Allegheny Councilman Kendrick resigns seat

Allegheny County Councilman Louis "Hop" Kendrick resigned Friday, saying he wanted to get back to grassroots campaigning -- specifically the county chief executive campaign of fellow Democrat Dan Onorato.

Kendrick's decision comes on the heels of his loss in federal court Wednesday to Onorato's rival, County Chief Executive Jim Roddey. Kendrick claimed Roddey fired him from his post as director of the Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises four years ago because he campaigned for Dr. Cyril Wecht, the county coroner, who was Roddey's opponent in the 1999 election.

Kendrick was appointed to council in April to represent the 10th District -- which runs from Downtown to Wilkinsburg -- as the replacement for James Simms, 59, of Schenley Heights, who resigned to run for county controller. Simms lost in the Democratic primary.

Though Kendrick has said he didn't plan to serve until the term expires in December, the federal court loss was a personal catalyst.

"I'd be telling a lie if I said otherwise," Kendrick said.

Onorato campaign manager Kevin Kinross said the campaign welcomes Kendrick's support. Kendrick said he plans to contact Onorato on Monday.

County Council President Rick Schwartz, D-Plum, said he had been expecting Kendrick's resignation.

"I thought that Hop stepped up and did great job," Schwartz said. "I think that the people in the 10th District were represented very well in his short tenure there."

Kendrick must be replaced by a Democrat, according to the county's home rule charter. Kendrick has endorsed Bill Robinson, who won the 10th District Democratic primary election in May and is running unopposed in the Nov. 4 general election.

Robinson, a former member of the state House and Pittsburgh City Council, has said he would accept the appointment.

Schwartz said he expects council to appoint Robinson during its next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 23.

Kendrick, 71, said he had thought about taking it easy after resigning.

"Much as I would like to sit down, when I see that there have been 21 killings in our communities, there's no way I can," Kendrick said. "There's just too much work to be done."