Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald sees someone in the field to succeed him that could carry on his work. That’s why he endorsed City Controller Michael Lamb on Monday.

“There’s only one candidate with the qualifications, track record, honesty and integrity to lead this county for the next four years. And that’s Michael Lamb,” Fitzgerald said. “Michael knows how to make government work and to attract the best people to get the job done.

“If you were happy with the direction Allegheny County’s been going in — and apparently 73% of you are, according to recent polls — Michael Lamb is the person who will work each and every day to build on the progress that we have made,” he added, noting polling that shows support for Fitzgerald’s leadership.

Lamb, for his part, praised Fitzgerald’s tenure.

“For the last twelve years as county executive, Rich has brought a strong work ethic and commitment to a higher standard of ethics and integrity to County government and that is something I want to continue.”

Two other former candidates for the position – Liv Bennett and Erin McClelland – threw their support behind County Treasurer John Weinstein.

“We have worked together to really get things accomplished for this county,” Bennett said. “I actually talked to a number of candidates, and what I really found was that John understood the things that needed to happen in this county. … He gets it. He knows what we need to do in this county, and he’s willing to do it.”