Mayoral debate: Early returns

Timothy McNulty | October 21, 2009

(Note to readers: We had some tech -- and spelling problems -- at this afternoon's debate. Our liveblog in three sections is posted here, with mostly paraphrased quotes.)

Your hosts for tonight, in the second mayoral debate of the fall:

WTAE's Sally Wiggin, plus Andrew Stockey, Wendy Bell, Bob Mayo and Jill Greenwood, a Tribune Review police reporter.

Independent Kevin Acklin give his statement first: We stand on the shoulders of great Pittsburghers who stood before us. I'm not from a family of politicians, I'm not from a family of celebrities -- from a family of firefighters and police officers. Spent last 10 years in real world as business lawyer, and in neighborhoods doing community work.

Independent Dok Harris: Pittsburgh needs leadership -- have in in foundations, non profits, arts, but not Downtown. Carrick, Beltzhoover, Sheraden -- we get the same message that we need leadership now. Grant Street should touch each city in Pittsburgh. Say yes for a city that will work for you.

Incumbent Luke Ravenstahl: I promised you a brighter better Pittsburgh: were were facing bankruptcy, now are solvent; 40 year record lows in crime; creating jobs while other cities suffer; Pittsburgh Promise for scholarships; we know we are city of champions, rest of world sees that now as well (through the G-20).

Question 1 from Stockey to Acklin: Upon oath of office, what is number 1 priority?

Acklin: Renewing neighborhoods by: making them safer; refocusing URA on neighborhoods (unlike mayor, who focuses URA on big developments)

Harris: Create office of small business to help neighborhood business districts. Go after gun violence and trafficking.

Ravenstahl: My number one priority is to continue our financial recovery -- that leads to keeping police on the streets, avoiding layoffs, etc.

Q 2: From Wendy Bell to Harris. What is first step for turning communities around (like East Liberty)?

Harris: East Liberty an example of residents retaking community, through the power of small business (such as restaurants). Seeing in Garfield too. Have to rebuild business districts.

Ravenstahl: First thing is to make them safe. In order to have investment, have to make sure they are safe communities and clean communities. Eco development follows.

Acklin: Spread investments to all neighborhoods. Have promised to do one eco development project in all 88 neighborhoods. Key is police presence. Doorknocked in Garfield: little boy came out of door to greet me, thinking I wanted drugs. I stepped over bags of drugs in the street.

Q3 from Mayo to Ravenstahl: What cost savings are left?

Ravenstahl: Joint programming (like new homeless program with county).

Acklin: Mayor hasn't "done one thing" to make sure consolidation happen.

Harris: He hired a finance director who doesn't know anything about finance -- he authored a PWSA bond deal that's losing $250G's a week. That money could be bailing out the libraries.