PITTSBURGH -- Gov. Ed Rendell paid a visit to Pittsburgh on Friday speaking at Carnegie Mellon University about technology funding, but with several major issues facing Pennsylvania, Rendell touched down on some other key points.

WTAE Channel 4 Action News wanted to know his thoughts on the proposed smoking ban and the Allegheny County drink tax, but Rendell tackled questions on the recent ruling against two state troopers found liable for 12-year-old Michael Ellerbe's shooting death five years ago.

The jury awarded Ellerbe's father $28 million in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Rendell said he thinks the verdict was a bit much for the troopers. While the appeal is prepared, Rendell is asking for a review of the officers' conduct and wants to take a close look at the department's procedures.

"And we may need to put in new guidelines, but we're going to take a look at it," he said. "But in terms of the judgment, that will be appealed. Although the jury has spoken, I think that judgment was probably a little bit excessive."

Rendell said he is also getting frustrated with the debate over the smoking ban and exceptions for casinos. He is telling the Legislature that he wants as few as possible.

"And even in casinos, if there are exceptions, I want non-smoking areas in casinos as well," said Rendell.

But when it comes to the outrage over the new 10 percent drink tax in Allegheny County, Rendell is asking Pittsburghers to cool down, saying a drink tax is already working in Philadelphia.

"I think the tax itself, no one likes to pay more taxes, but I think if everybody cools down, I don't think it will affect their business," he said.

The drink tax money in Philadelphia is going towards education.

Allegheny county's drink tax, put in place Jan. 1, goes to help the Port Authority's budget.

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