Nerone likely for seat

Brookline businessman Rich Nerone is expected to be named today to the Allegheny County Council seat vacated when Wayne Fontana resigned to run for the state Legislature.

"It's kind of an exciting time in the city and in the county, and I look forward to serving the residents," said Nerone, 37, a Democrat.

Nerone would serve the remaining nine months of Fontana's term and is seeking a full four-year term.

Nerone is unopposed in the May 17 primary for the nomination in heavily Democratic District 12. No Republicans filed for the party nomination.

Nerone, who owns and operates Pittsburgh Valet, a parking company, is making his third run for public office.

He received the Democratic Party's endorsement over incumbent state Rep. Michael Diven in the April 2004 primary for Diven's seat in Harrisburg, but won only 44 percent of the vote to 56 percent for Diven.

Nerone also unsuccessfully sought the Pittsburgh City Council District 4 seat vacated in 2001 when Diven won election to the state Legislature. Councilman Jim Motznik, D-Overbrook, won that race.

Nerone said greater consolidation of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County services would be a major priority.

"I think you have to look at ways to save the city money and how to make government more efficient," he said.

Nerone said he initially favors consolidation of services over the full merger of the city and county governments favored by county Chief Executive Dan Onorato, but is willing to consider Onorato's idea.

County Council vacancies are filled by the party of the departing member nominating candidates for approval by the full council.

Councilman John DeFazio, D-Shaler, chair of the council's Democratic caucus, said Nerone is the only candidate under consideration.

"He seems like a capable person and can do the job," DeFazio said.

County Council will meet at 5 p.m. today in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse.

Fontana, who resigned last month, is seeking the state Senate seat formerly held by Jack Wagner, now the state auditor general. His opponent is Diven, who switched to the Republican Party in January.