Author: grantstreetgossip

An article in yesterday’s Tribune-Review states that Raventahl expects a challenge from City Council President Doug Shields in the 2009 mayor’s race. When Shields denied the claim, Ravenstahl seems to use that denial as a way to discredit the councilman. Additionally, another potential motivation for the mayor’s announcement is the hope of a crowded field. Ravenstahl knows that more than one opponent will likely assure his victory.

Tim Murphy is the current representative for Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District. There are quite a few others getting into the race. Here are the candidates we found and their websites. Who do you think is a good candidate for this seat?

• Tim Murphy, Rep. – ElectTimMurphy.com
• Beth Hafer, Dem. – HaferforCongress.com
• Steve O’Donnell, Dem.
• Erin Vecchio, Dem.
• Brien Wall, Dem – BrienWallforCongress.com
• Dan Wholey, Dem. – wholeyforcongress.net

New Campaign Manager
Word on the street is that Ravenstahl has hired a new campaign manager.  Anyone know who it is?

Can Luke Dance?
Check out the article in today’s Tribune Review -  “Mark, play nice with Luke in the race.” Eric Hyle summaries Luke’s first year in office:

Where might this all lead?

Ravenstahl probably won’t guide the city back to prosperity, but he is well-positioned to be a possible contestant during an upcoming season of “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Is Luke learning from George Bush? – Luke gets crafty with his language about the resignations and hiring of new directors. Pittsbugrh Metroblog has a summary:

Luke…”isn’t worried” about having fired the directors of all city departments without having found replacements. You see, he didn’t quite fire them:

Ravenstahl said he hasn’t “formally accepted” the directors’ resignation letters, but he has kept them in his desk. He said he expects to accept some of the letters after his staff completes a national search for potential replacements.

The mayor’s comments conflict with a June 14 news release about the shakeup, which said the 11 directors had been “asked to serve the city in an acting capacity” while their job performances are evaluated.

Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter requires the mayor to obtain City Council’s approval for new directors or acting directors who serve longer than 90 days. The rule is one of the legislative checks City Council has on the mayor’s office; however, the charter doesn’t define a penalty for missing the 90-day deadline.