Michael Lamb was sworn in today as Pittsburgh City Controller, marking the first time that office has had new elected leadership in 24 years.

Mr. Lamb, formerly the Allegheny County Prothonotary, said he met with supervisory staff in the office this morning to lay out "an agenda of excellence."

"I'm asking for one thing, and that's excellence," he said shortly before his swearing-in. "Anything that brings us closer to excellence will be encouraged, and anything that takes us further away won't be tolerated."

The office has recently seen one former employee charged with theft of checks.

Mr. Lamb, 45 and of Mt. Washington, said his campaign "talked about a new model of government that embraced innovation, new technology, and diversity, a government that really responded in a superior way, and that, to me, is a data-driven kind of government, and that's really what we're trying to bring to city hall."

He said he expects to get along with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, even as he takes the auditor's microscope to city functions.

Common Pleas President Judge Joseph M. James, who swore in the new controller, noted that the city has been on hard times. He added that with Mr. Lamb "willing to forego a lucrative practice in law, willing to come here and be the controller of the city of Pittsburgh, we're in good hands."

Mr. Lamb named Doug Anderson his deputy. That post was long held by Tony Pokora, who also served as acting controller for two years. Mr. Pokora was not immediately available for comment on his plans.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

First Published: January 7, 2008, 7:45 p.m.