It's Time for a New Mayor

Since I travel to Pittsburgh every day in order to work, I think I'm allowed to have an educated opinion on the upcoming mayoral election. It seems to me that there is currently a "gathering storm" of support for Mark DeSantis, the Republican candidate running for Mayor of Pittsburgh. So far, he's been endorsed by every major newspaper in the Pittsburgh area, including the Trib, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (the Left-leaning rival of the Trib), and the Pittsburgh Courier (the city's African American press). The outpouring of support for DeSantis is very surprising, given the city's history... yet in the same sense, I can't help but think "it's about time."

There hasn't been a Republican Mayor in Pittsburgh for over 70 years. Over the years, especially in the last twenty, Pittsburgh has seen a decline in business, residence, and production. We're known as a dying city, and the stream of zombie movies set in Pittsburgh doesn't help the reputation. During all of this, the Democrats have had plenty of time to turn things around. In fact, they've had almost an entire century to make this city a bastion of liberal success. Okay, now it's time to give a Republican a chance.

Just from studying DeSantis's website it's clear that he has some strong ideas to help new business flourish in Pittsburgh. He wants to cut back on taxes and help foster businesses and corporations looking to call Pittsburgh home. I really think this guy has what it takes to make Pittsburgh a great city to work in again.

On the other side, there's Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. His 13 months in office have been filled with mini scandals involving him abusing his powers as mayor and wasting tax dollars. My biggest issue with Luke is that he's just too immature to run this city. It's clear that he is merely a tool for whatever staff he has behind him, and his true attitude shines through when he is sneaking on to golf courses or partying in the South Side. I'm sure he's a cool guy, but I think of him more as a "bro" or a 'wingman,' rather than a Mayor. I don't see this election as really being about political parties, but more about who is competent and who isn't. Unfortunately, there is still a large number of Pittsburghers who I'm sure will vote for Luke just because he's a Democrat.

I sort of wish I lived in the city so that I could vote for DeSantis. This seems to be the best chance Pittsburgh has ever had to have a Republican mayor. I just want to see what he does; and I know, if given the chance, that DeSantis's ideas will truly help Pittsburgh's economic situation. Really, Pittsburgh has nothing to lose by electing the guy.