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Burn named president of Allegheny County Council
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Allegheny County Councilman Jim Burn is the new president of the county's legislative branch.
The Millvale Democrat won the post of county council chief in a reorganization vote Tuesday night after longtime President Rich Fitzgerald stepped down from the job. Mr. Fitzgerald, D-Squirrel Hill, is a candidate for county executive. Under the terms of the county charter, he will have to resign from council when he files his nominating petitions later this month.
Mr. Burn, 47, is a lawyer and the former mayor of Millvale. He also serves as chairman of the state Democratic Committee and the Allegheny County Democratic Party.
Mr. Burn said he was experienced in handling multiple tasks. "I know how to delegate responsibly," he said after the vote.
All but one of council's 11 Democrats voted for Mr. Burn for president. Councilman James Ellenbogen abstained, saying he favored former President John DeFazio for the job. Councilman Matt Drozd drew support from three of four Republicans for the post, with Councilwoman Jan Rea absent for the vote.
First Published March 2, 2011 12:00 am
