Allegheny County Council members Tuesday voted 13-0 to appoint Terri Klein to fill the District 11 seat left vacant by the death of Barbara Daly Danko.
“It was bittersweet for me. I feel that they're very big shoes to fill,” Klein said. “It was important that the person who took over the remainder of Barbara's term really took on her mantle.”
Klein, 55, of Squirrel Hill was chair of Danko's re-election committee. She is a physical therapist at an assisted-living facility and active in East End politics, serving as the vice chair of the 14th Ward Democratic Committee. Klein also serves on the board of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald congratulated Klein on her appointment to the seat he held for more than a decade.
“She is a tireless advocate on issues of social justice, and I have no doubt that she will show that same passion for the residents of District 11,” Fitzgerald said.
Common Pleas Judge Eleanor L. Bush swore in Klein, who took her seat behind the dais with fellow council members after posing for a few photos. Klein abstained from all votes Tuesday but said she plans to be an active member of council.
Danko, 61, of Regent Square died May 6 of cancer and won her primary two weeks later.
Klein will serve until November, when voters will elect someone to fill the final weeks of Danko's term. At that time, they also will elect someone to fill the next four-year term, which starts in January. Members of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee will nominate that candidate. Klein said she will not seek the full term.
Aaron Aupperlee is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7986 or aaupperlee@tribweb.com.
