Unbeknownst to many in Pennsylvania, even Pittsburgh, this November's mayoral election is one that is bound to make history, regardless of the outcome. For almost 2 generations, democrats have controlled the position of mayor in that a republican hasn't one in 70 years. Not only that, but republican candidates have historically not even had a chance. Well, that all changed when republican candidate Mark Desantis announced his candidacy and began campaigning. This is also a historical election in that it is a special one. About 14 months ago, the mayor passed away and, due to policies and rules, 26 year-old democrat Luke Ravenstahl became mayor. Faced with inexperience in both politics and business, Luke is far from the kind of leader Pittsburgh needs to bring it out of the enormous debt and poverty that ravage this great city. In his past 14 months, he has spent more time traveling and meeting celebrities than he has working to save our city. This is a huge problem. Republican Mark Desantis, a very experienced business and political leader, sees Pittsburgh as a great city that needs a lot of help and attention. He is impassioned and willing to jump into the role of mayor and fix everything that needs to be fixed. He is the first republican in 70 years that even has a chance of winning. This election is historic and needs a lot more attention than it is getting. And Mark has even won over a massive number of democrats (see democratsfordesantis.blogspot.com)
If you know of the election, or if you don't, give me your thoughts on it. And go to mark's campaign site (www.desantisformayor.com) to read more in depth about his campaign and ideas. Thanks.
-Luke Kingma (Univ of Pittsburgh Sophomore)Unbeknownst to many in Pennsylvania, even Pittsburgh, this November's mayoral election... more