Aug 29, 2008 6:47 pm US/Eastern
Mayor Fires Back At Ford's Corruption Allegations
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is now responding to allegations made by a former city official.
City Urban Redevelopment Director Pat Ford recently resigned from his post claiming that the Ravenstahl administration is fraught with corruption.
Ravenstahl is upset about what was in Ford's resignation letter, and the Mayor also said he felt that he was blindsided by the developments.
Specifically, Ravenstahl commented on one charge that has been leveled toward his administration that contracts have been given to political contributors.
"We feel comfortable that the decisions made were appropriate. So, I understand - that while some can suggest or may have their perception - the reality is that the decisions that were made were in the best interest of the taxpayers of the city of Pittsburgh," said Ravenstahl. "I believe that. I stand by that, and others may suggest otherwise, but I believe we made the right decisions."
Also, amid suggestions that there is an investigation going on and that he is about to be indicted, Ravenstahl said, "We have never, not once, been contacted. Let me be very clear, by any federal investigator, by any investigator of any kind, whether it's me or any member of my administration.
"We have yet to be asked one question. I know there has been rumors. I've been made aware of the rumors out there, but I can only state the facts that that has not taken place. We have not been questioned. Nobody has been approached," Ravenstahl added. "When and if that happens, we will certainly make you aware of it, but at this point - absolutely, unequivocally - nothing to that degree has happened."
KDKA's John Shumway reports that Ford's attorney, Lawrence Fischer, was at the Mayor's Office today and said, "Pat Ford has talked to authorities on matters of mutual interest."
But he wouldn't say anything specific.
Stay with KDKA for more on this developing story.
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