Chelsa Wagner, Allegheny County Controller-Elect
“The Allegheny County Controller should be an advocate – not just a bean counter. Fighting for job creation, protecting taxpayers, and providing leadership requires getting off the sidelines.”
Meet Chelsa
Chelsa Wagner was born and raised in the South Pittsburgh neighborhood of Beechview. She graduated from Seton-LaSalle High School and went on to earn a degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. At Chicago, Chelsa was a member of the women’s varsity basketball team. After college, Chelsa took her passion for policy and became a Business Analyst for a large private corporation, working to reform large state and municipal governments across the country. She returned to her home to attend law school at the University of Pittsburgh. She worked as an attorney in private practice until 2006, when was elected State Representative, where she is now serving in her third term. Chelsa is a former Democratic Committeewoman and serves as Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation. Chelsa now resides in Brookline with her husband, Khari, and their two-year-old son, Thaddeus.
Leadership
Chelsa has been a results-focused leader in Harrisburg and a strong advocate for the people of the 22nd District, Allegheny County and the region. Chelsa’s leadership in her district has been evident in the communities she represents. She led the fight to stop the closings of neighborhood library branches in Pittsburgh and throughout Allegheny County, and to devote gaming revenues to strengthening the library system. She has been an innovative leader in the area of collaboration between communities, initiating efforts for planning along the ‘T’ light rail line and the Route 51 corridor. She has fought consistently for Allegheny County’s legislative priorities and budgetary needs, and has always advocated for the entire region, beyond just the borders of her district.
Vision
As a legislator, Chelsa has established herself as an ethical leader who never forgets that her sole purpose in government is public service. If elected Allegheny County Controller, Chelsa will bring the same work-ethic and innovative vision to county government. As the county’s top fiscal officer, Chelsa will lead the fight against inefficient and inequitable spending, working to root out fraud, waste and abuse in county government. Chelsa will bring a fresh, outside perspective focused on making county government more transparent and accountable to taxpayers. As she has done in her district and legislative offices, Chelsa will ensure the County Controller’s office is second to none in its professionalism, drawing upon her background in business and law. Chelsa will ensure the County Controller’s office is a direct, effective advocate for Allegheny County, this region, and most importantly, the taxpayers. As a staunch Democrat, Chelsa also hopes to bring fresh perspective, experience, and energy to the Party to stave off recent losses and lead in the rebuilding & strengthening of Western PA as a stronghold for Democratic support and values.
Endorsements
Chelsa Wagner is the only candidate for County Controller with significant endorsements from Party, Labor, and Constituency organizations. Chelsa has worked hard over her three terms as a State Representative to build close, effective relationships with these groups and is proud to be an advocate and voice for their issues.
Organizations:
Allegheny County Labor Council
Allegheny County Democratic Committee
SEIU Pennsylvania State Council
Steel City Stonewall Democrats
Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers
United Mine Workers of America
Chartiers Valley Democratic Chairs Association
Pittsburgh Firefighters Local #1
Laborer’s District Council of Western PA
Greater Pennsylvania Regional Council of Carpenters
United Steelworkers of America, District 10
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #5
International Union of Operating, Engineers Local #66
Ironworkers Local #3
Amalgamated Transit Union Local #85
Steamfitters Local #449
Plumbers Local #27
AFSCME District Council 84