Watt leaves council to run for House

Allegheny County Councilwoman Eileen Watt resigned Tuesday night in preparation for running for the state House.

Watt, R-Cheswick, is seeking the Republican nomination for the 33rd House District seat now held by Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont.

"My time here on the Allegheny County Council has made it clear that many of our most pressing problems must be addressed in Harrisburg," Watt said.

Three other County Council members could be forced soon to join Watt in stepping down.

Under the county's home-rule charter, council members who become candidates for other offices must resign. But there are disagreements over when a council member officially becomes a candidate.

Democratic Councilmen Bill Robinson of the Hill District, Rich Nerone of Brookline and C.L. "Jay" Jabbour of West Mifflin also are considering runs for the state House.

Nerone, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 22nd District -- a seat now held by Republican Michael Diven of Brookline -- said he believes he might be able to remain on County Council until after the May 16 primary.

Robinson, who is eying the seat now held by Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District, said he plans to become an official candidate March 22 -- the deadline for withdrawing from the primary. Although he has not formally announced his candidacy, Robinson indicated strong interest in the race last night.

Jabbour is running for the 38th District seat now held by Democrat Kenneth Ruffing, also of West Mifflin. Jabbour agreed with Robinson that the primary withdrawal deadline is the cutoff date.

Watt said she did not want to delay her resignation because she believes in strictly interpreting the home-rule charter.

Resigning council members are replaced by a party caucus selection. The party of the departing member suggests a replacement, who then is affirmed or rejected by the full council.

Watt said seven people have applied for her spot but that no choice has been made.