REPARTEE FOR TWO Barbara M. Neill
In A Word . . . Pittsburgh! Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow “2008 Pittsburgher of the Year”
William E. “Bill” Strickland, Jr., President and CEO Einstein said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.” In this the year of the city’s 250th anniversary, I thought it would prove enlightening to speak with a cross-section of the city’s luminaries about Pittsburgh – past, present and future. From his/her unique vantage point each of my participants answered the following questions with 1word responses. Elaboration was optional and showcasing of venues was encouraged.
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Looking back on Pittsburgh’s rich history, in your opinion which individual best represented the spirit of the city and could qualify for the title of “The Quintessential Pittsburgher?” What does your organization offer the metropolitan area today that no other can, or does? As the city and its residents look to the future, what goal or objective would you place at the top of your personal “To Do” list for Pittsburgh?
Manchester Bidwell Corporation, www.manchesterbidwell.org 1. IRVIS – K. Leroy Irvis believed in diversity. He believed that everyone could make a contribution to the greater good. He believed that Pittsburgh could rate as one of the world’s great cities.
Photo by Julie May Queen
2. INNOVATION (in the social sector) – Since 1968, Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s (MBC) non-profit organizations have served thousands of adults and youth in the Pittsburgh region by providing instruction, guidance, and mentorship in career and arts education. Through education, MBC and its subsidiaries — Bidwell Training Center (BTC) and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) support individuals and entities to build, strengthen and enhance communities. For 40 years, BTC has attracted national recognition for its innovative and career-oriented training that changes the lives of adults in transition in southwestern Pennsylvania. BTC provides literacy and remedial education as well as partnering with leading corporations to design high-caliber, market-relevant career training programs that lead to entry level employment. For 40 years, MCG has been a unique haven – a multidisciplined arts and learning center that fosters a sense of belonging, interconnections, and hope within the urban community. MCG houses visual arts, design, digital imaging, ceramics and photography classrooms along with a concert hall and an art gallery – all designed to showcase the roles of creativity and craftsmanship in learning. 3. GROWTH (amid diversity) – If Pittsburgh is going to survive, it needs to become a worldclass city – not just a great city of the US.
Dan Onorato, Chief Executive Officer Allegheny County, www.alleghenycounty.us 1. CALIGUIRI – the late Pittsburgh Mayor Richard S. “Dick” Caliguiri (1931-1988) 2. STABILITY – Since taking office in 2004, I have held the line on property taxes every year. In fact, homeowners and businesses have not seen an increase in Allegheny County property taxes in six years. Meanwhile, all counties around us have raised taxes since 2002: Armstrong County up 35 percent; Beaver County up 19 percent; Butler County up 25 percent; Washington County up 21 percent; and Westmoreland County up 24 percent. Allegheny County’s decision to implement a base-year property tax assessment system has also brought stability to property owners and put an end to backdoor property tax increases by school districts and municipalities. 3. CONSOLIDATION
Most Reverend David A. Zubik, D.D., Bishop Diocese of Pittsburgh, www.diopitt.org 1. CANEVIN – In addition to overseeing the building of Saint Paul Cathedral, my predecessor Bishop Regis Canevin was the Shepherd of the Church in Pittsburgh as it took on a leadership role in the community. 2. HOPE – Our lives have to be rooted in hope, and hope comes from faith. Faith leads to a life based on the certainty of hope. Let me echo Pope Benedict XVI who has written that in faith and hope, “Our lives are involved with one another, linked together…No one lives alone. No one sins alone. No one is saved alone.” 3. HOPE – I’ll repeat myself – hope. Without hope, there is no future. Photo by John Homich & S. Pelaia
George L. Miles, Jr., President and CEO WQED Multimedia, www.wqed.org 1. HILLMAN – The quintessential Pittsburgher is Elsie Hillman, of course! Just look around us – her impact and that of her husband, Henry, can be seen and felt throughout our region. Not just in the buildings and places which bear their name; not just from a philanthropic perspective. Elsie’s love of Pittsburgh comes from her heart and that love is genuine. She is the consummate volunteer and gives of her time, as well. She’s a remarkable woman and Pittsburgh is blessed that Elsie Hillman is part of the fabric of our community. 2. CHANGE – WQED changes lives.
12 - May/June 2008
3. JOBS = young people.
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST