Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner issued the following statement regarding
Common Pleas Senior Judge Joseph M. James’ ruling affirming the ability of her office to
conduct performance audits of County departments:
“Today is a good day for Allegheny County taxpayers. Judge James’ decision allows us to bring County auditing
into the 21st century. My auditing team is excited and eager to undertake its audit responsibilities consistent
with the Judge’s Opinion, beginning with our audit of the County Police–the audit which the County attempted to
stop, thereby forcing this dispute into the courts.
“With the issuance of Judge James’ Opinion and Order, I am pleased that the Court’s ruling confirms
what I have always advocated–that the elected County Controller is not a mere bean counter who
balances the County’s checkbook, but instead must utilize the highest professional auditing standards
to ensure that tax dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively.”
Wagner also responded to the Judge’s ruling which effectively places the County’s authorities
exclusively under state oversight:
“The authorities’ lack of transparency is now an issue for another day and another venue. We can now begin next
steps to attain transparency and accountability for these large County and City/County authorities. This is the
prime good government issue that public officials must now address.
“Today marks a win for the taxpayers and a huge step forward toward a modern,
transparent County government.”
Controller Wagner will be more fully reviewing the opinion over the weekend and will hold a
Press Conference at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9 in 104 County Courthouseto discuss
the Court ruling and next steps.
Judge James’ opinion can be viewedhere
Additional Court Documents:
Brief in Support of Plaintiff’s Declaratory Judgement Action
