PA: Allegheny County primary race for DA offers clear differences between candidates
Longtime Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. is facing chief public defender Matt Dugan in a Democratic primary race featuring candidates with widely divergent views.
Zappala has garnered headlines during the campaign for targeting security measures at Kennywood amusement park, while Dugan has been boosted by large sums of campaign donations from national “criminal justice” groups looking to take down the 25-year incumbent.
For voters, there is a clear difference between the candidates.
Dugan, 43, of Moon Township, said the district attorney’s office should be helping to divert low-level offenders to community services so resources can be freed up to more aggressively prosecute violent crimes. He said that message has resonated with Democrats, pointing to him securing the county Democratic Party’s endorsement and support from various criminal justice groups.
Zappala, 66, of Fox Chapel, defended his record and said his efforts have increased public safety and police accountability, including increased body camera usage for police officers. His campaign also touted Zappala’s support for abortion and LGBTQ rights. He said Dugan is being influenced by outside groups, and they will call the shots if Dugan wins.
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-primary-race-for-da-offers-clear-differences-between-candidates/
