Not really a glowing endorsement (or any other kind)

By the stack on my desk, there's been at least three Chelsa Wagner for County Controller flyers put out by the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee. The first two tout her experience and family connections -- fine and dandy -- but the latest one is problematic. Here's a scan of the relevant portion (provided by a reader of this blog -- thanks!):


(Click to enlarge)
While it certainly doesn't say that Wagner was endorsed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one could be forgiven for thinking that she was endorsed by the P-G. I showed it to a couple of people on Sunday and both said they thought the flyer was saying that Wagner was endorsed by the P-G.

In fact, the Post-Gazette endorsed Valerie McDonald Roberts for County Controller. Moreover, the third quote on the flyer pulled from the P-G endorsement for McDonald Roberts was proceeded by a "but" and given as a reason why the P-G was not endorsing Wagner:

She is very well informed on local issues, but her view of what the controller can accomplish, as articulated during a meeting with Post-Gazette editors, seemed broader than the tasks that are the statutory responsibility of the officeholder.

It is the third candidate in this race who has the most grounded notion of what it means to be county controller.

By "third candidate" the P-G was referring to McDonald Roberts.

Not cool, Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee.
.

McDonald Roberts Plan: Lean, Green and Clean

Valerie McDonald Roberts, who is running for Allegheny County Controller, announced her plan for bringing more transparency and accountability to that office at a press conference on Monday.

It includes:

Mandate the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) to regularly conduct an external quality control review on the Audit Divisions

Provide accurate, timely recommendations for any lack of financial compliance in county contracts

Instill a process of "look-backs" on outcomes of reviews and audits which would evaluate them six months later

Launch a "green" (paperless where possible) initiative within the Controller's office to explore ways where the technology we already have can be used to save taxpayer dollars

Increase collaboration with the City Controller, County Council, and County Executive offices to promote the sharing of resources and information to result in greater efficiencies

You can see more on her plan here.

McDonald Roberts is currently manager of the Real Estate Department of Allegheny County and has received the endorsements of Pennsylvania NOW PAC, Gertrude Stein Political Club, Georgia Berner, Dan Onorato, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette which called her "an experienced manager with a broad background that has prepared her to be county controller" and "who has the most grounded notion of what it means to be county controller."