Former Pittsburgh Councilwoman Heads to Jail

February 5th, 2008, posted by Greg Palmer

Former Pittsburgh Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle was sentenced to serve 12 to 24 months and ordered to return $43,100 to the city yesterday after expressing remorse for her central role in a multi-year kickback scheme.

At a sentencing hearing, Ms. Carlisle said that she was “earnestly sorry for any misdoings and all misdoings” during her five years on council.

She said she was elected to change the fortunes of Council District 9 in the city’s northeast, and tried to do right. “Out of zealousness, maybe I did do things in an improper manner,” she said. She found herself in a maelstrom. “Everything that I stood for in terms of trying to be perfect, right and just, just went haywire.”

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Twanda Twys to spin

On February 5th, 2008 Anonymous said:

“Maybe I did do things in an improper manner…”
“...trying to be perfect.”

Only a convicted pol could try to spin their illegal actions like this and evade responsibility…as if someone else was to blame!

Twanda needs to rejoin the real world and get a clue. Maybe a couple of years in the slammer will help.

Pilt

Favorite Excuse

On February 5th, 2008 Greg Palmer said:

That’s one of my favorite politician excuses:
“I was just trying to be so perfect for you, the people, and I got off track!”

Works for alcoholism and drug abuse, but probably not stealing.

She was absolutely guilty of a crime and deserves to go to jail!! Ask yourself why did Frank LaGrotta, ex-state rep, get 6 months house arrest and 30 months of probation, as oppossed to 1 – 2 years in the slammer, for stealing as well. Betraying public trust, willfully stealing money by setting up his relatives as ghost employees, ask yourself what is the difference.

There is no difference, but

On March 11th, 2008 Anonymous said:

There is no difference, but that is the legal system. Perhaps Twanda should have used LaGrotta’s attorney. That’s what it all boils down to…how good is your luck in the courtroom or in the backroom.