Infindorsement: Allegheny County Controller

Mark Patrick Flaherty's aim at bigger game -- the county executive position -- has generated an unusual race to succeed him as Allegheny County Controller.

What's so unusual? Three experienced, able candidates striving for a local public office. Someone should check the water (although not for radioactivity, per instructions from the Marcellus Shale Coalition and Tom Corbett).

Valerie McDonald Roberts, after earning a chemistry degree, has provided thoughtful, effective service in several elected positions (school board, court administrator, city councilor) and in a number of community organizations. She has been a strong voice for social justice. Her independence and integrity have enabled her to overcome, in our judgment, her familial ties to politics that have not served our region well.

Chelsa Wagner, after earning a law degree, has provided thoughtful, effective service as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. She brings a bright new voice to our region's political debates. Her independence and integrity have enabled her to overcome, in our judgment, her familial ties to politics that have not served our region well.

George Matta, after earning business degrees, has provided thoughtful, effective service in several elected positions (mayor, court administrator, municipal controller). He is the hard-boiled pol of this race, the obvious choice of the List-Makers, with whom he and his family have had a long and profitable relationship.

Each of these candidates is polished, articulate and civic-minded. Each has succeeded in professions outside the political cocoon. It is a shame that, in a region that elects duds with depressing regularity, only one of these candidates can win in this race.

Among three credible candidates, the most troubling point -- by far -- is Matta's longstanding relationship with the List-Makers. For that reason, the Infindorsement is shared by Valerie McDonald Roberts and Chelsa Wagner, each of whom has earned support.

Infindorsement: Valerie McDonald Roberts or Chelsa Wagner.
Infinonytune: Out Of Control, The Rolling Stones