Allegheny County councilman resigns

Allegheny County Councilman Rich Nerone resigned Wednesday night, citing business and family commitments.

Nerone, a Democrat from Brookline, wrote in his letter of resignation that he had been "struggling" to fulfill his duties as a councilman and had missed several recent meetings.

Nerone, who owns a valet car service, was elected to a four-year term last November replacing Wayne Fontana in District 12, which is composed of six wards in the city of Pittsburgh, and Green Tree, Ingram and Dormont.

Fontana, as required by the county's home rule charter, had to leave council when he announced his candidacy for state senator.

Council President Rich Fitzgerald said Nerone's resignation came as a "complete surprise," but he understood.

"I think he got busy with work commitments, and he has young children," Fitzgerald said. "It's a daunting task to take this on."

Council Democrats will select Nerone's replacement, who would have to run in next year's elections to serve the remainder of the term. Fitzgerald said it could take up to two months to fill the vacancy.