Former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto opposes criticism raised after bridge collapse – CBS Pittsburgh

By: Amanda Andrews of KDKA-TV

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – After the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge on Friday, questions are being raised as to how this is possible.

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Many public officials in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg have received fierce criticism over the state of infrastructure in Allegheny County, especially since lawmakers and inspectors confirmed that other bridges are under construction. recorded as in worse if not worse condition than the Fern Hollow Bridge.

The Fern Hollow Bridge has been rated “poor” since 2011 but is not considered the most serious bridge in need of repair.

Much of the backlash was directed at former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who took office in 2014 and served through the end of 2021.

Yes you are the only one to think.

Look at @billpeduto This RTing. If there’s anyone to blame for this, it’s him. Completely neglecting the actual infrastructure for many years to carry out his pet projects. pic.twitter.com/vdJInU832q

– Bill PedutoHead (@MrPedutoHead) January 29, 2022

Just an FYI, Mayor Bill Peduto is a democrat and decided to fund the police instead of fixing our infrastructure. The GOP is lousy but please don’t pretend to be better democrats https://t.co/8Hceh9Bj0K

– La Befana (@ Sandernista412) January 28, 2022

READ MORE: Medical staff use their own cars to rescue victims from the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge

While Peduto has responded to the allegations on Twitter throughout the weekend, he tweeted a thread about his stance on Fern Hollow Bridge.

Peduto, in tweets on Sunday, protested against “radical binary decision-making” and a “conspiracy circus wagon” that he said described the conversation about the bridge collapse.

As the former Mayor of Pittsburgh, I have some insight into the recent bridge collapse and how we got here. With over 30 years of experience in federal, state, county and local government, I also have some knowledge of why this is happening and how we can mitigate the impacts in future.

– bill peduto (@billpeduto) January 30, 2022

“A bridge that collapsed in Pittsburgh, 1 out of 175, ranks poorly in our County. Immediately the extremists jumped onto the circus wagon plotting. ‘Police budgets have stolen vital funds – get rid of the police’. “Bicycle lanes, green infrastructure and climate initiatives are prioritized and held accountable,” Peduto tweeted, adding in another tweet, “Obviously, both of these claims are meaningless and eliminate the real debate we should have. Shame on any elected official or government employee who has triggered this pointless dialogue – you don’t deserve to be paid for your ignorance. The basic facts prove all of this wrong. ”

A bridge that collapsed in Pittsburgh, 1 out of 175, ranks poorly in our County. Immediately the extremists jumped onto the circus wagon plotting. “Police budgets have stolen vital funds – get rid of the police.” “Bicycle lanes, green infrastructure and climate initiatives are prioritized and held accountable.”

– bill peduto (@billpeduto) January 30, 2022

Obviously, both of these statements are pointless and detract from the real debate we need to have. Shame on any elected official or government employee who has triggered this pointless dialogue – you don’t deserve to be paid for your ignorance. Basic facts prove all this wrong

– bill peduto (@billpeduto) January 30, 2022

He went on to push for an infrastructure bill to fund federal and state grants for local bridges.

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