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Onorato Signs Historic “Fair Representation” Executive Order
Goal is to reflect County’s diversity in appointments to boards, authorities and commissions
(December 13, 2006)
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato today signed a historic executive order that will lead to fair representation and greater diversity on County boards, authorities and commissions over which the Chief Executive has appointment power.“Allegheny County has a wealth of talented, energetic and diverse people who should be involved at every level of decision making,” said Onorato. “I believe our County will be best served when boards, authorities, commissions and other bodies fairly represent the diversity of County residents, including gender, race, age, geography, disability status and other factors.”
Onorato’s order directs the County to develop and maintain a database of all boards, authorities, commissions and other entities over which the Chief Executive has appointment power, including information on the purpose, duties, composition and terms for each body. In addition, information regarding the age, sex, race, disability status and home municipality of each appointee currently serving will be gathered. The database will be available on the County’s web site, as will a list of all current vacancies and positions that are scheduled to become vacant within 90 days.
Finally, the County will develop a single, standardized online application form that may be submitted by prospective applicants for any board, authority or commission for which the Chief Executive has power of appointment. The County Manager will keep all applications on file for at least one year.
“This fair and open appointment process will ensure that the composition, outlook and diversity of County residents are reflected on our boards, authorities and commissions,” added Onorato. “These positions will provide an entry point for future leaders to engage in civic activities and the political process, and appointees will serve as role models for various social, economic and cultural segments of our County.”
The Allegheny County Airport Authority, Community College of Allegheny County, Port Authority and Sports & Exhibition Authority are among the organizations whose boards the Chief Executive appoints. The executive order will become effective in 90 days.
Onorato was joined at the signing ceremony by representatives of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Leadership Pittsburgh, Mon Valley People’s Action Team, League of Young Voters, Urban League of Pittsburgh, Chatham College, Coro Center for Civic Leadership, NAACP, Thomas Merton Center and PUMP.
# # # Boards, authorities and commissions over which the Chief Executive has appointment power:
- Agricultural Land Preservation Board
- Allegheny County Airport Authority
- Allegheny County Board of Health
- Allegheny County Higher Education Building Authority
- Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority
- Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Allegheny County Industrial Development Authority
- Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board
- Allegheny County Residential Finance Authority
- Allegheny County Sanitary Authority
- Allegheny League of Municipalities Board
- Allegheny Regional Asset District Board
- Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council
- Authority for Improvements in Municipalities
- Carnegie Library Board
- Children, Youth & Families Advisory Committee
- Community College of Allegheny County
- Community Services Advisory Council
- Conservation District Board
- Cooperative Extension Board
- Drug & Alcohol Planning Council
- Juvenile Detention Board of Advisors
- Kane Foundation Board
- Mental Health/Mental Retardation Advisory Board
- Parks & Recreation Commission of Allegheny County
- Port Authority of Allegheny County
- Property Assessment Appeals & Review Board
- Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County
- Regional Trail Corporation Board
- Sports & Exhibition Authority
