Constitution Party Candidate Running for Allegheny County Council

By Richard Cook

James Barr, 60, announced Tuesday he is running for Allegheny County Council under the Constitution Party.

Incumbent Republican Matt Drozd, of Ross, who lost in the spring primary to Tom Baker, is now supporting Barr. 

Drozd has accused Baker of spreading inaccurate information about his votes on county council, and that those "dirty tricks" led to Drozd's defeat.

Barr, of West View, works at a group home for adults with mental problems and has never held elective office. 

Democrat incumbent state Rep. Adam Ravenstahl defeated Barr by a four-to-one margin to win re-election to the 20th District seat in the state House of Representatives last November. 

Barr will face Baker and Democratic nominee Daniel McClain, Jr. in November's general election. District 1 includes Coraopolis, Emsworth, Moon, Kilbuck, Ben Avon and Ben Avon Heights.