County, which controls a budget of over $1 billion. Our current and recent controllers have a history of accepting large campaign donations from the very corporations they are responsible for overseeing. This has led to waste and overspending of taxpayer funds that could be used to plow our roads, patch our potholes and open our pools in the summer.
Leuba has pledged not to accept corporate donations. As O’Hara auditor, Leuba uncovered parking facilities that UPMC wasn’t paying taxes on, valued at $32 million. If elected, Leuba will apply this experience and dedication across the county, identifying corporate cheaters and bringing in funds that could help prevent more local bridges from collapsing. Leuba has also pledged to investigate the shameful Allegheny County Jail, which has a death rate over twice the national average.
Residents who value people over corporate profits should join me in voting for Darwin Leuba for county controller.
Steph Sorensen
Greenfield
The writer is a member of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.