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Elijah Cummings
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Big first-anniversary celebration for Pitt’s Homewood Community Engagement Center Programs and services already making an impact by Rob Taylor Jr.
in Homewood, joined in step by Pittsburgh’s line dance king, Roland Ford, and others who just
programs and services that many say have already proved Courier Staff Writer beneficial to Homewood youth and adults. When you see the “In just one year, we University of Pittsburgh’s senior vice “The best is yet to come. I want people to have a place in Hometo gather tochancellor for enknow that this place is here for them, that wood gether, to collaborate, gagement proudly doing the “Wobble” and this place has programs and opportunities and to grow. A place where Pitt has built other line dances, you an extension of our know it’s cause for that can benefit them and their families.” Dr. Humcelebration. Daren Ellerbee campus,” phrey said during There she was, Pitt Homewood CEC director the Oct. 17 event. Kathy Humphrey, “We knew the impact PhD, front-and-centhe university could ter on the makeshift dance floor inside Pitt’s Commu- had to celebrate the first anniSEE PITT A5 nity Engagement Center (CEC) versary of the CEC and its many
KATHY HUMPHREY
Aliquippa recognizes its football greats Ty Law, Darrelle Revis among those honored by Bill Neal
URA approves housing and investment plan on Civic Arena site by Juliette Rihl
For New Pittsburgh Courier
There was no denying it…step-by-step as I approached the famed Aliquippa Stadium (aka the Carl A. Aschman Memorial Stadium), you could feel it, see it and without question you could smell it. If you’ve been there—done that— you know of what I speak. The smell of football grass. Once it’s in your nose you never lost it. If somehow all that doesn’t send your football radar through the roof, when the Aliquippa Mascot comes charging at you in the historic form of a painted Indian (Native American, if you will) atop a stampeding horse, you know you’re truly on the hallowed ground known as “The Pit.” You wanna talk history? Here in Aliquippa, this may in fact be where history first got defined. The legendary names are world-renowned and are forever anchored in
DAREN ELLERBEE
PublicSource
HALL OF FAME NFL PLAYER TY LAW, with family. Law played football at Aliquippa High School. (Photo by Kenneth Ogilvie) Western Pa. sports history. You know the names: Mike Ditka, Ty Law, Sean Gilbert, Darrelle “The Island” Revis. There are others, many others, of course…includ-
ing the sharing of the great Tony Dorsett between Aliquippa and Hopewell. But, these four would stand tall and proud on this high school football Friday night in August as their names
were enshrined to the new football Field House reconstructed in their honor. Many of you don’t know and for that matter, probably don’t care, that I was raised in Donora, another one of the
The Urban Redevelopment Authority board has approved a series of measures laying out affordable housing and community investment commitments tied to the Pittsburgh Penguins project at the former Civic Arena site. The vote was initially scheduled to take place at an Oct. 10 board meeting, but it was delayed after Hill District leaders and residents voiced concerns that the community had not had time to review the proposal before a vote. Several advocates reiterated that concern during a special board meeting of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Friday, Oct. 18. The proposal expands on a previous community agreement between the Penguins and community stakeholders that dictates affordable housing and investments in the Hill District. Among the measures the URA approved on Oct. 18 was a commitment to reserve 20 percent of housing units in the project for families making at or below 50 percent of area median income (AMI) for 20 years, along with making 50 percent of the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Abatement (LERTA)
SEE ALIQUIPPA A4
SEE URA A5
15 honored at sixth annual ‘Passion Meets The Road’ event by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
After six years of honoring men and women in the social services industry, Erica Givner is not even a little tired. “Actually, the more I do it, the more I see needs to be done,” said Givner, the owner and lead clinician of Visions Toward Peace Counseling Services. “This work is endless and many times, thankless.” In this, the sixth year of the event, “Passion Meets The Road,” an audience of near 200 celebrated numerous honorees in categories such as “forerunners,” “entrepreneurs” and “roadrun-
ners.” The event was held Sept. 29 at Phipps Conservatory. The seven “forerunners” honorees are leaders who implement public policy that will result in positive possibilities for individuals in need: Rev. Paul Abernathy, Director of FOCUS Pittsburgh, an Orthodox Christian non-profit focused on Trauma Informed Community Development in the Hill District; Emmai Alaquiva, an Emmy Award-winning film director and a distinct trailblazer in the area of creative arts; Rosa Davis, MSW, ACSW, chief executive of- A PEACE OF MIND INC.—Co-Founders Erica Givner, second from left, and Felicia R. Robinson, second ficer of POWER, an orga- from right, with board members Carla Gathers, left, and Wanda Beasley, right.
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J. Pharoah Doss says
nization whose mission is to help women recover from the disease of addiction; Wendy Pardee, PhD, President and CEO of The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, young people and their families; Jada Shirriel, Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Start Inc., a public health organization that focuses on improving maternal and child health and addressing the disparities that lead to infant mortality; Tiffany Sizemore, Assistant Clinical Professor at Duquesne SEE PASSION A7
Armed teachers and psychological deterrents on a daily basis Forum B6 Forum B6
INTERNATIONAL
A2 OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
Unrest at the African Union follows the firing of popular ambassador
by Stacy M. Brown For New PIttsburgh Courier
A speech denouncing France’s colonization of Africa and her continued efforts to unite Africa and the African Diaspora has cost H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, the African Union’s Ambassador to the United States, her job. The African Union has given her until November 1 to clean out her office in Washington. “I will continue to speak out on the issues that affect our people, and I will continue to tell the truth,” H.E. Dr. Chihombori-Quao told NNPA Newswire in an exclusive interview. The interview occurred just days after she received a termination letter from African Union Commission Chairman, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. “I have the honor to inform you that, in line with the terms and conditions of the service governing your appointment as Permanent Representative of the African Union Mission to the United States in Washington, DC, I have decided to terminate your contract in that capacity with effect from November 1, 2109,” Mahamat wrote in the letter dated October 7. The letter didn’t specify the reason for firing the ambassador, who has served in that capacity for two years. Mahamat didn’t return several messages left by NNPA Newswire. African Union Commission Spokeswoman Ebba Kalondo deflected questions about why Mahamat terminated Dr. Chihombori-Quao. “Political appointees at the African Union, including Dr. Chihombori, are appointed at the discretion of the appointing authority. The duration of such political appointments is also determined at the discretion of that appointing authority,” Kalondo stated. “This is normal diplomatic practice for political appointees everywhere,” she continued, later refusing to respond to whether France was involved in the decision to terminate Dr. Chiombori-Quao. A spokesperson for French President Emmanuel Macron declined to say whether or not Macron either ordered or played a role in the termination. However, supporters of Dr. Chihombori-Quao, remain adamant that the French government ordered the ambassador’s termination. Dr. Chihombori-Quao has remained outspoken about a colonial tax on Africa that nets France about $500 billion each year. “It goes back to the Berlin Conference,” Dr. Chihombori-Quao said. The 1884-1885 conference is considered the turning point in Africa’s history. Before the conference,
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DR. ARIKANA CHIHOMBORI-QUAO nations within the African continent were treated as trading partners because of the continent’s vast resources and wealth. The Berlin Conference ignited what became known as the “Scramble for Africa” between European powers like France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, the U.S., and others. “The globalization construct of divide and conquer is still alive and well,” the ambassador stated. “Benin and other small, dependent colonies in Africa and its people were forever defeated and dominated because of the Berlin Conference,” Dr. Chihombori-Quao said.” The ambassador has worked diligently to try and reverse the effects of the conference. She has called on people throughout the African Diaspora to return home and put their money and resources back into Africa. “More African physicians are practicing in the United States than those who practice in Africa,” Dr. Chihombori-Quao noted. She has even begun a development called the Wakanda One Village Project, which would include health care facilities, hotels, manufactured homes, and shopping centers. “The dismissal of Arikana Chihombori-Quao, AU Ambassador to the United States raises serious questions about the independence of the A.U.,” said former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings. “For someone who spoke her mind about the detrimental effects of colonization and the huge cost of French control in several parts of Africa, this is an act that can be described as coming from French-controlled colonized minds,” Rawlings stated. He continued: “How can this shameful behavior emanate from us? A woman with all that it takes to galvanize our continent is chopped down by French-colonized power mongers good enough to be cleaners or pruning trees at the Elysee Palace. With leaders of this kind, how can this continent ever progress?” More than 34,000 people
have signed a petition on change.org, demanding the reinstatement of Dr. Chihombori-Quao. After almost a year of persuading her to assume leadership as the African Union Permanent Ambassador in the United States representing the 55 countries of the Union, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao accepted the position in December 2016 and has led with courage and vigor in galvanizing peoples of African Descent, the petition states. Dr. Chihombori-Quao has spoken globally to empower all those of African Descent to come together. The goal is to build the “Africa We Want” as adopted in African Union Agenda 2063, wrote Professor Apollos Nwauwa, the secretary of African Diaspora Congress, who started the petition. “The unification of the African Diaspora as espoused in A.U. Agenda 2063 is contrary to the Africa that has been marginalized and pillaged through inequitable colonial and post-colonial contracts. Dr. Arikana has been outspoken about neo-colonial maneuverings and exploitation that still exist today. Her dissemination of the truth has garnered her attention and support around the world,” Professor Nwauwa stated. The petition has the support of various organizations, including African Union African Diaspora Health Initiative; Africa In Diaspora; Voice; Pan African Diaspora Youth Association; Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association; Africans in Boston; The African Diaspora Foundation; DFW Inclusive African Community Organization; and the Global African Business Association. “People of African Descent around the world are appalled by Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s unjust dismissal,” Professor Nwauwa stated. “Instead of dismantling her movement to liberate the people of African Descent from colonialism and pursue financial freedom, her dismissal has galvanized African Diaspora in the spirit of UBUNTU—I am because you are!”
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This Week In Black History
Week of October 23-29 October 23 1775—The Continental Congress approves a resolution barring free Blacks from the army fighting for American independence from England. The resolution came even though many free Blacks were already fighting in the war. The motive behind the resolution came from Southern slave colonies which feared that by fighting in the war for American independence, Blacks would also demand an end to slavery. 1911—The National Urban League is formed. Next only to the NAACP, it becomes the second oldest and second largest Black self-help organization in America. It grew out of the spontaneous 20th-Century Freedom Movement for freedom and opportunity that came to be called the Black Migrations. Central to the organization’s founding were two remarkable people: Mrs. Ruth Standish Baldwin and Dr. George Edmund Haynes, who would become the Committee’s first executive secGEORGE EDMUND HAYNES retary. 1947—The NAACP files an “Appeal To The World” with the newly found United Nations concerning racial injustice in America. For its day, the filing was a bold move on the part of the NAACP and it angered many liberal and conservative Whites. October 24 1892—More than 25,000 Black workers are said to have joined a workers strike in New Orleans to protest working conditions, lynching and other social ills. 1935—Fascist Italy invades Ethiopia—at the time, one of only two independent countries in Africa. U.S. Blacks were among thousands protesting worldwide. Powerful Harlem, N.Y., Pastor Adam Clayton Powell Sr. was among those seeking aid for Ethiopia. Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie spoke at his church. 1935—“Mulatto” opens on Broadway in New York City. The play written by famed Black poet Langston Hughes becomes the first long-run Black play on Broadway. Written during the summer of 1930, “Mulatto” is Hughes’ first LANGSTON HUGHES full-length play. Opening on Oct. 24, at the Vanderbilt Theatre, “Mulatto” ran on Broadway for more than a year and toured for two seasons. 1948—Kweisi Mfume is born Frizzel Gray in Baltimore, Md. He became a congressman and head of the NAACP but later lost a bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate. 1964—The African nation of Zambia becomes independent from White colonial rule. October 25 1940—Black newspaper owner’s group—the KWEISI MFUME NNPA (National Negro Publishers Association)—was founded when John H. Sengstacke of the Chicago Defender organized a meeting with other African American publishers designed for “harmonizing our energies in a common purpose for the benefit of Negro journalism.” The group decided to form the National Negro Publishers Association. In 1956 the trade association was renamed the National Newspapers Publishers Association. 1940—Benjamin O. Davis Sr. becomes the first Black general in the U.S. Army. 1958—An estimated 10,000 students led by Jackie Robinson, Harry Belafonte, and labor leader A. Phillip Randolph, JOHN H. SENSTACKE participate in a youth march for integrated schools in Washington, D.C. 1976—One-time racist Gov. George Wallace grants a full pardon to Clarence “Willie” Norris—the last known survivor of the nine “Scottsboro Boys.” The group had been framed in a 1931 conviction for allegedly raping two White women. SCOTTSBORO BOYS October 26 1749—The British parliament legalizes slavery in the American colony, which would become known as Georgia. 1806—Benjamin Banneker dies at 74. He had become a recognized inventor and scientist. He also completed the design and layout of Washington, D.C., after L’Enfant returned to France. 1868—B.F. Randolph, a prominent Black politician in South Carolina after the Civil War, is assassinated. He was believed to have been killed by former Confederate soldiers seeking to re-establish White racist rule in the state via terrorist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan. 1872—Inventor T. Marshal patents the fire extinguisher. 1911—Famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson BENJAMIN BANNEKER is born in New Orleans, La. She is generally considered the greatest gospel singer that ever lived. October 27 1891—Inventor P.B. Downing patents the street letter mailbox whose basic design remains in use today. Not much is known about Downing. 1960—President John F. Kennedy intervenes to get Martin Luther King Jr. released from the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville, where he had been imprisoned because of his civil MAHALIA JACKSON rights activities. The Kennedy action endeared him to Black voters. 1981—Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young is elected mayor of Atlanta, Ga., becoming the city’s second Black mayor. October 28 1798—Levi Coffin, who is White, is born in the slave state of North Carolina but becomes a strong opponent of slavery. He and his wife, Catherine, are credited with being among the original founders of the “Underground Railroad”—the system of transports and safe houses that enabled Blacks to escape slavery in the South to freedom in the North. October 29 ANDREW YOUNG 1929—The Stock Market collapses ushering in the Great Depression bringing about Black unemployment rates ranging from 25 to 40 percent. The effects of the Great Depression would last until the start of World War II which created massive war industry jobs and a second mass migration of Blacks from the South to the industrial North. 1994—Famed dancer Pearl Primus dies. She blended African and Caribbean dance and music with Black American traditions of blues, jazz and the jitterbug to form a new vibrant dance form. She formed a dance troupe and she personally appeared in such early Broadway hits as “Showboat” and “Emperor Jones.” Primus was known for her amazingly high leaps. In 1991, the first President Bush awarded her the National Medal of Arts. 2009—A report is published suggesting that the old self-hate mantra of “I am Black enough; I don’t need any sunshine” could be shortening the lives of African-Americans. Dr. Jonathan Mansbach’s report found, among other things, that American Blacks are PEARL PRIMUS not getting enough sunshine or more specifically, vitamin D—the sunshine vitamin. Mansbach discovered, for example, that an astonishing 90 percent of Black children were vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to various cancers, diabetes and weak bones.
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OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
A3
Remembering a Baltimore hero...Elijah Cummings dies at 68 by Micha Green
the AFRO-American Newspaper. Despite his many political titles, AFRO Washington D.C. Editor Cummings was also a father of Father, husband, beloved Baltithree and has been married to morean and Maryland’s Seventh Chairwoman of the Maryland Congressional District DemocratDemocratic Party, Maya Rockeyic Representative, Elijah Cummoore, since 2008. mings, died in the early morning Rockeymoore remembered her of Oct. 17, due to complications husband in a statement. from long-standing health chal“Congressman Cummings was lenges, according to his office. He an honorable man who proudly was 68. served his [District] and the naFrom a sharecropper’s son tion with dignity, integrity, comto chairman of the U.S. House passion and humility. He worked Committee that investigated until his last breath because he President Donald Trump, Cumbelieved our democracy was the mings, in 68 years, had become a highest and best expression of powerful and moving orator, who our collective humanity and that fearlessly advocated for his conour nation’s diversity was our stituents and fought for justice. promise, not our problem.” Cummings spearheaded the Renowned Baltimoreans, 2019 investigations into the presofficials and organizations alike ident’s governmental dealings are also remembering the fallen including those of his former lawleader. yer Michael Cohen. Cumming’s “My heart is heavy with a flood closing statements at the Feb. 27 of tears waking up to the news Cohen hearing, will be recorded in A CHAMPION OF THE PEOPLE—The Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and a titan of the U.S. my friend Congress, Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD-7). (Photo via Twitter) history as one of his most mem[Rep. Elijah Cummings] has orable speeches, and arguably died! Rest in peace my friend,” Despite the tone of the President’s one of the most empathetic final remarks White House correspondent, CNN comHopkins Hospital, in Baltimore, around tweets, the Maryland Congressman reuttered by a Chair of the House Overmentator and Baltimore native, April 2:45 a.m. , according to a statement from sight Committee to an admitted criminal, sponded with grace and Baltimore pride. Ryan wrote on Twitter. “May God be with the Congressman’s Office. “Mr. President, I go home to my [District] preparing to serve time. your wife, your family, friends & the City After graduating from Howard Univerdaily. Each morning, I wake up, and I “Let me tell you the picture that really, of Baltimore who mourns your loss. May sity in Washington, D.C. and then law go and fight for my neighbors. It is my really pained me. You were leaving the the Nation & the world remember your school at the University of Maryland, constitutional duty to conduct oversight prison, you were leaving the courthouse, Cummings spent much of his career serv- heat [and] your fight.” of the Executive Branch. But, it is my and, I guess it’s your daughter, had bracDr. Ben Chavis, President and CEO ing the people of his state and city. moral duty to fight for my constituents,” es or something on. Man that thing, man of the National Newspaper Publishers He practiced law for 19 years, before Cummings wrote on Twitter. that thing hurt me. As a father of two Association wrote, “Long Live the freeserving in the Maryland House of DelThe night before Cumming’s passing, daughters, it hurt me. And I can imagine dom-fighting spirit of Brother Leader egates from January of 1983 to 1996, how it must feel for you,” Cummings said, the AFRO attended the National CoaliCongressman Elijah Cummings (R.I.P.).” representing the 39thCongressional tion of Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) District. As a member of the Maryland before offering light in the darkness of The NAACP tweeted they were “devasSpirit of Democracy Awards 2019 at The his plight. “But I’m just saying to you—I tated,” by the news of Cumming’s passing General Assembly, Cummings served as want to first of all thank you. I know that Hamilton in Northwest, Washington, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus calling him, “a fearless champion of jusD.C., where he was to be honored. Come- and broke barriers as the first African this has been hard. I know that you’ve tice who fought tirelessly for civil rights dian, an event honoree and the evefaced a lot. I know that you are worried American in Maryland history to hold the [and] equality for everyone, including his ning’s mistress of ceremonies, Meshelle, about your family. But this is a part of beloved Baltimore.” role of speaker pro tempore, the second thanked those whose shoulders on which highest position in the House of Deleyour destiny. And hopefully this portion “Our democracy is stronger because of she stood. A Baltimore Native, Meshelle, gates. of your destiny will lead to a better, a him,” the NAACP added. thanked Cummings for his service and better— a better Michael Cohen, a better Fellow Democratic Congressman, AnSince 1996, Cummings has representleadership. Donald Trump, a better United States of thony Brown, who represents Maryland’s ed Maryland’s Seventh Congressional “I want to thank my Congressman America, and a better world. And I mean Fourth Congressional District, mourned District in the United States House Elijah Cummings. I want to thank Elijah of Representatives, where he served that from the depths of my heart.” the passing of a friend and counselor. Cummings, who saw fit to let me work Cummings wrapped his remarks with “For nearly four decades, Maryland and on the Committee on Transportation with him at the [Congressional Black words that ring as prophetic in light of our nation has been shaped by [Cumand Infrastructure, the Committee on Caucus]. Elijah Cummings never left the Oversight and Government Reform, the his Oct. 17 passing. “When we’re dancing mings’] efforts to advance civil rights and neighborhood where they say the rats with the angels, the question we’ll be tackle injustice, promote economic well House Benghazi Committee and recently live in. You can walk to Elijah Cummings became Chairman of the U.S. House and asked: In 2019, what did we do to make being and uplift those left behind,” Brown house right now, and if he’s home, he’ll sure we kept our democracy intact? Did wrote in a statement. “Elijah was a force Oversight Committee. He was also a open the door,” she told the crowd, not we stand on the sidelines and say nothof nature and lived a courageous life of member of caucuses including, the Conknowing he would pass away only hours ing?’” purpose. He saw our country as a place gressional Arts Caucus, the Congressiolater. In late July, the President took to Twitwhere anything is possible and strived nal Progressive Caucus and the CongresCummings was born, lived and died a ter to call Cummings’ District a, “disgustto make a better world. Elijah was never sional Black Caucus, which he chaired Baltimorean. He was born Jan. 18, 1951 ing, rat and rodent infested mess,” and afraid to stand for his beliefs and he from 2003-2005. in Baltimore, graduated with honors from accused him of being a “racist,” who did never lost sight of those he served—espeIn addition to his legislative duties, Baltimore City College, and died at Johns Cummings wrote a regular column for not spend enough time in his city. cially the people of Baltimore.”
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OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
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It’s all love in Aliquippa ALIQUIPPA FROM A1
DARRELLE REVIS, A SEVEN-TIME NFL PRO-BOWLER, far left, with family. Revis played football at Aliquippa High School. (Photos by Kenneth Ogilvie)
QUIP MOVERS AND SHAKERS—”Soul Take Champions Live” Co-Host Kevin Cameron, Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker, Ty Law, Darrelle Revis
many small towns in Western Pa. that slowly saw its economic base shipped overseas and elsewhere. But, through it all, Donora managed to maintain its all-American base and dignity. As Aliquippa showcased the legends on this summer Aug. 30 evening, I think of my old stomping grounds, where Donora had their legends: Ken Griffey Sr., Malcolm Lomax, Dane Tart, Reggie Walton, Bernie Galiffa and others. It was the same, just different names. It was incredible that the family and close friends of Law, Revis and Gilbert were here to take it all in. After all, they are the ones that have been with these prominent figures through thick and thin. For those who don’t know, Ditka (who was not in attendance for the Aug. 30 event) was an incredible player who won an NFL Championship in 1963 and a Super Bowl (VI). He was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1961, and a five-time Pro-Bowler. And let’s not forget about his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1988—just a few years after coaching his beloved Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory. Yes, he was that good. Law made his mark with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls as part of a tough defensive group. He had 57 career interceptions, a seven-time Pro-Bowler, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame this year. Gilbert was the big fella for teams, playing defensive tackle. He played in the NFL from 1992 to 2003, and recorded 10.5
on the opposing team’s best receiver, and Revis would oftentimes win the battle. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and won Super Bowl XLIX with the New England Patriots. This evening was made possible by Aliquippa native Kevin Cameron, my cohost on the radio show “Soul Take—Champions Live.” Also, it was made possible via the partnership with the Aliquippa coaching staff and head coach Mike Warfield (who by the way, won a state title in his first year as the new head coach… in case you’ve been under an Aliquippa rock!), the school district and of course, our good friend Mayor Dwan B. Walker, the man who just flat out gets this done. And of course we can’t forget about retired Aliquippa Athletic Director Mike Zmijanac. And there were many unforgettable moments that night. The crowd that welcomed us and our crew with the greatest hospitality ever; the families of the legends who let us in their world; and not to forget the team that treated us like part of the operation. That being said, I’ll have to live a thousand more Friday nights before I am privileged to be in the company of and have the opportunity to interview the likes of Hall of Famer Ty Law, and, in most people’s assumptions, future Hall of Famer Darrelle Revis. The only thing greater than their talent and NFL accomplishments is their humility. You only needed to witness how they “welcomed in” and interacted with the Aliquippa kids to really appreciate
THE GILBERT FAMILY sacks in 2003 with the Los Angeles Rams, earning him a Pro Bowl spot. As for Revis, he had his own “island.” His coaches would match Revis, a cornerback,
what true champions are made of. “Mr. Law and Mr. Revis have been visibly active in the Aliquippa community throughout their outstanding careers. Whether monetarily or being available to speak with our kids, their time and visibility to our youth is the ultimate ‘give back’ and we can’t thank them enough for it,” said current Aliquippa Athletic Director Brandon LeDonne, in an Oct. 18 statement to the New Pittsburgh Courier. This season, Aliquippa’s football team is on a roll. I mean, what else would you expect? They’re 9-0, with one game left in the regular season (Oct. 25 vs. Central Valley). Aliquippa has won a record 17 WPIAL titles, played 28 championship games, including 11 straight, three state football championships, produced 11 NFL players and two Hall of Famers. We could do another book on how, why, who, what, when, yada, yada, yada…the fact is and has always been, that Aliquippa is a football factor, but with it comes character because you can’t have one without the other. When I asked, “how do you keep producing these great football players?” a prominent Aliquippa leader JUST BEFORE KICKOFF—Ty Law, “Soul Take Champions Live” Co-Host Kevin Cameron, simply said, “Aliquippa has heart.” Darrelle Revis, New Pittsburgh Courier sports columnist and “Soul Take Champions Live” (Rob Taylor Jr. contributed to this story.) Co-Host Bill Neal.
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Big first-anniversary celebration for Pitt’s Homewood Community Engagement Center PITT FROM A1
have if we were willing to share our resources, share our teaching that creates service in this community. And we knew that this community center could possibly be another beacon in Homewood if indeed we would put the energy and the resources into making something great happen in this community.” On Oct. 18, 2018, more than 400 people were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the CEC, located at 622 N. Homewood Ave. It was the start of at least a 15-year commitment to the Homewood community by the University of Pittsburgh. Daren Ellerbee, director of the Pitt Homewood CEC, told the New Pittsburgh Courier that in one year, there’s been a lot of “headway” made in attracting local residents to the center, and that “the best is yet to come. I want people to know that this place is here for them, that this place has programs and opportunities that can benefit them and their families,” she said.
Ellerbee noted the success of a youth advisory board organized through Pitt’s school of social work, which meets regularly at the CEC. The youth board started with 15 students, and it has now grown to more than 70. There’s also the popular Justice Scholars program featuring students from nearby Westinghouse High School. Run by Pitt’s Assisted Communities & Schools department, the Justice Scholars program offers an opportunity for students to connect with Pitt and engage in a college-preparatory experience that helps their transition into a fouryear college or university. Students in the Justice Scholars program as juniors or seniors at Westinghouse complete college-level papers and research projects. The students meet regularly after school at the CEC. And the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, part of Pitt’s Innovation Institute, meets regularly at the CEC with local minority small business owners, offering consulting services, education and net-
working opportunities. As the more than 200 people at this celebration enjoyed the burgers, chicken, corn on the cob and other refreshments (not to mention a DJ outside spinning everything from Boyz II Men to Justin Timberlake), Ellerbee was elated to announce the new health and wellness center that will open inside the CEC in early 2020. “Medical consultations, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling,” Ellerbee said, “and we’re not swiping insurance cards, and we’re not replacing what (the Alma Illery Medical Center, a block away from the CEC) is providing the community right now. We’re committed to not replacing or replicating the assets that are already here.” But Pitt is making a concerted effort to use their collective resources into making a difference in Homewood and the surrounding neighborhoods. “I’m elated to be in Homewood, a part of our community, connecting,” Dr. Humphrey said. “I always
URA approves housing and investment plan on Civic Arena site URA FROM A1
funding—an estimated $40 million—available up front to the Greater Hill District Reinvestment Fund, which is controlled by the community. The board also gave preliminary approval to Intergen, a Hill District-based developer, to begin take-down work on several lots. The mixed-use development will include a music venue, retail, parking garage and 288 units of housing. In a letter sent Thursday, Oct. 17, to Mayor Bill Peduto, Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle and URA Board Chair Sam Williamson, several Hill District stakeholders requested that votes be delayed until this week and that the Oct. 18 meeting be used to provide an update on the public process. The letter was sent by the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC), residents, business owners and community leaders. At the request of advocates, the URA board on Oct. 18 unanimously approved a motion to formally recognize the letter and create a working group to present an action plan to the URA within 30 days. The plan will outline which items can be moved by the URA and which items can be moved by other entities. The Hill CDC-led letter made several recommendations, including: Removing the condition that commitments made by Pittsburgh Arena Real Estate Redevelopment (PAR), the Pittsburgh Penguins’ development arm, be “commercially reasonable.” Create more affordable housing, either by pursuing affordability for 30 percent of Blocks A and B of the development at or below 50 percent AMI for the length of any loan terms or by pursuing affordability for 20 percent of all Lower Hill housing units at or below 50 percent AMI for the length of any loan terms. If PAR contributes half of the LERTA funding up front to the Greater Hill District Reinvestment Fund—meaning that the funding would be made accessible sooner—the city should try to recapture more than $200 million in funding commitments that were made by various entities in connection with a failed application for the federal CHOICE Implementation Grant. The money would have been used for development in the Middle Hill District. Marimba Milliones, president and CEO of the Hill CDC, asked that the board
formally adopt the principles of the letter. The board did make some revisions to the terms agreement, including limiting or removing the commercially reasonable standard to the extent possible and amending the agreement’s language about funding for the rehabilitation of the Ammon Community Recreation Center to not limit the facility’s rehabilitation to the elements already included in the agreement. But URA board members said some of the letter’s recommendations were outside of the scope of the URA. “I don’t disagree with 99 percent of the letter. It’s spot-on as to what needs to happen,” said Diamonte Walker, URA interim executive director and Hill District resident. She suggested the URA identify the items within its control so it could be held accountable. Walker stressed the importance of not postponing the vote. “If we don’t act today, if we don’t act now, we are pushing the can down the road and our children will not get the material investments they deserve, our residents will continue to be displaced,” Walker said. “I would not sit here as a Black woman and champion this if I thought for some reason this wasn’t feasible.” Councilman Lavelle, who is co-treasurer of the URA board, stressed the need to capitalize on the reinvestment fund quickly. He said he was open to having monthly meetings to make sure the community is informed on the development process moving forward. After the meeting, Milliones called the potential $40 million up front from PAR to fund the Greater Hill District Reinvestment Fund from PAR a “rare opportunity to redress that failed effort” of the unsuccessful HUD grant application. “This is a great opportunity to say, ‘OK, we didn’t win the HUD money, but we have this money, so everybody bring their money back to the table,’” she said, adding that the more than $200 million in funding commitments related to the HUD application came from a variety of stakeholders, including universities, the city and the URA. “We want those funds back at the table and invested in the same footprint and the same focus area.” As requested by attendees of the Oct. 10 meeting,
the URA board provided a breakdown of the Civic Arena project’s timeline and next steps, including pending votes through June. Many of those dates have not yet been set. The URA also provided a breakdown of the total public subsidies and public benefits for the project. According to the URA, estimated public investment in the project is $80.65 million, including $40 million for the on-site LERTA. Total public benefit is estimated to be $97.83 million, including $40 million from the off-site LERTA to go to the Greater Hill District Reinvestment Fund. Milliones said the URA’s breakdown of the public subsidies and benefits differs from that of the Hill CDC. The Hill CDC estimated the public subsidy to be $99 million, with the known public benefit being $1 million, not considering the value of the rehabilitation of Ammon Recreation Center, the affordable housing, and other proposed benefits with unknown dollar amounts. Kevin Acklin, senior vice president and general counsel for the Pittsburgh Penguins, said at the meeting: “Our commitment on behalf of the Penguins is to be as transparent as possible, as collaborative as possible.” Acklin recognized the historic distrust between the Hill District and the city. “For decades upon decades, the Hill District has been disenfranchised and disconnected from development and economic opportunities on behalf of the city,” Acklin said. “Our commitment … is to use this development as a way to reconnect the Hill to the city.” Acklin and members of the URA board stressed that the Oct. 18 vote was the first in a series of votes by multiple entities, including the Sports and Exhibition Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. “All of these issues will be vetted over and over again,” Acklin said. Bomani Howze, a Hill District resident and part of the Intergen development team, spoke at the meeting about growing up in the Hill District and of his grandparents’ displacement in the neighborhood. “I want you to understand that as developers, we are not on the other side,” Howze said. “We are with you. This is our charge.” (Juliette Rihl is a reporter for PublicSource. She can be reached at juliette@publicsource.org.)
KATHY HUMPHREY, left in black and pink, Pitt’s senior vice chancellor for engagement and secretary of the board of trustees, line dances at the first-anniversary celebration for Pitt’s Homewood Community Engagement Center, Oct. 16. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) say the word community means, ‘to be in union with’—means, ‘to be connected to.’ It doesn’t mean that you’re walking together; it means that you are connected as you’re walking together, and that’s our grandest hope for our CEC here in Homewood.” Ellerbee told the Courier her biggest challenge throughout the first year has been increasing awareness of the center. Sure, there have been “thousands” that have taken advantage of the services at the Homewood CEC, ac-
cording to Dr. Humphrey, but Ellerbee wants even more. “I’m a little stingy,” she said. “I want every resident within a 10-mile radius of the center to get here and participate. It’s just about getting the word out, expanding our coverage area.” Ellerbee grew up in East Hills and graduated from Pitt with a bachelor’s degree in English. After obtaining a master’s degree from Robert Morris University, she’s currently in Pitt’s doctorate program in Urban Education. She hopes
that the CEC she leads can help more African American kids from Homewood and nearby areas to attend college—and possibly choose the Blue and Gold. “I want people to really identify with Pitt outside of our sports teams,” Ellerbee told the Courier. “I feel like a lot of kids will celebrate Pitt basketball and football but they’re not making the connection that they could attend the college. My hope is that in the next 15 years, there are third-graders right now that could benefit from Pitt being here.”
LIFESTYLES New Pittsburgh Courier
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report The background tells the story Taking pictures is something that I truly enjoy. A picture tells a story and creates a memory that can be cherished forever. Since taking pictures is part of what I do for a living, I try to be conscious of what is in the background and what is surrounding the subjects. Normally I will remove plates of food and table signs if they are in the way. Recently I asked a few people to leave their plates in the picture because the event revolved around food. Yes I do stage pictures; it is part of what I do to make you look your best. You may be surprised where I am going with this story; it’s not my disdain for exit signs in the background, it’s my attention to detail in photos on dating sites. I just saw a screen shot of a man from a dating site. He did not have on a shirt and it appeared that he was sitting in a bathroom. His upper body looked soft and plump. There appeared to be towels and washcloths in the background. What really got my attention was his statement “whether I have a house or not, if I date a girl with a house, I become the man of that house and she will listen to me or she can get out.” Ladies and gentlemen when you are on social media looking for a mate, be careful. You can learn a lot from a picture. Look at that background—is there a lot of junk in the room? Check out the décor; you can often tell if a man has decorated or if a lot of the furnishings were left behind by a former mate. Are they in a parking lot next to their car and not in the car? It might mean they don’t own the car they are taking the picture next to. Was there someone next to them in the picture that has been cut out with scissors or cropped out? How about pets? If there are dogs and cats in the picture and you don’t like dogs and cats this is not the person for you and please don’t enter into the relationship thinking you can change someone. It’s not going to happen. So before you hit like and want to engage with this stranger take a good look at the picture, not just the man or woman in the picture but what they are surrounded by. Facebook has started a dating segment and I can only imagine the crazy situations that will fall out of those unions. I’m sure the “court TV shows” are loving social media because it gives them tons of cases to fill their dockets. So many of these couples that appear on Court TV have met on the internet. It is very hard to meet someone the old fashioned way. I want to know does anyone even try to meet someone in person anymore? Does it really happen? I’m asking for a friend. (Looking for coverage for an event? Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com.)
NAACP PRESIDENTS SUPPORT—Richard Stewart, Rev. Frank E. Hairston Allen and Curtis Page
WELCOME—Alan Duncan
Mon Valley NAACP holds 56th Annual Human Rights Banquet by Debbie Norrell Lifestyles Editor
“Our Voices, Our Engagement, Our Votes Matter!” was the theme of the annual Mon Valley NAACP Human Rights Banquet held at the St. Spyridon Hellenic Center on Sept. 7. With Pa. state Representative Summer Lee as keynote speaker and KDKA-TV reporter Bob Allen as Master of Ceremonies, guests from the Mon Valley area enjoyed a program that honored more than a dozen Mon Valley residents. The Monongahela Valley unit of the NAACP covers the MidMon Valley area including parts of Westmorland, Washington, Fayette and Allegheny counties. After a delightful dinner Rep. Lee spoke about the power of the people is greater than the people in power and that voting alone is not the answer. She said, “We have to get serious about how we use our vote to build power for marginalized people.” The 2019 Mon Valley NAACP Awards were presented by MV NAACP president David Hunter. The awardees included: Councilwoman Rev. Lois Thomas/ Public Service; Elected Official, Legal/Law Enforcement (Randall Carlock); Legal/Law Enforcement (Richard Carlock); Education/Academics (Dr. Aaron Cook); Community Service (Jessica Anderson); Humanitarian (Raven Morris), Athletic/Sports (Richard Blainefield), Business (Desiree Lyon); and the MV NAACP Merit Award was
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND MV NAACP PRESIDENT—Summer Lee and David Hunter (Photos by Debbie Norrell) presented to Rev. Lee Johnson, First Vice President, MV NAACP. The 2019 Student Awardees included: Chai Diggs, Brownsville HS – Academics; Damani Johnson, Belle Vernon HS – Athletics; Rayna Winston, Monessen HS – Community Service; and Carmen James Tyler, California HS – Performing Arts. The MV unit of the NAACP is a volunteer community based organization that was chartered in 1929. The banquet committee included: Bonnie MaysHughes, Mary Lou Youngblood, Hazel Murray, Yvonne Duncan, Rowena Mason, Judith McNeil and 2019 STUDENT AWARDEES—Rayna Winston, Damani Johnson and Chai Diggs Betty McWilliams.
MV NAACP AWARDEES—Jessica Anderson, Raven Morris, Richard Blainefield
MV NAACP AWARDEES—Lois Thomas, Randall Carlock, Richard Carlock and Aaron Cook
MV NAACP AWARDEES—Desiree Lyon and Rev. Lee Johnson
MASTER OF CEREMONIES—Bob Allen
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15 honored at sixth annual ‘Passion Meets The Road’ event PASSION FROM A1
University, where she developed and directs the Juvenile Defender Clinic and Education Law Clinic.; and Timothy L. Smith, Executive Director for Center of Life and pastor of the Keystone Church of Hazelwood. Center for Life is dedicated to empowering families and bringing economic revitalization to neighborhoods and communities. There were four “entrepreneur” awardees, given to those who create pathways that lead to opportunities to serve others; Dr. Demarquis Clarke, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of the Center for Relational Change; Susan Coe, owner of Peace, Love and Zen, a holistic and wellness center located in the East End; Michele Montag and Lisa Nakamura, co-founders of Set Point, a martial arts and self-defense school where the art of self-defense is taught to women. “Roadrunner” awards went to individuals who work and interact daily in lifting people up: Nathaniel Broadus, with Blackpacking Pittsburgh, an organization that takes groups on monthly hiking trips; he also works with men and women returning home from prison to help obtain work opportunities; Phyllis Jones, Westinghouse Girls Basketball Coach, who has served the school, community and girls basketball for many years; Michelle McMurray, Director of
Grantmaking for Children, Youth and Families at the Pittsburgh Foundation; her work focuses on reducing barriers to physical and mental health care, and improving economic self-sufficiency for children, youth and families; and Alissa Whyte, MED, Program Coordinator for Youth Advocate Programs’ Truancy Prevention Service. Other features during the event were the soul-filled sounds of Jacquea Mae, the emceeing abilities of 1 Hood Media co-founder Jasiri X, and words of encouragement from Charles Cook, a personal trainer and life coach, who said that “passion is the force that drives the mission. Passion is not acquired, it is developed and without it, the challenging work cannot be accomplished.” Presenting the afternoon keynote was Dr. Andre Perry. A Pittsburgh native, Dr. Perry is a David M. Rubenstein Fellow in the metropolitan policy program at The Brookings Institution. His recent scholarship at Brookings analyzes majority-Black places and institutions in America, focusing on highlighting valuable assets worthy of increased investment. As such, he presented the audience with a conversation reminding them overall that “we as people of color do not need to be fixed, that we’ve been devalued by others, but the key is recognizing our own value.”
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NABHI CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES
NCM Awards 2019
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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Worship on Sunday: Journey Worship...........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship...........11 a.m. Taize -Wednesdays.........7 p.m.
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HONOREES LUTHER AND ROXANNE SEWELL, at the NCM Awards 2019, held Oct. 4 at the Rivers Club. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue www.quaker.org/pghpamm/
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JACQUE FIELDER of Nabhi Christian Ministries.
Church Circuit PRAYER BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER
OCTOBER 26—Hope Chapel Church, 1028 Chartiers Avenue, is holding a prayer breakfast fundraiser to benefit the congregation of Sheraden United Methodist Church, 2966 Chartiers Ave., which recently lost their church building due to a fire. The breakfast will be held at Hope Chapel Church from 9 a.m. to noon. A free will offering is being asked at the prayer breakfast, with all proceeds presented to Sheraden United Methodist Church on Sunday, Oct. 27 during their service at Christ Community Church in McKees Rocks. For more information or would like to attend the prayer breakfast, call 412-682-0243.
ASPINWALL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FALL BAZAAR
NOVEMBER 9 Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, 299 Center Ave., is holding its annual Fall Bazaar from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church. There will be attic treasures, home goods, seasonal decorations, toys, furniture, a hot lunch and bake sale.
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Strengthen, not weaken CRA— Capitol Hill hearings urged
A PROUD RECIPIENT—In her Ross Park Mall location, Lundon Dunbar displays a sample of dresses sold in her boutique.
Making dreams happen Bridgeway Capital celebrates 29 years of assisting minority entrepreneurs by Diane I. Daniels
now have larger display space.” Excited about the growth of the business, she said Bridgeway For New Pittsburgh Courier has helped her not only with funding but also with budgeting It is often said that no one is an island, and no one can accom- and other technical assistance. “Everything is coming together plish their goals and dreams without the assistance of others. at the right time as I prepare for Black Friday, Small Business For the past 29 years, Bridgeway Capital has been proving that Saturday and the holiday season.” Including Dunbar, Lundon has a staff of four. theory as they continuously provide financial assistance and “Bridgeway has achieved two milestones 29 years in the makeducation to potential and existing entrepreneurs in ing,” said its President and CEO T.J. Bogdewic during the communities across Western Pennsylvania. organization’s annual event, Aug. 16 at the August Wilson Lundon Dunbar, the owner of Lundon, a African American Cultural Center. “As of 2019, Bridgetrendy fashion boutique located in Ross Park way’s lending to African American owned and led busiMall, is one such dreamer. Introduced to nesses has surpassed the $30 million mark and our entrepreneurship at a young age by her lending to women-owned and led businesses has surfather who owned a convenient store on passed fifty million dollars.” the North Side, Dunbar’s dream evolved Lundon and nine other businesses highlighted through time as she began developing her during the October 16 celebration are samples of the own niche, which started with her selling organization’s work. The others include: Black Forge jewelry in 2011. Expanding from vending Coffee House, Hazelwood Initiative, Supreme Trafto brick-and-mortar sites, first on Westfic Control, Father Ryan Arts Center, McKees Rocks ern Avenue, then Federal Street, as well CDC, Parkway Theater, Johnson’s Real Estate, Rivas an expansion of inventory to clothing, erside Family Market and Pearl’s Serenity House. shoes and handbags, the store (which at the Founded by its former president and CEO Mark Petime was called Thailand) in 2017 moved to terson, Bridgeway Capital is a nonprofit that provides the mall located in Ross Township in a 3,600 loans and business education to entrepreneurs and square-foot corner location. Until recently movsmall businesses. Its mission is to make Western ing to a new location in the mall, Dunbar has been Pennsylvania a thriving region for all by proself-funded. moting economic opportunity and comIntroduced to Bridgeway Capital by a munity revitalization. By assistbusiness acquaintance, she says the ing underserved populations organization is assisting her their goal is to ignite busiin further fulfilling her ness and job growth, to dream with a $25,000 develop communities, loan. “I used their fundto support entrepreing to expand inventory and to purchase addition- FINAL WORDS—Former Bridgeway Capital President and CEO Mark Peterson gives his fareSEE DREAMS B2 al manikins because I well speech. (Photos by Courier photographer Diane I. Daniels)
For more than 40 years, the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) has served as a mechanism for the federal government to hold banks and other depository institutions accountable for meeting the credit needs of low and moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. Enacted in 1977, the CRA has the power to influence applications for bank mergers, charters, acquisitions, and branch openings. On Oct. 4, a bicameral group of Capitol Hill lawmakers wrote a letter to federal regulators, making clear the need for CRA to be strengthened—not weakened—under the guise of modernization. The letter also requests hearings on the issue in both the House Financial Services Committee and in the Senate Banking Committee. Although the lawmakers acknowledged how banking, like so many other industries, has changed over several decades, the thrust of their letter was that any modernization must also reflect CRA’s original intent: to serve all communities with “the types of credit and investment those communities need.” “Regulators cannot determine how a bank is serving the needs of its local community by relying on a simple ratio or dollar volume metric”, wrote 21 Members of Congress and 8 U.S. Senators. “Instead examiners should review whether banks are reaching the borrowers and neighborhoods that CRA was intended to serve.” “While it is important that, in the face of new technologies and products, we appropriately assess lenders’ efforts to serve all communities with the types of credit and investment those communities need, it is even more essential that the original purpose of the law not be undermined,” added the lawmakers. The lawmakers’ concerns are reinforced by worsening income inequality and the growing and persistent racial wealth gap. For example, a 2018 joint report by the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program and Gallup, found that when it comes to race, the economic playing field is far from equal. The Devaluation of Assets in Black Neighborhoods, published last November, zeroed in on homeownership, often the building block for financial stability, wealth accumulation, and how well the credit needs, i.e. mortgages, of a community are being met. This report’s key finding was that owner-occupied homes in Black neighborhoods are undervalued by $48,000 per home on average, a cumulative loss of $156 billion. “Laws have changed, but the value of assets—buildings, schools, leadership, and land itself—are inextricably linked to the perceptions of Black people, states the Brookings report. “And those negative SEE CRA B2
Cain Hayes talks healthcare, partnerships and potential at PowerBreakfast meeting by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Cain Hayes, CEO of Gateway Health, joked that though he’s only been running the healthcare system since November, many in the audience at the Oct. 18 African American Chamber of Commerce PowerBreakfast meeting knew him because he’s a “double boomerang,” having worked here in the financial services industry right after college and again in the early 2000s. He said he is thrilled to be back a third time and running Gateway. After giving a brief summary of his career, he talked about Gateway, its mission, his strategic vision for the organization and
its commitment to partnering with small and diverse businesses. “We serve 330,000 members in Pennsylvania alone, and 100 percent of them are eligible for some kind of government-subsidized care. They are the poorest, most underserved and most atrisk among our population,” he said. “Our vision is that Gateway be recognized as the leader in total health.” He then explained that, according to Pew Foundation research, only 20 percent of a person’s overall health is determined by outcomes related to clinical care—check-ups, surgery, etc. The other 80 percent is determined by genetic (20 percent) and social determinants like where one
lives, access to health food, transportation, employment and housing. “So if social determinants are 80 percent of someone’s health, we should focus 80 percent of our attention on them. Gateway has a 30-year history providing holistic care,” he said. “We have a database of 3,000 service providers we partner with who can address and assist our members with services. Ultimately, we want to help people become self-reliant, however they define that term.” As for working with small business, Hayes said Gateway spends tens of millions with small and diverse businesses, not just on supplies and consumables, but on professional services
such as IT, consulting, operations, and marketing. “It’s critical to our success, and it’s smart business,” he said. “But we can always do better and we’re open to dialog about how we might do that.” During the brief question-and-answer period that followed his remarks, Hayes—at Chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams’ request—defined the difference between Medicaid and Medicare: the first was originally started to serve poor women with infants, the second is for the opposite end of the spectrum; anyone age 65 or older is eligible for MediPOWERBREAKFAST SPEAKER—Cain Hayes talked about Gateway, care. its mission, his strategic vision and partnering with small and diSEE HAYES B2 verse businesses. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
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5 Black-owned companies that make $500 million or more There are more than 2 million businesses in the United States that are owned by African Americans, but most are small operations with very few employees. However, there are many Black-owned businesses that employ hundreds or thousands of people, and generate annual revenues of $100 million or more—some even generate billions. Here are 5 of them that you probably never heard of: #1—World Wide Technology Inc: Based in Maryland Heights, Missouri, this is a global IT company that serves the technology needs of large public and private organizations. Founded by David L. Steward, this company has long been the largest Black-owned business and has grown to more than $6.7 billion in annual revenue with more than 3,000 employees. Even more, they have more than 2 million square feet of warehousing, distribution and integration space. And yes, they are Black-owned! #2—ACT-1 Group: Based in Torrance, California, this company provides staffing, human resources and management solutions to Fortune 500 companies in indus-
BILLIONAIRES DAVID L. STEWARD AND JANICE BRYANT HOWROYD tries from entertainment to technology, more than $2.2 billion a year! Not just and finance to biotech. Founded by Janice Black-owned, also woman-owned! Bryant Howroyd, this company generates #3—The Anderson-Dubose Compa-
Strengthen, not weaken CRA
BUSINESS CALENDAR Business Accounting Workshop
OCT. 29—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present First Step: Get Behind The Number, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. This hands-on workshop takes a step-by-step approach to explain two important financial statements: Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet. The session will be led by representatives from Wilke & Associates, CPAs & Business Advisors. Cost: $25. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.
Special Business Breakfast Meeting
NOV. 5—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host a special breakfast meeting with United States Steel President and CEO David Burritt who will discuss engaging with Chamber members and his plans to help revitalize the Mon Valley. Cost; $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Call 412-392-0610 for more information.
Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
NOV. 8—The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will host URA Deputy Director Diamonte Walker, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the James Laughlin Music Center on the Chatham Shadyside Campus. Walker will discuss the power of entrepreneurship in 21st-century organizations, and about her approach to accelerating business and career growth by building a dynamic personal brand and enhancing the brand of the employer. Cost: $25, $12 for non-Chatham students and veterans. call 412-365-2779 for more information.
Sales Training Event
NOV. 15—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host Sales Boot Camp, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. Learn proven techniques to create predictable, consistent sales results that lead to long-term customers who are willing to give references. Topics include: cold calling; presentations skills; handling objections; getting the asking price, and more. Cost: $399 and includes breakfast and lunch. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.
Website Workshop
NOV. 19—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present Boost Your Website’s Visibility: SEO 101, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. Many small businesses struggle with ranking their website highly on search engine results pages. This workshop will present key techniques to increase website visibility such as: optimizing content; how Google Search works; organic results/paid ads; Google SEO tools, and more. Cost: $35. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.
Certification Webinar
The Chatham University Women’s Business Center will present Certification & Beyond The Advantages of Certification For our Woman Owned Business. Learn the basics of certification and its benefits for small businesses. The online session will be led by Joanne Peterson and Marian Neilson of Abator’s Get Diversity Certified. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Call Mitra Saeidi at 412-365-1448 for more information.
Two-Day QuickBooks Advanced Tutorial
DEC. 11 & DEC. 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will present QuickBooks Advanced for desktop software users, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh 15282. This workshop is tailored to QuickBooks Desktop users that are interested in learning in-depth topics like money management, expense billing, and reconcile bank statements. Day one topics include: Inventory; Time and Billing; Company file setup and preferences, and Adjustments and yearend procedures. Day two topics: Sales tax payable; Payroll set up, and Payroll processing. Cost: $49. Call 412-396-1633 for more information.
ny: Based in Lordstown, Ohio, this company provides logistics solutions and unparalleled service to the world’s most elite corporations in the quick service industry. Founded by Warren E. Anderson, they have more than 400 employees, and generate more than $540 million in annual revenue. Black-owned—check! #4—Global Alliance Automotive: Based in Detroit, Michigan, this company is a global automotive parts supplier. As a worldwide group of independent representation companies, they are an adequate contemporary answer to recent major structural changes within the automotive industry. They pull in about $520 million every year in revenue. Black-owned? Yes, indeed! #5—Thompson Hospitality: Based in Reston, Va., this company is the largest minority-owned food service management company in the country. Founded by Warren M. Thompson, they were recognized in 2010 as “Company of the Year” by Black Enterprise Magazine. They have more than 4,000 employees, and their annual revenues are just shy of $500 million. Again, Black-owned!
CRA FROM B1
perceptions persist.” More recently and this spring, the Roosevelt Institute, the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and the University of California at Berkeley’s Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society collaborated with the Ford Foundation in a multi-phased project on the nation’s nagging racial wealth gap (RWG). Their report states in part, “The research illustrated how solutions that were long assumed to lessen economic inequality—such as equalizing wages and educational opportunities and outcomes—will not actually close the RWG.” One of the key conclusions reached in the Ford-sponsored research was “[t]he problem is structural and historical, not individual”. In other words, systemic, long-term approaches—not quick fixes—are essential to achieving racial economic parity. Just as the full faith and credit of the United States backs deposits of these institutions, it seems fair to hold them accountable to serve the entire public—especially consumers and communities that include low-to-moderate income households. At the same time, it is equally important that federal financial regu-
lators speak and act with a united voice, dedicated to equity and fairness. The Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, more commonly known as FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) must speak and act in unison with financial equity as their ultimate goal. If financial policies can lay the groundwork for broad and sustained economic progress, they will well serve the nation, and begin to address the persistent racial wealth gap. “Now is the time for consumers,
communities, small businesses and others to remind our leaders that CRA is a vital part of our collective economic futures,” said Nikitra Bailey, an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending. “Access to mortgages, small business loans, and community development capital are just as much a part of CRA as preserving full-service bank branches.”
(Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s communications deputy director. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
Bridgeway Capital making dreams happen DREAMS FROM B1
neurs and to expand vital services that strengthen the region. Updating an audience of over 500, Bogdewic, president and CEO since July, indicated that Peterson, parting president and CEO, left Bridgeway on a high note. “As of Sept. 30, 2019, our fiscal year end, Bridgeway’s total assets had risen to over $105 million and total loans on our balance sheet grew 15 percent to over $70 million. We are putting that money to work. Bridgeway had record deployment with over $23 million in loans made.” He also reported that their funding has enabled borrowers to leverage an additional $52 million from other sources of capital, bringing the total dollar impact generated in 2019 to over $70 million in communities across Western Pennsylvania. Bogdewic also pointed out that Bridgeway’s success is also in its clients and their communities. “It is the work our clients do every day,” he said. “They are building good schools and quality affordable housing. Last year, Bridgeway’s loans funded the construction of 164 affordable homes and our nonprofit clients are building new community assets and expanding the services they provide. We made almost $3 million in loans to nonprofits. Our clients are putting up storefronts that tell everyone that passes by that their towns are open for business. And they are BRIDGEWAY BOARD CHAIRPERSON CHUCK BROFF, former pres- creating jobs. In the past year alone, Bridgeway’s lending ident and CEO Mark Peterson and current president and CEO T.J. enabled entrepreneurs and small business to create or reBogdewic. (Photo by Courier photographer Diane I. Daniels) tain over 800 jobs across Western Pennsylvania.”
Cain Hayes at PowerBreakfast HAYES FROM B1
Naturally, he was asked about “Medicare for all.” It was inevitable, he said. “Whether you think this is the greatest idea since sliced bread or you think it’s the dumbest idea in the world, let me just give you some numbers,” he said. “First of all, health is a $3.4 trillion per year industry. There are 330 million people in the country; 180 million are insured through their employers and are generally satisfied; another 120 million are already insured through the government; of the 30 million left, 15 million are eligible for care through their employers, but don’t take it. That leaves 15 million people without coverage—it’s a lot of people, but it’s also only 5 percent of the population. Are you willing to upend a $3.4 trillion industry...for 5 THANKING SPEAKER—Doris Carson Williams and Samuel J. Stephenson thank Cain Hayes, center, for speaking to Chamber members. (Photo by Courier photographer J.L. Martello) percent?”
OPINION
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
B3
The Urban League Movement has had few greater champions in Congress than Elijah Cummings
Guest Editorial
Hispanics, Blacks have much in common but still miles apart October is designated as National Hispanic Heritage Month. But what do we know about our Hispanic neighbors and fellow Americans? We acknowledge that October is a better time for celebrations than February with its frigid temperatures when Blacks celebrate our history. After that, most Blacks are in the dark when it comes to understanding the nuanced traditions, proud legacies and difficult journeys traveled by Hispanics in making America their home and capturing their piece of the proverbial pie. Sadly, the reverse is probably true too with Hispanics knowing very little about Blacks. We are two races of color, more often relegated to the margins of society, who tend to live isolated or insulated from one another, youth attending urban public schools being one of only a few exceptions. That said, perhaps those of us who are older and more entrenched in our views and prejudices can learn something from today’s youth. If these children, Black and brown, can learn together, play together, grow together—even love one another despite outward differences—then why can’t we do the same? What if Blacks and Hispanics made intentional, meaningful efforts to learn more about each other? What if we ignored the rhetoric that our nation has long perpetuated about our two distinct cultures and set upon a path to become friends, colleagues and co-workers in the fight for true equality in America? Hispanics make up 18.3 percent of the U.S. population and are therefore America’s largest minority group. But stereotypes about them continue to dominate the perceptions held by Americans. For example, while the U.S. has never adopted an official language, we lament when we hear our fellow Americans speaking Spanish, even though America’s count of 58 million Hispanics is greater than the population of Spain and only second to that of Mexico. If we knew the languages of our ancestors from the African continent, wouldn’t we proudly speak those words whenever we gathered together? Blacks did not create the denigrating myths about Hispanics or Hispanic cultures. That was the hard work of the world’s Anglophones. Why have Blacks been so eager to get on board? With the Census coming our way and with the next election for president also on the horizon, we would be wise to consider forming alliances, crossing bridges that we have allowed to separate us for centuries so we might join forces. We are, truth be told, more alike than unalike.
Founded 1910
To Be Equal her guidance, 11-year-old Cummings and other Black boys leaped into a formerly all-White swimming pool in Baltimore, triggering mob violence that left him with a lifelong scar. It was the proprietor of the drugstore where Cummings worked as a teenager who paid his application fee to Howard University. He thrived at Howard, earning his degree in political science in 1973 and his law degree at University of Maryland three years later. He entered public service in 1983 as a member of Maryland’s House of Delegates. He was the first African American to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore. After winning his seat in Congress with more than 80 percent of the vote, he was reelected 11 times with overwhelming majorities. The Urban League Movement had few greater champions in Congress than Cummings, who led major initiatives to promote economic justice, civil rights, voter protection and educational opportunity. This year alone, legislation he introduced that mirrors Urban League policy includes a proposal
to facilitate partnerships between the Small Business Administration and HBCUs to establish Small Business Development Centers. His Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons Act would ease barriers to reentry by providing incarcerated individuals with the educational opportunities they need to successfully reenter their communities upon release. The SAFE Lending Act would crack down on some of the worst abuses of the payday lending industry and protect consumers from deceptive and predatory practices that strip wealth from working families. He was a champion for voting rights, making an impassioned plea on the House floor against voter suppression: “On my mother’s dying bed, 92 years old, former sharecropper, her last words were, ‘Do not let them take our votes away from us,’” he said. “She had fought and seen people harmed, beaten, trying to vote. Talk about inalienable rights. Voting is crucial. And I don’t give a damn how you look at it: There are efforts to stop people from voting. That’s not right. This is not Russia. This is the United States of America.” Cummings saw his responsibility to conduct oversight of the President as a Constitutional imperative, but his responsibility to serve his constituents as a moral imperative. The nation needs leaders like Cummings who are guided by honor and comported by dignity. We grieve his loss and offer our deepest condolences to his family.
Trump’s favorite dictator Egypt, which along with Tunisia was at the heart of the 2011-2012 “Arab Spring”, is in the midst of a new upsurge. It is premature to call it an uprising, but something is afoot in Egypt in opposition to the repression and corruption of the el-Sisi regime. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came to power in 2013 in Egypt as a result of a military-led hijacking of a massive protest against the power-grab by the administration of former President Mohamed Morsi. Instead of deepening the process of democratization in Egypt, el-Sisi and his military cohorts reversed course and re-created a strongly authoritarian state. Dissent has been largely crushed, or at least so it seemed until very recently. When Donald Trump allegedly referred to el-Sisi as his ‘favorite dictator’ that said a great deal about both el-Sisi and Trump. What it said about el-Sisi was to remind the world that his regime is among the favorite of the United States elite in its policies in the Middle East and North Africa. El-Sisi has no interest in pro-
Bill Fletcher Jr.
Commentary
pression conducted by el-Sisi. In fact, Trump applauded el-Sisi, offering the view that el-Sisi had brought order to chaos and that el-Sisi was a great leader. El-Sisi’s regime has clamped down on non-governmental organizations, independent trade unions, and members of the press. There is nothing in this regime that would suggest an expansion on human rights and political liberties. But the point is that this is irrelevant to the Trump administration. Despite Trump’s applause of el-Sisi, thousands of Egyptians, seemingly out of nowhere, began protests against corruption and human rights abuses by the governing regime. There is no way to anticipate whether this will be a brief episode or whether it will evolve into something that threatens the regime. What can be said, however, is that el-Sisi and Trump appear to be trying to keep a bubble—the Egyptian people—under water. That rarely works.
viding assistance to the beleaguered Palestinians, is actively participating in the further destabilization of the internal situation in Libya and has worked to subvert the Sudanese Revolution. What it said about Trump was to remind us that this is an administration that does not even pretend to have scruples. Just as they have covered for the Saudi Arabian monarchy in the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi (while he was in Istanbul), going so far as to suggest that a financial relationship between the USA and Saudi Arabia was more important than human rights, the Trump administration has (Bill Fletcher Jr. is the executive editor of been quite willing to support the rewww.globalafricanworker.com.)
Letters To The Editor
Blackface is never funny! Dear Editor: As a faculty member and advisor to the Black Law Students Union several years ago, four Black students approached me one Monday morning. There was a Halloween Party over the weekend and a White student came dressed in blackface and an Afro wig. The students were incensed and wanted the White student suspended from school and arrested! One may ask why was there such outrage and dismay by the Black students? Well a mini-history lesson is in order. Historian Dale Cockrell once noted that poor and working-class Whites who felt “squeezed politically, economically, and socially from the top, but also from the bottom, invented minstrelsy” as a way of expressing the oppression that marked being members of the majority, but outside of the White norm. Minstrelsy, comedic performances of “blackness” by Whites in exaggerated costumes
and make-up, cannot be separated fully from the racial derision and stereotyping at its core. By distorting the features and culture of African Americans—including their looks, language, dance, deportment, and character—White Americans were able to codify whiteness across class and geopolitical lines as its antithesis. Halloween costumes at colleges and universities across the country continue to battle against students and professors engaging in blackface performances. In each instance, those identified for blackface performances insist no malice or racial hatred was intended. They believe that no harm was done, but they are wrong. Blackface by Whites reinforces the idea that Black people are appropriate targets of ridicule and mockery and reminds members of society of stereotypes about Black criminality, and danger. This often serves to support implicit bias and discrimina-
tory treatment and in areas from law enforcement to employment. The individual’s innermost thoughts does not change the impact blackface has on the people of all races or the way it reinforces stereotypes and the idea that blackness is, at best, a joke. How funny is it to descendants of Jews to have a person dress up in a Nazi costume for Halloween? The Holocaust was not a joke for descents of Jews and slavery, humiliation and discrimination can never be found humorous to Blacks. A query that demonstrates the best explanation against the use of blackface is the answer to the question would these persons using blackface say to society “Yes, I’m Black”? Have we reached a point in society that race would not matter whether your Black or White? I think not because race is the wound in society that will not heal. Robert Berkley Harper Retired Professor of Law Stanton Heights
The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to:
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(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“Steely yet compassionate, principled yet open to new perspectives, Chairman Cummings remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. It’s a tribute to his native Baltimore that one of its own brought such character, tact, and resolve into the halls of power every day. And true to the giants of progress he followed into public service, Chairman Cummings stood tallest and most resolute when our country needed him the most.”—President Barack Obama It’s hard to express how just how great a loss the death of Elijah Cummings represents to the civil rights community. He was in the public eye most recently for his role as Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, one of three House committees conducting an impeachment inquiry of President Trump. And he will be remembered for his passionate commitment to integrity in our public institutions. His life, and his legacy, however, encompass so much more. The many tributes to Cummings upon his death on Thursday noted that his life represented the American Dream. Specifically, it represented the African-American dream. He was a child of southern sharecroppers who headed north as part of the Great Migrations. He was inspired to become a lawyer by NAACP National Youth Director Juanita Jackson Mitchell, the first African American woman to practice law in Maryland. Under
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OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
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Help Us Change Lives: Auberle Seeks a Program Manager for our Long-Term Residential Drug & Alcohol Family Treatment Program, the Family Healing Center Auberle, a nationally recognized, award winning human service organization serving thousands of children & families each year. Auberle’s Family Healing Center, located in Mt. Oliver, is a longterm residential Drug & Alcohol treatment program serving families involved with Allegheny County Children, outh, & Families who have at least one parent / caregiver struggling with addiction & at risk of having a child removed from their care. Program treats entire family through a variety services. Seeking compassionate individual to fill a need for Program Manager. Will supervise staff to Certified Recovery Specialists, Night Monitors & Case Aides. Master’s Degree in Social Work or other related field & 2 yrs of relevant management exp. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, a CAC, & 2 4 yrs of relevant management exp acceptable. Valid PA driver’s license, vehicle & proof of insurance. Criminal, child abuse, FBI clearance, pre-employment drug screening required. Flexible schedule including evening & weekend availability. Training opportunities & comprehensive benefits package. Apply on the Auberle website, www.auberle. org. EOE.
SOFTWARE ARCHITECT (JAVA) (MULTIPLE OPENINGS)
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has multiple openings for Software Architect (Java) in Pittsburgh, PA. Participate in all aspects of PNC’s C&IB Treasury Payments MIS organization activities. Specific duties include: (i) work with business stakeholders to elicit business goals and quality requirements that act as design drivers; (ii) review and evaluate designs to determine satisfaction of requirements and design drivers and for compliance to standards; (iii) work along a strong design thinking team and be an expert in using technology to advocate for the customer; (iv) design a system using Design patterns with Secure, Scalable, Reusable, Maintainable and Quality aspects; (v) lead development teams through software development life cycle; (vi) maintain and evolve the architectures of existing systems; (vii) establish design and coding standards and best practices; (viii) perform code reviews for adherence to standards and best practices; (ix) perform Application Programming Interface (API) development, Application Security, and Performance Analysis and Tuning; and (x) perform governance of development teams to insure implementations are in accordance with high level design and established standards and best practices. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering plus 5 years of experience in a position requiring software architecture design, Java/J2EE application development, and overall software delivery is required. Must have experience with: (i) proposing viable technical solution designs based on specific technology stacks that support user and functional requirements, use cases and business objectives; (ii) designing applications using Design patterns and developing reusable components; (iii) application development methodologies including waterfall, agile development including SCRUM and Test Driven Development (TDD); (iv) Object Oriented design and development; (v) DevOps tools to support Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD); (vi) mentoring and leading technical team, performing design and code reviews; (vii) service oriented architecture and design, including security based implementations; (viii) large distributed applications and building highly available system; (ix) server-side technologies including Java/J2EE, Spring framework, SOAP and REST web services, and Hibernate; (x) web and application server configuration management including Tomcat and WebSphere; (xi) UNI shell scripting; (xii) creating design documents using Visio software including component diagrams, UML sequence and class diagrams; (xiii) UI technologies including Angular, JavaScript, CSS, HTML and NPM; (xiv) design of relational databases including Oracle, NoSQL including Mongo DB; (xv) unit testing framework including JUnit, Mockito; and (xvi) Continuous Integration (CI) tools including Jenkins, Bitbucket/Git, SVN, UDeploy, Gradle, and Maven. 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R012174. 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.
employment position available at the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Job Summary: Provides consultation, outreach and services to families involved with the Office of Children outh and Family Services (OC F) experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Send cover letter & resume by 11/1/19 to careers@wcspittsburgh. org For additional information regarding this position, visit our website www.wcspittsburgh.org and find this job posting under the Who We Are” menu.
CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGER
California University of Pennsylvania seeks to hire a full-time project manager who will be responsible for facilitating a range of creative projects as part of the integrated Communications & Marketing Office. The CPM works closely with the director of Creative Services to support all design, print, digital and video projects. A bachelor’s degree is required. For a detailed job description, position requirements and instructions for application, visit www.calu.edu; click on Employment near the bottom of the page, then Staff Positions. All applicants must apply online. “Don’t settle for someone else’s vision of your life. Build your career at California University of Pennsylvania.” Integrity, Civility and Responsibility are the official core values of California University of Pennsylvania, an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside seeks a Software Engineer in Allegheny County, PA to participate in all aspects of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for eBenefits Technology Department of hospital system, including design, engineer/build, develop, test and integrate Human Resources-based health benefits administration and management software applications, such as an Affordable Care Act fulfillment system and health benefit and decision guide system. Use mathematical models to analyze user needs and formulate solutions. Employ eBenefits architecture standards and programming protocols to implement ongoing system enhancements and integration of employer’s HR eBenefits platform. Reqs: Bach. Deg. in Electrical Eng’g, Electronics Eng’g, Information Systems or related field; Two years exp. in job offered or any related occupation. Apply by following these steps; visit http://careers.upmc.com and enter 1900016D in the Search Keyword/Job ID” field and click Go. EOE/Disability/Veteran.
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Help Us Change Lives: Auberle Seeks a Clinical Supervisor for our Long-Term Residential Drug & Alcohol Family Treatment Program, the Family Healing Center Auberle, a nationally recognized, award winning human service organization serving thousands of children & families each year. Auberle’s Family Healing Center, located in Mt. Oliver, is a longterm residential Drug & Alcohol treatment program serving families involved with Allegheny County Children, outh, & Families who have at least one parent / caregiver struggling with addiction & at risk of having a child removed from their care. Seeking individual to fill a Clinical Supervisor position. Supervise staff including Addictions Counselor, Child & outh Development Specialists & Family Support Specialists. Master’s Degree in Chemical Dependency, Social Work, Counseling, or other related field & 2 yrs of exp preferably in a drug & alcohol setting working with adults, children, & families. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field & 3 yrs of relevant experience acceptable. Valid PA driver’s license, vehicle & proof of ins. Criminal, child, FBI clearances & pre-employment drug screening required. Flexible schedule including evening availability. Training opportunities & comprehensive benefits package. Apply on the Auberle website, www.auberle. org. EOE. ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: November 7, 2019 4:00 PM CCAC Allegheny CampusByers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC NEEDS HEARINGS CITY OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA FISCAL YEARS 2020-2024 CONSOLIDATED PLAN and FISCAL YEAR 2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
Notice is hereby given that the City of Pittsburgh is currently preparing its F 2020-2024 Five ear Consolidated Plan and F 2020 Annual Action Plan (April 1, 2020-March 31, 2021). The City will apply for the following Federal funds: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In accordance with 24 CFR Part 91, et. al., and the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, the City intends to conduct several public needs hearings. The purpose of the needs hearings is to obtain the views and comments of individuals and organizations relative to housing and community development and fair housing needs that may be addressed by CDBG, HOME, ESG and HOPWA funds during the next year. The City will hold public needs hearings at the times and locations noted below. The hearings are being held at various locations to provide all City residents with ample opportunity to attend and comment. Interested persons only need to attend one of the public hearings at the most convenient location. Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Foerster Student Services Center Auditorium and Lobby,, 800 Ridge Avenue, Pgh., PA 15212 Tuesday, Novembe 12, 2019 6:00 PM Sheraden Senior Center 720 Sherwood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15204 Wednesday, November 13, 2019 6:00 PM Civic Building First Floor Conference Roon, 200 Ross Street, Pittsurgh, PA 15219 Thursday, November 14, 2019 6:00 PM Kingsley Association Community Room 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Tuesday, November 13, 2019 6:00 PM Carnegie Library-Carrick Meeting Room 1811 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 6:00 PM All locations are accessible to the handicapped. Persons requiring special accommodations can make arrangements by contacting Ms. Elizabeth Daniels-Totten, CDBG Program Supervisor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The phone number is (412) 255-0740, email is Elizabeth.Daniels-Totten pittsburghpa.gov, fax number is (412) 393-0151, and the TDD number is 711. The purpose of these public hearings is to: 1. Obtain the views and comments of individuals and organizations concerning the City’s housing and community development needs. The information gathered will be used in the preparation of the Consolidated Plan submission for the F 2020 Program ear. 2. Review the City’s Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Emergency Solutions Grants, and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Programs and provide an opportunity for the public to comment on program performance. 3. Summarize the Consolidated Plan process and obtain the views of citizens, public agencies, and others interested in the housing and community development needs of the City. 4. Obtain the views and comments of individuals and organizations concerning fair housing barriers and impediments to fair housing choice in the City. Based on last year’s funding, the City of Pittsburgh anticipates it will be notified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that it is eligible to receive the following entitlement grants in the following approximate amounts: $13,500,000 for CDBG; $2,000,000 for HOME; $1,000,000 for ESG; and $1,000,000 for HOPWA in F 2020. These funding levels are contingent upon the final approval of the Federal Budget for F 2020 by Congress. The City doesn’t anticipate notice of its funding allocation until the Spring of 2020. In order to receive those funds, the City of Pittsburgh must prepare a Five ear Consolidated Plan and a One ear Annual Action Plan for the use of Federal funds. In addition, the City provides bilingual services to the Hispanic community. For assistance, please call (412) 255-0740, or email Elizabeth.Daniels-Totten Pittsburghpa.gov, from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting time and date most convenient to request these services. Food will be provided at the meetings, and child care may be available. Please call 412-255-0740, or email Elizabeth.Daniels-Totten Pittsburghpa.gov to confirm availability. Written comments may be mailed to the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Community Development Division, attention Elizabeth Daniels-Totten, CDBG Program Supervisor, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or, emailed to Elizabeth.Daniels-Totten Pittsburghpa.gov. Whitney Finnstrom Senior Manager City of Pittsburgh Office of anage ent and udget ANNOUNCEMENTS
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The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s Board of Commissioners will hold its 2019 monthly meeting for October on Thursday, October 24, 2019. The board meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. 200 Ross Street, 13th Floor Wherrett Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 RENTAL SERVICE Unfurnished Apartments
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NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of David L. Fisher, deceased, Case No. 021906135 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on October 2, 2019, a Petition was filed by Mary Fisher to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of David L. Fisher, deceased, in the real estate located at 406 West Prospect Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, and determine that fee simple title is in Mary Fisher. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Petitioner will seek an Order adjudging that David L. Fisher’s title is in Mary Fisher.
NOTICE OF TRUST ADMINISTRATION
The Trustee named below gives notice of the death of ELEANOR M. DEBSKI, late of the Borough of Bethel Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who died on September 3, 2019. During her lifetime, the said Decedent established a revocale trust under Trust Investment dated January 9, 2004, of which George R. Debski is the Trustee. The Trustee requests all persons having claims against the Decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the Decedent to make payment to him without delay: George R. Debski, Trustee, 7502 Pine Creek Drive, Bridgeville, PA 15017 or to: Todd A. Fuller, Atty., Brenlove & Fuller, LLC, 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017
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NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, PA, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Frank E. Bennett, deceased, Case No. 021905581 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on September 5, 2019, a Petition was filed by Teresa Bennett, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Frank E. Bennett, deceased, in the real estate located at 322 Crane Avenue, Rear, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216, and determine that fee simple title is in Teresa Bennett. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Teresa Bennett will seek an Order adjudging that Decedent’s title is in herself.
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In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, PA, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Rose Lee Huggins, deceased, Case No. 021900528 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on September 13, 2019, a Petition was filed by Toni Huggins, to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Rose Lee Huggins, deceased, in the real estate located at 2866 Cherry Street, Bethel Park, PA, 15102, and determine that fee simple title is in Toni Huggins. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Toni Huggins will seek an Order adjudging that Decedent’s title is in herself.
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Orphans’ Court Division, Estate of Robert L. Harvin, deceased, Case No. 021905975 of 2019: Notice is hereby given that on September 24, 2019, a Petition was filed by Wanda Harvin to terminate the interests of the heirs and devisees of Robert L. Harvin, deceased, in the real estate located at 7142 Idlewild Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, and determine that fee simple title is in Wanda Harvin. If no exceptions to the Petition are filed within 30 days, Petitioner will seek an Order adjudging that Robert L. Harvin’s title is in Wanda Harvin.
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Estate of MR. WILLIAM JESSE BRADFIELD, Deceased, of 134 Elm Lane, Moon Township, PA 15108. Estate No, 02-19-06195. Ms. Suzanne Bradfield, 134 Elm Lane, Moon Township, PA 15108, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate of MR. DAVID H. BRADFIELD SR., Deceased, of 1329 Washington Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15017. Estate No, 02-19-06193. Ms. Barbara Bradfield, 8215 Dog Leg Drive, Presto, PA 15142, Administrator, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate of MR. VAUGHN W. FINNEY, Deceased of 210 Fayette Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071. Estate No. 02-19-06163 Ms. Nancy L. Finney, 142 Delmore Drive, Moon Township, PA 15108, Administratrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108.
ESTATE NOTICE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Mary L. McCaffrey Court Term No. 021906217, late of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Debra L. Moran, Executrix, 9151 Pine St., Pittsburgh, PA 15239, or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
ESTATE NOTICE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Shirley E. Coleman, Court Term No. 021906218, late of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned by the Director of Dept. of Court Records, Wills/Orphans Court Division of Allegheny County, notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and to those having claims against the same to present them to the undersigned, duly authenticated for settlement. Lawrence E. Coleman, Executor, 3009 Hebron Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or to Cathy L. Brannigan, Esq., 15 Duff Rd., Suite 6C, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR Abatement of Hazardous Materials RFP #600-20-19REBID
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Professional Hazardous Materials Abatement Services The documents will be available no later than October 14, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., November 18, 2019 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 may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Director of Procurement/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre-submission meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Development & Modernization 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 October 29, 2019 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download RFQ/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.
INVITATION TO BIDDERS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT
SEPARATE and SEALED BIDS for the following solicitation, will be received by the Office of Procurement, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, 1200 Penn Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, until 2:00 PM Prevailing Time November 19, 2019. INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR THE 2020 LEAD SERVICE LINE IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM PWSA PROJECT NO. 2020-325-100-0 It is the intent of the Authority to establish a contract to determine the location of each curb stop and the composition of both the public and private residential water service lines (1” diameter and less). In particular, the Authority is attempting to locate, inspect and identify selected Service Lines in the PWSA service area. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the solicitation that can be obtained by sending an e-mail to procurement@pgh2o.com. There will be no charge for the solicitation, as it will be sent via e-mail. All questions relating to the solicitation itself shall be to Nicole Dickun, Procurement Manager, via e-mail: ndickun@pgh2o.com, no later than November 12, 2019. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on October 24, 2019, 2:00 p.m. prevailing Time in the Authority’s conference room located at 1200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this meeting is to give an overview of the contract requirements and to allow Bidders to ask questions. The Contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sexual preference, sex, or national origin. The bidders will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity. The Authority reserves the right to withhold the award of the Contract for a period of 60 days after the opening of the bids. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any informality or minor irregularity in any bid or bids. The Authority also retains the right to investigate the qualifications of bidders prior to any award and to award contracts only to contractors who, in the sole judgment of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, are qualified and equipped to properly execute the specified work. ROBERT A. WEIMAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on November 5, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Obama 6-12 Gym A/C and Lighting Upgrades Mechanical, Electrical, and Asbestos Abatement Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on October 7, 2019 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time November 12, 2019 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: REFUSE CONTAINER SERVICE General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools. org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district
BIDS
The Washington County Housing Authority will receive separate, and sealed bids for the following prime contract single bid with the Authority: FLOORING CORRECTIONS LINCOLN TERRACE 266 NORTH LINCOLN STREET WASHINGTON, PA 15301 WCHA 2019-G9 CONTRACT COMMISSION # 2519 & FLOORING CORRECTIONS MAPLE TERRACE 1100 MAPLE AVENUE WASHINGTON, PA 15301 WCHA 2019-G9 CONTRACT COMMISSION # 2519 A certified check or bank draft payable to the Washington County Housing Authority, a US Government Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and acceptable sureties in the amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid. Bids will be received no later than 1:30 PM EDT, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2019 at the Washington County Housing Authority, 100 Crumrine Tower, Franklin Street, Washington, PA 15301 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by the Housing Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days prior to the contract award. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 10:00 AM EDT, MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019 starting onsite at Crumrine Tower, 100 South Franklin Street, Washington, Pa 15301 and then proceeding to Lincoln Terrace, 266 North Lincoln Street, Washington, Pa 15301 and Maple Terrace, 1100 Maple Avenue, Washington, Pa 15301. Plans and Specifications may be examined at the following Plan Rooms: Builders Exchange, Cleveland, OH; Builders Exchange, Pittsburgh, PA; OVCEC, Wheeling, WV; and Construct Connect, Norcross, GA. A CD containing PDF’s of all bid documents may be obtained through the office of the Architect, Shaeffer & Madama, Inc., 57 Fourteenth Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 upon receipt of a $25.00 non-refundable payment and valid email address. Please submit all required documents in a sealed envelope clearly marked: “WCHA Floor Corrections At Lincoln Terrace And Maple Terrace” The work to be performed under this contract is a Section 3 Project under provisions of the Housing & Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, Washington County residents. Particular attention is directed to requirements of Executive Order 11246, 11625 and 12138, as well as Section 3 requirements, as set forth in the Specifications. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids for any reason(s) what so ever and to waive informalities in the bidding. STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
B5
SONNY BOY
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OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
INVITATION FOR BIDS:
The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is requesting bids from qualified contractors for TRACTION ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AT SPRINGDALE MANOR AND GOLDEN TOWER. The Allegheny County Housing Authority encourages responses from small and/ or certified Minority; Women; Disadvantaged and Veteran owned firms, as well as firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. LOCATIONS: SPRINGDALE MANOR, 504 Pittsburgh Street, Springdale, PA 15144 & GOLDEN TOWER, 215 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, PA 15084 CONTRACT: #ACHA-1621 DOCUMENTS: Drawings and Specifications will be on file after NOVEMBER 6, 2019 on the Pittsburgh Builder’s Exchange, or the McGraw-Hill websites, and Complete Contract Documents may be obtained after NOVEMBER 6, 2019 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 625 Stanwix Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, or by contacting the ACHA at 412-402-2464 or emailing ajamrom@achsng.com. FEE: No Charge for Emailed documents; $10 for CD Media; $50 non-refundable fee (certified check or money order) is required for each set of paper Contract Documents; NOTE! A FedEx or UPS Number will be required for any Contract Documents requested to be delivered. NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: NOVEMBER 12, 2019, AT 10:00AM at Springdale Manor, 504 Pittsburgh Street, Springdale, PA 15144 BIDS DUE: 2:00 PM local time on DECEMBER 4, 2019 at the Allegheny County Housing Authority Board Room 625 Stanwix Street 12th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Frank Aggazio Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR Authority Wide Site Improvements RFP #600-33-19REBID
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Authority Wide Site Improvements The documents will be available no later than October 14, 2019 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., November 19, 2019 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 may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Director of Procurement/ Chief Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre submission meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Development & Modernization 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 October 30, 2019 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download RFQ/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.
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Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on November 5, 2019, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Dilworth PreK-5 Finish and Miscellaneous Work General and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Linden K-5 Toilet Rooms and Miscellaneous Renovations General, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Abatement Primes Pgh. Obama 6-12 Gym A/C and Lighting Upgrades Mechanical and Electrical Primes Pgh. Pioneer Replace Electrical Power Distribution System General and Electrical Primes Pgh. Weil PreK-5 Boiler Replacement Mechanical, Electrical and Asbestos Abatement Primes Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on October 7, 2019 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority. org). Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on November 4, 2019 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527), for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness. portauthority.org) B191075A Diesel Engine Oil 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 on each of the above items at 10:00am October 16, 2019 at Port Authority’s Heinz location (345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA). Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority 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 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 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 Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
APPRENTICESHIP
The Joint Apprenticeship Committee of the Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local #2, Pittsburgh, PA is accepting applications for consideration towards apprenticeship in the Mechanical System Insulator and Asbestos Worker Trade. Applications are accepted without regard to Race, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Age, or Disability. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application; have a high school diploma at the time of application or G.E.D. at the time of application; have a dependable form of transportation; and must be physically fit to perform the work of the trade. Applications must be obtained in person Monday through Saturday: October 28, through November 2, 2019 and Monday through Thursday: November 4 through November 7, 2019 between the hours of 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at the Insulators Training Center, 109 Pleasant Drive Suite B, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Photo identification is required and there is a $25.00 (non-refundable) application-processing fee, to be paid by certified check or money order.
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B6
OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
Congressman Elijah Cummings— Conscience of the Congress (TriceEdneyWire.com)—President Lee Saunders, and Democratic activist and pastor Leah Daughtry took to the stage to have a conversation about politics, voting, and political courage. Congressman Elijah Cummings, D-Md., was scheduled to attend the Spirit of Democracy awards dinner, hosted by the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) on October 16; he died just a few hours after the dinner concluded. As Roland Martin led the three luminaries who received the Chairman’s award from NCBPC, it was clear that Cummings would have been right at home in the company of his colleagues. It would have been great to hear his passionate voice thundering about the need to speak truth to power. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, he was known for his powerful and scathing attacks on this administration. He never hesitated to use his investigative powers to check an administration replete with political chicanery and corruption. Indeed, he reportedly signed subpoenas from his hospital bed the evening before he made his transition.
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary I always enjoyed my interactions with Congressman Cummings. He was righton and righteous, humble and honest, and ever faithful to his roots. He had no airs—and was proud to be the son of a sharecropping family. He loved Black people and loved the Baltimore neighborhood that he never moved away from, commuting daily from Capitol Hill to his home. Cummings wielded a powerful influence, not only among other politicians regardless of political party, but also on his neighbors, taking to the street with a bullhorn to try to quell emotions in the wake of the police murder of Freddie Gray. And for all his power, Cummings was also often measured. When 45 attacked his city by calling it a “rat-infested” place where no one wanted to live, Cummings held his powder and allowed others, including many Baltimoreans, to respond. And while he could be scathing in his questioning, he could also be kind and collegial, which explains why so many Republicans issued acclamatory statements upon his death. Cummings was guided by his faith and by his keen sense of right and wrong. He believed in our country and, more importantly, in our Constitution, which is why he was so very passionate about the need for those in power to adhere to it. The Maryland congressman was also passionate about children, or the “generations yet unborn.” He chafed at the administration’s policy of separating children from their parents at the border, challenging his colleagues in a booming voice, “We are better than this.” For all his passion, thunder, and pointed criticism, he was also a notably kind and considerate man. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., said of his colleague, “In a time of confrontation and disagreement and anger and, yes, sometimes hate, he was a beacon of civility, of fairness, of justice.” Many others echoed those sentiments, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi describing Cummings as “the conscience of the Congress.” Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R), must set a date for a special election for Cummings congressional seat. Until then, House Democrats will have to decide who assumes his chairmanship of the House Oversight Committee. Many say Cummings’ death will not slow the momentum for impeachment. Indeed, I hope that more members of Congress will emulate the Cummings’ passion for the Constitution and disdain for those who fail to honor it. Speaker Pelosi has pledged to move swiftly on impeachment, and not a day goes by without 45 providing more reasons for impeachment. On the same day that Congressman Cummings died, the President, after issuing unusually compassionate condolences for the Cummings family, announced that the G-7 meeting next year will be held at the Trump resort in Miami. This is a direct violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution and a reflection of the way the Trump family has used the White House as a cash machine. One can only imagine what Congressman Cummings would have to say about this matter. Cumming’s death is a blow to the Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus, the African American community, and the nation. He will be sorely missed. While no one can fill his shoes, we must all be motivated by his legacy of speaking truth to power, being a voice for the voiceless, with compassion, dignity, and respect for the Constitution.
(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)
FORUM
What I learn when I have lunch at Cook County Jail (TriceEdneyWi r e. c o m ) — O n Jesse Jackson my birthday this year, I continued my tradition of going to the Cook County Jail to have lunch with some of the 5,552 people who are inmates there. These visits remind me of the humanity of those who are in trouble — and of the inhumanity, even idiocy, of our criminal justice system. Despite the first steps toward prison reform, the United States still locks up a higher percentage of its population than any other country—even more than repressive nations like China. There are some 2.3 million people locked up in America in 1,719 state prisons, 109 federal prisons, 1,772 juvenile correction facilities, 3,163 local jails, as well as what are called Indian Country Jails, immigration detention facilities and more. If prisons were a city, it would be larger than Philadelphia or Dallas, and one of the country’s top 10 in population. In total, about $80 billion a year is spent on correction facilities, compared to the $68 billion spent by the Department of Education. About 612,000 of this number are in local jails, but that number is misleading. A staggering 10.6 million people go to jail in any one year. Most are released shortly after posting bail or getting out without it. Over two-thirds of the people in jail have not been convicted of any crime. These are overwhelmingly poor people who cannot afford bail. Prison and jail populations are still disproportionately people of color. African Americans are 12 percent of the country’s population but 33 percent of federal and state prisons’ population. Recently, from 2009 to 2016, the African American prison population has fallen by about 17 percent, declining more rapidly than the White prison population, which is down about 10 percent. The scourge of the opioid epidemic has significantly contributed to the number of whites in trouble. Nonviolent offenders make up a significant proportion of the incarcerated—particularly in federal prisons. State and local prisons and jails tend to have more inmates charged with property or violent crimes.
Too many are there because of petty violations of the terms of their release from previous charges, not even from committing a new offense. Inmates, almost by definition, are disproportionately low income. They are “down on their luck,” people struggling under the intense pressures of poverty. They tend to be people who suffer from the diseases of depression, alcoholism or drug abuse. When I break bread with these people, I always find them to be more intelligent than people think, more humane than people think, more curious and open to experience than people think. These are not serial murderers or rapists. They are overwhelmingly people who erred or did wrong but are not bad people. We need a lot more reform of our judicial system and particularly of our system of incarceration. We should be doing far more rehabilitation and far less incarceration. With 10 million people going to jail each year—and the overwhelming number in jail at any one time not convicted of anything—one thing we should do is register them to vote. The inmates I spoke with were stunned to learn that they were still eligible to vote—and eager to be signed up. If they were to be registered and to vote, they might help make a difference in the judges that get elected, in the sentences that get handed out, in the injustices that are structured into our justice system. They know better than most that while there are some truly violent people that deserve incarceration, the vast majority need a hand up, not another shackle of more debt, a bad record, a bleaker future. Illinois, under Governor Pritzker, has set the pace. Legislation was enacted that will turn the county jail into a temporary precinct that will enable “pretrial detainees”—those who are detained but not convicted of anything—to register and vote. That provides a model for states and localities across the country. These are citizens who have the right to vote. We should make it possible for them to exercise that right.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Raynard Jackson
Commentary
Sr.
Commentary
Armed teachers and psychological deterrents on a daily basis After the 2018 than it does good Parkland school J. Pharoah Doss —and we don’t shooting the state even know who of Florida creatdoes it—is abed a safety inisolutely asinine tiative called The and it’s counGuardian Proterproductive to gram. Guardians what the agency are armed perfor school safety sonnel who aid in is supposed to the “prevention be doing. This is or abatement of active assailant in- the dumb backwards stuff that we do cidents on school premises.” Initial- here.” ly, guardians were non-instructional Let’s explore another aspect of this employees or hired help—school re- backwardness. source officers. Classroom instructors In Florida unarmed and armed secuwere ineligible to participate in the rity officers are required to be licensed program, but there’s been a change. by the state before they can work in A new state law provides schools with the field. Applicants for an unarmed the option to allow teachers to carry position are required to complete the concealed weapons. School districts Unarmed Security D Course, which have to vote in favor of arming teach- consists of 40 classroom hours. Armed ers, then teachers have to volunteer to applicants must already possess an be guardians. Unarmed Security D license and comThe Florida Coalition to Prevent plete the Armed Security G Course, Gun Violence is against arming teach- which consists of 28 classroom and ers. Their spokesperson stated they’re firearm training hours. worried about the accuracy of teachI lived in Florida for a decade and ers being able to shoot, or to be able took the Armed Security G Course. to shoot at all in that type of situation. The instructor was a retired policeTeachers are not trained like law en- man who said he never pulled his forcement. According to the advocacy gun in 30 years. The first thing he exgroup Every Town for Gun Safety, law plained was that the gun on the side enforcement receives an average of of a security officer’s waist was a part 840 hours of basic training, including of the officer’s uniform. It was a psy168 hours on weapons, self-defense, chological deterrent. But if an assailand the use of force. But participants ant isn’t deterred don’t be a hero, sein Florida’s Guardian program will curity companies pay for deterrence have to pass a psychological exam, not heroism. (Then he added, you can clear drug screening, and complete get into a lot of trouble for actually a minimum of 144 hours of training. using your weapon.) So, in Florida, (144 hours vs. 168 hours is not as armed security officers, who are in dramatic of a difference the advocacy the safety business, receive 68 hours group makes it out to be.) of training and act as psychological Seven Florida County school districts deterrents for assailants on a daily have decided to arm teachers, but the basis, but volunteers in the teaching 60 other school districts have decided profession who pass a psychologiagainst it. The point of contention, for cal exam will be given 144 hours of the non-participating counties, was training to take out active shooters if the state will not keep track of how necessary. Since the teachers are volunteering many districts or teachers are taking part in the program. That sounds like for heroism it might not be backwards, a bureaucratic mess, but Florida State but armed security will think it’s asiSenator Oscar Braynon was more ar- nine. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New ticulate. He said, “For you to implement a program that does more harm Pittsburgh Courier.)
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Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor, New Pittsburgh Courier, 315 East Carson St. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360 or via email to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com
Liberals continue to view Blacks as ignorant I am amazed that conservatives continually get hit with the “racist” label, even though it’s liberals who spew racism at every turn in their engagement with the Black community. Implicit in liberalism is that Blacks are too dumb and too ignorant to make decisions that are in their own best interest; therefore, liberals use the power of the government to force liberalism upon the Black community. Liberals are good at finding “media appointed” radical Black liberals to become the face of their miseducation of the Black community, thus creating the narrative that liberalism is within the mainstream of the Black community; which is definitely not the case. The issues liberals are trumpeting currently are the insane notion, with absolutely no shred of evidence, that Republicans are suppressing the Black vote; and that the Black community does not support the Trump agenda. So, liberals have amassed a cadre of Black sycophants that will simply parrot anything their masters tell them to. They do this to curry favor with their overseers, even though they know it is destroying their own community. You have a radical liberal media outlet like MSNBC who will give a talk show to radical liberal Joy Reid; but there is a condition. She must renounce her own conservative values so the network can use her to promote the radical homosexual agenda to the Black community. And of course she agreed because they offered her thirty pieces of silver along with the TV show. This is a woman whose father is from the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most conservative countries in all of Africa, so there is no way on Earth that she supports the radical homosexual agenda. Even in private conversations she is against it; but fortune and fame are more important to her than the destruction of her own people. Another radical sycophant liberals trot out to the Black community is my buddy, Roland Martin. He is a quasi-journalist turned conspiracy theorist. He keeps spouting off about some voter suppression campaign supposedly led by Republicans, without providing any evidence mind you. Recently, Martin had this crazy radical conspiracy theorist on his digital show that was so far out in space that she made him sound rational. Shireen Mitchell, a self-described social analyst and diversity strategist, whatever the hell that means, was recently on Martin’s show. She simply made up some titles because she possesses no expert knowledge to talk about the issue she was on the show to discuss. On this particular show, Martin has this women talking about how Russia created a disinformation campaign targeting the Black community during the 2016 presidential campaign. I don’t disagree with that assessment. But where Martin and Mitchell lost me was the notion that Black are too ignorant to determine how to internalize things they read on the internet before they decide how they will vote. Again, radical liberals don’t think Blacks are capable of being “critical thinkers.” To watch Martin and Mitchell engage in this exercise of psycho-babble, simply click on this link and begin at the 35:50 timestamp. If you can understand this conversation, you are a better man than I. Memo to liberals, EVERY nation interferes with the elections of other countries, yes, even the U.S. does it. Not to do it would be political malpractice!!! To debunk this liberal myth being perpetrated by radical liberals like Martin and Mitchell, I have done an experiment for the past three summers. Many of my followers are aware that I do a lot of work in the entertainment industry. So, I get asked quite frequently by people to get them tickets and backstage passes to various concerts. Typically, I will leave the tickets at the will call window of the venue. The venue, in most cases, require a government issued ID in order to pick up the tickets. I arranged for an anonymous text message to be sent to each of their cell phones a day before the concert stating that the concert had been cancelled or moved to a different venue, or changed to a different day. Not one person took the message at face value, but rather called me or the venue to verify the information. Several of these people I got tickets for were from the hood. Liberals always equate people from the hood with being dumb or ignorant. So, Martin made the asinine statement that as a result of “Russian” misinformation, there was a 2.4 percent decrease in Black voter turnout. There are absolutely NO facts to bear this out and there is NO provable causation to prove his ridiculous assertion. So, if Blacks have enough sense to pick up the phone to verify details of a concert, don’t these same Blacks have enough sense to call someone if they get a message about the date of an election being changed? This video gave me a headache and it is even more insulting to the Black community that you have radical liberal Blacks propagating the notion that Blacks are incapable of being critical thinkers. This is why Republicans and Trump have a great opportunity to get north of 15 percent of the Black vote next year. They only need to have substantive, serious engagement with the Black community. (Raynard Jackson is a Pulitzer Award nominated columnist and founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF).
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Voters Guide General Election November 5, 2019 Published by League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Community Information Center Koppers Building 436 Seventh Avenue Suite 350 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-261-4284
October 23-29, 2019 Prepared with funding from League of Women Voters Education Fund Reproduction of this guide is made possible by the generous support of Laurel Foundation
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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 endorse 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 Nov 5, 2019 municipal general election for the offices of Judges of the Superior Court, and Judges of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Also listed are candidates for the Allegheny County Chief Executive, County Controller, District Attorney, County Treasurer and the Allegheny County Council. Also listed are candidates for the offices of City Controller, Pittsburgh City Council, and Pittsburgh School Board Directors; there is also a list of Magistrates and ballot questions. The candidates’ names are listed as they will appear on the ballot. The party of the governor is, by practice, given the first position on the ballot in Pennsylvania. Study the guide and choose the candidates for whom you want to vote. You may take the guide into the voting booth to help you. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an en-
VOTERS GUIDE 2019
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League of Women Voters Guide to Municipal General Election— November 5, 2019 (Polls open from 7 AM to 8 PM)
dorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters. Voters who are not sure if they are registered to vote can check at VotesPA.com or call the county Department of Elections, 412-350-4510. To find out what district you live in, call the county Department of Elections, at 412-350-4510. Voting in a General Election To vote in this general election you must have been registered by October 7, 2019. Your registration is permanent if • ou did not change your address. • ou did not change your name Prisoners’ Rights You are eligible to vote if you are awaiting trial. If you are a prisoner in Pennsylvania, you are eligible to vote if • ou are registered properly
PENNSYLVANIA JUSTICE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT (Vote for two) TERM: 10 years SALARY: $199,114 DESCRIPTION: The Superior Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. This court, which was 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 who serve 10-year terms. The president judge of the Superior Court is elected to a five-year term by his or her colleagues. A huge volume of appeals flows to Superior Court from the trial courts. Generally, appeals are heard b 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 such petitions are denied and the ruling
• ou have obtained an absentee ballot. • ou were convicted of a misdemeanor Identification Requirements for New Voters If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time then you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID 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. If you do not have any acceptable ID then 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
of the Superior Court stands.
County Board 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 Board 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. 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. 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, Oct. 29, 2019. Complet-
ed absentee BALLOTS must be received back at the Elections Division by 5 P.M. on Friday, November 1, 2019. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call the Elections Division 412-3504520 for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency may be required. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 5 P.M. on Friday, November 1, 2019. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the Elections Division at 412-350-4520. Write-in Voting 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 will (MAY) telephone the county Board 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 address and zip code.
intern for the Hon. Joseph Greenaway, USDJ, in the US District Court for the District of NJ in Newark. I’ve been a mediator, and a law clerk for the IUEDEMOCRATIC CWA, and Levy Ratner, a union-side law firm. I was elected twice to Allegheny County Council. AMANDA GREEN-HAWKINS Twitter: twitter.com/AGHforJudge Biographical Info: Mailing Address: PO Box 4766 Pittsburgh, PA Facebook: http://@AmandaforJudge Municipality: Pittsburgh 15206 QUESTIONS: Campaign Phone: (412) 368-2768 Q: What is the most important quality in a judge? Website: http://www.AmandaGreenHawkins.com A: Temperament is the most important quality in Campaign Email: Jann@ a judge. Parties and litigants in our courts must be AmandaGreenHawkins.com heard and treated respectfully, and a judge’s temEducation: Duke University, perament is critical to a party’s belief that he/she BA Northeastern Univ. School of had their day in court by being heard and treatlaw, JD ed respectfully. People are more likely to accept a Qualifications: I represented decision, even if they disagree with it, if they are the Union in courts and federal treated fairly. A judge must be able to listen, withand state agencies around the out expressing exasperation, frustration, annoyance country. I was a law clerk for the or other behaviors that may reflect bias, and raise Hon. Lawrence M. Lawson, AJSC, AMANDA concerns about prejudice and injustice in the justice in the Superior Court of NJ – Monmouth Division, and a legal GREEN-HAWKINS system. A good judicial temperament helps to im-
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prove satisfaction with the courts, and perceptions about the courts. Q: As a member of the judiciary, what can you do on and off the bench to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to justice? A: Implicit bias affects whether people have access to justice. The Interbranch Commission reported that people have experienced bias in our courts based on race, gender, and gender identity or expression. Implicit bias is prejudice that unconsciously affects decisions and beliefs, and it is cited as a factor in disparate treatment in our judicial system. We must recognize and confront our implicit biases, and this has to become a practice in order to effectuate change in our judicial system. On the bench, I will rigorously question the basis for decisions, and challenge disparities in treatment to eliminate implicit bias and ensure access to justice for all Pennsylvanians. Off the bench, I will continuously challenge myself to recognize and confront my own implicit biases that may impede access to justice. Justice and equality demand that people be treated fairly under the law; therefore, judges must be compelled to act with unbiased humanity. Q: Under what circumstances would you recuse or have you recused yourself from a case? A: I will abide by the judicial code which requires recusal or disqualification under specific enumerated circumstances, or when my impartiality might reasonably be questioned. DANIEL MCCAFFERY Biographical Info: Mailing Address: PO Box 472 Bensalem, Pa 19020 Campaign Phone: (267) 738-6240 Website: http://Www.judgemccaffery.com Campaign Email: Cdee@advantagepep.com Education: Temple University, BS. 1988 Temple University School of Law, JD.1991 Qualifications: I will bring 28 years of legal experience to the Superior Court. As an Assistant District Attorney assigned to the Major Trials Division, I’ve Prosecuted over 50 jury trials and thousands of bench trials. As a current DANIEL Trial Judge since 2013, assigned MCCAFFERY to one of the busiest trial divisions in Pennsylvania, I have presided over thousands of trials. I am honored to be the only candidate to have received a “Highly Recommended” for this seat on the Superior Court by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Twitter: twitter.com/JudgeMcCaffery Facebook: http://McCafferyforSuperiorCourt Municipality: Statewide QUESTIONS: Q: What is the most important quality in a judge? A: Impartiality and work ethic. Q: As a member of the judiciary, what can you do on and off the bench to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to justice? A: All judges must make sure that every participant in the legal system is aware of their rights and responsibilities to the court and afforded quality representation in each step of the proceedings. Measures must be taken to inform all participants of the various services available to obtain quality representation and every judge must endeavor to make sure that all Pennsylvanians participating in the judicial system are afforded quality representation. Q: Under what circumstances would you recuse or
VOTERS GUIDE 2019
have you recused yourself from a case? A: I would recuse in any case where I feel I could not be fair and impartial to either side of a dispute or where my impartiality may fairly be questioned. I have recused in instances where there is an actual or perceived conflict of interest in order to preserve the integrity of the judicial system and the appearance of impartiality and fairness to participants and the public.
REPUBLICAN MEGAN MCCARTHY KING Biographical Info: Mailing Address: 201 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19355 Campaign Phone: (484) 6025080 Website: http://meganking2019. com Campaign Email: megankingforjudge@gmail.com Education: Vanderbilt Uni- MEGAN MCCARTHY versity, B.A.(1992) University of KING Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. (1995) Rosemont College, M.A.(Ed.) 2010 Qualifications: Deputy District Attorney Child Abuse Unit, Chester County. Supervisor of the Child and Elder Abuse Units of Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. 2018 awarded Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Champion for Children. Board President, Child Advocacy Center, Chester County. Clerk, Justice Thomas Saylor, Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Adjunct Professor, Cabrini College, Graduate Studies - taught Education Law and Special Education Laws and Regulations. Recommended by the PA Bar Association Facebook: http://megan king for judge Municipality: Easttown Township, Chester County QUESTIONS: Q: What is the most important quality in a judge? A: The most important quality in a judge is a commitment to impartiality-to set aside his/her own point of view and to carry out the law in a fair and impartial manner. Judges are sworn in to uphold the law - to apply the law to the facts, regardless of popular opinion, political pressure, or personal belief. As a prosecutor, I have a well established reputation for following the facts and the law to a fair conclusion. I defend the presumption of innocence and do all that I can to make sure charges are filed when warranted under the law and the facts. With each case, I take a total picture approach, taking into consideration all of the competing dynamics. There is a tremendous responsibility as a prosecutor and a judge, and impartiality and fairness are the most important qualities. The concepts of fairness and equal justice are not just words to me, and I am committed to interpreting the law with integrity, honor and common sense. Q: As a member of the judiciary, what can you do on and off the bench to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to justice? A: The access to justice crisis exists in the criminal and civil justice system. People can be denied justice because they are unable to afford lawyers. The justice system should be accessible to all, irrespective of a person’s ability to pay. Accordingly, increasing pro bono efforts should be encouraged. Utilizing the Court’s public website - offering forms and a manual for pro se litigants increases access as well as assists judges to discern what are the specific matters on appeal that is being pursued. Another way to ensure
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access to justice, judges on and off the bench must work to create a presumption of a fair and equal justice system so that those seeking access to the courts believe their matter will be handled fairly and equally regardless of their social or economic status or any other potential obstacle to receiving fair treatment. Q: Under what circumstances would you recuse or have you recused yourself from a case? A: Whenever a judge has any doubt about his/her ability to impartially preside over a matter, or believes that his/her impartiality might reasonably be questioned by others, the judge should recuse themselves, as even the appearance of bias must be avoided. Pennsylvania’s Code of Judicial Conduct requires that Pennsylvania judges avoid both impropriety and its appearance in all of their activities. Accordingly, judges should err on the side of caution and recuse himself/herself whenever they have a doubt about their ability to preside over a legal matter. CHRISTYLEE PECK Biographical Info: Mailing Address: 4431 N Front Street, 3rd Floor Harrisburg, PA 17110 Campaign Phone: (717) 288-7105 Website: http://electjudgepeck. com/ Campaign Email: christyleepeckforjudge@gmail.com Education: Penn State University, B.A. 1997 Dickinson School of Law, J.D. 2001 Qualifications: I have served as a Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas Judge since 2012, CHRISTYLEE PECK handling all areas of law (civil, family, PFAs, criminal, dependency, appellate). Before that, I was a prosecutor handling major felonies and child abuse cases. I am on the PA Supreme Court Commission on Judicial Independence and PA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children Board. I am involved with several groups that improve the administration of justice. I am endorsed by the Pa State Troopers Association. Facebook: http://@christyleepeckforsuperiorcourt Municipality: Cumberland County QUESTIONS: Q: What is the most important quality in a judge? A: Fairness, impartiality, respect for the law and for those who come before the court. As a Court of Common Pleas Judge, I am prepared with firm knowledge of the law when going into court, but never make a decision before hearing all facts, listening with an open mind and giving legal arguments thoughtful consideration and review. Judges should have an interest and curiosity in the law, and care for the citizens to whom it is applied. We must at all times ensure the integrity of the bench and adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct. We improve people’s respect for the judiciary by always showing them respect. Q: As a member of the judiciary, what can you do on and off the bench to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to justice? A: As a sitting judge now, I ensure that all people who come before me are given due process. If any litigant represents themselves, I ensure that they have a general knowledge of the procedure in court. If language interpretation is required or even possibly so, I ensure that same is provided before the start of any proceeding. I treat all those that come to my courtroom with respect so that they know they have equal access to justice before me. I listen. I do not prejudge. I ensure fairness to all. Off the bench, I work to improve the administration of justice. I formerly was a Co-Chair of the Legal Representation
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Workgroup of the PA Statewide Children’s Roundtable. We worked to improve legal representation and create standards for attorneys that represent parents and children in dependency proceedings. I support the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and pro bono representation programs. Q: Under what circumstances would you recuse or have you recused yourself from a case? A: Every day as a judge, I review each matter coming before me preliminarily to determine and ensure my impartiality on the matter. I am mindful of Rule 2.11 of the Code of Judicial Conduct and would recuse accordingly if circumstances warranted it. If ever there is even an appearance of impropriety for any reason, I always discuss it with counsel, or if unrepresented, with the parties, and ensure that an informed decision is made by all as to whether I may continue on the case. Although infrequent, disclosure of the above is paramount, prior to the start of any proceeding.
JUDICIAL RETENTION SUPERIOR COURT RETENTION QUESTION #1 Shall Anne E. Lazarus be retained for an additional term as Judge of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? SUPERIOR COURT RETENTION QUESTION #2 Shall Judy Olson be retained for an additional term as Judge of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? COMMONWEALTH COURT RETENTION QUESTION #1 Shall Kevin Brobson be retained for an additional term as Judge of the Commonwealth Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? COMMONWEALTH COURT RETENTION QUESTION #2 Shall Patricia A. McCullough be retained for an additional term as Judge of the Commonwealth Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS (Vote for One)
olution to legal disputes outside of court. I have a deep love and respect for the law and for people. I have a very strong drive to help people and believe that my legal experience, temperament, compassion and work ethic would serve the bench well. I would take to heart the important responsibilities that come with administering justice and would strive to bring fair resolution to people’s legal problems in every case. District: 5th Judicial District (Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County) QUESTIONS: Q: Is gun violence best addressed as a public health and public safety issue or as a law enforcement issue? A: As an attorney and resident of Pittsburgh, I have seen the devastation that gun violence has on communities. As a mother, I am keenly aware that gun violence poses a serious threat to our children and families. Gun violence is a public health and public safety issue but law enforcement also has a role in addressing it. Despite any personal beliefs that I may have on this issue, I am running for judge and the role of a judge is to apply laws as they exist including laws relating to gun ownership or violence. If elected, I promise to uphold 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 regularly practice in two of the four divisions of the Court of Common Pleas, the Civil Division and the Orphans’ Court Division. My civil practice requires me to work closely with and analyze contractual and statutory provisions and has honed my analytical and trial skills. In my Orphans’ Court practice, I have litigated fiduciary issues, guardianship matters, will and trust challenges and other emotionally-charged disputes primarily amongst family members. Maintaining composure and an even temperament are critical in these cases and are critical to excelling as a judge.
REPUBLICAN MARY MCGINLEY See Response Above
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Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County? Shall DON WALKO be retained for an additional term as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County? Shall JOSEPH K. WILLIAMS be retained for an additional term as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County?
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES (Vote for One) TERM: 6 years SALARY: $91,597 DESCRIPTION: Magisterial district judges (MDJs) do not have to be lawyers but are required to pass a qualifying exam. Handle civil cases up to $12,000; responsible whether serious criminal cases go the Court of Common Pleas; handle preliminary arraignments and hearings; minor criminal offenses, traffic citations and non-traffic ordinance violations. Responsible for setting and accepting bail, except in murder or voluntary manslaughter cases.
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 05-02-13 (Vote for One)
DEMOCRATIC EUGENE F. RIAZZI JR. No Response
REPUBLICAN EUGENE F. RIAZZI JR. No Response
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 05-02-14 (Vote for One)
TERM: 10 years SALARY: $183,184 DEMOCRATIC DESCRIPTION: COUNTY COURT—JUDICIAL The Court of Common Pleas is primarily a trial RICHARD D. OLASZ, JR. RETENTION QUESTIONS court. There are four divisions of the Court of ComNo Response mon Pleas: Civil, Criminal, Orphans’, and Family. Shall KIM BERKELEY CLARK be retained for The judges can be assigned from one division to an- an additional term as judge of the Court of Common REPUBLICAN other as needed. Judges can run on both the Repub- Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County? lican and Democratic tickets. Shall ROBERT J. COLVILLE be retained for an RICHARD D. OLASZ, JR. additional term as judge of the Court of Common No Response Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County? DEMOCRATIC Shall SUSAN EVASHAVIK DILUCENTE be reMAGISTERIAL tained for an additional term as judge of the Court MARY MCGINLEY DISTRICT JUDGE 05-02-15 of Common Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny Biographical Info: County? Last Name: McGinley (Vote for One) Shall KIM DIANE EATON be retained for an First Name: Mary additional term as judge of the Court of Common Age: 7/11/1977 DEMOCRATIC Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County? Mailing Address: P.O. Box Shall PHILIP A. IGNELZI be retained for an 81087 Pittsburgh, PA 15217 additional term as judge of the Court of Common Campaign Phone: (412) 275MICHELE SANTICOLA Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County? 0779 Biographical Info: Shall ARNIE KLEIN be retained for an additional Last Name: Santicola Campaign Email: info@mcginMARY MCGINLEY term as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Fifth leyforjudge.com First Name: Michele Campaign Web Site: http://mcginleyforjudge.com Judicial District, Allegheny County? Age: 2/13/1970 Education: B.A., Pennsylvania State University, Shall JEFFREY A. MANNING be retained for an Mailing Address: 155 Hunters Run Drive Moon additional term as judge of the Court of Common Township, PA 15108 1999 J.D., Duquesne University, 2002 Qualifications for office: I have been an attorney Pleas, Fifth Judicial District, Allegheny County? Campaign Phone: (412) 262-2180 for over 16 years. Throughout my career, I have tried Shall KEVIN G. SASINOSKI be retained for an Campaign Email: infosanticolaforjudge@gmail. cases in state and federal court and have brought res- additional term as judge of the Court of Common com
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Campaign Web Site: http:// santicolaforjudge.com Education: BA, Duquesne University JD, Dickinson School of Law/Penn State University Qualifications for office: I began my career as a Deputy Attorney General where I spent nearly a decade handling jury trials and grand jury investigaMICHELE tions. I then moved to private SANTICOLA practice. I am the only candidate who has been on both sides of cases, which makes me uniquely qualified. I served as a Hearing Examiner for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. In that role, I made rulings on the admissibility of evidence and wrote legal opinions. I am the only candidate with prior judicial experience. I have argued cases in the Superior and Commonwealth Courts. I have vast and varied experience and am ready to serve Facebook: Michele Santicola for Magisterial District Judge District: 05-2-25 Coraopolis and Moon, Neville, Crescent Townships
REPUBLICAN MAX FELDMAN
Party: Rep Biographical Info: Last Name: Feldman First Name: Max Middle Name: Craig Age: 3/15/1963 Mailing Address: 1322 Fifth Avenue Coraopolis, PA 15108 Campaign Phone: (412) 2626181 Campaign Email: mfeldman@ MAX FELDMAN attorneyfeldman.com Campaign Web Site: http:// www.facebook.com/feldmanforjudge/ Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University in 1985. Juris Doctor from University of Dayton School of Law in 1989. Qualifications for office: I founded my Coraopolis law office in 1992 and have resided in Moon nearly as long. I worked directly with the public the entire time, becoming rooted here while practicing a wide variety of legal disciplines. Over a long career litigating cases in Magisterial and Common Pleas courtrooms I gained deep understanding of the law and how to apply it. I am extremely familiar with disputes and how to resolve them. Over nearly 30 years I observed many different Magistrates at their duties. If elected I pledge to serve my entire term. I love our community and the law, and I am fully prepared to serve. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/feldmanforjudge/ District: Magisterial District 05-02-25
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 05-02-26 (Vote for One)
DEMOCRATIC BETH SCAGLINE-MILLS No Response
REPUBLICAN BETH SCAGLINE-MILLS See Above
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 05-02-28 (Vote for One)
DEMOCRATIC OSCAR J. PETITE, JR. No Response
REPUBLICAN OSCAR J. PETITE, JR. See Above
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 05-03-17 (Vote for One)
DEMOCRATIC ANTHONY W. SAVEIKIS No Response
REPUBLICAN ANTHONY W. SAVEIKIS See Above
COUNTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $90,000 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.
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County Council; 8 years Allegheny County Executive Facebook: www.facebook.com/votefitz QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Continued economic growth with more opportunities for all residents, improving transportation, and investing in workforce development and joband skills-training. (Question #3 continued): ...We have many other initiatives under way to continue to reduce carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency, reduce stormwater runoff and reduce waste. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss those efforts with you further. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: We will continue our efforts to increase diversity in hiring county employees, under which 25% of hires are African American, and to provide opportunities for all, including by continuing to significantly increase diversity among Directors and Deputy Directors. We will continue to “ban the box.” And we will continue the annual Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable, bringing the corporate community to the table and pushing the private sector to improve the opportunity environment across all employment sectors. 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 is a top priority for my administration. We purchase 35% of our energy from renewables and are looking to hydroelectric power to help us exceed 50%. We’re also looking to make three of our parks “net zero” facilities. Allegheny County has more clean energy jobs than any county in the state, and our investment in the Energy Innovation Center is providing training for clean energy jobs. (Continued at the end of question #1)...
REPUBLICAN
MATT DROZD Biographical Info: Last Name: Drozd First Name: Matt Mailing Address: 132 Berwyn Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Campaign Phone: (412) 4960034 Campaign Email: mdrozd@verizon.net MATT DROZD Campaign Web Site: http:// www.mattdrozd.net Education: Undergraduate and Masters in Business Administration DEMOCRATIC Qualifications for office: Saved the taxpayers RICH FITZGERALD $50 million dollars while serving on a school board Biographical Info: and while serving eight years on County Council, I Last Name: Fitzgerald learned where we can save hard-earned tax dollars. First Name: Rich Helped craft Homeland Defense and protected us Age: 5/8/1959 while serving at the Pentagon during 9-11 for the Mailing Address: 1314 DennisJoint Chiefs of Staff. Received the Defense Meritoriton St Pittsburgh, PA 15217 ous Service Award for saving the lives of the Sailors Campaign Phone: (412) 350injured aboard the USS Cole. Helped create over 6500 20,000 jobs for our region and never voted to raise Campaign Email: info@richour taxes and never will. fitzgerald.com Facebook: MattDrozd and MattDrozdforCounty Campaign Web Site: http:// RICH FITZGERALD Executive richfitzgerald.com District: Allegheny County Education: B.S. (Mechanical Engineering) Carne- QUESTIONS: gie Mellon Univ.; minor in business Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? Qualifications for office: 12 years Allegheny A: 1. Reduce taxes to create new jobs and encour-
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age people to stay in and settle in Allegheny County by alleviating their tax burden 2. Make our county government and elected officials more accountable to the Taxpayers by transparency and right-to-know policies 3. Streamline county government, reduce cost of government, and eliminate wasteful spending of our hard-earned tax dollars Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: First and foremost we need to better communicate the anti-discrimination policies we have in place and to make certain that they are being obeyed. Secondly, we need to enhance the access to our county officials and make certain that the hiring policies in place are fair and equitable to all our constituents. Third, we need to make certain that we practice what we preach and that is that all policies of the county are being followed and implemented fairly without any discrimination whatsoever. 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 aggressively pursue support businesses to these industries and other businesses, making it very attractive for them to locate in Allegheny County. When doing so, however, we must also protect our county neighborhoods and our environment. I believe that the County Executive must lead by example and ask nothing of their constituents that they would not do themselves. I have a proven track record of helping to attract over 20,000 jobs and billions in investments to our region.
jobs. Each of these goals can be promoted through my office’s ability to scrutinize County government operations and demand efficiencies, improvements, and innovations that promote progress for all of our residents. 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: When I took office as Controller nearly eight years ago, the powers of the office were viewed and utilized narrowly as a bookkeeping entity. I took action to bring its important auditing function up to the highest nationally recognized standards in order to perform performance audits of important County government functions, and successfully went to court to protect this prerogative of my office. This has resulted in more effective and efficient government, as well as significant cost savings, to the taxpayers of Allegheny County. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: I’ve raised concerns re the fragmentation that exists in local law enforcement, w/ over 100 local police depts which possess greatly differing levels of financial support, staffing capabilities, policies & practices. I’ve advocated for the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Dept, to serve as a coordinating agency & to promote a baseline standard for office training & dept policies through its police training academy. I also support efforts to institute a civilian police review board at the County level.
www.chelsawagner.com Education: B.A., Public Policy, University of Chicago, 1999 J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2005 Qualifications for office: Prior to entering politics, Wagner worked as an attorney, and as a business analyst, advising large municipal and state governments throughout the County. She served three terms in the State House prior to being elected as Controller. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoteChelsaWagner/ QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: 1. Continuing to protect our tax dollars through transparency and accountability. 2. Ensuring tax-exempt “non-profits” are accountable to their workers, our taxpayers, and all County residents. 3. Promoting cleaner and safer air and water while protecting and creating
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is one of the County’s most qualified defense attorneys. A Highland Park native, she graduated from Duke University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Lisa helped organize her union through the Steelworkers and is the current grievance officer. She’ll apply three decades LISA MIDDLEMAN of courtroom experience to save lives, save money, and join the effort to heal communities harmed by decades of disengagement. Facebook: http://facebook.com/lisamiddlemanDA District: Countywide QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: END MASS INCARCERATION WHILE INCREASING PUBLIC SAFETY: Divert people who suffer from mental health and addiction problems entirely out of the system to free resources to focus on violent crime and drug trade. SUPPORT VICTIMS AND WITNESSES: Add social workers and an immigration attorney to educate and assist victims and witnesses. Form robust witness protection program to allow otherwise fearful people to participate safely. Eradicate rape kit backlogs. JUSTICE FOR YOUTH: Exercise discretion in favor of proven rehabilitative goals and programs through the juvenile system rather than the adult system whenever possible. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? REPUBLICAN A: 1. Establish a conviction integrity unit 2. End BROOKE D. NADONLEY cash bail 3. Compile and publicize statistical data No Response: on racial disparities in arrests, bail, charging deciCOUNTY CONTROLLER sions and plea offers & implement strategies to end (Vote for One) 4. Implement and publish charging/sentencing proDISTRICT ATTORNEY cedures to ensure decisions are made pursuant to TERM: 4 years SALARY: $105,568 (Vote for One) written policy 5. Reject racially biased risk assessDESCRIPTION: ments 6. Reform civil asset forfeiture 7. Work with General supervision and control of county fiscal TERM: 4 years SALARY: $182,184 community leaders and experts to develop additionmatters. Must pass on validity of all claims against DESCRIPTION: the county. Prosecutes all criminal cases in Court of Common al strategies LisaMiddleman.com/platform Pleas. Prepares criminal information, requests and Q: What policy changes would you recommend to DEMOCRATIC conducts investigative grand juries, prepares cases improve police accountability? A: Because the police and the DA’s office must for court. CHELSA WAGNER cooperate on a daily basis, there is an inherent Biographical Info: conflict of interest in investigating and proseDEMOCRATIC Last Name: Wagner cuting police. I would form an independent and First Name: Chelsa “firewalled” unit within the District Attorney’s ofSTEPHEN A. ZAPPALA, JR. Age: 7/24/1977 fice that does not interact daily with the police to No Response: Mailing Address: 7000 Meade investigate allegations of police misconduct and Pl. Pittsburgh, PA 15208 refer any allegations that involve use of firearm or REPUBLICAN Campaign Phone: (412) 567-2066 bodily injury to state attorney general for investiCampaign Email: info@chelSTEPHEN A. ZAPPALA, JR. gation and prosecution. sawagner.com See above Campaign Web Site: http:// CHELSA WAGNER
COUNTY TREASURER
(Vote for One) LISA MIDDLEMAN TERM: 4 years SALARY: $105,568 Biographical Info: DESCRIPTION: Last Name: Middleman Collects taxes and other money due the county. First Name: Lisa Keeps daily accounts and must report daily to the Age: 2/7/1962 Mailing Address: 2615 Glenchester Rd Franklin controller all money paid out. Park, PA 15090 Campaign Phone: (412) 652-5743 DEMOCRATIC Campaign Email: lisa@lisamiddleman.com Campaign Web Site: http://www.LisaMiddleman. JOHN K. WEINSTEIN com Biographical Info: Education: Duke University 1983 University of Last Name: Weinstein Pittsburgh Law School 1987 First Name: John Qualifications for office: Lisa Middleman has Middle Name: K. worked in the Public Defender’s office as a trial Age: 1/11/1964 attorney for 32 years and is assigned the complex Mailing Address: 395 Luann Dr. McKees Rocks, cases, including death-penalty cases, because she PA 15136
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VOTERS GUIDE 2019
Campaign Phone: (412) 350-5901 Campaign Email: john.weinstein@alleghenycounty.us Education: Robert Morris – Business Administration/Management Qualifications for office: 16 years as County Treasurer QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Continue to modernize and manage County revenue collection functions particularly real estate and minimize pension fund risk. Manage the numerous real estate collection processes Countywide as a consolidated ef- JOHN WEINSTEIN fort by the Treasurer. Countywide real estate collection processes are already in place. Expand updated technology to increase productivity while maximizing revenue yields for other jurisdictions. The Treasurer’s successful efforts to create pension reform and effectively manage the $850 million pension fund provide secure retirement for employees while protecting the taxpayer from exceessive pension risk. 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: - no response Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: - no response -
REPUBLICAN JOHN K. WEINSTEIN See Response Above
COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 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
DEMOCRATIC BETHANY HALLAM Biographical Info: Last Name: Hallam First Name: Bethany Middle Name: Ann Age: 11/12/1989 Mailing Address: 7917 Hemlock St. Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Campaign Phone: (412) 6525743 Campaign Email: BethanyHalBETHANY HALLAM lamPGH@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http:// www.BethanyHallam.com Education: North Hills High School - 2008 B.A. Duquesne University - 2012 Qualifications for office: I’m serving my first term as a Democratic state committeewoman
for Pennsylvania’s 38th Senatorial district and second term as a local committeewoman in Ross Township. As an advocate and activist, I have experience fighting and succeeding to #MakeProgressHappen. I am endorsed by Rep. Summer Lee, Rep. Sara Innamorato, Rep. Ed Gainey, Mayor Marita Garrett, the Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, the Young Democrats of Allegheny County, Our Revolution, Women for the Future of Pittsburgh, the Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Sharpsburg Council President Brittany Reno, and O’Hara Auditor Darwin Leuba. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethanyPGH/ District: At-Large QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Transparency, Green Jobs, and Criminal Justice Reform. I will fight for public meetings and transparent operations. The Clairton Coke Works fire and air pollution control failures demonstrates racial and climate injustice. We must invest in green jobs so that the children of the Mon Valley can play outside without developing asthma. We must also eliminate the preventable human rights violations in our County Jail. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: Decades of redlining and now gentrification are making it harder and harder for people to find affordable housing, and the original bus rapid transit service cut proposal would have devastated regular transit riders in favor of “choice riders” who already have access to a car. On County Council, I will fight for stronger affordable housing requirements in new developments and for transit access for all (including the fair fares campaign). I will also legislate changes to stop the warden’s abhorrent policies that house transgender women with men. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: We must make sure our citizen police review board has real power. The lives of Allegheny residents, particularly the lives of young men of color, are at risk. I am concerned because our county government failed to implement proper oversight of our small police departments. We must establish a public countywide database of officers and violations so that dangerous officers cannot move from one police force to another, and we must support use of force reform proposals.
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DEMOCRATIC
CHRISTINE ALLEN Biographical Info: Last Name: Allen First Name: Christine Middle Name: Susan Age: 12/22/1965 Mailing Address: 806 Hill St. Sewickley, PA 15143 Campaign Phone: (412) 9837586 Campaign Email: ChrisAllenCHRISTINE ALLEN ForCouncil@ProtonMail.com Campaign Web Site: http://VoteChrisAllen.com Education: Point Park University, University of Pittsburgh Qualifications for office: Incumbent Council Member, Borough of Sewickley 10+ years experience as a community organizer I care & I always show up. I have a strong sense of responsibility & high ethical standards. I’m empathetic, endlessly curious, and hard working. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoteChrisAllen/ District: 2 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for the office? A: 1. Provide Good Government that is: accessible & friendly transparent & honest responsive to the will of the people effective in acting for the public interest 2. Protect public health, including: clean air safe water access to local, high quality healthcare. 3. Ensure equal access to quality public education Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: I’ll protect free, fair & accessible elections& to work to prevent voter suppression &gerrymandering. I’ll work to support maternal and infant health and to decrease infant mortality, because Black infant deaths over the four-year period (2008- 2012) constituted 42% (225) of all infant deaths, in Allegheny County. This racial disparity in the infant mortality rate is 27% larger in Allegheny County compared to the national rate.[https://mageewomens. org/news/community-collaborators-digging-deeper-solve-infant-mortality] I’ll collaborate to create a fairer, more effective local justice system. 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 good jobs go hand in hand. I’ll advocate for policies to increase use of REPUBLICAN renewable energy, spur private investment, and SAMUEL DEMARCO, III continue growing good renewable energy jobs, in AlNo Response legheny County. Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania? A: Children in Clairton, PA, have the right to COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 breathe clean air- so do we all.The American Lung Assoc gives Allegheny County a failing grade for top measures of air quality: ozone, daily particulate (Vote for One) matter levels & long-term particulate matter levels. TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 [https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/ DESCRIPTION: sota/city-rankings/states/pennsylvania/allegheny. Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appro- html] We must act, now, to hold polluters accountpriations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts able, consistently enforce regulations-including peran administrative code, approves Executive ap- mitting requirements & emissions standards. pointments, 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.
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OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
VOTERS GUIDE 2019
REPUBLICAN CINDY KIRK Biographical Info: Last Name: Kirk First Name: Cindy Middle Name: A Age: 1/5/1957 Mailing Address: 198 Ridgeview Dr. Wexford, PA 15090 Campaign Phone: (724) 9350596 Campaign Email: cindykiCINDY KIRK rk2019@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http://none Education: Masters of Science in Nursing Administration - University of Pittsburgh; Bachelor in Science in Nursing- University of Pittsburgh Qualifications for office: A. Sitting County Councilwoman B. Skills acquired thru Nursing Career: listening, advocacy and problem solving. C. Life long County resident D. Life long history of volunteer service throughout the community Facebook: Cindy Kirk 2019 District: 2 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for the office? A: A. Responsibility to the taxpayer who funds the government to ensure their tax dollars are used wisely and efficiently and to live within our means just like we all have to do in our own lives. B. Promote job creation and a healthy economy; to keep Allegheny County open and welcoming for business. C. Advocate for my constituents to ensure the effective delivery of services and public safety for our citizens. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: At the core of social and racial justice is the desire for all people to have a fair shot at the American dream. We need a healthy economy to achieve social and racial justice. I support job training through our skilled trades and Community College of Allegheny County. I will also continue to promote programs within our Human Services department designed to strengthen families and communities by rescuing people from drug addiction, lives of crime, and dependency. I believe a “hand up” is more important to break a cycle of poverty than a hand-out but I appreciate sometimes both are needed. 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 growth of the renewable energy industry has been exciting to watch and I will continue to promote the long-term benefits renewable energy provide. For the industry to continue to grow, we will need skilled workers in this industry, so I support job training programs to prepare workers for the continuing growth of renewables, energy storage, and vehicle electrification. Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania? A: I support the adoption of energy efficiency programs including renewable energy systems and the continued transition to clean fuel and electric vehicles as costs decrease & operating ranges increase. On the regulatory side, our Health Department needs to immediately be open and transparent whenever they detect air quality issues that impact the health and safety of our citizenry and take appropriate action. We also need to look to our neighboring areas to do a better job of reducing emissions
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 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.
DEMOCRATIC THOMAS MATTHEW DUERR Biographical Info: Last Name: Duerr First Name: Thomas Middle Name: Matthew Age: 7/24/1995 Mailing Address: 1008 Brianna Ln. Bethel Park, PA 15102 Campaign Phone: (412) 5925620 Campaign Email: tom@voTHOMAS tetomduerr.com MATTHEW DUERR Campaign Web Site: http:// www.votetomduerr.com Education: Penn State University - Smeal College of Business - Class of 2017 - Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation - Minor in Film Studies Bethel Park High School - Class of 2013 Qualifications for office: Through my role leading voter outreach efforts during the last three election cycles, I’ve had conversations with thousands of voters spread across Southwestern PA while working with the Clinton, Lamb and Iovino campaigns. Talking with these constituents and working with these candidates has given me tremendous insight into not just how to be an effective candidate and elected official, but also a better understanding of the issues facing the people in our region. I’m the most qualified because I’ve honed my ability to organize around issues and build solutions for all. Facebook: www.facebook.com/TomDuerrPA/ District: 5 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for the office? A: 1. Constituent Services and Transparency -Consistently reach out to my community –Emphasize focus on local issues. 2. Protect/Enhance Quality of Life for District 5 / Allegheny County Residents – Expand public transportation access / accessibility – Insure 500+ miles of county run roads / bridges are well kept – Continue to support practices that decrease our carbon footprint in the county 3. Support / Expand Union Rights and Jobs in Region – Protect working men and women’s jobs in the region – Insure union’s always have a voice on the variety of boards we appoint Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: I am a staunch believer that when you’re elected to represent an area, you’re elected to represent every single constituent in that area to the best of you abilities, regardless of their race, religion or sexual orientation. I promise, both as a candidate and elected official, to always fight for LGTBQIA rights and to support any policy or initiative that gives ev-
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eryone a fair shot going through our criminal justice system and being viable contributors to the economic vitality of our 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: Enticing new, well-paying jobs into Southwest PA needs to be a top priority of any campaign being run here in 2019. At the top of that list should be attracting new, renewable energy jobs. To me, there are two aspects that we can have a direct hand in that will attract more businesses into Southwest PA; having a well-educated workforce and having a reliable, up to date infrastructure. Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania? A: 1. Allegheny County has made strides in the past few years regarding its air quality: with 35% of its county buildings being run off of renewable energy, and I will push every effort that will increase that to 60% over the next four years or less 2. Hold businesses accountable to our county health department’s environmental standards 3. Make sure County Health Department has required funding and resources to conduct timely and in depth inspections of Allegheny County businesses
REPUBLICAN SUE MEANS Biographical Info: Last Name: Means First Name: Sue Age: 5/14/1951 Mailing Address: 3485 South Park Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 Campaign Phone: (412) 8544188 Campaign Email: sue.means@ SUE MEANS bethel-park.com Campaign Web Site: http://www.electsuemeans. com Education: BS in Nursing, West Virginia University, 1974; Bethel Park High School Graduate, 1970, Third Degree Black Belt. Qualifications for office: County Councilwoman 5 years 11 months; lifelong county resident; founder-coordinator of annual educational workshop 26 years; 11 years PA Republican State Committee, 24 years Allegheny County Republican Committee; Delegate 2012 Republican National Convention; 3 years Council of Friends of South Park; recognized by President George W. Bush for grassroots leadership; 34 years of community service, active member of Bible Chapel, member: SW Registered Nurses Club, Bethel Park Historical Society, PA Federation of Republican Women, Mt Lebanon Council of Women. Facebook: Elect Sue Means District: 5 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for the office? A: Transparency in Allegheny County government. Opposing wasteful county spending and tax increases. Protecting municipal decision-making authority and individual rights from government overreach. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: It is an important function of government to protect citizens from unjust discrimination. The County Human Relations Commission has been underutilized, partly due to the separate existence of
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VOTERS GUIDE 2019
the City of Pittsburgh Human Rights Commission. If the county commission’s caseload should increase, I would support an increase in its funding. 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 current energy boom in Western Pennsylvania stems from the production of shale gas. Western Pennsylvania has an abundance of this clean-burning resource which will protect the environment until renewable energy resources are fully developed. Over-regulation and over-taxation of any industry deters its growth. This holds true for both renewable energy as well as natural gas. Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania? A: The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) promulgates air quality standards. I will fully support any common sense regulation presented to Allegheny County by the Health Department. The December 24, 2018, fire at the Clairton Coke Works prompted the ACHD to increase the number of air quality monitors placed throughout the county and improve communication to the general public.
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 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.
DEMOCRATIC JOHN F. PALMIERE Biographical Info: Last Name: Palmiere First Name: John Middle Name: F. Age: 6/1/1942 Mailing Address: 422 Dewalt Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15234 Campaign Phone: (412) 8819973 Education: Attended Central Catholic High School; Attended JOHN F. PALMIERE Community College of Allegheny County Qualifications for office: School Director/Baldwin-Whitehall School District/23 years; County Council/Allegheny County District Six/5 years District: 6 Questions: Q: What are your top three priorities for the office? A: The Allegheny County Human Relations Commission is extremely important to the vitality and livability of our region. I absolutely would vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: I think all services should be on the table for discussion to consolidate and save money on behalf
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of the County and all local municipalities. Police, Fire, Paramedics would be a good start. COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 Q: The renewable energy industry is providing a significant increase in good jobs in PA. If elected, (Vote for One) how will you use your elected position to continue this economic growth? TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 A: No Response DESCRIPTION: Q: What action, if any, would you support to imInitiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriprove air quality in Western Pennsylvania? ations, adopts annual balanced budget, adopts an A: No Response administrative code, approves Executive appointments, conducts investigations of County Departments, accepts grants, gifts or donations on behalf REPUBLICAN of County, may modify or eliminate departments, MICHAEL FREEDMAN agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens. No Response
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 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.
DEMOCRATIC NICK FUTULES No Response
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8-
SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL 2 YEAR TERM
DEMOCRATIC DEWITT WALTON No Response
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 11 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 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.
DEMOCRATIC PAUL KLEIN No Response
(Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 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.
DEMOCRATIC PAUL ZAVARELLA No Response
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 13 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $9,000 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.
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VOTERS GUIDE 2019
DEMOCRATIC OLIVIA BENNETT Biographical Info: Last Name: Bennett First Name: Olivia Mailing Address: 707 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Campaign Phone: (412) 5841640 Campaign Email: FriendsofOLIVIA BENNETT Liv@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http://www.livbennett.com Education: Bachelors of Science in business, minor in information technology Qualifications for office: I am an activist and advocate and would like to transfer that passion to politics Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofliv/ District: 13 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for the office? A: Developing the citizen police review board for Allegheny county Environmental protections (Clean air and water) Advocate for separate housing for transgender incarcerated people in the Allegheny County Jail and to make sure all incarcerated people receive basic human rights Public Transit (fair fares, free transfers, extending the busway) Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: Forming the Allegheny County Citizen Police review board. Fighting for more protections for people of color and the LGBTQIA community Make sure that all of those who work 40 hours a week are actually making a living wage to help them get out of the cycle of poverty Working with our school board members to make sure that we are providing a quality education in our public school system and also making sure that the schools move toward a restorative justice model and not punitive Working with the state legislature to encourage a change in the use of force laws 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 encourage more training for folks be able gain the knowledge and skills in preparation for the jobs of the future. I would also make sure that our schools are educating our kids in clean energy jobs, IT and the jobs of the future so we, as a region, are in the best position to seize the jobs of the future. Q: What action, if any, would you support to improve air quality in Western Pennsylvania? A: I would encourage the Health Department to be more transparent in how they hold corporations that pollute our air more accountable. I would also advocate that the money collected as penalties be put toward improving air quality and not building the Health Department a new building.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
CITY OF PITTSBURGH CONTROLLER (Vote for One)
TERM: 4 years SALARY: $75,395 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.
DEMOCRATIC MICHAEL E. LAMB Biographical Info: Last Name: Lamb First Name: Michael Middle Name: E. Age: 9/29/1962 Mailing Address: 1015 Grandview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15211 Campaign Phone: (412) 6702747 Campaign Email: lambforcon- MICHAEL E. LAMB troller@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http://www.lambforcontroller.com Education: Seton LaSalle High School; Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Penn State University; Masters in Public Management, Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University; Juris Doctorate, Duquesne University School of Law; Graduate, The Local Government Academy. Qualifications for office: As City Controller, Michael Lamb has been an independent voice of reason on Grant Street, focused on making Pittsburgh government more transparent and accountable to taxpayers. He has worked to make the Controller’s Office more effective and the City more efficient. Audits by the City Controller’s Office under Lamb have exposed waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars in many City departments and authorities, and pushed City departments and authorities to improve the way they serve and interact with taxpayers. Facebook: Michael Lamb District: City of Pittsburgh QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: My first priority is always to protect city tax dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. We do this by auditing all city spending and reviewing the performance of all city departments and authorities. Second is my goal to bring transparency to city government and its finances. Through a number of initiatives including Open Book Pittsburgh, Fiscal Focus Pittsburgh, and the Popular Annual Financial Report, we go beyond providing information to actually engaging the citizenry in the issues of the city. Third is to continue as an independent voice, working to make the city more efficient and effective. 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: Our two biggest obstacles are limited resources and retaining talent. During the years of the city’s distressed financial status the Controller’s Office was forced to make drastic budget cuts. We had to redirect resources to our most core functions while staff salaries were frozen. The result has been to lessen the scope of some audits, to limit our review of spending and to make salaries less competitive as compared to other sectors. We are addressing this through new technology, improved working conditions and wider opportunities for employee training, education and promotion.
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Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: Awareness and communication play a big part in police accountability. Officers need an understanding of backgrounds of people and the cultural differences that can exist across communities. Also, it can be difficult for an officer, who has been trained in a very direct line of communication, to participate in a more casual give and take with citizens. In the city this is beginning to be addressed through better training but we need to ensure that this training also occurs beyond the city line.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $68,066 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.
DEMOCRATIC BOBBY WILSON Biographical Info: Last Name: Wilson First Name: Bobby Middle Name: Chester Age: 11/29/1982 Mailing Address: 1123 Haslage Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Campaign Phone: (412) 2568814 Campaign Email: votebobby- BOBBY WILSON wilson@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http://votebobbywilson.com Education: BA - Political Science - University of Pittsburgh MS - Exercise Physiology - University of Pittsburgh Qualifications for office: My background in the sciences throughout my work at the University of Pittsburgh allows me to bring an analytical approach to the office. This is coupled with heavy involvement in local civic organizations. As president of the Spring Hill Civic League and a member of the Northside Leadership Conference I have gained a great deal of experience serving my community, a community where I am proud to have grown up and am also raising my children in. For these reasons I believe I am uniquely qualified to be your next city councilperson. Facebook: /www.facebook.com/BobbyWilsonforCouncil District: City Council District 1 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: 1. Affordable Housing for all Growth is important but it remains imperative that the most vulnerable in our community are not left behind and forced to leave neighborhoods they and their families have lived in for years. 2. Equitable development The North Side deserves to share in the growth that is happening in the rest of the city, but at the same time it needs to remain a place for everyone. 3. Constituent Concerns We
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will strive to be accessible and responsive to all of our constituents. If elected I will be present in the community and available to them throughout my term. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: Anytime we enact policy we must consider how it affects those in our community that are marginalized. My top 3 priorities in office (affordable housing, equitable development, & constituent concerns) all strive to consider and center the needs of everyone in our community. Even the most well meaning of lawmakers have the capability to create laws that are destructive to some without realizing it. For this reason it is vital that we continue to listen to all members of our community. When enacting policy I will actively seek out voices that represent the entire North Side. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: Police can be to removed from the community. We should strive to create and enact policy that allows police to spend more time on the beat talking to citizens and living in the communities they serve. Our police officers should be trusted members of our community and not feared. If we are going to improve police-community relations we need to see them on a daily basis in our neighborhoods and not just when 911 is called.
NORTHSIDERS FOR CHRIS CHRIS ROSSELOT Biographical Info: Last Name: Rosselot First Name: Chris Age: 9/3/1980 Mailing Address: Friends of Chris Rosselot PO Box 6373 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Campaign Phone: (412) 2325042 Campaign Email: standingCHRIS tall@chrisforcitycouncil.com ROSSELLOT Campaign Web Site: http:// www.chrisforcitycouncil.com Education: Masters: Public Policy-University of Pittsburgh Bachelors: Political Science-University of Northern Iowa Qualifications for office: Chris is an active volunteer in his community, having served as President of his neighborhood based organization and involved in his two children’s school with the PTO. Chris served on the staff of U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s office for 6 years handling constituent service issues, including assisting constituents navigating their issues with the Federal government. Chris was also the Senators liaison to local government throughout southwestern PA. Currently, Chris is a community development consultant, providing grant development assistance to communities and businesses. Facebook: /www.facebook.com/standingtallforthenorthside District: City Council District 1 encompassing the Northside neighborhoods of Allegheny Center/City Center/West Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Deutschtown, East Allegheny, Fineview, Northview Heights, Observatory Hill, Spring Garden, Spring Hill-City View, Summer Hill, Troy Hill and Washington’s Landing. QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: 1. Constituent Services: My district office will be ready to serve the constituents on day one. I will rely on my government experience to serve to
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people of the Northside in an efficient, transparent and accessible manner. Mobile office hours will be a priority because Northsiders shouldn’t have to go to Grant Street to meet their representative and staff. 2. Responsible Development: I will work with both developers and neighborhood stakeholders to make sure that development is balanced, inclusive and transparent. 3. Infrastructure Improvements: water & sewer, sidewalks, city steps, & paving. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: In order to promote social and racial justice we must first identify and work to change policies designed to work against certain groups. At the city level, specifically in District 1, responsible development is one such issue that comes to mind. I would take a look at zoning policies like inclusionary zoning and transit- oriented projects, to see if there is an opportunity to enact a more equitable system. I would also take a look at the city treasury sale process and see if there is a way to make it more transparent. Until we change policies nothing can change. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: Building positive relationships between the police and the community take time. I would promote community policing practices that include more police/community interaction. Part of my safe streets policy includes not necessarily hiring more police but rather support staff in order to free up cops to invest more time building relationships in the neighborhoods they serve.
SoWk—SOCIALIST WORKERS PARTY MALCOLM JARRETT Biographical Info: Last Name: Jarrett First Name: Malcolm Age: 5/9/1970 Mailing Address: 415 E North Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 Campaign Phone: (412) 6102402 Campaign Email: swppittsburgh@gmail.com MALCOLM Campaign Web Site: http://theJARRETT militant.com Education: Graduated High School in Charleston, Missouri and the University of Pittsburgh. But my real education has been in struggles with fellow workers. Qualifications for office: I have participated in organizing fights against police brutality. I have helped build solidarity for workers in struggle from nurses in Indiana, PA, to UE workers on strike against Wabtec. Recently on a national tour I visited the encampment of the Kentucky Blackjewel miners and brought solidarity to UAW picket lines at General Motors in several cities. QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: UNIONS Support workers’ struggles to organize and strengthen unions. Use union power to defend all working people. 50,000 autoworkers striking against General Motors are an example for all workers. AMNESTY FOR ALL UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS in the U.S. a life-and-death question for the unions to unite workers and cut across divisions the bosses use to drive down wages. JOBS Fight for federal government-financed public works program to put millions to work at union-scale wages building roads, bridges, hospitals, child care centers, mass transportation and quality affordable housing workers need Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social
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and racial justice for all citizens? A: The SWP’s program to confront the economic, social and moral crisis caused by capitalism: “JUSTICE” SYSTEM Fight against police brutality, racist discrimination and the capitalist injustice system. DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS Defend democratic rights under attack. Stop FBI and other government spying, harassment and disruption. ABORTION Defend women’s right to unrestricted access to family planning services, including the right to safe, secure abortions. Working people must organize and act independent of the ruling capitalists and break from their political parties-the Democrats and Republicans. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: When police go to working class communities their form of “helping” often leads to police brutality. Violence is part and parcel of a dog-eat-dog ethic in class society, which relies on the police to maintain a level of fear and repression in working class communities. Police brutality has been pushed back in recent years and guilty cops are going to jail. These fights stay the hand of the police and authorities but also give confidence in our capacity to fight in solidarity with each other.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $68,066 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.
DEMOCRATIC BRUCE A. KRAUS PARTY: Dem Biographical Info: Last Name: Kraus First Name: Bruce Middle Name: A. Age: 4/13/1954 Mailing Address: 157 S. 18th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Campaign Phone: (610) 207-7419 Campaign Email: carver@bruce-kraus.com Education: 1 year of college Qualifications for office: 3 successful terms as a City Councilor, 3 successful terms as City Council President. District: 03 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: It is my continued deep conviction that the people of Pittsburgh deserve good government, that leads me to seek re-election. I sincerely believe we are granted elected office because of our history of service to community and a strong commitment to rigorously work toward policies which serve to unite us, and not to those that would seek to divide us. To this end I have dedicated myself to the service of preserving and improving our quality of life, ensuring every voice is truly heard, and every neighborhood comes to our common table with equal repre-
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sentation and equal resources. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: During my tenure, I have been deeply committed to policies that address social and racial injustices and have passed legislation that: - Bans the box on city employment applications - Banned conversation “therapy” - Passed LGBTQIA+ discrimination protections - Instituted mandatory sexual harassment training for all City Electeds and City Directors Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: Police officers are to be accountable public servants who work transparently and fairly with all communities they serve. Lack of accountability erodes community trust and fosters suspicion and resentment. Elected officials must proactively encourage policing reforms and provide adequate training and resources. Pittsburgh Bureau of Police requires implicit bias training in considering an officer’s racial bias and record when hiring, certifying, deploying, or evaluating police officers.
INDEPENDENT JACOB NIXON Biographical Info: Last Name: Nixon First Name: Jacob Middle Name: A. Age: 11/1/1990 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 42438 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Campaign Phone (412) 3451571 JACOB NIXON Campaign Email: electjacobnixon@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http://www.jacobnixon.com Education: Community College of Allegheny County Qualifications for office: Currently serves as the Associate Director of Development for the Pennsylvania College Access Program. Has served as an Administrative officer for the Pennsylvania Expungement and Pardons program assisting individuals to clear their backgrounds and get their lives back on track. I have worked as a lead foreman/installer; and a detailer in numerous construction and roofing companies. Facebook: Elect Jacob Nixon@votejacobnixon District: City Council District 3 includes the neighborhoods of Allentown, Arlington, Arlington Heights, Beltzhoover, Central Oakland, Knoxville, Mt. Oliver, Oakcliffe, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Side Slopes, and St. Clair Questions: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: -Grow small business development within our communities –Cleanup our neighborhoods and repave the streets –Repair our deteriorating Firefighter, Police and EMS stations Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: I will continue to work with all residents in the education field promoting social and racial justice as I currently do in my position as Associate Director of Development for the Pennsylvania College Access Program. It is important that everyone work together regardless of their age, race, sex, or sexual identity. The beauty of Pittsburgh is that we have numerous major colleges, universities, hospitals and businesses with multi-diverse backgrounds. I want to continue to work with all residence of Pittsburgh keeping this tradition. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability?
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A: I want our police officers to treat all individuals fairly and within the law. I want a culture of accountability that our police officers have a system of internal checks and balances to make sure they carry out their duties properly and act with integrity. This will be done by training and equipping each officer with body cameras.
PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $68,066 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.
DEMOCRAT COREY O’CONNOR Biographical Info: Last Name: O’Connor First Name: Corey Age: 8/22/1984 Mailing Address: 1108 Goodman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Campaign Phone: (412) 5764723 Campaign Email: patrick@coreyoconnorpgh.com COREY O’CONNOR Campaign Web Site: http://coreyoconnorpgh.com Education: B.A., Elementary Education, Duquesne University, 2006 Qualifications for office: City Councilman, 4 years Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/corey.oconnor.161/ District: http://pittsburghpa.gov/council/d5 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Moving forward, I intend to pursue legislation focused on three major areas. I’ll advocate for equitable public education funding for our city schools to prepare the next generation of Pittsburghers for success, regardless of where they live or learn. I’ll push the city to combat climate change and invest in clean, green, and sustainable infrastructure projects that will benefit all Pittsburghers both now and in the future. Finally, I’ll continue to stand against PWSA privatization to keep our city’s water public, and call for action to address air pollution within our city’s limits. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: We need to build a Pittsburgh that works for and includes - everyone. I’ll push to preserve and expand the city’s affordable housing supply through rent control legislation, as I see fair housing as a basic right. I’ll continue to encourage private businesses to raise their minimum wages and guarantee paid sick leave to all their employees. No Pittsburgher should work multiple jobs to survive in this “most livable” city - or choose between caring for a sick family member and losing their job. As always, I firmly support labor rights, healthcare justice, and building an equitable economy. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: All Pittsburgh City Police Officers should wear body cameras to record their interactions with the public. I support Chief Shubert’s decision to
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outfit our entire force with these cameras, as well as field-testing new technologies that activate them as soon as officers draw their weapon. On a broader scale, I’ve always supported the work of the Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board and believe that oversight of law enforcement is a critical element of holding these public servants accountable
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $68,066 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.
DEMOCRATIC DEB GROSS Biographical Info: Last Name: Gross First Name: Deborah Mailing Address: 5800 Wayne Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Campaign Phone: (412) 2126731 Campaign Email: Amanda@ votedebgross.com DEB GROSS Campaign Web Site: http://Votedebgross.com Education: I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Florida and my Master’s Degree in Sociology from Duke University. Qualifications for office: I am a lifelong progressive activist who wants to continue the work I began when I was first elected to Pittsburgh City Council in 2013. Since then I have been a champion for workers rights, safe, affordable, publicly controlled water, sustainable and equitable local food systems, the environment, and community-driven development. I work with neighborhood and community groups to address Pittsburgh’s growing affordable housing crisis. In a time when so many elected officials are afraid to challenge growing corporate power, I am proud to always fights for people over profits. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfDebGross/ District: Pittsburgh City Council District 7 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: My top three priorities for my next term on council will build upon the successes of my first term. First and foremost, we must continue to protect our water from privatization. We need to ensure every citizen has access to safe, clean drinking water. Second, we must fight for greater affordable housing requirements and protections so that our neighbors aren’t priced out of the communities they helped build. Last, but not least, we must continue to fight for working families across the city. This means fighting for ideas like a $15/ hr minimum wage and increased public transportation options. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?
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A: When we value diverse perspectives, we get equitable, inclusive policies that lead to social and racial justice. I am firmly committed to building a stronger, more equitable Pittsburgh for all. Each one of us deserves the chance to benefit and prosper from Pittsburgh’s growth. For too long, we have catered to developers and special interests, which has resulted in policies that hurt working families and neighborhoods. I will always put people first and center the voices of those most marginalized. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: We must continue to push for community policing. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by cities across the country, and Pittsburgh is no exception. I support requiring officers to live in the city, and will fight to put that requirement in their next contract. I support independent citizens review boards who examine and review police conduct. The best way to restore trust is to have openness in our processes. It will not be easy or fast, but sunshine is the only solution. Community Policing. We need all of our communities to feel protected by our police officers, not an adversarial relationship.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 9 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: $68,066 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.
DEMOCRATIC RICKY V. BURGESS Biographical Info: Last Name: Burgess First Name: Ricky Middle Name: V Age: 2/9/1957 Mailing Address: 429 Larimer Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Campaign Phone: (412) 2159766 Campaign Email: sean.har- RICKY V. BURGESS rington@voteburgess.org Campaign Web Site: http://www.voteburgess.org/ Education: Rev. Burgess graduated from Central Catholic High School and LaSalle University and has a Masters from Eastern Michigan University. He has also studied at Penn State University and the Pittsburgh Theological University. Qualifications for office: For the past 35 years, Rev. Burgess has been pastor of the Nazarene Baptist Church. In that capacity, Rev. Burgess has served with faithful distinction with a firm belief in the greater power that guides and offers hope for us all. Rev. Burgess is Chair of the newly formed Pittsburgh Land Bank Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority for the City of Pittsburgh; where he has worked to establish clean, safe, affordable housing for the residents of Pittsburgh. Additionally, Rev. Burgess founded and chairs the Pittsburgh Wage Review Commission.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Councilman-Rev-Ricky-Burgess-51956628947/ District: Pittsburgh City Council District 9 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Safe, clean, decent, affordable housing; Jobs and transit-friendly business districts; Safer neighborhoods that allow our children to grow and thrive. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: Ensuring that Pittsburgh becomes an “All-In City” and pursues equity in all government services and business opportunities, and makes equitable development a core feature of the way the City does business, while ensuring that our neighbors, friends and loved ones can call Pittsburgh home not just tomorrow, but 30 years from now. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: Amend Section 508 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, the statute that provides for use of force by law enforcement to restrict when a police officer can use deadly force on any person.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
COMMUNITY FOR DANIELS BARBARA DANIELS Biographical Info: Last Name: Daniels First Name: Barbara Age: 9/26/1967 Mailing Address: 7327 Finance Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Campaign Phone: (412) 3399066 Campaign Email: BarbaraDaniels4citycouncil9@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http:// BARBARA DANIELS Wix.BarbaraDaniels.com Education: Carlow University, College of Business Administration Pittsburgh.Bachelor of Science, Management Health Services. I was taught to have compassion and respect for others. Life experience taught me about government failure to deliver on promises and the need for officials to support its citizens. Qualifications for office: I feel it is my compassion for people that sets me above every other candidate. I have integrity and you can trust me with the issues and concerns of our community because I will do the right thing. I guarantee you that I will never sell you out just to put money in my own pockets nor will I treat you like you are beneath me. When I’m in office I will have a neighborhood Advisory Leveling Board made up of 3 members from each neighborhood in District 9 to be a part of plans and activities in our communities and each board member will receive a stipend. Facebook: Barbara Daniels District: City Council District 9 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: I am Barbara Daniels and I live in the Homewood neighborhood of City Council District 9. I am running for council because I want to restore the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability to the office of Pittsburgh City council District 9. My priorities are: Affordable Housing, Public Safety and Jobs, and Responsible residential and commercial development Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens?
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A: I will adopt policies that ensure that folks living the realities of income inequality can afford to remain in the communities in which they were born and raised. I will champion legislation that requires commercial developers and business owners to interview and hire a certain number of people from within the community. I want to ensure that minority community members have access to affordable living and a chance at economic opportunity. I would like to see growth in small Business. I want to support community own Business. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: As your District 9 Council representative, I would review the police code of conduct to ensure that there is a protocol in place for when an officer can discharge a weapon or use extreme force. I would meet with the mayor and members of council to ensure that we create a protocol or update the protocol if necessary. I would also make sure that Diversity and Cultural Awareness Training are implemented into the training structure of police office so they would be able to better address the needs
CITIZENS FOR WELCH B. DENIECE WELCH Biographical Info: Last Name: Welch First Name: B. Middle Name: De Neice Age: 10/10/1960 Mailing Address: 611 Wilkinsburg Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221 Campaign Phone: (412) 9528829 Campaign Email: staff@inde- B. DENIECE WELCH pendentwoman4us.org Campaign Web Site: http://www.independentwoman4us.org Education: Ph.D. - Healthcare Ethics Duquesne University May 2019 Qualifications for office: President of PIIN Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network - 10 years as a leader and community organizer Chair of Ntosake - National Women’s Leadership Development Training Network - 5 years Facebook: Citizen’s for Welch District: East Hills, Homewood, North and South Point Breeze, Lincoln, Larimer, Belmar, East Liberty, Garfield, section of Stanton Heights QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: My first priority is to provide better Constituency Service: to listen to the people of District 9: to respond to their needs; to seek their advice, and to build caring, respectful, and communal relationships among us as residents of a great community. Second; Equitable Development that benefits long time residents who need funding to repair their homes, seniors who need to feel secure, encouraging home ownership, and establishing rent controlled units that are truly affordable. Third, fostering partnerships among groups that are already doing great work in District 9. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: To use the “Sacred Conversations” model engaged diverse communities over several months intense dialogue, confrontational activities that caused truth to emerge and promote healing and a change of attitude toward the “other.” Q: What policy changes would you recommend to
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improve police accountability? A: Police accountability is but one part of the need to reform our criminal justice system. The District Attorney’s office as well as the structure of judges need to be included when looking at improving police accountability.
INDEPENDENT RANDALL TAYLOR Biographical Info: Last Name: Taylor First Name: Randall Age: 11/17/1961 Mailing Address: 742 North Beatty Street Pittsburgh , PA 15206 Campaign Phone: (412) 3390354 Campaign Email: Randall- RANDALL TAYLOR forcouncil@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http://www.randallforcouncil.com/ Qualifications for office: Born and raised in Homewood and Liberty and having lived and worked in each, Randall Taylor has been fighting for this community nearly his entire life. From organizing on campus at the University of Pittsburgh to working with the Pittsburgh Coalition Against Substance Abuse and serving on the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Education. Since 2016, he has personally studied housing policy as he’s fought alongside and for his former neighbors as a member of Penn Plaza Support & Action Coalition following the mass eviction. Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RandallTaylorForCouncil/ District: City Council District 9 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Turning the tide toward making Pittsburgh an example of city where housing truly can be treated as the human right that I know it is. Attaining a living wage – in real wages accounting for the cost of living – in Pittsburgh. Beginning to reform our broken criminal justice system such that all Pittsburghers can know they are safe here. That is not the case now and our whole structures need to be changed to make it so. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: I would support public funding from the city’s growing surplus to go toward housing co-operatives, because you cannot get social and racial justice without a stable home. I would move for the city to pick up its lawsuit challenging the nonprofit status of UPMC, because you cannot begin to talk about racial or social justice when such a large, union-busting employer sets the job market in a city where the median income for white men is twice what it is for black men. I would legislate firing authority in to the city’s citizens police review board, because there is no social or racial justice. Q: What policy changes would you recommend to improve police accountability? A: We must *Diversify our police force * Pre-screen potential officers for anger management *Introduce steroid testing for officers *Add firing power to the civilian police review board via collective bargaining *Require implicit bias training
PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 2 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years DESCRIPTION:
SALARY: none
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.
DEMOCRAT DEVON TALIAFERRO Biographical Info: Last Name: Taliaferro First Name: Devon Age: 3/9/1981 Mailing Address: 532 Avery St. #2 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Campaign Phone: (412) 2181271 Campaign Email: TaliaferroDevon@gmail.com DEVON Campaign Web Site: http:// TALIAFERRO www.devontaliaferro.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlliesforDevon/ District: 2 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Addressing student disciplinary actions and supporting Restorative Justice Practices throughout the district to ensure we are keeping our students in the classroom. Creating an equitable and inclusive educational environment for ALL students, by addressing the lack of diversity in building administration and teachers and seeking to address cultural and implicit biases. Building a strong culture of community by unifying key stakeholders (community, parents, teachers), working together in order to make sure every student has the tools they need to succeed throughout their academic career. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: Our schools have to be welcoming for all students, this is not optional and we all have to be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure this. An area I think could be most beneficial is making sure students, staff and parents have the opportunities to be educated and trained on cultural competency and biases. Understanding first our own biases allow us to be able to reflect on what we can do differently to make our schools a welcoming place. Q: What can School Board Members do to encourage Early Learning in youngsters before they begin or enter school? A: Investing in early childhood education and making it attainable for families will bring much value to the district and the child as they continue through their educational journey. The district can lead the way by investing in early childhood learning programs within the district and building sustainable partnerships that will help eliminate the barriers of early childhood education for parents by providing flexible, free or affordable programming for our youngest learners.
REPUBLICAN KIRK RYS Biographical Info: Last Name: Rys
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First Name: Kirk Age: 2/6/1970 Mailing Address: 1145 Duffield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Campaign Email: KirkRysforPPSDistrict2@gmail.com Campaign Web Site: http:// www.kirkrys.com Education: Villanova, B.S. BiKIRK RYS ology; Carnegie Mellon University (Heinz School), M.S. Public Policy; University of Pittsburgh Law School, J.D. Qualifications for office: Any of father, taxpayer, or concerned citizen minimally qualify me. My law and public policy graduate degrees, my 19 years of legal practice, and my track record of successfully working on complex problems in large organizations are evidence of my substantive strengths, noting the Board currently lacks a legal background in its ranks. My service in the Peace Corps, my 6 years as a “Big” brother, my current board service with ACTION-Housing and with First Food & Friends, and my pro bono work with transgender and expungement clients establishes my on-going commitment to the community. Facebook: Kirk Rys for PPS District 2 District: 2 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: My top three priorities are: (i) ensuring that every child, regardless of their place of residence, has access to a high-quality school. (ii) responsible and effective use of tax dollars. (iii) preparing all students to succeed in a 21st Century economy. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: For decades, we’ve failed to give entire neighborhoods any meaningful options for education. We’ve instead created a system that has allowed those with means to cherry pick. Instead of talking about discrete policies, the board needs to focus its limited resources on holding the administration accountable to implement the strategic plan. If the board focuses on doing this job well, it will either drive broad success that impacts the entirety of the district or it will lead to needed change. Q: What can School Board Members do to encourage Early Learning in youngsters before they begin or enter school? A: Within the City, the District is the appropriate party to coordinate and provide universal pre-k. The District has done a good job identifying the barriers to increase early learning; insufficient seats, subsidies and certified personnel. While the District looks to eliminate barriers, much of the work is outside of its control. Board members can help by leveraging our relationships with governmental officials, foundations, private citizens and corporations, all to help attain our goals.
PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 4 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: none 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;
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VOTERS GUIDE 2019
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.
DEMOCRATIC PAM HARBIN Biographical Info: Last Name: Harbin First Name: Pam Age: 11/4/1963 Mailing Address: 731 S. Aiken Ave. #2 Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Campaign Phone: (412) 2164536 Campaign Email: pamharbinschoolboard@gmail.com PAM HARBIN Campaign Web Site: http:// www.pamharbin.com/ Education: Public school graduate and BS in Finance/Marketing from LaSalle University. Experience in large government contract negotiations in the aerospace industry. Leader in education policy at the local, state, and national level. Attended or watched every Pittsburgh school board meeting since 2007. Qualifications for office: For the past 12 years, I have worked in collaboration with students, parents, teachers and the community for the schools all our children deserve. My journey as a mother of two boys in Pittsburgh Public Schools, a public education and disability advocate, and community organizer prepared me to be an effective school board director. I co-founded Education Rights Network, a parent-led organization advocating for fully-resourced, inclusive and quality education for students in Pennsylvania. My advocacy has led to transformative equitable policy change in PPS. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamHarbinPGH/ District: Pittsburgh Public School Board, District 4 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: Improve student outcomes by removing barriers to teaching and learning. All students deserve to thrive in great schools with inclusive access to a full range of opportunities, so that they may succeed in colleges, careers, and life. Create welcoming, safe, identity affirming, fun, challenging, engaging and supportive schools through policy that is informed by students, parents, teachers, principals, and administration working together. Collaborate with the broader community to improve education for all students and expand early learning, Career & Technical Education, community schools, and before/after school program. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: Every student, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, disability, zip code, or income level has the right to a quality, inclusive education in trauma informed, hate-free, and decriminalized schools. I will support policies that improve conditions for learning and teaching, ensure we have great principals and teachers in every school, and remove barriers for traditionally disadvantaged students who experience persistent inequities, so that all students can thrive in any PPS school. Q: What can School Board Members do to encour-
age Early Learning in youngsters before they begin or enter school? A: Through collaboration, Pittsburgh can be a leader in early childhood learning. Investing in early childhood is one of the smartest things we can do, with lifetime benefits for individuals and huge longterm savings for the community. I will work with city, county, and state officials; the teachers union; foundations; and the business community to ensure all of our city’s children have access to affordable, high quality, developmentally appropriate, inclusive early childhood education and care.
REPUBLICAN PAM HARBIN See Response Above
PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 6 (Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: none 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.
OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
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QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities for this office? A: 1. To ensure our students receive a world class education in a safe and welcoming environment. 2. Demand our District is fiscally responsible and spending is directly related to academic goals and outcomes. 3. All stakeholders in PPS are involved in pertinent decision making processes and all phases of Central Administration operations are transparent and that accountability is the standard of this group. Q: What policies will you pursue to promote social and racial justice for all citizens? A: My belief is Excellence with Equity. Resources will be allocated where necessary. Class sizes will benefit instruction. Research has proven smaller class sizes improve instructional outcomes. If a school needs help, it will be immediately given. All students will be treated with respect. All cultures will be celebrated. Restorative justice will be implemented with proper training and understanding so this program will be successful. Curriculum will be in alignment with state standards. Q: What can School Board Members do to encourage Early Learning in youngsters before they begin or enter school? A: Our District must partner with community based organizations such as Head Start to give parents all of the necessary supports they need to help their children. Our children suffer when they enter school unprepared.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
PITTSBURGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR DISTRICT 8
(Vote for One) TERM: 4 years SALARY: none DEMOCRATIC DESCRIPTION: School Directors are elected on behalf of the comWILLIAM J. GALLAGHER munity to oversee the education of students in their Biographical Info: jurisdiction. They serve as agents of the state legLast Name: Gallagher islature. They are responsible for curriculum and First Name: William instruction management, all finances including deMiddle Name: Joseph velopment of annual budgets and levying of taxes Age: 1/25/1957 and issuance of debt obligations when necessary; Mailing Address: 1325 Creedpersonnel; legal matters; management of facilimoor Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15226 ties; and transportation of students as appropriate. Campaign Phone: (412) 867Schools may include pre-K and career and technical 6226 schools. The school board consists of nine members WILLIAM J. Campaign Email: wgallaghGALLAGHER who serve four-year terms of office without pay. The er02@gmail.com school district of the city of Pittsburgh includes Education: BA Political Science Secondary Social Studies Teacher Certification Mount Oliver. In 2019, directors for even numbered Washington & Jefferson College. K-12 Special Ed- districts will be elected. ucation Teacher Certification Duquesne University Qualifications for office: 27 year teaching in DEMOCRATIC PPS. Know and understand the children, teachers and administrators in the system. 31 years coaching KEVIN L. CARTER High School and College Football, so I understand No Response leadership, motivation and team building. Three of my children are graduates of PPS. Not only know REPUBLICAN and have a rapport with students, teachers and administrators of District 6, but I have relationships NO CANDIDATE FILED throughout the District. I have seen what has been successful and what has not worked. I know what constitutes a safe school and I will demand all students feel safe and welcomed. I understand and have written curriculum. Facebook: Bill Gallagher for School Director District: District 6
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OCTOBER 23-29, 2019
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF PENNSYLVANIA Question: Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to grant certain rights to crime victims, including to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity; considering their safety in bail proceedings; timely notice and opportunity to take part in public proceedings; reasonable protection from the accused; right to refuse discovery requests made by the accused; restitution and return of property; proceedings free from delay; and to be informed of the rights, so they can enforce them? League Explanation of the Issue: Marsy’s Law will alter the state constitution to significantly expand rights to victims, and in some cases victims’ families or relatives directly harmed by an accused. Marsy’s Law is named after Marsy Nicholas, a woman stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. One week after her death, her mother and brother, Henry, walked into a grocery store where they saw the accused murderer. The family had no idea that he had been released on bail. Her brother, Dr. Henry T. Nicholas, a billionaire from California, is the key backer and proponent of Marsy’s Law. The “Marsy’s Law for all” campaign seeks through ballot measures to enshrine in state constitutions a set of victims’ rights laws, like that proposed in Pennsylvania. The campaign’s goal is to pass this in every state constitution and then to amend the U.S. Constitution to include victims’ rights. Nearly $850,000 has been spent lobbying in Pennsylvania since December 2017. Nationwide, since the first Marsy’s Law passed by ballot measure in California in 2008, $102.26M has been spent. Of this, Dr. Nicholas contributed about 97%. Pennsylvania has existing statutory laws supporting crime victims, specifically the Crime Victims Act of 1998. Marsy’s Law would go further altering the state constitution to expand existing statutory rights to ensure that crime victims and their families have a meaningful role throughout criminal and juvenile justice systems; provide crime victims with specific constitutional rights, including the right to be treated with fairness and respect for the victim’s safety, dignity, and privacy; to be notified about and present at proceedings; to be heard at proceedings involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition, or parole of the accused; to a prompt conclusion of the case; to reasonable protection from the accused or those acting on behalf of the accused; to be notified about release or escape of the accused; to refuse an interview, deposition or discovery at the request of the accused; and full and timely restitution from the individual or entity convicted of the criminal offense. Marsy’s Law is premised on the notion that victims should have “equal rights” to defendants yet the U.S. Constitution and all 50 state constitutions guarantee defendants’ rights because they are rights against the state, not because defendants are valued more than victims and their families. Defendants’ rights only apply when the state is attempting to deprive the accused – not the victim – of life, liberty, or property. They serve as essential checks against government abuse, preventing the government from arresting and imprisoning anyone, for any reason, at any time. Marsy’s Law initiatives started in California and doubled from 6, to 12 passed, in 2018. However, many states’ legislatures have not passed Marsy’s Law or it was overturned as unconstitutional or improper after was passed into law. PROS:
VOTERS GUIDE 2019
•This proposed amendment will increase the legal rights and privileges of victims and their families. •It will ensure victims and their families are informed when the accused offender is released from custody. •It will require crime victims be informed of their rights. •It will protect victims and their families from the accused, or from those assisting the accused. CONS: •The amendment would override state law, eliminating judges’ abilities to weigh the rights of victims and defendants. •The amendment would alter nine existing provisions of the constitution without submitting each constitutional change separately as a ballot question as required by the PA Supreme Court. •Victims are already protected by the PA Crime Victims Act of 1998. •Victims could refuse to be interviewed or to turn over pertinent evidence or testimony. The right of accused persons to face their accusers and to see the evidence against them is a bedrock principle of the American judicial system that would be damaged by this provision. •Passage would create additional costs and needs on law enforcement, courts and government officials.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
beginning in 2020 to: improve, maintain, create and operate public parks; improve park safety; equitably fund parks in underserved neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh; be funded with an additional 0.5 mill levy ($50 on each $100,000 of assessed real estate value); secure matching funds and services from a charitable city parks conservancy; and assure citizen participation and full public disclosure of spending? BALLOT QUESTIONS (BETHEL PARK ONLY) BETHEL PARK PROPOSED HOME RULE CHARTER AMENDMENTS Shall the Home Rule Charter of the Municipality of Bethel Park, Article 7, Section 701 be amended to remove the requirement that the Financial Officer become a resident of the Municipality of the Bethel Park within one year of appointment? Shall the Home Rule Charter of the Municipality of Bethel Park, Article 8, Section 801, Subsection A be amended to remove the requirement that the Planner become a resident of the Municipality of the Bethel Park within one year of appointment?
BALLOT QUESTION (BRADDOCK ONLY) BOROUGH OF BRADDOCK PROPOSED HOME RULE CHARTER SPECIAL QUESTION BALLOT QUESTION (PITTSBURGH ONLY) Shall the Home Rule Charter contained in the CITY OF PITTSBURGH PROPOSED HOME report, dated August 26, 2019 of the Government RULE CHARTER AMENDMENT Study Commission, prepared in accordance with Shall the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter be the Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law, be amended to establish a dedicated Parks Trust Fund adopted by the Borough of Braddock?