Tensions Rise Between District Attorney Zappala and Mayor Gainey Over Downtown Pittsburgh’s Public Safety Laws

The intensifying dispute between District Attorney Zappala and Mayor Gainey revolves around the enforcement of public safety laws in Downtown Pittsburgh, with Gainey highlighting improvements and Zappala expressing concerns about property crimes and law enforcement. (Photo: Post-Gazette)

DA Zappala Threatens Mayor Gainey Over Downtown Pittsburgh’s Public Safety

According to source, the dispute between Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is intensifying, with the focal point being the enforcement of public safety laws in Downtown Pittsburgh. Mayor Gainey argues that public safety in Downtown has improved, citing a decrease in violent crime and the revival of nightlife and businesses.

However, Zappala strongly disagrees, asserting that property crimes are not being adequately addressed, and dialogue with Downtown businesses is insufficient, leading to concerns about the enforcement of public safety laws. He accuses the mayor of not enforcing the law and threatens legal action.

Zappala emphasizes that as mayor, Gainey controls the police department, and if public safety laws are not enforced, there is nothing for the prosecutor’s office to act upon. He warns of the possibility of suing the mayor in federal court and obtaining a court order to address the situation, specifically related to public safety laws. Zappala also mentions the potential use of a grand jury to take over policing in the area and ensure compliance with public safety laws.

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Political Motives or Public Safety? Accusations Fly in Run-Up to November 7 Elections

In response, Mayor Gainey accuses Zappala of focusing on his re-election campaign rather than actively working to enhance the enforcement of public safety laws in Pittsburgh. Zappala’s opponent, Matt Dugan, suggests that Zappala may be using concerns about crime downtown as a distraction from his own inability to provide local solutions related to public safety laws.

The dispute between Zappala and Gainey is raising questions about whether it is politically motivated or a genuine concern for the enforcement of public safety laws. Ultimately, voters will have the opportunity to make their own judgments on November 7.

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