5.3.23 NPC

Pittsburgh Courier Pittsburgh Courier

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Courier Staff Writer

You couldn’t see James Frierson’s eyes. They were hidden behind a pair of sunglasses. Was it because of the sunlight, or was it to hide the pain, the

Courier Staff Writer

If you build it, they will come.

B. Marshall has built it, and everybody has come.

Everybody. Like elected officials and the corporate world, in addition to the hard-working Pittsburghers who love Black culture and music.

Juneteenth in Pittsburgh has come a long way since there were 75 people celebrating the holiday at Stage AE, B. Marshall’s first foray into hosting a Juneteenth celebration in Pittsburgh in 2013.

Even the outspoken B. Marshall didn’t think it would grow from 75 people 10 years ago to 35,000 people in 2022. “How could I say I thought that,” he told

hurt, the trauma of standing at the exact spot that his brother, Jim Rogers, was hit by a Taser numerous times by a Pittsburgh Police officer nearly two years ago. No one offered to provide medical help to Rogers, 54, even as

attorney Todd Hollis said he sat in the back of a police car “for over 30 minutes, screaming and begging for help. There were sergeants, there was a lieutenant, medics there...all of them heard him...asking to be given medical attention. West Penn Hos-

pital is three blocks away from here. They drove by Shadyside Hospital...our experts have said that had he been given medical attention sooner, he would have lived.” Hollis, Frierson, and numerous community advocates were

on hand on Harriet Street in Bloomfield, on the afternoon of April 27, to announce that the City of Pittsburgh had settled with the family of Jim Rogers for $8 million in the wrongful

the New Pittsburgh Courier. “We never thought that (it would get that big), but we were persistent and we have enjoyed the growth and the development.”

B. Marshall, with the organization Stop The Violence Pittsburgh, held a news conference in City Council chambers on April 26 to proudly announce the lineup of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, to be held, Friday, June 16, to Monday, June 19. The actual Juneteenth holiday is on June 19.

On Friday, June 16, Juneteenth will honor Hip-Hop’s 50 years in existence, with performances at Point State Park from Hurricane Chris, Ar-

Biden calls Black Press ‘heroes’ at White House Correspondents Dinner

NNPA Newswire

Correspondent

President Joe Biden

proved likely as funny and prescient in his White House Correspondents Dinner remarks as hired comedian and Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr.

But the commander in chief struck a rather serious and forceful tone during his 22-minute speech when he declared how vital the Black Press remains after 196 years of speaking truth to power.

After hilariously railing on everyone from Fox News, Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump and Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the president made fun of himself in a tour de force of hilariously self-deprecating jokes.

But, it was his proclamation calling the Black Press heroes that punctuated a 22-plus minute speech that proved one for the ages.

“During Black History Month this year, I hosted the screening of the movie Till, the president stated, after such quips like “MSNBC is owned by NBC Universal and Fox News is owned by Dominion Voting Systems.”

“The story of Emmett Till and his mother is a story of a family’s promise and loss and a nation’s reckoning with hate, violence, and the abuse of power,” Biden recounted as he started his championing of the Black Press.

“It’s a story that was seared into our memory and our conscience—the nation’s conscience—when Mrs. Till insisted that an open casket for her murdered and maimed 14-year-old son be the means by which he was transported. She said, ‘Let the people see what I’ve seen.’”

The president continued:

“The reason the world saw what she saw was because of another hero in this story: the Black Press. That’s a fact. Jet Magazine, the Chicago Defender, and other Black radio and newspapers were unflinching and brave in

making sure America saw what she saw. And I mean it.”

He quoted Ida B. Wells, who exclaimed that “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon the wrongs.”

“That’s the sacred view, in my view,” Biden asserted.

“That’s the sacred charge of a free press. And I mean that.”

Earlier the White House Correspondents Association honored fallen PBS star journalist Gwen Ifill, and Biden took notice.

“That’s what someone we still miss so much, who you honored posthumously, stood for. Gwen Ifill,” he said.

“She moderated my first debate for vice president and was a trusted voice for millions of Americans.

Gwen understood that the louder the noise, the more it’s on all of us to cut through the noise to the truth. The truth matters.”

Before given way to Wood, the president reminisced about the 2022 dinner.

“As I said last year at this dinner, a poison is running through our democracy and parts of the extreme press,” Biden reasserted.

“The truth buried by lies, and lies living on as truth. Lies told for profit and power. Lies of conspiracy and malice repeated over and over again, designed to generate a cycle of anger, hate, and even violence.”

He concluded:

“A cycle that emboldens history to be buried, books to be banned, children and families to be attacked by the state, and the rule of law and our rights and freedoms to be stripped away. And where elected representatives of the people are expelled from statehouses for standing for the people.”

“I’ve made clear that we know in our bones—and you know it too—our democracy remains at risk. But I’ve also made it clear, as I’ve seen throughout my life, it’s within our power, each and every one of us, to preserve our democracy. We can. We must. We will.”

National Newspaper

Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., who sat nearby as the president spoke, offered praise to Biden.

“The NNPA thanks President Joe Biden for highlight the strategic importance and ongoing value of the Black Press of America,” Chavis stated.

“Biden’s speech to the 2023 White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C., was another historic tribute to the Black Press as the NNPA reaffirms being the trusted voice of Black America.”

Following the president’s speech, Wood jumped in.

“Real quick, Mr. President, I think you left some of your classified documents up here,” Woods quipped. “I’ll put them in a safe place, he don’t know where to keep them.”

While that led to hearty chuckles, Wood went on to deliver belly-aching laughter when he zeroed in on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former Fox host Tucker Carlson, former CNN host Don Lemon, and others.

“Ron, everybody knows how to do politics. This is America,” Wood said in addressing DeSantis.

“We don’t pass laws. You make a promise to voters. And then you don’t do it. That’s what the great leaders in this room understand.”

“Ask any Republican [to] try to explain CRT, they sound like a Democrat trying to explain the charges against Trump.”

He continued:

“You are trying to erase Black people and a lot of Black people wouldn’t mind some of that erasure as long as that Black person is Clarence Thomas.”

And while Trump, and so many others proved targets, Wood didn’t spare Biden.

“When the retirement age went up two years to 64 [in France] they rioted because they didn’t want to work till 64,” Wood said.

“Meanwhile in America, we have an 80-year-old man begging us for four more years of work.”

• MAY 3

1845—Macon B. Allen passes the Massachusetts bar thus becoming the first African American lawyer to pass a state bar and the first Black person permitted to practice law in the United States.  Allen was born in Indiana but after the Civil War he moved to South Carolina where he was elected a judge in 1873.

1933—Singer James Brown, known as “The Godfather of Soul” for his game-changing style in funk, soul and R&B throughout his career, was born on May, 3, 1933, in Barnwell, S.C. Brown charted on the Billboard Pop Charts close to 100 times and on the R&B charts at least 110 times. In a career that spanned six decades, Brown influenced the development of several music genres. Brown died on Dec. 25, 2006.

1949—The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of J.D. Shelley on Shelley v. Kraemer, a landmark housing and civil rights case. After years of living with relatives or in rental properties, Shelley, who’d migrated from the South to St. Louis, Mo., with his family to escape racial oppression, decided to buy a house. He learned, however that many owners had agreed to a real estate contract clause that banned them from selling their homes to people of “Negro or Mongolian” descent. After Shelley finally bought a house, White homeowner Louis Kraemer hired an attorney to invalidate the contract and took the case to court. After Kraemer successfully appealed, which reversed the first court’s decision, the Shelley family took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won.

• MAY 4

1891—Dr. Daniel Hale Williams founds the Provident Hospital and Training Center in Chicago, Ill. It becomes a major training center for Black doctors and nurses.  Williams is best known, however, for performing the nation’s first open heart surgery on July 9, 1893. He operated on a man injured in a knife fight. The man would live for another 20 years after the surgery.

1961— Thirteen Freedom Riders began bus trips through the South to test Southern compliance with a 1960 U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in interstate transportation facilities. They were soon joined by hundreds of other “Freedom Riders” of all ages and races. Despite the Court decision, dozens of Freedom Riders were arrested as the South attempted to hang onto its segregationist ways.

• MAY 5

1905—Robert Sengstacke

Abbott founds the Chicago Defender newspaper calling it “the world’s greatest weekly.” Indeed, he would build the Defender into the largest circulation and most influential Black newspaper of its day. The Defender, which became the most widely circulated Black newspaper in the country, came to be known as “America’s Black Newspaper” and made Abbott one of the first self-made millionaires of African American descent. In 1919, Illinois Gov. Frank Lowden appointed Abbott to the Race Relations Commission. Abbott died of Bright’s disease in 1940 in Chicago, Ill.

• MAY 6 1787—Prince Hall organizes

the nation’s first Black Masonic lodge in Boston, Mass.—African Lodge #459. Hall would go on to become the father of Black Masons in America and a major Black leader in the Northeast.

1812—Martin R. Delany , a pioneering Black nationalist, is born on this day in Charles Town, Va. Abraham Lincoln once described him as one of the most brilliant men he had ever met. Delany would fight in the Civil War to end slavery and become one of the nation’s first Black military officers. After the war he became a doctor. But over the years he became frustrated with American racism and began to advocate a return of Blacks to Africa.

• MAY 7

1800— On this date the founder of the settlement which would grow to become the city of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable , sold his property and left the settlement. The Haitian-born frontier trader and businessman had a history of building significant wealth, losing it and building it again. He would die 18 years later in St. Charles, Mo. 1878— Black inventor, Joseph R. Winters , receives a patent for his designing of the fire escape ladder.

2010—A report on felony disenfranchisement laws begins to receive widespread publicity. The report was actually released on April 21 by the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. It showed that 5.3 million Americans were being denied the right to vote because of past felony convictions. Disproportionately, those denied voting rights were African American. In fact, the report revealed that 13 percent of Black males could not vote because of felony convictions. Historically, most voting disenfranchisement laws were enacted after the Civil War as a means to keep newly freed Blacks from voting.

• MAY 8

1858—The first play by an African-American writer is published. The play was titled “The Escape” and the author was William Wells Brown. 1925—The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was founded. It would become the leading Black-led trade union organization in America. In addition to introducing unionism to African Americans, the ability to travel to cities throughout the country enabled the porters to become a major vehicle of communications for American Blacks. They distributed everything from letters to Black-oriented newspapers as they traveled the nation. The chief organizer was the legendary A. Phillip Randolph

• MAY 9

1952— Boxer-turned-actor Canada Lee dies in New York City at the age of 45. Second only to the legendary Paul Robeson, Lee was the leading serious (non-comedic) Black actor of the 1940s. He gave impressive performances in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “Lifeboat” (1944), the boxing classic “Body and Soul” (1947) and “Cry, The Beloved Country” (1951). However, like Robeson, Lee’s film career came to an end during the McCarthy Era when a host of Black and White stars, who were also social activists, were labeled communists and denied jobs.

Debra Lee reveals how BET advanced Black programming during

her tenure as CEO

Atlanta Daily World

Debra Lee served as CEO of Black Entertainment Television in an era when the cable station found ways to be innovative and entertaining. Signature programs such as “106 & Park,” “Rap City,” “BET Awards,” “The Game,” and “Being Mary Jane” proved that BET could create original programming that focused on Black culture while consistently garnering major viewership numbers.

Lee, who recently released the book, “I Am Debra Lee: A Memoir,” recently stopped by the Real Times Media studio in Detroit to provide insight on her book and how she helped to advance BET’s original programming. Incorporating original programming was a bit of a struggle during the early days of BET.

“I would often get calls from our audience to have more original programming,” Lee said. “They didn’t understand that we didn’t have the budget for original programming. So when I took over as CEO, people started asking me my vision. I wanted us to do more original program. By that time, we had been acquired by Viacom. We had more resources. And I just felt like we were never going to be taken serious as a network unless we did original program.”

One of the first scripted series on BET was their acquisition of the sports comedy, “The Game.”

“We took that over from CBS and it aired on the CW,” Lee said. “It would get about 1.5 million viewers weekly. They never promoted it, but people loved it. And when the CW cancelled it, there was an email campaign for BET to pick it up. And we had already started showing the reruns of the shows. And so we knew our audience loved it. So the show had been off the air for about two years. And we finally convinced CBS to trust us. They didn’t think we could keep up the production quality, go figure. And the show has been around for so many years afterwards. We hired the same team of writers and actors and put it on the air. On the night of the debut on BET, we got 7.7 million viewers which is still a record. It proved that if you gave Black viewers high quality content, they would show up.”

Following the success of “The Game,” BET would produce “Being Mary Jane” and several events that honored those who achieved in the arts and community affairs.

“We wanted all of our programming to have a purpose,” Lee said. “That was my goal and my vision and our brand strategy. We wanted to respect, reflect and uplift our audience. And if programming didn’t do that, we didn’t want to do it. And so the original programming proved that we could do that and then I created shows like ‘BET Honors’ and ‘Black Girls Rock.’”

But even with success, Lee and BET faced turbulent times. In a time when rap music had become mainstream music, BET was viewed as a vehicle that helped to expand rap artists. However, the network faced backlash due to the airing of more explicit videos.

“I had protesters outside my house for about seven months,” Lee said. “A young minister in Maryland did not like three videos that aired on BET. So I became the focal point of criticism of Hip-Hop videos, which I thought was unfair. We really worked hard with record labels to get them to the point where we could air the videos. We had a standards committee made up of different folks from BET. Young people, older people from different departments. And we put a lot of time and effort into it. But none of the rappers came to my defense. And so I said, ‘If I’m going to be the face of Hip-Hop criticism, I’m going to institute my standards.’ I became the final decision maker of what videos would air. It’s not what I went to law school to do, but that’s what I became.”

Although Lee faced a lot of backlash, many continue to respect her for how she helped to expand Hip-Hop.

“People still come up to me on the street, especially young Black men and say, ‘Thank you, Miss Lee, for what you did for the culture,’” she said. “That just warms my heart.”

Highlighting the importance of Black performance in American culture

Acclaimed author, poet Hanif Abdurraqib speaks in Pittsburgh

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Hanif Abdurraqib, an author, poet and cultural critic, warned his audience at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland that he has a labyrinthian conversational nature. And he delivered on Monday night, April 17, as he spoke for 90 minutes about everything from his poem inspired by R&B group TLC’s “No Scrubs” to country music icon Johnny Cash, religion, his experiences in jail and playing basketball—to name a few.

Abdurraqib, 39, who spoke at the event sponsored by the Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures series, focuses his writings on the role of Black performance in American culture, and throughout the evening shared poems and excerpts from his books, including the forthcoming, “There’s Always This Year.”

He said the newest collection of essays uses the metaphor of basketball to address mortality.

“It’s almost certainly not about basketball,” Abdurraqib said. “It’s most easily defined as a book about basketball, but here’s the thing: I am about the same age as Lebron James, we both grew up in Ohio, both playing basketball, with varying degrees of success.”

He continued to con -

template his aging as parallel to James and how that served as an inspiration and a framework for his not-yet-released book.

“To see him in a form where aging is tactile, thinking that, ‘he’s getting older’ and I remember thinking: ‘well, wait a minute, he’s getting older!’” he said.

Abdurraqib is a Columbus, Ohio, native. Speaking in Pittsburgh, he kept his audience enraptured, which responded with punctures of laughter and applause.

The lecture began with Abdurraqib reading from one of his favorite poets, Yona Harvey, a University of Pittsburgh professor, and her poem, “Q.”

He then recalled his visit to Woodland Hills High School earlier in the day and some of the questions students asked, before contemplating the concepts of obsession and making a home for oneself in a single place.

“Staying in a place, making a home for yourself in one place and not trying to fight your way out of it, that too, is a type of obsession,” Abdurraqib said. “Delving so deeply into curiosity and understanding that the more depth you gain, the more potential for exits you find even if you don’t take them.”

Hailing from the East Side of Columbus, Ab -

durraqib shared his love for his home and how that affection ties into the framework of basketball in his upcoming book.

“I really wanted to fight against this idea of the Black person wants to exit the place that has loved them,” he said. “Part of ‘There’s Always This Year’ is a reconsideration of what it means to stay, not even in defiance of anything, just staying because you love a place.”

Abdurraqib’s words seemed to resonate with the audience.

“I love to read, and I love that we get exposed to authors who are changing the world, and that the authors are always involved in a school event whenever they come,” said Christine Crow, who was in the audience. “The lecture series brings diverse and important work to the Pittsburgh community.”

At the conclusion of his talk, Abdurraqib sat down with Tahirah Walker, a Point Park University professor and author of a literature blog called, “Black Book Lady.”

Walker asked about Abdurraqib’s most recently published book, “A Little Devil in America: Notes and Praise of Black Performance.”

Then, following in his earlier warning of labyrinthian tendencies, they discussed Pitts -

burgh Jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, who died on April 16 at age 92; Black women artists in ‘A Little Devil in America’; the Louisiana State University hoops player Angel Reese; sneakers; Meredith Hunter, an 18-year-old man killed in 1969 while attending the Altamont Speedway Free Festival; and Soul Train.

“I’ve always seen Black performance everywhere,” Abdurraqib

said. “I like, additionally, the nuances of performing in smaller movements, the way eye contact can have a sentence within it or the way a nod can signal an entire entry point to a conversation; these interactions and affections, among Black people specifically, can be unspoken.”

Lisa Schroeder, president and CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation, introduced Abdurraqib

and emphasized the foundation’s commitment to diversity in arts, noting that earlier this year the foundation committed to a new, $50 million, five-year plan that focuses on diversity and social justice. “We believe in the transformational power of art and in the talent and strength of the artists based here in our community,” Schroeder said.

Big names coming to Pittsburgh's 2023 Juneteenth celebration

rested Development and KRS-One. On Saturday, June 17, the Grand Jubilee/Juneteenth Parade will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Freedom Corner, making its way through Downtown Pittsburgh.

The Grand Marshall will be Colonel James H. Harvey, a Top Gun Red Tail Tuskegee Air Pilot, one of the last surviving pilots of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Saturday’s festivities at Point State Park begin at 2 p.m. with a performance from the U.S. Army Jazz Band, followed by R&B artists Sammie, Keke Wyatt and Carl Thomas. On Sunday, June 18, the Sammy Deleon Jazz Fusion Band plays at 3 p.m., followed by R&B group Soul For Real and Grammy Award-winning Gospel artist Erica

Campbell. On Monday, June 19, it all starts with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m., a Phyllis Hyman Tribute at 4:30 p.m., and then performances from Ruff Endz and the Ohio Players.

For the first time ever, a fireworks display will conclude Juneteenth, Monday, June 19, at 9:35 p.m., after the Ohio Players. There will also be live performances from local artists throughout the weekend in Market Square. And a Juneteenth Youthfest takes place at Mellon Park in East Liberty, June 1011.

Deputy Chief of Staff for the Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office, Felicity Williams, said one of her colleagues described Juneteenth as a “family reunion, something that

brings Pittsburghers together and one of the events that makes Downtown welcoming and thriving.”

Juneteenth, of late in Pittsburgh, has been a very, very large family reunion. During the news conference, Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, said that the four-day Juneteenth celebration in 2022 brought 35,000 visitors to Downtown, 10 percent of those were visitors from outside the region. It generated an estimated spend of $1.7 million for the region. He said that the Black Music Festival, which takes over Downtown Pittsburgh in mid-July,

brought an estimated 22,000 visitors last year, 40 percent of whom were visitors, generating $1.4 million.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this and we’re looking forward to seeing what 2023 brings,” Bachar said.

B. Marshall has actually put a goal out there of $10 million he wants his three festivals—Juneteenth, Black Music Festival and Soul Food Festival—to bring into Pittsburgh. In 2022, it was estimated that the economic impact of the three festivals was $4.4 million. For B. Marshall, he sleeps well at night knowing a lot of that money is going to small, Black-owned businesses

that operate as vendors for the three festivals Downtown. Highmark Wholecare is the official health care provider of Juneteenth. Dollar Bank is the sponsor of the Minority Small Business Vendor Plaza. UPMC serves as the sponsor for the Grand Jubilee Parade, and Citizens Bank is the political unit sponsor of the Grand Jubilee Parade. Don’t forget about the City of Pittsburgh; through a fund to ensure the arts are alive and well in Pittsburgh, it contributed $125,000 to this year’s Juneteenth celebration, according to B. Marshall. Bachar said June -

teenth and the other festivals that B. Marshall hosts “raise consciousness; they celebrate our amazing African American communities as well as attracting out-oftown visitation. People are starting to come to these events on a much bigger scale.”

“It is events like Juneteenth that help make Pittsburgh a regional destination,” Williams said, “that celebrates the rich diversity of our region and creates those opportunities for Minority- and Women-owned businesses to thrive.”

For

City of Pittsburgh settles with family of Jim Rogers for $8 million in wrongful death lawsuit

death lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed in April 2022 by the estate of Jim Rogers, who was Black. Hollis was the attorney representing the estate.

On Oct. 13, 2021, a woman on Harriet Street called police to report that a man had “stolen” a bicycle, although witnesses on the street said the bicycle had been left for anyone to take. When police arrived, they found the alleged suspect, Rogers. One of the officers, Keith Edmonds, then used a Taser on Rogers repeatedly. Much of the incident was caught on video.

“Officer Edmonds’ brutal attack on Mr. Rogers through the repeated use of a Taser on an unarmed, nonviolent, older gentleman was without cause or justification and undertaken recklessly, wantonly and with gross negligence,” read part of the lawsuit filed against the city, 11 police officers and two paramedics.

Police took Rogers towards the Allegheny County Jail, but after noticing his deteriorating status, they quickly took him to UPMC Mercy Hospital. However, Rogers died the next day, Oct. 14, 2021.

The incident took place prior to Ed Gainey, who is Black, becoming Pittsburgh’s mayor. But a few months after Mayor Gainey took office, his office announced that it had fired five Pittsburgh Police officers connected to the incident. That wasn’t going to be enough, Hollis and the Rogers family said.

“This is the most egregious case that I have ever seen in my 29 years of practicing law,” Hollis said on April 27, moments after announcing what he called a historic settlement.

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“It’s senseless. Most people probably won’t believe me, but when we decided to resolve this case, my interest was not the money. The money is going to help Mr. Rogers’ daughter secure a future for her children. I’m at the stage of my life where legacy is more important to me, knowing that my daughter can walk in any neighborhood and not be judged simply because she doesn’t fit in. I want to know that when I’m long gone, our children will live in a better place than what exists now. Harriet Street will go down in infamy as one of those neighborhoods that committed the worst crime in human history.”

Tim Stevens, Chairman and CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project, said he met Rogers on a few occasions. “He was just a gentle soul. Anybody who met him would know that. He was not a threat to anybody. Just because he was born Black, and maybe dark, maybe that meant something to somebody.

But he was a human being, and he took the bike back, and he’s dead.”

Mayor Gainey released a statement shortly after the news conference. It read, in part: “My heart is with Jim Rogers’ family, friends, and loved ones today. As we put his family’s lawsuit against the city behind us, the city continues to pray for the family over this unnecessary loss of life...In addition to the monetary remedy of this settlement, we will also be reviewing our use of force policies with the family and other advocates. We are committed to changing policing in our city and working to rebuild community police relationships so that everyone in Pittsburgh feels safe.”

Hollis announced that the family of Rogers wants the City of Pittsburgh to implement a set of policies dubbed the “Jim Rogers Rules,” which are broken into five components: General changes related to the culture of policing in the city; Changes related to the

use of force; Changes specifically related to the use of Tasers; Changes related to the medical care provided to criminal suspects by police officers; and Discipline.

More specifically, the Rogers family wants the city to “train officers to de-escalate situations instead of enflaming them,” “retrain every officer with access to a Taser in the policy and practices and the appropriate and inappropriate use of Tasers,” and “implement a policy and congruent training of EMTs that they are free to assess the situation at the scene of a police incident and determine all who need to be treated and make that determination free of police guidance.”

“There has to be a better way of dealing with the public so that police are not given the unilateral authority to decide when and if somebody will get medical attention,” Hollis said at the news conference. “And why would 30 police officers respond to a

homeless person (Rogers) who had allegedly stolen a bicycle? We’re in Zone 5. Could that have been the most important crime on October 13?”

Hollis added: “Had he been given medical attention sooner, he would have lived. From a humanitarian standpoint, how many times does somebody have to ask for help before a reasonable person decides to give them help?”

For Frierson, the older brother of Rogers, he was asked by reporters what he would say to the Pittsburgh Police officer who Tased Rogers, and the others who failed to come to Rogers’ aid thereafter.

“What is there to say?” Frierson replied. “I’ve watched that (video) over and over again, it was the most inhumane thing I’ve ever seen, even if he was not my brother. It was just unreasonable.”

Frierson added: “There’s never going to be closure, ever. You can’t unsee what we saw.”

James Frierson on his brother, Jim Rogers: ‘Didn’t pose a threat to anyone’

James Frierson and Jim Rogers grew up together. After all, they were brothers, Frierson three years older. They grew up in the same house most of their young lives, at 6060 Poketa Road, Penn Hills.

“Jim was a gentle soul, he caused nobody any danger, any harm,” Frierson told the New Pittsburgh Courier exclusively about his younger brother, Rogers. Rogers died one day after he was Tased numerous times by a Pittsburgh

The Courier is THE VOICE of Black Pittsburgh.

Police officer on Oct. 13, 2021. The officer was responding to reports of a man who stole a bicycle. Many officers showed up, but none seemed to give Rogers the medical attention he needed as he sat in the back of a police car after being Tased.

“Growing up, he was a great kid, great athlete in the Penn Hills School District in football,” Frierson said about his brother. “In life, sometimes you kind of lose your way, but he never lost the person who he was. He was harmless. He didn’t pose a threat to anyone. He would help

RUTH M. MYERS

On April 7, 2020, Ruth Mae Myers passed away in Silver Spring, Maryland following a move from Pittsburgh after the death of her husband of sixty-six years, Ernest Haywood Myers in 2011. She was born in Brickyard (Russell County) Alabama to Horton Briggs Johnson and Ethel Lee Gooden (Goodman). Her parents, husband, brother (Horton G. Johnson), youngest son (Wayne Myers), and nephews (Clyde Myers, Horton G. Johnson II, Ronald V. Boyden) preceded her death. She is survived by her oldest son (Ernest M. Myers, M.D.), grandson (Brent Haywood Myers), grand- daughters (Erica Waugh Myers, Stacy Waugh Myers Brennan, Candice Waugh Myers Monaco, Mia Jihan Thompson Ray), nieces (Linda Diann Johnson Lightfoot, Terri Williams Hannibal), nephews (Ernest Boyden, James Williams, Mark Williams, Andre Williams, Keith Williams), great grand-daughters (Sydney Alexis Marshall, Jordan Elizabeth Marshall, Samara May Brennan, Mina Anastasia Brennan, Sophia Bella Cabrera, Mia Nikolle Myers, Sade Grace Ray, Peyton Madison Randolph Ray, Marley Myers Monaco), great grandson (Maxwell Myers Monaco) and a host of cousins from the Robert & Beatrice Davis and Anderson & Katie Williams Families. Due to the COVID Pandemic, her final rest was postponed. Internment with the immediate family, will be 10:00 a.m. on May 20, 2023 at Allegheny Cemetery. All are welcome to attend the Noon Memorial Service at Central Baptist Church, 2200 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. In lieu of flowers, a monetary contribution can be made in her memory to: The Central Baptist Church Capital Campaign at the above address.

you before he tried to hurt you.”

Frierson said Rogers looked up to him “to some degree. I tried to set a good example for him. Our interactions were always great.”

Five officers were fired by the City of Pittsburgh in 2022 in the fallout of the Rogers incident, which was caught on video. Still, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed, and on April 27, 2023, attorney Todd Hollis announced that the City of Pittsburgh settled the suit with the Rogers family for $8 million, called a “historic settlement” by

Hollis.

“We grew up in the same house most of our (young) lives, but even after (Frierson moved to inside Pittsburgh), he came and stayed with me for a couple of years after he was grown,” Frierson told the Courier. “No trouble, no nothing. Never an issue at all. For something like this to happen, no one deserves that to happen to them. For it to be my brother, it stings a little deeper.”

Frierson concluded: “I wish he was still here to try to make a change for himself.”

“For the WORD of GOD is QUICK, and POWERFUL, and SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing even to the dividing asunder of SOUL and SPIRIT, and of the joints and marrow, and is a DISCERNER of the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of the HEART.”

- Hebrews 4:12

REV. WALKER SAYS: GOD’S WORD and HOLY GHOST SURGERY will do us GOOD.

Getting more men into nursing means a rethink of gender roles, pay and recognition

Demand for health care is soaring as the population ages, medical treatments become more widely available and more people live with chronic and complex illnesses.

However, there is global shortage of health professionals—and the pandemic has only accentuated the trend. Overwork, burnout and stress are causing nurses to leave in droves.

The World Health Organization estimates we’ll need a further 9 million nurses worldwide by 2030. According to the International Council of Nurses, the figure is closer to 13 million.

Part of the solution is to recruit and retain more men in nursing. This would help address workforce shortages and could, over time, reduce the industry gender pay gap as the existence of men in nursing becomes more normalized.

And as jobs dry up in traditionally male-focused industries—such as mining and manufacturing— work in health care should be an attractive option for men, providing job security, career opportunities and salary.

But attracting men to the profession won’t be without its challenges. It will require a serious society-wide rethink around gender roles, compensation and recognition for the importance of nursing work.

Why are there so few men in nursing?

Caregiving is feminized in society and health care, and the nursing profession has strong female foundations. This has established a trajectory and a culture that has kept the representation of men to around 10% in many high income countries.

This is despite fervent efforts by many in the industry to achieve the equity of gender representation you see in most professions.

The reasons are complex and multifaceted. Men in nursing are often portrayed negatively in media and movies. Stereotypes abound.

And some men in nursing face discrimination from patients and staff, underpinned by false assumptions women are better suited to the role. Many people still underestimate the capacity of

men to undertake personal care tasks. Research also shows low male participation can stem from reticence by career counsellors to recommend nursing as a career.

A recent Australian report shows the dominance of women in the nursing workforce may hinder some men from considering nursing as a career, particularly those for whom masculinity is central to their identity. So we must work to undo the perception nursing is a feminine job—it is not.

Negative perceptions around the prestige of nursing and its perceived status in the community may hinder some men’s interest in nursing as a career.

Good role modelling is important. Many educational institutions and

supporters such as Johnson & Johnson are working hard to in present positive images of men in nursing and normalize that men can be great nurses too.

Source: JHU.

Retaining men in the workforce and addressing the ‘glass escalator’

Many regulatory and professional bodies are monitoring the participation of men in nursing. Some organizations offer incentives. For example, The American Association for Men in Nursing offers scholarships, awards and training to attract and retain men in the profession.

It is important to recognize some barriers for men come from within the nursing profession itself.

Some in the nursing workforce perceive that men are on a career “glass

escalator”. Unlike a “glass ceiling”, which inhibits career progression, the “glass escalator” allows men to be fast-tracked up the nursing workforce to higher positions in an effort to retain them.

This can cause some to perceive male participation in nursing as a negative, which reduces inclusion.

But this glass escalator phenomenon, which can occur in other industries too, can only be overcome if male participation in the workforce is normalised.

And it is critically important to look at the structural, gender-driven factors that inhibit women embracing leadership roles.

It’s also worth noting women in the health and caregiving sector face a larger gender pay gap than in other economic sectors. A joint report by the International Labor Organization and the World Health Organization found:

Women in the health and care sector face a larger gender pay gap than in other economic sectors, earning on average of 24% less than peers who are men […] Within countries, gender pay gaps tend to be wider in higher pay categories, where men are over-represented. Women are over-represented in the lower pay categories.

Although this differential is not easily explained, it does reflect the value society ascribes to caregiving. If women are over-rep-

resented in the lower pay categories (which tend to focus more on personal care tasks) that suggests society ascribes low value to caregiving tasks, and over-representation of women in caregiving helps to further “feminize” caregiving.

It is highly likely these factors conspire to dissuade men and boys from getting started in nursing and undertaking caregiving roles within the profession.

Time for action

We urgently need more men in nursing.

Not only does this make good sense for health care, as it presents opportunities for engagement with men, but also good sense for our society and economic productivity. Investment in education and job creation in the health and social sectors could improve health outcomes, shore up global health security, and boost inclusive economic growth.

Perhaps most importantly, robust health care systems should be representative of the populations they serve. The workforce in any industry should be drawn from a range of perspectives, including gender and culture.

(This story was written by Patricia Davidson, University of Wollongong; Caleb Ferguson, University of Wollongong, and Jason Farley, Johns Hopkins University.)

(This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.)

How Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are working to improve maternal health

(BPT)—Did you know around 700 women die in the U.S. every year from pregnancy-related complications? The Kaiser Family Foundation recently reported on the status of maternal health, finding many areas of the healthcare system needing improvement to help ensure healthier pregnancies, safer delivery and better postpartum care. Because it has been determined that over 8 in 10 (84%) pregnancy-related deaths are actually preventable, many healthcare organizations, hospitals and lawmakers are seeking ways to improve maternal care. Confronting this issue directly, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has updated their practice guidelines for care before, during and after childbirth, using the most up-to-date science-based evidence to ensure that effective standardized protocols are in place nationwide.

The singular care provided by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are

highly educated, trained and qualified anesthesia experts who provide 50 million anesthetics per year in the U.S., in every setting where anesthesia is delivered. They are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural settings, enabling facilities in medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, pain management and trauma stabilization services. Using their unique ability to combine the scientific rigor of the field of anesthesiology with the compassionate care integral to nursing, CRNAs aim to provide the highest quality overall care, and these new guidelines will help ensure that even in stressful life-threatening emergencies, each patient receives a consistent level of care - whether in a big city hospital or a small rural community.

AANA’s updated guidelines cover topics including physiologic changes during pregnancy, pre-anesthesia assessment and evaluation, patient education, preparing a plan of care, pain management and anesthesia

options during labor, delivery and postpartum care, as well as complications and emergency care.

“AANA’s new guidelines offer obstetric anesthesia providers current practice recommendations to support delivery of high-quality maternal care, thereby improving patient safety and patient outcomes,” said Beth Ann Clayton, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, professor of Clinical Nursing and the Nurse Anesthesia program director at the University of Cincinnati. “In an emergency, if clinicians do not have a protocol available, they may miss a step. These guidelines are in place to facilitate effective care decisions and enhance coordination among the anesthesia, obstetric and pediatric professionals to create an optimal environment for safe maternal and neonatal care.”

Addressing racial disparities

When it comes to maternal care, recent research shows that women of color, especially Black patients and those in underserved communities, are at an even higher

risk of maternal mortality.

For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that Black women experience pregnancy-related mortality rates about three times higher than White women. That number increases with maternal age: Black women between ages 30-34 have a four times higher rate of maternal mortality than White women.

Some research shows that Black women have higher morbidity rates partially because they are at significantly higher risk for serious pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. However, other factors leading to these racial and ethnic disparities include barriers

to care due to lack of health insurance as well as hospital and obstetric unit closings in rural and underserved communities, plus inadequate treatment due to racism— from poor communication to outright mistreatment—as evidenced in research such as the Kaiser Family Foundation report. Acknowledging that maternal health disparities exist, CRNAs aim to reduce maternal deaths, using prevention strategies to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related mortality. These inequities are some of the main hurdles to good maternal care that AANA has worked to address with their updated guidelines.

“These new guidelines and their protocols promote equity of care. For example, when a patient has preeclampsia, direct steps for hypertension management can be taken,” said Clayton. “The document also highlights how CRNAs help drive change to reduce maternal-related deaths, implementing prevention strategies to reduce racial and ethnic disparities.”

CRNAs provide equitable, compassionate, holistic, patient-centered anesthesia, pain management and related care encompassing each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Learn more about their efforts to improve care for every patient at AANA.com.

Black millennials strive to close the investment gap

Houston Defender Network

(About this series: This article, inspired by Deloitte research, is part of a series in which five Black-owned publications around the United States explore the key factors that contribute to racial and generational gaps in acquiring wealth.)

Ainjel McDonald’s financial education began when she learned that acquiring a degree and getting a “good job” earned her just enough money to live paycheck to paycheck. With student loans, personal loans, and a car loan hanging over her head, McDonald quickly realized she needed to create a strategy to live a life of financial independence.

Now, as a successful management consultant for an IT consulting firm in Houston, McDonald can happily reflect on getting kicked out of college, enlisting in the military, going back to college, and eventually building a multi-six-figure net worth by her early 30s.

“I remember when I first entered into consulting, and I was conversing with my Black counterparts who were living paycheck to paycheck, versus the conversations I had with White people who were talking about vacation homes,” McDonald said. “It was unfortunate for me to be in a space and feeling like I was way behind my peers in my knowledge of finances. We went to school, got the job, got the income, but what’s the missing link?”

Many young Black millennials like McDonald transitioned into adulthood during periods of economic instability, tight labor markets, and slow wages shaped by the Great Recession in 2007-2009

and the COVID-19 recession in 2020.

The Intersection of Race and Age

According to a 2019 Federal Reserve survey, White families have a median wealth of $188,200, compared with $36,100 for Hispanic families and just $24,100 for Black families. For this look at the most typical household within each race group, wealth is defined as the difference between the families’ gross assets, which includes holdings like real estate and stock portfolios, and their liabilities or debt.

A recent economic analysis by Deloitte found that “on average, White households added US$34,400 to their median real wealth between 2010 and 2019, while Hispanic households added US$17,100 and Black households only US$5,300.”

Deloitte’s analysis also found that millennials and Gen Z households have higher incomes but lower wealth relative to similarly aged Gen Xers and baby boomers. It turns out that “millennials’ real median net worth was only US$13,900 in 2019 compared to US$19,200 for similarly aged Gen-Xers in 2004 and US$15,600 for baby boomers in 1989.”

Essentially, Black millennials exist at the intersection of both race- and age-related wealth gaps.

Overcoming

Financial Mistrust

“It’s a tough time for young people to invest in retirement strategies fully,” said Daniel Harvey, a professor of finance and director of the Financial Planning Program at Prairie View A&M University. The rise of the gig economy means that some SEE BLACK MILLIENNIALS B2

(BlackPessUSA)—April is National Fair Housing Month. It’s a time for all of us, particularly those working in the real estate industry, to acknowledge that we cannot turn our backs on history and the important place to which it has led us. Fifty-five years ago, on

are not there yet.

takes many forms, but here are a few real-world scenarios:

An owner or landlord falsely tells you that his property or unit is unavailable because of your religion;

about a living situation or steering allegations. There are problems in the lending industry, as well. Because the lending process is so complex, it’s difficult to identify discrimination with any consistency.

April 11, 1968—just seven days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 into law. The Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, family status or disability, is part of that law.

I wish I could tell you that we no longer need laws to protect homebuyers and renters from discrimination, but unfortunately, we

How widespread is housing discrimination in the 21st century? Fair housing organizations receive close to 30,000 complaints each year, according to the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), a coalition of privately run fair housing groups. Yet, testing suggests there are many more instances of discrimination—the NFHA estimates about 3.7 million annually.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has conducted thousands of tests in recent years. HUD uses housing organizations that send testers out to view forsale and rental properties as a means of determining whether landlords, lenders, agents, and others in the real estate community treat protected classes unfavorably and differently.

Housing discrimination

An agent only shows you homes in one neighborhood because that area has a high concentration of residents of your race;

A landlord asks you for a higher deposit on a rental unit than other tenants because you have kids;

A landlord refuses to accommodate your need as a disabled tenant, such as allowing a service animal or installing grab-bars in bathrooms.

When people think about fair housing violations, they usually conjure up images of a slammed door or a restrictive advertisement.

But violations of the Fair Housing Act are not only

You may know that the 1.5 million members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Asian American Real Estate Association (AAREA) and other real estate associations pledge to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that holds them to higher professional standards than what state and federal law require. However, within the last nine months, as national

When people think about fair housing violations, they usually conjure up images of a slammed door or a restrictive advertisement. But violations of the Fair Housing Act are not only about a living situation or steering allegations. There are problems in the lending industry, as well. Because the lending process is so complex, it’s difficult to identify discrimination with any consistency.

Financial guardrails to prevent you from falling off-course

A guardrail is a rail that prevents people from falling off or being hit by something. Its primary purpose is to reduce the risk of a serious accident.

When my children were younger, I used to take them bowling. Without fail they would throw gutter balls. A gutter ball is a non-scoring ball that enters the gutter before reaching the pins. When you throw a gutter ball, the ball falls off-course before striking a pin. In order to prevent them from throwing gutter balls, they’d use bumpers. The bumpers are rails placed on both sides of the bowling lanes. It prevents your ball from falling into the gutter, thus increasing your chances of hitting the pins. Using bumpers, even if the ball hits a guardrail, it will put the ball back on course, allowing them to hit one or more of the targeted pins.

As adults, the pins in the game of bowling represent financial goals. The decisions we make in regard to spending our money represents the ball being rolled. By implementing the financial guardrails, it will help us hit as many of our financial goals as possible.

Below are some financial guardrails to prevent your money, your goals, and your dreams from falling into the gutter:

Live below your means with a purpose: The cost of daily life is expensive. It feels like it costs $100 just to go outside. Living below your means requires discipline, sacrifice, denying yourself, and delayed gratification. None of this is fun. It’s also counter-culture. We live in a culture that spends everything they earn then borrow to the max to spend more. Your purpose to save for your financial goals must be more important than your desire to spend willy nilly.

Free yourself first: The margin between your income and your expenses is your most powerful wealth-building tool. You cannot have your entire paycheck tied up making payments on lifestyle, expenses

and debt and expect to get ahead financially. No margin between your income and expenses means no breathing room. With no margin you’ll suffocate financially. You cannot pay yourself first if you don’t first create some wiggle room in your budget. I recommend that you have a minimum of 10 percent of your gross monthly income FREE to assist you in accomplishing your financial goals. The more margin you have, the faster you can accomplish your goals. Imagine having a 50 percent margin or one whole paycheck to yourself. Life would be grand, wouldn’t it?

Use credit when only absolutely necessary! Too often we justify borrowing without thought and sound reasoning. People are financing everything from gasoline, pets, sweaters, groceries, vacations, and of course, college, cars, and houses. Practically everything you purchase today, you’re presented with a flexible payment option which is credit, loans, debt, regardless of interest rate. They equate to monthly payments that wreak havoc on your budget, income, and the margin between your income and expenses you need to be free to get ahead financially. You have to start thinking in terms of: How do I pay 100 percent cash? How do I minimize the loan needed? How do I shorten the time required to repay the debt in full?

Expand your means: If you want to have more, spend more, save more without changing your lifestyle, you have to earn more. What’s key here is as your income increases, don’t allow your lifestyle, expenses, and debt to increase lockstep with your income. You want to expand both your means and your margin. Increasing your means comes in many forms including job promo-

tion, overtime, side hustle, side business, new business, passive income, royalty income, and residual income. Income security, not job security, is the new financial stability. Seek ways to create multiple streams of income. Doing so not only increases your income, but expands your income sources.

College: You can send a kid to college, but you can’t make him or her think. It’s time to put your thinking on Joe College. The cost of higher education seems to get higher and higher every year. But starting salaries after you graduate from college remain stagnant. You can’t control the cost of college, but you can control how much debt you go into in your effort to obtain your degree. Debt-free degree is the optimal way to go by way of scholarships, grants, work-study programs, employer tuition reimbursement programs, etc. At all costs, you want to avoid or minimize student loan debt. I’m reminded of a meme that pictured this 100-year-old man celebrating because he’s accomplished a milestone in his life. He wasn’t celebrating his 100th birthday. He was celebrating making his last student loan payment. If you must take out student loans, do not allow the total amount of student loan debt accumulated during your college years to exceed your anticipated first year’s salary after graduation. How do you know that number? Do some research, aspiring Mr. or Ms. College Student, before you sign the loan.

Cars: Payment on all automobiles should never exceed more than 15 percent of net pay. Total value of all cars owned should never exceed 50 percent of annual salary. Never take on a car payment with payment terms longer than 3 years. Do not purchase a car by way of car leases. Car Leases =

Forever Payments. If you’re not wise when it comes to purchasing cars, SUVs, trucks, boats, or any other vehicle with a motor, you’ll learn the hard way that automobiles can “drive” you broke.

Credit cards: As my mother used to tell me, “Don’t play with plastic! Plastic can smother you!” You’d think most people think that paying double-digit interest rates is hazardous to your wealth. Apparently not. Americans have a love affair with credit cards. Everyone you meet will say, I pay my balance off in full every month. Vision me side-eyeing as you read my next words. Sure, you do! Let’s assume you do pay your balance off in full every month. Here’s a rhetorical question; why carry a balance every month that needs to be paid? In an effort to encourage you not to get buried in credit card debt, here are some guardrails. Stay away from department store credit cards. The interest rate on those cards are in the mid-20 percent range. Never carry more than 2 credit cards with a $2,000 credit limit each. Never allow the credit card balance to be more than 30 percent of the limit. Therefore, you’ll never have a balance higher than $600 on either card at any given time.

Housing: Payment on rent or mortgage should never exceed more than 30 percent of net pay. In this case, particularly if you’re paying rent, less is more. Less than 30 percent of your take-home pay going to housing equals more money in your pocket to spend on other goals and responsibilities. When it comes to purchasing a home, the purchase price should not exceed 3x your annual income. You want to consider 15year fixed rate mortgages—never take on a term greater than 20 years. Thirty-year terms are the most commonly held mortgage, hence the meaning of the origin of the word mortgage; “Death Pledge.”

How to exercise good financial health

Good financial health is the foundation on which strong and resilient households, communities, and economies are built, but the reality is, many struggle to manage their financial daily lives.

April is Financial Literacy Month—a perfect time to start building a foundation for a healthy financial future. Good financial health is the foundation on which strong and resilient households, communities, and economies are built, but the reality is, many struggle to manage their financial daily lives.

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Brian Atkins, Chase Skyland community Manager in Washington, D.C. offered top financial tips to help achieve financial freedom and build generational wealth.

1. Small steps lead to bigger opportunities:  No matter what amount of money you have, taking small steps toward building a solid financial foundation is key. Whether it’s saving a little more each month, starting to save for the first time or monitoring your credit score, these steps can help you prepare for the unexpected while setting you up for long-term success.

2. Establish good credit:  The main elements of securing a good credit score include paying your bills on time, the length of time you’ve had a credit

history, and the amount and type of accounts you have. Potential lenders will use this information to determine your credit risk. Managing your finances wisely will help you establish strong credit, a practice that will pay off when you want to make larger purchases like a car or a home.

3. Embrace digital tools:  Apps, online goal sheets, and budget builders are a great way to manage your finances. Look into what digital tools your financial partner offers. Whether it’s credit and identify monitoring, or setting up repeating automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account, these tools will help keep you on track with your payments and savings goals.

4. Include the whole family in the process:  It’s never too early to get kids started on their financial journey. Ask your bank about opening up a joint checking account geared towards children to help them establish good financial habits. A joint account can offer features designed to help kids learn the importance of saving and meeting their financial goals, whether it’s tracking their spending, creating recurring payments and setting spending limits, or being rewarded when completing chores and earning an allowance to deposit. Once your

HBCU grad becomes possibly the youngest Black female owner of a McDonald’s franchise

Lauren Copeland Mitchell at 35 years old is possibly the youngest Black female owner of a McDonald’s franchise in the country. Her restaurant is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is one of the top-performing locations in that area.

Lauren, who became an owner and operation in November 2022, is a graduate of Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, DC. She graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical

Engineering and finished with a 3.83 GPA. Her career journey says quite a bit about her character and how she came to be so successful. As a college student, she interned at Procter & Gamble and at J.P. Morgan. After graduating, she went on to work at ExxonMobil for 13 years and held junior and senior-level positions at the company. This all changed though just last year

when she decided that it was finally her time to be an entrepreneur, and with her skills and experience in leading and supervising diverse teams to meet organizational goals, she will no doubt see years and years of success.

Lauren joins more than 250 other African Americans across the country who own McDonald’s franchises. Of that number though, only about 50 or less are reportedly women.

child understands the importance of saving the money they earn, they can begin to build savings habits that will last a lifetime.

5. Ask for help: Whether it’s meeting with a banker or talking to friends or family, conversations and advice can be critical to improving financial health, from building a budget to more complex matters like saving for retirement.

6. Keep the conversation going:  Talk with your partner or other family members regularly about your financial goals and how you plan to achieve them, and check in with your children to discuss their financial activity—whether it be what or where they’re spending, how much they’re earning, or their savings goal. These discussions all provide opportunities to keep money as part of your family conversations. Establishing solid financial habits can be a lifetime process, but it’s easier if you learn the fundamentals as early as possible. It’s never too early, or too late, to begin your journey, and this month is a great time to get started or recommit to your financial health. For more financial health tips, visit chase. com/financialgoals.

Buyers and renters: Are you being treated fairly?

awareness of racial inequalities grew following the George Floyd murder, the Code of Ethics was amended to ban harassing speech, hate speech, epithets or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity by its members. Under the new policy,

real estate agents who insult, threaten, or harass people based on race, sex, or other legally protected characteristics can be investigated, fined or expelled.

NAREB was formed in 1947, and our local chapter, the Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA) formed shortly after, in 1949, dedicated to “Democracy in Housing,” and helped lead the fight for the “Fair Housing Laws

of 1968” and continuing improvements.

Violations of fair housing laws are not always obvious or easy to detect. After all, unless victims are somehow able to compare their experience to someone else’s, they likely have no reason to suspect any prejudice ever occurred. Fair housing laws do have teeth, however. So, if you believe you’ve been the victim of housing

discrimination, you can submit a formal complaint with HUD (online at HUD.gov) and any local private housing enforcement agency.

Right now, we are all continuing to do our part to end the coronavirus pandemic and restore health to our families, friends, neighbors, state, and the nation as a whole. But as we go through this health crisis and certainly

once we get past it, it is critical that we each also do our part to make sure that home buyers and renters everywhere are treated fairly and equally. Ask questions if something didn’t “feel right” about the service and direction your transaction is going.

HBREA is here to find answers to community concerns, questions and situations affecting real estate related activities.

Black millennials strive to close the investment gap

workers don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement accounts and they might also be dealing with racial disparities in student loan debt. “Not only are Black millennials drowning in debt, but it’s also becoming a challenge to prioritize money to invest,” Harvey said. “The key to conquering this starts with financial literacy.”

Harvey also said that likely because of mistrust, young people might be less interested in investing assets in traditional methods such as 401k plans to build wealth because they are usually the first people in their families to provide real financial stability. As a result, there is a sense of responsibility to take care of family financial burdens rather than the individual.

“I never really learned anything about credit until college. My mother was too afraid of debt. I learned early on that if you can’t afford it, then don’t buy it. But it wasn’t until I got accepted into college that I realized my mother didn’t have enough money saved for me to go. After getting kicked out of school, entering the Air National Guard, re-enrolling back to college, and entering the workforce, I needed a strategy for an abundant life.”

Lessons Learned

McDonald is a first-generation Jamaican-American—her parents immigrated to the United States in the 1980s—and she grew up in what she describes as a lower middle-class family. Her early experience with finances involved seeing her parents buy products on layaway. Her mother budgeted well and didn’t have debt because she never owned credit cards. And collective economics was a common practice because she had a large family.

“I never really learned anything about credit until college,” McDonald said. “My mother was too afraid of debt. I learned early on that if you can’t afford it, then don’t buy it. But it wasn’t until I got accepted into college that I

realized my mother didn’t have enough money saved for me to go. After getting kicked out of school, entering the Air National Guard, re-enrolling back to college, and entering the workforce, I needed a strategy for an abundant life.”

She started her journey to financial independence by being frugal and prioritizing savings and investments. Her goal is to retire early and live off small withdrawals from accumulated accounts.

Richard Bumbury was born in Guyana, South America, and moved to a low-income neighborhood in Brooklyn. As a child, he didn’t understand what it meant to have wealth because of his environment. Images of Black wealth appeared exclusive to athletes and entertainers. It wasn’t until late into his adulthood that he discovered how to build wealth.

He is now a six-figure-earning software engineer—and he did so without a college degree.

“I taught myself how to write software while working full time at a job I didn’t like,” Bumbury said. “I woke up at 3 a.m. every day and studied between three to four hours before going to work,

but it was what I had to do to get out of my economic situation. I didn’t go to college because my family couldn’t afford it, and I didn’t want to burden my parents.

I didn’t know of [financial] aid opportunities, so I skipped that part and went straight to work.”

It took him a year and a half of studying before he quit his job and began working in tech full time. His big financial break came when he was introduced to restricted stock units (RSUs) while working as a software engineer at a tech company. RSUs are a form of stock-based compensation that some employers might provide as a benefit to their employees.

“This is the first time somebody is giving me access to more than just paying me money for the time I work. They are also giving me an asset that can grow; if you use it correctly, it can turn into generational wealth,” Bumbury said.

“My struggle at that point was no one in my circle knew what RSUs were, and I didn’t have enough financial literacy to understand the best way to leverage these tools.”

Charles Schwab survey found that the investment gap between Black and White Americans narrowed in 2022. There was a significant drop-off among White investors (down eight percentage points from 71 percent in 2020) and a small increase among Black investors (up three percentage points from 55 percent in 2020).

Despite that tiny overall bump among Black investors, the survey also found that stock market participation is higher among younger Black millennials, with 68 percent of Black respondents under 40 reporting that they’re investing compared to 57 percent of younger White investors.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a rush of enthusiasm for stocks and investing among Black Americans, according to the survey results. Thanks to easy access to smartphones and apps, we can buy and sell stocks with one click —no fees or financial gatekeeping included. Technology can provide an unprecedented opportunity to help grow wealth and have your skin in the game in a financial system. Making a Game Plan

Bumbury said his “aha” moment motivated him to start building a tech startup that serves as an alternative to the stock exchange —and helps eliminate the wealth gap. The goal is to meet people where they are and create an easily understandable financial market for economically underrepresented or under-resourced groups using entertainment and pop culture.

He also believes that with job hopping becoming a norm, the expectation to work a certain number of years at a company to enjoy retirement savings later in life isn’t the mentality of millennials today.

“Many young people now don’t want to wait until they’re 60 to enjoy the lifestyle they want,” Bumbury said. “I think the system is broken, and we need a new one. That’s why I’m working to create something different.”

Meanwhile, McDonald is on a journey to help others as the founder of a personal finance blog. As a money coach, she helps millennials and Gen-Z professionals save, invest, and develop strategies for financial independence. For long-term wealth, McDonald suggests starting with the fundamentals: create a budget, build a 3- to 6-month emergency fund, automate expenses, and invest in employer-sponsored and individual retirement accounts. Harvey agrees. He recommends that people first understand their short- and long-term goals and list their assets, liabilities, expenses, and cash flow.

Next, he recommends they evaluate their risk profile and willingness to take risks and have adequate savings and insurance on necessities—including home, health, and vehicle—in case of losses. Finally, he recommends that people seek a professional financial advisor for additional support.

“Knowledge is your best protection. Understand your goals and your risk profile,” he said. “Before you can invest, you need to set yourself up for success.”

Guest Editorial

Neo-luddites and the AI threat

Once upon a time, before the digital age, people were suspicious of new technological developments. Humans are often leery of what is new, preferring to settle for the “tried and true.” Recent developments are lending credence to this traditional cautionary stance, and there is a rise in what can be called “Neo-Luddites” as a result.

Luddite is a term that describes people who are opposed to new technology; they are said to prefer the “old ways.” The name came from something that happened in England during the period of 1811-16 when workers destroyed machinery in cotton and woolen mills they thought would threaten their jobs. The machinery was more productive and efficient than they were and, because of that, they sabotaged the machines by using hammers and axes. The leader of the Luddites was Edward (“Ned”) Ludd, who called himself “General Ludd.”

A contemporary group that might be considered quasi-Luddites is the Amish people, who still use horses and buggies and live in a way reminiscent of an earlier way of life. They, however, use technology in a very selective manner.

Today, another trend toward Luddite behavior is being generated by the looming threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI). One of the main innovators in the field of AI is Elon Musk, who is doing incredible things with new technology. His Neurolink project is actually working to link human brains to technology, and he is pioneering self-driving Tesla automobiles. This is one step toward the manifestation of the “singularity” predicted by Ray Kurzweil who says computers will routinely pass the “Turing test” by 2029, wherein we won’t be able to tell the difference between a computer and a human being.

Elon Musk, though an AI pioneer, has repeatedly sounded an alarm about the threats posed by AI. He posits that there is a very real possibility that machines will take over society, becoming more intelligent than human beings.

This idea brings to mind the “Terminator” movies, wherein the future finds humanity dominated by intelligent machines that are waging a prolonged war against them. Musk and his cohorts are very, very serious about the possibility of that actually happening. He believes there is a danger of machines becoming far more intelligent than the people who have created them.

Recently, new developments are revealing the plausibility of this scenario, and we are rushing headlong into the unknown in this regard. One of the developments causing a great deal of concern is technical devices that can use prompts to create astonishing art within minutes. The art world is in a tizzy because of this, and it is threatening the livelihood of many of them, or so they think.

Platforms like MidJourney, for instance, can create art, often better than that created by humans, by being given a few sentences. It can enable non-artists to create art that rivals work done by professionals.

Because of this, some commercial artists are actually behaving as Neo-Luddites. Instead of destroying the machines, however, they are using litigation to weaponize copyright issues, since the AI must be “taught” by using existing art in order to build their repertoire. The Neo-Luddites are also using propaganda to discourage the use of AI.

Another example of the encroachment of AI on human workers is a chatbot called ChatGPT, which is already on version 4.0. It is developed by Open AI and can create anything that is described by being given a few prompts. It can compose poetry, write articles on any topic and do research. In short, it is a tool that can challenge the way school assignments are completed and thus change the face of education.

Additionally, AI can be used to impersonate people; it can duplicate a person’s voice and it can compromise security. In fact, there seems to be no limit as to what it can accomplish, and the frightening thing is that it is evolving at an accelerated rate!

History has shown that progress can’t be thwarted; because of the incredible manner in which AI can increase the efficiency of human output, it won’t disappear anytime soon. We must, therefore, view it as a tool while developing new ways of interfacing with it. We must turn our fears into strategies that will work for us. This is possible because, at least now, the machines require human input in order to create output. Admittedly, there may come a time when they are able to surpass that obstacle, but until then, we must find a creative way to live with this new threat because it’s here to stay. A Luta Continua.

(Reprinted from The Chicago Crusader)

Founded 1910

Issues of health (Part 2)

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – If I have not been clear, I believe that the best possible health for everyone should be the aim of a just and responsible society.  Last week’s article ended with the following statistics from an NAACP Crisis article:

• Four in 10 Black men aged 20 or older have high blood pressure – 30 percent higher than White men.

• Black men’s risk of stroke is 2x that of White men.

• Black men experience 40 percent higher cancer deaths than White men.

• Black Americans are 80 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized than Whites.?

The negative health impact of racism is not gender specific.  Societal expectations of “the strong Black woman” create circumstances whereby the health impact of racism upon Black women is underestimated or ignored.  According to a March 2023 US News and World Report article, Black women who are exposed to certain forms of racism may be more likely to develop heart disease.  Researchers tracked more than 48,000 women enrolled in the Black Women’s Health Study from 1997 to 2019. None had heart disease in 1997. During 22 years of follow-up, 1,947 women developed heart disease.  Heart disease risk wasn’t tied to experiences of racism in everyday life, but women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing and in their interaction with police were at higher risk of heart disease compared with those women who

Commentary

answered no to all three questions on structural racism.

Black women who said they faced discrimination in employment, housing and in their interactions with the police were 26 percent more likely to develop heart disease than their counterparts who had not experienced such structural racism.  (Structural (or Institutional) racism refers to the ways that a society fosters racial discrimination through housing, education, employment, health care and criminal justice systems.)

“Chronic psychosocial stressors such as racism increase levels of inflammation, blood pressure and other risks for heart disease,” said study author Shanshan Sheehy. She is an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Many Black adults are already at higher risk of developing heart disease due to high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, so it’s important that they do all that they can to improve their heart health. “Keeping blood pressure in the normal range, not smoking, leading a physically active life, and sleeping well are good for your heart,” Sheehy added.

Among our unresolved and disturb-

ing aspects of “Black” Health Issues are Maternal and Infant Mortality.

According to the CDC: “Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/ AN) women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.”

The New York Times ran a recent article:

“Childbirth Is Deadlier for Black Families Even When They’re Rich, Expansive Study Finds: The study… by the National Bureau of Economic Research, includes nearly all the infants born to first-time mothers from 2007 to 2016 in California, the state with the most annual births…it combines income tax data with birth, death and hospitalization records and demographic data.”

It also states: “Black mothers and babies have the worst childbirth outcomes in the United States. But this study is novel because it’s the first of its size to show how the risks of childbirth vary by both race and parental income and how Black families, regardless of their socioeconomic status, are disproportionately affected.  The richest Black mothers and their babies are twice as likely to die as the richest White mothers and their babies.” May is Mental Health Month.  Next week, in Part 3, we’ll discuss issues related to Black Mental Health and I will bring a layman’s perspective to initiating resolution to health issues affecting Black people.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society and President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women)

Will debt ceiling talks have killing results?

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) had a tumultuous election to his post as House Speaker in January. It took him fifteen votes and innumerable compromises to secure his position tenuously. The deal he agreed to allows any House member to call his leadership into question, voting him out at the drop of a hat. As the House grapples with budget and debt ceiling issues, McCarthy is walking a tightrope that puts our nation’s international credit standing at risk and may also have killing results for poor people, seniors, and veterans.

The debt ceiling and the budget are two separate things that McCarthy and his extremist colleagues have managed to twin. The debt ceiling addresses the money we owe and has already spent. Raising the debt ceiling will pay the bills that we have racked up in the past. The budget deals with current spending on defense, social programs, health care, and other issues. There is, of course, a relationship between the two. When the budget is imbalanced, we add to our deficit and push the need to raise the debt ceiling.   But one issue can be dealt tackled without dealing with the other. The debt ceiling is an immediate issue. The current budget and the debt it may incur is a longer-term issue. President Biden would like to raise the debt ceiling with no conditions. McCarthy and his cronies want to cut the budget before they raise the debt ceiling. They would, of course, maintain defense spending at its current level or higher. If they have their way, domestic spending will drop by 22 percent, affecting everything from veteran medical care to school funding for low-income students and those with disabilities.   Shalanda Young, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, says as many as 108,000

teachers and aides may lose their jobs because of these potential cuts. We spread over 50 states; those cuts may seem modest – eliminating about 2100 jobs per state. There are already teacher shortages. Will the McCarthy plan make these shortages worse?

The McCarthy proposal hits poor people especially hard. It would eliminate preschool and child care for hundreds of thousands of students. It would reduce nutrition assistance for millions and cut the Meals on Wheels program, which provides more than a million seniors with food assistance. These reductions are just the tip of the iceberg if 22 percent cuts are implemented. McCarty’s proposals would eliminate student debt relief, increase energy and housing costs, and reduce safety inspections. Already, Congress has debated reducing programs that offered relief during COVID, including the Child Tax Credit. Such reductions would push more families into poverty.

The attacks on poor people are recurrent. Extremist Republicans seem to have contempt and antipathy for those hard-working people who live with low wages and challenging working conditions. If these people disappeared tomorrow, would our society survive? At the same time, if the McCarthy proposals were implemented, would our nation’s poor survive?

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, “poverty was linked to at least 183,000

deaths in the United States in 2019 among those aged 15 or over.”  That makes poverty the fourth-leading cause of death in this country, with death tolls only exceeded by heart disease, cancer, and smoking. The McCarthy approach to the debt ceiling will exacerbate poverty and increase the number of deaths connected to poverty. Poverty is an economic drag, affecting productivity, health care costs, and more. It also contributes to the falling life expectancy that the United States is now experiencing. Rev. William Barber, the co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, describes inaction on poverty as a form of “policy murder.”  Others see rising poverty as a public health emergency.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his extremist colleagues seem blissfully unaware of the impact of their extreme budget-cutting actions. The debt ceiling has been raised or revised 78 times since 1960, 49 times under Republican presidents and 29 under Democrats. Democrats have typically agreed to increase the debt ceiling because of our international credit rating. Republicans are now using this situation to push an agenda that will increase poverty and kill people.

To be sure, McCarthy’s extremist proposal isn’t likely to pass the Democratic Senate. But time is running out to increase the debt ceiling, and this game of brinkmanship damages our international reputation and potentially hurts people experiencing poverty. McCarthy and his cronies prefer posturing to poverty reduction. Their stunning indifference to poverty is an alarming rejection of the income-challenged people who voted for them.

(Dr.  Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.)

Thirty years later, an antidote to NAFTA

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Thirty years ago, my university suspended me for leading a protest against a research lab that the school wanted to put in the Audubon Ballroom where Malcolm X was assassinated. The plans ignored both that history and the neighbors in Harlem who would be exposed to risks from biomedical and environmental waste.

I spent months crisscrossing the country speaking out against the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for the Student Environmental Action Coalition. Our message was simple – killing jobs and the environment were far too high a price to pay to boost regional trade. They called us Chicken Little for saying that the deal would make the US weaker and would poison the Earth quicker.

Since January, I’ve been to many of the same places – Alabama, Illinois, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin among them. In all those states, I’ve felt the pain of being proven right. Everything we warned in 1993 would happen has. And worse.

Tens of thousands of plants here were shuttered while plants spring up overseas. Too often, those new plants opened where there was the least environmental regulation and outside North America. We saw the impact of this loss of manufacturing capacity two years ago when we couldn’t produce ventilators and protective equipment at the start of COVID-19.

NAFTA created legal backdoors that allowed polluters to challenge environ-

mental policies outside of our courts.

It tied Canada’s hands in regulating fossil fuel. In Mexico, it prompted export-driven farming that relies heavily on dangerous pesticides, and destructive mining as well. The incentives pointed in the wrong direction.

Despite those troubling results, I’ve left every place I’ve been this year hopeful. I’m seeing that we have an antidote now to NAFTA’s poison.

First, science and technology now can free us from an extraction economy that pretends to give us energy independence and low costs. In reality, electric vehicles need a quarter of the power or less (and their sticker price is dropping with demand) than gas-powered equivalents. All but one coal fired power plant in the country is more expensive per kilowatt hour of electricity produced than solar and wind power. And we won’t run out of sun and wind.

Second, the United States investing in a cleaner, healthier planet through historic federal spending on everything from homeowners buying solar panels to school districts replacing dirty diesel buses with electric ones to property owners electrifying buildings. Behind it all is funding and incentives to promote more clean technology. The result will be good jobs that don’t take a college degree in industries that don’t destroy the planet.

The private sector is moving more slowly but is moving. Major banks no longer fund drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Small groups of their shareholders are pushing for

broader bans. The price for offshore leases to produce wind power have exceeded gas and oil leases in recent government sales.

Third, everywhere I go I’ve heard fear in the people I’ve met about the future of the Earth and frustration with an economy that seems to result in persistent downward mobility and poverty. At the same time, I’ve heard profound hope that it’s not too late, that we can still preserve the planet and create good jobs for more Americans. I’ve heard a recognition that all of it is connected.

We need to make sure that the billions we’re investing as a country through the infrastructure and clean energy packages gets spent well; those decisions will get made locally and we need to be watchful locally as well.

The desire so many of us share to turn toward a cleaner and healthier world creates demand. If we’re loud enough and persistent enough, the markets will begin to shift. NAFTA, after all, was an economic agreement, so changing directions needs to happen in those kinds of economic terms as well.

I suspect my 20-year-old self would see this unprecedented opportunity in this intersection of innovation, investment, and interest. I’d be encouraging people to seize it because we won’t have it again. That’s what I see clearly through 50-year-old eyes.

(Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.)

Where are the aunties and uncles?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The shooting of Ralph Yarl is a story that is still relatively fresh in today’s news cycle. As the days and weeks pass, current news will eventually push the Yarl story away from our radar.  The violence surrounding the shooting is not a situation where we go back to normal. This is normal. While the shooting of the Black 16-year-old was senseless and avoidable, it represents how much of a violent nation the United States has become. Far too many people feel emboldened to shoot first, ask questions later, and then claim self-defense.

When we add the component of racism into the mix due to the shooter’s racial beliefs, it results in a high school junior being shot twice in the head and arm for simply ringing the doorbell to the wrong house. A family spokesperson called him a “walking miracle” who is improving daily. Despite experiencing intense headaches, which can sometimes be debilitating, Yarl has the prognosis of a full recovery. Therefore, he can still pursue his dream of pursuing a chemical engineering degree from Texas A&M University. He is blessed in such a way that had the bullet hit his head a fraction of an inch in any direction, he probably would not be alive today.

Over time, Yarl’s story will fade, but every day Black teens like him will either be killed or become a living victims of senseless gun violence. When the shooter is another Black teen, their stories may not garner the same high profile and passionate backdrop that follows racial violence, but they also deserve our moral outrage ahead of our political alliances.

Five years ago, The College Fix reported “11 times campus speakers were shouted down by leftist protesters” between 2017 and 2018. Ever since pundits debated whether cancel culture actually existed.

Ernest Owens, a journalist, attempted to settle the dispute in his 2023 book, The Case for Cancel Culture: How This Democratic Tool Works to Liberate Us All. Owens not only confirmed the existence of cancel culture, but also declared its necessity. He described cancel culture as when a person cancels a person, location, or object that they believe is detrimental to their way of life. No matter how cleverly Owens explained cancel culture, the fact remains that the majority of student disruptions are caused by personal dislike for the speaker rather than serious disagreement.

It is the personal factor that distinguishes a cancel culture battle from a culture war casualty.

For instance, in 2013, Brown University invited NYPD Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly to participate in a lecture series. A group of students felt Brown University should not be used to legitimize the police commissioner’s racial policy of “stop and frisk.” The students organized a petition, garnered 300 signatures, and brought it to the administration in order to have the lecture canceled.

The university did not give in to student demands.

The administration opted to extend the lecture’s question-and-answer period so that students could directly address Kelly about “stop and frisk.”

2013, but culture war did. In culture wars, both sides think they have a monopoly on truth while their opponents should be silenced.

Brown University President Christina H.

Paxon described the commotion as a “sad day for the Brown community.” Professor Loury, on the other hand, thought the episode had ramifications outside the Brown community. If the most significant topics of the day cannot be addressed at the university, then the first casualty of the culture war is the free interchange of ideas in the search for truth.

Professor Loury’s concern was dismissed.

Nobody believed that chaos at an Ivy League school mirrored the rest of the culture. Three years later, the Oxford Dictionary named “post-truth” its international word of the year. Post-truth was defined as when emotional and personal beliefs have a greater influence on public opinion than objective facts.

Last month, the University of Pittsburgh had an incident similar to the one at Brown.

of Pittsburgh’s trans community spoke out against the event. According to one trans leader, hatemongers like Knowles utilize hate speech to social climb, but the trans community suffers as a result.

Similar to the Brown event, students organized a petition, garnered 5,000 signatures, and asked the university to cancel the event. According to the university, student organizations are permitted to invite outside speakers if they follow university guidelines, and the use of Pitt property by a student organization does not imply institutional support for the speaker’s expressed position.

When the event arrived, Professor McCloskey withdrew. McCloskey had never heard of Knowles before, but after researching Knowles’ beliefs, McCloskey decided not to participate. She didn’t want to provide a platform for Knowles’ message. The event went forward with a few changes.

Knowles debated a libertarian journalist about whether transgenderism should be regulated by law. Over 250 people demonstrated outside the event. After a smoke bomb exploded, the university closed buildings and declared a public safety emergency. A corpse dummy with Knowles’ image attached was also torched in the street.

The protesters believed Knowles needed to be canceled for hate speech.

Commentary

Where do we draw the line when it comes to politics and keeping communities safe from violence? A big part of civic leadership is telling people the truth—stating what they need to be told rather than what they want to hear. During the 2022 midterm election cycle, crime and the Americans’ fear were popular talking points for Republican candidates running for office. The law-andorder message may resonate with voters when used by U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates, but the effective crack down on crime will always be controlled mostly on the local level, which is why we are seeing a changing narrative from local Black leaders. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a Democrat who lost her primary re-election bid, said that other liberal mayors have to be honest about violent crime that is terrifying residents.

“As Democrats, if we do not speak the truth about violent crime in our cities, we will be worse for it, “ Lightfoot said. While speaking on a panel at the African American Mayors Association Conference, Lightfoot appeared to urge harsher punishment to deter crime, a common topic among Republicans but not Democrats. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is another Democratic mayor issuing a Republican-type message. Throughout his political career, Adams, who is Christian, has spoken extensively about how important faith is in civic life. When Adams delivered his remarks at his administration’s annual interfaith breakfast in Manhattan, some found his comments controversial. His speech became a sermon on how the faithbased community can help with some of the city’s crises like migrants, homelessness, and mental health. At one point, Adams suggested that the uptick in youth violence was due to a lack of faith. “Don’t tell me about no separation of church and state. State is the body. Church is the heart. You take the heart out of the body, it dies,” said Adams before adding, “I can’t separate my belief because I’m an elected official.” The mayor’s comments align with the history of the Black church. At one point, the Black church was the center and heart of the Black community. Any problem within the Black community went through the church. When it came to justice, representatives from the Black church became the community’s mouthpiece and served as the moral compass for elected officials.

The Chicago and New York mayors are not alone in taking what some would call a Republican-type narrative against crime. Suburban county executives with urban-type issues are also speaking out. Prince George’s County, Maryland, is a suburban county with over 900,000 residents and a growing epidemic of gun violence. After a rash of senseless shootings where the families of at least nine people were left grieving, county leaders could not stay silent: calling for harsher penalties on repeat offenders, parental involvement and accountability for youth crime. “Somebody has to take responsibility for these armed and dangerous children, and it’s not just the police, and it’s not just the government, “ County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said at a press conference. “I know this isn’t the popular thing to say, but the truth of the matter is, it’s a fair question: where are their parents?” Alsobrooks asked. “Where are the aunties? Where are the uncles and other family members who are responsible for them?” Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz appealed to the faith community to partner with the police in dealing with our youth. “Arresting our way out” isn’t the solution, the chief said. Ralph Yarl’s shooting rightfully should generate public outrage nationally, but the community should be outraged daily for the victims who may be a simple footnote in the news cycle.

(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and author of the

Glenn Loury, a Brown University professor, attended the event in order to debate Kelly about the discriminatory nature of “stop and frisk” after the lecture. Unfortunately, Loury was never given the opportunity. The students disrupted Kelly’s presentation, preventing him from speaking. The administration was forced to empty the room and cancel the event.

The term “cancel culture” didn’t exist in

The Pitt College Republicans, a student organization, attempted to hold a discussion between conservative commentator Michael Knowles and trans activist and University of Illinois-Chicago Professor Dierdre McCloskey. The event was billed as “Who Decides? “A Discussion of Transgenderism and Womanhood.”

Earlier this year, Knowles claimed at the CPAC conference that transgenderism should be eradicated from public life, ensuring that his every subsequent public appearance would be protested. Leaders

However, Professor McCloskey saw the incident through the lens of the culture war. McCloskey said she was dismayed by the anti-free-speech petition against allowing Knowles to speak. “Both are wrong,” she said, “the hatemongering by Mr. Knowles and the speech-suppressing by signatories of the petition. The result would not be a rational debate but a fascist rally, from both sides.”

Like Brown a decade prior, a free exchange of ideas in search for truth didn’t take place, but is that still possible in the post-truth era?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—America pays its debts. It is a basic pledge. Millions of Americans who hold savings bonds or put their hard-earned money into federal treasury bonds need not worry. The bonds are good; the interest will be paid. The reason the dollar is the currency used by countries across the world is that America pays its debts.

Now Republicans are holding that pledge hostage, demanding savage cuts in spending or they will default on America’s debts by refusing to raise the debt ceiling. The threat is nuclear: failing to pay our debts will sink the value of the dollar, shake the global financial system, drive interest rates higher, and blow up the economy here and most likely across the world. Millions will be thrown out of work.

The threat is also stunningly irresponsible. The tantrum of a child or a mad person. Give us what we demand or we will blow up the economy.

The threat is about paying debts that the Congress has already accumulated. Over one-third of this debt—a staggering $8.3 trillion of it—was racked up in the four years under Republican President Donald Trump—largely from massive top-end tax cuts and for massive emergency spending in the pandemic. Now Republicans are saying that they will renege on the debts that they helped accumulate if they don’t get their way. So what do they want? Amazingly, they refuse to say.

They have said what they won’t do: they won’t raise taxes, even on billionaires and corporations that pay literally nothing. They claim they won’t cut Social Security and Medicare. They insist on deep cuts —freezing spending at 2022 levels for a

decade—but they won’t say what will get cut.

It is unlikely that they will cut the military budget or support for veterans. If they decided simply to freeze spending on the military and veterans, that would require cutting all domestic spending by nearly a fourth. That would mean slashing investment in public health, in roads and bridges, in air traffic control, in food safety, in education and job training, in science and technology programs, in affordable housing, in food and income support for impoverished mothers and children. Traveling would get more dangerous. Our food and water would be less safe. We would lose the competition for the jobs of the future. Housing would get more expensive. Our schools would be poorer. Fewer would be able to afford training or college. More children would go hungry. No one likes to admit these things – but they are simply true. In their 320-page bill, Republicans do identify some things that they want. They want to cut spending on Medicaid and food stamps by raising work requirements— although that doesn’t save much money. They want to erase investment in renewable energy while opening more subsidies to big oil and coal. They want to cut the money that would enable the IRS to audit corporations and the wealthy who are not

paying the taxes they owe. That according to the Congress’s own budget office will end up costing a net of more than $100 billion in tax avoidance.

To justify this, they lie. They claim that the government has grown “bloated,” appealing to popular prejudices. In reality —as they know—federal civilian employment is less than it was 60 years ago, even though the population has grown dramatically since then.

Why not lay out what they plan to cut? Because they can’t agree among themselves. Because they don’t want to admit to supporting cuts that would be very unpopular—and corporate subsidies and rip-offs that are indefensible.

The Republican “plan” is not a serious proposal. They won’t even admit what it requires. They are offering a posture, not a policy. But our politics have become so partisan and so poisonous that few if any Republican moderates will offer a voice of reason. President Biden has called on the Congress to honor our past debts and lift the debt ceiling—and then to negotiate seriously about our nation’s priorities and how we pay for them. He has refused to pay ransom to those who threaten to blow up the economy. The question now is what happens if Republicans carry out their threat and refuse? In that case, the president will have no choice. He should use his authority under the laws and Constitution of the United States to honor our commitments and pay our debts. The politicians may rage and posture, but the full faith and credit of the United States must be honored.

Time to fight back against censorship

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Every year, the American Library Association unveils its list of the top ten most-challenged books for the previous year. And this year, Number One is the same as last year’s Number One: the book “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe. Other books that achieved this distinction were Toni Morrison’s classic “The Bluest Eye,” “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, and other titles dealing with race, gender identity, sexuality and coming of age—in other words, real life.

This year’s list also follows the Association’s announcement that demands to censor library books reached 1,269 last year—nearly doubling demands from the previous year. That’s a record high in all the years since ALA began compiling data more than 20 years ago. And because censorship demands now often include numerous books, a record-high number of individual titles made the list of targeted books last year: 2,571. The ALA says of those, the vast majority were written by or about people of color or the LGBTQ community.

This is a tragedy for students, and not just students who come from the communities the censors want to silence. Those students lose the sometimes life-saving experience of seeing themselves in a story and knowing they are neither abnormal nor alone. Meanwhile all students grow up knowing less about the world. Censorship stunts their intellectual growth.

Art Spiegelman is the creator of “Maus,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel

that depicts his family’s experience of the Holocaust—and is frequently targeted by censors. His experience as a target of censors has made him a leading activist against book banning, and he believes the answer to the book-banning craze is to get involved in local politics—including school board elections, where the battles over censorship are waged. Spiegelman made it clear in a recent CBS News interview that he recognizes the right of a parent to say their own child can or can’t read a book, but to make that decision for other parents’ kids is “suppression and authoritarianism.”

Spiegelman’s position seems entirely reasonable to me. We can honor the rights of individual parents to make decisions about their kids’ exposure to books, art and other cultural materials without mandating decisions for everybody else. That seems like rational ground we should all be able to occupy.

But rationality left the room a while ago when it comes to the Far Right’s attacks on the freedom to learn. The main group leading the charge on banning books, Moms for Liberty, has become something

akin to a terrorist organization. Reports now abound of group members carrying out harassment campaigns in their communities, calling for librarians to be shot and making unfounded public accusations of child abuse and pedophilia against their perceived “enemies.” The group has also become a significant force in Republican politics. And it’s growing.

All of which makes it intimidating to think about getting involved in school board politics if you want to fight censorship. And that’s exactly the point.

What we need now are not just brave and principled people on school boards, but also bigger, more powerful organizations that are willing to support them. The organization I lead, People For the American Way, has a cadre of school board members in our Young Elected Officials network. We are engaged in outreach to these folks, especially in states that are hotbeds for book banning like Florida and Virginia. We’re asking them what they need, including on the security front. We want to empower them to stay in their roles because we need them more than ever to stand up to the onslaught of groups like Moms for Liberty.

If the American Library Association’s findings are any indication, this is just the start of a new struggle for the freedom to learn, one that hasn’t yet reached its peak. We owe it to the next generation not to stand on the sidelines; please think about how you can help.

(Svante Myrick is President of People For the American Way.)

NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Notice is hereby given to the following persons, their heirs, successors or assigns, and to all persons whatsoever, that the City of Pittsburgh, by John Miller, Assistant City Solicitor, 328 City County Building has petitioned the Court of Orders quieting title to the following tax acquired real estate, pursuant to Act No. 171, approved December 11, 1984.

GD –2023-005074 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Jacob H. Dietz; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents 26th Ward, Pittsburgh. 2544 Crispen ST f/k/a Copen Way. 3.386 a. Ld. Frontage of 265 on Crispen St. bet. Charles & Marshall. Easements, or claims or easements, not shown by the public records. Subject in the use and privilege of the right of way over the property granted to the said Mollie C. Thompson by said George V. Kimberlin, and wife, by deed dated the 1st day of March 1904. Subject to the right of Mollie C. Thompson to use the same in common rights of ways with John Hastings reserved in Db. 295, pg. 115 and Db. 333 pg. 30. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-005076 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs East Hills Association Number 1; Boland S. Catarinella; Dorothy A. Catarinella; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents 13th Ward, Pittsburgh. 2514 Park Hill Drive. East Hills Park Number 1 –Section 2 – Stage 2 – Block 11 – Lot 5. Lot 20 x 34.83 Park Hill Drive. 2 Story Brick Veneer House-2514. Block & Lot 231-L-190. Easements, or claims or easements, not shown by the public records. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-005129 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs

Heirs of David M. Chavarrie; Heirs of Junita A. Chavarrie; Ferando Ascencio; Allegheny County Courthouse- Criminal Division; Commonwealth of PA Inheritance Tax Division; PA Attorney General; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents 23rd Ward, Pittsburgh. Verina Itens Plan Pt. 40 Lot 22 x 68 Iten St. Block & Lot 24-F45. All roads, public or private, affecting the premises. All matters that may appear in the Verina Itens Plan of Lots, as recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Plan Book Volume 2, Page 130. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-005132 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs

Agnes Reynolds; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents 5th Ward, Pittsburgh. C. Herron Plan Pt. 88 Lot 30 x 80 Cherokee St. Block & Lot 27-B-295. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-005133 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Flemington Street Corporation; National Tax Funding; Allegheny County Economic

Brookline Fourth Plan 771. Lot 25.02 x 122 McNeilly Avenue. Brookline Fourth Plan 777. Lot 49.96 x 95 x 9.59 rear Creedmore Avenue. Brookline Fourth Plan 778. Lot 35 x 95 Creedmore Avenue. Brookline Fourth Plan 779. Lot 25.02 x 95 Creedmore Avenue. 775- Lot 30 x 149.29 McNeilly Avenue. 773- Lot 25x 135.57 McNeilly Avenue. All roads public and private affecting the land and the rights of others therein. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-005135 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs

A. A. Scholze; Atlas Brick and Concrete Product Company; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents26th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lot 56.6 x 231.84 x 19.5 rr. Trimble St. Block & Lot 46-A-323. Rights or claims of properties in possession not shown by the public records. Easements, or claims or easements, bot shown by the public records. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-005137 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs

Robert Scholze a/k/a Robert P. Scholze; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents 26th Ward, Pittsburgh. 13- Lots 25 x 231 each Trimble St. Block & 46-A-310. Rights or claims of parties in possession not shown by the public records. Easements, or claims or easements, not shown by the public records. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-005140 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs

Valentine Fonji; Iris Susay; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents 20th Ward, Pittsburgh. 807 Crucible Street. Smithey and Hay Plan 32-1/2 33. Lot 37.5 x 100 Crucible Street between Amherst and Lorenz Streets. Block & Lot 19-C-221. SUBJECT TO all roads, public and private affecting the premises and the rights of others therein. Title to that part of the premises lying in the bed and right of way of all roads, driveways and alleyways is subject to public and private rights therein. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

WHEREUPON the Court granted a rule on the aforesaid persons, and all persons, whatsoever, to appear and show cause within thirty days from this notice why the title of the CITY OF PITTSBURGH to the aforesaid real estate should not be adjudicated and decreed valid and indefeasible as against all mortgages, ground-rents, rights, title, interest in or claims against the aforesaid real estate, and to further show cause why the sale of the said real estate should not be made free and clear of all the aforesaid claims whatsoever.

PUBLIC NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

The Professional Services Committee of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will hold a special meeting for general purposes on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time, in the Trefz Board Room at its offices located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Official action on the Committee’s recommendations will take place at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors at a later date. The public may view the meeting via livestream by visiting www.alcosan.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is currently in the process of changing its 20232024 Agency Plan (annual and 5-year plans) in conjunction with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act. Changes to the Agency Plan, once approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will guide the ACHA in serving the needs of low-income and very low-income families during the 5-year period beginning October 1, 2021.

The proposed changes to the Agency Plan and all supporting documents will be available for review and inspection by the public at the principal office of the ACHA located at 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.

A public hearing has been scheduled to present the changed Agency Plan and to allow public participation; information regarding the hearing is also contained on the Authority’s website at www.achsng.com:

DATE: Friday, June 16, 2023

TIME: 10:15 a.m.

PLACE: Allegheny County Housing Authority – Central Office 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Prior to the public hearing, comments can be directed in writing to: Frank Aggazio, Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority 301 Chartiers Avenue McKees Rocks, PA 15136

PUBLIC NOTICE

INDEPENDENT CITIZEN POLICE REVIEW BOARD –PITTSBURGH

Pursuant to the Pittsburgh City Code §662.04 (e)(1), be advised that the following terms will expire on 10/31/2023. Anyone interested in serving on the Board should contact their City Council representative, the Mayor’s office, or the Office of the City Clerk. Additional info here: CPRB-PGH (https://cprbpgh.org/)

Seat #1: City Council appointment, a non-law enforcement seat Incumbent: Ms. LaKeisha Brown Appointed: 11/01/2021. Succeeding and completing the term of Mr. Thomas Waters, who is not a Law Enforcement Professional.

Seat #3: City Council appointment, a non-law enforcement seat Incumbent: Mr. Elwin Green Appointed: 11/01/2019 (retention) Mr. Green is not a Law Enforcement

Professional.

Seat #6: Mayoral appointment, nonlaw enforcement seat Incumbent: Dr. Emma Lucas-Darby Appointed: 11/01/2019. Dr. LucasDarby is not a Law Enforcement

Professional.

Seat #7: Mayoral appointment, a law enforcement seat Incumbent: Mr. Sheldon Williams Appointed: 11/01/2019. Mr. Williams is a Law Enforcement Professional.

Mary Jo Guercio, EdD Chair

Independent Citizen Police Review Board – Pittsburgh April 25, 2023 (Effective May 4, 2023)

ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

THE WILKINS TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING

The Wilkins Township Zoning Hearing Board shall hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Building, 110 Peffer Road, Wilkins Township, PA 15145. At that time, the Board shall hear an application for a variance made by Charles Proviano (‘the applicant’), for property located at 798 Greensburg Pike, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 (‘the property’). The property, more fully identified as Allegheny County Tax Map Lot and Block Number 374-D-70, is situated in an R-3 Residential Zoning District. The applicant seeks a Variance to convert a single-family residential dwelling into a duplex. According to the Wilkins Township Zoning Code §450-10, duplexes are not a permitted use in an R-3 Zoning District. The meeting will also be available virtually on Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/82481719116

The Green Committee of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will hold a special meeting for general purposes on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time in the Trefz Board Room at its offices located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Official action on the Committee’s recommendations will take place at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors at a later date. The public may view the meeting via livestream by visiting www.alcosan.org.

website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).

Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on May 12, 2023 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following:

Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)

Bid Number Bid Name

1 B23-04-25A LRV Axle Box Roller Bearings

2 B23-04-26A

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 225 398 885 807

Passcode: uoWeYD

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 386 600 986#

No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 AM, April 27, 2023 through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conference.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 242 259 554 049

Passcode: TfaMLN

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 603 672 616#

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.

Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing.

Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The Board of PRT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR SEWER AND CATCH BASIN

MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY WIDE

IFB#300-19-23

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

Sewer and Catch Basin

Maintenance Authority Wide

IFB#300-19-23

The documents will be available no later than May 1, 2023, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 9:00 A.M. on May 23, 2023

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on May 23, 2023, in the lobby of 100 Ross St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org.

Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on May 11, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. Please see meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 894 4200 2784

Passcode: 524571

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website.

As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Borough of Swissvale of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania through the Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) at www.questcdn.com until 11:00 AM prevailing time on June 5, 2023 for:

CONTRACT NO. 23-DM1

SITE DEMOLITION

The scope of work includes the complete demolition and off-site disposal of the existing structures (approximately 17,900 SF); concrete sidewalks, stairs, porches, asphalt pavement, foundations, mechanical equipment and miscellaneous utilities located at 7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15218 and all necessary appurtenances and restoration.

All bidders are required to buy the Bid Documents in PDF format for a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 from QuestCDN at www.questcdn.com using project number 8288764. Contact their Customer Support regarding membership registration, downloading and working with digital project information at 952-2331632 or info@questcdn.com. Any technical questions regarding the bid documents are to be directed to LSSE.

Pennsylvania prevailing wage rates apply. Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Borough. The bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, made payable to the Borough of Swissvale. The Borough reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids.

Attention is directed to the fact that procurement is subject to all requirements of the Pennsylvania “Steel Products Procurement Act, Act No. 1978-3”; and for Contract value exceeding $25,000, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act (Act of 1961 P.L. 987), and The Public Works Employment Verification Act (July 2012) apply.

BOROUGH OF SWISSVALE

Greg Bachy, Borough Manager

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP.

SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL STRINGS TEACHER (50% OF THE SCHOOL DAY)

Complete job description and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org

Deadline 4:00 PM May 11, 2023 or until position is filled EOE

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP. SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking the following positions:

• MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

• MIDDLE SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHER (50% OF SCHOOL DAY)

• HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH LEARNER TEACHER (50% OF SCHOOL DAY)

Positions available at the start of the 2023-2024 School Year

Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org

Applications must be received by 4:00 PM May 8, 2023

FIRE LIEUTENANT

MT. LEBANON, PA

The Municipality of Mt. Lebanon will accept applications for the position of fire lieutenant beginning February 13, 2023 . Deadline to submit an application, resume, certifications, and complete the on-line written exam will be May 12, 2023.

This is a lateral entry supervisory position requiring substantial fire service knowledge, skills, and background. Job responsibilities include supervision of volunteer staff, fire apparatus operation, fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, rescue operations, and hazardous material and emergency medical response. Starting salary is $76,310.00 with excellent benefits and pension. To review requirements and apply, go to https://mtlebanon.bamboohr.com/ hiring/jobs/150.

Mt. Lebanon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SENIOR IT ANALYST

Evoqua Water Technologies

LLC’s Pittsburgh, PA, office seeks a Senior IT Analyst to be responsible for analyzing, designing, developing, modifying, installing, testing and maintaining SAP ABAP programs and workflow in all modules of SAP. Apply at https://careers.evoqua.com, #33609.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER PRINCIPAL

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Developer Principal in Pittsburgh, PA with the ability to telecommute with appropriate telecommuting systems for up to four days per week, with a minimum of one day per week in the office. Participate in all aspects of PNC’s ACFR Technology MIS Delivery organization activities. Specific duties include:

(i) align business strategy with software solutions; (ii) propose, design and code software solutions to address complex business needs and oversee technical and procedural documentation required; (iii) lead complex problem solving; (iv) provide technical guidance and support to colleagues and solution development; (v) display an innovative approach to apply modern principles, methodologies and tools to advance business initiatives and capabilities;

(vi) partner with business stakeholders and product owners to prioritize technology deliverables; (vii) perform code reviews and suggest potential improvements and formulate best practices; and (viii) ensure quality of project deliverables while maintaining compliance with relevant standards and processes.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Information Technology plus 5 years of software development experience involving the identification of user requirements and performing research and analysis to determine conceptual design for solving business problems is required.

Must have experience with: (i) developing Message flows using IIB (Formerly known as IBM Message Broker) and IBM MQ Series for transformation of real time transactions;

(ii) developing Message flow applications to consume Webservices using SOAP and HTTP nodes; (iii) designing flows and mapping using IIB to process transactions which are in message formats including XML, TDS and CWF format; (iv) configuring Accuity Fircosoft backend components including FSK, Continuity and batch components;

(v) developing applications to interact with front end Java and upgrading Accuity Fircosoft backend components including FSK, Continuity and batch; (vi) proposing high level design approaches, discussions with interface leads; (vii) developing ESQL in the Database, Compute Node to retrieve DB details from databases including Oracle and SQL Databases;

(viii) creating BAR file in IIB and deploying the files in UAT, QA and production environment; (ix) creating MQ objects including Queue Manager, Queues and Channels using IBM MQ Series; (x) preparing Unit Test plan and performing Unit testing with the developed Message flows;

(xi) troubleshooting and debugging Message flows, Logs to identify the root cause of Issues in UAT, QA and production environment; and

(xii) developing Shell script in Unix and Linux.

40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00

p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R135237. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

COUNTY

Applications are currently being accepted by the Borough Council for the position of Public Works Maintenance Worker. Maintenance workers perform a variety of physical and mental tasks associated with the maintenance, repair, and construction of Public Works assets. Essential functions include equipment operations, such as repairing and performing general maintenance tasks on Borough roadways, operating light- or medium- weight trucks, and plowing and removing snow; vehicle repair and maintenance; storm and sanitary repair and maintenance; and property maintenance tasks at municipal buildings, parks, and recreation areas. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and valid driver’s license; a CDL license is preferred but not required. Must be able to respond to emergencies on a 24hour basis, especially during periods of snow. Flagger certification, CPO certification, and Pesticide Application certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire. This is a union position, affiliated with General Teamsters Local 249. The full job description can be viewed at www.boroughofavalon.org. Interested applicants should submit their application to info@boroughofavalon.org or Manager, Borough of Avalon, 640 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 no later than 4:00 pm, Friday, May 19, 2023.

PUBLIC WORKS PART TIME

SEASONAL EMPLOYEES, BOROUGH OF AVALON, ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Applications are currently being accepted by the Borough Council for part time seasonal public works employees. These employees perform a variety of work associated with the maintenance, repair, and construction of DPW assets. The seasonal employees report to the Public Works Superintendent. Workers operate a variety of equipment, which may include hand tools, power tools, light equipment, riding lawn mower, push lawn mower, trimmers, and pickup truck. The full job description can be viewed at www.boroughofavalon.org. Interested applications should submit their application to info@boroughofavalon.org or Manager, Borough of Avalon, 640 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Avalon Borough is an equal opportunity employer.

Classifieds

412-481-8302

Ext. 134

E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com

Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation

Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER LEAD

ZERO EMISSIONS PROGRAM

MANAGER

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Zero Emissions Program Manager to provide leadership on the overall ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicles) implementation strategy, consistent with PRT strategic priorities, sustainability principles, and the needs and goals of the organization.

The ZE Program Manager directs the engagement, oversight, and management of vehicle capital projects to advance PRT’s transition to a net zero fleet. This position will develop and execute innovative and scalable program strategies to migrate PRT to a ZEV fleet through regular engagement of and support to the relevant departmental program teams and building and maintaining fleet strategy, infrastructure investments, funding, and grant strategies, change management, policies, and fleet acquisition schedule.

The Zero Emission Program Manager will serve as a technical subject matter expert and resource for the agency and enterprise-wide ZEV programs, initiatives, and emerging technologies. This individual will provide extensive, in-depth, and specialized analysis, reporting, operational training, and ongoing procedural improvements related to emerging zero-emission technologies and regulations and will provide the necessary budgetary oversight and administrative accountabilities.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, training, procedures, and work standards for the ZEV Program.

• Plan and manage projects to support PRT’s transition to a zeroemission fleet by ensuring that services and projects are accomplished efficiently, effectively, and within the established timelines; evaluate issues, provide solution, and implement corrective action as necessary.

• Coordinate all ZEV program and project schedules to ensure on time delivery as established in the development of the program or project specifications.

• Monitor and direct or perform day-to-day operations related to the agency’s ZEV programs and initiatives to ensure adherence to policies and procedures, and that goals and objectives are met as outlined in the program.

Job requirements include:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Two-year Technical Degree or Associate Degree in Business or related field. Directly relate experience may be substituted for the education on a year-to year basis.

• Minimum of five (5) years of program management experience, including management of consultants and professional staff.

• Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.

• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.

• Customer-focused, well organized and results-oriented.

• Effective and professional communication skills.

• Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred attributes:

• BA/BS degree in Business or directly related field form an accredited school.

• Knowledge of statistical processes control methods.

• Experience in managing maintenance of bus fleets or other fleets of heavy automotive vehicles and equipment.

• Experience in major transportation infrastructure projects.

SENIOR HRIS SPECIALIST (HYBRID/REMOTE WORK AVAILABLE)

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Senior HRIS Specialist to be responsible for the administration on ongoing maintenance of Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) human resources information systems (HRIS). This includes providing superior functional and technical support for payroll, HR metrics covering Employment, Employee Relations, Office of Equal Opportunity and supporting the Chief Human Resources Officer in the development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the HRIS system.

Accountable for data input, data integrity, output, integrity of reports, processes, and trouble-shooting failed processes. Supports system upgrades, payroll tax updates and year end processing includingW-2, testing, and other projects.

Essential Functions:

· Provides primary support for HRIS functions, particularly all HR functions (except benefits administration and base benefits)

PeopleSoft Payroll and PeopleSoft Time and Labor. Serves as subject matter expert in area of Payroll, troubleshooting and ongoing system support.

· Develop customizations to PeopleSoft modules Payroll and Time & Labor. Discuss further – higher time requirement much customization to SQR programs

· Writes, maintains, and generates basic to complex Human Resource and Finance ad hoc reports utilizing appropriate reporting tools. Assists in development of standard reports for ongoing customer needs.

Maintains data integrity by running queries and analyzing data.

Job requirements include:

· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or Information Technology or related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may substitute for education on a yearfor-year basis.

· Five (5) years in HRIS PeopleSoft HCM version 9.2 with emphasis in data administration.

· Strong HRIS query/report writing skills; high aptitude for created complicated reports.

· Strong SQL/SQR experience (very helpful when query execution does not produce the data results required)

· Exceptional process management and analytical skills.

· Strong attention to details, striving for highest level of accuracy.

· Advanced Excel skills.

· Ability to multi-task in fast paced environment.

Preferred attributes:

· Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration for related field

· PeopleSoft HCM 9.2 or higher.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:

Danielle Jacobson

Employment Department

345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

DJacobson@RidePRT.org

EOE

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:

Danielle Jacobson Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

DJacobson@RidePRT.org

EOE

NEPHROLOGIST

University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks Nephrologist (multiple openings) in Pittsburgh, PA to specialize in kidney care and the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), acute renal failure, kidney stones, and high blood pressure; involved in all aspects of kidney transplantation and dialysis. Must have a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or foreign degree equivalent; completion of three years’ Residency Training in Internal Medicine; completion of a two-year Fellowship in Nephrology; Board Certification or Board Certification Eligibility in both Internal Medicine and Nephrology at time of hire; and a valid Pennsylvania Medical License. Applicants must be willing to work at multiple work locations throughout Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 23000143 in the “Search Keyword/ Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Software Developer Lead in Pittsburgh, PA within the Payments Engine/ Modernization MIS team. Position allows for the ability to work from home with appropriate telecommuting systems for up to three days per week, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. Specific duties include: (i) align business strategy with software solutions; (ii) propose, design and code software solutions to address complex business needs; (iii) oversee technical and procedural documentation required; (iv) lead complex problem solving; (v) provide technical guidance and support to colleagues and solution development; (vi) display an innovative approach to apply modern principles, methodologies and tools to advance business initiatives and capabilities; (vii) work directly with the scrum teams in a JAVA/ Vendor technology environment utilizing AGILE methodology; (viii) be accountable for development and design activities directly related to migration of legacy Wire and ACH platforms to a modernized real-time payments system in support of the needs of Corporate and Institutional customers; (ix) participate in activities related to both core payments processing and ancillary initiatives all directly tied to the Payments Engine platform; (x) take abstract, early-stage product or solution concepts, and build them with technology; (xi) propose and create high level, detailed design documents for consumption by a development team; (xii) provide overall technical leadership for medium and large scale development efforts to ensure project success while meeting target dates and budgeted resource estimates; (xiii) orchestrate day to day development activities for developers and technology service partners including daily development/ scrum checkpoints and escalation of roadblocks to management team; (xiv) work closely with Architects to architect, design and build complex software systems; and (xv) present and make technical recommendations to PNC management and internal/ external service partners. Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Electronic Engineering, Communication Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Information Systems, plus 3 years of experience in a lead software engineering position in or for the financial services industry is required. Must have experience with: (i) leading a team of system engineers responsible for maintaining, supporting and ensuring the stability of non-production environments for processing systems; (ii) providing technical guidance and support to teammates; (iii) reviewing coding, testing and documentation of payment system software; (iv) proposing and designing software solution to address single platform business needs; (v) preparing technical and procedural documentation; (vi) Java programming; (vii) Spring framework; (viii) Webservice (Rest and SOAP); (ix) Continuous integration tools (Jenkins, uDeploy and Artifactory); (x) Bitbucket/Github; (xi) Oracle Database (sql, performance tuning and GoldenGate replication); (xii) WebSphere and ExtremeScale; (xiii) LINUX (scripting and basic server navigation); (xiv) Connect Direct; and (xv) MQ. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R135406. PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

HOSPITALIST

Regional Health Services, Inc. located at U. S. Steel Tower, 57th Floor, 600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, seeks a Hospitalist to provide and direct inpatient medical care for hospital patients, including creating and recommending treatment plans and taking patient medical histories; admit, discharge, and round on patients; order tests for health care staff to administer, review and interpret test results and respond to questions and concerns from patients about their health care and well-being, all within the context of the hospital inpatient setting; responsible for assuring continuity of care and coordinating the care provided by specialty physicians and ancillary departments, including physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social services and nursing case management; improve the overall efficiency of care for the patient, including transition of care and co-management of patients, and treat only adult patients at UPMC Hamot, 201 State Street, Erie, PA 16550. Position may be filled by Internal Medicine or Family Medicine physician. Applicant must have a Medical Degree or its foreign equivalent. Must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. Must be board eligible for certification in either internal medicine or family medicine (board certification required within one year of employment). Must have a valid Pennsylvania medical license. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc. com and enter 2300013V in the “Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.

‘GENGHIS’ KHAN RIDES AGAIN

Once doubted, Omar Khan gets high marks in first Draft as Steelers GM

The NFL 2023 Draft is now in the books. Steelers new GM Omar Khan not only passed the grade with flying colors, but for a rookie GM, he might have designed an entirely new syllabus for the course. I have a slight difference of opinion in regard to defining Omar Khan as a “Khan” artist even if it is in jest. I did not observe or detect any David Copperfield “sleight of hand” moves by him, nor did I see him painting a landscape featuring the birds and the bees. He came and conquered, period.

As I watched the Steelers’ “Secretary of Defense,” Omar Khan, supply his 6-star General Mike Tomlin with the troops and supplies that will help his troops win the daily battles of attrition waged within the NFL, I visualized both men as ancient warriors riding across the open Eurasian Steppe wind flying through the flowing manes of their Mongolian horses, transporting their masters to future destinations of conquest. I could not visualize either man surrendering on any level. MJ might say: “They left blood on the dance floor.”

Oh, I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen, I must awaken from this amazing but almost prophetic dream. It might’ve been only a dream for me, but it may possibly be a future nightmare for the rest of the National Football League.

By all indications, Omar Khan is a multi-layered individual composed of guile, grit, and diplomacy. He is the ultimate example of the complexity of his craft. I am willing to bet my grandmother’s

last grilled cheese sandwich that no one counted on the Patriots stepping up to make a deal with the Steelers. I would take an educated guess that during the 57-yearold NFL merger, there has been no more than a handful of times that the Patriots and the Steelers have made deals. However, I extend permission to all of you to use this time-honored cliché taken directly from my personal archives. I have often said during my 70 years on this planet that: “It is easy to provide weapons to the enemy that you hate the least to defeat the enemy that you despise the most.”

Usatoday.com had this to say about the deal. “Pittsburgh vaults the Jets, conspiring with the AFC East rival Patriots, to snag the lineman very likely in Gang Green’s crosshairs. (Broderick Jones) is probably this draft’s premier pass blocker, the 6-5, 311-pound All-SEC performer capably guarded (Georgia Bulldogs) QB Stetson Bennett IV’s blind side the past two years as the Bulldogs won a pair of national titles. Now Jones, 21, upgrades a Steelers line that’s needed a boost for some time, QB Kenny Pickett and RB Najee Harris immediate beneficiaries.” Simply put, when any

Jets QB drops back to pass, he won’t have the luxury of Broderick Jones providing pass protection for him. And to think it was just a short time ago, that Omar Khan almost got away.

It was blatant skullduggery and stupidity that roadblocked the Houston Texans from hiring Omar Khan as their GM in 2022. Following are a few excerpts from an article posted on Steeler Nation by Christopher Barbre. Barbre wrote, “the Steelers were very close to losing Khan over a year before he was hired to be the GM of the Steelers. In fact, Khan was working on a deal to work elsewhere.

That deal was thwarted by one of the most hated executives in NFL history. Khan was one of the candidates to be the GM of the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers turned him down, but Cal McNair was clearly intrigued by Khan’s abilities as an executive and wanted to make him the Texans’ GM. After Bill O’Brien was fired as both head coach and GM, the Texans needed someone to try and build the Texans back up. McNair even chose Khan over all of the other considerations to be the GM and went into contract negotiations with him. McNair suddenly halted

contract negotiations with Khan and instead hired Nick Caserio, who was an executive for the New England Patriots. Caserio is also the same person that the Texans tried tampering with and resulted in Brian Gaine’s firing. After the Patriots threatened a lawsuit, the Texans tried a ‘GM by committee,’ and eventually just hired O’Brien to take on the GM role. Clearly, someone in the organization wanted Caserio so bad that they would order contract negotiations with another candidate to halt.”

Isn’t that a million-toone irony? Nick Caserio, the executive from the New England Patriots

that the Houston Texans tried to hire in a back alley along with the dogs and the cats, prevents Omar Khan from being gainfully employed gleefully and deviously sent Omar Khan packing back to Pittsburgh, in route to pulling in an A+ draft class. Oh by the way, the team that helped Khan achieve such a feat was the New England Patriots. Hey Nick, how ya like dem apples...

Well, I don’t know about the Texans or the Patriots but “Steely McBeam” and his crew are holding a perpetual beer blast over on the North Shore.

THEY CALLED HIM ‘PISTOL PETE’ FOR A REASON!

:10— OK, stop right there before you go looking for me in a back alley somewhere...I’ll come clean. I love Steph Curry as much as any true Laker purist can, and let’s not get that part twisted. I am still a Laker man! But trust me when I tell ya any “old school” cat within shouting distance will tell all you youngsters there has not been, is not, and will never be anyone sweeter handling, passing or shooting a basketball than “Pistol Pete” Maravich.

The next five seconds will tell you why you can’t crown Steph Curry just yet. (This, of course, is with all due respect to the President of The Know It All Club, aka Mr. Eddie Jefferies!)

Now, count ‘em down.

:09— First of all, he’s homegrown straight outta Aliquippa, so you know he has the stones and the grit to compete on any level against anybody. Averaged over 20 points a game in high school and was known to pull up just across half court regularly. His ball-handling skills were so advanced, he was doing demos for Division I colleges.

:08— At LSU, Louisiana State University, Pete was literally a scoring machine averaging 44.2 points a game during his career from 1967-70. That’s still the NCAA record. He was a

three-time SEC Player of the Year, three-time consensus First Team All-American, and was the college Player of the Year in 1970.

:07— Now listen to this and listen real good! He still has nearly every NCAA scoring record including ALL-TIME LEADING NCAA DIVISION I SCORING LEADER, 3,667 point s... and that, boys and girls, was without the benefit of the 3-point shot!!!

Highest scoring average 44.2 ppg, scored 69 points against Alabama. Pulled down 22 rebounds against Baton Rouge to show he was a complete player. Twice he made 26 shots in a game, 66 against Tulane, 64 against Kentucky when Kentucky was king. And scored 55 points six times just to name a few. It took him only 23 games to reach 1,000 points. In comparison, it took Shaq 52 games!!!

:06— Wait, hold on there a minute, nephew...sit back down, I am not done with you yet. He led the nation in scoring, 1968—43.8

ppg, 1969—44.2 ppg, 1970—44.5 ppg, and all that while becoming the fourth all time assist leader at LSU with 5.12 ppg. AND...because of NCAA rules at the time, he didn’t play varsity ball as a freshman. So, on the JV team he averaged 43.6 ppg...as a freshman, ARE – YOU –KIDDING – ME!?!?

:05— The 6’5” Maravich was the third-overall pick in the first round of the 1970 NBA draft. Signed a huge contract for that time, $2 million, averaged 24 ppg and was named to the NBA All-Rookie team. In his second year, 26.3 ppg and 27.7 ppg in his third year. And finished second only to the great Bob McAdoo’s 30.6 ppg. In his finest NBA season in 1977, he led the NBA in scoring, 31.1 ppg, scored 40 points 13 times, the most in the NBA that season, and led the league in points with 2,273, free throws 501, and 495 rebounds, and on February 25, 1977 he scored 68 points against the New York Knicks and the greatest defensive player at the time, Walt “Clyde” Frazier! I would need all the space in this newspaper to give you the rest of his stats. Do yourself a favor and Google the life and times of “Pistol Pete” Maravich.

Following a spectacular college career and an injury-plagued 5 NBA All

Star Team selection in his ten year career, the Pistol still holds down the best of all time for me . . . well, not just me, Kareem called him the NBA’s unstoppable force! And Julius Erving said when he worked out in the summer to get ready for the upcoming season, Pistol Pete was the only guy he would play one-on-one . . . “Pete was the only player to force me to operate with all my skills as “The Doctor!”

:04— BTW, your Pittsburgh Steelers struck black and gold under the direction of new General Manager Omar Khan with Round 1 pick of Broderick Jones, OT from Georgia. Heads up to the opposition...”Don’t let the Jones get you down.” (Temptations—1969).

Darnell Washington —tight end, Georgia— second round, Keeanu Benton—def. lineman —second round, and at long last, Joey Porter, Jr.—corner, Penn State—second round. Now let’s go get the #7! (Super Bowls mannn!)

:03— No, you’re not dreaming, the Pittsburgh Pirates are for real. Now if they can just stay healthy and the second half of the season pitching can hold up, we should be good for 90 wins this season.

I am just sayin’!

:02— BTW, mark your calendar for Saturday,

“PISTOL” PETE MARAVICH

May 27, 2023, the 49th annual Willie “Pops” Stargell Pittsburgh MVP Awards and the Connie “the Hawk” Hawkins Hall of Fame inductions. Call AGI at 412-628-4856 for info... this is gonna be great! And it will sell out!

:01— BTW, so that you don’t think I’ve lost what little mind I have left...Steph Curry is the truth! :00—GAME OVER.

This Voters’ Guide was prepared by the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund.  The League is a non-partisan organization and does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.  Its purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

The Voters’ Guide listings are based entirely on material submitted by the candidates.  In cases in which questionnaires were not returned, only the candidate’s name and party are listed.  Every candidate was asked to submit a photograph; those received are printed.

The guide lists all candidates in the May 16, 2023, municipal primary for Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Judges of the Superior Court, Judge of the Commonwealth Court, and Judge of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.  Also listed are candidates for Allegheny County Chief Executive, District Attorney, Controller, Treasurer, and Allegheny County Council. Also listed are candidates for the offices of Pittsburgh City Council, Pittsburgh Treasurer, and Pittsburgh School Board Directors. The candidate’s names are listed as they will appear on the ballot.

Study the guide and choose the candidates for whom you want to vote.

League of Women Voters’ Guide to Municipal Primary Election

May 16,

You may take the guide into the voting booth to help you. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters.

Voters who are not sure if they are registered to vote should call the Allegheny County Division of Elections, 412-3504510. To find out what district you live in call the Elections Division or the League of Women Voters Community Information Center, 412-261-4284, or email info@lwvpgh.org.

Voting in Primary Election

To vote in this primary election you must have been registered by May 1, 2023.

Your registration is permanent if you did not change your address or change your name; and if you have voted once in the last two federal elections.

Prisoners’

Rights

Voters with criminal records are eligible to regis-

ter and to vote:

·  if they are not currently incarcerated on a felony charge, or

·  if they are incarcerated but in pretrial status, or

·  if they are incarcerated for a misdemeanor, or

·  if they are on probation or released on parole.

Identification Requirements for New Voters

If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time, you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, Passport or some other form of Federal or State government issued ID.  Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check containing your home address.  If you do not have any acceptable ID, you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot.

Provisional Ballots

If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the Judge of Elections at the polling place should telephone the County Division of Elections. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records.  If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the County Division of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems.  Alternatively, you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. Anyone may request a provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted.  You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.

Mail-in Voting

Voters have the option to vote by mail without pro-

line, call the Elections Division 412-350-4520 for information on emergency absentee voting.  Proof of emergency may be required.  An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 8pm on Tuesday, May 16.  Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the Elections Division at 412350-4520.

Write-in Voting

viding any reason or excuse.  To apply online, go to vote.pa.gov. Or contact the county election office to request a paper application.

Applications for a mailin ballot must be received by the Allegheny County Elections Division by May 9, 2023 at 5pm.  Completed mail-in ballots must be received by the Elections Division by May 16, 2023 at 8pm Election Day to be counted.

Absentee Voting

Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot.  Completed APPLICATIONS for absentee ballots must be received by the Allegheny County Elections Division by 5 P.M., Tuesday, May 9.  Completed absentee BALLOTS must be received back at the Elections Division by 5 P.M. on Tuesday, May 16.  If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application dead-

For write-in voting information, check with the workers at your polling place before entering the voting booth.

Election Day Problems

If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the Judge of Elections at the polling place may telephone the County Division of Elections.  The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records.  If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you will have to go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems.

Internet Voters’ Guide

This Voters’ Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League’s web site at http://lwvpgh.org or can be found by going to www. vote411.org and typing in your home address and zip code.

When there’s a vacuum in our democracy, when we don’t vote, when we take our basic rights and freedoms for granted, when we turn away and stop paying attention and stop engaging and stop believing and look for the newest diversion, … then other voices fill the void. A politics of fear and resentment and retrenchment takes hold.

- Barack Obama, Former U.S. President

2023 (Polls open from 7 AM to 8 PM)

Pennsylvania State Judicial Races

Pennsylvania Justice of the Supreme Court

Description of office: The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court in the Commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation. The Supreme Court’s administrative powers and jurisdictional responsibilities are vested with the seven-member court by the Pennsylvania State Constitution and a collection of statutes known as the Judicial Code. The justice with the longest continuous service on the Supreme Court automatically becomes Chief Justice. Administratively, the courts within the Unified Judicial System are largely responsible for organizing their own staff and dockets; however, the Supreme Court has several committees and boards responsible for writing and enforcing rules for judges, attorneys, and litigants to ensure an efficient and fair judicial review. Annually, the seven justices receive over 3,000 requests for appellate review.

Term: 10 years

Salary: $244,793

for ONE)

Democratic Primary Ballot

( Choose 1 of 2 for Justice of the Supreme Court)

Daniel McCaffery

Party: Democratic

Biographical Info: County: Philadelphia

Occupation: Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court

Education: Temple University School of Law, J.D., 1991 Temple University, SCAT, B.A., 1988 Father Judge High School, 1982

Qualifications: 32 years as an attorney, trial and appellate court judge, tried more cases and presided over more litigation than any other candidate.

A: In its most general terms, as it pertains to the question, the court has a duty to ensure the Constitutional rights of the people are appropriately applied and protected. I would describe my approach to constitutional interpretation as “Living Constitution”—meaning that the constitution was intentionally drafted using broad language to allow its concepts to evolve with changing societal conditions. As to my approach to interpreting rules, legislation & statutes, I would describe myself as a textualist in that I attempt to give a common sense meaning and will give the intent to apply a reasonable analysis to interpret any ambiguous word or provision.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: Every case must be considered based on the facts of the individual case, the laws pertaining to the case and were the appropriate Constitutional rights and protections fairly applied to the people and case in question.

Debbie Kunselman

Party: Democratic

Biographical Info: County: Beaver

Occupation: Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania

Education: J.D. Notre Dame Law School; B.A. Penn State

Qualifications: 17 years of judicial experience: 12 years as a trial court judge in Beaver County and 5 years as a state appellate court judge. experience handling civil, criminal, family and juvenile cases; 8 yrs as Chief County Solicitor

Campaign Website: http://www.kunselmanforpa. com

Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.facebook. com/JudgeDebbie17

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial —each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

law or facts, and workability. 2) Has the prior decision caused significant negative jurisprudential or real-world consequences? 3) Would overruling the prior decision unduly upset reliance interests? These considerations set a high standard and require much deliberation before changing precedent.

Republican Primary Ballot

( Choose 1 of 2 for Justice of the Supreme Court)

Patricia A. McCullough

Party: Republican Biographical Info:

County: Allegheny

Occupation: Statewide Appellate Court JudgeCommonwealth Court of PA

Education: B.A. University of Pittsburgh, magna cum laude; J.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Qualifications: Judge, PA Commonwealth Court 12+ yrs. ruling on cases that go directly to PA Supreme Ct.; trial judge, Allegheny County Ct. of Common Pleas; Asst.General Counsel, Univ. of Pgh.; private practice attorney; Director Cath.Char; chair Allgny Cty. Bd.Prop.App.; Chair Appellate Ct.Proc.Rules Comm. Campaign Website: http://judgemccullough4supremecourt.com

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

Highly Recommended by the PA Bar, the only Veteran on PA’s Appellate Courts. Judge, Court of Judicial Discipline, supervising judge for PA wiretap applications.

Campaign Website: http://www.judgemccaffery.com

Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/ McCafferyforsupremecourt

Twitter Handle: twitter.com/judgemccaffery

Campaign Instagram URL: http://www.instagram/ judgemccaffery

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: The relationship of checks and balances between the three branches of government means that each branch must respect the authority of the other branches and act within the authority given to them. For example, the legislature has the authority to enact laws. However, those laws cannot infringe upon the rights guaranteed by the federal or state constitutions. If they pass such a law, the judicial branch can strike it down as unconstitutional. However, if the law comports with the constitution, judges are obligated to apply the law as it is written. Likewise, absent emergencies, the executive branch needs probable cause and a warrant from a judge before conducting a search. In this way, judges protect the right to privacy.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: Usually, overruling long standing precedent is warranted when (and only when) a precedent is “manifestly absurd or unjust” as in Brown v. Board of Education. The U.S. Supreme Court in Ramos v, Louisiana gives 3 guides I would consider: 1) Is the prior decision not just wrong, but grievously or egregiously wrong? In deciding this, I would look at the quality of the precedent’s reasoning, consistency and coherence with other decisions, changed

A: These separate but equal branches of government have distinct powers. The legislative branch makes the law, the executive branch enforces the law and the judiciary is to interpret the law. This means that courts are not to “legislate from the bench.” Judges should apply the rule of law and interpret the law and the Constitutions of the United States and PA as written, and reign in the other branches of government if they overstep their constitutional bounds. Thomas Jefferson warned that if judges interpret the law to be what they want, the Constitution would be a “mere thing of wax in the hands of the Judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please.” Constitutional rights are protected with proper separation of powers.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: While the concept of stare decisis is traditionally applied by judges in assessing cases, courts are at times confronted with whether to overrule prior precedent. Criteria to be carefully considered includes inconsistency with related decisions, erroneous or incomplete facts, misinterpretation of law, or the unconstitutionality of prior precedent. Brown v Board of Education is a longstanding example of the US Supreme Court overruling prior precedent on the basis that it violated the Constitution, specifically the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Brown ended the unconstitutional precedent of “separate but equal” in Plessy v Ferguson . The US Supreme Court focused on Constitutional reasons in other cases.

Carolyn Carluccio

Party: Republican

Biographical Info: County: Montgomery

Occupation: Court of Common Pleas Judge

Education: Dickinson College, Widener University School of Law

Qualifications: First female President Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas serving in the Criminal, Family, and Civil Court Benches. Montgomery County Chief Deputy Solicitor, Director of Human Resources, Chief Public Defender, Assistant United States Attorney. Campaign Website: http://www.judgecarluccio.com

Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/ judgecarluccioforsupremecourt Twitter Handle: twitter.com/JudgeCarluccio

Campaign Instagram URL: http://www.instagram.com/ judgecarluccioforsupremecourt/

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government —Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: Our system of checks and balances is vital to our democracy and should be carefully guarded. We must ensure one branch does not overstep its authority. For the Executive Branch, it could be excessive Executive Orders which can circumvent Legislative powers. For the Judiciary, it is legislating from the bench which can also circumvent Legislative powers. The Judiciary also has the duty of ensuring that Legislative and Executive actions do not overstep their constitutional roles. It’s critical that the Judiciary only applies the law as it is written in the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions. Inappropriate actions taken by the Executive branch and even the Judiciary takes power from our legislature which is closest to the people.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: In deciding a case that could affect long-standing precedent, just as in any case that comes before me, I will apply the law as it is written in the constitution. Justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court must not allow themselves to be swayed by the media, Executive or Legislative branches, and certainly not by the popular opinion of the day. Even our own personal beliefs must be tempered to ensure that the Judiciary remains unbiased and only make rulings based on the law.

Pennsylvania Judge of the Superior Court

Description of office: The Superior Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. This court, established in 1895, reviews most of the civil and criminal cases that are appealed from the Courts of Common Pleas in the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. The Superior Court consists of 15 judges. The president judge is elected to a five-year term by his/ her colleagues. A large number of appeals flow to the Superior Court from the trial courts. Generally, appeals are heard by panels of three judges sitting in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh. The court often is the final arbiter of legal disputes. Although the Supreme Court

may grant a petition for review of a Superior Court decision, most petitions are denied, and the ruling of the Superior Court stands.

Term: 10 years

Salary: $230,974 (Vote for not more than TWO.)

Democratic Primary Ballot

( Choose 2 of 3 for Justice of the Supreme Court)

Pat Dugan

Party: Democratic Biographical Info: County: Philadelphia

Occupation: President Judge and Veterans Court Judge

Education: Juris Doctorate Rutgers School of Law

Qualifications: Judge 16 years, 4 years President Judge (elected by a vote of 27 judges), 13 years attorney focused on criminal defense & child advocacy, 23 years Army (and Reserves) Infantry Paratrooper, Civil Affairs, JAG with 5 years overseas, started a Veterans Court 2010, married father of 6 Campaign Website: http://judgepatdugan.com

Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/ judgepatdugan

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: The concept of the three branches of government is the foundation for our Republic and our Commonwealth, as the separation of powers assures a fair and equal system of checks and balances, as it prevents overreach by any one branch over the other two. It is the court’s obligation to interpret the laws and acts of the executive and legislative branches. It is the court’s obligation to interpret laws, and not legislate from the bench, but to umpire and call balls and strikes fairly and independently.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: I believe that a prior court’s precedent should be given serious consideration to remain in place and in effect, however that is not set in stone. Before a court reverses any pervious decisions, the reviewing court must take into account whether the decision was poorly reasoned, whether there has been a change in the statutory law, review of any intervening events or circumstances, and there is legal justification to overrule prior precedent. It is not a decision to be taken lightly and any change in the law must not undermine the public’s confidence in the judicial system and must maintain the integrity of the judicial system.

Timika Lane

Party: Democratic Biographical Info: County: Philadelphia Occupation: Judge

Education: Howard University—Bachelor of Arts, Rutgers Law School—Doctor of Law (JD)

Qualifications: Elected in 2013 to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and immediately assigned to one of the busiest trial divisions in Pennsylvania. Judge Lane has presided over thousands of jury and bench trials and authored over 100 judicial opinions. She currently serves in the civil division.

Campaign Website: http:// www.judgelaneforpa.com/ Campaign Facebook

URL: http://www.facebook.com/LaneforSuperiorCourt Campaign Instagram URL: http://www.instagram.com/ laneforsuperiorcourt/

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government —Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: Checks and balances are an integral part of our government, essential to ensuring that no one branch can overpower its boundaries. The role of the Judicial branch ensures that the legislative and executive branches maintain constitutional rights within the law, furthering that justice be equally, effectively and lawfully maintained and upheld. In short, checks and balances are critical to a functioning government and must be maintained.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: Presiding a case in which in theory could affect a long-standing precedent must be weighted carefully and with respect to the past precedent. Long standing precedents are not without fault, and throughout history the judicial system has seen changes occur to long standing precedents for better and for worse. It is through this evolution, as society changes and laws are adapted to those changes that consideration of both the changes in the legal system and society should be considered, as well as aforementioned respect to the long standing precented and whether its reasoning still stands solid within the judicial and societal systems.

Party: Democratic

Biographical Info: County: Allegheny

Occupation: Commercial litigator & appellate attorney

Education: B.A. in Criminal Justice—The George Washington University (cum laude graduate); J.D. —Duquesne University School of Law (cum laude graduate)

Qualifications: Jill has practiced in every area the Superior Court hears, has practiced in the Superior Court & appellate courts across the country, and spent 10 years on the other side of the bench as a law clerk—6 on the Superior Court, 4 on the Supreme Court —where she drafted over 500 decisions.

Campaign Website: http://www.JillBeck.com Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/ electjillbeck

Twitter Handle: twitter.com/electjillbeck

Campaign Instagram URL: http://www.instagram. com/electjillbeck

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: The judiciary is a separate but coequal branch of government. It is not the role of the Court to legislate, but neither is it permissible for the Court to serve as a rubber stamp for the legislative and executive branches of government (or the courts below). Appropriate deference to these bodies must be given when reviewing & interpreting their work, but it is solely in the Court’s purview to determine the constitutionality of the measures taken and the legal correctness of their actions. The Court serves a critical role of interpreting our statutes and our constitutions (federal and state), which must be viewed in terms of the intent of the drafters at the time of their passage as well as the evolving standards of decency of our society.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: The decision to overrule precedent, particularly longstanding precedent, should not be taken lightly. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to, the correctness of the prior reasoning, its consistency with related precedent, changes in the law & society subsequent to the decision, & the level of reliance on the precedent by the legal system and the public.

Republican Primary Ballot

( Choose 2 of 2 for Justice of the Supreme Court)

Party: Republican

Biographical Info: County: Clarion

Occupation: Attorney/Executive

Education: Clarion University, B.S.; Westminster College, M.Ed.; Ohio Northern University, J.D.; University of Pittsburgh, Ed.D.

Qualifications: 15+ years

Madison’s wisdom in Federalist 51 was to create a check against the authority of a single branch of government, sharing the decision-making power of the new federal government. For Pennsylvania, this model of separation of powers has created its own form of checks and balances between our three co-equal branches. In practical terms, this has empowered the courts, particularly the appellate courts, to better protect the rights of the people of this Commonwealth. By serving as a check against the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary serves to safeguard against abuses by either.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: Stare decisis, a Latin term which means “let the decision stand,” or “to stand by things decided,” is a central tenet of the American legal system. This doctrine highlights the importance of precedent in our legal tradition. Applying precedent to the particular facts of a case is a way to provide predictability and consistency in the law. While I cannot speak directly about how I would rule in any case that may appear before me, precedent may be used as a guide, as well as the law as it has been written and the particular facts of a case. In some instances, the issue of constitutionality may be raised by the parties.

Party: Republican Biographical Info: County: Westmoreland Occupation: Judge Education: Grove City College Class of 1988 Duquesne School of Law Night School Class of 1997 Qualifications: 14 years as a practicing attorney and nearly 9 years as sitting judge in Westmoreland County Campaign Website: http://www.VoteJudgeSmail.com

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

Pennsylvania Judge of the Commonwealth Court

Description of office: The Commonwealth Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. This court, established in 1968, is unlike any other state court in the nation. Its jurisdiction generally is limited to legal matters involving state and local government and regulatory agencies. Litigation typically focuses on subjects such as banking, insurance, utility regulation, and laws affecting taxation, land use, elections, labor practices, and workers compensation. The Commonwealth Court also acts as a court of original jurisdiction, or a trial court, when lawsuits are filed by or against the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Court is made up of nine judges. The president judge is elected to a five-year term by his/her colleagues. Generally, appeals are heard by panels of three judges sitting in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh.

Term: 10 years Salary: $230,974 (Vote for ONE.)

Democratic Primary Ballot

(Choose 1 of 2 for Judge of the Commonwealth Court)

Matt Wolf

Party: Democratic

Biographical Info: County: Philadelphia

Occupation: Judge

Education: B.S. Political Science, LeMoyne College, J.D., Loyola University School of Law, numerous judicial education training courses.

Qualifications: The only sitting judge in the race. 25 years of civil rights trial experience. 5 years plus of judicial experience, with a majority of that as a Supervising Judge. 20 years of military experience, 17 as an Army JAG, awarded Bronze Star Medal, service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

experience in Civil, Criminal and Administrative Law; Former Assistant District Attorney; Former Attorney with the Governor Corbett Administration; Served as an Administrative Hearing Officer where I presided over hundreds of hearings and issued hundreds of administrative decisions.

Campaign Website: http://www.BattistaForJudge.com

Campaign Facebook URL: http://Facebook.com/BattistaForJudge

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: The Framers’ purpose in dividing power between the three branches of government was to ensure that no branch of government became too powerful. James

A: The Founders’ in their wisdom established a system of checks and balances as an attempt to ensure that no branch of our government could have unbounded power. Our system is based on on the freedom of our people and these checks and balances ensure that is difficult to pass laws or regulations that can curtail that freedom. Our constitution is our guiding light and any branch that strays from that document can be quickly put in line with it by another branch. It is the judiciary’s role, as the only branch to not face regular election, to ensure that the constitution is being adhered to by intermediary courts and by the the legislative and executive branches.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: My guiding principle when deciding a case is the text of the constitution and the intent of a statute when applying that statute in the course of a case. Precedent or stare decisis is critical in this review. Stare Decisis is critical in providing predictability and stability to the courts. I leave open the possibility that a court must at times correct previous encroachments by the judiciary relative to constitutional review and deviation of the facts. I believe it it is a heavy burden to demonstrate such encroachments when weighing prior precedents.

Campaign Website: http://www.judgemattwolf.com Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.judgemattwolf.com

Twitter Handle: twitter.com/judgemattwolf

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: The rule of law. Each branch of government serves as a check on the others. Legislatures pass laws, sometimes in reaction to judicial decisions and executive actions. Courts interpret the law and the facts and the Executive essentially carries out the functions of the government, subject to the laws as interpreted by the Courts. People who serve as elected officials usually take an oath of office to uphold the laws and the state and federal constitutions. I take such oaths seriously and would commit to upholding the law, as should each

the other branches of government.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: It depends on the case, the facts and the law. This question cannot be answered in vacuum. There are antiquated decisions in Common Law that are long standing precedent which call to be overturned such as the Supreme Court’s 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision which upheld the legality of racial segregation in America. It took 58 years for that case to be overturned in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Some long standing precedent should be overturned such as the “separate but equal” line of cases as an example. Other long standing precedent should be respected, particularly as it relates to the preservation and recognition of fundamental constitutional rights.

Bryan Neft

Party: Democratic

Biographical Info:

County: Allegheny

Occupation: Attorney

Education: B.A., Political Science, University of Pennsylvania 1986; J.D. Boston University School of Law, 1989

Qualifications: I have practiced law for 33 years. I was a law clerk for the Honorable William F. Cercone of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. I have practiced in 30 Pennsylvania counties and all of the Pennsylvania appellate courts including the Commonwealth Court.

Campaign Website: http://www.bryanneft.com

Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/bryanneft

Twitter Handle: twitter.com/BryanNeft

Campaign Instagram URL: http://www.instagram.com/ votebryanneft

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government— Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: Each branch of government has a role in limiting overreach by a co-equal branch of government. In order for the judiciary to serve as a check on the legislative and executive branches, the judiciary must be independent and allowed to decide cases brought to it without fear of reprisal or retribution. Courts have authority within their jurisdiction to interpret laws and the Constitution. It is within the province of the the Legislature and the Executive branches to change the law if a court ruling creates an unintended result.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: The Commonwealth Court may not alter long-standing precedent of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. However, it can revisit its own decisions, and it can review decisions of a Commonwealth Court judge sitting as the trial judge hearing a case in the Court’s original jurisdiction. Such a review would require a thorough understanding of the history of the precedent, why it came into being and why it is being challenged as unsound.

Republican Primary Ballot

Josh Prince

Party: Republican

Biographical Info: County: Berks

Occupation: Attorney at Prince Law Offices, P.C. and Civil Rights Defense Firm, P.C.

Education: Graduated with honors from McGill University in 2004—Bachelor of Arts, double major in Political Science and World Religions; Widener Law School 2006-2009—Juris Doctorate, graduated cum laude and as a member of Law Review

Qualifications: I’ve spent my 13-year career defending our civil rights in the state and federal courts. Beyond having successfully litigated numerous appeals in the PA courts, including before the PA Supreme Court, in just the past 4 years, I’ve successfully litigated 8 cases before the Commonwealth Court.

Campaign Website: http://www.PrinceForJustice.com

Campaign Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/ PrinceForPA Twitter Handle: twitter.com/@PrinceForPA Campaign Instagram URL: http://www.instagram.com/ princeforpa/

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government— Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: It is the constitutionally mandated and necessary separation of powers to ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful or usurps the power of the People. We have, unfortunately, in recent times seen the harmful effects of when branches of government overstep their constitutionally limited boundaries. For example, when a judge legislates from the bench—thereby usurping the powers of the Executive and Legislative branches—the constitutionally mandated separation of powers is violated and the People’s confidence in the Judiciary is eroded. This is why it is imperative that we only elect judges who will uphold the law as written and Constitution as intended, without consideration for one’s personal views or beliefs.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: As litigants and the legal community must be able to rely on precedent to understand their rights and obligations, it is imperative that precedent only be overturned where a manifest justice has occurred and necessitates correction, such as the abhorrent decision in the Dred Scott case, and not where the overturning of precedent would be for political or other reasons. Where appropriate, the criteria I would consider are the quality of the reasoning for the past decision, consistency of the the existing precedent with related decisions, legal developments since the past decision that shed new light on the existing precedent and what is the reasonable implementation of the new precedent within the legal system and its impact moving forward.

Megan Martin

Party: Republican

Biographical Info:

County: Cumberland

Occupation: Attorney

Education: JURIS DOCTOR, May 1994, Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg, PA; BACHELOR OF ARTS, June 1991, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Qualifications: I am honored to be endorsed by the PA Republican Party and recommended by the PA Bar Association. I also have the unique distinction of having served in all 3 branches of our state government and as an attorney for the US Navy. My qualifications stand alone in the race for Commonwealth Court.

Campaign Website: http://meganmartinforpa. com/

Campaign Facebook

URL: http://www.facebook. com/MeganMartinforPA/ Campaign Instagram URL: http://www.instagram. com/meganmartinforpa/

Questions:

Q: Pennsylvania’s three co-equal branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—each act as a check on the power of the others. In practical terms, what does this relationship of checks and balances mean to you?

A: I respect the very different yet equally important roles of the three branches. When it comes to our judges, the people deserve to have judges who are fair & impartial, respect & defend the rule of law, protect our Constitutional rights & freedoms, apply the law as it was written by our General Assembly, & who hold government accountable because government must follow the law, too. Our judges must be exemplary public servants who act in the public’s interest, not to further any political agenda or their own personal agenda. Judges must not make policy decisions from the bench that are reserved for our elected representatives to make. We need our judges to be independent as our Constitution created them to be. I will be that judge.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: Judges should approach every case keeping in mind their oath to support, obey & defend the Constitution. The Constitution should be their North Star. Judges should apply the law as it was written by the General Assembly. Judges should not be influenced by public opinion or pressure; they should follow the law. Precedent exists to maintain the rule of law. Defending the rule of law helps promote a world without chaos. It gives consistency to our judicial decision-making process. It ensures that individuals in similar situations are treated alike rather than being subject to the personal views of a particular judge. I respect the Constitution & rule of law. I respect precedent. I will continue to do so as a judge on our Commonwealth Court.

Q: What criteria would you consider in deciding a case that could affect long standing precedent?

A: Judges should approach every case keeping in mind their oath to support, obey & defend the Constitution. The Constitution should be their North Star. Judges should apply the law as it was written by the General Assembly. Judges should not be influenced by public opinion or pressure; they should follow the law. Precedent exists to maintain the rule of law. Defending the rule of law helps promote a world without chaos. It gives consistency to our judicial decision-making process. It ensures that individuals in similar situations are treated alike rather than being subject to the personal views of a particular judge. I respect the Constitution & rule of law. I respect precedent. I will continue to do so as a judge on our Commonwealth Court.

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas

Description: The Court of Common Pleas is primarily a trial court. There are four divisions of the Court of Common Pleas: Civil, Criminal, Orphans’, and Family. The judges can be assigned from one division to another as needed. Judges can run on both the Republican and Democratic tickets. Term: 10 years

Anthony DeLuca

Party: Dem,Rep

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412401-6963

Campaign Email: DeLucaforJudge2023@gmail. com

Campaign Web Site: DeLuca4Judge.com

Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Magna Cum Laude, JD 1997, Boston College, BA 1994,

Patrick A. Sweeney

Party: Dem,Rep

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412867-0671

Campaign Email: patricksweeneyforjudge@gmail.com

Campaign Web Site: patricksweeneyforjudge.com

Education: JD, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1996; BA, University of Pittsburgh, 1992

Qualifications for office: 25 years as a public defender. Experience in all four divisions of the Court of Common Pleas. Recommended by the Allegheny Bar. Endorsed by the Democratic Party of Allegheny County. Facebook: facebook.com/PatrickSweeneyforJudge term: 10 campaignwebsite: //patricksweeneyforjudge.com/

Questions:

Q: Is gun violence best addressed as a public health and public safety issue or as a law enforcement issue?

campaignwebsite: andy4judge.com

Questions:

Q: Is gun violence best addressed as a public health and public safety issue or as a law enforcement issue?

A: Both, but primarily public health. Law enforcement officers can only enforce the laws on the books and their hands are often tied on that front. Law enforcement is a reactive approach whereas public health can be proactive.

One advantage to approaching issues from the public health perspective is jurisdictional. We should provide local and state governments with the opportunity to fulfill their obligation to protect public health, safety and welfare, which create options beyond massaging the interpretation of the Second Amendment and the court decisions surrounding it.

Q: Describe your legal experience in the Civil, Criminal, Family and Orphans Division and why these qualify you to be a judge?

A: I have served as a judge since July of ‘22. I serve in the Civil Division which is where I spent the majority of my time practicing law. My duties are varied and include housing court, class action, and complex litigation cases.

Prior to becoming a judge, I served as County Solicitor for 10 years where I oversaw the County’s legal matters relating to all divisions of the court. Prior to that, I spent 13 years of private practice focused on litigation and municipal matters.

DELUCA

Qualifications for office: Highly Recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association, Implemented and Developed Mental Health Court in Allegheny County, Pro Bono Work with Individuals with Mental Health Struggles in the Criminal Justice System, Union Labor Lawyer - would be the only one serving on the court, tried hundred of cases in the court

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthonydelucaforjudge/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/delucaforjudge?fbclid=IwAR1r4fw2tNgxgrAFCZYTTAcBw6ccZDl8CGpWoiEUu8c38pHzhkdXw_rsPwM

term: 10

campaignwebsite: DeLuca4Judge.com

Questions:

Q: Is gun violence best addressed as a public health and public safety issue or as a law enforcement issue?

A: Gun violence is clearly a public health issue. The way to stop gun violence is to provide abundant mental health resources to those in need concurrent with outreach to find the people who need those resources. Additionally, as a Democrat I believe that economic opportunity for all people would also reduce gun violence. However, until society provides those resources and opportunities, law enforcement must still be involved in the process of removing guns from those that mean others harm. Regardless of personal beliefs, I would always rule fairly based upon the facts and the law.

Q: Describe your legal experience in the Civil, Criminal, Family and Orphans Division and why these qualify you to be a judge?

A: I am proud of my diverse career. I have practiced in all areas of the Allegheny County Courts. I have served as an attorney in the Criminal Courts for over twenty years. During that time I have tried hundreds of cases and worked on building Mental Health Court. In the Family Courts I have worked extensively on delinquency matters. In the Civil Courts I have served as a Union Labor Lawyer and plaintiff’s lawyer on numerous cases. Finally, I have handled estate matters, and guardianship proceedings in Orphans Court. No other candidate has my broad experience .

A: I believe gun violence is too complex to fashion a simple policy response that does not include both a law enforcement AND public health component. For law enforcement, those convicted of committing violent acts—particularly with firearms—must be dealt with appropriately by the courts. For public health, those of us working in the criminal justice system have been calling for expanded treatment opportunities not only for those ensnared in the criminal and juvenile justice system, but for society writ large. Too often we read of violent crimes committed by those with mental health episodes.

Q: Describe your legal experience in the Civil, Criminal, Family and Orphans Division and why these qualify you to be a judge?

A: Through my work in the Public Defender’s office, I have appeared in every division of the Court of Common Pleas. My experience includes dozens of Jury trials, hundreds of non-jury trials, and I have counseled thousands of clients. Further, I have handled every type of case imaginable from shoplifting to Homicide.

This extensive and varied set of experiences gives me a unique degree of preparation for the bench above and beyond my opponents. I have seen the worst and best of the justice system in the Public Defender’s Office. I know where we need reform, and I have seen how good judges act.

Andy Szefi

Party: Dem,Rep

Biographical Info:

Campaign Email: info@ andy4judge.com

Campaign Web Site: andy4judge.com

Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. 1999; University of Richmond, B.A. 1994

Qualifications for office: Incumbent Judge

Facebook: facebook.com/ andy4judge

Twitter: facebook.com/andy4judge

District: 03

It is experience and more that has served me well on the bench, and I hope to build upon it in coming years.

COUNTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Description: The County Executive enforces all County ordinances, represents the County in meetings with other elected officials and development organizations, approves or rejects County ordinances, is accountable for all departments except those under jurisdiction of another officer, prepares and submits fiscal plans, appoints the County Manager (with consent of Council), makes appointments to authorities and agencies, negotiates and signs contracts, calls special meetings of Council, makes an annual report to Council and other reports as Council may request.

DEMOCRATIC

Theresa Sciulli Colaizzi

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412973-8338

Campaign Email: TheresaforACE@gmail.com

Education: Associate’s Degree in Business and Political Science

Qualifications for office:—Private Business Owner for 30 years,— Served on the Pittsburgh Public School Board for 12 years,—Collaborated with nonprofits on behalf of the Children of Pittsburgh,—

Negotiated 19 contracts with various unions

District: 07

term: 4

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: —Public Health and Safety

—Invest in early childhood education and intervention —Address Affordable Housing versus free housing

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Policies have to be created with many people at the table, the best way to answer this question is to bring good citizens to the table to work through the problems as soon as you identify them.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: I am very proud of Josh Shapiro’s move to eliminate college requirements for certain jobs, and if elected, I plan on doing that. In the state, we have to encourage children that their 12-year education is enough to obtain jobs. The state has to invest more in education up to the 12th grade and mentoring programs.

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412303-6153

Campaign Email: dfawcett@fawcett4countyexec. com

Campaign Web Site: www.fawcett4countyexec. com/

Education: B.A. Carnegie Mellon University, J.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Qualifications for office:

As a lifelong Pittsburgher, I have grappled with our region’s shortcoming of its true potential for decades.

I believe I have unique qualifications for the position by virtue of my years of work pursuing justice as an attorney, as well as a former member of the Allegheny County Council. As a trial lawyer, I have managed large teams of lawyers through stressful, complex cases–once, all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. I have successfully sued the County over conditions at the County Jail; I’ve taken on cases and obtained freedom for innocent people who were wrongfully convicte Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100088348796986

Twitter: twitter.com/DaveFawcett4ACE

District: 05

term: 4

Campaignwebsite: www.fawcett4countyexec.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: Job Growth: We need more Economic Development monies to offer what new manufacturers, and particularly hi-tech manufactures, want and need to locate here.

Sustainability: I will be a champion for the environment. We need to “think globally, and act locally” on climate change, and invest in transformative projects like a Countywide Riverfront Park, to capitalize on our advantages—our rivers, green hills and natural beauty.. Crime Reduction & Criminal Justice Reform: I will make substantial criminal justice reform and reduction of crime my highest priority.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: I would support fair housing initiatives, and demand the help of our large banks and corporations that played a large role in causing inequities. I would also devote all possible effort to increasing the commitment of our tax-exempt organizations to help provide funding and resources for early childhood education initiatives, as well as college expenses and tuition for our youth. And, I would demand much-needed criminal justice reform.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: Renewable energy and manufacturing jobs are fast-growing industries across the rust belt. Allegheny County must capitalize on this, particularly by pursuing the use and manufacture of renewable energy (wind and solar) and urging citizens to reduce their carbon footprint.

Further, it will be impossible to attract innovation and economic development in the sustainability space without taking on our deep social equity issues—if we do, we can make Allegheny County the place where young people want to live as an Innovation Hub and a Beacon of Sustainability.

Sara Innamorato

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 443567-8990

Campaign Email: hello@ saraforall.com

Campaign Web Site: saraforall.com

Education: University of Pittsburgh, Bachelors in Business, Magna Cum Laude

Qualifications for office: Sara has introduced dozens of bills, leading the fight to increase the supply of affordable housing, raise the minimum wage, secure environmental protections, address the opioid epidemic, establish the first Office of New Pennsylvanians, create a Working Families Tax Credit, and protect reproductive healthcare. The 2022 session culminated with the passage of Sara’s landmark Whole Home Repairs legislation which will provide $125M in critical funding to keep seniors and those facing housing insecurity in their homes while investing in climate resilience and local workforce development.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraForPA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Innamo District: 02 term: 4 campaignwebsite: saraforall.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: The County Exec holds power over many issues that touch people’s lives and either create a foundation for shared wealth or reinforce disparity. My top priorities are (1) to ensure that everyone in Allegheny County has high-quality, safe, and affordable housing; (2) to build the tax base that values our working families and helps us shift to a clean economy; and (3) to improve our air and water quality, with a particular focus on our environmental justice communities. These three issues would address deep inequities in our county, build shared prosperity, and improve the lives of all residents.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: We cannot look at racial justice as an isolated issue —we need to address these issues in every aspect of County Government. Our work must focus on closing the racial wealth gap; addressing the Black infant and maternal mortality; reducing racial segregation of housing; cleaning up our air/water—starting EJ communities; expanding union rights; ending the racial imbalance in property tax assessments, home valuations, and mortgage lending; and reforming our criminal justice system to end the abuses at the Allegheny County Jail and breaking the school to prison pipeline.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: A Just Transition requires that we reorient the economic development infrastructure of Allegheny County away from the large polluting industries towards a distributed set of emerging clean industries. Many of these industries are already in Allegheny County but they haven’t received the support from the government that polluting industries have. Until we change how federal and state money flows into our county and which industries are prioritized we cannot ensure a meaningful transition.

Our existing jobs in the service and care sectors are the fastest-growing job sectors here yet have the fewest job protections and some of the lowest wages. These sectors are just as important as what we traditionally view as “green” jobs. They are deeply important to quality of life, and they heavily employ Black and Brown workers—especially women of color. Raising the wage and making these good, family-sustaining jobs is just as important a part of a Just Transition.

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 319471-7656

Campaign Email: info@ lambforcountyexec.com

Campaign Web Site: www.lambforcountyexec. com/

Education: Bachelors from Penn State University, Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University’s School of Law.

Qualifications for office: I have a proven track record of bold progressive change, from my work in the Prothonotary’s office to my work as Controller, as a lawyer, and as a dedicated public servant. I have already built tools for better government at the city level that I can bring to the County on day one. I have a bold vision for our future and I know how to get it done. I will invest in us by making community college for every high school senior in the county. I will bring a new level of accountability and transparency to our government and I will build coordination and cooperation between our municipalities.

Facebook: facebook.com/MichaelLambPA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelLambPA District: 04 term: 4

campaignwebsite: www.lambforcountyexec.com/

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: I will invest in us and make community college for every high school senior in the county, I will build co-

ordination and cooperation between our municipalities by creating an Office of Municipal Partnership to work on building affordable communities connected by good transportation in every municipality, and I will address public safety in the city and across the county by investing in public works, empower DHS to build a diversionary co-response related to mental health, addiction, and the unhoused population.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: People can look outside their windows and see blighted property, their neighbors pushed out of their homes, senior housing units fall into disrepair, and “affordable housing” communities disconnected from grocery stores, healthcare facilities, transportation, and the things that help a community thrive. Accessible and affordable transportation can be a lifeline for every community in Allegheny County to thrive. We need to expand the Eastern Busway and focus on transit-oriented development. I want to put the ability to own or rent a home back into the hands of the people. We have the tools, including land banks, stronger code enforcement, & a tax claim bureau to expedite the process of reintegrating properties into communities.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: We need to go electric in every office and install alternative energy in every county facility and give every county employee a bus pass. The County Exec needs to set the tone for the future of the region. One of the most impactful ways we can create jobs is making sure we lower obstacles to higher education or certification. Free community college would be game changing. We can create certificates that will help our public works department find the personnel they need to build our green infrastructure. We could staff our Department of Health with people who have been trained to enforce environmental regulations. The reality is that we have jobs available here now–60% of job vacancies here in Allegheny County require some sort of certification and not a four year degree. We can fill that need right now and I plan to. And, through an Office of Municipal Partnership, we can help our communities build and invest in their own green projects.

William Parker

Party : Dem Candidate did not respond

John K. Weinstein

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412969-8585

Campaign Email: info@ weinstein4exec.com

Campaign Web Site: johnweinstein.org

Education: Robert Morris University, concentration in Business Administration & Management Montour High School, member of Wall of Honor

Qualifications for office: 1999-Present, Allegheny County Treasurer Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/johnweinstein4exec

District: 04

term: 4

campaignwebsite: johnweinstein.org

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: My vision is a revitalized Allegheny County for all our children.

In the last few years, we’ve lost 50,000 jobs. We need to reinvent ourselves into a desirable region to live and work. I’ll start by doing everything possible to address public safety. We also need to prioritize fixing our crumbling infrastructure. We need to utilize every resource at our disposal—local, state, federal—to reinvest in the very arteries that keep our community moving. Those two issues build into my third: job creation. We need someone who can bring everyone to the table and create opportunities for everyone.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: In my time as a public servant, one philosophy has always guided me: no matter who you are, what you believe, or whom you love, you’re due the finest services. Every resident deserves to be seen and to be heard. My priority is to ensure fair systems that account for individual circumstances, and treat people with the respect that they inherently deserve. I want to clean up our air quality; I want to improve the conditions at our Jail; I want to bring in experts and community leaders to improve policing standards; and I want to bring all to the table to build opportunities for everyone no matter who you are or where you are.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: Pittsburgh was long known for its smog. We’ve come a long way, and are now recognized for our educational, medical, and technology resources. We’ve proven that we can be a leader in emerging sectors; we’ve proven that we have the home-grown talent to make that happen. We need to keep those resources and that talent right here, and we can do that. I intend to bring stakeholders together in order to ensure this is a livable, desirable region that can not just retain but attract the talent necessary to bolster these booming industries.

Joseph E. Rockey

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: To bring commonsense solutions to the financial and economic challenges that have cost Allegheny County jobs over the past five years. To encourage economic growth by encouraging new and existing businesses and industries to make their home in Allegheny County. To address the growing problems of crime and homelessness by efficiently delivering public services while providing the kinds of family-sustaining jobs needed to encourage productive citizenship.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: A vibrant, private-sector economy with good jobs becomes the foundation for equity and inclusion. Allegheny County’s Black middle class is shockingly small and without economic advancement, minority communities cannot advance—the greatest injustice of all. A Rockey administration will focus economic investment into communities that have historically been left behind.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: A Joe Rockey administration would favor an “all-ofthe-above” menu of energy options. I support the continuation and expansion of renewable energy in Allegheny County and the jobs that it creates. During a Rockey administration, we will continue to invest in the expansion of renewable energy in the county and beyond.

COUNTY CONTROLLER

(Vote for one)

Description: General supervision and control of county fiscal matters.  Must pass on validity of all claims against the county.

Term of office: 4 years

Salary: $110,372

Darwin Leuba

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: Campaign Phone: 412572-1688

Campaign Email: darwinforcontroller@gmail. com

Party: Rep

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412855-2676

Campaign Email: info@ voterockey.com

Campaign Web Site: www.voterockey.com

Education: Bachelor of Science, Duquesne University

Qualifications for office: Lifetime of private sector business experience, including chief risk officer for fifth-largest U.S. financial institution, as well as board memberships with several social service organizations.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100089118441204

District: 02 term: 4

Campaign Web Site: www.DarwinForController.com

Education: BS Computer Science from Yale University, Fox Chapel Area High School

Qualifications for office:

For 5+ years, I’ve served as O’Hara Township’s elected Auditor, the municipal equivalent of County Controller. I’m the only candidate in this race refusing contributions from county contractors or corporate PACs, and that’s important because the Controller is tasked with enforcing contracts and auditing corporate tax incentives. Candidates who accept money from the entities they audit assume a tremendous conflict of interest.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darwinforcontroller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darwinleuba campaignwebsite: https://www.darwinforcontroller. com/

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: Last year, I exposed $32 million of UPMC corporate’s untaxed private parking lots. I’d expand this tax exemption audit to all so-called “nonprofit” and corporate properties countywide. I’d also enforce jail contracts to curtail deaths and reduce staff overtime costs, which skyrocketed to $9.7 million last year. Our jail has a per capita death rate that is twice the national average due to a lack of contract enforcement. I’d also audit the Health Department’s air quality enforcement to make sure penalties effectively discourage pollution and ensure the Clean Air Fund benefits impacted areas.

Q: Every elected office has obstacles that make it hard to accomplish its mission and responsibilities. What obstacle do you plan to work to remove if elected?

A: Transparency is critical to good government, but locally, the County often refuses to release information without a court order. Even the current County Controller wrongfully denied 13 of my Right-To-Know-Law (RTKL) requests last year. I appealed his denials to the statewide tribunal and won all 13 cases which forced him to release jail contractor compliance records; however, the appeals process delays transparency and wastes the county’s limited legal resources. To address a lack of transparency, I would use the office’s statutory authority to publish information instead of shielding it.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: The county should offer at-cost police services to cashstrapped municipalities, similar to how it provided police patrols to Wilmerding for five years until 2022. Many municipalities with shrinking populations do not have the funds to hire and oversee their own police departments, and the county could more cost-effectively provide policing with greater accountability. County police would also have greater oversight from the Controller, County Council, and our new Independent Police Review Board. However, police consolidation does not address the reality that our current system of policing is not designed to hold itself accountable. Even well-intentioned efforts such as body cameras do not address issues with state law. While advocating for changes to use-of-force laws and other statutes in Harrisburg, we also need to locally address poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental health to reduce the demand for armed police officers in the first place.

Corey O’Connor

track to reaching goals.

Q: Every elected office has obstacles that make it hard to accomplish its mission and responsibilities. What obstacle do you plan to work to remove if elected?

A: Two obstacles I’ve discovered are lack of awareness of the Controller’s responsibilities and a perception that this role is used exclusively to score political points. I am working hard to make the office more visible by conducting community forums and am working to pass reforms and push for greater transparency in local government. One obstacle I’m working to remove is the difficulty accessing basic information. This is why my office has been focused on putting the information we collect online and making it as easy as possible to access. You can visit some of our new data dashboards here.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: Current state law makes holding police accountable very difficult. In the absence of new legislation, one way my office can work on this issue is to solicit community feedback on issues relating to discipline and responsibility from the most over-policed communities when negotiating new police contracts. Another way my office is approaching this issue is through improved data collection. Specifically, Our office has begun the process of reaching out to local law enforcement stakeholders to investigate their policies and procedures around how bias motivated incidents, including those against Black people and LGBTQ individuals are tracked. Each jurisdiction has its own system for tracking incidents and until collection procedures are standardized it’s impossible to have a complete understanding of the scale of this problem.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Description: Prosecutes all criminal cases in Court of Common Pleas.  Prepares criminal information, requests and conducts investigative grand juries, prepares cases for court.

Salary: $196,119 Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC

Matt Dugan

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Email: info@ coreyoconnorpa.com

Campaign Web Site: coreyoconnorpa.com

Education: B.A., Duquesne University

Qualifications for of-

fice: Allegheny County Controller, 2022 - Present / Pittsburgh City Council Member, District 5, 20122022

Facebook: www.facebook. com/coreyoconnorpa

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CoreyOConnorPA campaignwebsite: coreyoconnorpa.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: 1. Regaining public trust in County government through increased transparency and enhanced oversight of public finances

2. Bringing accountability to the Allegheny County Jail and protecting the rights of incarcerated individuals

3. Pushing the County to prioritize sustainability in budgeting and long range planning and using our powers of oversight to make sure that we’re actually on

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: Campaign Phone: 443742-3093

Campaign Email: info@ duganforda.com

Campaign Web Site: www.duganforda.com

Education: Matt is a graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law where he received the CALI Award for excellence in Trial Advocacy and earned his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.

Qualifications for office: Matt Dugan was appointed Chief Public Defender of Allegheny County in Jan 2020 after serving as Acting Chief Public Defender since May 2019. Mr. Dugan began his career with the Public Defender’s Office in 2007 as a trial attorney. In 2013 he was promoted to the position of trial manager & became Deputy of the Pre-Trial Division in 2016. Beginning in 2018 he assumed the role of Chief Deputy Director. Matt has spent his career in the Public Defender’s Office & has implemented several transformational projects cementing that office’s leadership role in criminal justice reform in Allegheny County.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuganforDA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattDugan4DA

campaignwebsite: www.duganforda.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: 1) establish a conviction integrity unit 2) develop a robust training program for attorneys and staff 3) put more people into true diversionary programs

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: The District Attorney’s Office must acknowledge the significant racial disparities in our criminal justice system, and must actively work to eradicate those disparities with every decision and policy it implements. We must build a system that works for all members of our community.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: There must be an open dialogue between the DA’s office & every police dept in the County. Police must understand the important role the public has in keeping neighborhoods safe; including the need to partner with, support, & lift up community groups invested in violence prevention.

We must strengthen police-community relationships & hold police accountable when they break the law. Allegheny County is unique with 132 police depts. The City of Pittsburgh represents only ? of the County’s population, with the remaining ? living in suburban & rural areas. Each municipality outside the City of Pittsburgh has a unique relationship with their police force. Each dept is staffed differently & has disparate funding/training/resources so we have communities who are over/under/correctly policed. So it is imperative to have a visible & vocal leader in the DA’s Office who will make clear to these depts what standards are expected and what the consequences will be when if they fall short of those.

Party: Dem Biographical Info: Campaign Phone: 412215-1482

Campaign Email: campaign@stevezappala.com

Campaign Web Site: stevezappala.com

Education: B.A., University of Pittsburgh, J.D., Duquesne University School of Law

Qualifications for office: District Attorney since 1998

Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/DASteveZappala

Twitter: @stevezappala campaignwebsite: stevezappala.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: Addressing the crises of mental health and addiction are top priorities of mine. We created courts to ensure that individuals receive treatment instead of jail. These issues intertwine with my other top priority, reducing violent crime.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: We are addressing issues that disproportionately affect people of color and other marginalized communities. Steps we have taken are special courts that address mental health and addiction, and the Phoenix Court, which addresses relatively minor, non-violent offenses. The goal of these courts is to allow people to receive treatment rather than incarceration. Our office provides training to all employees to ensure

they are sensitive to any biases they may have to ensure that it does not impact the cases they handle.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: I was proud to secure funding for body cameras for police in Allegheny County. I am even more proud that I have convinced nearly every police agency in Allegheny County to utilize them in an effort to gather the best evidence possible when there is an allegation of police misconduct or brutality.

COUNTY TREASURER (Vote for One)

Description: Collects taxes and other money due the county.  Keeps daily accounts and must report daily to the controller all money paid out.

Salary: $110,372 Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC Erica Rocchi Brusselars

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: campaignwebsite: ericafortreasurer.com Twitter: @erica4treasurer Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/Erica4Treasurer

Qualifications for office: Erica Rocchi Brusselars has extensive professional experience as a consulting pension actuary, having worked at a global firm (now Willis Towers Watson) for 14 years. Prior to that she spent two years as a middle school math teacher in an under-resourced public school. More recently she volunteered with the Abolitionist Law Center, setting up their volunteer remote courtwatch program in Pittsburgh.

Education: B.S. in Mathematics, Carnegie Mellon University ‘98; M.S., University of Mississippi ‘00

Campaign Web Site: ericafortreasurer.com

Campaign Email: acbenson@ericafortreasurer.com

Campaign Phone: 3012040075

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: I’m uniquely qualified to bring active, independent leadership to the County Treasurer’s Office. My first priority is to build confidence and capacity in the office by leading with a focus on transparency, modernization, and collaboration. Second, I’ll shine a light on our County’s Retirement Plan funding to ensure it is sustainably funded in the long term. With my experience as a pension actuary, I have the expertise needed to lead this conversation. Finally, I will ensure our money is invested prudently. Actuaries are trained to understand, quantify, and navigate risk to ensure we’re thoughtfully investing our funds

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: We see the growth of renewable energy in our region in many different ways. The Treasurer’s Office has assisted county departments in connecting renewable-energy grant money to residents by playing a part in the record-keeping and billing function. The Treasurer’s Office can continue to be and expand its function as a conduit

for such programming. Our Office’s collaborative nature will foster and create discussions as to other ways the office can play a role.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Alongside the amplification of BIPOC voices from within the Treasurer’s Office, I plan to implement anti-racist training as well. I have a personal commitment to undoing racist and white-supremacist structures in our world. I believe the first step is to continuously, purposefully examine and undo those structures in one’s own life.

In terms of policy, we are interested in pursuing options that move the enforcement and collection of delinquent and defaulted accounts in a way that serves those individuals struggling financially to pay their taxes. We’ll be working to develop a portfolio of policies that’ll work toward equity and compassion while upholding the financial duties of the Office.

Outside of its direct responsibilities, I see this position as one of a countywide leader. I’ll use the platform to highlight critical issues I’m passionate about: needed improvements of Allegheny County Jail and a need to provide more robust critical services to our most vulnerable communities.

Anthony Coghill

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: Twitter: https://twitter. com/Coghill4Treas

Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/AnthonyCoghillforTreasurer

Qualifications for office: Pittsburgh City Council: 2017-Present Business Owner, Coghill Roofing Company: 1994-Present Treasurer: Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA): 2020-Present SEA Board Member 2017-Present 19th Democratic Ward Chair: 2014-2022

Education: Brashear High School

Campaign Web Site: www.anthonycoghill.com Campaign Email: grant@anthonycoghill.com

Campaign Phone: 4123763631

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: 1) The Pension Fund

2) A Focus on Modernization

3) Consistent Transparency

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: The Allegheny County treasurer manages funds with a focus on risk and return. Whether social or environmental goals should be considered is a matter of policy and values. A balanced approach that considers financial returns, community values, and policy objectives can generate positive outcomes. A socially and environmentally conscious investment strategy can contribute to positive change and benefit economic development. Clear guidelines and criteria for investment decisions must be established to achieve a balanced approach. By finding the intersection of policy, values, and profit maximization, the treasurer can develop a responsible investment strategy that benefits the county and its residents.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Tax Payer Protection: Small businesses, black and brown residents, seniors, and low-income residents are all at risk of unfair collection and malicious scammers. As Treasurer, Anthony will ensure every taxpayer’s sensitive information is guarded with

the highest level of security, fairness, and honesty. These are the principles that have guided his service to date and these are the principles he brings to the office of the Treasurer.

COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

(Vote for One)

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants,gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments,agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Salary: $10,939 stipend. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC

(Vote for One)

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 724420-0870

Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/votedoven/

Qualifications for office: 20+ years of professional experience in both public and private sector; Single mother who understands the difficulties working families face; Small business owner

Campaign Web Site: www.votedoven.org

Campaign Email: joanna@votedoven.org

Education: Master of Public Management, Carnegie Mellon campaignwebsite: www.votedoven.org

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: My core issue is mental health and related public safety and substance use disorders. Mental health is at the core of the greatest problems all neighborhoods face. In fact, 90% of those suffering from substance use disorder have at least one underlying mental health disorder. Nearly one-billion-dollars are funneled into county government to support health and human services—such as mental health. And post-Covid, mental health is now the number one comorbidity. How can we leverage this funding to help more people?

We need to build historic partnerships that leverage these county funds with

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: As a single-mother of three children and small business owner, I know it’s critical we promote diversity and inclusion to ensure all individuals have equal opportunity for employment, housing, and other aspects of life regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity or other characteristics. To promote social and racial justice we must increase funding for education, which is critical to addressing disparities in educational outcomes. I would support policies that prioritize equity in access to early childhood education, K-12 education and higher education focused on skills development and workfo

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: Improving police accountability is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach and collaboration between law enforcement and community. To start, I firmly believe we must increase funding for mental health and social services. Many police encounters involve individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance abuse issues. By increasing funding for mental health and social services, police officers can be more available to focus on crime prevention and other law enforcement necessities.

I also believe we must provide police officers support with improving training mechanisms and hiring practices. By investing in training for de-escalation techniques and implicit bias, we’re investing in preventive measures to ensure communities are safe and law enforcement can focus on their work.

Lastly, we must increase the use of body cameras. Body cameras can provide an objective record of police interactions within the community, which can be used to help with building trust

Bethany Hallam

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Facebook: BethanyPGH

Campaign Web Site: bethanyhallam.com

Campaign Email: bethanyhallampgh@gmail.com

Education: Duquesne University, bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. Currently attending Duquesne Law School.

Twitter: BethanyHallam campaignwebsite: bethanyhallam.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: What are your top three priorities for this office?

—Funding services that help us: we should expect more from our government and I will continue to push our County budget to fund services that will help our residents

—Housing + Transportation: We need to support more housing to make our region as affordable as possible for everyone, and make PRT more accessible and reliable.

—Environment: We banned fracking in county parks, but can expand that ban to include the rest of the county.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Intersectionality is at the core of my work on council. Whether I’m looking at environmental issues, negotiating a budget, sitting on the Jail Oversight Board, or on the Board of Elections, I consider how policy will impact different groups of people & who may need extra support to mitigate prior harm or disadvantages. The residents of Allegheny County have a diverse range of needs, so I work hard to make sure everyone has a seat at the table. Beyond that, I work to make sure I am proactively reaching out to communities and areas that may not be as likely to engage with their elected leaders.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: Nearly every social issue has fallen to the criminal punishment system—and as a result, to police to address. However, they neither have the tools nor the resources to actually tackle those issues. Mental health & substance use disorders, housing instability, community & familial violence are all matters that are primarily dealt with through policing, often leading to counterproductive and destructive results. We need to shift that undertaking to experts who know how to handle folks in these most vulnerable situations, not escalate the situa-

tions by involving armed law enforcement officers.policing, often leading to counterproductive and destructive results. We need to shift that undertaking to experts who know how to handle folks in these most vulnerable situations, not escalate the situations by involving

REPUBLICAN

Sam

Candidate did not respond.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

(Vote for One)

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants, gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments, agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Salary: $10,939 Stipend

DEMOCRATIC

Todd Hamer

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 571438-2976

Campaign Email: ?todd4alleghenycounty@?yahoo.com

Education: BS Penn St/ MEd. Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

Qualifications for office: Current member of Sewickley Council

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: Every decision I make with keep our future generations in mind. I believe all children deserve these three things.

1. A clean safe school.

2. A clean safe community center.

3. A clean safe park. Clearly, this shows my top priorities are not us, but our future generation. I cannot stress enough how environmental issues, education, and safety are the most important issues we face.

As the richest country in the history of the world there is no reason we cannot make our world better for the future generations.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Social and racial justice are two issues I care deeply about. We must change how we deal with low level crimes. This includes, yet is not limited to increased spending on mental health, education, and the environment.

In addition to this we must make all decisions knowing that representation matters.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: The beauty with this industry is that it is moving forward with or without us. The market is there to help renewables grow. My job is to listen to the industry and see where we as a county can empower renewables to grow as an industry.

I am far from an expert on this industry, yet owning my own ignorance on this industry gives me the opportunity to listen and grow with this industry.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

A: Each morning I listen to NPR and hear the air quality data. It disturbs me that we still deal with this issue. We cannot continue to pollute our air and allow industry a free pass. We must hold companies that pollute our region accountable.

We must learn from the past and see how many boom and bust industries have polluted our region and left us with their remains. Take a walk through the Mon Valley and the amount of waste from energy companies of the past is disturbing. We must not allow this to occur again.

I will have no problem holding those who ruin our environment accountable for their actions.

REPUBLICAN Suzanne Filiaggi

Party: Rep

Biographical Info:

Campaign Email: suzanne4cc@gmail.com

Education: Washington & Jefferson College, Duquesne University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law

Qualifications for office: Small Business Owner/ Attorney/Board and Legislative Experience

Facebook: TBA

Twitter: FriendsofSuzanne@SuzanneFiliaggi

District: 02

campaignwebsite: TBA

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: I sit on the Special Committee on Assessment Practices. I commit to a thorough examination of the standards and practices of property taxation and will advocate for reassessments every 3 years creating a more fair housing environment within the County to attract both residents and businesses.

North Park is the largest in our park system. It is the crown jewel of Dist 2. I pledge to preserve its Beauty and encourage public-private partnerships to increase accessibility and experiential value.

I will employ a Bi-Partisan approach to create ethical and professional standards within Council.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Our county has numerous policies already in place to promote social and racial justice. I pledge to ensure that county hiring practices and contract awards are adhering to the mandates set forth in the MWDBE program. These guidelines exist to create effective methods that strengthen economic opportunities for Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged business enterprises. Regular audits of our various County agencies and Departments will expose potential violations and allow for greater transparency thus establishing more equal access to economic justice and prosperity for all residents.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: Sustainability initiatives are at the forefront of most government bodies. Allegheny County is no different and it sits uniquely at the epicenter of an energy econ-

my that has created thousands of jobs and generated billions of dollars in commerce. Renewable energy is an increasing piece of that energy output. The County’s implementation of the C-PACE Program is a significant commitment to that end. Projects like Mill 19 and the Gaucho Solar wind farm near the Airport are great examples of the potential that solar electric generation has in our region. Hydroelectric power is also a viable path for clean energy as Allegheny County is surrounded by 3 rivers. Harnessing hydroelectric power is a natural fit for this area. The County supports the effort by entering into a Power Purchasing Agreement to buy renewable electricity from a hydroelectricity plant located on the Ohio River. I will work with my colleagues to continue supporting our local economy and growing clean energy jobs.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

A: As the seated Member of Council in Dist. 2, I have already supported several Air Quality initiatives on behalf of residents of Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania. I am a member of the Committee of Health & Human Services and have participated in all of the regular and informational meetings designed to educate Council and the Community on the state of the County’s Environmental and Air Quality. I am familiar with the serious issues surrounding the Episodic rule and the impact of air inversions on pollution output. I have voted affirmatively, along with my Democratic colleagues on Council, to support 12633-23, a Motion urging the USEPA to revise its standard for fine particulate matter from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9-10. I have also approved 12553-23, an Ordinance ratifying an amendment addressing “Control of VOC Emissions” to the ACHD Rules and Regulations. If elected, I will continue to take a fiscally responsible and balanced approach to air quality legislation.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5

(Vote for One)

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants, gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments, agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Salary: $10,939 Stipend. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRAT Dan Grzybek

Biographical Info: Twitter: https://twitter. com/Dan_Grzybek

Qualifications for of -

fice: Engineer on Nuclear Reactor Safety Systems for US Naval Aircraft Carriers; Bethel Park School Director; Vice Chair of Bethel Park Democratic Committee; Emergency Substitute Teacher in Bethel Park; Youth Mentor at South Hills Interfaith Movement and Navy Seaperch program

Campaign Web Site: dan4district5.com/ Campaign Email: info@dan4district5.com

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh; Master’s

degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering from Purdue University

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanGrzybekDistrict

campaignwebsite: https://dan4district5.com/

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: 1. Improve our local air quality - Allegheny County has the 14th worst air quality in the country as it pertains to particulate matter and is in the top 1% for cancer risk from large industrial sources.

2. Reform the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) - There are unacceptable human rights abuses occurring within the ACJ. We need new leadership so that people (most who have not been convicted of a crime) are treated humanely and so that tax dollars are not being wasted.

3. Take advantage of federal funding (CHIPS Act, IRA, etc.) to bring good jobs to Allegheny County in areas like renewable energy.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Despite making up only 13% of the local population, roughly 67% of the population at the ACJ is Black. Similarly, over 40% of Clairton is Black, and the median income is only $37,000. Issues like air quality and inhumane carceral treatment disproportionately impact people of color and the economically disadvantaged. If elected, I will fight to end our practice of forced, unpaid labor (slavery) within the ACJ, and will work to ensure that our worst polluters are adhering to their Article XXI and Title V air pollution limits and are being held accountable when they are not.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: As I previously mentioned, bringing jobs to Allegheny County in areas like renewable energy and clean technology is one of my top priorities.

I believe that the best way for County Council to facilitate this is by ensuring the county has the skilled workforce necessary to fill these jobs. There is a national shortage in skilled trades positions like electricians and welders. If elected, I will advocate for increased funding for jobs programs in these areas, especially in our traditionally underserved communities who are often left out of the conversation. One fantastic resource we already have which deserves more funding is CCAC, who offers some extremely valuable apprentice programs and whose West Hills Center is a premier training facility for skilled and technical trades careers.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

A: Improving the air quality in Western Pennsylvania is my #1 priority. I believe that every resident in Allegheny County deserves clean air. We shouldn’t have to worry about our children going outside at recess because it’s difficult for them to breathe.

As a former Operations Manager at US Steel Clairton, I understand that for many large corporations, the pollution they produce is simply viewed as the cost of doing business. I support increasing the penalties on the county’s worst polluters for sacrificing our health, and I believe that we must ensure that the Allegheny County Clean Air funds obtained from these fines are utilized in a manner which maximizes our local air quality. In order to do so, County Council must push to adequately fund the county’s air quality program. Additionally, I believe the Mon Valley Episode Rule must be analyzed to guarantee that those facilities included are taking the steps necessary to mitigate pollution on air quality warning days.

REPUBLICAN Mike Embrescia

Candidate did not respond.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 06 (Vote for One)

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants,gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments,agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Salary: $10,939 Stipend. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Email: peopleforpalmiere@gmail.com

Qualifications for office: Incumbent Member of Council—Small Business Owner for over 40 years

District: 06 term: 4

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: My first priority is to continue to make County Council relevant and an equal partner with the County Executive to govern Allegheny County. My second priority is to keep a balanced budget that is responsible to the taxpayers of Allegheny County which provides the services that all the residents need. My third priority is maintaining and growing a County parks system that is vibrant and accessible for all of our citizens.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Allegheny County Council passes an annual budget of over $3 Billion dollars that allocates many resources to promote social and racial justice, which ensure that all citizens are afforded an equal shot. The 2023 Budget allocates more resources for our Public Defender’s Office so that citizens of lesser means can receive the best representation. Also, The Department of Human Services leverages a small amount of County tax dollars in order to tap into a large sum of Federal and State dollars which promote social and racial justice through programs aimed at those who have been marginalized.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: When Allegheny County bids a contract, we ensure that green initiative standards are included in that bid in order to emphasize and commit to the importance of renewable energy. As a member of the Public Works Committee, I will continue to push for projects that support good jobs and further our priorities in this space.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

A: Allegheny County Council has a powerful say in

improving the air quality in Western Pennsylvania through the funding of the County Health Department. The Health Department has taken many strides to improve air quality in my time on Council. While the improvements are ever changing, I will continue to give the resources necessary to the Health Department in order to accomplish the best air quality for the citizens of Allegheny County.

REPUBLICAN

No candidate filed

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 07

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants, gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments, agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Salary: $10,939 Stipend. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC Nick Futules

Candidate did not respond

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 10

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants, gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments, agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Salary: $10,939 Stipend. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC Eric S. Smith

sues and get them the help that they need and educate the community in regards to what mental health looks like and how to address the problems in our schools and our community for safety reasons and for a heathier community.

Public Safety—We need a strong county police department and safe communities. That will happen when we have more Police officers trained in Mental Health and more offices on our streets to assist with keeping the public safe.

And County Assessments—We need a fair tax base.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Policies that keep diversity in the full focus of employment opportunities and housing in our communities. We need trainings introduced in our Police department that promote social and racial justice. Mental health training and also mental health evaluations when we hire officers to our Police Dept as well. All of our citizens should be included in the process of how County Council governs the county. County Council should post on the County website all policies in place that promote social and racial justice for everyone and have a whistle blower contact phone number to report any misconduct.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: I would continue to work with the other members on County Council, both democrats and Republican. I would ensure that legislation that is passed on County council that is safe for the environment in regards to renewable energy. I would ensure that the job growth includes recent college graduate from our County and individuals from surrounding neighborhoods throughout Allegheny County. I would invest my time and resources in continuing to foster job growth and informing Allegheny county residence of the job opportunities in the energy industry. As a councilman I would provide information to the public on were training is available for the energy jobs as well. I would also hold the energy companies accountable for their hiring practices and promote a supportive environment between energy labor and Allegheny County council.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

that will result in improvements in the quality of life.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: I will continue to invest in practices that will result in a cleaner environment, expand educational support for early childhood education, Pre K and afterschool programs that will result in improved life outcomes. I will also continue to support workforce development programs that demonstrate success in raising per-capita incomes in disadvantaged populations. I will support projects that reduce pollution and increase utilization of renewable sources of energy.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: As I indicated earlier I am a supporter of the renewable energy sector because it promotes a cleaner environment, while creating new family sustaining employment opportunities. These jobs will provides certifications for workers that are permanent, portable and transferable which will result in increasing per-capita earnings opportunities.

Q : What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

A: I intend to become more familiar with current regulations and determine how regulations are developed, implemented and improved upon.

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: Education: BA Political Science Point Park University

Facebook: electericssmith@aol.com

Qualifications for office: City of Pittsburgh

Finance Department Auditor/ Treasurer of the Democratic Committee of the 13 Ward for 8 years

campaignwebsite: electericssmith@aol.com

Campaign Email: smithfamily00@aol.com

Campaign Web Site: electericssmith@aol.com

Campaign Phone: 4129253202

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: The Mental Health Crisis- We have to address the problems with individual who have mental Health is-

A: I would introduce legislation that would protected the region from companies that harmed the environment especially the quality of the air. My role on county council, would be to follow up with the county executive, the state officials and the federal government to ensure that all environmental companies are following the rules and regulations in regards to the environment in Western Pennsylvania.

DeWitt Walton

Party: Dem Biographical Info:

Campaign Email: ebonyguy@verizon.net

Campaign Phone: 412418-5244

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: To have a county that has a more robust economy, one that has diverse, equitable and inclusive employment and leadership opportunities. I also want to improve educational outcomes because

“I don’t care what responsibilities you have today, there’s no greater responsibility than being in control of your future and your future starts now!

We don’t have time, no procrastinating, don’t let the discouragement take you off course, that’s not how my people or my generation will go down…this is the loudest way to make your voice heard!”

-Rihanna, Singer

Party: Dem

Carlos Thomas

Biographical Info:

Education: Le Cordon

Bleu Pittsburgh

Facebook: www.facebook.com/votecarlosthomas

Qualifications for office: Community Organizer and Committee

Person campaignwebsite: www.votecarlosthomas. com

Campaign Email: carlos@votecarlosthomas. com

Campaign Web Site: www.votecarlosthomas. com

Campaign Phone: 4124191560

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: Clean water and clean air Countywide food system Transparency and Engagement

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: I will work to make sure all policies promote social and racial justice. One of the polices I would pursue similar to the city of Pittsburgh’ adopting the “Equitable and Fair Enforcement of Motor Vehicle Laws” to further decrease the racially motivated traffic stops throughout Allegheny County.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: If elected I will work with local governments and the PA Department of Energy to promote pipeline programs from communities to these jobs from one of our county’s greatest assets,our Community College and the other universities in our region.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

A: Improving our air quality imperative in our region. While promoting good, green jobs I will fight for our biggest polluters to be penalized heavier for the concern of our residents health.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 11

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants, gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments, agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Candidates:

Salary: $10,939 Stipend. Term: 4 years

Party: Dem

DEMOCRATIC

Biographical Info:

Campaign Web Site: pmklein.com

Campaign Email : pmklein612@gmail.com

Campaign Phone: 412260-7057

District: 11 campaignwebsite: pmklein.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: As a member of council, I have a long list of priorities. I would begin with my commitment to ensure that that we advance initiatives that prioritize the environmental and public health implications of all of our decisions. That would mean enforcing existing regulations and conducting an ongoing audit of what is and is not being enforced and developing protocols with more stringent requirements. Second, ensuring that our commitment to social justice is real and measurable and is reflected in the services that the county provides. Our decisions as a council, including the legislation we advance

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: If our commitment to social justice is real, it must embody our commitment to racial justice. As a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the University of Pittsburgh, I have expanded my consciousness of the damaging implications of not being attentive to the social and racial equity implications of the choices that we make. There are well founded equity assessment tools that can credibly support our efforts. I would advance an education initiative to ensure that all county personnel (including members of council), participate in an EDI education program.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: The economic opportunities of the future have to reflect a meaningful and measurable commitment to consequentially reducing our carbon footprint. The environmental crisis that we have witnessed unfolding in real time is really here. We have to invest in renewable energy technologies, i.e. solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, etc. We have to embrace the idea of a circular economy based on reuse and regeneration. The green job market is growing and workers with the knowledge or skills needed to support environmental sustainability, will increasingly be in demand and those are the enterprises that as a region we ought to be courting and incentivizing.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

I recently convened a public hearing as the chair of the Committee on Health and human services to consider just this question and more specifically, the Episodic Rule which is intended to address weather inversion episodes where particulate matter exceeds acceptable standards. At this meeting I recommended that the EPA adopt an even more stringent national ambient air standard than was contemplated their proposed new rule on fine particle pollution. I introduced a sense of council motion

to this effect and it was passed by county council. I will continue to press for action on air quality as we just received a failing score from the National lung Association and the air quality in our county is the worst in the state.

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Web Site: dennisfor11.com

Campaign Email: dennismcdermottpgh@ gmail.com

Campaign Phone: 412368-2092

Facebook: facebook. com/dennisfor11

Education: B.A. Political Science—Point Park University

Qualifications for office: Allegheny County Canvass Director—Food and Water Action District: 11

Twitter: DPMpgh campaignwebsite: dennisfor11.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for the office?

A: 1. Climate Justice: The Climate crisis is the most urgent and pressing challenge facing our world today. Low-income communities and people of color are disproportionally exposed toxic pollution and environmental hazards.

2. Criminal Justice Reform: Our justice system is broken. It prioritizes the over-policing of low-income and minority neighborhoods and incarcerates them at disproportionate rates.

3. Transit Equity: Many communities in the county do not have access to reliable transit cutting them off from medical care, affordable groceries, and economic opportunity.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: It is my intention for every decision I make as a council member to be made under the lens of social and racial justice. Specifically, I would seek to implement policies that prioritize transparency in policing with adequate enforcement of consequences for failures in transparency. Police presence must be reduced in neighborhoods that are victim to over policing, and the enforcement of laws that disproportionately affect BIPOC individuals and do not harm others must be re-examined. Finally, we must seek to demilitarize our police force and ban the usage of “less-lethal” enforcement devices.

Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth?

A: It is not enough to continually and recklessly pursue economic growth at any cost, and when I make my decisions as a County Councilmember economic growth will not be my first consideration. When it comes to the growth of the renewable energy industry, I think it is more important to consider who will benefit from its growth. Of course everyone in Western PA benefits when we pollute less, but as we transition from fossil fuels, many working-class individuals will lose well-paying union jobs. We must ensure these groups are the first considered as this transition is made and implement programs that pay these workers to train for renewable energy jobs. We must also ensure the renewable jobs being

brought in are good paying jobs and that the companies coming in do not make use of union-busting practices. Finally, communities that have historically been left out of economic projects and have seen the worst effects of pollution should also be considered when growing this industry.

Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania?

A: First of all, I think is extremely important that we ensure those that can make the most change when it comes to air quality in Western PA cannot be funded by industries that make a profit off of the destruction of our climate. We must strengthen regulations against polluters in the county and ensure the mechanisms of enforcement and oversight are fully funded to ensure compliance. We must end pay-to-pollute policies by increasing the fines to levels major polluters are either unwilling to pay or unable to make a profit if they exceed pollution limits. And money collected through fines on polluters must be fairly allocated to the communities who have been ravaged by the pollution of these corporations for too long.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 13

Description: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants, gifts or donations on behalf of County, may modify or eliminate departments, agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens.

Salary: $10,939 Stipend. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC David Bonaroti

CITY OF PITTSBURGH CONROLLER

Description: The City Controller is the fiscal watchdog for the citizens of the City of Pittsburgh. It is the job of the Controller to protect City tax dollars from waste, fraud and abuse; the Controller does this by auditing all city government related expenditures. Term: 4 Years

DEMOCRATIC Mark V. DePasquale

Candidate did not respond.

Rachael Heisler

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: Campaign Phone: 412715-5385

Campaign Email: rachael@rachaelforcontroller.com

Campaign Web Site: www.rachaelforcontroller.com

Education: BA, University of Pittsburgh; MPA, Penn State University

A: Making sure the city remains fiscally healthy, we can continue to pay our bills, honor our commitment to workers and retirees

Making sure city funds are spent fairly, equitably, and as intended

Making sure everyone pays their fair share, including our largest employers

Q: Every elected office has obstacles that make it hard to accomplish its mission and responsibilities. What obstacle do you plan to work to remove if elected?

A: We need to make it easier for everyone to access their government.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: Making a frequency distribution of offending officers available in the PBP’s annual report so the public is aware of officers prone to excessive force Study the manpower necessary for each police zone and hire accordingly to avoid police officers working excessive overtime, which is when conduct issues are most likely to occur

Issue a formal policy on marijuana decriminalization

Party: Dem Biographical Info: Campaign Phone: 412726-7632

Campaign Email: troyston4250@gmail.com

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Education: Penn State University (B.S.) New York University (MA) University of Pittsburgh (MBA) NY Code + Design Academy (Continuing Education)

Campaign Web Site: bonarotiforacc.com

Campaign Email: vote@bonarotiforacc.com

Qualifications for office: Current Deputy City Controller, Background in sustainable public finance Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/rachaelforcontroller Twitter: twitter.com/rachaelheisler term: 4 years campaignwebsite: www.rachaelforcontroller.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

Campaign Web Site: www.royston4controller. com

Education: Masters in Social Work and Public Policy

Qualifications for office: Proven, bold leadership. Governed as the Acting Controller for the county, served as the Deputy Controller and Chief of Staff since 2018, worked in the City under Mayor Tom Murphy’s administration,

Qualifications for office: 8+ years working in the private sector where I was responsible for building technical solutions/applications, business development, as well as product and operations management. Intern to former State Rep. Frank Dermody. Volunteer for organizations such as Literacy Pittsburgh, America Reads+Counts, Computer Science Summer Institute (Hour of Code initiative), and New York Cares (GED Math Instructor).

campaignwebsite: bonarotiforacc.com

“You’ve got to vote, vote, vote, vote. That’s it; that’s the way we move forward.”

-Michelle Obama, Former First Lady

PPS graduate and parent. Facebook: facebook.com/royston4controller

Twitter: @TracyRoystonPGH campaignwebsite: www.royston4controller.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: 1. Diversify funding so that the projected budget shortfall does not fall on the shoulders of taxpayers. The two most important streams of funding that must be pursued are acquiring Payments in Lieu of Taxes from our largest nonprofits and pushing forth legislation to make our land bank viable to return blighted properties to our tax rolls. 2. Greater oversight and partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools. There has been little to no presence at PPS. We must have healthy schools to have healthy communities. 3. Engage every community to ensure that every need is met and prioritized.

Q: Every elected office has obstacles that make it hard to accomplish its mission and responsibilities. What obstacle do you plan to work to remove if elected?

A: I believe that the Controller’s office is the office of possibility. The Controller should be at the table for critical budgetary conversations and act as a convener to bring different levels of government together. The Controller can move discussions into action as the conduit for research and data. We need to take advantage of having a Democratic majority in the State House. Several pieces of legislation can and must move forward to have the most efficient government possible. (local oversight of public authorities & schools, land bank deregulation, antitrust & PILOT enforcement)

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: There is an urgent need to reform public safety and police accountability. The model of policing in the US is by and large a militaristic approach that never has served all communities and has been failing to meet our general needs and terrorizing our Black communities. We have tremendous opportunity to rethink how we approach public safety with increasing majority of elected leaders who think and govern differently. We must especially focus on our Black residents who are deprived of the most basic human rights and protections. I witnessed these disparities firsthand as a member of the Jail Oversight Board seeing the statistics at the ACJ, where roughly 65% of those incarcerated are Black, though black residents make up only 14% of the city’s population. As the controller, I would audit the Citizens Police Review Board and the internal reporting structures of the police. I would also make funding dependent on training that focuses on bias awareness and sensitivity.

PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

(Vote For One)

Description: Council consists of nine members elected by district by the city of Pittsburgh voters. The legislative power is vested in the council. Council members in odd-numbered districts are elected 2 years after the even-numbered district members are elected.

Salary: 76,544. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC

Steven Oberst

Candidate did not respond

Bobby Wilson

Candidate did not respond

PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Description: Council consists of nine members elected by district by the city of Pittsburgh voters. The legislative power is vested in the council. Council members in odd-numbered districts are elected 2 years after the even-numbered district members are elected.

Salary: 76,544. Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC

Bob Charland

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: Campaign Web Site: charlandforpgh.com

Campaign Phone: 267670-1768

Campaign Email: info@ charlandforpgh.com

Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh

Qualifications for office: Since 2018, I have worked in Councilman Bruce Kraus’s office, where I have managed constituent services, helped develop

policy, and have attended a wide variety of community meetings, building relationships across the district Facebook: facebook.com/charlandforpgh Twitter: twitter.com/charlandbob campaignwebsite: charlandforpgh.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: If elected, I will work to make sure that East Carson Street has a dedicated business district manager who is tasked with creating a safe, vibrant and diverse business district, like most of other business districts in the city already have. I will make sure that Oakland residents have a voice in the redevelopment of our second downtown, against powerful stakeholders like UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, while prioritizing housing affordability and homeownership in the neighborhood. In the Hilltop, I will continue to work on empowering neighborhood groups to fight slumlords.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: BIPOC voices do not need a translator, they need a microphone and it will be my job to make sure that voices from these communities are heard in Council. Property maintenance issues and vacant properties disproportionately affect our neighborhoods of color and are well within the council’s responsibility to address. Blight does not plague all neighborhoods in the City equally. These issues deter investment, are attractive nuisances for crime, and ultimately lead to families being forced to leave our neighborhoods. I will work on speeding up processes that get vacant property into reuse.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: First and foremost, I never want it to be my voice alone on this issue; I will always prioritize conversations with those most impacted as we navigate a needed reimagining of public safety and increased police accountability. I believe as council, we need to question if the police are always the right tool for the job and acknowledge that we are asking too much of them. We cannot have police responding to situations, such as mental health crises, where they are not trained and create dangerous situations for everyone involved. We need to ensure that police have all of the information they need to respond to calls, that they are the right response to those calls, and that if something goes wrong, we deserve to know every detail of what happened.

PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5

Description: Council consists of nine members elected by district by the city of Pittsburgh voters. The legislative power is vested in the council. Council members in odd-numbered districts are elected 2 years after the even-numbered district members are elected.

Salary: 76,544. Term: 4 years

- Franklin D. Roosevelt, Former U.S.

“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

DEMOCRATIC Laura Brillman

Party: Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412339-0094

campaignwebsite: litabrillman.com

Campaign Email: hello@litabrillman.com

Campaign Web Site: litabrillman.com

Education: Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in Women’s Studies and History from the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Qualifications for office: MPA with research focus on Pittsburgh’s racial equity concerns; experience consulting at City Council and providing constituent services for the office of Councilperson Erika Strassburger; experience working on local policy such as sidewalk accessibility, the plastic bag ban, and improving the participatory budgeting process; Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs where I worked across sectors in Pittsburgh and interviewed over 100 Pittsburgh professionals; non-profit experience including in the voting rights and pro-choice spaces; only candidate actually from Pittsburgh. Facebook: facebook.com/litaforpgh Twitter: @litaforpgh

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: 1. Equity—including programs that promote racial, gender, LBGTQ+, and religious freedom, anti-discrimination, and applying an intersectional lens to all policy and programmatic decisions

2. Fair housing—including promoting homeownership, limiting absentee land-lording and excessive airbnb, building up an affordable housing stock, and limiting single-family zoning/promoting upzoning and sponsoring repairs to existing housing stock

3. Environment & Labor—supporting a just transition to clean union jobs and promoting union density by limiting union-busting practices

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: —Divert funding from police into social services; pilot policing alternatives programs that prioritize connecting offenders with services and restorative rather than punitive justice; implementing this same practice in schools by limiting cops in schools and raising the standard for extreme disciplinary action, as well as providing free breakfast and lunch to PPS students

—Increasing affordable housing stock and reforming the Section 8 process so that wait lists aren’t years long

—Improving conditions at the ACJ & improving reentry services and restoration of civil rights including voting

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: —Establish a new police oversight commission that has the power to perform independent investigations and determine punishments, rather than just recommending cases for the police chief to determine guilt and/or consequences which lead to limited accountability. Ensure that this commission includes an appointment process that is not solely on the mayor, since one pro-police mayor can limit

the diversity and authority of the commission —Allow for more frequent and public re-negotiations of FOP contracts that include a public input period, and limit the relationship between the Labor Council in Allegheny County and the FOP, as police unions function differently from every other labor union and should not be consider a part of the labor movement.

Barb Warwick

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: campaignwebsite: barbforpgh.com

Campaign Email: barbforpgh@gmail.com

Campaign Web Site: barbforpgh.com

Education: BA from Barnard College, MA from the University of Heidelberg (Germany)

Qualifications for office: I’m a working mom living in Four Mile Run since 2014. I got my start in Pittsburgh

politics as a volunteer for Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Ed Gainey, Summer Lee, and the APA. As a community organizer in Greenfield and Hazelwood, I worked to stop the Mon Oakland Connector shuttle road through Schenley Park and advocated for new playgrounds, better bus service, more after-school opportunities, and greater food access.

I’m also the Vice Chair of Pittsburghers for Public Transit.

Facebook: Barb4PGH

Twitter: Barb4PGH

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: There are so many issues that need to be addressed, from managing our unhoused population, to keeping our kids safe when they aren’t in school, to creating affordable housing, to expanding food access. We need to be addressing them all, both at the Council table & on the ground with our constituents. My team & I are focused on taking a holistic approach to the level of multitasking that is required to do this job. That means working closely with city departments, the mayor’s office, the county, & other authorities to help them understand what needs to be prioritized in each neighborhood.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: As a member of city council, promoting social and racial justice means making sure parts of my district that have historically been left behind have a seat at the table. I have worked closely with my neighbors in Greater Hazelwood to improve transit and food access, & to increase funding for rec programs. Going forward, I am committed to growing city leaders from Greater Hazelwood by connecting with young people and helping them engage with city government. It’s high time that Hazelwood had an elected representative in city government, and I am committed to helping make that happen

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: We need to take a holistic approach to public safety –one that focuses the work of the police on dealing with the types of violent crime they are trained to handle. Having social workers respond to nonviolent mental health calls is a step in the right direction. Something else we could do is enact mandatory self-service telephone reporting for non-urgent issues so that officers can focus on the critical calls. This would result in fewer overtime hours for officers and fewer contacts between officers and the public, helping to minimize violent interactions between police and citizens.

PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7

Description: Council consists of nine members elected by district by the city of Pittsburgh voters. The legislative power is vested in the council. Council members in odd-numbered districts are elected 2 years after the even-numbered district members are elected.

Salary: 76,544. Term: 4 years

“Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls.”

- Peggy Noonan, writer

DEMOCRATIC Jordan Botta

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: Twitter: twitter.com/votebotta

Campaign Phone: 412206-9294

Education: Central Catholic High School, University of Pittsburgh (B.S.), American Public University (M.S.)

Campaign Email: votebotta@gmail.com

Campaign Web Site: votebotta.com

Facebook: facebook.com/ votebotta

Qualifications for office: 10 years of civic service in leadership positions of multiple non-profit and community organizations in the City of Pittsburgh campaignwebsite: votebotta.com

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: My top three priorities for office are ensuring an affordable cost of living in the city, investing in clean and green transportation, energy, and public infrastructure, and strong constituent services to ensure that we prioritize not only the big issues, but the small issues that affect daily life.

Pease visit our website votebotta.com to find more detailed information on our plans to address these issues.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: Our office will establish the Office of Black Affairs, the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, and the Office of Immigration, to give proper representation to our most vulnerable residents. We have a plan in place to completely reverse the 2019 Gender Equity Report to make Pittsburgh one of the most equitable places in the country for Black and Brown residents by investing in programs which incentivize Black and Brown girls and boys in STEM and the Arts and Humanities, and work with relevant stakeholders in the city to ensure that our next generation minority professionals stay in Pittsburgh.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: Hybrid policing and co-response efforts are a wonderful start, but we need more direct accountability from our law enforcement. As an accessible and accountable member of council, I plan to hold quarterly meetings in each of our

neighborhoods to ensure that the voices of our residents are heard and we hold police accountable for any issues that have occurred, big or small. I was directly involved with residents following the tragic and senseless shooting in Bloomfield in late March, while also working alongside officers involved in the response. This direct involvement is pivotal, and I believe that our elected officials can and should serve as a liaison between police and residents. Accountability starts on a local level, and I plan to do everything I can to assure that our police are accountable to the residents they are tasked with protecting and serving.

No response

PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 9

Description:

Council consists of nine members elected by district by the city of Pittsburgh voters. The legislative power is vested in the council. Council members in odd-numbered districts are elected 2 years after the even-numbered district members are elected.

Salary: 76,544.

Term: 4 years

DEMOCRATIC Khadijah Harris

Party : Dem Biographical Info: Campaign Phone: 4122772598

Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Cheyney University / Child development Associates, University of Pittsburgh /Infant through adolescent development certification, CCAC

Campaign Email: friendsofkhadijah@ gmail.com

Campaign Web Site: www.votekhadijah.com

Twitter: @Votekhadijah

campaignwebsite: www.votekhadijah.com

Facebook: khadijah for City Council

Qualifications for office: Personal experience living & growing up in district 9 / 25 years of experience in non-profit management / 18 years of experience as an independent broker/business owner

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: Home Ownership/Quality affordable housing. Safe Space for residents & youth

Access to quality rehabilitation facilities for residents

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: I will promote any policies that ensures that all people no matter of their race or beliefs will have access to quality education, quality and affordable housing, and quality healthcare.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: I would recommend that all police officers and administrators be trained in cultural sensitivity and critical thinking on the ongoing bases. This will help with officers understanding the situation they are in and will assist the officers with thinking before they do something they will regret like killing someone or getting killed.

Khari Mosley

Party: Dem Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412946-8651

Education: Indiana University of PA, Political Science Major

Campaign Email: info@ mosleyforpgh.com

Campaign Web Site: www.mosleyforpgh.com

Twitter: www.twitter. com/mosleyforpgh

campaignwebsite: www. mosleyforpgh.com

Facebook: www.facebook. com/mosleyforpgh

Qualifications for of-

fice: 2004-2009: Democratic Committee Chairman 22nd Ward; 2005-2007: Pennsylvania State Director League of Young Voters/League of Young Voters Education Fund; Campaigns Director 2007-2008 Pittsburgh

“Voting is not only our right —it is our power.”

“When we vote, we take back our power to choose, to speak up, and to stand with those who support us and each other.”

- Loung Ung, activist

United; 2008-2009: National Political & Policy Director League of Young Voters/League of Young Voters Education Fund; 2009-2012: Director of Green Economy Initiatives GTECH Strategies; 2012-2019: Pennsylvania State Director BlueGreen Alliance; 2019-Present: Director 1Hood Power & Political Director of 1Hood Media

Questions:

Q: What are your top three priorities for this office?

A: My top three priorities as a council member are:

(1) Making our streets safer through a multilayered and comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of crime, such as poverty, mental illness, food insecurity, housing instability, and other traumatic experiences. (2) Addressing our affordable housing challenges by empowering neighborhoods in the planning process and approaching community building comprehensively with a lens toward equity. (3) Prioritizing the modernization of our roads, bridges, and other critical elements of our city’s infrastructure.

Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?

A: To promote social and racial justice for all, I will focusing on comprehensive community health, people-centered public safety, resilient infrastructure, equitable neighborhood development, affordable housing, fair wages, climate protection, food security, equity, inclusion, and other critical public policy goals.

Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?

A: We must hold officers who commit misconduct accountable. These specific actions I would take as a councilman to achieve this goal are: Require transparency and publicly available information concerning use-of-force policies. Require accurate records of police misconduct through internal affairs case management. Require body camera footage and other evidence of officer behavior to be shared promptly. Call for special investigators to investigate instances where police have seriously injured or killed civilians. Regularly survey the community to gauge their experiences and perceptions of the police. Implement outreach and recruitment strategies to increase the proportion of police officers who are women and people of color. Strengthening the civilian police review board to have more oversight powers on police misconduct.

PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 2

Description: School Directors are elected on behalf of the community to oversee the education of students in their jurisdiction. They serve as agents of the state legislature. They are responsible for curriculum and instruction management, all finances including development of annual budgets and levying of taxes and issuance of debt obligations when necessary; personnel; legal matters; management of facilities; and transportation of students as appropriate. Schools may include pre-K and career and technical schools. The school board consists of nine members who serve four-year terms of office without pay. The school district of the City of Pittsburgh includes Mount Oliver.  In 2019, directors for even numbered districts will be elected.

Party: Dem,Rep

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 412260-7559

Campaign Email: sofoforppsdistrict2@gmail. com

Campaign Web Site: www.RonSofo.com

Education: Ph.D in Counselor Education/Supervision of Curriculum & Instruction, University of Pittsburgh 1981; MS ED College Student Development (Career & Social/Emotional Counseling), Alfred University 1978; BA University of Rochester, 1976, Psychology minor in history and instrumental music. Qualifications for office: Retired educators with 32 years of experience that include: 19 years as a public school superintendent/assistant superintendent with the Freedom Area SD in Beaver County PA, 1993-2012; 6 years as CEO/Principal of City Charter High School in Pittsburgh PA, 2012-2018; 4 years as Special Assistant to PPS Superintedent, Dr. Richard Wallace,1988-92; Greeway Middle School Assistant Principal, 1992-93; Prevention Counselor with the McKeesport Area SD, 1986-1988. I have a positive record of results for youth within every

organization I have served.

Facebook: Ron Sofo, Democrat for PPS School Board District #2 campaignwebsite: www.Ron Sofo.com

Questions:

Q: What policies or programs do you advocate that would foster a school atmosphere where everyone feels physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe?

A: Safety begins and ends with developing & sustaining caring relationships between & among students, their families, teachers, school administrators & support staff. Keeping the same teachers with students for 2-4 years (looping) is a necessary pillar to create safe, caring learning and work environments. Reliable & results-proven community partners that assist students, family & school staff with physical & mental health, along with basic support services for families (affordable housing, living wage work) integrate into a seamless community school environment during & after the school day are essential for safety for all.

Q: In what order would you, as a potential school board member, place the following priorities for your district: athletics, core academic programming, extracurricular opportunities (music, art, clubs, etc.), facilities maintenance/expansion, and technology development? Please explain.

A: Priorities in descending order: Core academics including the Arts/Music, technology development, facilities M&E, extracurriculars, athletics. Over 60% of Black third graders are not reading at grade level. A “D” grade does nothing to prepare students for success. Academic success must be supported by appropriate use of educational technology as a learning tool & to acquire industry standard skills for the global workplace. PPS schools are, on average, 84 years old and must be assessed for their ability to support core academic priorities. All students need equitable access to extracurriculars & athletics to prepare them for healthy living.

Q: How would you address anticipated shortfalls in school funding over the next few years? Please be specific.

A: • Lead for growth & expand quality learning opportunities for all students, especially students who have been historically marginalized by the traditional public education model.

• Transparently modernize & appropriately size the number of buildings to educate ~19,000 students instead of paying to maintain 38,000 seats.

• Consistently competitively bid for services

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

-Margaret Mead

tracts like student transportation & employee healthcare.

• Demand more state sharing of rising retirement costs.

• Improve PPS’ ability to hold current families & students in the district as well as attract new families.

Devon Taliaferro

Party: Rep, Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Phone: 4124272211

Campaign Email: taliaferrodevon@gmail.com

Campaign Web Site: www.devontaliaferro. com

Education: HS/ College

Qualifications for of -

fice: Currently holding Pittsburgh School Director, District 2 seat since December 2019 (1st 4 year term), Completed professional development training on School Board Governance with Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) in 2019 and Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) Student Outcomes Focused Governance Board Officer Cohort from March 2022-October 2022, Worked for youth serving nonprofit organizations working with PPS students, families, community members, and other stakeholders (2015-present), Passion and drive to center the needs of students and their outcomes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlliesforDevon/ campaignwebsite: www.devontaliaferro.com

Questions:

Q: What policies or programs do you advocate that would foster a school atmosphere where everyone feels physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe?

A: As I consider the challenges our district still faces, I am constantly considering equitable and inclusive solutions for how to improve academic outcomes for PPS students. It’s been proven that

students who feel they belong and are safe, honored, and respected have better attendance and engagement in school. We must have practices in place that encourage and support our youth instead of pushing them out using exclusionary discipline.

To improve student outcomes, I can continue to advocate for small class sizes, adequate staff, and full-time Service Coordinators and school-based services through the expansion of our Community Schools model.

Q: In what order would you, as a potential school board member, place the following priorities for your district: athletics, core academic programming, extracurricular opportunities (music, art, clubs, etc.), facilities maintenance/expansion, and technology development? Please explain.

A: In order of priority: Core academic programming, Facilities maintenance/expansion, Technology development, Extracurricular opportunities (music, art, clubs, etc.), and Athletics. While I view all of these topics as valuable priorities for the district, the academic success of PPS students is our number 1 priority, as the district is charged to engage students in rigorous teaching and learning. In addition to academics, our district needs well maintained, environmentally safe buildings to support the needs of students and staff. Students should have a well-rounded education including arts, music, athletics, access to technology, and more.

Q: How would you address anticipated shortfalls in school funding over the next few years? Please be specific.

A: With staff expenses being the majority of the budget, I am committed to investing in an equitable budget that will pay fair wages, keep small class sizes, and allocate funds so each school can have a FT nurse, art teacher, music teacher, librarian, and other essential staff. Public school funding from the state is not enough to keep up with the rising costs; we shouldn’t rely on property taxes for education. Charter School Law reforms are needed as 20% of our budget is charter school expenses. While serving on the board, I have worked with our state legislators on solutions to address funding to secure the resources students need to thrive.

PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 4

Description: School Directors are elected on behalf of the community to oversee the education of students in their jurisdiction. They serve as agents of the state legislature. They are responsible for curriculum and instruction management, all finances including development of annual budgets and levying of taxes and issuance of debt obligations when necessary; personnel; legal matters; management of facilities; and transportation of students as appropriate. Schools may include pre-K and career and technical schools. The school board consists of nine members who serve four-year terms of office without pay. The school district of the city of Pittsburgh includes Mount Oliver.  In 2019, directors for even numbered districts will be elected.

Yael Silk

Party: Rep,Dem

Biographical Info:

Campaign Web Site: silk4students.com

Campaign Email: info@ silk4students.com

Campaign Phone: 936827-4465

Qualifications for office: I am driven to make PPS work better for our students as a mother, an educator, and a community builder. I sent my kids to PPS schools, and transferred a child out of a PPS school. In my leadership role at Arts Ed Collaborative, I have the perspective that comes from working with diverse school districts across Southwestern Pennsylvania. As a collaborative professional and an organizer with Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh, I know what it takes to connect people, ideas, and resources for positive change.

Education: Master’s in Arts Education Twitter: @Silk4Students

Facebook: facebook.com/silk4students

campaignwebsite: silk4students.com

Please go out and vote this November. Too many people have died and sacrificed so much for us to have our voice, we have to use it. Get information. Use our voices to do something great for our children.”

-Beyoncé, American Singer

Questions:

Q: What policies or programs do you advocate that would foster a school atmosphere where everyone feels physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe?

A: I will consider school safety proposals based on research rather than fear. Students feel safer when they are seen, appreciated, and celebrated by their peers and school adults. Important steps to achieve this include increasing available support services (e.g., school counselors), investing in school-level community building activities, and reducing police presence inside schools. I will also encourage investment in culturally responsive teaching practices that uplift the diverse identities of our school district community.

Q: In what order would you, as a potential school board member, place the following priorities for your district: athletics, core academic programming, extracurricular opportunities (music, art, clubs, etc.), facilities maintenance/expansion, and technology development? Please explain.

A: I think that the school board’s top priority needs to be more fundamental. At the height of the pandemic, our district leaders fell short of providing reliable and accessible learning opportunities to our students. Many families chose to leave. It is essential for the school board to repair trust with the families who remain. This will take the superintendent and the school board communicating openly about what went wrong, how we plan to operate differently moving forward, and what progress will look like along the way.

Q: How would you address anticipated shortfalls in school funding over the next few years? Please be specific.

A: There is insufficient transparency and clarity around the PPS budget. My first funding priority is conducting a full audit to better understand resource allocation and determine more precisely where more funds are needed. There is also an opportunity for the school board to work with the superintendent to make changes to the school-level budgeting process with two goals in mind. The first is to ensure that students and educators get the resources they need. The second is to make it easier for the community to understand how public dollars are being spent.

PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 6

Description: School Directors are elected on behalf of the community to oversee the education of students in their jurisdiction. They serve as agents of the state legislature. They are responsible for curriculum and instruction management, all finances including development of annual budgets and levying of taxes and issuance of debt obligations when necessary; personnel; legal matters; management of facilities; and transportation of students as appropriate. Schools may include pre-K and career and technical schools. The school board consists of nine members who serve four-year terms of office without pay. The school district of the city of Pittsburgh includes Mount Oliver.  In 2019, directors for even numbered districts will be elected.

Emma Yourd

Party: Dem Biographical Info: Education: Masters of Public Administration, University of Pittsburgh; BA, Economics, Smith College

Campaign Email: friendsofemmayourd@ gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yourd4board

Qualifications for office: I have served on nonprofit boards in various roles from communications to finance and have an understanding of the responsibility that comes with serving on a board. In my previous role as Grants Manager at a local foundation, I interacted with many nonprofits that provide out-of-school programming for our youth and as a result, have seen first hand both how our schools are serving our children and where there is room for improvement

Questions:

Q: What policies or programs do you advocate that would foster a school atmosphere where everyone feels physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe?

A: One of the best things we can do to make our schools feel safer is invest in additional support staff and resources for our students and teachers. Additional support staff in schools would help to address emotional and mental health issues in students before they become a crisis. A number of our schools have opted in to a community schools model, which makes school buildings a community resources for students and parents alike. Expanding that model across the district to our most resilient neighborhoods would also help foster a safer learning environment.

Q: In what order would you, as a potential school board member, place the following priorities for your district: athletics, core academic programming, extracurricular opportunities (music, art, clubs, etc.), facilities maintenance/expansion, and technology development? Please explain.

A: Core academic programming is my priority - currently, there is broad disparity in the quality of education that students receive within the district. That gap must be closed—no student should receive a lower quality education just because of zip code. Extracurricular opportunities play an important role in social development and in keeping our students safe, so I would place that next. PPS is facing critical decisions on school district infrastructure in the next decade, so investing in facilities maintenance and technology development is the next highest priority to ensure we are planning for the future of the school district.

Q : How would you address anticipated shortfalls in school funding over the next few years? Please be specific.

A: Before I make any decisions about the budget allocations, I want to spend time carefully examining the school budget over the last few years to understand how resources are currently being allocated. I would also call for an audit of school district finances. Finally, it is critical that the school board understand how funds sent to charter schools are being spent and allocated so that any funds not spent on student resources or teaching can be reallocated. I will work with the other school board directors and administration to determine together how to address the shortfalls without cutting services to students and parents.

“The most important office, and the one which all of us can and should fill, is that of private citizen.”

-Louis Brandeis, American Lawyer and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 8

Description: School Directors are elected on behalf of the community to oversee the education of students in their jurisdiction. They serve as agents of the state legislature. They are responsible for curriculum and instruction management, all finances including development of annual budgets and levying of taxes and issuance of debt obligations when necessary; personnel; legal matters; management of facilities; and transportation of students as appropriate. Schools may include pre-K and career and technical schools. The school board consists of nine members who serve four-year terms of office without pay. The school district of the city of Pittsburgh includes Mount Oliver.  In 2019, directors for even numbered districts will be elected.

Dwayne Barker

Party: Dem

Biographical Info: campaignwebsite: www.dbarker4pps.com

Facebook: Facebook. com/Dwayne Barker for PPS School Board

Campaign Phone: 412728-0844

Campaign Email: dbarker4pps@gmail.com

Campaign Web Site: dbarker4pps.com Twitter: Twitter.com/@ Dbarker4PPS

ty Volunteer Coordinator of the Parent Community Volunteer Network at Pittsburgh King Prek—8th, Strengthening Black Families—National Advisory Committee member for the POISE Foundation, Board of Director of Perry Hilltop Citizens Council

Questions:

Q: What policies or programs do you advocate that would foster a school atmosphere where everyone feels physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe?

A: Watching the youth now in days growing up in an education system with school violence and bullying, now having another way of doing it online, has led to loss of life with a higher suicide rate, lifetime disorders with a higher level of depression, lack of education with a higher level of dropouts, lower incomes.

We as the stakeholders need to not only put more safeguards around the children we serve in our schools, but also have our finger on the pulse of what kind of supports the parents and staff need in our schools as well. Collectively we all play important roles in securing positive outcomes for our Future Leaders of tomorrow!

Q: In what order would you, as a potential school board member, place the following priorities for your district: athletics, core academic programming, extracurricular opportunities (music, art, clubs, etc.), facilities maintenance/expansion, and technology development? Please explain.

A: core academic programming would be first on the list. We all know that academics are the priority.

Especially the heavily black and brown populated areas around the city. We also know that even if the schools are getting a nice bit of money, the principles aren’t properly educating the staff and the parents on the allocations of the money.

I am currently one of only several Pittsburgh parents serving on the PA Title I State Parent Advisory Council (SPAC) where I shares ideas with the Division of Federal Programs about effective strategies to involve Title I parents to increase student achievement primarily when it comes to the funding.

Education: International Academy of Design & Technology with Associates Degree In Specialized Business Computer Information Management

Qualifications for office: Parent Representative on Policy Council for Spring Garden Early Childhood Center, Chairman of the Male/Fatherhood Involvement Committee, Parent and Community Representative for Policy Council, Chairman of PTA/PSCC at Pgh Northview ALA, Take a Father To School Day Committee member, Vice Chairman of PTO/PSCC at Pittsburgh King, Founder and Parent Communi -

2nd for me would be technology development. I also feel as if technology is the way of the future and we need to get & keep our students on a tech path.

3rd would be extracurricular opportunities. Many of our students have talents that are elevated or gracefully brought out of them with the help/support of the instructors.

4th would have to be athletics and finally. Some of our most gifted athletes need this as a part of their lives so that they can blow off some steam or maybe even feel like the hero in their own story.

5th would be facilities

Q: How would you address anticipated shortfalls in school funding over the next few years? Please be specific.

A: I believe PPS schools are not funded sufficiently.

The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.

- John Lewis

VOTE 2023

VOTE 2023