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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
VOL. 106, NO. 19
Three Sections
settles ACLU Protesters call for greater City lawsuit over biased police oversight in contract police hiring policy Published Weekly
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MAY 13-19, 2015
INSIDE
by Christian Morrow
Voters Guide 2015
by Christian Morrow
Courier Staff Writer
Courier Staff Writer
The City of Pittsburgh has agreed to pay $985,000 to roughly 360 African Americans who were eliminated from the pool of candidates for police jobs between 2008 and 2014 due to inherent bias in the hiring system. Mayor Bill Peduto, joined by state American Civil Liberties Union Legal Director Vitold Walczak, city Solicitor Lourdes Sanchez-Ridge and representatives of several community groups, announced the settlement of the 2012 lawsuit during a May 7 press conference, calling it an “historic day for the city.” “We need a police force that looks like Pittsburgh does, and today the city and the civil rights community are coming together to find the best and most equitable way to do that,” he said. That appears to be a total revamping of the hiring system that independent consul-
As the legal team for the City of Pittsburgh prepared to make its presentation to arbitrators in its contract dispute with the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge #1, protestors representing several community groups rallied outside the City-County Building calling for more transparency and disciplinary oversight of police officers. “We’re here to demand accountability from the police union,” said rally organizer Celeste Scott of We Change Pittsburgh. “We want the Citizens Police Review Board to have subpoena power so it can have some teeth. Right now the police aren’t accountable because we still have bodies dropping in the street, people of color.” Chanting “From Baltimore to NYC, end police brutality” and “No justice. No peace. No racist police,” more than a dozen protesters prompted honks from passing motorists as they waved signs saying “End Blue Silence” and “Abolish the FOP.” Protester Ken Miller said police brutality is out of control and if the city cannot win concessions on greater police discipline through the ongoing contract arbitration process, Mayor Bill Peduto should seek federal oversight. “We expect Bill Peduto to tear down the ‘blue wall,’” he said. “He can ask the Department of Justice for help. He can say state law makes it impossible for him to
Special Section
Fund started for 2 killed in East Hills home by Ashley Johnson Courier Staff Writer
The family of a grandmother and granddaughter found brutality murdered last week in East Hills have recently started the Valorie Crumpton, Tionna & Vaughn Banks Memorial Fund through the site GoFundMe to raise funds for the funeral services and the support of a 2month-old baby who has been left without a mother just days before Mother’s Day. In the afternoon of May 7, according to a release issued by the PittsTIONNA BANKS burgh Department of Public Safety Information Officer Sonya Toler, Pittsburgh Police conducted a wellness check on Tionna Banks, 19, after a caseworker reported she had not shown up for a social service appointment days prior. Upon arriving to the home in the 500 block of Karl Street, and hearing music and smelling a strong odor, officers forced their way into the home and found the bludgeoned bodies of Banks and her grandmother, Valorie Crumpton, 72. They each died of blunt force trauma. Banks’ newborn son, Vaughn, was not home and was later found safe. No one has been charged and no suspects have
SEE PROTESTERS A4
SEE ACLU A4
Ginyard charges Burgess tried to steal lawn sign by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
END POLICE BRUTALITY—Student activist Teonna Ross listens to other protesters during a rally for greater police accountability at the City-County building May 8. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Meetings held to determine future of Wilkinsburg School District by Paige K. Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
Wilkinsburg Superintendent Dan Matsook, EdD, held a press conference and community meeting May 7 to address the immense issues currently affecting the school district. “We have a very positive outlook on the future of the
SEE FUND A5
Wilkinsburg School District,” Matsook said. Two separate meetings took place that day. A press briefing was held earlier in the day and a community meeting followed hours later. While the briefing was for press only, the community meeting, held in the Wilkinsburg High School Auditorium, was open to the public.
The long awaited neighborhood discussion came about after news reports that the surrounding neighborhoods, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills School Districts rejected overtures from the Wilkinsburg district to accept approximately 200 students in grades 7-12. The Penn Hills SEE MEETING A5
With a former felon running, and the incumbent refusing to join further debates after one featured an audience/candidate commotion, you might have been tempted to think the Pittsburgh District 9 city council race couldn’t get any stranger. And “tempted” may be the operative word, as challenger Judith K. Ginyard has filed a po-
GINYARD
BURGESS
SEE GINYARD A5
Hunt donates cord blood to save a life by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
Carter, Moriarty, Rogers vie to replace Brentley by Christian Morrow Courier Staff writer
Having four of the nine seats on Pittsburgh Board of Education up for grabs is not unusual, the elections are staggered two years apart for that reason. But having three of those four seats open because the current directors are stepping down? That is different, and even more so because two of those three are the (current) longest serving members—District 4 Director Bill Isler and District 8 Director Mark Brentley. Also stepping down is Dis-
TAKING A STAND—Patricia Rogers works to convince voters she is the best choice to follow Mark Brentley in the District 8 director’s seat.
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trict 6 Director Sherry Hazuda. The District 2 seat, currently held by Director Regina Holley will remains so as she is unopposed. The eight candidates vying for the three open seats made their final pitches May 6 at the Hillman Auditorium in the Hill District. As there were no African American candidates running for either District 4 or District 6, and with District 8 including the Hill, those candidates: WALKING THE WALK—Rosemary Rosemary Moriarty, Kevin Moriarty makes a point during the Hill Carter and Patricia Rogers District Pittsburgh Public School Board candidate forum at the Hillman Auditorium. (Photos by J.L. Martello) SEE CARTER A5
A local mother has made a courageous decision, in order to save a life. “My decision was definitely made from a mother’s love. What I was asked to do for someone else’s child, I can only hope someone would do for mine. All parents want to live to see their children live happy, healthy, long lives. You can’t nurture someone in your womb and care for them after birth and not give all you can to ensure that,” donor Shawnika Hunt said. Hunt was pregnant with her first child when she and her husband first agreed that they were not going to move forth with donating their child’s cord blood. That was until a close friend was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoma. Hunt immediately wanted to know what she could do to help. It was when then that she learned about the need for African American cord blood donors. Hunt quickly learned that her SEE HUNT A4
George Curry asks
How can you tell when a politician is lying? Forum A7
‘Jon Stewart of Egypt’ eyes next project after Harvard stint
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MAY 13-19, 2015
by Philip Marcelo Associated Press Writer
BOSTON (AP)—Bassem Youssef, the man dubbed the “Jon Stewart of Egypt,’’ is eyeing new projects after teaching students at Harvard University’s prestigious Kennedy School of Government how satire can disrupt the social and political order. It’s a topic the 41-year-old heart surgeon-turnedsatirist knows well. Youssef rocketed to fame after the 2011 Arab Spring revolution as host of a wildly popular Egyptian political satire show. “El Bernameg’’—Arabic for “The Program’’—was canceled in June 2014 amid mounting pressure by the military-led government to crack down on dissenting voices. Youssef and his family, concerned for their safety, left the country months later. At a recent appearance at a downtown Boston law firm, Youssef said he hasn’t ruled out an eventual return to television. He’s had plenty of offers, he says, but none caught his interest. “The offers would be like, ‘Forget politics. Why don’t you do a game show?’’’ Youssef says. “That we couldn’t do. We can’t risk sacrificing the brand.’’ He admits to holding out some hope for a U.S. gig. “Maybe I’ll stay in the States. Maybe I’ll have an offer,’’ Youssef says. “But I don’t know what the American public would feel about an Arab with thick accent talking about American politics.’’ While his tone was mostly casual and breezy, he firmly pushed back when an audience member suggested he had given up on his country. “It’s very easy to say I’m quitting, but if you put yourself in my shoes, I would like to see how you react,’’ Youssef said. “Every time I would speak in public, they would arrest someone at home. Continuing to speak was being selfish.’’ During his show’s threeyear run, Youssef was frequently at odds with authorities. Following the 2011 revolution, he was briefly arrested after being accused of insulting thenPresident Mohammed Morsi. After a military regime ousted Morsi, Youssef says, he was even accused of being recruited to spy for
This Week In Black History
INTERNATIONAL
FOCUSED—Bassem Youssef, who has been dubbed the Jon Stewart of Egypt for his biting political satire, participates in a discussion of satire and free speech Friday, May 1, in Boston. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) foreign powers. As the pressure mounted, his show was suspended and then canceled. For now, Youssef says, he
“It was stupid for us to think we’d have a revolution in 18 days. It will take time. Revolution isn’t an event. It’s a process.” BASSEM YOUSSEF is focused on giving young Arab talents the same shot he had at stardom. His latest venture is “Tube Star Network,’’ a Dubai-based project that helps aspiring Arab talents develop their own Internet programs. Hopefully, he says, some will make the same leap to broadcast television as he did. “There’s a huge vacuum in the Middle East for original content,’’ Youssef said. “This vacuum, right now, is being filled with extremists, with military propaganda, or filled with apathy.’’ Youssef, who is also encouraging donations toward an independent documentary about his show, is a prime example of what timing and the right message can do. As he told the Boston audience, he was well on his way toward his lifelong
Learn more about the legal settlement...
in the Pittsburgh police hiring discrimination federal lawsuit against the city on Elaine Effort the next Pittsburgh Profiles with KQV News Reporter Elaine Effort.
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KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, May 15 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, May 16 at 6:30 A.M. Sunday, May 17 at 5:30 P.M.
dream to be a heart surgeon in America when a wave of revolutions toppled authoritarian regimes across the Arab World in 2011. Dissatisfied by mainstream news coverage at the time, Youssef and his team started uploading short videos skewering Egyptian media, politics and culture in the vein of “The Daily Show.’’ The YouTube clips developed a following and eventually were picked up by an Egyptian television network, where it became one of the nation’s most popular shows ever. Youssef also gained international fame, being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2013 and developing a kinship with the real Jon Stewart. “The Daily Show’’ host appeared on Youssef’s show and Youssef, in turn, has done guest spots as a ``senior Middle East correspondent’’ for the Comedy Central show, from which Stewart is stepping down in August. Reflecting on the Arab Spring, Youssef believes the uprisings set in motion developments that will eventually bring lasting change to the region. “If it’s defeated, I don’t think I will be defeated for very long,’’ Youssef told the Boston audience. “It was stupid for us to think we’d have a revolution in 18 days. It will take time. Revolution isn’t an event. It’s a process.’’ Then, as now, he believes young people, who comprise significant majorities in many Arab countries, hold the key. “They are asking questions that were not asked before. They are challenging religious authorities, political authorities and military authorities,’’ Youssef says. “It has started. The ways that the establishment used to keep those young people down for many decades are not working anymore.’’
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Week of May 13-19 May 13 1865—The last battle of the Civil war ends. Ironically, it appears the Confederate troops won the battle at Palmetto Ranch, Texas. However, it was the actions and bravery of the 62nd Regiment of United States Colored Troops that prevented the defeat from turning into a rout. The Confederates had actually underestimated the fighting prowess of the Blacks, assuming they would run in fear when the fighting began. Instead, what occurred was the rapid defeat of two White regiments but the Black soldiers of the 62nd held firm. The Confederates would later surrender. 1950—Singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder is born Steveland Judkins in Saginaw, Mich. Wonder has recorded 30 Top 10 hits and has won 24 Grammy awards—a record for any living artist. STEVIE WONDER May 14 1885—Erskine Henderson, an African-American jockey, wins the Kentucky Derby on “Joe Cotton”—a horse trained by Alex Perry—an African-American trainer. Henderson was the sixth Black jockey to win the coveted race. Indeed, Black jockeys and trainers dominated the Kentucky Derby from 1875 to 1902. However, while some of the reasons are not entirely clear, it appears that as the race became more and more prosperous, Black jockeys and trainers were forced out. 1970—A student protest on the campus of Mississippi’s Jackson State University leads to a massive confrontation with local police authorities. When the smoke cleared, two students had been shot and killed and another 12 injured or wounded. Reasons given for the protests ranged from opposition to the War in Vietnam, racial tensions and anger over the National Guard killings of White students on the campus of Kent State University earlier in the month. The university memorialized the disturbance by naming the area where it took place “Gibbs-Green Plaza” after the two students who were killed—Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, 21, and James Earl Green, 17. RAMONA AFRICA 1985—In a confrontation with the Black Nationalist back-to-nature group MOVE, Philadelphia police drop an incendiary device on the group’s home and headquarters. The decision to bomb had been apparently approved by Black Mayor Wilson Goode. Eleven MOVE members, including five children, were killed. The only adult survivor was Ramona Africa. More than 60 homes in the surrounding area were burned to the ground. It was never fully clear why the decision to drop the bomb was made. May 15 1911—Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the nation’s leading Black fraternities, is founded on this day on the campus of Indiana University by 10 young men led by Elder W. Diggs and Byron K. Armstrong. 1942—The 93rd Infantry is activated and assigned to combat in the Pacific. It thus became the first African-American division formed during World War II. May 16 1868—The United States Senate fails by one vote in securing the two-thirds vote needed to convict President Andrew Johnson of the articles of impeachment, which had been brought against him. The failure was a major setback for JOHN CONYERS JR. Black rights in America because Johnson had become a leading opponent of voting rights and economic advancement for the recently freed slaves. While the impeachment trial did not center on Black rights, Blacks would have clearly benefited if Johnson had been expelled from office. 1929—Detroit Representative John Conyers Jr., one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, was born on this day in 1929. He remains one of the most progressive members of the United States Congress. 1966—Janet Jackson, of the famous and talented Jackson family, is born on this day in Gary, Ind. Controversy remains as to whether Janet has a secret daughter. 1990—Sammy Davis Jr. dies in Beverly Hills, Calif., at age 64. Davis, born in Harlem, N.Y., was a world class entertainer who performed well as an actor, singer and dancer. He was also a member of Hollywood’s popular and notorious “Rat Pack,” which included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. May 17 1954—The United States Supreme Court renders its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education (Topeka, Kan.) declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The unanimous ruling was written by Chief Justice Earl B. Warren, who headed one of the most progressive Supreme Courts in U.S. history. The ruling read in part “Segregation of White and Negro children in the public schools of a state solely on the basis of race…denies Negro children the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.” The legal team which argued the case was led by later Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshal. The ruling also had the effect of undermining all “Jim Crow” or segregationist laws. 1956—Boxing sensation Sugar Ray Leonard is born. The versatile fighter was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 1980s. SAMMY DAVIS JR. 1988—Black Ophthalmologist and inventor Dr. Patricia E. Bath of Los Angeles, Calif., patents an apparatus that efficiently removes cataracts by using laser technology. May 18 1896—The United States Supreme Court issues its infamous ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson. The decision declared the doctrine of “separate but equal” was constitutional. By doing so it, in effect, approved all Jim Crow or segregationist laws designed to degrade Blacks or keep them separate from Whites. The ruling would stand until the Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954. 1955—Legendary educator Mary McLeod Bethune dies at 79 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Born the 15th of 17 children in Mayesville, S.C., Bethune would rise to become one of the nation’s foremost Black educators and early civil rights activist. She was a driving force behind the founding of Florida’s Bethune-Cookman College. May 19 1925—Black revolutionary Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on this day in Omaha, Neb. His father, Earl Little, was an outspoken Baptist minister and a follower of the legendary Black Nationalist Marcus Garvey. For his outspokenness, Earl Little would be brutally killed in 1929 by a Ku Klux Klan type group. A smart and focused student, Malcolm dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But that dream would be crushed by prejudice when one of his favorite teachers told him that was “not a realistic goal for a nigger.” He would end up dropping out of school and moving with his mother to Boston, Mass. He would later travel to New York City where he began a criminal life of petty crimes, but rapidly moved up to coordinating drug, prostitution and gambling rings. With the “heat” on, he moved back to Boston where he was arrested and sentenced to prison on a burglary charge in 1946. By the time he was paroled in 1952, he was a devoted follower of Elijah Muhammad and a small Muslim sect known as the Nation of Islam and had dropped his “slave” last name in favor of being referred to as “Malcolm X.” From 1952 to 1963, he became the primary force behind the MALCOLM X building of the Nation of Islam from a sect of fewer than 1,000 members to a national organization of over 30,000 members. But his faith in Elijah Muhammad was crushed when he learned in 1963 that the married and outwardly puritanical Muhammad had had extra-marital affairs with at least six young Nation of Islam women. A bitter separation resulted between Malcolm and the Nation. Malcolm then turned to a more orthodox version of Islam and began to seek closer relations with other Black Nationalist and civil rights groups. He was assassinated at Harlem, N.Y.’s, Audubon Ballroom on Feb. 21, 1965 by three men associated with the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X was 39. 1930—Lorraine Hansberry is born in Chicago, Ill. During her short life she becomes one of Black America’s most prolific authors and playwrights. Her most famous play was “A Raisin in the Sun”—which was the LORRAINE HANSBERRY first drama written by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway. After her death from cancer in 1965, another one of her plays—“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became a major off-Broadway production. 1952—Eccentric model and singer Grace Jones is born in Spanish Town, Jamaica. In addition to her singing and modeling, her unusual style propels her into a status as one of the icons of the disco and new music scene of the 1970s.
West Point names barracks for Black graduate who was shunned
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
by Michael Hill
Associated Press Writer
WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) —Benjamin O. Davis Jr. entered West Point in 1932 as its only Black cadet and spent the next four years shunned. He roomed alone, and no one befriended him. The future Tuskegee Airman and trailblazing Air Force general later said he was “an invisible man.” Now, more than a decade after his death, the academy that allowed Davis to be ostracized is honoring him. A new cadet barracks being constructed among the fortress-like buildings of the U.S. Military Academy will be named for Davis—a rare privilege previously granted to graduates with names like MacArthur and Eisenhower. Officials at the storied academy say Davis was a natural choice by dint of his career and character. It also gives the academy a chance to belatedly do right by Davis. “If you want to know what, ‘Duty, Honor, Coun-
MAY 13-19, 2015
NATIONAL
try’ look like, just read a little bit about Benjamin O. Davis Jr., and your jaw will drop because he is the epitome of what we want at a time when we didn’t know what ‘right’ looked like,” said Col. Ty Seidule, the head of West Point’s history department and a head of the naming committee. “So it’s our chance to acknowledge one of our greatest graduates.” Davis, who died in 2002 at age 89, has a historysoaked resume that includes commanding the allBlack 332nd Fighter Group, known as the Red Tails, and becoming the first Black general of the Air Force, which he joined in 1947. He retired as a three-star general in 1970 and was awarded a fourth star in 1998 by President Bill Clinton. West Point graduated its first Black cadet at the tailend of Reconstruction in 1877, though no Black cadet had graduated in the 20th century when Davis arrived at the academy along the Hudson River. Some cadets clearly
‘INVISIBLE MAN’—In this Dec. 9, 1998 file photo, Ret. Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., listens to remarks prior to receiving his fourth star from President Clinton at the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, File) wanted to keep it that way. Davis was “silenced,” a coordinated shunning usually reserved for cadets who violated the honor code. He roomed by himself, and fellow cadets spoke to him only as needed. Mess hall tables with empty places would be too full for him to
sit at. “I was to be silenced solely because the cadets did not want Blacks at West Point. Their only purpose was to freeze me out,” Davis wrote in his 1991 autobiography. “What they did not realize was that I was stubborn enough to put up with their
treatment to reach the goal I had come to obtain.” Davis wrote that while West Point administrators could maintain the silencing was not official, “they knew precisely how I was being treated.” Davis refused to buckle. He took long, solo runs through the surrounding hills, listened to his radio and wrote cheerful letters home. He graduated 35th in a class of 276. In the end, his steely tenacity won respect from the very cadets who made his four years so difficult. His yearbook entry notes that he earned “the sincere admiration of his classmates.” Davis, a Washington, D.C., native, went on to a long career in which he persevered in the face of racism, notably with the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen. “He tried to tell us that it was not going be easy, because we had not been accepted as full citizens of the United States,” said Needham Jones, 96, who served under Davis in the 99th Pursuit Squadron in
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ground support and the motor pool. “He said, ‘Don’t you let nobody tell you—don’t you never believe—that you are inferior to anybody else,’ ... it meant a hell of a lot to us,” Jones said. Davis Barracks, set to open in January 2017, is now a rumbling, sprawling $186 million construction site jammed tight against older barracks. It will rise six stories, house 650 cadets and have a granite exterior to match the Cadet Chapel looming on a hillside above. The extra space will alleviate some crowding and allow West Point to shift around cadets as they modernize each of the current eight barracks. Seidule said Davis was an obvious choice not only for his character, but also because of his inspirational story and a career that highlights the role of West Point graduates in the birth of the Air Force. “This is not West Point at its finest hour,” he said, “this is a chance for West Point to recognize one of its finest.”
2 slain police officers mourned in Mississippi town by Rebecca Santana Associated Press Writer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP)—One was a decorated “Officer of the Year.” The other was a proud recent graduate of the academy who had wanted to be a policeman since he was a boy. A routine traffic stop led to their shooting deaths May 9—the first Hattiesburg police officers to die in the line of duty in more than 30 years—and four people were arrested, including two who were charged with capital murder. The deaths of Officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate stunned this small city in southern Mississippi. On morning of May 10, bloodstains still marked the street where the two were shot, and a steady stream of people visited the site to leave flowers or balloons. In the nearby New Hope Baptist Church, worshippers prayed for the fallen officers and their families.
“This should remind us to thank all law enforcement for their unwavering service to protect and serve,” Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said in a statement. “May God keep them all in the hollow of his hand.” Marvin Banks, 29, and Joanie Calloway, 22, were each charged with two counts of capital murder, said Warren Strain, a spokesman for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Banks also was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and with grand theft for fleeing in the police cruiser after the shooting, Strain said. “He absconded with a Hattiesburg police cruiser. He didn’t get very far, three or four blocks and then he ditched that vehicle,” Strain said. Banks’ 26-year-old brother, Curtis Banks, was charged with two counts of accessory after the fact of capital murder. The fourth person, 28-year-old Cornelius Clark, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice, he added.
All four were expected to make their initial court appearances May 11 at the Forest County Justice Court, Strain said. Tate, 25, grew up in Starkville, 150 miles north of Hattiesburg. Strain said he was a 2014 graduate of the law enforcement academy. He was known to his friends as “CoCo,” said his stepfather, B. Lonnie Ross of Jackson, adding that Tate was 12 when they met and already wanted to be a policeman. “He was the most respectful young man you would meet. It was a pleasure to meet someone so gentle and nice,” Ross said. “Everybody who met him liked him.” Jarvis Thompson, who knew Tate from childhood, said he wanted to be a policeman to make a difference in the Black community. “He wanted to become an officer because we’ve seen so much of our peers get killed or end up in jail,” said Thompson, 24, of Starkville. “He was talking all the time
about how he wanted to do better and make the place better.” Alberta Harris, who heads the Briarfield Neighborhood Association near the shooting site, said she knew both officers, and “both of them had a humble spirit. They cared about the people that they were serving and protecting.” At a news conference, Mayor Johnny DuPree asked the community to pull together. “We want to ask everybody to pray for these families. We want everybody to pray for police officers not only here but around the United States,” DuPree said. At the nearby New Hope Baptist Church, the congregation prayed both for the slain officers and for their relatives during services Sunday morning—Mother’s Day. “It’s sad. It’s just a tragedy, going from one mother to another,” said Dorothy Thompson, wife of the pastor. “Every day is a bad day (for violence), but especially on a day like today.”
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MAY 13-19, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
METRO
Protestors call for greater police oversight in contract CONTINUED FROM A1
run an effective police department.” Miller said the issue goes beyond the city of Pittsburgh because the only oversight other municipal departments in Allegheny County have is District Attorney Stephen Zappala, who he said has been reluctant to charge police with brutality. “And he is running unopposed again,” said Miller. In addition to the demands Scott’s group emailed to the mayor, Zuri Kamaria of the New Afrikan Independence Party also handed out copies of a letter her group had forwarded to the city calling for greater accountability from the FOP. She and party founder Khalid Raheem were the only African Americans who attended the first round of arbitration hearings when the union made its case in March. “When policemen’s actions are harmful and the mur-
Career Fair MAY 15—Pittsburgh Community Service Inc.’s Workforce Development Department will host its 3rd annual Career Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Letter Carriers Building, 841 California Ave., North Side. Interested individuals can explore employment and training opportunities. They are asked to bring multiple copies of their resume and to dress accordingly. For more information, call 412-9044717.
Youth Gala
GETTING READY—Protesters line up outside the city county building to protest a contract with the police. (Photo by J. L. Martello) ders they commit on citizens are not reprimanded, they’re not held accountable by the judgment of their peers,” said Kamaria. As some of the activists called for the FOP to be
abolished, protester Teonna Ross said the city should go further and abolish the police. “Historically the police have not been for the communities of color they are
supposed to protect,” she said. “If laws are being broken, the people in the community could police it.” In addition to greater review board power, the protesters demanded police
officers be made to live in the city and that the public be afforded access to all misconduct charges and disciplinary reports. (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
Shawnika Hunt donates cord blood to save a life CONTINUED FROM A1
child’s cord blood could potentially save a life. “We initially said no to cord blood donation due to our lack of understanding of the extent it would be used in the beginning. However, we later donated in hopes of being a match for an adult friend of ours, Melanie,” Hunt said. “By more African Americans becoming educated on this topic, and the importance of donating cord blood; we can help those who are suffering and give them a second chance,” Mary Wiegel of ITxM Cord Blood Services said, Cord blood, like bone marrow, is rich in blood-forming cells that can be used in transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancerous diseases. African American or Black patients have an estimated 81 percent to 98 percent likelihood of having at least one matched umbilical cord blood unit on the Be The Match Registry website: BeTheMatch.org/cord. “The procedure itself is quite simple when compared to major surgery. A cord blood transplant does complex work inside the body, and treats serious and often fatal diseases,” Wiegel said. Mothers and donors who
FAMILY—Shawnika Hunt with husband and son. decide to donate their child’s cord blood, do so after successfully giving birth to their child. The cord blood is collected after the umbilical cord is cut. “My child is happy and
healthy. He wasn’t required to do anything but be born,” Hunt said. “There were no testing required for him. All he had to do was be born and mommy gave blood.”
Unfortunately, Hunt’s child’s cord blood was later found to not be a match for her friend, Melanie. However, Melanie found a match via Cord Blood Donation. She had the trans-
ally take the test,” said Walczak. “Each of the six steps after that had a disparate impact to where the cumulative effect at the end of the day was a hiring rate of 4 percent.” Walczak said Hough turned up instances where Black candidates were rejected because they had smoked marijuana in high school, while White candidates who admitted doing so much more recently were hired. “Same thing with moving violations,” he said. “Blacks were rejected because of poor driving records, when Whites— some who had far worse
violations, like leaving the scene of an accident— were hired. Walczak went on to praise Peduto for rising to this challenge because the suit was filed before he became mayor. “I said the other day that—because it started before he was sworn in—he didn’t own this problem. But he has taken ownership of it, and should be recognized for that,” he said. City Solicitor Lourdes Sanchez-Ridge said the new hiring protocols designed by consultants EB Jacobs would take about a year to fully put in place.
“We want to take the time because we want to get this right,” she said. “This is a solution that’s specific to Pittsburgh. It is not some off-the-shelf program you shoehorn in.” Tim Stevens, chair of the Black Political Empowerment Project, said he would have preferred reinstating the system used in the 1970s (since ruled unconstitutional) that hired one African American and one woman for each White male. “But I believe the mayor, the police chief, the solicitor and the head of OMI are committed to doing some-
plant surgery, and she is now married and Leukemia free. Hunt’s cord has not been a match to someone yet. “Unfortunately, we were not a match for Melanie, but hopefully our donation will help someone in the future,” Hunt said. Studies show that when donated cells closely match a patient, their chances of transplant success improve. Patients are more likely to match someone who shares their racial or ethnic heritage. Which is why there is a need of more African Americans being educated on this topic. In order to be a cord blood donor, you must be at least 18 years, single birth, and in general good health. Cannot be positive in Hepatitis or HIV. If interested in becoming a donor, email Mary Wiegel of ITxM Cord Blood Services at mwiegel@itxm.org or call 412-209-7479. “Because of this I am passionate about ensuring that everyone knows about the importance of Cord Blood donation,” Hunt said. “I have seen it work, and I have seen a family watch a loved one on the brink of death, survive because a mother knew that her unborn child held the gift of life for another person.”
City settles ACLU lawsuit over biased police hiring CONTINUED FROM A1
tant, industrial psychologist Leaetta Hough, found at every level “has an adverse impact on African American candidates.” Walczak said Hough was given unprecedented access to police bureau, Office of Municipal Investigations and civil service files to conduct her six-month analysis and she found examples at each stage of the hiring process that were “weeding out African American candidates.” “Okay the city population is about 25 percent AfricanAmerican. We’d get, say, 20 percent applicants, and maybe 19 percent who actu-
Community Calendar
thing about this problem,” he said. “And I would encourage African Americans to apply to become police officers.” Though city council and U.S. Attorney David Hickton’s office still have to approve the settlement, Peduto said it will help accomplish three things: hiring qualified police officers, increase diversity and bridge the gap between the police bureau and the Black community. “This isn’t about lowering standards, it’s about seeing that they are applied equally,” he said. (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourtier.com.)
MAY 15—Three Rivers Youth will host its 135th Anniversary Celebration Fundraising Gala at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, 107 6th St., Downtown. The evening will include a salute to the “Faces” of founders, patrons, leaders and beneficiaries of the organization and the winners of the Nellie Leadership Award. For more information, call Heather Tate at 412-441-5020 ext. 220 or email Heather.Tate@ThreeRiversYout h.org.
Dance MAY 15—Classic Events! will host a Father-Daughter Mother & Son Dance at 7 p.m. at Hosanna House, 807 Wallace Ave., Wilkinsburg. This dance is for children ages 612. Vendor space is available. For more information, call 412-723-2414 or email yourclassicevent@gmail.com.
State of Black Pittsburgh May 16—The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh will host its “Black Lives Matter” State of Black Pittsburgh 2015 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. There will be a special keynote luncheon with Esther Bush, Cameron McLay, Rev. Glenn Grayson and La’Tasha Mayes. Host Chris Moore will be the moderator. There will also be a call to action by Vanessa German, workshops for adults and youth ages 12-17, children’s activities and more. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-227-4211 or visit www.stateofblackpittsburgh.com.
Women Leadership Awards MAY 21—The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh will host its 33rd Annual Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave., Downtown. This year’s honorees are Doris Brevard, Ruth Grant, Carmen Anderson, Janet McCall, Rosa Davis, Erin Dalton and Ayisha MorganLee, MAM. Reservations are requested. For more information, call 412-255-1261.
Human Rights Dinner MAY 21—The NAACP Pittsburgh Branch will host its 61st Annual Human Rights Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave., Downtown. The theme will be “100 Years: Yet the Struggle Continues.” This year’s keynote speaker will be April Ryan, White House Correspondent for American Urban Radio Network and author of the “White House in Black & White.” Reservations are required. For more information, call 412-471-1024.
Journalism Workshop Applications ONGOING—The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation is accepting applications for its 32nd annual Frank Bolden Urban Journalism Workshop to be held Aug. 1-8 at Point Park University, Downtown. Students who will be a high school junior or senior for the 2015-16 school year or those graduating high school in 2015 and are interested in pursuing a career in journalism are encouraged to attend this residential program led by media professionals. Students will produce print, online, photo, radio and television journalism projects. Applications must be submitted by June 1. For more information, call Christopher Moore at 412596-9735 or email cmoore@wqed.org. (To have items listed on Community Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MAY 13-19, 2015
METRO
A5
CONCERNED RESIDENTS—Wilkinsburg residents packed the house to hear what is the future of their schools. (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
Meeting to determine future of Wilkinsburg School District CONTINUED FROM A1
and Woodland Hills School boards recently made decisions in closed door sessions not to take Wilkinsburg students. “The press briefing was extremely positive and productive. Our goal was to insure that the media had enough time to ask questions so they get an accurate depiction of our story. I believe we met out goal, and then some,” Matsook said. “Having knowledge of the future of the Wilkinsburg School District is not only important to me, but to my entire family,” Wilkinsburg resident, Carole Lee said, “All three of my children
graduated from the WSD, and the school district plays a huge role in our lives, and dear to our hearts.” The purpose of the meetings is to update the public on the district’s current status, share fact finding information and correct misinformation, Matsook said. “Our goal was to communicate the WSD story accurately and clearly as possible,” Matsook said. “The public was supportive of our pro-active approach to make change that best meets the needs of our students. Our Board is excited about the future of the district and are proud to be a part of
Ginyard charges Burgess tried to steal lawn sign CONTINUED FROM A1
lice report accusing Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess of trying to steal a campaign lawn sign right from her driveway on May 8. News of this event first appeared on Ginyard’s Facebook feed with eight dark and grainy photos she said she took with her phone camera. “At 10:45 tonight guess who I caught coming to MY HOUSE to take my campaign sign off MY DRIVEWAY ..........none other than Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess!” she posted with the photos. Though one shows Burgess waving at her, none show him taking any signs. He said he was just walking to his car when Ginyard ambushed him and started taking photos. “It comes as no surprise that Judith Ginyard is manufacturing an incident of harassment when in truth she was lying in wait ever since looking for some opportunity for payback,” he said in a May 11 statement. “I have been very careful not to come anywhere near her...it is dis-
turbing that she has a desire to victimize me or my family members.” Ginyard posted Burgess’ official statement, calling his claim of “taking a stroll 2 and 1/2 blocks from his house and I just happened to arrive to my driveway and begin shouting at him and snapping cell phone pictures” laughable. “Every time Burgess acts out it is somebody else’s fault. Now he is trying to blame me for catching him trying to take my sign off my driveway and I guess it is my fault that he was outside my house at 10:45 p.m. on a Friday night........ok voters you figure this one out,” she said. Though her complaint was forwarded to the district attorney’s office for review, spokesman Mike Manko said there was nothing in the report or photos that would result in charges. In addition to Ginyard, former Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle and businessman Andre Young are challenging Burgess in the May 19 Democratic Primary.
Fund started for 2 killed in East Hills CONTINUED FROM A1
been named. When asked how they will be remembered, a close family member who wished not to be identified said, “(they) are two women that are loved by their family and community. They will be greatly missed.” The family member went on to say, “We are rallying together to raise Baby Vaughn because of this tragedy.” The Banks and Crumpton family created the page on May 11 to raise funds for funeral services that will take place May 14 and May 15. Other details about arrangements were not disclosed. The remaining proceeds will go towards “Baby Vaughn,” the page reads. As of the morning on May 12, donations already made have totaled $400. Along with making contributions through GoFundMe, interested indi-
viduals can also visit any PNC bank location to make donations to the Valorie Crumpton, Tionna & Vaughn Banks Memorial Fund. While no suspect has been named police are, however, searching for Banks’ ex-boyfriend and the father of her child, Cesar Mazza, who is wanted for a separate case. A warrant was issued for Mazza after he failed to appear in court on May 6 for charges that he assaulted Banks while she was pregnant. Banks had also filed a Protection From Abuse order against Mazza. Toler said authorities have not labeled Mazza a person of interest, but they are looking for him. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Homicide Squad at 412323-7161.
the vision.” The past, present, and future of the school district was addressed during the meetings. Matsook re-
viewed the district budget, facilities, and describe the school board’s vision for the future. During the meeting the
future of the school district was made known. Both Kelly Elementary and Turner Elementary will be renovated to in-
Carter, Moriarty, Rogers vie to replace Brentley CONTINUED FROM A1
garnered the most attention from the audience. Unfortunately, Carter experienced a family emergency and could not attend. On the issues of school choice, classroom and curriculum flexibility, both Moriarty and Rogers were in general agreement. Both said the region’s charter schools are doing a lot to attract students and that some of those practices might be transferable to district schools. “They’re doing some different things at (Manchester Academic Charter School) that we might want to look at,” said Rogers. “We do have choices. But should expect our children to get a high-quality rigorous education at all schools.” Moriarty noted that the parents and community came together to save Woolslair after it was briefly closed and turned it into a star school. “Those parents made a difference,” she said. “And we can all make a difference if we work together.” They also said they would
REGINA HOLLY welcome Wilkinsburg students if a plan could be worked out. Rogers said they shouldn’t have to move into the city, but she would want the younger students to start off with the same tools.
“There should be a strong parental involvement program,” she said. Moriarty said the district’s teachers are its’ greatest asset. . ` “I would pour our teachers into Wilkinsburg,” she said.
clude state-of-the-art technology upgrades. The schools will become equipped with the most advanced security features, and their appearance will be enhanced as student friendly facilities. Additionally, every student and staff member will have an iPad as infuse technology into every classroom. Expectations are high for both schools to improve student achievement due to these advancements. The vision is to expand educational opportunities via educational partnership. While there is still much fact-finding to complete regarding our pursuit of a partner, WSD is confident that the students will experience middle school and high school as their peers in Allegheny County. Matsook and Ed Donovan, Wilkinsburg School District Board president, were the key speakers during the press briefing, while Matsook moderated the discussion during the community meeting. “There are no simple solutions, and the transformation will not occur overnight,” Matsook said. “However, it seems as if the forces to make change have aligned to finally move the Wilkinsburg School District forward.”
A6
MAY 13-19, 2015
Editorial
Primary Election endorsements The Primary Election is coming up on May 19, and even though most of the races are unopposed, there are some critical races in which we as African Americans must come out and show our support of these few candidates. There are two very strong African American candidates running for one of the three openings on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. On the Democratic side is Judge Dwayne Woodruff of the Common Pleas Court and on the Republican side is Judge Cheryl Allen. Both have been very active in the community and the court system, and are very qualified. They both will be a very big asset to the Black community and the state as a whole if they are elected. We also endorse Judge David Wecht who has proven himself to be a very qualified judge and would be a very positive force for the African American community if he were elected to the court. Attorney Rosemary Crawford is running for the Court of Common Pleas. She says she is the most qualified and looking at her credentials we can’t dispute that. She’s a very qualified candidate who deserves your vote. We also endorse Judge Hugh Fitzgerald McGough for Court of Common Pleas. He was instrumental in starting the Allegheny Human Relations Commission over five years ago and continues to serve. He is the type of candidate that will make sure all are treated fairly in our justice system. For county council no one is being challenged so we aren’t endorsing anyone. However, we do ask you to support County Executive Rich Fitzgerald who as been very visible in the Black community and very supportive of diversity across the board in county government. In the hotly contested City Council District 9 race we are endorsing Twanda Carlisle. Why? She has paid her dues for her mistake, and has been willing to face the community and tell them why she should be given another chance. Our problem with Rev. Ricky Burgess is that he chose to not participate in debates with his opponents and tell the people first hand why they should vote for him. The people in this district deserve a representative they can see and talk to. In the City Council District 7 we endorse LaTasha Mayes. She is a young woman who has proven her devotion and concern for her community through various marches and rallies. Most of the School Board candidates are running unopposed. However there are three candidates vying for Mark Brentley’s seat. We endorse Rosemary Moriarty because of her 35 years of experience as a teacher, vice principal and principal. She knows the system and can help improve it.
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 Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via email to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
Founded 1910
Rod Doss
Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
Allison Palm
Eric Gaines
Office Manager
Advertising Manager
Ulish Carter
Ashley Johnson Associate Editor
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OPINION
Managing Editor
Jeff Marion Circulation Consultant
John H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
Guide more Black youth toward being entrepreneurs In the last two New Pittsburgh Courier editions stories involving our leaders of the future, young people, were our top stories. And even though they were in totally different arenas, both groups are critical to our future as Black people. Our lead story last week was “Pittsburgh joins Gray protests” with 16year old Joan Mukogosh as the lead organizer. And with her were several of her teenage classmates and friends, joined by adults of all ages Black and White. The week before headline was “Youth competition at Google creating Black entrepreneurs.” These were all young people from Middle Schools, and High Schools throughout this region, with different incomes and backgrounds. Many people are looking at Mukogosh and the young people who led the “Shut It Down” rally back in December as leaders of the future as they are and we desperately need them, but the true leaders of the future and now are the people who create and run businesses. They are the most overlooked people in our community, and rarely do Black parents teach or say to their children, “When you grow up I want you to own your own business.” Most of us are not taught to own our own homes letalone a business. We are trained to work for other people. And just as importantly we are not taught to support Black businesses or businesses in our community who are employing people from the neighborhood. We need more groups, organizations, businesses or whoever to get more of our kids thinking about how they can create their own business because that’s where the real, money, power and satisfaction is. And think of what the employment rate in the Black community would be if more owned their own businesses. What if we had fast foods in our community, auto repairs and oil change services, grocery stores, clothing stores, restaurants, night clubs, hardware stores, music and video stores, electronic stores, appliance stores, shoe stores, Laundromats, cleaners, and of course barber shops, banks, newspapers, clothing stores, home re-
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’
Yes we have a long way to go. But I am one of those hundreds, thousands who are much better off today because of those programs than I would have been if they didn’t exist. For every 10 people who went through some kind or program or received money, if only two or three were helped then it was worth it. But I believe at least 50 percent were helped. Now we need to focus on 100 percent. I’m talking welfare, after school programs, scholarship programs, work programs and the many other social programs out there helping people of all races. Can they be improved? YES. There needs to be more scholarships, more after school mentoring, more job training and more temporary welfare. Welfare for life should be eliminated. I can speak because I was on welfare as a child. But my mother was never content with the little we received; she used it to get job training so she could stand on her own two feet, and she instilled that into her six children. I still can’t understand how anyone could be content with welfare for life. So if there are programs, which are not working, then we need to figure what we need to do to make them work. So instead of taking the funding and spending it on welfare for the rich like the Republicans want to do, or the military, we can spend it on programs which are working, as well as directing it to new innovative ideas—such as young Black entrepreneurs. I hate to even imagine what the Black communities would be like without some of these programs. Yes there’s room for new ones, such as Pittsburgh Promise being expanded throughout the country instead of just a few cities, mandatory job training for prisoners being released, more youth summer jobs programs like Pittsburgh just started going from a few hundred to thousands working with business employers, instead of just city work. There needs to be more college and trade school grants and scholarships. But what is vital to our forward movement is changing our youth mindset from working for someone else to creating our own businesses.
pair, health care facilities, dentist offices, doctors offices, beauty salons and I know I missed a lot, all in our communities. You know, all those businesses that use to be in our communities, but now we have to travel out of our communities to get anything. And if there are stores there they are owned by someone else, not us. Of course one big reason we don’t have more Black owned businesses is the lack of capital. You can have the greatest ideas in the world; if you can’t get someone or a group to back you financially then you can never get your business off the ground. Unless it’s a business you can start out very small with a small amount of capital, but that’s rare. And you have to have community support. I learned this first hand when I started my business. If I could have gotten my hands on $50,000 I would be in business today. Inventory, employees, and rent are generally the biggest expenses for starters with a hope and prayer that the people who encouraged you to start your business will support you, instead of traveling out to the suburbs to get the same product or service at the same price or higher. After all the shootings of Black males in recent years and the protests the question has arose again. Are we better off today than 50 years ago? Some are looking at the stats and saying no. Which is leading to the GOP and other Right Wingers saying that most the programs out there over the past 50 years should be scraped because they aren’t working. They may be partially right. First of all as a Black man who has lived and studied Black history I say hell yes we are far better off today (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the than we were 50 years ago. I don’t care New Pittsburgh Courier.) what the stats say.
Many students fail to profit from for-profit colleges (NNPA)—According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, about 1.7 million people will receive their bachelor’s degrees, and another nearly 750,000 will receive associate’s degrees this May and June. The numbers have been rising over the past 10 years, with 22 percent more receiving bachelor’s degrees (the growth in women’s degrees is faster than that of men), and 12 percent more associate’s degrees (again, with the degrees awarded to women growing faster than those awarded to men). Too many of these students will graduate with heavy debt. While the data suggest that the average student graduates with about $30,000 of debt, the fact that some students have no debt at all makes the number even higher. African American students are nearly twice as likely to graduate with debt as Caucasian students. And it is often much harder for African American students to find jobs than it is for others. Still, a college degree makes a difference in life chances and lifetime earnings, which is one of the reasons that public policy has focused on postsecondary education. Students who have attended forprofit colleges go to school with the same hopes and dreams as those who attend traditional not-for-profit-universities. They attend schools such as Kaplan, DeVry and Corinthian because they want to improve their education and find better jobs. They go into debt, and seek grants because they believe the investment is worth it. And too many of them have been sold a bill of goods. Corinthian Colleges, Inc. had more than 77,000 students at its peak, although those numbers have dropped since then. Their students, in 20122013 were mostly adults who worked full time, mostly minority (51.8 percent), and mostly low-income enough to qualify for Pell Grants (72.9 percent). According to one source, these students borrowed more than $7,600 each year to pay for their education. Corinthian is among the for-profit schools that depend on the federal government for their income stream. They direct them to apply for Pell grants, push them to seek federal student loans that have subsidized interest rates, and encourage them to get bank loans with higher interest rates. They tell students that these loans are worth it because it will help them get better jobs later. The federal government has been scrutinizing Corinthian and other forprofit colleges for years, especially because they have found that these colleges often exaggerate their success in placing students in better jobs. Now,
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary
cent of their students receiving Pell grants, but ITT Technical Institutes was not far behind with a 71.8 of their students receiving Pell grants. In comparison, 39 percent of the students at public colleges, and 34 percent at private nonprofit colleges have Pell grants. Some for-profit colleges do a better job than Corinthian, and many have not run into trouble with the federal government. Still, because taxpayer dollars are being used to finance these colleges, they must be more carefully scrutinized both by the federal government and by accrediting associations. Furthermore, the Corinthian debacle is a warning to students who might get a lower cost and better education by going to a public university or to a community college. Before enrolling in one of these colleges, students need to consider other options, and also check on the placement records these schools like to brag about. Students of color are especially vulnerable to the hype these colleges offer. They say they provide opportunities and jobs, but too often they don’t. They market to those at the periphery; those who believe their lives would be significantly improved with education. Their lives can improve with more learning, but the students must beware of for-profit colleges that often promise more than they can give, and push students into debt. The closing of the Corinthian Colleges, Inc. is a cautionary tale for those who choose for-profit colleges as the gateway for their hopes and dreams.
Corinthian Colleges have shut down, leaving more than 16,000 students stranded. These students have used up semesters of their Pell grant eligibility (which is capped at 12 semesters), and have thousands of dollars of debt. If they are mid-degree, they face the challenge of trying to transfer credits to another college. While there may be some relief for these students who owe money, others will either be forced to repay debt or imperil their credit standing. Is Corinthian the exception, or is it the rule in the world of for-profit colleges? We know that these colleges target adult learners, and market to minority populations. More than half of the students at Corinthian were students of color, and at many of the other for-profit colleges the enrollment of minority students exceeded 30 percent. We know that these colleges rely on tuitions for their profit, which means that when they find students who qualify for Pell grants, it boosts their bottom line. According to the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, at least 60 percent of the students enrolled in the top six for-profit colleges (Julianne Malveaux is an author and received Pell grants. Corinthian economist. She can be reached at topped the group with nearly 73 per- www.juliannemalveaux.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
How can you tell when a politician is lying? (NNPA)—How can you tell when a politician is lying? When he moves his lips. Though originally intended as a joke, the number of candidates who have declared as for president have already ushered in a cascade of lies—and the situation will only grow worse as more climb aboard. Fortunately, there are at least two nonpartisan fact-checking groups that try to hold politicians accountable for their less than accurate assertions. One is FactCheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania that describes itself as “a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics.” The second is Politifact.com operated by the Tampa Bay Times. The 2016 political season is just opening, but as each candidate opens his or her mouth, what’s leaving their lips is frequently false. Here are a few examples: Speaking on April 24, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) declared that worldwide threats “require strong American leadership, which we cannot exert as long as we eviscerate military spending, which is what we are doing now. We are placing our nation at a dangerous position.” Referring to this nation’s nuclear stockpiles, Rubio said, “We are the only nation that is not modernizing its nuclear weapons.” Politifact’s Finding: “Rubio said that the United States ‘is not modernizing its nuclear weapons.’ Most of the experts we interviewed disputed Rubio’s statement.
George E. Curry
Commentary While the United States has reduced the number of warheads, it has also been modernizing nuclear equipment and has plans to continue to do so. We rate this claim False.” FactCheck.org said that in U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-Texas) official announcement of his run for president, he “repeated several misleading claims that we have written about before: •Cruz vowed to repeal ‘every word of Common Core,’ which he called an effort by the federal government to ‘dictate school curriculum.’ As we have said before, the standards were developed by governors and state education officials and voluntarily adopted by states, and the curriculum is set by state and local school officials. •“Cruz also warned that the Affordable Care Act puts the government ‘between you and your doctor.’ As we wrote when Cruz made a similar claim back in 2013, the law doesn’t create a government-run system. If anything, the law comes between you and your insurance company, forbidding them from capping your coverage or charging you more based on health status…” On a May 5 visit to Nevada, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, “This is where I differ with everybody on the Republican side. Make no mistake: Not a single Republican candidate, announced or potential, is clearly and consistently supporting a path to citizenship. Not one. When they talk about legal status, that is code for second-class status.” Politifact: said, “She’s telling voters who want a path to citizenship that there’s no one on the Republican side who supports that issue. That is not accurate. There is one—[Sen. Lindsey] Graham. She does have a point that the other dozen or so candidates either have never backed a path to citizenship or have sent mixed signals. On balance, we rate Clinton’s claim Mostly False.” FactCheck.org noted, “In March, [Ben] Carson claimed that being gay is ‘absolutely’ a choice, and as proof he said ‘a lot of people’ go into prison and change their sexual orientation while incarcerated. There is no evidence to support these claims. Carson apologized for his remarks, but in doing so made another error by claiming that ‘we do know, however, that we are always born male and female.’ That’s not entirely accurate. Disorders of sex development, also known as intersex disorders, occur in about one in 4,500 births and have raised questions about the male-female gender dichotomy. FactCheck.org analyzed Senator Rand Paul’s recent comment that the attack on the Muhammad Art Exhibit and Cartoon Contest in Garland, Texas, was “an example of how we do need to secure our border.” However, the fact-checkers noted, “but neither of the attackers crossed the southern border to gain access to the U.S. Both were Americans who were believed to have been radicalized in their hometown of Phoenix.” This is going to be a long and bitter campaign to determine who will become our next president. To remain informed and astute, voters will need to regularly check out the candidates’ assertions. After all, just because politicians move their lips doesn’t mean we have to believe them. (George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the NNPA and BlackPressUSA.com. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com.)
MAY 13-19, 2015 A7
FORUM
In Lord’s Prayer ‘Our Father’ could be ‘Our Mother’ We live in a nalievable that Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick tion where there Black mothers are ongoing celewere and are brations of holitruly Wonder days, but it is my Women. Mama is personal conviccook, seamstress, tion that no holilaundress, educaday is as importor, psychologist, tant as Mothers and in charge of Day. I recall about discipline. Mama 40 years ago also had to be while visiting an art museum I was skilled in finance, because even with a mesmerized by a portrait of an elderly daddy in the house working, the money Black woman and on the bottom it was always inadequate. I have witread, “I pray to God that my children nessed incident after incident and I will grow up to be free.” continue to be amazed at the estabMama’s prayers and works have been lished fact that there is no love like a an integral part of our lives since we mother’s love. landed on the shores of America. Our Mothers Day is a combination of mothers have been saddled with aweChristmas and Thanksgiving, a gift some responsibility, for example too that we should all be thankful. (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor many have had to perform a multitude to the Forum Page.) of roles. The roles have been so unbe-
To Tell The Truth
Free speech fanaticism The French lawmaker Geert philosopher Wilder, a politiJ. Pharoah Doss Volitare said, “I cian that has may disagree with campaigned to what you say, but stop the IslamizaI will defend to tion of the death your right Netherlands, to to say it.” ban construction Earlier this year of new mosques, in France Muslim and compared the gunmen murQuran to Mein dered 12 staff members of the satirical Kampf (My Struggle by Adolf Hitler). magazine Charlie Hebdo for publishing And as expected by the organizers of a caricature of Muhammad. (Any deThe Muhammad Art & Exhibit contest piction of Muhammad is sacrilege acthere was a planned attack. Texas pocording to Islam.) lice eventually shot and killed two gunThese executions were condemned by men that opened fired outside of the Muslims worldwide. Garland venue. But moderate Muslim condemnation After the violence Geller defended wasn’t enough for Pamela Geller, Exec- herself in Time Magazine. Her title: A utive Director of American Freedom Response to My Critics—This Is a War. Defense Initiative, she said, “After the She wrote: We were aware of the risk Charlie Hebdo massacre—and after and spent thousands of dollars on secuthe violent Muhammad [Danish] carrity—and it paid off. The jihadis at our toon riots a few years ago—there free speech event were not able to should have been cartoon exhibits all achieve their objective … And make no over the world, to show the Islamic jimistake: If it weren’t for the freehadis that we will not kowtow to viospeech conference, these jihadis would lent intimidation.” have struck somewhere else—a place So Geller and the American Freedom where there was less security.” Defense Initiative sponsored the InauBefore the art Exhibit free speech gural Muhammad Art Exhibit & Conwas threatened by extremist and the test. This event was to be held at the contest was to defy intimidation, after Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, the event, and two extremists are Texas. dead, Geller tells her critics, who acWhy this venue? cused her of instigating retaliatory vioBecause it hosted the “Stand With the lence, that this is war. (And all war is Prophet in Honor and Respect” confer- based on deception.) ence a week after the Charlie Hebdo Why are they blaming me? Geller massacre. The official purpose of this asked innocently. conference was to raise funds to build Is it possible she’s blamed because a center to train Muslims in the media critics believe her fingers were crossed and to teach them how to combat Ishoping violent defenders of Muhamlamophobia. But according to The mad will take the sacrilege bait? This Washington Times the event’s website was an orchestrated battle plan by a stated, “This is not an event. It’s the General without an army, who risked beginning of a movement. A movethe lives of police and security, just to ment to defend Prophet Muhammad, proclaim her free speech conference his person, and his message.” The conprevented a terror attack somewhere ference drew thousands of protesters, else and saved lives. Geller’s proud Geller included, because a suspected that the “jihadis” didn’t achieve their co-conspirator of the 1993 World Trade objective. But maybe they achieved Center bombing was scheduled to an objective only known to them. speak. Maybe they believe the first step to Geller chose this venue for the drawconverting the infidel is to make them ing Muhammad contest to counter this fanatical. conference. Geller explained her event, Voltaire would defend to death the “The cartoon exhibit will feature imvocalization of thoughts he despised. ages of Islam’s prophet, both historic Geller promoted the right to offend and contemporary, and speeches by (The byproduct of free speech) hoping leading voices of freedom and internato cause the deaths of people she finds tionally renowned free speech advodespicable. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New cates.” One of the free speech advocates she booked (to counter the previ- Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahdoss.blogspot.com.) ous controversial speaker) was Dutch
Commentary
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 Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal
Baltimore rising: women leading fight for justice (NNPA)—“Wherever there has been struggle, black women have been identified with that struggle.”—Ella Baker, “The Black Woman in the Civil Rights Struggle,” 1969 Marilyn Mosby was sworn into office as Maryland state’s attorney for Baltimore city in January of this year at the Baltimore War Memorial Plaza building. Before unseating the incumbent, Gregg Bernstein, for the job, the 35-year-old had never held an elected office. Five months later, the city’s newly-minted, top prosecutor—the youngest chief prosecutor in any major American city—returned to the steps of the War Memorial Plaza to announce charges, including murder, manslaughter and assault, against six police officers in the unwarranted death of Freddie Gray—simultaneously emerging into the national spotlight as an advocate for those demanding police accountability and an adversary for those who would protect the status quo. On the night of her swearing in, Mosby was joined by a host of dignitaries, including her husband, Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby—who represents the West Baltimore area that has been the backdrop to the protests over Gray’s death—along with her two daughters. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also sat among the evening’s guests and, in a speech, advised Mosby that, “Public service is not just a job, it’s a calling and it is a privilege.” Mosby’s calling to public service was born of tragedy and tradition. When Mosby was 14, her 17-year-old cousin was mistaken for a drug dealer and shot and killed near her home. She often credits her cousin’s murder as the reason why she decided to become a prosecutor. She also comes from a five-generation long line of law enforcement officials. Both of her parents, an aunt, four uncles and her grandfather—who was a founding member of the first association of Black police officers in her hometown of Massachusetts—were police officers. Growing up in a family of cops, Mosby knows the good, good police officers can do in our communities. She indicted six police officers, not an entire force. Her actions are not anti-cop; they are pro-police and law enforcement accountability. She assured the public—and the nation—that her administration is, “committed to creating a fair and equitable justice system for all. No matter what your occupation, your age, your race, your color or your creed.” Like any major American city, Baltimore has its assets and its challenges. Its mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, has been at the frontline, grappling with the deeply entrenched challenges of the city left in her charge since replacing a former mayor, who resigned under charges of corruption, then being elected to her first full term as mayor in 2011. She has been touched by the almost inescapable violence that stems from these challenges when in 2002, she found her brother covered in blood and nearly decapitated by a sword that was used during a carjacking in front of her house. In her 2014 State of Black America® essay, Mayor Rawlings-Blake painted a bleak picture, noting that in Baltimore city, more than 1 in 5 African-American adult residents live in poverty, while 1 in every 3 African-American children and teens are also living in poverty. She warned that, “Poverty is a deeprooted ill, permeated with inequity, and it will take a focused, concerted assault on all fronts to excise it. We must think outside the box, and be bold as we confront the challenges that lie in our path. I am committed to the fight.” Mayor Rawlings-Blake—the daughter of the legendary Howard “Pete” Rawlings, the first African American to become chair of the Appropriations Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates—has made her name on the national stage. She is only one of two Black female mayors of the 100 largest cities in the country. She currently serves as secretary of the Democratic National Committee and is vice president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. But she is grabbing our attention today, not for her impressive resume, but for her unflagging commitment to “the fight” in Baltimore for equality and justice. As she promised in a recent press conference, “As mayor, I will be relentless in changing the culture of the police department to ensure that everyone in our city is treated equally under the law.” Now that the six officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray have been charged, the prosecutor’s office will present its case to a city grand jury that will consider the charges and decide whether to indict. At the same time, the Department of Justice—now being led by another African-American woman, Loretta Lynch—is also conducting an investigation into the case and into the Baltimore Police Department. I applaud these women, and all women— and men—who are fighting for justice for Freddie and, by extension, for us. I applaud these leaders as they claim their place in the pantheon of Black female fighters who have traditionally played a key role in our nation’s struggle for equality and justice—for all. (Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.)
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MAY 13-19, 2015
NATIONAL
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Michelle Obama addresses Tuskegee grads
SPEAKER—First lady Michelle Obama gives a thumbs up after walking out on stage just before delivering the commencement address at Tuskegee University, May 9, in Tuskegee, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
(NewsOne)—Giving a candid and deeply personal commencement speech at Tuskegee University on May 9, the First Lady of the United States reflected on the emotional toll of being the country’s first Black first lady. As reported by The Hill, First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to the students at the Historically Black Alabama college for about a half an hour on May 9, running down the ways in which media especially held her to a different standard than other first ladies. “…Over the years, folks have used plenty of interesting words to describe me,” said Mrs. Obama. “One said I exhibited ‘a little bit of uppity-ism.’ Another noted that I was one of my husband’s ‘cronies of color.’ Cable news once charmingly referred to me as ‘Obama’s Baby Mama.’” CNN reports: “Back in those days, I had a lot of sleepless nights worrying what people thought of me,” she recalled. Obama added that she let the criticism get to the point where she would wonder if she was hurting her husband’s chances of becoming President, while also fearing what her daughters would think. The first lady said eventually the only thing she could do to prevent others from defining her was to “ignore all of the noise.” “I had to be true to myself and the rest would work itself out,” she recounted, to
cheers from the audience. In addition to the usual questions on the campaign trail, Obama said she also had another layer of questions thrown at her. “But, as potentially the first AfricanAmerican First Lady, I was also the focus of another set of questions and speculations; conversations sometimes rooted in the fears and misperceptions of others. Was I too loud, or too angry, or too emasculating? Or was I too soft, too much of a mom, not enough of a career woman?” The first lady also mentioned that simple gestures between she and the president became something else: “You might remember the on-stage celebratory fist bump between me and my husband after a primary win that was referred to as a ‘terrorist fist jab,’ ” she reflected. Obama said that both she and her husband, President Barack Obama know the frustration of people who “will make assumptions about who they think you are based on their limited notion of the world,” she said. “My husband and I know how frustrating that experience can be. We’ve both felt the sting of those daily slights throughout our entire lives. … And all of that is going to be a heavy burden to carry.” Yet, this “black tax” is not an excuse to give up. “They are not an excuse to lose hope. To succumb to feelings of despair and anger only means that in the end, we lose.”
New Pittsburgh Courier
LIFESTYLES
honored by Zonta Club B6
Bryant
MAY 13-19, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Community of Hope
brings Wilkinsburg together B2
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
Creating new memories
PNC Spring Hat Luncheon
BEAUTIFUL COLORS—Renee Giles and Kim Clark Mother’s Day 2015 is officially over. This was my first Mother’s Day after my mom’s death. For years I have listened to people whose moms have passed talk about how hard Mother’s Day is for them. Often I’ve been irritated by people who wish me “Happy Mother’s Day” assuming that I am a mother. I know that they mean well, but as we know every woman is not a mother. On this first Mother’s Day without a mom to honor and no children to honor me, I decided to do something that I have thought about for years. I had my first motherless and childless brunch. The only way to make the invite list was by not having a living mother and to have never had a child. I keep the list small for the first year, but this may turn in to a bigger event than I thought. Before the day was over people were asking how they could make the list for next year. As we get older there are more and more of us without mothers and I’m surprised how many of my contemporaries do not have children. Mother’s Day 2015 was a beautiful day as far as weather. I planned for the brunch to begin at 11 a.m., just in case anyone wanted to run the Race for Cure. I prepared a sausage casserole, home fried potatoes, bacon, cherry turnovers, fresh fruit, coffee and mimosas. One friend brought a homemade lemon meringue pie. I thought about putting out a box of Kleenex but decided against it. The day was not full of tears or sad moments, but fun and fellowship. Of course we talked about fun times growing up and warm memories of our mothers but it was a good day. One funny story that we shared was about our mothers making us wear slips under our clothes. Do you know how hard it is now to find a slip? We had to provide one to the funeral home for my mom and slips take a little bit of work to find. I don’t even own a slip anymore. I remember the time my mother made me wear one of her slips on a date. At the time I wore a size 6 and she wore a 16. I tried to pin the slip with a safety pin but mid-way during the date it fell down around my ankles. For years I have felt so left out on Mother’s Day and I was sure there are others who felt the same so this was the year I decided to do something about it. As I shared my plans with others a lot of people seemed to think this was a great idea and many sound like they will duplicate it. If Hallmark gets a hold of it I hope I will get some credit for the new holiday, maybe I should design my own line of motherless childless greeting cards and get a jump on the situation. Stay tuned this may be a movement. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
FIRST TIMER—Marsha Grayson
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU—From Meg Cheever, president and CEO, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
The first Saturday in May is Kentucky Derby day and it is a day when the crowd turns out in hats from the conservative to the outrageous. Kentucky doesn’t have anything on Pittsburgh. On May 2, which also was the first Saturday in May, the PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy held their 17th Annual Spring Hat Luncheon in Riverview Park. More than 500 women and a few fashionable gents attended the popular luncheon. The Hat Luncheon has raised over $6.5 million since 1999 making restoration in Pittsburgh parks possible. Since the inception of the luncheon, more than 10,600 people have attended and supported the events. A big thanks goes to this year’s event co-chairs: Debbie Demchak, Annie Hanna Engel, Charlene Petrelli, Kiya Tomlin and Christy Wiegand. Mark your calendars for next year on Saturday, May 7 for the 2016 PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon in Frick Park.
LUNCHEON CO-CHAIRS—Annie Hanna Engel, Debbie Demchak, Charlene Petrelli, Christy Wiegand and Kiya Tomlin
FIRST TIMERS—Nikkai Upshaw and Atiya Abdelmalik
ALWAYS A HIT—Tim McVay and David Bush
WE ARE FAMILY—Susan Winston, mother to Kiya; Mia Winston, sister to Kiya; and Kiya Tomlin
WE LOVE THE HATS—Scott Roller and Jackie Dixon
FIRST TIMERS PLUS ONE—Tanya Barker, Hat Luncheon veteran, with first timers Nicole Whitlow, Dawn Hach and Natalie Hall.
MOST COLORFUL TABLE
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MAY 13-19, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
RELIGION
Praise & Worship
Community of Hope helps bring Wilkinsburg together
HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
by Paige Mitchell
Women’s Conference For New Pittsburgh Courier
2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8757
“Be Encouraged”
Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath..............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School.......................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship.....................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday....7:30 P.M.
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & 12 P.M. Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) 12:00 P.M. www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh., PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.....................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.....................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday.......................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurchpgh.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty PresbyterianChurch Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800
Church Circuit
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, located 1511 Swissvale Ave., in Wilkinsburg, hosted its annual Western Pa. Community of Hope: Encounter with Hope fundraiser event on April 18. The event is put together each year to help bring the people within the community together with food, fun, and festivities. “We must and we will be a catalyst for hope,“ Rev. Glenda J. Parker, COO, Community of Hope, said, The non-profit event was organized by Pastor Melvin Haymon and Assistant Pastor Glenda Parker as well as a planning committee of 17 members of the church. The vision of the church is that the Community of Hope will empower the people of western Pennsylvania to regain the skills and hope needed to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families, Rev. Haymon said. “It is important that we provide superior programs such as this. We must provide support for the needs of families within the community, and families everywhere,” said Mia Woodson, church and planning committee member. During the event, a ceremony took place that recognized the Wilkinsburg Police Department, with a special tribute being paid to Wilkinsburg Police Department Chief Ophelia Coleman. The ceremony was followed by a dedication to Rev. Aaron W.
HONOREE—Wilkinsburg Police Chief Ophelia Coleman holds award from Western Pennsylvania Community of Hope that was given to her and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
COMMUNITY WORK—Rev. Aaron Parker was honored for his work in the community and creation of the Education Center.
Parker and the education, tutoring and mentoring center named in his honor. Guests were entertained with music, a silent auction, dinner, and community organizer and motivational speaker Derric I. Heck, who was the keynote speaker for the event. Heck received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Florida A&M University, all while completing graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University. Heck was a contributing author of “HomewoodBrushton: A Vision for the Future.” He is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects. He is also a member of 100 Black Men of Western Pa., the FROGS and the Iota Phi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Proceeds from the event will go towards fulfilling the Western Pennsylvania Community of Hope’s vision. “This program was a phenomenal encounter with hope, and it was a privilege to honor those of our community who make a difference,” Rev. Parker said. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church is in the midst of planning more events such as this during the summer. Christyles Beauty and Barber Shop, Rock Solid Cleaning, James Floral & Gift Shop, JJ’s Contracting, Dollar Bank, and PNC Bank were the sponsors and supporters for this event.
116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 www.cathedralofhope.org
Journey Worship.........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship.........11 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community
MAY 15—The Women’s Ministry of Bethlehem Baptist, 716 Walnut St., McKeesport, will host its Women’s Conference. The three-day event will include a Praise and Worship Night featuring Zanetta Wingfield and the Women’s Conference Choir on May 15 at 7 p.m.; a Conference Luncheon featuring Dr. Lisa Weah on May 16 at 11 a.m.; and a Worship Service on Mat 17 at 10:30 a.m., featuring Pastor Earlene Coleman. Registration is requested. For more information, email vbrowngrayson@yahoo.com.
Health Fair/Blood Drive MAY 16—Morningside COGIC, 5173 Dearborn St., Garfield, will host its Health Fair and Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be vendors and speakers from the health industry on-hand to answer questions The Central Blood Bank will have their coach in the parking lot to take blood donations from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call Margaret Young at 412-8972268.
Networking Event MAY 16—Rev. Dr. Joan Prentice and The Ephesus Project will host the Female Pastors and Associates Networking Event from 5-8 p.m. at Sandidge Photography Studio and Gallery, 5515 Penn Ave., East Liberty. This event is to gather female pastors and associates to form relationships that promote empowerment and support. Reservations are required. For more information, call 412-665-0333 or visit www.theephesusproject.org.
Church Anniversary MAY 16—Carrone Baptist Church, 7119 Frankstown Ave., Homewood, will host its 130th Church Anniversary. The theme will be “Perseverance and Prayer.” The event will include an Anniversary Dinner on May 16 at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton in Green Tree and a Church Service on May 17 a t 10:30 a.m. The speakers for the weekend will be Rev. Melvin Jackson and Evans Moore. For more information, call 412-6871819.
Women’s Day MAY 17—Antioch Baptist Church, 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley, will host their Annual Women’s Day Celebration at 10:45 a.m. This year’s theme is “Women Determined to Get to Jesus.” The guest speaker will be Rev. Glenda Parker of Calvary Baptist Church in Wilkinsburg. The Girls of Praise and Women of Praise will bless individuals with praise dance performances. Lunch will be served immediately following the service. For more information, call 412-7417688.
SPECIAL GIFTS—Gifts were given to many of the people attending. Above are some of those packages. (Photo by Paige Mitchell)
Zanetta embarks on solo career with ‘Get Up’
For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext 40. We are looking to
Church Anniversary MAY 17—Jerusalem Baptist Church, 123 Steuben St., West End, will host its 114th Church Anniversary at 11 a.m. The preacher will be Rev. Anton Hackett Sr. of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Linwood, Pa. There will also be a 3:30 p.m. service with Rev. Willie J. Thompson Jr. of Morning Star Baptist Church in Clairton. All are welcome. For more information, call 412-9220822.
Annual May Celebration
ZANETTA WINGFIELD IN CONCERT (Photos by J.L. Martello)
MAY 17—The Presbyterian Women of Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1000 Bryn Mawr Rd., Hill District, will host its Annual May Celebration at 11 a.m. The theme is “We Are All Baptized in the Holy Spirit.” The guest speaker will be Alicia George of WTAE-TV. For more information, call Connie Bethel at 412-682-7814.
ZANETTA WINGFIELD
Women’s Day
feature our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to:
New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 e-mail:
egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com ZANETTA WINGFIELD WITH FIRST SINGLE
Zanetta Wingfield announced the launch of her solo gospel music ministry and career with the release of her first single “Get Up.” It took place April 12 at the Cabaret at Theater Square, located at 655 Penn Ave. in the heart of Cultural District. She was in full concert, live with a full band and dancers for a complete evening filled with spirituals, hymns, and select gospel songs from her upcoming album scheduled to debut later this fall. Wingfield is a prolific gospel artist from the suburbs of Pittsburgh. Since her first solo at the age of 5, this voice could not remain hidden. Seeing herself as a traditional Gospel Artist, others see her as anything but, due to her versatile vocal ability that spans the ranges from traditional, contemporary, jazz to
urban. She is referred to by many as “The Songbird of Southwestern PA” and is sought after for her vocal expression which ushers in the presence of God. Wingfield is best known as a founding member of the Stellar Nominated gospel group Ministree who has traveled the country for more than 30 years proclaiming God’s Word in song. She is currently in the studio recording her first solo project entitled “Love Notes”, due to be released in the late Summer of 2015. Throughout the years, she has also sang in school choruses, plays, community productions, choir workshops, her home choir and praise team and as a member of the International Gospel Family; when she traveled Europe singing the Gospel message. (Information courtesy Zanetta Wingfield Gospel.)
of
MAY 17—Morningside Baptist Church, 4846 Sullivan St., Garfield, will host its annual Women’s Day at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Minister Yvonne Taylor of New Light COGIC in Greenfield. There will also be a service at 3 p.m. with Minister Mary Shields of Morningside COGIC and her congregation. All are welcomed. For more information, call 412-3611745.
Mime Concert MAY 17—Second Baptist Church, 108 W. 12th Ave., Homestead, will host its Step Forth for Jesus Mime Concert at 4 p.m. This is an opportunity to have fun for Jesus. For more information, call Juanita Johnson at 412-537-9532. (To have items listed on the Church Circuit, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
CUISINE
MAY 13-19, 2015
B3
Simplify Weeknight Meals (Family Features)—Busy weeknights call for meals you can prepare quickly, but there’s no need to compromise on flavor and quality. One way to save time is combining fresh ingredients with frozen sides, such as those offered by Alexia Foods. Made with premium, natural ingredients and creative flavor combinations, they lend a deliciously gourmet complement to any meal. (For more time-saving recipes featuring real ingredients that serveup exceptional taste, visit www.alexiafoods.com.)
Chicken Paella with French Green Beans Hands-on: 30 minutes Total: 60 minutes Servings: 6 (1 2/3 cups each) 2tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1-1/2 cups parboiled white long-grain rice, uncooked 2 cups chicken broth 1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes, undrained 1 package (11 ounces) Alexia French Herb Green Beans 1/3 cup sliced ripe olives 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley Lemon wedges Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt and pepper. Cook 7–9 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and heat. Add onion, garlic and paprika. Cook 3–5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring often. Stir in rice; cook 1–2 minutes or until coated well. Stir in broth, tomatoes and chicken; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook 12 minutes. Stir in frozen green beans; cook covered 8–10 minutes more or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Stir in olives. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Italian Herb Corn and Rice Zucchini Boats Hands-on: 25 minutes Total: 50 minutes Servings: 4 (2 halves each) 4 medium zucchini 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 package (12 ounces) Alexia Italian Herb Corn with Sundried Tomatoes 3/4 cup cooked white basmati rice (or quinoa for added protein and fiber) 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using melon baller or spoon, scoop out zucchini flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch border. Brush zucchini halves with oil. Sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper. Place zucchini on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake 13–15 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, prepare corn according to package directions. Toss corn with rice and cheeses. Spoon mixture evenly into zucchini halves. Return to oven. Bake 8–10 minutes more or until filling is hot. Place zucchini under broiler for golden brown top. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Almond Crusted Tilapia with Parmesan Peas Hands-on: 30 minutes Total: 30 minutes Servings: 4 (1 filet and 1/2 cup peas each) 1/3 cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs 1/3 cup finely chopped almonds 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 tilapia fillets (6 ounces each), or any white-fleshed fish such as cod, haddock or sole 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 package (12 ounces) Alexia Parmesan Peas Lemon wedges Combine bread crumbs, almonds and cheese in shallow dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper on fish. Coat fish with flour; shake off excess. Dip in egg until coated well. Place in bread crumb mixture and turn to coat completely. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add fish; cook 3–4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with fork and is golden brown (145°F internal temperature). Meanwhile, prepare peas according to package directions. Serve peas and lemon wedges with fish.
Southern Sweet Potato Hash Hands-on: 35 minutes Total: 35 minutes Servings: 4 (1 1/4 cups hash with 1 egg each) 1 pound fresh hot Italian turkey sausage, casings removed 2 packages (11 ounces each) Alexia Southern Sweet Potato Blend 2 green onions, sliced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 4 cold eggs Heat large skillet over medium-high heat; add sausage. Cook 5–7 minutes or until crumbled, stirring occasionally. Drain. Add sweet potato blend. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook 5–7 minutes more or until vegetables are cooked, stirring occasionally. Stir in onions and cilantro. Meanwhile, fill saucepan with about 3 inches of water. Heat until water simmers gently; stir in vinegar. Break 1 cold egg into small dish or saucer. Holding dish just above simmering water, gently slip egg into water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook eggs in gently simmering water 3–5 minutes or until white is set and yolk is cooked to desired doneness. Remove eggs with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Divide sweet potato mixture among 4 plates. Top each with poached egg.
Chicken Paella with French Green Beams
New Pittsburgh Courier
B4
ENTERTAINER
Second time around is a charm for ‘ Fences’ MAY 13-19, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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‘Welcome to My Breakdown’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
You’re tired of having red eyes. You’re tired of crying, too; tired of an empty soul, runny nose, and dry mouth but you know there are more tears inside you and they need to come out. Whoever said that big girls don’t cry needs to know that that’s not true: as in the new book “Welcome to My Breakdown” by Benilde Little, sometimes crying is only the beginning. For many years, Clara Little liked to say that she knew her last child would be a girl. She predicted it, and it happened—perhaps through force of will because, says her daughter, Clara was that kind of person: self-reliant and strong. Clara worked long overnight shifts, but made sure that her house was spotless. She helped care for her neighbors and her family, giving her children a good upper-middle-class life at a time when that was a
rare thing in their mostlyAfrican American New Jersey community. Her giving spirit and her no-nonsense personality remained wellknown for the rest of her life, and when Clara died, her many friends mourned along with her family. For Benilde Little, the death of her mother was a crushing blow—¡the biggest in a series of events that bruised her already-fragile, sensitive soul. Two months prior, Little lost her fatherin-law. After her mother’s death, her best friend’s mother died, the financial market collapsed, the Littles’ income fell, Little’s dog got sick, menopausal symptoms exacerbated, and her husband was diagnosed with cancer. For months, Little could barely function without dissolving in tears. She had trouble getting out of bed, she stopped calling on friends, and her writing career all but halted. Seemingly everybody had advice and most offered support but, powerless to pull herself up and knowing that this was more than just grief, Little began seeking help for a diagnosis of clinical depression. She tried therapy sessions, prescriptions, distractions, and exercise but she still couldn’t stop crying and she couldn’t erase certain mental images that plagued her. There were good days, but they were eclipsed by the very, very bad ones—until she began to see things that further opened her eyes. We’ve all had times in our lives when nothing goes right. “Welcome to My Breakdown,” shows what it feels like when one of Those Days lasts for years. Indeed, although it’s hard to accurately explain the depths of depression or grief, author Benilde Little still gives readers a good sense of the senseless, and of the confusion that’s felt when one is completely, totally powerless to explain why certain harmful emotions are so sticky and can’t abate. (“Welcome to My Breakdown” by Benilde Little, c.2015, Atria, $26/ $32 Canada, 288 pages.)
by C. Denise Johnson
For the New Pittsburgh Courier
In the almost-decade since his mentor’s untimely death, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company founder Mark Clayton Southers could not
“Fences” is anything but a repeat, and definitely serendipitous. Last time around Southers was the producer in nearly every sense of the word designing and building sets and the rest of the behindthe-scenes grunt work;
Redwood and Carter Redwood. Troy Maxson is a man who daily tries to salvage his dignity. Along with his best friend Bono (Wali Jamal), his indulges in his payday ritual; replaying the work
after Troy gives her his weekly earnings and reminds him to finish the fence he promised her. While Troy rules his castle, we learn all is not right in his kingdom. Bono alerts Troy that he knows the affair about Al-
another in productions throughout the region. Carter Redwood grew up on Pittsburgh Playwright Theater’s stage; his brother is a Playwrights’ veteran on and offstage. Brown is searing and heart wrenching as a
‘FENCES’ CAST (Photos by Gail Manker) have known that he would be producing “Fences” a second time during the year of August Wilson’s 70th birthday. That birthday was noted in Pittsburgh, Wilson’s ground-zero. The past year ended with an assured immediate future for the August Wilson Center for African American Center. The year began with continuing outreach via the 2014-2015 August Wilson Educational Project; WQED’s special screening of its locally-incubated and co-produced “The Ground on Which I Stand” documentary shown on PBS’s “American Masters,” which including a panel featuring Phylicia Rashad!, in the AWC. That was followed Pittsburgh debut of “How I Learned What I Learned,” a one-man theatrical memoir written by Wilson and the annual August Wilson Monologue Competition continued uninterrupted. With last month’s “August Wilson’s Women,” the Hill District Bard was celebrated in a composite ode to the women in Pittsburgh Cycle. This second coming of
this time the founder is also the director. The cast is all new except for one exception, Kevin Brown; instead of reprising Gabriel he now portrays Troy Maxson. Rounding out the stellar ensemble is Sandra Dowe, Wali Jamal, Nia Woodson, Broadway veteran Anthony Chisholm, Maurice
week with more than a couple of tall tales enhanced by a shared brown paper bag of gin. Troy’s oldest son Lyons (Maurice Redwood), an aspiring musician, stops by and asked to borrow $10. After sweating the young man, his wife Rose (Sandy Dowe) intervenes, gives Lyon the money
MARK CLAYTON SOUTHERS
berta. Cory (Carter Redwood) has grown into his own and rebels against his father’s objection to his dream to accept a college football scholarship. His brother Gabriel (Anthony Chisholm), a wounded WWII veteran, is also spreading his wings and moved from Troy’s house to a place of his own. After a minor run-in with the police, Troy bails Gabriel out of jail; in three weeks a hearing will determine if Gabriel should be return to an asylum. He tells Rose about his affair, an argument erupted that caught Cory’s attention, arriving at the door just in time to see his father grab his mother. Cory grabs his dad from behind and the two fight. On top of Cory’s earlier defiance, Troy tells the youth he’s about to “strike out.” At its heart, “Fences” is adapting to changes in life, society and family; and this is where the importance of casting appears. With the exception of Chisholm, all of the actors are local. They share a commitment to Wilson’s work and have all appeared on stage with one
prideful man whose life unravels with the passage of time. Dowd’s Rose is the glue that holds the family together—including the baby Troy bring home after its mother dies in childbirth. As Bono, Jamal is the sage that steadies Troy as his reckoning approaches. Maurice is effective as the slightly-estranged older son while Carter is a bundle is bursting maturity who “mans up” to the imposing Troy. Chisholm’s portrayal of Gabriel is fragile and haunting and newcomer Nia Woodson is adorably understated as an eightyear old Raynell. The set is the unsung star of the production as Fences is a presented on a revolving stage (kudos to Tony Ferrieri), and period pieces—check out the refrigerator—and costuming (and make-up by Cheryl El Walker) add to the authenticity of the production. (“Fences” continues at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company weekends through May 30 with 3 p.m. Sunday matinees. For prices or to purchase tickets log on to pittsburghplaywrights.com or 412687-4686 for groups.)
Hill House Association celebrates August Wilson by Paige Mitchell For New Pittsburgh Courier
An American playwright best known for his unprecedented cycle of 10 plays that chronicle the 20th century African American experience, August Wilson, who passed on Oct. 2, 2005, name and work will always live on in the city of Pittsburgh; his hometown. The 70th Birthday of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, was celebrated on Saturday April 25 at the Hill House Association Kaufman Center from 12-3 p.m. During the course of the three-hour event, about 6075 people attended. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with scholars, students, and family of August Wilson. Alexis Payne, a senior at Pittsburgh CAPA, was named the winner of the 11th Play Competition sponsored by WQED’s August Wilson Education Project, with her play entitled: “On Rayton.” “It was a great way to celebrate his 70th birthday in his hometown, and honor the legacy of August Wilson,” said George Hazimanolis, WQED Senior Director of Corporate Communications.
The PNC Foundation funded The August Wilson Education Project, including this event, throughout the 2014-2015 school year. However, this is not an annual event. The event was designed for a chance for the community, and especially young people to celebrate the life, work, and legacy of August Wilson; on the occasion of what would have been his 70th birthday. “August Wilson inspires Pittsburghers of all ages to
see the possibilities that their lives hold. To celebrate the value in our personal and community stories, and to enhance the transformative power of art,” said Hazimanolis. During the event, students displayed their monologue performances. •Monologue Performance by: Alona Williams, CAPA senior 2015. Pittsburgh Regional August Wilson Monologue Competition Finalist- Berniece, The Piano Lesson.
•Monologue Performance by: Miciah Foster, CAPA Senior. Aunt Ester, Gem of the Ocean. •Monologue Performance by: ShaQjuan Tyler, CAPA Senior, 2014. Pittsburgh Regional August Wilson Monologue Competition Finalist- King, King Hedley II. •Monologue Performance by: Cherish Morgan, CAPA Graduate 2012. Pittsburgh Regional August Wilson Monologue Competition Finalist- Boy Willie, The
Piano Lesson. “WQED is extremely proud to have co-produced the national PBS documentary ‘August Wilson; The Ground On Which I Stand.’ Thanks to funding from the PNC Foundation, we were able to mount this multicity initiative called The August Wilson Education Project to further the legacy of the extraordinary poet, writer, and Pittsburgh native son.” Said Darryl Ford Williams, WQED vice president of Content.
DARRYL FORD WILLIAMS vice president of content WQED.
DEBORAH ACKLIN—CEO, WQED reads day proclamation.
DEESHA PHILYAW manager of August Wilson Education Projects WQED
KIMBERLY ELLIS representing Wilson family.
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Chris Tucker rocked Heinz Hall by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
Chris Tucker defied two really big Pittsburgh untruths on May 1 for his show in the Cultural District. First, the “Friday” star was on time. The comedian was not drowned out with four opening acts. He hit the stage at approximately 8:20 p.m.—that’s 20 minutes after the start time. That has to be a record. Secondly, Tucker put on a respectable show without incident at one of the classiest venues in Pittsburgh, Heinz Hall. I’ll never understand why performers use Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall when Heinz Hall is a beautiful, lovely location. And get this—he was on stage for 90 minutes! Ninety minutes! He did not have a drink, a cigarette, water bottle or any other accessory that comedians normally bring to the stage. I have never seen that much energy on the stage from a headlining comedian. Tucker is undeniably funny. From his troubles with the IRS to serenading the crowd with his unique voice, Tucker resembled his
CHRIS TUCKER early days on “Def Comedy Jam.” The turnout wasn’t bad either. Between a Marvin
Sapp concert at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and hundreds of boxing fans flocking to Vegas for fight night,
New series ‘Mann & Wife’ premieres on Bounce TV
ATLANTA/PRNewswire— Real-life husband and wife team David Mann (“House of Payne” and “Meet The Browns”) and Tamela Mann (“Madea’s Big Happy Family” and “Sparkle”) are reuniting on screen as well as behind-the-scenes as executive producers, with the debut of their new familyfriendly original sitcom “Mann & Wife” premiering on Bounce TV. In Mann & Wife,” the devoted couple draws inspiration from their real lives to play newlyweds Daniel and Toni Mann. The
series follows the secondchance sweethearts as they laugh and love their way through the ups and downs of life as a blended family, each with two children from previous marriages. Life as they know it is turned inside out when Daniel, a police officer from Atlanta, and Toni, a school teacher from Dallas, meet on a dating site and fall in love. When they decide to marry and Toni moves into Daniel’s house in the Atlanta suburbs, the honeymooners—along with their
kids, two from each side— all have to adjust to their new lives together. They also have to deal with David’s overbearing live-in mother and his jet-setting ex-wife. In addition to the show’s popular stars, “Mann & Wife” features a vibrant supporting cast: Vivica A. Fox, portraying Daniel’s exwife; Tony Rock, playing Daniel’s new partner; JoMarie Payton as Lorraine, Daniel’s overbearing mother; and Tiny Lister as Daniel’s sergeant and boss.
May Thursday 14 Pittsburgh Improv Jam The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents its Pittsburgh Improv Jam at 10 p.m. at Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Thursday patrons can enjoy a night of spontaneous, comedic scenes inspired by audience suggestions and performed by experienced improvisers. This is a 21 and older event. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
Friday 15 Evening of Jazz Friends of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Hill District Branch present an “Evening of Jazz” from 6-8 p.m. at the Hill District Branch of the Carnegie Library, 2177 Centre Ave., Hill District. Tony Campbell will be the featured performer. All proceeds will benefit the Friends organization. Gift baskets and light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 412-6871819.
Colors of the Caribbean Haiti Friends presents the “Colors of the Caribbean” Haitian Art Show from 7-11 p.m. at Haiti Friends Art Gallery, 6739 Reynolds St., East Liberty. The opening night art event will include Haitian paintings and trinket and feature musical guest Gene Stovall. This is event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-361-
MAY 13-19, 2015
ARTS & CULTURE
4884 or visit www.haitifriends.org.
Saturday 16 Jazz Workshop Inc. The Harold Young Jazz Workshop Inc. presents The Big Band Performance from 5-7 p.m. at the Homewood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Concert Hall, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Homewood. Along with the Big Band Performance there will be a special performance from The New Show Band featuring vocalist Wayne Barber and keyboardist Keith Flowers. KDKA-TV’s Lynne Hayes-Freeland will be the host for the evening. This is a fundraising event. For more information, visit www.showclix.com.
Zapp Big Fun Productions presents The Cabaret of the Year from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Homewood Coliseum, 7310 Frankstown Rd., Homewood. The evening will feature R&B recording group Zapp along with Artistree and Sonya Carter, and music by DJ Sly Jock. This is a B.Y.O.B. event for individuals 21 and over. Security will be tight. For more information, call 412-452-0576 or 330-219-4428.
Sunday 17 Fences The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company presents August Wilson’s “Fences” at 3 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 937 Liberty Ave., Cul-
tural District. The Pulitzer-Prize winning play, directed by Mark Clayton Southers, is set in the 1950s and recounts the early rumblings of the Civil Rights Movement. The play follows character Troy Maxson, a middle-aged Hill District resident, and his struggle to accept the generational changes that have allowed his son to succeed in ways that he never could. The production will run through May 30. For more information, visit www.pghplaywrights.org.
Monday 18 Savoy Jazz Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere. The evening will feature Mark Strickland with the Roger Humphries Trio. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412-2810660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.
Tuesday 19 JazzLive The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents JazzLive at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday guests can celebrate a decade of jazz in the Cultural District and enjoy hot jazz from some of the most talented musicians. Kenia will be the performer. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
people came out to support the “Rush Hour” star. As for the age of old question: Will Chris Tucker star in “Last Friday” or “Rush Hour 4?’ I don’t know if there’s any real hope for Tucker to complete the fourth installments of either movie. But, I’m confident that he’s ready for both, if presented with the opportunity In previous interviews, the 39-year-old was adamant about not participating in anymore “Fridays.” But, during his show, it seemed as if he was wrestling with the idea. Although the storyline for “Last Friday” would be difficult seeing as how Mike Epps is the new funny face for that film series. Is there enough room for both Smokey and DayDay on one screen? I doubt it. “Friday” Director F. Gary Gray reunited with the original cast for the 20th anniversary. The movie was re-released in select theatres on April 20. The movie’s soundtrack, which eventually went double platinum, was also re-released to commemorate the milestone. Tucker posted a picture on his Instagram of the reunion: In other Ice Cube news, “Barbershop 3” will be released February 2016 and it is starring Ice Cube, Cedric
The Entertainer and Nicki Minaj. Sidenote: Why did Eve get the boot? You know Ice Cube is good for replacing somebody. As for “Rush Hour 4,” Tucker says he calls Warner Brothers everyday asking them to make another “Rush Hour.” “Rush Hour” will always be my favorite comedic movie series. Tucker has a few things coming up. In July, Netflix
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is set to release the actor’s first stand-up comedy special, “Chris Tucker Live.” On a personal note, Tucker is engaged to Atlanta news anchor and longtime girlfriend, Cynne Simpson. He joked briefly about his upcoming nuptials, a pre-nup and the difficulties of dating prior to Miss Simpson. Tucker gave Pittsburgh a clean, versatile show.
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NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Bryant honored by Zonta Club of Pittsburgh
MAURITA BRYANT HONORED—The Zonta Club of Pittsburgh presented Pittsburgh Assistant Police Chief Maurita Bryant with the Women Who Make a Difference Award on April 8 at the Rivers Club. Pictured with Bryant, center, are Lorene Vinski, Area 6 director of Zonta International, left, and Lee Forgarty, advocacy co-chair for Zonta, District 4. (Photos by Gail Manker)
LENDING SUPPORT—Assistant Chief Maurita Bryant, is surrounded by some members of NOBLE who attended to support her receiving of the Women Who Make A Difference Award from the Zonta Club of Pittsburgh.
4 H City Robotic Fair at Kingsley Association
ROBOTIC FAIR—Held at the Kingsley Association in East Liberty, the 4 H City of Penn State hosted a robotics fair at the community recreation center. Coordinated by Fred Brown of the Kingsley Association, teen students from neighborhood schools , along with industry professionals showcased their innovative skills. Pictured above, future engineers from left: Kristopher Shaw, 14; Winston Bell, 12; and mentor Robert Ware, Penn State, with their invention called the “Sea Perch.”
HAPPY TO PARTICIPATE—Yusef Ali and Carolyn Peeks, chair person of the Larimer Green Team, with Pittsburgh City Council candidate Andre Young, standing. (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart)
QUEEN ESTHER AWARDS—Queen Esther Chapter No.6 Deborah Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Adopted, Common Wealth of Pennsylvania, held their Spirit Award luncheon on March 21 at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The award honored women in various fields who participated in their “Plant The Seed to Believe in Dreams” program. Pictured above, seated: Rev. Quiana Golphin; Murphy J. Keller III, PMWGM, WP of Queen Esther Chapter #6; Mary Hanns, Worthy Matron, Queen Esther #6; L. Loydine Janine Nichelle Jacobs. Standing: Sophia Duck, Bethany E. Miller, Esq., Detective Mildred Jenkins, luncheon guest speaker, Marcia M. Sturdivant, Ph.D., president and CEO of NEED and Tyian Battle, founder of ACH Clear Pathways.
REMEMBRANCE AND RENEWAL—Queen Esther Chapter #4 Knights of Rose Croix, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Prince Hall Affiliation) held their annual Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal at the Prince Hall Temple in Wilkinsburg. This annual ceremony is held in remembrance of recently deceased members. Pictured above, place settings for the deceased (foreground), the Remembrance team and guests. (Photos by Gail Manker)
Queen Esther Awards and Masonic Remembrance event
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Peduto, Holmberg highlight Chamber luncheon C3
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by Christian Morrow
TIMELY TIDINGS—Mayor Bill Peduto forgoes his usual remarks to announce the city has settled an ACLU lawsuit and will scrap police hiring practices that have discriminated against Blacks.
over a lawsuit about discrimination in police hiring,” he Courier Staff Writer said. “Imagine being told you Typically, the politicians at- couldn’t be hired because you tending the African American smoked pot in high school, but a White officer who’d Chamber of Commerce Andone it more recently is nual Meeting and Luncheon make brief remarks saluting hired, or being rejected for the chamber’s great work ad- moving violations when a White officer with worse ofvancing Black business opportunities. And true to form, fenses is hired. That went on, but with this agreement, we Allegheny County Executive are committed to seeing it Rich Fitzgerald did so this does not continue. I thought year, praising the chamber that would be of interest.” and its President and CEO Following the applauds, Doris Carson Williams for Williams continued her welher work. coming remarks, thanking Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto didn’t do that this time. Peduto, Fitzgerald and other government officials in attenHe had newsto share. “I have to go off-script, here. dance at the Omni William I just now came from a meet- Penn Hotel, as well as the ing where we announced a SEE PEDUTO C2 settlement with the ACLU
HEARTY THANKS—Chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams and Chair Sam Stephenson give a chamber “key” to Annual Luncheon speaker Highmark President and CEO David Holmberg. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
Challenging economic Racism in America, Part II (NNPA)—There are many different manifestations of racism in America and throughout the world. But there is not a more insidious form of racism in the United States today than “economic racism.” Some scholars on the historical etymology of the term racism have proffered that it can be both intentional or unintentional while the results produce exactly the same terrible harm and injury to its tar-
I defined economic racism as the intentional racial discrimination against Black Americans and other people of color to prevent economic equality, justice, parity, advancement, and empowerment; it is the systematic racial exclusion of Black Americans and other people of color from economic policy-making at local, state and national levels in both corporate and governmental entities; and, it is the economic institutionalization of
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
JOB WELL DONE—Keith Murphy, owner of the Healthy Village Institute for Learning Community Center accepts his award from program organizer Juan Garrett of the Riverside Center for Innovation. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)
Commentary geted victims. But I believe, however, that economic racism is premeditated, deliberate, calculated and solely intentional. For example housing racial discrimination is intentional. It is not an accident or the so-called unintended consequence of racial bias or prejudice. Millions of Black Americans are experiencing financial hardship today at a significantly higher percentage rate than other racial groups as a direct result of housing discrimination and the systematic denial of access to home ownership. From Ferguson, Mo. to New York City to North Charleston, S.C. to Baltimore, there continues to be a pattern of fatal police brutality. Yet, what is not sometimes focused on is the undergirding consignment to poverty and economic inequality of the Black American community that gives rise to wanton police violence and misconduct.
racial oppression, stereotyping, and profiling coupled with the ignorance of racial prejudice and hatred. Recently, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) under the leadership of Congressman G.K. Butterfield released a national study titled, “Economic Challenges in the Black Community.” The research document was prepared last month by the Democratic staff of the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress. The following eight highlights of the study substantiates the devastating impact of economic racism on Black America: •One-in-three (33 percent) Blacks in their late teens and one-in-five (20.2 percent) Blacks in their early 20s are unemployed .High unemployment rates among young African Americans early in their careers can hurt their longSEE CHALLENGING C2
Collaborative efforts bring Business training to McKeesport by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
For decades the City of McKeesport played a significant role in the economic stability of Allegheny County. Located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers, one of its major employers was the National Tube Works, a manufacturer of iron pipes, which later became a part of U.S. Steel. Today UPMC McKeesport Hospital exists as the city’s’ largest employer. As the second largest City in Allegheny County, V. Fawn WalkerMontgomery and Juan Garrett would like to see their hometown restored and regain the prosperous business reputation it once had. Working toward that mission the two recently organized free entrepreneurial training classes for McKeesport residents and current McKeesport business owners. “These classes were and are important to the participants and to the city,” is the belief of two-term McKeesport
City Councilwoman Walker-Montgomery. “Its small businesses that keep the economy going, they employ and empower residents,” she said. Classes Walker-Montgomery is referring to are the 12 week Riverside Center for Innovation’s New Business New Beginnings Entrepreneurial Training on Starting Your Own Business sessions. Resource partners with the Riverside Center for Innovation were the City of McKeesport, the McKeesport Downtown Business Authority, the Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Pleased with the results of the New Business-New Beginnings entrepreneurial training classes, Garrett, deputy director at Riverside Center for Innovation indicated that 19 people graduated from the program. Outlining the sessions he said the 12 week, two-days-a-week sessions were on basic, intermediate and advanced business topics resulting in a creation of a complete business plan
under the New Business New Beginnings training curriculum. He said participants heard pertinent information from industry speakers: Kirk Wilson and Jonathan Kelly of Holman and James Insurance Group; Attorney Eric Davis; Ruth Byrd-Smith, Allegheny County’s Department of Minority Women Disadvantaged Business Enterprise; Benito Rivera and Kathleen Paterra of Huntingdon Bank; Ray Garofalo of Dollar Bank; Rebecca MacBlane of the Regional Development Funding Corporation; Zachary Steinmetz of Dollar Bank, Heather Murray of Advantage Credit Counseling Services; Maury Burgwin, Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce; County Councilman Robert Macey; Pete Popivchak of Wall-to-Wall Studios, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko, City Administrator Matt Gergely and Councilwoman Walker-Montgomery. “As a bonus for completing the program, each person was awarded a one-year membership to the local Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce which will provide valuable networking to assist in the growth of the existing businesses,” said Garrett. Garrett describes the SEE McKEESPORT C2
A TREE OF HOPE—Like the newness of the season, McKeesport City Councilwoman V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery and other citizens aim for new life.
Financial predators still target active duty military (NNPA)—The men and women who wear our nation’s uniform are expected to defend our nation at home and abroad. Yet, when it comes to financial services, service members are not always been protected in return. The 2006 Military Lending Act (MLA) was enacted with broad and bipartisan support as a remedy to predatory lending that diminished military readiness. The first major step to provide financial protection to our armed forces was to limit interest rates and fees to no more than 36 percent rate cap for consumer credit. This rate cap initially applied to just three types of products: tax refund loans, and both payday and auto title loans. The law also prescribed limits of indebtedness for payday loans less than 90 days and auto title loans with terms less than 180 days. MLA’s specific lending prescriptions had the unexpected result of lenders changing loan terms beyond the MLA’s provisions, sometimes by as little as an extra day. While technically observing the letter of the law, these profiteers exploited a lending loophole to continue entrapping active duty service members in predatory lending products. Last fall, the Department of Defense proposed MLA broaden proposed amendments to existing regulations that would
better ensure guage as the meaagainst evasive Charlene Crowell sure proceeds to the practices of predaHouse floor for a tory lending. These final vote. The Duckproposals are supworth amendment ported by the miliwill enable stronger tary community, regulation to move Congressional leadforward. The goal of ers, state attorneys ensuring effective general as well as regulation of predaconsumer and civil tory lending aimed rights groups across the country. at active duty military families and will inEven so, this year some members of clude new safeguards affecting credit Congress inserted into the 2016 National cards, high-cost installment loans and payDefense Authorization Act a short clause day loans offered by banks that are termed that would have given predatory lenders ‘deposit advances.’ the opportunity to prolong their exploitaObserved Congresswoman Duckworth, tive practices and also delay in implement- “As the Department of Defense and Coning new regulations by the Secretary of De- sumer Financial Protection Bureau’s own fense. The surprise move also undermined reports show, service members have not DOD’s previous findings that predatory been fully protected since the MLA was lending is a threat to our national security. passed, and further delay will put more Fortunately, and largely through the service members and their families in leadership of a veteran, Illinois’ Congress- harm’s way.” woman Tammy Duckworth, offered an Working with the Office of Service Memamendment to the proposed authorization ber Affairs, CFPB published a December to preserve DOD’s regulatory plans. After report that found: 18 hours of debate, enough support was •Some depository institutions extended gathered to remove the harmful language. millions of dollars in deposit advances to A 32-30 vote by the House Armed Ser- service members with APRs that typically vices Committee removed the harmful lan- exceeded 300 percent. As open-ended lines
Commentary
of credit, the loans were not bound by the MLA; •In Illinois, a 12-month auto title loan of $2,575 carried a finance charge of $5,720 plus a $95 lien fee. The loan was technically legal because its duration was beyond 181 days; •In Texas, a lender sold a $485 installment loan to a service member with a 584.72 APR for a period of less than six months. In addition to the borrower’s $1,428 repayment, the borrower was charged a separate credit access business fee and 9.75 percent interest on the loan. “The products that have been marketed and extended to service members while the current Military Lending Act regulations have been in place underscore the limitations of those regulations in protecting service members and their families across the credit marketplace,” states CFPB’s report. “This issue is of substantial concern to the Bureau and we will continue to use the tools available to us to address the consumer financial challenges affecting the military community.” Added Congresswoman Duckworth. “Service Members continue to be vulnerable to abusive lending that causes incredible financial difficulty for them and directly imSEE PREDATORS C2
Peduto, Holmberg Don’t let unexpected highlight luncheon costs ruin your retirement
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chambers members, partners and sponsors that made it a banner year. In particular she singled out developer Keith B. Key. “Keith’s KBK Enterprises is out first Blackowned Presidential Roundtable-level member,” she said. “He not only actively supports the chamber but he also wrote all of those he does business with locally and urged them to join as well.” As the luncheon commenced, large video screens showed photos from chamber workshops, mixers, candidate forums and foreign trips, as well as new membership totals, event sponsors and incoming and outgoing board officers. Williams then introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Highmark President and CEO David Holmberg. He noted he’d been the healthcare giant’s president for a year, and joked that he wanted to come to the chamber sooner, but “Doris wanted to see if I’d stick.” I’m blessed to be in a position where the people who came before me made the choice to save 17,000 jobs,” he said. “And we’re planning on making $600 million in investments in Erie, Forbes, West Penn and Allegheny General Hospital, so we can be more flexible and capable
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where you are, so we can treat more people in their communities.” He added that investment means job opportunities, and he like it to mean opportunities for the people in the audience. “We’re talking tech, business systems, supplies,” he said. “There’s ways you can be part of it. And there’s a table of people right there who will be happy to talk to you about that.” Holmberg said he and Highmark are committed to doing right by the community, to building a healthy community that doesn’t need to come to a massive central hospital for every little thing—but that can when the need arises. “And in a health community quality education and jobs are available,” he said. “We need to find out how we can partner with communities on those investments, including affordable housing and business in the community.” As for the company’s battle with UPMC, Holmberg joked that he never talks about that before 3:30 in the afternoon. “Our objective here is to offer choice, not to bow to people who don’t like us,” he said.
(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourtier. com.)
Determining how much you’ll need in retirement for housing, food, and other fixed expenses may seem relatively easy, but what about the costs that come out of the blue? An Ameriprise study found that 90 percent of Americans surveyed had faced at least one unanticipated issue or event that may have made retirement more difficult. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers some insight into making sure your retirement isn’t upended by surprise expenses. Create a sound foundation Before you consider unpredictable expenses, be sure that you’re going to be able to cover the ones that you can see coming. Unfortunately, many people do not have a realistic idea about how much they’ll need to fund a secure retirement. When workers were asked last year how confident they were about having enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement, 18 percent said they were very confident, according to an Employee Benefit Research Institute Retirement Confidence Survey. That was up from 13 percent in 2013, but it still indicates that many people may be anxious about their future. If you’re worried about retirement, start making—or perhaps increasing—regular contributions to an employer or individual retirement savings plan so your savings can grow steadily over time. If you have questions about retirement planning or getting started on saving, your CPA can explain your options and offer advice for your unique financial situation. Take stock of what you’ve got As you near retirement, it becomes easier to predict the kinds of large but unusual expenses that can undermine a budget. If you’re about to retire and you just bought a new car, for example, maintenance expenses should remain pretty low for the next few years. However, it may be smart
to include more costly repairs in your budgeting down the road. The same is certainly true if you own a house. How many years has it been since you’ve replaced your roof, furnace, hot water heater, and other items that require significant replacement costs? If it’s been a while, earmark some of your savings for these repairs. If you have an aging roof and older major appliances, you’ll want to set aside more each year than if they are all relatively new. Factor in health care costs According to a Fidelity Benefits Consulting survey, a 65-year-old couple retiring now can expect an average of $220,000 in health care costs in retirement, not including any nursing home care. Many Americans expect to rely on Medicare to cover their expenses, but quite a few are not aware that it’s not free or do not realize what percentage is covered for doctor’s visits, hospitalization, vision and hearing, or long-term care, according to a study of middle-income baby boomers by the Bankers Life & Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement. A total of 77 percent of study respondents had bought additional insurance to cover out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t encompass. Keep family in mind Consider a parent whose health is declining and who may need help paying for home health care or other expenses. Or a child who loses his or her job and turns to you for help making ends meet. Or a grandchild is on the way and you want to help the young parents with expenses. There are many happy and sad reasons that retirees can find themselves digging deep to help out a family member financially. That’s why you should include unforeseen requests from loved ones into your retirement budgeting.
Challenging economic racism CONTINUED FROM C1
term employment and earning prospects. •In 2010, Black men were more than six times as likely as White men to be incarcerated, and Black women were almost three times as likely to be incarcerated as White women. Relatively high incarceration rates mean that Blacks are more likely to be absent from the labor force for significant portions of their working careers, and once released they face challenges in securing and maintaining good-paying jobs. •One-in-10 Black homeowners who took out mortgages at the height of the housing boom eventually lost their home to foreclosure. •The median income of African American households is $34,600—nearly $24,000 less than the median income of White households ($58,300). •More than one-in-four African Americans live in poverty (27.2 percent)—almost triple the rate for Whites (9.6 percent). •More than half of Black children raised in the bottom 20 percent of the income distribution will remain there as adults, compared to only one-in-three White children who begin there. •The racial disparity in wealth has increased since the Great Recession. Median net worth among Black households fell by more than 40 percent from 2007 to 2013, compared to drop of 26 percent among White households. •White households typically have 13 times more wealth than Black households. In 2013, the median net worth of African American households was only $11,000 compared to about $142,000 for White households—a difference of $131,000. All of the above data exposes how deeply
rooted the problems of imposed economic inequality are for Black America. But my intention is not to make anyone feel that this form of racism cannot be effectively challenged and overcome. I learned a long time ago, that before you can solve a problem, you first have to understand the root of the problem. The solution to economic racism and injustice is to build a participatory sustainable movement for economic equality and justice. The economic situation and condition of Black America is not hopeless. Remember Black Americans spend annually more than $1.2 trillion in the economy of the United States. Wealth building in the Black American community will take place when more of us exercise greater self-control over how, where and when we spend the money that we have. We should focus on investing financially in our families and communities. Yes, the government also has a responsibility on this issue. Likewise, corporate America that financially benefits from Black American consumerism certainly has a responsibility to contribute to the sustainable economic development of the Black community. Economic racism and all the other forms of racial injustice must be challenged forthrightly. We have come too far on our journey to secure freedom, justice and equality to get weary or tired now. I am optimistic that we will rise to the occasion. Let’s increase our pace in the building and strengthening the movement for economic equality and justice. (Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the president and CEO of the NNPA and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.)
Business training to McKeesport CONTINUED FROM C1
Riverside Center for Innovation as an economic development company that helps entrepreneurs start their businesses by providing office space, consulting services, educational seminars, and various programs that help startups become established businesses. “It was a pleasure to teach this class,” said Allen Jones, the class instructor from the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. “Nineteen, more than half of the initial recruitment of thirty individuals that attended the kick-off workshop graduated this evening, that’s a rarity in this type of program.” He predicted that at least 8 of the participants have a likelihood of starting or expanding their businesses. Some of the class business ideas were catering, floor care, a personal care home and an entertainment event center. The program was hosted at the Healthy Village Institute for Learning Community Center owned and operated by Keith Murphy, a class participant and McKeesport native. The brain child of WalkerMontgomery, she said after she and Garrett met with numerous organizations to get the
ball rolling, funding to the Riverside Center for Innovation to make the idea a reality came from the McKeesport Downtown Business Authority and a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit with contributions from KU Resources, Inc. and Alco Parking. The mission of the MDBA is to promote and advocate for existing businesses and to attract new business to the city. Walker-Montgomery serves as chairperson and businessman and city council candidate Corry Sanders is vice chairperson. Holding true to its purpose, the authority is sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting with local businesses Tuesday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the McKeesport Palisades Event Center located at 100
Fifth Avenue. Walker-Montgomery said MDBA provided the Mayor and City Council an opportunity to collaborate on such a worthwhile endeavor. “Ventures like this are important to McKeesport. It also helps paint a better picture of the City. The media portrays such a negative view of McKeesport, but we are more than what they broadcast and write about.” A perfect example she said is how she, Garrett and Murphy, lifelong citizens worked to make the Riverside Center for Innovation’s New Business New Beginnings Entrepreneurial Training on Starting Your Own Business sessions materialize. “We have a lot of pride here. My motto is, Pride in McKeesport starts with me.”
Financial predators CONTINUED FROM C1
pacts military readiness. Those who work every day to defend our nation deserve the strongest protections our government can provide.” Representative Duckworth and other members of the House Armed Ser-
vices Committee who worked to stop the ploy to delay financial protections for our troops did the right thing at the right time. (Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business Opportunity Fair MAY 13—The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council will host its 2015 Business Opportunity Fair from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd., Monroeville. The theme is “Connecting Relationships, Building Bridges, Gaining Wins.” This is an opportunity for certified MBEs and corporate purchasing representatives to network in an open forum. Besides developing new business relationships, it will also allow attendees to gain a better understanding of the needs of customers, and identify key areas of growth and prospects for strategic partnerships. For more information, call Meg Crossan at 412-391-4423 or email med@e-msdc.org.
The Second Step MAY 15—The University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center will host “The Second Step: Developing A Business Plan” from 7:30-10 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, Mervis Hall, Roberto Clemente Drive, Oakland. Attendees will learn all they need to about operational and production planning, conducting market research and creating financial spreadsheets to attract funding for one’s business. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-648-1544 or visit www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu.
Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference MAY 15—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host its Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference 2015 from 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. at Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. This is a premier networking and informational event for Western Pennsylvania small businesses. There are more than 400 small business managers and owners that are expected to attend. The event’s keynotes speakers will be Rob Daley, CEO of 4moms, and Bill Sarris, president of Sarris Candies Inc. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-396-6233 or email duqsbdc@duq.edu.
Gardens & Greenspaces MAY 20—The Business Institute of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host Gardens & Greenspaces from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Koppers Building, 436 Seventh Ave., Downtown. The group will introduce the team from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and they will discuss how to bring some of the beauty to one’s home or office. Registration is required by May 18. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.com.
Finding Alternative Funding MAY 21—The University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center will host “Finding Alternative Funding for Your Small Business: Local Lenders Showcase” from 7:30-10 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, William Pitt Union Assembly Room, Fifth Avenue, Oakland. This seminar will help individuals who are trying to identify new sources of capital to grow or start their business and introduce them to some of the local non-bank lenders in the region. For more information, call 412-648-1544 or visit www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu.
Lunch and Learn Series MAY 21— The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host its Lunch & Learn Series at 12:15 p.m. at the Downtown & Business Branch, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic will be “How to Start and Grow Your Business Using A to Z Databases.” Christine Smailys, of A to Z Databases, will teach attendees how to use A to Z Databases to start and grow one’s business. Individuals can participate in person or dial-in. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or visit www.carnegielibrary.org.
Members’ Mixer MAY 28—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its Members’ Mixer from 5-7 p.m. at Hosanna House, 807 Wallace Ave., Wilkinsburg. This is an opportunity to meet associate member Al Merritt and learn how Hosanna House reaches out to assist and impact individuals and families in our community. Attendees are asked to bring business cards and members are asked to wear their pins. For more information, call 412-392-0610 or email information@aaccwp.com. (To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
New Pittsburgh Courier
SPORTS
C3
MAY 13-19, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
City League track champions Inside Conditions—Extra help by Aubrey Bruce
For New Pittsburgh Courier
FANTASTIC FRESHMAN—Asia Parker , a freshman from Carrick won the 100 meter and the 300 meter hurdles and also won the Long Jump event. (Photos by William McBride)
SPRINT KING—Desean Bonneau of Obama Academy won the 100 and 200 meter sprints
DOUBLE CHAMP—Allderdice’s Angel Williamson-Wheat won the discus and shot put events to help lead “The Dice Girls” to the City League Championship
HEAVY LIFTER—Hakeim McKenzie of Carrick won the discus event and won the shot put event for the third year in a row, Hakeim, will attend Clairon University in the fall and play football for them
GIRLS SPRINT QUEEN—Kashaya Jones, a freshman from Obama Academy won the 100 meter dash and ran the anchor leg on the winning 400 relay team
FLYING HIGH—Melissa Sene of Allderdice won the High Jump event for the second year in a row
by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—I told you three months ago that Tom and the boys took the air out the balls. It was true then and it’s true now. The other thing that’s true is that it’s not really a big deal. Everyone has done it or something like it during their football career and finally no one really cares. Oh sure you hear people talking about it 24-7, but that’s really the media making you listen to it even though you don’t care…kind-a like this! Stick-up on your hands, stealing signals, grease and oil on your shirts, piping noise in the stadium. You name it, something has been going on from day one. Get over it people. All New England does is beat you at your own game! :09—Speaking of cheating, and I just was if I could just get you to focus, I know it’s not your fault…you went to a City League school! (Oh relax. That’s just a little WPIAL humor). Anyway, if you want to penalize somebody, let’s pe-
Overtime nalize the owners that continue to draft wife beaters, drug users and thugs just because they can play football. Do that and leave the 5th greatest quarterback of all time…aka Tom Brady…alone! :08—Ok, I see…you really had to ask. Here it is again. Now write it down this time. The greatest QBs of all time are: No. 1 Terry Bradshaw, No. 2 Joe Montana, No. 3 Brett Farve, No. 4 Johnny Unitas, No. 5 Tom Brady. Don’t like that list? Call me with yours. 412 628-4856. :07—Just so you know I’m coming to you from Petra Ministries in East Hills, the church that Bishop Clay, Elder Milton Raiford, Connie and Jim Balthrop, Tim Walker and Roland Slade built. No. 1 — Bishop Clay sure can preach and No. 2 — Yes, I can listen to him and do this too. So shut up!!! (Love ya man…forgot I was in church!!!) What was the message? We are
all the same in this world from the life of Adam and Eve…bam!!! :06—I…just like you…have to redo my list. Since the Spurs fell short, I have to take the L.A. Clippers to win the west and I hope the Bulls finish off Bron-Bron and company. If so, they will own the east. Bulls return to glory and beat L.A. Clippers in seven (7)…I think! :05—I know I ripped the Pirates, but I take it back in the immortal words of Sam & Dave…“Hold on, they’re coming.” :04—Still looking for the top level, high profile, intelligent, hard working, get it done executive types who are still in search of greatness. If you’re “the one” we’re looking for, call Achieving Greatness at 412-628-4856 now! Greatness awaits you! :03—I really hate to tell ya this, I really do, but the New Avengers flick only gets three (3) basketballs
from me. It was good, but not great. I know it made a zillion dollars, but it just didn’t hit the bell. :02—Coming Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Achieving Greatness High School Life Skills Seminar for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Join the event that will give you a step up on college prep, S.A.T. prep, training tips, study tips, how to succeed in business, how to do your resume, how to get a job, etc. etc. etc. It’s free and includes lunch, tshirt and complete supervision. Call Achieving Greatness Inc 412-628-4856 to register. Do it today! THIS COULD - CHANGE YOUR - CHILD’S - LIFE!!! :01—AGI, Roland Ford, and the Pittsburgh City League Hall of Fame Committee presents Summer Breeze Old School Par-Tays coming your way June, July and August. Get ready to get ready. Call 412628-4856 for more information. :00—HAPPY BELATED MOTHER’S DAY to all the wonderful moms!!! ~ GAME OVER ~
Extra, extra read all about it. The New England Patriots apologize for cheating for illegally underinflating footballs that gave them a competitive advantage in the 2014 NFL playoffs! Wrong headline. See boys and girls the NFL was supposed to be the one apologizing to Patriots owner Robert Kraft about launching an unjustified probe of the Patriots and Kraft’s chief minion Tom “shady” Brady, in regards to Brady allegedly ordering equipment subordinates to underinflate game balls in order to help him keep a “death grip” on the football to make more accurate throws in inclement and inhospitable weather. Recently, Tom Brady had the gall, the audacity and the balls to hold a pep rally disguised as a news conference, indicating that he might be possibly ready to come clean and tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Instead he took a dump in a New England Patriots outhouse that was already over flowing with bulls—t. In 2007 when Sir Bill “Belicheat” and his knight of the “unsound” table were accused, tried and convicted of illegally videotaping the opposing teams signals over a period of several years including prior to their Super Bowl XXXVI win over the St. Louis Rams in February of 2002. Also in 2007 I wrote an article titled, “cheaters almost always win.” I said that: “Now that Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have been exposed for what they are, it is apparent the NFLs strict policies regarding discipline and punishment must be reserved only for Black athletes acting badly. Cheating and skullduggery have been given the green light. The offenses by the Patriots organization do not have a criminal penalty that can be assessed but just like the Pete Rose scandal in MLB, cheating and/or gambling should have been dealt with in the harshest terms possible; but the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell
saw things differently. Belichick was fined $500,000 and the franchise was ordered to pay an additional $250,000. That “featherbed” type penalty does not even constitute a slap on the wrist.” That was a frivolous and nepotism based reaction and penalty regarding systemic cheating allegedly observed by an owner, (Robert Kraft) and implemented by his Head Coach, Bill Belichick and his “army of cheaters” led by his field general The dishonorable, oops I meant the honorable Tom Brady, reading the other teams defenses using stolen signals and illicit information, all the while erroneously defined being as “geniuses.” During the Patriots B.C. era (before cheating) in Super XX, they were handily defeated by the Chicago Bears 46-10. New England competed again in Super Bowl XXXI and was defeated by the Green Bay Packers 35-21. Still no videotape help was available for New England to steal a victory. When the New England A.C. (after cheating) era began the team became wildly successful. During Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX when the Patriots defeated the St. Louis Rams, (which is the first of New England’s “cheaters bowl victories”) and the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles, it has been corroborated that all of those victories were partially made possible by the New England Patriots organization being involved in organized, systemized, voluntary and belligerent violations of the NFL’s competitive standards. Remember what I said in 2007. Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, ostracized and cut for domestic abuse and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suspended by his team for child abuse and child endangerment charges. As bad as these violations may be, the actions taken by these players in their personal lives did not give their teams a competitive advantage on the field. The NFL should sit Tom Brady down from the first game of the 2015 season through eight games.
New Pittsburgh Courier
CLASSIFIED
C4
MAY 13-19, 2015
SONNY BOY
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
PASTORAL LEADER
St. Paul Baptist Church Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Please refer to website: stpaulbc.org for complete application information
PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ OFFICE MANAGER
FT to provide administrative support for operations & program support for public education events. Full job description and salary info at www.aclupa.org/jobs. Apply to search@aclupa.org
ASSISTANT MENʼS BASKETBALL COACH
California University of Pennsylvania seeks to hire one full-time Assistant Menʼs Basketball Coach to assist with, but not limited to, the coaching, training and recruitment of studentathletes. Visit www.calu.edu/ employment for more information and to apply on line. Cal U is M/F/V/D/AA/EEO.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to the C.O.O.
The Allegheny County Airport Authority Airport has a position opening for an Executive Assistant to the C.O.O. at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http://www.flypittsburgh.com/ ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on May 18, 2015. EOE / M / F / D / V
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
The Allegheny County Airport Authority Airport has a position opening for an Administrative Coordinator at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about this position is available at http://www.fly pittsburgh.com/ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on May 18, 2015. EOE / M / F / D / V
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Robert Morris University seeks applicants for several employment opportunities. Visit RMU.EDU/JOBS for details. Email resume to jobs@rmu.edu or mail to: Robert Morris University, Human Resources 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108 or fax to 412-397-2555. RMU believes institutional equity reflects our continued commitment to a community where everyone is both valued and respected. We are dedicated to developing a diverse population and strive to be an inclusive community that celebrates and embraces differences. EOE
SENIOR MANAGER, HELPING FAMILIES THRIVE UNITED WAY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
United Way of Allegheny County is a change agent and efficient community fundraiser that improves lives by addressing critical community needs. By convening diverse partners and investing in programs and people to advance solutions, United Way creates long-lasting change. Working in collaboration with other United Way staff, public and private funders, service providers, and policy makers, this person provides leadership to define and address critical and emerging needs facing financially struggling adults and families in a way that produces measurable community outcomes. Visit our website at http://unitedwaypittsburgh.org/careers to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically. United Way of Allegheny County is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.
ARCHITECT, ISD
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside seeks an Architect, ISD in Allegheny County. Requires high degree of technical architecture expertise in design, development and implementation of architecture strategy. Provide strategic enterprise-wide technology, perspective and services in all UPMC venues to support the technology needs of care providers, researchers and other clients. Advance the use of innovative technologies such as Tivoli, BMC, Compuware, Splunk, Infobox and Microsoftʼs SCCm and SCOM to improve patient safety and quality, enable effective and personalized patient care, operational efficiency and research. Must have Masterʼs degree in Information Systems, Computer Science or related field and two years of experience in Information Systems, OR Bachelorʼs degree in Information Systems, Computer Science or related field and five years of experience in Information Systems. Apply at www.upmc.com by following these steps; click Careers at UPMC, Start My Job Search, and follow the link to continue to search and apply for openings. Select Advanced Search and enter 2072740 in the job opening ID field. EOE
ASSOCIATE COMMERCIAL PRODUCER WPXI-TV STUDIO 11 This person will coordinate client commercial production projects for a growing production facility. Experience in commercial production, videography and editing required. Proficiency in video editing software, such as Avid or FinalCut, is preferred. EOE Contact: http://tinyurl.com/l72dcqt
PA 2-1-1 SOUTHWEST TECHNOLOGY MANAGER UNITED WAY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Similar to 9-1-1, 2-1-1 is a nationally recognized, easy to remember phone number that quickly and effectively connects people in need with resources. In the case of 2-1-1, the connections are to human services and community resources tailored to meet caller needs. The 2-11 service is widely available across the country and has recently become available in Pennsylvania. United Way is seeking a thoughtful, innovative individual to take the lead and guide a team in ensuring that PA 2-1-1 Southwest (including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland counties) is maximizing the potential of technology and information systems to serve the community, while providing a positive user experience for the public, 2-1-1 staff, nonprofit agencies, and other end users of the 2-1-1 website and database. Visit our website at http://unitedwaypittsburgh.org/careers to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically. United Way of Allegheny County is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.
POLICE OFFICERS CITY OF ALIQUIPPA
Qualified persons are invited to apply to the City of Aliquippa Civil Service Commission to take competitive examinations leading to eligibility for appointment as Police Officer in the City of Aliquippa Police Department. An application form may be obtained beginning May 11, 2015 at the City Building, 581 Franklin Avenue, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Completed applications must be returned by 4:00 PM, May 25, 2015 with a $50.00 nonrefundable application fee payable to the City of Aliquippa. REQUIREMENTS: At the time of application applicants are required to be Act 120 Certified or have successfully completed Act 120 Training with the State Exam successfully completed by date of conditional hire, have a high school diploma or GED, be a minimum of 18 years of age, hold a valid motor vehicle operatorʼs license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, be a U.S. Citizen and be physically and mentally fit to perform duties of a police officer. Successful applicants must meet all other Civil Service requirements. Women and Minorities are Encouraged to Apply. EOE
ASSISTANT MANAGER, LRT SYSTEMS AND POWER
Port Authority is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager, LRT Systems and Power to responsible for the planning and scheduling of work and providing technical assistance to support repair and maintenance of the Port Authority substations, overhead, communication systems and signal systems. Oversees the performance of substation, overhead and signal projects, substation, overhead and signal system support personnel, and administrative functions of the Department. Oversees the Power, Signal and Communications Departments in the absence of the Manager, LRT and Facilities Systems. Job requirements include: •High School Diploma or GED. •Associates Degree or Technical Degree in Electrical/Electronics, Business Administration or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. •Five (5) years experience in LRT Systems •Minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience. •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word. Preferred attributes: •BA/BS Degree in related fields from an accredited school. •Supervisory experience in two or more LRT System disciplines (traction power, overhead, signals or communications). •Demonstrated ability in the use of Microsoft Excel. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@portauthority.org EOE
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Help Wanted
Meetings
Bids/Proposals
COUNTYSTATS ANALYST ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for a CountyStats Analyst position for the County Managerʼs Office. For application requirements and job description check our website at www.alleghenycounty.us/jobs or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
MANAGER OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allegheny County is accepting applications for a Manager of Construction Engineering position for the Department of Public Works. For application requirements and job description check our website at www.alleghenycounty.us/jobs or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.
GRANTS AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST UNITED WAY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
United Way of Allegheny County is a change agent and efficient community fundraiser that improves lives by addressing critical community needs. By convening diverse partners and investing in programs and people to advance solutions, United Way creates long-lasting change. Manage administrative duties, office communications and major project communications for the Community Impact department, including Initiatives and PA 2-1-1 Southwest. Manages foundation and public grant application and reporting process for funding of the Impact Fund, special projects and initiatives; assists with tracking of expenditures and assignment to funding sources; provides contract management to ensure compliance and tracking; supports cross-departmental interaction and internal organizational effort, and; other administrative tasks as required and Special Projects as assigned. Visit our website at http://unitedwaypittsburgh.org/careers to view job description and apply for this position. Submissions will only be accepted electronically. United Way of Allegheny County is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. JOB OPPORTUNITIES Health Care
GROW WITH US MY CAREER: UPMC
Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to build your career in health care? Our team at Canterbury Place is growing! We have openings for enthusiastic CNAs, RNs, and CNA Trainees to join our team, and help us make a difference in the lives of our patients every day. Multiples opportunities are available in a variety of shifts including full-time, part-time, and casual openings, and we offer great benefits and career ladders for those who are interested in growing their careers at UPMC! Interview Day at Canterbury Place Thursday, June 4 310 Fisk St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201 1 to 7 p.m. Interested? Apply to RSVP today! Apply today at UPMC.com/Careers. Click “Quick Search” then “Advanced Search” and enter 2069607 in the Job Opening ID field. EOE. Minority/Female/Vet/Disabled
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Community College of Allegheny County
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the College will be held on: Thursday, June 4, 2015 4:00 p.m. Board Meeting CCAC Allegheny Campus Byers Hall 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212
May 7, 2015
LEGAL NOTICE Allegheny County Department of Human Services Public Meetings/Hearings on Human Service Block Grant application
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) will hold two public meetings/hearings to talk about the plan and its implementation. The first meeting/hearing is on Thursday, May 28 at 5 p.m. and the second meeting is on Tuesday, June 2 at 1 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Human Services Building, One Smithfield St., Downtown. People interested in testifying or commenting on the plan will have the opportunity to speak at the meetings. DHS makes reasonable efforts to accommodate people with disabilities. Call the Directorʼs Action Line at 1800-862-6783, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., up to a week prior to the meeting you will attend, if you are in need of special accommodations. Information on the Human Services Block Grant Plan is available at www.alleghenycounty.us/DHS/ DPW-BlockGrant.aspx. To read the previous Block Grant Plans (and the proposed 2015-2016 plan when it becomes available), visit www. alleghenycounty.us/dhs/plans budgets.aspx. Marc Cherna Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services SCHOOLS Training
APPRENTICESHIP
The Joint Apprenticeship Committee of the Heat & Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local #2, Pittsburqh, PA is accepting applications for consideration towards apprenticeship in the 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 by June 30, 2015; have a high school diploma by June 30, 2015 or G.E.D.; 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: May 18 through May 23, 2015 and Tuesday through Friday May 26 through May 29, 2015 between the hours of 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at the Insulators and Asbestos Workers Joint Apprenticeship Training Office, 1057 Clinton Road, Clinton, PA 15026. Photo identification is required and there is a $25.00 (non-refundable) application-processing fee, to be paid by certified check or money order. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate Notices
Letters have been granted on the estate of each of the following decedents to the personal representative named who request all persons having claims against the estate of 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:
Estate of COTTRELL, SHERRY L. a/k/a COTTRELL, SHERRY LEE, deceased, of Pittsburgh, No. 2271 of 2015, Lisa Cottrell, Extr., or to c/o Matthew J. Beam, Esq., Scolieri Law Group, 1207 5th Avenue, Ste 200, Pgh, PA 15219. Estate of WALKER, JAMES P., deceased, of Cheswick, PA 15024, No. 02-15-02171, Frank Perman, Adm., 923 Saxonburg Blvd., Pgh, Pa 15223 or to American Wills & Estates, Lloyd A. Welling, Esquire, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302, Birmingham Towers, Pgh, PA 15203.
Estate of DEGARO, JANE L., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA No. 02-15-02427. James R. Brunetti, Executor, 40 Quail Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15214 or to Louis C. Coles, Esquire, 41 Stratford Court, Carnegie, PA 15106.
Estate of SMITH, REX M., deceased of McCandless Township, Allegheny County. No. 00388 of 2015, Rex T. Smith and Connie E. Smith, Co-Administrator and Co-Administratrix, 2209 Bond Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or to Witherel & Associates, 966 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) will receive proposals for WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT: AUTOMATED CONTROLS REPLACEMENT as identified below. The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The Request for Proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Ryan Buries, E-mail: rburies@pittsburghcc.com, Telephone: (412) 325-6179, Facsimile: (412) 325-6104. This Advertisement applies to the following Request for Proposal: Project: Waste Water Treatment Plant: Automated Controls Replacement RFP Available: May 6, 2015 Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 13, 2015 David Lawrence Convention Center, SMG Admin Office- Board Room, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Time/Date/Location for Proposals: 2:00 PM, Friday, May 22, 2015, David Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny Countyʼs Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). Submission date for all of the proposals will be until 11:00 AM on May 29, 2015 and read at 11:15 AM., the same day, in Port Authorityʼs Public Meeting Room, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B14-03-19ARR Reman/Exchange/ New Turbochargers – Cummins Engines B14-12-115AR Elevator & Escalator Inspection Services B15-01-07 City Service Truck B15-01-08A CRP – EGR Cooler B15-01-13 Police Utility Vehicle B15-04-21A Refresh Kits for ESS B15-04-25 Cummins Engines B15-04-28A Pantograph Assemblies Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authorityʼs Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 152222527 B15-01-06A Solid Waste Removal Services 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 9:00AM, May 14, 2015 in the Port Authorityʼs Board Room at 345 Sixth Avenue, 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 48 hours 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 bidderʼs 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.
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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, Purchasing Department, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233(412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 940—Replace Gym Floor at PE Building—Allegheny Campus A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting will be held onsite beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015. The assembly point will be the Allegheny Campus Security Office, side of Physical Education Building, 800 block of Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Project Labor Agreement applies to this bid. Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Friday, May 22, 2015 at which time they will be publicly opened. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at h t t p s : / / w w w. c c a c . e d u / B i d RFP_Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendorʼs responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT NO. 1614
Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1614 – MILLVALE PARK SEWER RELOCACTION shall be received at the office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Thursday, June 11, 2015, and then shall be publicly opened and read. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and womenʼs businesses to the fullest extent possible. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at the Authorityʼs Plant on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time. Attendance at this meeting is strongly suggested. Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the office of the Authority. A non-refundable fee of 50.00 (no cash will be accepted), will be charged for each set of Contract Documents received. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Total Bid Price. Any questions or inquiries regarding the Contract Documents should be directed to Lauren Gorgol EIT at, ALCOSAN, via email to lauren.gorgol@alcosan.org The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY Jan M. Oliver Director, Regional Conveyance
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed bids will be received in the Office Of The Chief Operations Officer, Room 251, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time MAY 19, 2015 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following equipment and supplies: CUSTODIAL CHEMICALS/SOAPS CUSTODIAL SMALL EQUIPMENT CUSTODIAL PAPER PRODUCTS DIESEL FUEL & GASOLINE LIBRARY BOOKS WINDOW CLEANING SCIENCE SUPPLIES 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 Districtʼs Purchasing web site at: http://www.pghboe.net/pps/site/d efault.asp Click on Bid Opportunities 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. Leon Webb Purchasing Agent We are an equal rights and opportunity school district
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR UNDERGROUND GAS LINE CERTIFICATION AND DETECTION REBID IFB#300-12-15 Rebid
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): UNDERGROUND GAS LINE CERTIFICATION AND DETECTION Rebid IFB#300-12-15 Rebid The documents will be available no later than May 11, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 11:00 A.M., May 29, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, May 21, 2015 11:00 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. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download 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.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR ROOF REPAIR AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB#300-11-15 Rebid
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): ROOF REPAIR AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB#300-11-15 Rebid The documents will be available no later than May 11, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 P.M., May 29, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, May 21, 2015 1:00 P.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download 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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ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA April 24, 2015
The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Gold Room, Room 410, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, onehalf hour later, 11:30 oʼclock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Campbells Run Road Embankment Stabilization Project, Township of Robinson COUNTY PROJECT NO. 6072-0403 PREBID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Proposal, Specifications and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The nonrefundable charge for the Proposal and disc containing the Specifications and Drawings is $ 107.00 including sales tax. Bid documents may be mailed for an additional fee of $16.05 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY.” The Department of Public Works will hold a PreBid Meeting on May 7, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. in Room 505 County Office Building. Details of this project, Bidding Requirements and Contract Conditions are available on the Allegheny County internet website (www.alleghenycounty.us; click on “Departments,” click on “Public Works” then click on “Bids & Proposals)” and are also available on the Pennsylvania Purchasing Group/PAPG website (www.PAbidsystem.com; click on “bid opportunities;” then click on “Allegheny County-Dept. of Public Works-open documents” – then register if necessary). Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA May 1, 2015
The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Gold Room, Room 410, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, onehalf hour later, 11:30 oʼclock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 2015 Capital Roads Reconstruction Program, various roadways and various municipalities COUNTY PROJECT NO. 7A00-1501 PREBID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Proposal, Specifications and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The nonrefundable charge for the Proposal and disc containing the Specifications and Drawings is $ 107.00 including sales tax. Bid documents may be mailed for an additional fee of $16.05 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY.” The Department of Public Works will hold a PreBid Meeting on May 7, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in Room 505 County Office Building. Details of this project, Bidding Requirements and Contract Conditions are available on the Allegheny County internet website (www.alleghenycounty.us; click on “Departments,” click on “Public Works” then click on “Bids & Proposals)” and are also available on the Pennsylvania Purchasing Group/PAPG website (www.PAbidsystem.com; click on “bid opportunities;” then click on “Allegheny County-Dept. of Public Works-open documents” – then register if necessary). Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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MAY 13-19, 2015 C5
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Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: Bid Proposal No. 939 Furniture Student Service Center–Allegheny Campus Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at which time they will be publicly opened. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as a “late bid” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac.edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx It will be each vendorʼs responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR SEWER AND CATCH BASIN MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB#300-08-15 Rebid
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): SEWER AND CATCH BASIN MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY WIDE REBID IFB#300-08-15 Rebid The documents will be available no later than May 4, 2015 and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., May 29, 2015 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Invitation for Bid from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquires should be directed to: Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116 Opt 1 A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Dept. 100 Ross Street 2nd. Fl. Ste. 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Thursday, May 14, 2015 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. HACPʼs has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download 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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Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on June 9, 2015 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. WASHINGTON JUNCTION PARK-AND-RIDE RESTORATION PROJECT CONTRACT NO. PNR-15-05 REBID The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, material, tools, equipment and incidentals necessary for the full depth replacement of the concrete and asphalt pavement, sidewalk replacement, drainage system modifications, curb replacement, new pavement markings, parking lot lighting replacement and retaining wall replacement at the Washington Junction Park-and-Ride site. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after May 11, 2015 at Authorityʼs offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of ($15.00) per set. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin , sexual origin, gender identity ore status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact DB representative Cameil Williams at (412) 566-5257. The Bidderʼs attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidderʼs questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Margarita Rodriguez - Authority (412) 566-5150 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or facsimile to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Margarita Rodriguez Fax: (412) 566-5359 In addition, the Bidderʼs attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m. Pre-Bid Conference May 20, 2015 Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center Wharf Conference Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour [Immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference] 1:30 p.m. Bids Due June 9, 2015 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
C6
MAY 13-19, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
PEOPLE
NAACP: 100 years yet the struggle continues
UNVEILING—Artist Marlon Gist and Brigette Bethea present the painting based on a Charles “TeenIe” Harris photograph.
UNIT NAACP LEADERS—From left: Richard A. Stewart, first vice president; Gregory A. Peaslee, executive vice president, UPMC; Connie Parker, president; Brigette Bethea, Leadership Development Coach; and K. Chase Patterson, chair of Centennial Celebration and Human Rights Dinner. UPMC served as presenting sponsor of the NAACP Pittsburgh Unit’s 100 Year Celebration Kick-off event at the UPMC Herberman Conference Center in Shadyside. The evening featured the unveiling of a centennial painting by local artist, Marlon Gist, and a live con-
cert by Lindsey Smith and Soul Distribution. “For 100 years, the Pittsburgh NAACP has championed social justice and equality for all people. The impact this organization has had on our community has been profound. For that reason and many others, UPMC was proud and hon-
ored to host the centennial kick-off event that showcases the talents of African American artists while celebrating the NAACP‘s many accomplishments and we look ahead to an amazing second century,” said Gregory Peaslee, UPMC executive vice president and chief administrative officer.
ARTIST—Marlon Gist displays his art. (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart) PROUD AND HONORED—From left: Joel A. Acie, MPM,MWDBE projects manager; Candi Castleberry-Singleton, chief Inclusion & Diversity officer, UPMC; Gregory K. Peaslee, executive vice president, UPMC; Winifred Tolliver; Toni Y. Silva-Jeter, MSW, UPMC; and Alieu B. Nyassi, MSLOC, UPMC.
HAPPY SUPPORTERS—Brian Cook, American Urban Radio Network; Tory N. Parrish, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter; Esther L. Bush, president and CEO, Urban League Pittsburgh; Joy Starzel; Brenda Tate, NOBLE; Bofta Yimam, WTAE reporter; and Jerry Lopes, president, AURN.
GUESTS—From left: Margaret Burley, Janice Burley, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Yvonne Davis.
PARTY TIME—Lindsey Smith and Soul Distribution
Voters Guide Primary Election The guide lists all candidates in the May 19, 2015 municipal primary for Justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Judges of the Superior Court, Judges of the Commonwealth Court, and Judges of the Allegheny County Court of Commmon Pleas. Also listed are candidates for Allegheny County Chief Executive, Allegheny County Controller, Allegheny County District Attorney, Allegheny County Treasurer and Allegheny County Council candidates. Also listed are candidates for the offices of City of Pittsburgh Controller, Pittsburgh City Council, and Pittsburgh School Board Directors. There is a ballot question for residents of Bellevue, Wilkinsburg May 13-19, 2015 Published by League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Community Information Center 436 Seventh Avenue Suite 350 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-261-4284
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MAY 13-19, 2015
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 May 19, 2015 municipal primary for Justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Judges of the Superior Court, Judges of the Commonwealth Court, and Judges of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Also listed are candidates for Allegheny County Chief Executive, Allegheny County Controller, Allegheny County District Attorney, Allegheny County Treasurer and Allegheny County Council candidates. Also listed are candidates for the offices of City of Pittsburgh Controller, Pittsburgh City Council, and Pittsburgh School Board Directors. The candidate’s names are listed as they will appear on the ballot. The party of the gov-
VOTERS GUIDE 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
League of Women Voters Guide to Primary Election—May 19, 2015 (Polls open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.) ernor is, by practice, given the first position on the ballot in Pennsylvania. All registered voters, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled members of a political party, are entitled to vote for the Special Election Ballot questions. 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 endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters. Voters who are not sure if they are registered to vote should call the county Department of Elections, 412-3504510. To find out what district you live in call the League of Women Voters Community Information Center, 412-2614284, Mon-Thurs 9-3pm. Voting in a Primary Election To vote in this primary election you must have been registered by April 20, 2015. Your registration is permanent if You did not change your address. You did not change your
PENNSYLVANIA JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT (Vote for not more than three) TERM: 10 years, SALARY: $203, 409 Job Description: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the highest court in the Commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation. The Supreme Court’s administrative powers and jurisdictional responsibilities are vested with the seven-member court by the Pennsylvania State Constitution and a collection of statutes known as the Judicial Code. Administratively, the courts within the Unified Judicial System are largely responsible for organizing their own staff and dockets; however, the Supreme Court has several committees and boards responsible for writing and enforcing rules for judges, attorneys, and litigants to ensure an efficient and fair judicial review. The Court hears decisions of the Superior and Commonwealth Courts and in certain cases, including those involving the death penalty, from the Courts of Common Pleas. In addition to being the final state of appeals, it serves as administrator of the unified court system and is responsible for ensuring that all Pennsylvania courts perform their duties properly. The seven justices on an annual basis
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 You are registered properly. You have obtained an absentee ballot. You 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 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, May 12. Completed absentee BALLOTS must be received back at the Elections Division by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 15. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after
receive over 3,000 requests for appellate review. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the one having the longest continuous service on the Court. Questions Asked Of Supreme Court Judicial Candidates: Do you agree with the plurality opinion’s interpretation of Article 1, Section 27 of the state constitution as stated in the Robinson Township case of December 2013? If not, why not? Do you agree that the plain English language meaning of the amendment should be the basis for construing it?
DEMOCRATIC DAVID WECHT, D.O.B. 5/20/1962, Pittsburgh, PA Indiana Township EDUCATION: 1984 Yale University, B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1987 Yale Law School, J.D. OCCUPATION: Judge, Pennsylvania Superior Court (elected January 2011) QUALIFICATIONS: Judge, Allegheny Common Pleas (2003-2011) Family Division Administrator. Allegheny Register of Wills (1998- DAVID WECHT
the Tuesday application deadline, call the Elections Division 412-350-4520 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, May 15. 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.
2003); Vice Chair, Pennsylvania Democratic Party (1998-2001); “Highly Recommended,” Pennsylvania Bar Association. ANSWER: I believe that laws are neither static nor talismanic. While a reasonable jurist must read the text of the amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution plainly and with common sense, I believe that laws and more specifically judicial interpretation of those laws, must be allowed to evolve within our common law system. CHRISTINE DONOHUE, D.O.B. 12/24/1952, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co. http://donohueforjustice.com EDUCATION: 1974, East Stroudsburg University, B.A.; 1980, Duquesne University School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: Superior Court Judge QUALIFICATIONS: 27 years practicing law; Superior Court Judge, 2008-present; Highly recommended, Pennsylvania Bar Association. Served Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline, Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania, Lawyer Disciplinary Board of PennCHRISTINE sylvania Supreme Court, PennsylDONAHUE vania Board of Law Examiners.
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ANSWER: 1. In my opinion the Robinson Township plurality’s discussion of the Environmental Rights Amendment is well-researched and based upon a convincing recitation of the historical basis for its passage. Because the analysis is the basis of a three justice plurality decision and the author and one of the joining justices are no longer on the court on which I hope to serve, it would be improper for me to express my agreement or disagreement with the analysis. This is by definition an open question of the law which is likely to again be presented to the Supreme Court. 2. For the reasons stated in my first answer, I do not believe that I can respond to this question. I note, however that it is well established in the law that the “touchstone” of constitutional interpretation is the actual language of the constitution and it must be interpreted in its popular sense. As the Robinson Township plurality opinion explains, the ultimate goal of constitutional interpretation is to determine the intent of the voters who ratified the constitutional provision. KEVIN M. DOUGHERTY, D.O.B. 5/19/1963, Newtown, Philadelphia, PA http://kevindoughertyforpa.com EDUCATION: 1985, Temple University, B.A.; 1987, Antioch School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: Administrative Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Trial Division QUALIFICATIONS: Assistant District Attorney, Philadelphia (6 years); Partner, Marino & Dougherty LLP (6 years); Judge, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas (13 years); Administrative Judge, Philadelphia KEVIN M. Court of Common Pleas Family Divi- DOUGHERTY sion (9 years) ANSWER: 1. I agree with the plurality opinion’s interpretation of the Environmental Rights Amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution. I agree with the determination that this legal dispute, in essence, sought vindication of the citizens’ rights to the quality of life on their properties and in their communities, and that insofar as the broadly granted zoning rights to the oil and gas industry attendant to Act 13 threatened the quality of air and water, as well as the health and safety of citizens and the quiet enjoyment of their own private property, the challenged sections of the Act violated the Environmental Rights Amendment. 2. Yes, the plurality opinion makes clear that the Court employed the plain language of the Amendment as the basis for construing its provisions. The plurality correctly determined that the Amendment granted individual citizens the environmental rights to clean air and pure water, and to the preservation of natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. The plurality properly held that the people, including generations to come, hold common ownership of public natural resources which the state holds in trust. The plurality properly reviewed the legislative history to conclude that the Amendment’s provisions were intended to be broadly applicable. JOHN HENRY FORADORA, D.O.B. 5/27/1966, Brockway, PA Jefferson Co. http://www.voteforadora.com EDUCATION: 1988, Juniata College, B.A. History/Political Science; 1991, University of Notre Dame Law School J.D. OCCUPATION: President Judge of Jefferson
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Court of Common Pleas QUALIFICATIONS: 1991-1992, Law Clerk; 1992-2002, General Practice; 1992-2002, Trial Attorney; 19922002, Municipal Solicitor; 2002-present, President Judge, Officer in the State Conference of trial Judges elected by all Judges in PA. ANSWER: 1. Yes 2. Yes
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ity to regulate, not only because they are granted that authority in the Pennsylvania Constitution, but because as a policy concern, the local municipalities are the entities best equipped to make decisions regarding their own local environment and factors that might affect their land and air quality. 2. Yes, absolutely. See response above JOHN HENRY FORADORA
ANNE E. LAZARUS, D.O.B. 11/12/1952, Philadelphia, PA-Philadelphia Borough http://www.VoteAnneLazarus.com EDUCATION: 1972, SUNY Stony Brook, B.A.; 1976, Temple University, Beasley School of Law, J.D.; 1986 Temple University, Beasley School of Law, LLM OCCUPATION: Superior Court Judge QUALIFICATIONS: Pennsylvania Judge, Trial-19 years; Superior Court-5 years; Highest Recommendation, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, 2-year expertise in ANNE E. Judicial Ethics. LAZARUS ANSWER: 1. I believe that all of the petitioners have standing and that a political question was not presented. I think that the concurring opinion of Justice Baer, in deciding this matter on a substantive due process basis is more in keeping with my judicial philosophy and that it was not necessary for the majority to sweep with so broad a brush. Nevertheless this plurality opinion certainly puts Pennsylvania at the forefront of the environmental law spectrum and will have significant implications for many years to come. It will require lawyers, municipalities and legislators to reconsider positions re: Article 1 Section 27, in the light of the pronouncements by the plurality. 2. I agree that interpretation of amendment begins with the plain meaning of the amendment. Like so many other constructions in law, if we can give meaning to the wording as written, we should not look to outside sources for interpretation. Only if we were to determine that the amendment is ambiguous, would we look to outside sources for clarification This is hornbook law. DWAYNE D. WOODRUFF, D.O.B. 2/18/1957, Pittsburgh, PA-McCandless http://www.judgedwaynewoodruff.com EDUCATION: 1979, University of Louisville, B.S. Finance; 1988, Duquesne University School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas QUALIFICATIONS: Pennsylvania Judicial Leader for 10 years – CoChair, Allegheny County Interbranch %Commission on Juvenile Justice; Member Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice; Member National Council of Juvenile DWAYNE D. and Family Court Judges; Vice Chair, WOODRUFF Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee; Chair, Pittsburgh SAFE (Shared Accountability for Education) Workgroup; Member, Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission; Co-Chair, National Campaign to Stop Violence. ANSWER: 1. Yes the Commonwealth includes the local municipalities. The local municipalities have not only the authority, but the responsibility to conserve and protect their region “for the benefit of all the people.” The local governments have the author-
REPUBLICAN CORREALE STEVENS, D.O.B. 10/6/1946, Conyngham, PA Dorrance Twp. http://www.facebook.com/justicestevensforsupremecourt EDUCATION: 1968, Penn State, B.A. Political Science; 1972, Dickinson School of Law, J.D. (Law Review) OCCUPATION: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice QUALIFICATIONS: Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Luzerne County District Attorney; Trial Judge on Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County; Superior Court Judge, 15 years (President Judge 2-1/2 years), Supreme Court Justice until current year. CORREALE ANSWER: 1. This case was argued STEVENS in the Supreme Court before I became a Justice and decided without my participation. Based on the fact that I would be offering my personal thought on a decision made by my current colleagues, without having read the legal briefs or hearing the oral argument, I cannot comment. Since the Constitutional Convention in 1968 no member of the Supreme Court has ever been in my situation in that as a current Judge I am running in contested election, not for yes/no retention, and I must be careful not to engage the Court in my campaign. 2. As a general rule I support plain English interpretations. Please see my answer to Question 1. ANNE COVEY, D.O.B. 11/4/1959, New Hope, PA –Upper Makefield http://www.coveyforjustice.com EDUCATION:1984, Widener University School of Law, J.D.; 1981, University of Delaware, B.A. OCCUPATION: Judge of the Commonwealth Court QUALIFICATIONS: Judge of the Commonwealth Court, 3 years; Board Member, Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (first woman to serve on the board), 9 years; Attorney in private practice, 27 years. ANSWER: 1. Judges should follow the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions faithfully. The legisla- ANNE COVEY tive and executive branches enact the laws and judges interpret those laws. I believe we must strike a balance between local control and uniform policy across the state. We must also work for a healthy environment while allowing for investment and job creation. Developing the policies to achieve these aims is the responsibility of the legislative and executive branch, not the judiciary. 2. I believe in interpreting the law as written and ensuring all amendments are consistent with our fundamental Constitutional rights.
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REBECCA WARREN, D.O.B. 11/26/1966, Danville, PA – Valley Township Facebook: Rebecca Warren for Supreme Court Justice EDUCATION: 1991, Dickinson School of Law, J.D.; 1988, Bloomsburg University, B.S. OCCUPATION: Montour County District Attorney QUALIFICATIONS: 24 years as an attorney-both civil and criminal prosecution experience; 7+years, District Attorney/Assistant District Attorney ANSWER: 1. As a judicial candidate, I do not believe it is appropriate REBECCA for me to comment on this case, parWARREN ticularly considering the fact that this was a plurality rather than a majority decision, the Supreme Court remanded the case for further consideration, and similar issues are being addressed in various forums. 2. This question requires a judicial candidate to render a decision with regard to Article 1, Section 27 in the context of this case, which I believe is prohibited by the ethical rules. A judge is to be independent, impartial, and avoid actions which would lead to disqualification. MIKE GEORGE, D.O.B. 2/25/1959, Gettysburg, PA-Cumberland Township http://www.judgemikegeorge.com EDUCATION: 1981, Washington & Jefferson, B.A.; 1985, Dickinson School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: President Judge, 51st Judicial District Court of Common Pleas (Adams County) QUALIFICATIONS: 10 years general practice; 6 years District Attorney; 15+ years as trial judge; Recognized by the PA Conference of State Trial Judges for significant contribution to the legal system. ANSWER: 1. As my interpretation of Article 1, Section 27 of the Penn- MIKE GEORGE sylvania Constitution based upon the factual scenario present in the Robinson Township case involves issues which may, in the future, be revisited by the Supreme Court, I believe I am ethically prohibited from direct comment on your specific question. Personally, I am concerned with the language in the plurality opinion’s interpretation which improperly elevates the Court to a legislative and policy making body. 2. The amendment should be interpreted based upon its actual language as understood by those at the time of adoption. CHERYL ALLEN, Allison Park, Hampton Township No Reply JUDY OLSON, D.O.B. 10/1957, Wexford, PA –Franklin Park http://electjudgejudy.com EDUCATION: 1979, St. Francis University, B.A. Magna Cum Laude; 1982, Duquesne University School of Law, J.D. (Class Rank-2/91) OCCUPATION: Judge, Superior Court of Pennsylvania QUALIFICATIONS: Judge of Superior Court, 5 years; Judge of Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, 1 year; Practicing Attorney, 26 years; Highly Recommended by Pennsylvania Bar Association. ANSWER: 1. As a sitting judge, I do not believe that it is appropriate for me to comment on whether I agree or disagree with a decision rendered by the
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Pennsylvania Supreme Court, especially since there may be future litigation involving the Act at issue. 2. I believe that a judge must always strictly construe the plain language of constitutional amendments and statutes in interpreting the law. JUDY OLSEN
Judge of the Superior Court (Vote for not more than one) TERM: 10 YEARS, SALARY: $191,926 JOB 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 Superior Court is elected to a five-year term by his or her colleagues. A huge volume of appeals flow to Superior Court from the trial courts. Generally, appeals are heard by 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 of the Superior Court stands. Questions Asked Of Superior Court Judicial Candidates: Do you agree with the plurality opinion’s interpretation of Article 1, Section 27 of the state constitution as stated in the Robinson Township case of December 2013? If not, why not? Do you agree that the plain English language meaning of the amendment should be the basis for construing it?
DEMOCRATIC ALICE BECK DUBOW, D.O.B. 3/25/1959, Philadelphia, PA-Philadelphia http://www.judgealicedubow.com EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania, B.S. 1981; University of Pennsylvania School of Law, J.D. 1984 OCCUPATION: Judge, Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County QUALIFICATIONS: Trial Court Judge, 8 years; Lawyer, 2 years ANSWER: The Code of Judicial Ethics prohibits me from expressing a view that would indicate how I ALICE BECK would rule on a case and unfortuDUBOW nately, a specific answer to that question would require me to make such a statement. ROBERT COLVILLE, D.O.B. 8/3/1965, Pittsburgh, PA – Ross Township http://www.judgecolvilleforsuperiorcourt.com EDUCATION: 1989, PSU, B.S.; 1992, Duquesne, J.D. OCCUPATION: Judge QUALIFICATIONS: Only Candidate Highly Recommended by PA Bar; Endorsed by PA AFL-CIO; 16th year Trial Judge; 3 years Statewide Court of Judicial Discipline; 7 years President/Officer PA State Trial Judges; 4 years Ethics Committee; 7 years Juvenile Court Rules Committee; PA Supreme Court
Law Clerk; Lawyer. ANSWER: I agree with the plurality decision as I understand it. (This reservation is of no small moment. As intimated in the Opinion, it remains to be seen how broadly, and in what specific factual contexts the holding will be applied over time). I agree that as a general proposition, in the absence of indications to the ROBERT contrary, constitutional and legislaCOLVILLE tive language should be afforded its plain meaning, in order to carry out the collective will of the people. The constitutional language of Article 1, Section 27 plainly creates a trust protecting the environment for the benefit of future Pennsylvanians.
REPUBLICAN EMIL GIORDANO, D.O.B. 11/8/1959, Bethlehem, PA – Hanover Township http://www.emilgiordanoforjudge.com EDUCATION: 1982 Moravian College, B.A.; 1985 Villanova University School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County QUALIFICATIONS: Judge of the Court of Common Please, 2003-present ANSWER: I do not believe it is apEMIL propriate to answer this question. GIORDANO
Judge of the Commonwealth Court (Vote for not more than one) TERM: 10 YEARS, SALARY: $191,926 JOB DESCRIPTION: The Commonwealth Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. This court, which was established in 1968, is unlike any other state court in the nation. Its jurisdiction generally is limited to legal matters involving state and local government and regulatory agencies. Litigation typically focuses on such subjects as banking, insurance and utility regulation and laws affecting taxation, land use, elections, labor practices and workers compensation. Commonwealth Court also acts as a court of original jurisdiction, or a trial court, when lawsuits are filed by or against the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Court is made up of nine judges who serve 10 year terms. The president judge is chosen by his or her colleagues for a five year term. The court generally decides cases in three-judge panels and sits in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Questions Asked Of Commonwealth Court Judicial Candidates: Do you agree with the plurality opinion’s interpretation of Article 1, Section 27 of the state constitution as stated in the Robinson Township case of December 2013? If not, why not? Do you agree that the plain English language meaning of the amendment should be the basis for construing it?
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DEMOCRATIC TODD EAGEN, D.O.B. 9/31/1967, Dunmore, PA – Dunmore Township http://toddeagen.com EDUCATION: 1996, Dickinson School of Law, J.D.; 1990, Point Park University B.A. OCCUPATION: Attorney QUALIFICATIONS: 1996-1997, Law Clerk, Federal Judge William J. Nealon; 1997-2004, Associate Attorney, Robert D. Miriani, P.C.; 2004 to present, Partner, Lightman, Welby & Stoltenberg, LLC, represent Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association and various other TODD EAGEN unions. ANSWER: 1. Yes. As the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held, Article 1, Section 27 does not serve merely as a source of authority to justify legislative action, but affirmatively creates “an obligation on the government’s behalf to refrain from unduly infringing upon or violating the (environmental) right(s) including by legislative enactment or executive action.” 2. Yes. Constitutional interpretation, as the plurality wrote, must begin with the plain language of Article 1, Section 27 itself. When the words of the Constitution or legislation are clear, they must be applied because the intention of the drafters should not be denied. MICHAEL WOJCIK, D.O.B. 9/24/1964, Pittsburgh, PA Fox Chapel Borough www.wojcikforjudge.com EDUCATION: 1986, Juniata College; 1989, Pitt Law School, cum laude OCCUPATION: Senior Counsel, Clark Hill PLC QUALIFICATIONS: Municipal practice; Member, University of Pittsburgh Law Review, Vols. 49 and 50; Solicitorships: Allegheny County Controller (2000-2003); Allegheny MICHAEL County Airport Authority (2012-preWOJCIK sent); Bar Ratings: “Recommended” (PBA); “Highly Recommended” (ACBA). ANSWER: 1. Ethical rules prohibit judicial candidates from expressing an opinion on matters that could come before the candidate, if successful. Because Robinson Township is plurality opinion, it is particularly concerning as its precedential value is dubious. I can comment, however that Robinson Township sets out “foundational principles” concerning Article 1, Section 27 that Commonwealth Court is bound to consider in the future. 2 Yes, unless the result of applying the plain meaning would be cruel or absurd.
REPUBLICAN PAUL LALLEY, D.O.B. 9/22/1970, Pittsburgh, PA Upper St. Clair Twp. http://www.lalley4judge.com EDUCATION: 1993, B.A. University of Pennsylvania; 1996 Dickinson School of Law of the PA State University, J.D. OCCUPATION: Senior Associate Attorney-Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. Pittsburgh, PA QUALIFICATIONS: District Attorney, 8 years; awarded for leader- PAUL LALLEY ship by PA Bar Association- Recom-
mended rating; Allegheny County Bar AssociationHighly Recommended Rating. Answer: I must decline to answer these questions because to do so would violate my duties under the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (Vote for not more than three) TERM: 10 YEARS, SALARY: $176,572 DUTIES: The Court of Common Pleas is primarily a trial court. There are four divisions of the Court of Common Pleas: Civil, Criminal, Orphans, and Family. The judges can be assigned from one division to another as needed. Judges can run on both the Republican and Democratic tickets. Questions Asked of Court of common Pleas Judicial Candidates: Is gun violence best addressed as a public health and public safety issue or as a law enforcement issue? What policy changes would you recommend?
DEMOCRATIC JENNIFER STALEY MCCRADY, D.O.B. 8/2/1973, Pittsburgh, info@mccradyforjudge.com www.mccradyforjudge.com 412-889-0906 EDUCATION: BS, Duquesne University, 1995; JD, Duquesne University School of Law, 2002 OCCUPATION: Supervising Attorney/Program and Policy Coordinator at KidsVoice QUALIFICATIONS: 15 years as an advocate for abused and neglected children, nationally recognized expert in education matters for youth in foster care, teacher of continuing legal education (CLE) courses around the country, author of several publications, member of several local and state Bar AssociaJENNIFER tion committees, Highly RecomSTALEY mended by the Allegheny County MCCRADY Bar Association, 2013 Pennsylvania Bar Association Child Advocate of the Year, 7 years as a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates program (CASA) and 2000 Volunteer of the Year ANSWER: Gun violence is rooted in many social problems, including poverty and drug abuse. Complicated problems require multi-pronged approaches that draw from the knowledge of community members and experts. Professionals in the fields of public health, public safety and law enforcement all have a role to play in reducing gun violence through creating new programs and advocating for new legislation that is supported by data and research. As a judge I will follow laws as they are written. For any individuals who come before me that have been involved with gun violence, I will do my best to match them with appropriate programs so they can work towards building healthy and productive lives. RICHARD SCHUBERT, D.O.B. 2/14/1955, Pittsburgh, PA schubert4judge@gmail.com www.schubert4judge.com 412-315-8676 EDUCATION: Duquesne Undergrad Cum Laude School of Law, Pittsburgh, PA J.D. 1980; Duquesne University, B.A. 1977 OCCUPATION: Certified Civil Trial Specialist
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QUALIFICATIONS: Trial Experience, 34 years; 100 jury trials; Taught Legal Ethics to Lawyers and Judges 20+ years; Certified Civil Trial Specialist – 16 years; Highly recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association; President of Western PA Trial Lawyers Association-1993 to 1994, member 1981 to present; President of the PA Trial RICHARD Lawyers Association – 2003 to 2004, SCHUBERT member 1981 to present; Recognized in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers; Best Lawyers in America, over 10 years; Martindale Hubble AV Rated, peer rating for the highest level of professional excellence and ethical practice. ANSWER: Gun violence must be addressed as a public health and safety concern for our communities throughout Allegheny County. The rate of violent crimes in Pittsburgh has increased significantly in 2014, and can be linked to firearms. Thorough background checks should be in place to ensure individuals are competent and capable of operating a firearm, and should be required for any sale or distribution of firearms. That being said this is a legislative issue, and as a judge I would uphold the laws which are in effect. ROSEMARY CRAWFORD, D.O.B. 3/3/1964, Allison Park, PA crawfordmcdonald@aol.com rosemary-crawfordforjudge.com 412-867-6011 EDUCATION: Juris doctor, Georgetown University Law Center, 1989; B.A. Rhodes College, 1986 OCCUPATION: Attorney, Certified Mediator, Certified Arbitrator, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee QUALIFICATIONS: Attorney for 25 years, Rated Highly Recommended by the Bar Association, Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Served on Board of NeighborROSEMARY hood Legal Services, Pro bono volunCRAWFORD teer, Award winning attorney. ANSWER: With American Women more than ten times more likely to be murdered with a gun than women in other industrialized countries, gun violence is an important issue. The ABA reported gun violence as a public health problem recommending universal background checks; lifting Physician “gag laws”; early treatment of mental health problems; elimination of blanket mental health reporting laws; restrictions on assault weapons; and research. Others disagree with this approach. As a judicial candidate, I will render fair and impartial justice, I will be fair and impartial if faced with any issues in this regard. I believe in a fair and impartial court system where age, disability, race, gender, religion, orientation, and income play no role in our access to justice and freedom.
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DAN REGAN No Reply HUGH FITZPATRICK MCGOUGH, D.O.B. 5/5/1956, Pittsburgh, PA judgemcgough@gmail.com www.mcgough4judge.com 412-441-7677 EDUCATION: University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. 1992; Northwestern University, MSJ, 1982; Columbia University, BA, 1978. OCCUPATION: Magisterial District Judge QUALIFICATIONS: Judge McGough has the Bar Association’s highest rating for service on the Common Pleas Court. As a District Judge, he presides over civil disputes, sets bail, authorizes warrants and conducts preliminary hearings. Earlier, HUGH he clerked for a federal judge and FITZPATRICK worked in private practice. From MCGOUGH 1998 to 2007, he was chief labor relations attorney for the City of Pittsburgh. He later served as solicitor for Pittsburgh’s Citizen Police Review Board. ANSWER: There is not one way to address gun violence, which is epidemic in some of our communities. In the area of public health, better education about the responsibilities and risks of gun ownership should be provided to promote the safe use of guns, as well as the proper storage and use of guns. Minors and others need to be educated on the consequences of illegal gun possession, and appropriate penalties should be imposed for the illegal and irresponsible possession and use of firearms. More stringent screening should be in place to delay and, in appropriate cases, block the sale of firearms to persons with mental health diagnoses that make them an increased risk to themselves or others. PAULINE CALABRESE, D.O.B. 6/6/1962, Pittsburgh, PA calabrese4commonpleas@gmail.com www.calabrese4commonpleas.com 412-607-3739 EDUCATION: 1985, B.A., Pre-Law, Penn State; 1988, J.D. Duquesne OCCUPATION: Attorney, concentrating in Family Law; Faculty of Carlow University and CCAC (teach Employment Discrimination; U.S. Constitution, Legal Aspects of Business, American Government): Presenter, Continuing Education (Family Law, Estate Law) for attorneys PAULINE and accountants. CALABRESE QUALIFICATIONS: New judges are typically assigned to Family Division. Although I have practiced in every Division of Common Pleas, and have served as a court-appointed Parent Advocate in Juvenile Court, I am the only candidate who has spent her entire career practicing in the Adult Section of Family Division, where Divorce, Support, Custody and Protection From Abuse Actions take place. ANSWER: Gun violence is a complicated issue with many and varied causes. This issue is both a public health and safety issue, as well as a law enforcement issue. As a society, we must address this issue from both standpoints – health and safety and law enforcement, because neither one by itself is enough. However, this being said, as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas, I would not be in a position to make formal recommendations for policy change.
P.J. MURRAY, D.O.B. 9/20/1961, Upper St. Clair, PA pj.murray@dinslaw.com www.murray4judge.com 412-281-5000 Fax: 412-281-5055 EDUCATION: B.S., University of Pittsburgh, 1985; J.D., Duquesne University School of Law, 1988 Occupation: Attorney QUALIFICATIONS: 25 years experience as a trial attorney, 2 years as a Federal Law Clerk, Duquesne University School of Law Law Review, Member of the Academy of Trial Lawyers ANSWER: Judges make rulings based on existing laws. We don’t write policy, however, we do make recommendations when called upon. P.J. MURRAY While I greatly admire the work that our law enforcement professionals do, I believe they need help to combat the violence that plagues our streets. I think commonsense background checks that make it nearly impossible for criminals or the mentally unstable to obtain guns would be a good place to start. I think that there has been bi-partisan support for safety locks that make stolen guns inoperable also make sense. MILLIAM F. CAYE II, D.O.B. 1/7/1968 Oakdale, PA williamcaye@yahoo.comwww.williamcaye.com 412-953-7022 EDUCATION: Duquesne U. School of Law, J.D. 1993; Duquesne U. Liberal Arts, BA 1990, magna cum laude OCCUPATION: Trial Lawyer QUALIFICATIONS: 22+ years of statewide trial advocacy and judicial administration & support. Assistant District Attorney; Senior Deputy Attorney General; Master & Arbiter. ANSWER: To address “gun violence” all angles from law enforceWILLIAM F. ment, public safety and public health CAYE II must be used to offer meaningful solutions to curb this problem. Educating the public on gun violence would be a policy priority that I recommend.
REPUBLICAN HUGH FITZPATRICK MCGOUGH, See above RICHARD SCHUBERT, See above JENNIFER STALEY MCGRADY, See above P.J. MURRAY, See above DAN REGAN, See above WILLIAM F. CAYE, II, See above PAULINE CALABRESE, See above
Allegheny County Chief Executive (Vote for one) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $90,000 DUTIES: 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 appointment 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.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
QUESTIONS: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What are the most valuable services you think should be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC RICH FITZGERALD, D.O.B. 5/8/1959, Pittsburgh, PA rich.fitzgerald8@gmail.com 412-350-6500, Fax: 412-350-6512 EDUCATION: B.S. (Mechanical Engineering) Carnegie Mellon Univ.; minor in business OCCUPATION: County Executive Qualifications: 12 years Allegheny County Council; 3+ years Allegheny County Executive ANSWERS: 1. As a main sponsor, I worked proactively to gather votes needed to create the Commission. In order to secure the votes, we did so with an understanding that the RICH Commission would work with the FITZGERALD support of existing resources. If there is a need now, or in the future, to change that or to provide for additional resources that would certainly be considered. To this point, we have been able to provide the appropriate resources. 2. Rather than consolidate, I think that we are far more likely to be able to provide shared services. We’ve seen the success of that effort in our County 911, and purchasing. There are further opportunities in Parks & Recreation, data and IT, and further conversations about where support is needed would be beneficial to everyone.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
Allegheny County Controller (Vote for one) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $93,995 DUTIES: General supervision and control of county fiscal matters. Must pass on validity of all claims against the county. QUESTIONS: 1. What steps can your office take to ensure the wise, effective, and efficient use of government funds? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
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DEMOCRATIC CHELSA WAGNER, D.O.B. 7/24/1977, Pittsburgh, PA info@votechelsa.com 412-567-2066 EDUCATION: B.A., Public Policy, University of Chicago, 1999; J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2005 OCCUPATION: Controller, Allegheny County QUALIFICATIONS: Prior to entering politics, Wagner worked as an attorney, and as a business analyst, CHELSA advising large municipal and state WAGNER governments throughout the County. She served three terms in the State House prior to being elected as Controller. . ANSWERS: 1. The Controller is the taxpayer’s advocate, elected to keep government honest. I continue to fight for these values against the old boys club. I’ve held everyone accountable from rank–andfile, to the County Executive, who wrote a check for $42,000 after my audit revealed he misused his county vehicle. To ensure proper use of government funds there must be a watchdog in the Controller’s office, not a lapdog. That is why the Controller is independently elected. 2. Consolidation of services must be meaningful and improve the quality of life. To best accomplish that, the County must address the massive disparities in property reassessments. I continue to fight for owners of lower-valued properties, who pay more than wealthier counterparts. We must also ensure that women and people of color throughout the County can do business with County government. MARK PATRICK FLAHERTY, D.O.B. 3/10/1962, Pittsburgh, PA info@markpatrickflaherty.com www.markpatrickflaherty.com 412-253-2486 EDUCATION: BA, Duke University, 1984; JD, Duquesne University, 2001 OCCUPATION: Consultant/ Attorney QUALIFICATIONS: Allegheny County Controller, 8 years ANSWERS: 1. The Controller’s Office must be a watchdog to ensure that funds are spent properly, but also must be able to work with other departments to ensure that changes MARK are implemented to actually save PATRICK money. FLAHERTY 2. When I was controller, we were in the process of consolidating payroll systems within the City of Pittsburgh. We can and should continue to pursue joint purchasing agreements and other areas where we can find savings.
pares cases for court. QUESTION: Considering the role of gun violence in public safety, what policy changes would you recommend?
DEMOCRATIC STEPHEN A. ZAPPALA, JR. No Reply
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
Allegheny County Treasurer (Vote for one) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $93,995 DUTIES: Collects taxes and other money due the county. Keeps daily accounts and must report daily to the controller all money paid out. QUESTION: What are the most important problems that the County Treasurer can address?
DEMOCRATIC JOHN K. WEINSTEIN, D.O.B. 1/11/1964, Kennedy Township, PA john.weinstein@alleghenycounty.us 412-350-5901 Fax: 412-350-4473 EDUCATION: Robert Morris – Business Administration/Management OCCUPATION: Allegheny County Treasurer QUALIFICATIONS: 16 years as County Treasurer ANSWER: Efforts will continue to effectuate change to modernize and manage County revenue collection JOHN K. functions, particularly real estate, WEINSTEIN as well as, minimize risk as it relates to pension funds. The numerous real estate collection processes Countywide can be more efficiently managed as a consolidated effort by the Treasurer. Countywide real estate collection processes are already in place. Expanded use of updated technology based platforms will increase productivity while maximizing revenue yields for other jurisdictions. Additionally, the Treasurer’s successful efforts to create pension reform and effectively manage the $850 million pension fund, provides secure retirement for employees while protecting the taxpayer from excessive pension risk. Both of these efforts provide an opportunity to maximize revenues, minimize costs and employ economies of scale for a more efficient government.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
REPUBLICAN
Allegheny County Council At-Large
NO CANDIDATE FILED
(Vote for one) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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 cit-
Allegheny County District Attorney (Vote for one) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $172,791 DUTIES: Prosecutes all criminal cases in Court of Common Pleas: Prepares criminal information, requests and conducts investigative grand juries, pre-
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izens. QUESTIONS: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC JOHN P. DEFAZIO, D.O.B. 10/30/1940, Shaler, PA john.defazio@alleghenycounty.us 412-821-6973 EDUCATION: South Hills High School and attended Point Park College from 1968-1970 OCCUPATION: Retired Steelworkers Union Representative and Allegheny County Council Representative at large and Council President QUALIFICATIONS: Served on County Council for the past fifteen years, from the beginning of the new JOHN P. form of government. DEFAZIO ANSWERS: 1. I think the County Human Relations Commission is very important and would vote to allocate sufficient funds for its functions. 2. Some services that both groups do could be consolidated between the County and local municipalities.
REPUBLICAN SAM DEMARCO No Reply
Allegheny County Council District 2 (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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. QUESTION: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC NO CANDIDATE FILED
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REPUBLICAN MARY ANNE EISENREICH, D.O.B. 11/10/1950, Wexford, PA eisenmary@comcast.net www.electeisenreich.com 724-935-4662 EDUCATION: M.A. Ed – 1998 – IUP – Adult and Community Education; B.S. Ed - 1985 – University of Pittsburgh, Business Education/Psychology Occupation: Retired as Director of Governor Corbett’s SW office QUALIFICATIONS: Served 4 years as Director of the Governor’s SW office. Twenty+ years as Executive Director in the non-profit area. Also, years of experience with Boards such as CCAC, Variety, Travelors Aid and Riverlife. ANSWERS: 1. The commission is MARY ANNE very slow to act even though they EISENREICH handle a low # of complaints, averaging 6 per year. I would need to research this Commission and what would make it more efficient. I do believe the Commission serves a purpose but I also believe that more money is not always the answer to improving performance. 2. I believe sincere efforts have been made in consolidating police, road maintenance (snow removal) and waste management. After being elected this is an area I would research, looking at the budgets, and make recommendations. CINDY KIRK No Reply
Allegheny County Council District 5 (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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. QUESTION: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC NO CANDIDATE FILED
REPUBLICAN SUE MEANS, D.O.B. 5/14/1951, Bethel Park, PA sue.means@verizon.net www.electsuemeans.com 412-854-4188 Fax: 412-854-8116 EDUCATION: BS in Nursing, West Virginia University, 1974; Bethel Park High School Graduate, 1970 OCCUPATION: County Councilwoman, Homemaker and Grassroots Advocate for Government Reform. QUALIFICATIONS: County SUE MEANS Councilwoman 18 months; lifelong
county resident; founder and coordinator of annual educational workshop for 26 years; local and statewide political organizer for numerous Republican candidates; 7 years on Republican State Committee, 20 years on Allegheny County Republican Committee; 2012 Republican National Convention delegate; 3 years on Council of Friends of South Park; recognized by President George W. Bush for grassroots leadership; active member of Bible Chapel, McMurray, PA. ANSWERS: 1. 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 the City of Pittsburgh Human Rights Commission. If the county commission’s caseload should increase, I would support an increase in its funding. 2. I would be supportive of any consolidation of services that would be financially and operationally beneficial to both parties. Consolidation of services within Allegheny County’s 130 communities has been implemented widely and effectively through municipalities’ participation in Councils of Government (COGs).
Allegheny County Council District 6 (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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. QUESTION: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC JOHN F. PALMIERE, D.O.B. 6/1/1942, Pittsburgh, PA 412-881-9973 Fax: 412-884-7662 EDUCATION: Attended Central Catholic High School; Attended Community College of Allegheny County OCCUPATION: Barber QUALIFICATIONS: School Director / Baldwin-Whitehall School District / 23 years; County Council / Allegheny County District Six / 5 years ANSWERS: 1. The Allegheny County Human Relations Commission is extremely important to the vitality and livability of our region. I JOHN F. absolutely would vote to allocate sufPALMIERE ficient funds for its function. 2. I think all services should be on the table for discussion to consolidate and save money on behalf of the County and all local municipalities. Police, Fire, Paramedics would be a good start.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
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Allegheny County Council District 7 (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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. QUESTION: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC NICK FUTULES No Reply
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
Allegheny County Council District 7 (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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. QUESTION: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC DEWITT WALTON No Reply
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
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Allegheny County Council District 11 (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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. QUESTION: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC BARBARA DALY DANKO No Reply CAROLINE MITCHELL, D.O.B. 7/12/1947, Pittsburgh, PA carolinecountycouncil@gmail.com Facebook: carolinecountycouncil 412-422-3013 EDUCATION: BS Chemical Engineering Univ. of Pittsburgh 1968, J.D. Law Duquesne U., 1973, Allegheny County Community College EMT 2013 OCCUPATION: retired attorney and engineer QUALIFICATIONS: Former assistant DA, (3 years), former assistant CAROLINE general counsel, Pa. Human RelaMITCHELL tions Commission, (3years), full-time research engineer (2 years) then part time lecturer, CMU Dept. of Engineering and Public Policy (30 years), partner, Romualdi Davidson Consulting Engineers, (15 years), private law practice (35 years) lecturer, Pa. Bar Institute w/30 published articles. ANSWER: 1. It is a critically important agency, because it enforces our County ordinance against discrimination for victims of discrimination (such as LGBT) in all 130 municipalities. Some victims are not currently covered by City of Pittsburgh ordinances or the Pa. Human Relations Act, only the county ordinance. This agency must be properly funded. 2. It is possible that consolidating and sharing public safety services (police, fire, 911 call center, 911 paramedic, and public works) may result in increased efficiency and cost savings. More study is needed.
ments, agencies or functions that no longer serve citizens. QUESTION: 1. What importance would you assign to the County Human Relations Commission and would you vote to allocate sufficient funds for its function? 2. What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
DEMOCRATIC DENISE RANALLI RUSSELL No Reply DAN CONNOLLY, D.O.B 10/14/1983, Pittsburgh, PA connolly4council@gmail.com EDUCATION: B.A. University of Pittsburgh Honors College (Magna Cum Laude); J.D. George Washington University OCCUPATION: Attorney QUALIFICATIONS: I previously worked in the United States Senate for a Senator and as a counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee. I am a policy expert in economic development, transportation and health care. I am also a current member of Allegheny County Finance and DeDAN velopment Commission. CONNOLLY ANSWERS: 1. I believe that diversity of all kinds helps government by connecting departments with each of the communities in our region and by allowing the best ideas and exchanges to support governmental endeavors. The Allegheny County Human Relations Commission plays a very important role in representing our diverse communities. I support full funding for ACHRC and it will be a top priority for me. 2. Allegheny County needs to be as efficient as possible. I support the consolidation of duplicate services to save our municipalities and the county money. The ALCOSAN consent decree provides a unique opportunity to consolidate our water and sewage services, and I want to explore that as a member of Allegheny County Council.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
Pittsburgh City Controller
Allegheny County Council District 13
(Vote for one) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $92,311 DUTIES: Audits all city funds. Conducts performance audits of all agencies, trusts and council at least once every 4 years. Position shared with the Pittsburgh Schools which pays $21,968 of salary. QUESTION: What are the important problems of Pittsburgh that the City Controller can address? What services do you think could be consolidated between the county and local municipalities and why?
(Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $9,000 DUTIES: Initiates and adopts ordinances, makes appropriations, adopts an 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 depart-
MICHAEL E. LAMB, Pittsburgh, PA, mel@camlev.com 412-255-2051 EDUCATION: BA, The Pennsylvania State University; MPM, Carnegie Mellon University, The Heinz College JD, Duquesne University, School of Law
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
DEMOCRATIC
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OCCUPATION: Current City Controller QUALIFICATIONS: City Controller, 7 years; Allegheny County Prothonotary, 8 years ANSWER: 1. As the watchdog over city expenditures and performance, the Controller plays a key role in making sure tax dollars are properly spent. As Controller, my office has unMICHAEL E. covered waste and fraud and recomLAMB mended new efforts for better cash management through innovation, transparency and stronger policies and procedures. 2. Through the Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT), an organization I helped create, we are working for the first time, with our municipal neighbors on issues like joint energy purchasing, blight remediation and public transit. I believe additional opportunities exist in data management/standardization, zoning/building codes and information systems/technology. NATALIA RUDIAK No Reply
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
Pittsburgh City Council by District (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $63,505 DUTIES: 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. QUESTION: What City policy changes would you recommend regarding the sale and ownership of guns? What steps should council take to address the influx of new residents and the services they will require?
District 1 DEMOCRATIC RANDY ZOTTER, D.O.B. 1/2/1950, Pittsburgh, PA randyzotter@gmail.org www.zotter2015.org 412-321-5686 EDUCATION: Carnegie Mellon; Point Park - BFA OCCUPATION: Retired QUALIFICATIONS: None ANSWER: 1. I would continue to push for the requirement to report lost or stolen guns. 2. We must continue to support the growth of the City’s population. Whether it’s an influx of workers geared towards the high-tech industry or retired folks who see our low RANDY cost of living index as a plus. ImZOTTER proving the region’s business climate and encouraging entrepreneurship. Support Federal Immigration Reform. Encourage foreign-born professionals and entrepreneurs to see Pittsburgh as an inviting City with growth potential.
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BOBBY WILSON, D.O.B. 11/29/1982, Pittsburgh, PA votebobbywilson@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/ bobby-wilson-for-city-council 412-999-9307 EDUCATION: B.A., Political Science, University of Pittsburgh, 2005; M.S., Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, 2008 OCCUPATION: Medical Researcher QUALIFICATIONS: Spring Hill Civic League Member, community volunteer at Sarah Heinz House, 2011 City Council Candidate ANSWERS: 1. I will join the mayor and other members of council to fight against Harrisburg’s firearms preBOBBY emption statute, limiting the city’s WILSON ability to get the guns off the street. I will also actively form relationships with the Chief of Police to assist in the new community policing efforts. 2. Pittsburgh must continue to become a welcoming city, improving access to services, like online application of permits., the city must strive to be the 21st century city that offers more inclusion for others. We can’t live up to the claim of a most livable city if we don’t have a great public school system. Retaining residents within the city’s limits will be challenging if they don’t meet expectations of new residents. The education task force is a great start to forming relationships that will strengthen our city. I will work closely with the education task force to provide our public schools with the support they need. DARLENE M. HARRIS, D.O.B. 1/6/1953, Pittsburgh, PA darleneforcouncildistrict1@gmail.com 412-255-2135 EDUCATION: Perry High School; Median School of Allied Health Careers OCCUPATION: Representative of Pittsburgh City Council since 2006 QUALIFICATIONS: City Council member 9 years, 4 years as President; Chair, 26th Ward Democratic Committee; Pittsburgh School Board 8 years, served as President, ANSWERS: 1. I supported the ‘Lost and Stolen’ gun ordinance which would encourage responsible gun ownership, without infringing on our constitutional rights. Elected officials should focus on keeping illegal guns off the streets. We also must ensure that our police force is ade- DARLENE M. HARRIS quately staffed. I helped found the Northside Public Safety Council to foster community engagement. 2. Planning for growth will be an important challenge. More residents and businesses will increase traffic, and we need modern design standards, and traffic studies to keep residents safe. As our city continues to develop, we must ensure that our most vulnerable residents do not get displaced. Development must support neighborhoods, not destroy them, in order to maintain the diversity and unique character of our city.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
VOTERS GUIDE 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
District 3
full service. These services include transportation, infrastructure, job creation and homeownership navigation.
DEMOCRATIC BRUCE A. KRAUS No Reply
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
District 5 DEMOCRATIC COREY O’CONNOR, D.O.B. 8/22/1984, Pittsburgh, PA blair@careygroup.biz http://coreyoconnorpgh.com 443-244-3509 EDUCATION: B.A., Elementary Education, Duquesne University, 2006 OCCUPATION: City Councilman for district 5 Qualifications: City Councilman, 4 years ANSWERS: 1. The City should protect the “Lost and Stolen” gun ordinance, which ensures that gun ownCORREY O’CONNOR ers report when their gun is lost or stolen, and ultimately helps to curb gun trafficking and straw purchasing. Although I was not on Council when it was enacted, I was still a supporter of the ordinance, and continue to be a supporter, especially now that it has been challenged by the NRA’s lawsuit. With the potential for more lawsuits to be levied against the city, I believe the city should stand behind smart gun laws like the Lost and Stolen ordinance and other measures that protect Pittsburgh against gun trafficking, which threatens the safety of our community. 2. With an influx of new residents, Council faces the challenge of helping our community to grow. I believe that Council should pursue ordinances and initiatives that support public transportation as it faces increases in demand. Council should pursue similar projects that increase and diversify the services available to residents to help neighborhoods grow and thrive. KIMBERLY KAPLAN, D.O.B. 7/1/1990, Pittsburgh, PA info@kaplanforcouncil.com www.kaplanforcouncil.com 412-426-5425 EDUCATION: BS in Mathematics from Chatham University, 2013; MA in International Relations & Conflict Resolution from American Public University System, expected 2015. OCCUPATION: Student QUALIFICATIONS: Background in research, activism, and fundraising. Innovative problem solver ready to raise the bar for govt. expectations in response to people’s needs. KIMBERLY ANSWERS: 1. Individuals should KAPLAN be required to pass psychological evaluations and safety training before purchasing a gun. Just like drivers licenses, reevaluations should be conducted at regular intervals. 2. Pittsburgh’s population had been decreasing for a number of years and is only recently seeing an increase; therefore, City government has reduced its services appropriately and will now need to return to
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
District 7 DEMOCRATIC LATASHA D. MAYES, D.O.B. 5/16/1981 Pittsburgh, PA mavesfordistrict7@gmail.com www.mavesfordistrict7.com 412-342-8469 EDUCATION: University of Pittsburgh, B.S. in Business Administration, 2003; Carnegie Mellon University, M.S. in Public Policy & Management, 2005 OCCUPATION: Founder & Executive Director of New Voices Pittsburgh QUALIFICATIONS: I am a community organizer, policy advocate and non-profit leader who has served Pittsburgh for the last 15 years as: LATASHA D. Issue-based and electoral political MAYES campaigns (8 Years) Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (3 Years) Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh President (2 Years) Allegheny County Human Relations Commissioner (2 Years)) Fellows in Public Affairs at the Coro Center for Civic Leadership (1 Year) ANSWERS: 1. As City Council Member, I will push the conversation to preventative measures that promote safe and healthy communities in all our neighborhoods. Protecting our current gun laws in Pennsylvania — that are under attack from the gun lobby — is critical to protecting Pittsburgh residents. I support background checks on all gun purchases, lost & stolen guns reporting, and banning open carry on public property. 2. The influx of new residents will be people of color and millennials and City Council must put diversity inclusion and women at the center of equitable community development. To attract and retain residents, our city must embrace those changes. City Council Members should be champions modeling leadership and implementing policy that is welcoming for those who live or want to live in Pittsburgh. DEB GROSS, D.O.B. 6/9/1966, Pittsburgh, PA grossdeborahlee@gmail.com http://votedebgross.com 412-443-6801 EDUCATION: B.A., Sociology, University of Florida, 1988; M.A. Sociology, Duke University, 1991 OCCUPATION: Pittsburgh City Councilwoman for District 7 QUALIFICATIONS: I have served as the City Councilwoman for District 7 for 16 months. Prior to City Council, I worked as a consultant for community development and neighborhood organizations, including the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern PA and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance. I have done political work for Mayor Bill Peduto DEB GROSS
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VOTERS GUIDE 2015
and the Run Baby Run Initiative. ANSWERS: 1. I support the City legislation that is on the books regarding reporting lost and stolen guns. Additionally I support Ceasefire PA’s efforts to track the source of weapons used in violent crime. The City is the end destination for too many fire arms that are illegally obtained or transported. Improving our ability to decrease the market for illegal firearms is an area for policy development. 2. I have worked closely with all of the neighborhood organizations in District 7 during my brief time on Council. To address the needs of the residents, I recommend that Council and the Mayor’s administration keep neighborhoods at the forefront of planning. In my own district we have responded to our constituents needs; access to fresh, healthy food; access to quality child care, development of affordable housing; addressing issues of blight; keeping businesses accountable and responsive, improving bike and pedestrian safety. Additionally, I support the Mayor’s Welcoming Pittsburgh Initiative.
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
District 9 DEMOCRATIC RICKY V. BURGESS No Reply TWANDA D. CARLISLE No Reply JUDITH K. GINYARD, 6/17/1958, Pittsburgh, PA ginyard4council@gmail.com www.ginyard4council.com 412-292-6867 EDUCATION: Community College of Allegheny County – accounting major and real estate certification; Point Park College – accounting major OCCUPATION: PA licensed Real Estate Broker – Broker of Record/Owner JKG Real Estate Services, LLC – 2006, Construction Administrator – Ma’at Construction JUDITH K. Group, LLC - 2013 GINYARD QUALIFICATIONS: Workforce Development and Training Coordinator – Community Empowerment Association – 2 years; Former executive director – Lincoln Larimer Community Development Corporation – 8 years; PA licensed Real Estate Salesperson – 12 years ANSWERS: This issue of gun restrictions is currently in litigation in Pennsylvania. I am not completely versed on all the content of the gun law issues therefore I have no public comment at this time. As a new City Council Member, once I have been informed of the gun restriction details, I will be better equipped to make an informed public response to this question. As the city continues to grow, the City of Pittsburgh must welcome an influx of new residents by providing the appropriate services that is needed to all its residents. In order to keep up with the supply and demand of increased services, we will have to look at how to increase services while decreasing costs to be able to deliver good quality services to the city. As a new member of City Council, I will work with both the council and mayor to determine what methods will be needed to ensure the best results for all residents of the city.
ANDRE YOUNG No Reply
REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATE FILED
Pittsburgh School District Pittsburgh School Director by District (Vote for one in your district) TERM: 4 YEARS, SALARY: $0 DUTIES: The Board of School Directors has the responsibility to establish and equip, furnish and maintain a sufficient number of public schools to educate every person residing in the district attending public schools and to adopt a budget and levy and collect necessary taxes. It may establish and maintain schools for other age groups and for vocational and recreational purposes. The school district of the city of Pittsburgh includes Mount Oliver. In 2015, directors for even numbered districts will be elected. QUESTION: Excluding high stakes testing, what are your criteria for evaluating school performance?
District 2 DEMOCRATIC REGINA B. HOLLEY, D.O.B. 5/9/1952, Pittsburgh, PA rholley1@pghboe.net www.concernedcitizensforholley.com 412-915-3554 EDUCATION: B.S. Slippery Rock University – 1974; M.Ed University of Pittsburgh – 1978; PH.D University of Pittsburgh - 1988 OCCUPATION: Retired Educator QUALIFICATIONS: Classroom Teacher 13 years, School Improvement Supervisor 3 years, Reading Supervisor 3 years, Assistant Principal 1 year and Principal 17 years. ANSWER: The critical elements for evaluating school performance: Appropriate management that alREGINA B. lows for an orderly environment; HOLLEY Rituals and Routines that foster student learning and creates high expectations for all; Performance indicators are identified at each grade level and instruction is designed to meet the needs of each student; Communication that fosters transparency between community and school
REPUBLICAN REGINA B. HOLLEY See above
District 4 DEMOCRATIC LYNDA WRENN, D.O.B. 12/14/1965, Pittsburgh, PA, lynda4@me.com www.lyndawrenn.com 412-398-1113 Fax: 412-362-5450 EDUCATION: B.A, Regis College, 1988; Master of
MAY 13-19, 2015 11
Arts in Teaching, Chatham University, 2006. OCCUPATION: I recently worked in marketing and advertising and will continue to do so after the election. QUALIFICATIONS: I have been a Pittsburgh Public school parent for 15 years; served as PTO president and on two district task forces; earned master’s degree in education, LYNDA student taught in a Pittsburgh Public WRENN School; have experience in management, research, marketing and advertising; and have been active in the Point Breeze Organization, the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club and the NCJW. ANSWER: High performance is visible through observation. Students are actively engaged in class and everyone is participating in the learning community. The walls proudly display student work and a positive energy can be felt. To measure this performance, indicators such as the graduation rate, attendance rates, number of students taking advantage of AP courses and stability of the schools population can be used. Student grades and percentage of Promise Ready high school students should also be considered in evaluation of a school’s performance, since grades are a better indicator of future college performance than standardized tests. KIRK B. BURKLEY, Pittsburgh, PA EDUCATION: B.S, Ohio University, 1990; JD, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2002 OCCUPATION: Attorney-co-managing partner of Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. QUALIFICATIONS: Board of Public Education, 4 years ANSWER: The results of student and family surveys. Surveys are already being used in the Pittsburgh Public School District and positive results have a direct correlation to acaKIRK B. demic achievement. BURKLEY Enrollment as a percentage of those eligible to attend, i.e., the capture rate. In other words, do the families that are eligible want to go there? The percentage of teachers determined to be either proficient or distinguished based upon teacher evaluations. The percentage of voluntary principal and/or staff turnover. High voluntary turnover is an indication that a school needs improvement.
REPUBLICAN LYNDA WRENN See above KIRK B. BURKLEY See above
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VOTERS GUIDE 2015
District 6 DEMOCRATIC MOIRA B. KALEIDA, D.O.B. 7/12/1984, Pittsburgh, PA mbkaleida@gmail.com http://moirakaleida.wordpress.com 412-760-0030 EDUCATION: 2007, B.S. Secondary Education in Citizenship/Social Sciences Pennsylvania State University, Minor: History; 2002, John A. Brashear High School, Pittsburgh Public Schools Academic Diploma with Honors (CAS) OCCUPATION: Homemaker and Community Volunteer QUALIFICATIONS: Democratic Committeewoman (2nd Term). Executive position on two non-profit boards in Pittsburgh, Mentor, Graduate of the Mayor’s Civic Leadership Academy, PPS parent and school volunteer, Degree in Education from MOIRA B. Penn State. KALEIDA ANSWER: School performance can be measured using constructivist concepts — for example, individualized performance assessments and progress throughout the year (not just based on a statistical average). Graduation/promotion rates and attendance play a role but should not be the only factors. Student achievement in the classroom as assessed by their teachers is the number one way that we can see definitive progress in our schools. If we provide a safe learning environment with necessary support systems in our schools and implement a fair funding formula that allocates resources correctly, we can achieve the high expectations and quality education that we need for students of all backgrounds. SAMUEL J. HURST No Reply TRACY LINK , D.O.B. 11/7/1968, Pittsburgh, PA linkforschoolboarddistrict6@yahoo.com 412-600-8089 EDUCATION: Bishop Cane in 1986 OCCUPATION: Job Coach for InVision Human Services QUALIFICATIONS: Married, homeowner of 23 years, mother of four honor students of Pittsburgh Public Schools, PTO president for 15 of the 17 years I have been involved in the schools. I have experience in addiction and community organizing, diversified and innovative thinker and ready to have courageous converTRACY LINK sations about systematic change. ANSWER: I believe a school should measure by classroom size, length of time a principal has been at a school and average of time each teacher is employed there. I also believe measures can be made by the coursework offered in a school and its discipline policies.
REPUBLICAN SAMUEL J. HURST See above MOIRA B. KALEIDA See above TRACY LINK See above
District 8 DEMOCRATIC ROSEMARY MORIARTY, D.O.B. 11/18/1950, Pittsburgh, PA rosemarymor@comcast.net 412-323-9355 EDUCATION: B.S., University of Pittsburgh, 1972; M.Ed, University of Pittsburgh, 1975; Principal Certification, 1983; D.Ed., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2005; Superintendent Professional Certification, 2005 OCCUPATION: Retired Qualifications: Over 35 years with Pittsburgh Public Schools. (Teacher, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Principal) ANSWER: When evaluating school ROSEMARY performance I would use multiple criMORIARY teria. Student yearly growth (pre, mid and post-test in all subject areas) School climate (evaluated by students, parents, teachers and community) Student and staff attendance Principal’s school plan Staff self-assessment Principal’s staff evaluation I would also give the school the opportunity to develop their own criteria for evaluation. KEVIN L. CARTER No reply PATRICIA ROGERS No reply
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Special Election Question ALL REGISTERED VOTERS, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled members of a political party, ARE ENTITLED TO VOTE IN THE SPECIAL ELECTION BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES Do you favor the granting of liquor licenses for the sale of liquor in the Borough of Bellevue? Explanation of Referendum Question If this question is approved by a majority of those voting, liquor licenses may be granted by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for the sale of liquor and malt and brewed beverages in bars, taverns, restaurants, hotels, clubs and similar establishments in the Borough of Bellevue.
Special Election Question ALL REGISTERED VOTERS, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled members of a political party, ARE ENTITLED TO VOTE IN THE SPECIAL ELECTION BOROUGH OF WILKINSBURG APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES Do you favor the granting of liquor licenses for the sale of liquor in the Borough of Wilkinsburg? Explanation of Referendum Question If this question is approved by a majority of those voting, liquor licenses may be granted by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for the sale of liquor and malt and brewed beverages in bars, taverns, restaurants, hotels, clubs and similar establishments in the Borough of Wilkinsburg.