On Monday, an affidavit was unsealed in a long-running investigation launched by the Allegheny County DA’s Office.
The affidavit contained allegations strong enough for a judge to approve search warrants. Investigators then examined over 7000 City of Pittsburgh documents and conducted numerous interviews.
The result?
Allegations of bid-rigging, funneling money to political supporters, and financial irregularities during the Gainey administration. These allegations are not a conviction. It is not even known if a grand jury has been called to hear the evidence yet.
But District Attorney Stephen Zappala has said he will bring charges.
A separate federal investigation of securities violations is also possible, but Ed Gainey and others who worked for him are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
We strongly feel taxpayers deserve a candid account of what transpired. And if allegations of bid-rigging are proven in court, there should be reforms to prevent it from happening again. When it comes to taking sides in this controversy, we side with the taxpayers.
