BY: COLIN WILLIAMS
PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE
MAYORAL
Pittsburgh has a lot to consider this election season, but all eyes, both locally and nationally, are on the hotly contested mayoral race between incumbent Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, who have traded back-and-forth jabs over housing policy, fundraising, and di ering takes on the city’s future.
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
Jack Betkowski is one of several retirements from County Council set to reshape the body in 2026. Vying for Betkowski’s seat are nonprofit fundraiser
Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling and small business owner Carl Villella.
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 9
District 9 incumbent and old-school conservative Democrat Bob Macey’s retirement could mean a big change in who represents the region. Vying for Macey’s seat are engineer and Duquesne City Councilor Aaron Adams, educator Dylan Altemara, and food justice advocate Kellianne Frketic. All have deep area roots, but candidates’ policy positions range from moderate to progressive.
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
PGH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
With seats opening in four Pittsburgh Public Schools districts, eight candidates have stepped up to run for school board.
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BY COLIN WILLIAMS
BALLOT QUESTIONS
Contributors KAHMEELA ADAMS-FRIEDSON, AAKANKSHA AGARWAL, REGE BEHE, LYNN CULLEN, MATT PETRAS, DAVID S. ROTENSTEIN, JORDAN SNOWDEN
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City of Pittsburgh voters will have three questions atop their ballots May 20 — including two aimed at attempts to divest from Israel.
BY RACHEL WILKINSON
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Voters are spoiled for choice in the upcoming primary for the Court of Common Pleas, with 22 candidates and four competing slates to pick from.
BY MATT PETRAS
WRITE-IN
Amanda Neatrour hasn’t let legal setbacks derail her bid to become District 2’s next City Councilor — but as a write-in candidate, the going is tougher.
BY ATIYA IRVIN-MITCHELL
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Pittsburgh has a lot to consider this election season, but all eyes, both locally and nationally, are on the hotly contested mayoral race between incumbent Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, who have traded jabs over housing policy, fundraising, and differing takes on the city’s future.
Gainey has positioned himself as a progressive, often campaigning through surrogates organizing for LGBTQ, incarcerated, and housing and transit justice communities. O’Connor has also pitched himself as a progressive while aligning himself with YIMBY groups, local businesses, developers, and more moderate voters. O’Connor narrowly received the county endorsement, but both candidates tout a long list of endorsements from unions, community groups, area politicians, and different slices of Allegheny County’s heavily Democratic electorate.
Pittsburgh Republicans face a different binary choice between Tony Moreno, a controversial Democrat-turnedRepublican former police officer, and Lawrenceville business owner Thomas West. Because of Pennsylvania’s closed primary system, registered Independents, Libertarians, and other third-party voters in the city will have limited choices beyond three ballot questions and candidates for the Pittsburgh Public Schools board.
Democratic voters elsewhere in Allegheny County will have local school board and municipal races as well as a range of options for Allegheny County Council, where two districted incumbents aren’t running for re-election (no Republican race for County Council, including the at-large seat, is contested this time around). In District 1, there’s a two-way contest for the seat being vacated by Jack Betkowski, and, in District 9, there’s a three-way race to succeed Bob Macey.
Voters will also have a long list of judicial candidates to pick from this primary cycle for the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, where 22 candidates filed to run for eight vacancies.
Despite lingering exhaustion from the 2024 cycle, the May 20 primary election and other contests this year will have a direct impact when it comes to everything from housing to criminal justice in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Pittsburgh City Paper hopes to make the process easier with our comprehensive 2025 Election Issue.
Make sure to register by May 5 to make your voice heard.
Colin Williams
Pittsburgh City Paper News Editor
MAYOR OF PITTSBURGH
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
One term after Pittsburgh elected its first Black mayor, polls show a tight race for the Democratic nomination between first-term incumbent Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor. Vying for the GOP nod are 2021 candidate and former cop Tony Moreno and small business owner Thomas West.
BIO: Grew up in Hill District and East Liberty. Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar resident. Raised by single mother. Peabody High School and Morgan State University graduate. Pa. Rep. (D-24) from 2013-2022. Elected mayor after defeating two-term incumbent Bill Peduto in 2021 primary and Tony Moreno in 2021 general.
FUNDRAISING: Second-biggest fundraiser with just under $400,000 available at end of March. Criticized O'Connor's fundraising throughout campaign and returned donations from Walnut Capital and Rosebud Mining. Criticized by O'Connor for accepting donations from local construction firms.
HOUSING POLICY: Has campaigned on record of building ca. 2,000 units of affordable housing. Advocates for citywide inclusionary zoning (IZ). Launched rental registry and funded OwnPGH programs. Touts federal and state grant funding and $30 million bond for redevelopment and affordable housing projects.
PUBLIC SAFEY: Highlights 33% decrease in homicides and overall crime since taking office. Emphasizes youth programs as way to treat "root cause" of crime. Signed first non-arbitrated police union contract with PBP. Has been criticized by opponents for police-chief turnover.
TAXING NONPROFITS: Made taxing UPMC and "Big Four" nonprofits central plank of 2021 campaign but has not reached deal. Says UPMC has prevented other nonprofits from coming to the table. Has said City is considering legal action to seek PILOT and punish UPMC for trans healthcare denials.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Has protested with community organizers and activists over trans healthcare denial and labor rights. Pledged not to cooperate with ICE. Issued orders to protect City DEI policies. Has positioned self as "anti-Trump" candidate.
ENDORSEMENTS: Steel City Stonewall Democrats, CMU Democrats, United Steelworkers, SEIU Healthcare, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, Conservation Voters of Pa., Pittsburgh Firefighters, U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
ED GAINEY COREY O'CONNOR
BIO: Grew up in Squirrel Hill. Son of late former mayor Bob O'Connor. Greenfield resident. Central Catholic High School and Duquesne University graduate. Pittsburgh City Councilor (Dist. 5) from 2012-2022. Allegheny County Controller since 2022 after appointment to fill Chelsa Wagner's seat, re-elected to full term in 2023.
FUNDRAISING: Biggest fundraiser of the cycle with over $1.1 million as of March. Faced criticism for accepting donations from Trump donors, fossil fuel executives, and major players in local real estate. Took heat over "racist" ads by a surrogate PAC.
HOUSING POLICY: Has campaigned on "more is more" approach to housing while questioning citywide IZ. Touts 2017 support of Housing Opportunity Fund. Favors differing approaches to housing construction for different neighborhoods, saying "every market is different." Wants to update permitting and zoning laws.
PUBLIC SAFEY: Says issues with turnover and staffing levels at police and EMS services are "unacceptable." Wants to "restore" community and neighborhood policing units and "further develop" co-responder program. Pledges greater transparency with public safety data.
TAXING NONPROFITS: Says nonprofits "need to pay their fair share." Criticizes Gainey for backing out of Peduto-era OnePGH plan. Wants to approach nonprofits with "specific ask[s]" such as work on emergency vehicles and local infrastructure.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Highlights work on paid sick leave and early childhood education. Audited county jail as Controller. Wants Pittsburgh to become "true regional partner" in providing services to solve homelessness crisis.
ENDORSEMENTS: Allegheny County Democratic Party, College Democrats at Pitt, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, Pa. Laborers' Council, Ironworkers Local 3, Int'l. Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Pittsburgh EMTs, Pittsburgh City Councilor Erika Strassburger
MAYOR OF PITTSBURGH
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
One term after Pittsburgh elected its first Black mayor, polls show a tight race for the Democratic nomination between first-term incumbent Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor. Vying for the GOP nod are 2021 candidate and former cop Tony Moreno and small business owner Thomas West.
BIO: Brighton Heights resident. Army paratrooper veteran. Longtime Pittsburgh Bureau of Police detective. Ran against former mayor Bill Peduto and Ed Gainey in 2021 Democratic primary, then ran on Republican ticket after successful write-in campaign (lost to Gainey). Subject of assault charges that were dismissed in 2023.
FUNDRAISING: Just over $3,000 in fundraising claimed in March. Funders include several smaller donors and loan from self.
HOUSING POLICY: Accuses City leadership of "stealing millions" and says developers are buying off politicians but hasn't offered own comprehensive housing plan.
PUBLIC SAFEY: Has strongly emphasized public safety. Wants to hire more police officers and incentivize city residency. Seeks stronger enforcement of antihomelessness laws. Has said people are "afraid" while falsely asserting that "crime is rising" in Pittsburgh. Supports increased access to mental healthcare services.
TAXING NONPROFITS: Pledges tax and regulation cuts but has not commented on UPMC.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Says police should not be "social workers" or "babysitters." Said "our city is trash" due to litter and homelessness crisis.
ENDORSEMENTS: None listed
TONY MORENO THOMAS WEST
BIO: Raised in Greene County. Highland Park resident. Openly gay. Lyndon State College (now part of Vermont State U) graduate. Owner of TRIM boutique in Lawrenceville and local philanthropist. Former East Liberty Chamber of Commerce board member.
FUNDRAISING: Raised over $3,000 in January. Loaned self $12,000 for campaign in March.
HOUSING POLICY: Says neighbors should decide on IZ. Accuses City of lack of transparency. Wants to establish city rent-to-own program to make homeownership easier.
PUBLIC SAFEY: Says public safety "must be top priority" and reports being assaulted Downtown. Wants to combat police turnover.
TAXING NONPROFITS: Says "they should pay" and pledges to work with large nonprofits on PILOT plans.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Says some Pittsburgh neighborhoods have been "forgotten for decades." Wants "bold, long-term vision" for growth and economic stability, including easier pathways to entrepreneurship.
ENDORSEMENTS: None listed
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
BIO: Born in Sewickley. "Lifelong resident of Pittsburgh's Airport Area suburbs." Ambridge Area, Duquesne, and Chatham graduate. Background in nonprofit fundraising. Founded PAC and has advocated for LGBTQ community and "library freedoms" locally.
ECONOMY: Says high property taxes place burden on homeowners. Wants to work with the state to fix school funding mechanism through tax reform. Supports tax incentives for small businesses.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Would "prioritize funding" for Allegheny County Emergency Services and police/fire academies. Supports crisis intervention and co-responder models that emphasize de-escalation.
HEALTH: Says aging local population needs easier access to senior services. Highlights pedestrian deaths and roadway crashes as public health issue and pledges improvements to lighting and crosswalks.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT: Wants to improve transit connectivity and repair aging infrastructure. Emphasizes issues with stormwater management and land subsidence; favors "smart growth policies" in overdeveloped areas.
ENDORSEMENTS: Allegheny County Democratic Committee, United Steelworkers District 10, SEIU 668, Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars, Allegheny County Councilor-At-Large Bethany Hallam
BIO: 40-year Moon Twp. resident. Penn State grad. Small business owner. Active in local Catholic church, Knights of Columbus, VFW. Has served as Judge of Elections and supported anti-human-trafficking work.
ECONOMY: Emphasizes "fiscal responsibility" and transparent stewardship of county funds. Pledges to collaborate with local authorities to maximize efficiency.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Seeks to speed up 9-1-1 response time. Wants to "invest in training and technology" for first responders.
HEALTH: Supports expanded access to mental healthcare services and addiction recovery programs. Highlights role of affordable housing and local nonprofits in public health.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT: Wants to "enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure." Pledges transparent process for replacing aging bridges. Favors "data-driven" approach to implementing infrastructure upgrades.
ENDORSEMENTS: Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council, Pittsburgh Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, Pittsburgh Regional Trade Council
Jack Betkowski is one of several retirements from County Council set to reshape the body in 2026. Vying for Betkowski's seat are nonprofit fundraiser Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling and small business owner Carl Villella.
KATHLEEN MADONNA-EMMERLING
CARL VILLELLA
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 9
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
District 9 incumbent and old-school conservative Democrat Bob Macey's retirement could mean a big change in who represents the region. Vying for Macey's seat are engineer and Duquesne City Councilor Aaron Adams, educator Dylan Altemara, and food justice advocate Kellianne Frketic. All have deep area roots, but candidates' policy positions range from moderate to progressive.
AARON ADAMS
BIO: Born and raised in Duquesne to family of police officers. Penn State graduate. Works in engineering. In 2022, elected youngest-ever member of Duquesne City Council at 23.
ECONOMY: Says he will "advocate for the workers of this region and ensure they get a fair deal." Would seek phased approach to tax reassessment.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Wants to invest more in community policing. Says he would "support first responders."
HEALTH: Seeks greater access to mental healthcare programs.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT: Would prioritize upgrades to community-owned infrastructure with an eye toward supporting area businesses.
ENDORSEMENTS: ACDC, Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, Pittsburgh Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, The Beacon Coalition, Pa. Sen. Nick Pisciottano, Macey
DYLAN ALTEMARA KELLIANNE FRKETIC
BIO: Fourth-generation Mon Valley resident. Cal U undergraduate and Southern New Hampshire graduate degrees. Pursuing education doctorate at Point Park while teaching at Community College of Beaver County.
ECONOMY: Wants to partner with state and federal agencies on "Main Street" initiatives. Supports property tax updates and five-year reassessment system. Pledges transparency and annual budget efficiency review.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Seeks a study of potential merger between county police and sheriff's departments. Supports community diversion program to keep people out of jail using money from taxing nonprofits such as UPMC.
HEALTH: Wants to expand mental and behavorial healthcare to divert people away from criminal justice system. Cites personal experience losing friends in push for greater access to substance-abuse prevention.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT:
Seeks to create oversight commission to ensure environmental money is properly spent. Says clean air is a priority and would levy higher fines on polluters. Would work to install 500 EV chargers.
ENDORSEMENTS: None listed
BIO: Cites "a century" of family history in the Mon Valley. Elizabeth Twp resident. Duquesne graduate with culinary school experience and MBA from Ohio U. Works for Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and does local organizing.
ECONOMY: Seeks local investment in renewable energy and green manufacturing. Supports workforce development programs and vocational education. Favors tax incentives for local hiring but with long-term commitments. Calls housing crisis "urgent challenge."
PUBLIC SAFEY: Supports greater and consistent funding for violence prevention efforts. Seeks investments in reentry programs for incarcerated people. Supports cannabis reform. Calls conditions in jail "deplorable" and seeks funding for alternative justice models and diversion programs.
HEALTH: Supports easier access to mental healthcare and substance-abuse treatment. Wants to increase access to fresh food and expand WIC and SNAP acceptance at local stores.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT:
Seeks audits to ensure environmental money is properly spent. Pledges further lead line removal and higher fines for air and water polluters. Supports paid leave during air quality emergencies. Seeks greater local investments in environmental jobs and training programs.
ENDORSEMENTS: Young Democrats of Allegheny County, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Pa. Working Families Party
PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BY COLIN WILLIAMS
With seats opening in four Pittsburgh Public Schools districts, eight candidates have stepped up to run for school board. While PPS board members aren't paid for their work, the role comes with heightened scrutiny in 2025, as PPS is currently facing a funding shortfall and has sued to reassess Allegheny County property taxes after over a decade of undervaluation.
PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 1
TAWANA COOK PURNELL
BIO: East Liberty resident. Peabody HS, Spelman College undergraduate, Columbia graduate degree. Retired educator with experience in teaching, admin, and boards.
FUNDING: Supports PPS lawsuit to force property tax reassessment.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Says board responsibility is to be "supportive of the superintendent" while working to make any transitions smooth.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Wants to see focus on "green" schools with more emphasis on student health.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Says PPS needs "new image" through branding and marketing while investing in teacher and admin retention.
ENDORSEMENTS: Allegheny County Democratic Committee, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, Beacon Coalition, Black Women for Better Education
CARLOS THOMAS
BIO: Homewood resident. Le Cordon Bleu culinary graduate. Community organizer with Operation Better Block and Feed the Hood. Has previously run for PPS board and county council.
FUNDING: Supports PPS lawsuit to force tax reassessment and sees potential in under-taxed commercial properties. Says board members should "fight" for more revenue.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Says board responsibility is student wellbeing and outcomes. Wants to give community input and support if closures are necessary.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Says underfunding is biggest problem for aging school buildings.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Does not support charter schools. Seeks enrollment boost through investment in STEM, arts, and cultural responsiveness.
ENDORSEMENTS: Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Pa. Working Families Party
PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 3 TONYA FORES
BIO: Hill District resident. Oliver HS and trade school grad. Previous volunteer with PPS; three children are PPS grads.
FUNDING: Says she "understands" lawsuit but that legal action should be "one tool" of many to combat persistent funding gaps.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Describes closures as "unavoidable" and says final decisions must be student-focused. Sees student attendance issues as central to other problems.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Would prioritize student services to address attendance issues.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Supports greater community engagement to "rebuild confidence" in PPS system.
ENDORSEMENTS: None listed
ERIKKA GRAYSON
BIO: Hill District resident. Pitt undergrad and Point Park MBA. Project manager with volunteer experience at PPS.
FUNDING: Supports lawsuit given rise in local property values. Says district needs a "sustainable funding formula."
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Says closures must be "guided by data" and supports reinvestment in existing buildings to maintain services with smaller footprint.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Wants to expand duallanguage and STEM programming. Supports investments in early literacy. Seeks to establish more working groups with district parents.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Says PPS must "earn families' trust back" and seeks marketing highlighting district success stories.
ENDORSEMENTS: Pa. Working Families Party, Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Black Women for Better Education, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, Pa. Rep. Aerion Abney
PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DISTRICT 7
MADHI BEY
BIO: Grew up in Mt. Oliver. Carrick resident. Studied to be anaesthesia tech. Currently works for Pa. Rep. Jessica Benham on constituent services.
FUNDING: Says lawsuit seems "justified" and would place PPS first in funding priority.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Says school closures will likely be decided before new directors elected, but seeks community meetings and audit to inform future feeder patterns and service offerings.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Supports greater funding for immigrant students and students with disabilities.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Says retaining teachers and providing necessary resources will strengthen system.
ENDORSEMENTS: Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council, Pa. Rep. Jessica Benham, Pittsburgh City Councilors Anthony Coghill and Bob Charland, outgoing school board member Jamie Piotrowski
EVA DIODAT1
BIO: Carrick resident. Duquesne BA/MA in theater. Children's librarian at CLP Hill District and library union treasurer.
FUNDING: Supports lawsuit and says district may need to get "creative" while property tax lawsuit plays out. Says district is "broken, not broke."
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Says "numbers are clear" and closures likely. Supports adaptive reuse for any closed school buildings so "spirit" lives on.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Wants to "get youth excited" to combat low student morale. Says educators must engage with the community at community days and festivals and solicit feedback from PPS parents on wants/needs.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Says the key to increased enrollment is making PPS "top choice for families."
ENDORSEMENTS: Allegheny County Democratic Committee, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, Beacon Coalition, Black Women for Better Education
PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DISTRICT 9 ALLIE PETONIC
BIO: Brighton Heights resident. Bryn Mawr undergrad and Penn State grad degrees. Researcher with United Steelworkers.
FUNDING: Supports lawsuit and said diversion of funds should've stopped with end of Act 47. Says board members should work with lawmakers and community advocates to stabilize funding.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Has criticized previous school closure plans as "halfbaked" and said district must "avoid disinvestment" that discourages families from enrolling.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Wants to "remove barriers" to programming such as child care, food, translation services and virtual options.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Says PPS needs "new image" through branding and marketing while investing in teacher and admin retention. Says PPS shouldn't "assume" families leave for certain reasons and solicit feedback.
ENDORSEMENTS:United Steelworkers Dist. 10, Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council
GENE WALKER
BIO: Brighton Heights resident. Bloomsburg grad. Managing director, Per Scholas. Current Dist. 9 school director (2022-) and PPS board president (2024-).
FUNDING: "Fully" supports lawsuit and says it would help PPS forecast revenue. Says end of diversion of funds to City "would eliminate most of our annual deficit."
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Says closures "must be done" but that board must move forward with parent support.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PROGRAMMING: Says work must be done to attract families and touts consolidation plan as way to get schools more resources.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Says improving student outcomes is critical to future success and stable enrollment. Wants to find more ways to engage with local families.
ENDORSEMENTS: Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, Black Women for a Better Education, Pa. Rep. Aerion Abney, incumbent PPS directors Tracey Reed, Dwayne Barker, Sylvia Wilson, and Yael Silk
ANSWER ME THESE QUESTIONS THREE
City of Pittsburgh voters will have three questions atop their ballots May 20 — including two aimed at attempts to divest from Israel
BY: RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
In the May 2025 primary, Pittsburgh voters will see three questions on their primary election ballot. All three appear after Pittsburgh City Council passed ordinances proposing amendments to the city’s Home Rule Charter earlier this year. Two potential amendments respond to recent divestment referendums, while a third would prevent privatizing the city’s water and sewer systems. Pittsburgh City Paper is providing an explainer to give background and help sift through the legal language.
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Highland Park Reservoir
“BOTH BALLOT QUESTIONS #1 AND #3 APPEAR AS A RESPONSE TO THE PITTSBURGH-BASED NOT ON OUR DIME DIVESTMENT CAMPAIGN.”
Pittsburgh City Ballot Question #1: Non-Discrimination in City Business
Shall the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter, Article One, Home Rule Powers - Definitions, be supplemented by adding a new Section, “105. Local Governance”, by prohibiting the discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, disability, place of birth, national origin or association or affiliation with any nation or foreign state in conducting business of the City?
Both ballot questions #1 and #3 appear as a response to the Pittsburghbased Not on Our Dime divestment campaign. The group’s petition-signing drive tried twice to introduce its own ballot referendum question, which would have required the city to divert public money away from countries engaged in genocide or apartheid, specifying Israel, through an amendment to Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter. The most recent effort in February was met with legal challenges by both the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, which questioned the validity of the campaign’s signatures; and by City Controller Rachael Heisler, who alleged that the amendment, if passed, “would significantly disrupt City operations due to the City’s dependence on the global economy.”
Before Not on Our Dime ended its most recent campaign, ultimately stipulating a deficiency in the signatures it collected, Pittsburgh City Council passed a bill containing its own ballot referendum question and echoing Heisler’s claims.
“The nature of a modern, globally integrated economy dictates that the City engages in business transactions with multinational entities,” the bill read. District 8 City Councilor Erika Strassburger, who introduced the bill, explicitly stated they hoped to put “guardrails” in place to prevent future divestment referendums.
Though anti-discrimination prohibitions already exist under federal, state, and some local laws, if passed, the ballot referendum would add them to local governance under Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter. It would expand their purview to include entities that do business with the city and inscribe “association or affiliation with any nation or foreign state” as a new protected category (alongside religious, gender, and anti-LGBTQ discrimination) — effectively barring the city from turning away a business because of its dealings with other countries.
Not on Our Dime, which has maintained its support of direct democracy, did not oppose the ballot measure this winter, stating its campaign and the Council’s referendums “don’t conflict with one another.” If passed, it’s unclear if the Home Rule Charter amendments would block future city divestment efforts outright, but they would provide another basis to legally challenge them.
Shall the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter be amended and supplemented by adding a new Article 11: RIGHT TO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS, WASTEWATER SYSTEM, AND STORM SEWER SYSTEMS, which restricts the lease and/or sale of the
Ballot question #2 would prevent the city’s public water and sewer systems from ever being leased or
Since 1995, the City of Pittsburgh has managed its water and sewer systems through Pittsburgh Water (PGH20), previously known as Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA). The utility was formed under a 30-year “rent-to-own” lease agreement that will allow PGH20 to purchase it from the City for $1 in the fall of 2025. Under the 1995 contract, PGH20 would
However, Pittsburgh City Council introduced a measure to preempt any sale of Pittsburgh Water and ensure it remains publicly owned. In the past, both privatization that while PWSA was managed by Veolia Water North America, a private water-utility management prospect of raised utility rates, worse service, and insufficient investment in climate change
The ballot measure was passed unanimously by Pittsburgh City Council and signed by Mayor Ed Gainey. According to the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, the board of Pittsburgh Water has also
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
The Herron Hill Reservoir in the Sugar Top neighborhood of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh City Ballot Question #3: Lawful Scope of the Home Rule Charter Amendment process
Shall the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter, Article One, Home Rule Powers - Definitions, be supplemented by adding a new section, “104. Amendments to Charter,” by prohibiting the use of the Home Rule Charter Amendment process to add duties or obligations beyond the lawful scope of the city’s authority?
Similar to ballot question #1, this amendment was introduced by Pittsburgh City Council to ensure the city’s referendum process is not used to pass measures the city can’t legally enforce.
Councilors introduced the measure as response to the Not on Our Dime divestment campaign, whose proposed amendment Council claimed used Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter to compel the city to operate outside the scope of its legal authority. (In Controller Heisler’s legal challenges to Not on Our Dime, she alleged the group’s referendum violated statewide anti-BDS law.)
As with question #1, federal, state, and local laws already exist that would prevent the city from carrying out actions it isn’t legally able to carry out. So why add a separate amendment to codify this and reiterate it to Pittsburgh voters? Proponents representing proIsrael groups claim the measure “send[s] a message” and pushes back against “ideological extremism.” In theory, the amendment could also compel future referendum campaigns to prove they were asking the city to do something within its legal scope before a ballot question appeared to voters.
Not on Our Dime, while not explicitly opposed to the amendment, said earlier this year that it raises the bar for direct democracy, and could stymie future local, citizendriven efforts to resist federal law like the recent wave of deportations carried out under the Trump administration. The amendment could also be reversed by another ballot referendum, but would serve as another stopgap for efforts like divestment in the meantime. •
“WHERE WE MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE ARE THE RACES WHERE IT’S HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO GET INFORMATION.”
PLEA FOR A VOTE
Voters
are spoiled for
choice in the upcoming primary for the Court of Common Pleas, with 22 candidates and four competing slates to pick from
BY: MATT PETRAS
Your average voter probably doesn’t have the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas primary election on their radar, and what makes the situation tougher this cycle is that there are 22 candidates from whom to pick on May 20. owever, several political, activist, and labor groups have endorsed slates of eight preferred candidates the maximum a voter can support.
Court of Common Pleas judges, who serve renewable 10-year terms and have a salary of about 2 1,000 a year, preside over cases
concerning child custody, divorce, evictions, employment disputes, and more. Of the 22 candidates, 1 filed as only Democrats and six filed as both Democrats and Republicans. In addition to the ratings given by the Allegheny County Bar Association (ABCA), Pittsburgh City Paper reviewed the endorsement slates of four different groups, all of which chose eight candidates to support:
• The Allegheny County Democratic Committee (ACDC)
• A coalition of progressive organizations, including 1Hood, Pennsylvania Working amilies Party,
the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council each chose two candidates that no other group endorsed. The Allegheny County Bar Association rated each candidate but didn’t exactly endorse anyone: 11 come highly recommended, six recommended, and five not recommended.
The only candidate all four groups unanimously agreed on, Amanda Green-Hawkins, an attorney with more than two decades of experience and ties to both AFL-CIO and Pittsburgh United, in addition to a slew of other Democratic and left-leaning organizations, comes “not recommended” by ACBA. ACBA interviewed all 22 candidates and looked for qualities such as experience, reputation, integrity, temperament, citizenship and competence, according to a press release.
“One of our most critical functions as a bar association is to help educate the citizens of Allegheny County so they can make informed decisions when casting votes for those running for judge,” said ACBA President Regina Wilson in the press release. “This is an important duty that our Judiciary Committee takes very seriously. We encourage all Allegheny County residents to use this information to vote with confidence.
ACBA doesn’t have a political agenda, but because these candidates are democratically vying for public office, the position becomes, in part, inherently political, making way for endorsements by political groups.
Pennsylvania nited, nite PAC, Straight Ahead, OnePA, and Alliance for Policy Accountability
• 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club
• The Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council, part of the national American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
ACDC, perhaps the most soughtafter endorsement, didn’t pick any candidate that at least one other group didn’t also pick. The progressive coalition, the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, and
About 1,400 ACDC committee members attended an endorsement voting process at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers on March 9, according to chair Sam Hens-Greco. To win the endorsement, the judges only needed to win a plurality of votes, but the top two received a majority of votes, he tells City Paper. Many only voted for one candidate.
“Anybody who is running for judge has accomplished a lot … individually, what different work that they do, what will they bring to the bench, those are all things committee members and voters have to weigh,
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Court of Common Pleas Downtown
says Hens-Greco.
The various groups in the progressive coalition gathered in person to interview the 16 candidates who chose to fill out a questionnaire from the Working Families Party. They asked what justice means to them, examples of implementing justice throughout their careers, how they learn about and respect people in the courtroom, and more, according to 1Hood’s legislative director Miracle Jones. At the end of the interviews, the groups gathered to compare scores and impressions and choose the endorsed candidates. Amy Mathieu and Craig Stephens received endorsements from the progressive coalition but not the other three groups.
“What makes our slate a little bit different than other organizations is that we look at what people’s past track record has been,” Jones tells CP Mathieu stood out for her LGBTQ advocacy, as well as her experience representing victims of sexual violence, according to Jones. Jones believes that Mathieu being a newer attorney affected her ACBA rating. Stephens, who has dealt frequently with children through work with the Family Division and Mental Health Unit of the Orphans’ Division for Allegheny County, stood out for recognizing that magistrates have a lot of power in sending kids down paths of incarceration, according to Nichole Remmert of 1Hood Power.
The 14th Ward Democratic Club held a vote by members who are also Democrats in the 14th Ward. Candidates need at least 40% of the vote to be endorsed, and the club uses ranked choice voting to whittle down to eight winners, according to president Mac Booker.
“Court of Common Pleas is kind of a bread-and-butter area for the club, and that’s because, when you talk about, say, the mayor’s race, there’s a lot of information out there about the candidates in the mayor’s race … but we recognize that’s not where we make the biggest difference,” Booker tells CP. “Where we make the biggest difference are the races where it’s
harder for people to get information.”
The club endorsed Bryan Neft and Ilan Zur, unlike the other three groups. Booker praised Zur for his experience as a prosecutor, familiarity with the Court of Common Pleas, and dedication for “making sure criminal prosecutions are fair not only to victims, but also to the accused.” He also similarly praised Neft for his experience with the Court of Common Pleas and active presence in the local legal and political community.
“It’s no surprise to me that those candidates were elected,” says the club’s election and endorsement VP Lynda Wrenn. “They’re both seasoned attorneys with great reputations.”
The labor council, which could not be reached by CP by press time, “has evaluated the candidates based on the issues that impact workers, and we believe that these candidates are the right choice for Allegheny County,” according to its endorsement page.
Standout candidates not endorsed by the other three groups are Sarra Terry and Michele Santicola. Terry , endorsed by Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (which also endorsed Hickton and Miller), has worked as a judicial law clerk and defense attorney. Santicola served for 10 years as a Deputy Attorney General, worked as a defense attorney in private practice, and was elected Magisterial District Judge serving areas such as Moon and Coraopolis, according to her website.
It’s far likelier for a voter to be informed and opinionated about, say, the mayoral primary election, but the Court of Common Pleas, all groups agree, always proves important and influential. And, because historically the Court of Common Pleas primary has low turnout, it may be even more enticing to participate, according to the ACDC chair.
“Your vote is even more powerful, because you’re one of such a smaller pool of voters,” Hens-Greco says. •
2025 CANDIDATES ENDORSEMENTS AND ACBA RATING:
GREEN: “highly recommended” BLUE: “recommended” RED: “not recommended”
Heather Schmidt Bresnahan: endorsed by ACDC and the labor council
Quita Bridges: endorsed by ACDC, the progressives, and the 14th Ward Democratic Club
Julie Capone: endorsed by ACDC and the labor council
Alyssa Cowan: endorsed by the progressives and the 14th Ward Democratic Club
Anthony DeLuca: endorsed by ACDC, the 14th Ward Democratic Club, and the labor council
Amanda Green-Hawkins: endorsed by ACDC, the progressives, the 14th Ward Democratic Club, and the labor council
Elizabeth Hughes: no endorsement
Jaime Hickton: endorsed by ACDC, 14th Ward Democratic Club, and the labor council
Lauren Leiggi: endorsed by the progressives, and the 14th Ward Democratic Club
Amy Mathieu: endorsed by the progressives
Dan Miller: endorsed by ACDC, the progressives and the labor council
Bryan Neft: endorsed by the 14th Ward Democratic Club
Matt Rudzki: endorsed by ACDC and the progressives
Michele Santicola: endorsed by the labor council
Craig Stephens: endorsed by the progressives
Sarra Terry: endorsed by the labor council
Jacqulyn Ann Obara: no endorsement
Carmen Latrice Robinson: no endorsement
Michael Sullivan: no endorsement
Dennis Very: no endorsement
Hilary Wheatley: no endorsement
Ilan Zur: endorsed by the 14th Ward Democratic Club
ANATOMY OF A WRITE-IN
Amanda Neatrour hasn’t let legal setbacks derail her bid to become District 2’s next City Councilor — but as a write-in candidate, the going is tougher
BY: ATIYA IRVIN-MITCHELL // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
As an opera singer, Amanda Neatrour came to Pittsburgh to hone her craft with a voice teacher, but she stayed because she fell in love with the city.
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Baltimore, Neatrour admits that, with the exception of a cousin located in the South Hills, she doesn’t have much in the way of extended family in the Steel City. However, she explains that, although Pittsburgh is a five-hour drive from the Monumental City, what makes Sheridan feel like home is that the neighbors know and care for each other. It’s that commitment to community, Neatrour tells Pittsburgh City Paper, that would serve her and her constituents well as a Pittsburgh City Councilmember should she be elected to represent District 2.
“City Council, I feel, is such a consequential position [because] it has the most direct impact on the day-to-day living of the residents in Pittsburgh, I feel, even more so than the mayor. Because while the mayor oversees city operations, you’re responsible for your district,” Neatrour tells Pittsburgh City Paper “What seems like the most minute or mundane things to people looking at the bigger picture are so important to that person in real time.”
Whether it’s borrowing red wine vinegar from a neighbor or leaving owers as a thank-you, eatrour says she understands the importance of giving back to a community. Yet, as someone whose career has revolved around the premise of equity, Neatrour explains that she’s well-positioned to advocate for her
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Amanda Neatrour, Pittsburgh City Council write-in candidate, poses for a portrait on April 25, 2025.
neighbors' access to the opportunities they deserve.
Looking back at her life as an opera singer — although people might not immediately expect the two worlds to collide — Neatrour observes that equity plays a large role in which projects get arts funding and which composers get their work highlighted. Over the years, whether it was joining anti-war protests as a student at Howard University, volunteering as a member of the Lawrenceville Land Trust committee, or serving as the city’s Diversity and Inclusion Employment Coordinator, and, later, chair of Pittsburgh’s Gender Equity Commission under former Mayor Bill Peduto, Neatrour says she’s always tried to put her expertise where her values are.
with her understanding of the budget process, the legislative process, and the needs of the residents of District 2 could position her to do a lot of good for her neighbors.
Not that the process has been without its hiccups.
In January, after launching her campaign, Neatrour felt confident she was off to a strong start, until she and fellow Democrat David Binkoski found themselves facing a legal challenge filed by Allegheny County Democratic Committeewoman Ginny Kropf. In Neatrour’s case, the challenge alleged that her petition to be added to the ballot lacked the required number of valid signatures.
In the end, a judge ruled that 98 of the signatures were valid, but being unable to afford to defend the final
“A COMMUNITY HAS HAD TO HAVE GONE THROUGH SOMETHING FOR A GROWN MAN OLDER THAN ME TO SAY TO ME, ‘DON’T GIVE UP ON US.’”
“Whether I’m a musician, an artist, a mom, business owner, [or] an activist, everything I’ve ever done has been about recognizing when people are being stopped from living their lives and just being affirmed in who they are and supported in who they are,” Neatrour says. “When I recognized that I had the ability or the opportunity to do something about it, I always took it. For me, running for office ended up just being another opportunity for me to speak up and make changes institutionally and systemically in a very real way that is actually representative of how I’ve always shown up for myself and for my family and for my community.”
While she’s no stranger to city government, Neatrour admits that she never imagined running for office. However, when she realized that the District 2 seat would soon be vacant with Pittsburgh City Councilor Theresa Kail-Smith’s pending departure, she decided that her city government experience, combined
two signatures in court, Neatrour’s campaign fell short of the 100 required signatures to remain on the ballot.
Now, Neatrour is running as a write-in candidate, no less committed to the district, but admittedly frustrated with what led to her removal from the ballot.
“This is, unfortunately, a very wellknown political tactic, and its purpose is to get rid of your challengers, but it also causes a campaign to lose time and money that should have been spent campaigning. I mean, it was legal, but it’s also very tacky,” Neatrour says. “But you know, that’s an opinion, I guess.”
In the aftermath of being removed from the ballot, Neatrour recalls a meet-and-greet with voters that was scheduled the day following the court decision. At first, in the absence of being on the ballot, Neatrour says she was feeling disheartened about her chances and explained to the attendees that her campaign would
be a significantly harder road. She was met with requests not to drop out of the race.
“I said, ‘This will literally have to be like a movement of the community to work.’ They didn’t even blink. They said, ‘Listen, we will help you do this.’
And that is actually why I decided to run as a write-in candidate,” Neatrour says. “A community has had to have gone through something for a grown man older than me to say to me, ‘don’t give up on us.’”
Now, Neatrour counts former opponent Binkoski among her supporters and still has high hopes for District 2. When thinking of priorities in her district, Neatrour says she’d like to propose a holistic approach to public safety that includes increasing the number of public safety officers and social workers, and ensuring they have the appropriate resources, while
continuing to invest in the area’s infrastructure. Most of all, Neatrour promises a willingness to collaborate and work to ensure a positive outcome for District 2 residents.
“My integrity is more important to me than any race. It’s more important to me than any position. Being a mom that my boys can be proud of and being a person that I can be proud of is important to me … and I will bring that same integrity to work every single day in City Hall, and I will demand the same of anyone I interact with,” Neatrour says. “I am a person who is not afraid to say what needs to be said, to ask the difficult questions [because] doing right by the residents of District 2 is more important to me than scoring political points. And I will work with anyone to make sure that the residents have what they need.” •
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Amanda Neatrour, Pittsburgh City Council write-in candidate, poses for a portrait on April 25, 2025.
PARTY • LAWRENCEVILLE
THU., MAY 1
PARTY • DOWNTOWN
FRI., MAY 2
FILM • MCKEES ROCKS
ART • FRIENDSHIP
SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh Public Theater presents Transformation: A True Party at the Public. 6 p.m. The O’Reilly Theater. 621 Penn Ave., Downtown. $200-600. ppt.org
FILM • SEWICKLEY
Emerging Filmmakers Showcase presents The Pillion. 7 p.m. Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. 418 Walnut St., Sewickley. Free. Reservation required. thelindsaytheater.org
PINBALL • LAWRENCEVILLE
Lavender Arcade 7-10 p.m. Kickback Pinball Cafe. 4112 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. mainstreetpgh.com
COMEDY • DOWNTOWN
Stavros Halkias: The Dreamboat Tour 7:30 p.m. Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $42.50-82.50. trustarts.org
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
Eem Triplin with DC the Don. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Spirit. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $25. spiritpgh.com
Mtn Craft Film Festival. 6 p.m. Continues through Sat., May 3. Parkway Theater and Film Lounge. 644 Broadway Ave., McKees Rocks. $19.25. mtncraftfilmfestival.com/parkway-theater
MAYTHU., 1
Opening Reception: Rapid Eye Movement. 6-8 p.m. Continues through Fri., May 9. Tomayko Foundation. 5173 Liberty Ave., Friendship. Free. tomayko.foundation
THEATER • DOWNTOWN
How do you turn the tragic events of 9/11 into a triumphant musical? One award-winning Broadway show found a way with a remarkable true story. Come from Away shows how a small Newfoundland town cared for thousands of airline passengers stranded after the United States shut down their airspace. Experience this incredible production at the Benedum Center. 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., May 4. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $39-140. trustarts.org
DANCE • EAST LIBERTY
Freshworks: Anya Collins 7:30-9 p.m.
Continues through Sat., May 3. Kelly Strayhorn Theater-Alloy Studios. 5530 Penn Ave., East Liberty. Pay What Moves You $15-30. kelly-strayhorn.org
Spring Thaw 6-10 p.m. Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. 100 43rd St., Lawrenceville. $195-750. aapgh.org
SAT., MAY 3
MARKET • MT. LEBANON
I Made It! Spring Marketplace 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. 1500 Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon. Free. imadeitmarket.com
MARKET • POINT BREEZE
Spring Artist Market 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media. 1047 Shady Ave., Point Breeze. Free. pghartsmedia.org
MARKET • OAKLAND
Botanical Boutique and Native Plant Sale. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. One Schenley Dr., Oakland. Included with regular admission. phipps. conservatory.org
ART • POINT BREEZE
Printmaking and literature combine for a new show at Bottom Feeder Books Magic Realism in Print Media highlights several artists specializing in woodcut, lithography, intaglio, and screen printing, presenting works described as being “deeply rooted in literary sources, mythology, and personal narrative.” Featured artists include Leslie Golomb, Patricia Bellan-Gillen, Valerie Lueth, and Tresa Varner. 6-8 p.m. Continues through June 14. Bottom Feeder Books. 415 Gettysburg St., Point Breeze. Free. bottomfeederbooks.com
MUSIC • NORTH SHORE
Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie Mattel, Rebecca Black, DJ Mateo Segade, and DJ ROJO. 7 p.m. Stage AE. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. $56-86. promowestlive.com
PARTY • HOMESTEAD
Gender Blender Party. 7-10 p.m. Glitterbox Theater. 210 W. Eighth Ave., Homestead. $15-30 Pay What You Can. theglitterboxtheater.com
BATTLE • DOWNTOWN
THEATER • NORTH SIDE
Prime Stage Theatre presents Twelve Angry Men. 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., May 11. New Hazlett Theater. Six Allegheny Square East, North Side. $8-50. primestage.com
Kaiju Big Battel: Breakfast of Champions. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $40-50. trustarts.org
FILM • ALLENTOWN
Subcinema presents Toby Zoates’ Virgin Beasts 8:30-10:30 p.m. Little Giant Studio. 100 Asteroid Way, Allentown. Free. Reservation required. subcinema.org/upcoming
PHOTO: EVAN ZIMMERMAN
Come from Away at the Benedum Center
TUE., MAY 6
MUSIC • STRIP DISTRICT
Nefesh Mountain. 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. City Winery. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. $20-30. citywinery.com/pittsburgh
WED., MAY 7
FILM • DOWNTOWN
One of the most visionary minds in music comes to the big screen during a premiere event. Björk: Cornucopia captures the Icelandic musician’s epic worldwide tour, described as “pushing the boundaries of live performance, o ering a visually and sonically immersive experience unlike anything seen before.” Pittsburgh audiences will be transported to her 2023 Lisbon concert during a screening at the Harris Theater. 7:30 p.m. 809 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $15. trustarts.org
SUN., MAY 4
MUSIC • DOWNTOWN
Bruce Hornsby and yMusic present BrhyM. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $35-100. trustarts.org
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
Deep Sea Diver with Byland. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrencevile. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. thunderbirdmusichall.com
MON., MAY 5
THEATER • NORTH SIDE
Prime Stage Theatre presents Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance. 7 p.m. New Hazlett Theater. Six Allegheny Square East, North Side. $10 or Pay What You Can. newhazletttheater.org
MUSIC • DOWNTOWN
Patina Miller 9:30 p.m. Greer Cabaret Theater. 655 Penn Ave., Downtown. $80. trustarts.org
DANCE • DOWNTOWN
Malandain Ballet Biarritz. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $20-79. trustarts.org
MUSIC • MILLVALE
bôa with Dream, Ivory 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Mr. Smalls Theatre. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. mrsmalls.com
MAYWED., 7
Downtown Monongahela Has Wonderful Boutiques
SHOP THE
“LITTLE” CITY!
Saturday May 3rd 11AM-4PM: “Queen for a Day” Shop and Stroll Event
Live music in store after store, crafts people at work, delicious treats
• Noel’s Primitive Shop and Gifts
• Industrial Farmhouse Living (unique repurposed decor)
• Wool & Wick (purses, candles, woolens, cards)
• Chaney’s Natural (day spa)
• From the Top Music Shop
• Uncommonly Beautiful (vintage clothing, jewelry, and gifts)
• 1837 Botanicals
• CJ’s Furniture
• Cloud 9 Studio (salon)
• T. Lewis Tattoo
Bring this ad to Little City Coffee, 418 W. Main, on May 3rd for a 20% discount on us!
PHOTO: SANTIAGO FELIPE/COURTESY OF SACKS AND CO.
Björk: Cornucopia at Harris Theater
PHOTO: ROB BLACKHAM bôa at Mr. Smalls Theatre
Photo by Jacob H. Ford Photography
HELP WANTED BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST
West Penn Allegheny Health System, Inc. seeks a Business Intelligence Analyst. This is a hybrid work from home position with option that the employee can work from anywhere in the United States to interface with clinical, financial, operational, and subject matter experts to design reports, dashboards and analytics that accurately reflect business workflow and driven action. Apply at http://www.ahn.org/ careers req #J262879.
NOTICE ESTATE OF YOCHUM III, HARRY, E , DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA No. 022502142 of 2025. Jo Yochum Adm. 4700 Jewel Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15236
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DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA No. 022406634 of 2024. Matthew Graham Extr. Matthew Graham Adm. 1002 Wible Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15209
OFFICIAL
ADVERTISEMENT
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
sealed proposals to the Facilities Department, Pittsburgh Public Schools Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203 until 2:00 p.m. D/EST on 10 June 2025 for:
Request for Qualifications and Proposal (RFQ/P) for Architectural and Engineering Services for Central Kitchen Renovation and Re-Equipping
RFQ/P is available at the Pittsburgh Public Schools website, https://www.pghschools.org/community/ business-opportunities/rfps or by email request to LFornataro1@pghschools.org, at no charge. Mandatory Pre-Proposal meeting at 10:00 a.m. D/EST on 20 May 2025.
NAME CHANGE
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-000157, In re petition of Amy Arlene Cicci for change of name to Amy Arlene Cicci Guzzi. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 7th day of May, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for
NAME CHANGE
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-001608
In re petition of Paula Claire Sloneker for change of name to Paula Claire Bradley
To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 21st day of May, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for
Encourage
42. News bulletin about an upper-arm muscle?
45. Numb
46. Yossarian’s tent-mate in Catch-22
47. Activity many runners do before a marathon, or another name for this puzzle
54. Music for the people
57. Submarine device
58. State with a beehive on its flag
59. Uninspiring
Troop
28.
Final figures to think about before going to an electric car?
32. Silvery fish
34. With plenty to spare
35. Abyssinian, e.g. 36. Where you might catch some butterflies 37. What z’s stand for 38. Sprinkler attachment
39. Atom that acquired a net electric charge
40.
Disturbed state of consciousness
41.
Gets rid of bunnies
60. Not later than 61. Shower covering 62. Grain added to three of the four theme answers in this puzzle
63. Sex, so to speak 64. American Beauty
DOWN
1. Hard-to-swallow tablet
2. DVR brand
3. Meal made in a pot
4. “Toy” for a 35-Across
5. Line of dialogue?
6. Turkish bread?
7. “Really, now?”
8. Dell rival
9. “A snap!”
10. Arm bones
11. Chapter in
Ancient Civ 12. Blockbuster special e ects
Dweller in a Mojo Dojo Casa House
DEA job
Apple detritus
Approach boldly
Minimal
___ Park, Colorado
28. Brezhnev of the U.S.S.R.
29. Turf war sides
30. Love of Lyon
31. Shopaholic’s moment
32. Hocks a loogie
33. The Substance star Demi
37. Soccer player who frequently scores when coming
o the bench
38. Idiot’s grunt, in some memes
40. Greek salad topping
41. Explorer with a talking map
43. Witch’s laugh
44. With no skill
48. The Edge’s bandmate
49. In the know about
50. Café au ___
51. Langston Hughes poem
52. Picks up
53. Butter in Indian cooking
54. President who started the WPA and the TVA
55. French accord?
56. S-Corp alternative
This
