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An ethics reform proposal is sparking conflict in the race for Allegheny County executive.

Last week, the county retirement board debated an ethics policy that would ban campaign contributions to county officials from investment fund managers.

County Treasurer John Weinstein, the board chair and county executive candidate, led an effort to delay the proposal.

That prompted criticism from Rich Fitzgerald, the incumbent executive who is leaving office, and several candidates including Michael Lamb.

"When you take a very commonsense reform, something that we know works because we've seen it work here in the city, we've seen it work in municipalities across the state of Pennsylvania, and attempt to implement those same commonsense reforms and to have that just rejected out of hand, that's a problem," said Lamb, who is running against Weinstein and several other candidates.

"These standards would increase disclosure requirements, limit contributions from vendors, and ultimately increase the public trust," said Erica Rocchi Brusselars, a Democratic candidate for county treasurer.

Weinstein said he is not against reforms. He followed the retirement board policy which requires a review. He said federal law already limits contributions from pension fund managers to $350.

"I just think this is politics. Clearly, when people get desperate, very desperate, and almost to a point where campaigns are pathetic, then they start throwing mud and slinging mud," Weinstein said.

Fitzgerald said he plans to introduce a measure at the next retirement board meeting to audit fund managers and the fees they are paid.

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