Mayor Luke Ravenstahl told the press today that allegations of corruption are "in my opinion, outrageous and very malicious."

The comments came two days after Urban Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Pat Ford resigned that post, alleging a "failed administration" and suggesting ties between contracts and mayoral campaign contributions.

Today, Mr. Ford's lawyer, Lawrence Fisher, sought to attend the mayor's press conference but was escorted out by the mayor's bodyguard.

Afterwards Mr. Fisher reiterated his statement that Mr. Ford "has cooperated with authorities on matters of mutual interest."

He would not elaborate, saying, "It is not our intention to interfere with an investigation."

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

He would not say specifically that there is an investigation, and the mayor denied any knowledge of any probe into his administration's contracting or development deals.

"Nobody in my office, nor myself, has ever been contacted by any investigatory agency," the mayor said.

"We have never, not once, been contacted -- let me be clear -- by any federal investigator or any investigator of any kind."

Mr. Ravenstahl said he returned early from the Democratic National Convention to deal with Mr. Ford's surprise resignation and allegations.

He said his administration doesn't currently have plans to change procedures related to contracting or permits or to propose new campaign finance reforms.