Shumaker says he will resign

Allegheny County Councilman Tom Shumaker announced his resignation Tuesday, telling County Council members he will step down May 10.

"I have always striven to represent my constituents with honor and distinction, and I hope my efforts have proved worthy of their trust," said Shumaker, R-Pine.

The District 3 councilman said he is moving to Norfolk, Va., to take a new job. Shumaker, a lawyer, said he is going to work for a major transportation company he declined to name.

Shumaker's term, his second, expires Dec. 31.

He had opted not to run for council again after a redistricting plan moved his residence from District 3 to District 2. Councilwoman Jan Rea, R-McCandless, represents District 2.

Council members have 30 days to name another Republican to serve the remainder of Shumaker's term.

Two candidates, a Democrat and a Republican, are seeking their parties' nominations in May 17 primaries to represent District 3. The winner will be decided in November.

Council President Rich Fitzgerald, D-Squirrel Hill, thanked Shumaker for his more than five years of service.

He said Shumaker will be remembered for his advocacy of row office and campaign finance reform and pursuit of ethics legislation aimed at ensuring public servants are "beyond reproach."

Shumaker, known for tenacious questioning of public officials, poked fun at his own reputation for at times being "just a tad long-winded."