Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board rules candidates violated campaign finance law
Pittsburgh's Ethics Hearing Board has ruled that two primary election candidates for a City Council seat violated an ordinance requiring them to file campaign finance reports.
If they file the required reports within 20 days, Gary McBurney, 57, of Beechview faces a $100 fine and Cletus Cibrone Abate, 48, of Overbrook faces a $50 fine, according to the board's decision. The maximum fine, according to the city ordinance, is $1,000.
The board without offering a reason postponed payment of the fines pending a future notice.
McBurney ran as a Democrat and Abate as a Republican for a council seat being vacated by Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak of Carrick. McBurney withdrew as a candidate. Abate faces Democrat Anthony Coghill of Brookline in the November election.
The district covers Beechview, Bon Air, Brookline, Carrick, Overbrook and part of Mt. Washington.
The ordinance requires candidates for city offices to file monthly financial reports with the Ethics Board in each of the five months before an election.
Linda King, the board's executive manager, testified during a September hearing that she sent both candidates letters informing them of the obligation.
The candidates admitted during the hearing that they failed to file reports, and both pleaded ignorance to the requirement.
McBurney told the Tribune-Review that he plans to file the reports. Abate could not be reached.
The board has yet to render decisions in the cases of Councilwoman Darlene Harris of Spring Hill and Mark Johnson of Beechview, both of whom failed to file reports with the city.
Harris, who lost to Mayor Bill Peduto in the Democratic primary for mayor, filed financial reports with Allegheny County as required by state law. She contends the city ordinance is illegal.
Johnson was declared ineligible as a primary candidate for the District 4 council seat because of faulty nominating petitions.
Bob Bauder is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-765-2312, bbauder@tribweb.com or @bobbauder.
