Luke Ravenstahl

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Luke Ravenstahl
Incumbent
Assumed office 
September 1, 2006
Preceded by Bob O'Connor
Born February 6 1980 ( 1980 -02-06) (age 28)
Troy Hill, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Political party Democratic
Spouse Erin Lynn Feith
Alma mater Washington & Jefferson College
Religion Roman Catholic

Luke Ravenstahl (b. February 6, 1980, Troy Hill, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is the current Mayor of Pittsburgh. In September 2006, he became the youngest mayor in Pittsburgh's history at the age of 26.[1] He is also the youngest mayor of any major city in American history.[2]

Contents

[edit] Personal Life

Luke Ravenstahl votes in 2008 Pennsylvania Democratic Presidential Primary on April 22, 2008.
Luke Ravenstahl votes in 2008 Pennsylvania Democratic Presidential Primary on April 22, 2008.

Ravenstahl graduated from North Catholic High School in 1998, where he played baseball and football. He attended Mercyhurst College, where he played football, for one year before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh. He transferred to Washington & Jefferson College, where he graduated with honors with a degree in business administration in December 2002. [3] He was W&J's starting place kicker for three years and was team captain for his senior year. [3] [4]He currently holds the school record for most consecutive extra points.[5]

Following graduation from W&J, Ravenstahl worked as an account manager for a courier service.[6]

Luke Ravenstahl married Erin Lynn Feith in July 2004. They reside in the Northside district of Pittsburgh, in the Summer Hill neighborhood. Ravenstahl is a Roman Catholic and attends mass weekly at Holy Wisdom Parish in the Northside.[7] They are expecting their first child in the fall of 2008.

Ravenstahl's family has a history of involvement with politics. His father is a district judge, and his grandfather was a state representative .[8]

On May 19, 2007, Ravenstahl delivered the keynote address at Washington & Jefferson College's 208th commencement celebration.[4] He served as honorary co-captain with fellow W&J graduate, Roger Goodell during W&J's 2006 homecoming football game. [9]

[edit] Career on City Council

At age 23, just four months after graduating from college, Ravenstahl ran for the District 1 seat on the Pittsburgh City Council in the April 2003 primary and defeated incumbent Barbara Burns. He ran unopposed for the city council in the November 2003 general election.[10] Ravenstahl assumed his seat on council in January 2004, and in December 2005, was elected City Council President, a role he held until he became mayor. Ravenstahl, per provisions in the city's charter, ascended from the office of City Council President to Mayor on September 1, 2006 following the death of Mayor Bob O'Connor.

[edit] Mayor of Pittsburgh

Due to ambiguous language in the city's charter, a controversy developed about how long Ravenstahl could temporarily serve as mayor before an election had to be held. Ravenstahl stated his desire to fulfill the remainder of O'Connor's term.[11][12][13]

The charter refers to holding a new election when someone ascends to mayor through a vacancy but makes no mention of serving out the full term. It was unclear when the election could or should be held due to a confusing phrase that says the "vacancy in the mayor's office shall be filled at the next election permitted by law", yet not elaborating on what "permitted by law" means.[14]

Ravenstahl instructed the city's legal department to quickly obtain a decision as to when the election should be held.[15] On October 12, 2006, the Allegheny County Board of Elections decided unanimously that mayoral candidates would compete in the May 15, 2007, primary election followed by the November 6, 2007, general election. The winner of the general election will take office after the election results are certified, and the term will end in January 2010.[16]

In his first official act as mayor, Ravenstahl ordered the city flag at all city locations to be flown at half staff and declared the city in a state of mourning. Ravenstahl and deputy mayor Yarone Zober had been coordinating city government since O'Connor's medical diagnosis in July 2006, which limited O'Connor to the confines of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Shadyside, while O'Connor convalesced.

Media coverage of Ravenstahl has included a feature story in the New York Times, and an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman on September 14, 2006. Ravenstahl was concerned about how appropriate the coverage would appear in the wake of Bob O'Connor's death, but O'Connor's widow encouraged him to participate in the media coverage and continue O'Connor's work as a "cheerleader" for Pittsburgh.[17]

Ravenstahl played an important role in helping other local officials, including Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell negotiate with the Mario Lemieux-led Pittsburgh Penguins ownership group to keep the team in Pittsburgh.[18] [19]

After generally following O'Connor's agenda for the first few months of his term, Ravenstahl began to implement his own agenda, including pursuing a tax break for new housing in downtown, proposing college aid for city high school graduates, improving diversity in city government.[20] He also began replacing O'Connor's staffers with his own.[20] He also continued O'Connor's "311" city help line proposal, as well as the "Redd-Up" crews.[21] [22]

[edit] Controversy over 2005 arrest

In January 2007, radio and television talk show host John McIntire wrote in his Pittsburgh politics blog "MacYapper" that on Halloween night 2005 at Heinz Field, then-City Councilman Ravenstahl shoved a Pittsburgh police officer and was led away in handcuffs but released shortly after. The blog speculated that O'Connor, who was not yet mayor, played a role in keeping the incident quiet. The rumors spread to other Pittsburgh politics blogs, forcing Ravenstahl to go public to dispel the rumors.[23] Ravenstahl's response induced a large amount of mainstream media coverage of the incident.

During a radio interview with KDKA, Ravenstahl responded to the allegations by saying that McIntire had lied. McIntire responded by saying that the mayor's response further brought into question his maturity.[24]

Robert McNeilly, Pittsburgh's police chief when the incident occurred, publicly questioned how the case was handled, saying that the behavior of both Ravenstahl and Pittsburgh Police Officer Mark Hoehn should have been scrutinized more closely. "Admits to drinking with several of his friends. Becomes argumentative with a police officer. Using vulgarity towards a police officer. Led away in handcuffs", McNeilly said, "[H]ow many 25-year-old young men who have been drinking, who were just vulgar with the police and shouting at the police, would be un-handcuffed and released?" McNeilly said that both word of an unusual situation like this not traveling up the chain of command, as well as the lack of documentation, are out of the ordinary.[25]

[edit] Lemieux Celebrity Invitational Golf incident

Ravenstahl also created controversy for his participation in the $9,000-a-head Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational golf outing in June 2007. His participation was sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Members of the Pittsburgh city ethics board cited concerns about the "perception" that he might owe something to those who subsidized his participation. [26] Republican mayoral candidate Mark DeSantis challenged Ravenstahl to sign an 'ethics pledge' in response to this incident. Six months later, mayor Ravenstahl introduced legislation that would have kept UPMC from paying any future taxes, and possibly some current taxes.[27] Further complicating matters was that the mayor held this for weeks until the very last session of the 2007 City Council (2 of the 9 members were outgoing). [28]

[edit] Questionable use of police vehicle

Over the weekend of August 18, 2007 Ravenstahl used a Homeland Security funded SUV to go to a Toby Keith concert at the Post Gazette Pavilion. The Mayor's use of the GMC Yukon to travel to the concert may have violated the terms of the grant that funded the purchase of the vehicle. Responding to the allegations of impropriety, Ravenstahl said "I'm still going to continue to be who I'm going to be, and go to concerts like I always have, and go to have a drink with my wife in bars. That's what 27-year-olds do and I shouldn't be any different ... [I]'m not going to change my life to appease the media or appease somebody who wants me to be somebody I'm not. I think the fact that I'm 27 is something the city should embrace and it's something that I've embraced."[29]

Sgt. Mona Wallace was reportedly intimidated for reporting the incident to Public Safety Director Michael Huss.[30]

Police Chief Nate Harper began disciplinary measures against her, but the reprimand was rescinded by Huss.[31]

[edit] Reaction to controversies

In a story by the New York Times, Ravenstahl complained that he could no longer attend Pittsburgh Steelers games. "I just can’t enjoy the game when I know I’m going to get hounded by the press the whole time", Mr. Ravenstahl said. [32]

In the same story, Ravenstahl discussed a number of controversies that he has been involved in as mayor: "'Let’s see, first, in January, there was ‘Heinz-gate’”, Mr. Ravenstahl said, referring to accusations that he was arrested while drunk at a football game at Heinz Field three years ago. “Then in March it was ‘New York-gate’”, where he was lambasted for having flown to New York on a trip paid for by Ron Burkle, a billionaire and political fund-raiser. In April, there was “Tiger-gate”, when Mr. Ravenstahl was mocked for trying to get a photo opportunity with Tiger Woods. “What did I miss?” Ravenstahl said, looking to his press secretary (since fired), who sheepishly reminded him. “Boston-gate” was last week, where Mr. Ravenstahl was faulted for being in Boston instead of attending a community meeting on the design of a new casino. This week it was “S.U.V.-gate”, as the front pages of local newspapers criticized Mr. Ravenstahl for using a vehicle paid for with Department of Homeland Security money to take his wife to a country-western concert." [33]

[edit] Banner-Gate

During the 2008 Stanley Cup playoff run of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Penguins and Reebok proposed putting up 40 foot by 85 foot advertisements on two downtown buildings. Because of the no-bid Lamar contract, and the subsequent findings of blatant bribing of the Urban Redevelopment Authority director Pat Ford, there was a moritoriam on new downtown signage.[34]. The Penguins and Reebok thought that they could not get new signage put up during this moritoriam, and they contacted the mayor's chief-of-staff, Yarone Zober to make sure. Mr. Zober worked with City Council, including Council President Doug Shields to get this done - and they managed to work until 10pm Friday night to finalize an agreement. Legislation was written to get the "holiday" banners put up. But because of Victoria Day in Canada, Reebok could not get the banners printed in time. Mayor Ravenstahl blamed the inability to get the signs printed on City Council.[35] Councilman Bill Peduto, a Penguins season ticket holder, went so far as to call this accusation a "bold faced lie."[36] According to leaked emails between the Mayors chief-of-staff, the Penguins, City Bureaucrats, and City Council - the mayor was once again proved to be lying.[37]

[edit] 2007 Special election

Main article: Pittsburgh mayoral special election, 2007
Ravenstahl debates Mark DeSantis at Point Park University on October 30, 2007.
Ravenstahl debates Mark DeSantis at Point Park University on October 30, 2007.

Ravenstahl won the Democratic nomination for the special mayoral election and was challenged by Republican nominee, CEO and adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University,[38] Mark DeSantis.

Ravenstahl won the election with 63.19%[39] and will continue as mayor of Pittsburgh until 2010, when the term of the late Bob O'Connor is finished.

[edit] First full term as Mayor

Ravenstahl marches with Hillary Clinton and Catherine Baker Knoll in Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2008.
Ravenstahl marches with Hillary Clinton and Catherine Baker Knoll in Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2008.

Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton at a rally on March 14, 2008 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. The double endorsements, coupled with endorsements from Governor Ed Rendell and Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, were seen as an indication her strong support in Pennsylvania[40] Ravenstahl marched with Clinton the next day in Pittsburgh's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade [41]

Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll made headlines with comments that she made at a rally with Bill Clinton in Market Square. Referring to Ravenstahl and Dan Onorato, whom she felt slighted her in the introductions, "These two men can't stand women."[42]

[edit] Election history

Mayor of Pittsburgh
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct Socialist Workers Votes Pct Libertarian Votes Pct
2007[43] Luke Ravenstahl 43,557 63.2 Mark DeSantis 24,025 34.9% Ryan Scott 550 0.7% Tony Olivia 504 0.7%

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Roddy, Dennis B.. "Ravenstahl sworn in as Pittsburgh mayor", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2006-09-01. Retrieved on 2007-01-01. 
  2. ^ Highfield, David (2006-09-04). Ravenstahl Among Youngest Mayors Ever. KDKA-TV. Retrieved on 2007-01-01.
  3. ^ a b Washington & Jefferson College (2007-11-07). "W&J Graduate Elected Mayor of Pittsburgh". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  4. ^ a b Reid, Robert. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl Addresses W&J’s Class of 2007 (PDF). Jay Connected.
  5. ^ INDIVIDUAL RECORDS (PDF). W&J College Football Records. Washington & Jefferson College Athletic Department.
  6. ^ Lord, Rich; Bill Toland. "New mayor Luke Ravenstahl confident he is ready to lead city", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2006-09-02. Retrieved on 2007-01-01. 
  7. ^ About Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. Mayor's Office. Retrieved on 2008-05-16.
  8. ^ Roddy, Dennis (2006-09-03-). Ravenstahl's political roots go deep on the city's North Side. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. PG Publishing Co., Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  9. ^ Washington & Jefferson College. "Mayor of Pittsburgh to Serve as Honorary Co-Captain W&J Homecoming Football Game". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  10. ^ McGuinness, Scott (Winter 2003). Star athlete wins in political arena too (PDF). W&J p. 10. Washington & Jefferson College. Retrieved on 2007-01-01.
  11. ^ Bucsko, Mike. "Doubts surround how long Ravenstahl can be mayor", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2006-09-04. Retrieved on 2007-01-01. 
  12. ^ Lord, Rich. "City of Pittsburgh charter vague on length of term for mayor's successor", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2006-09-02. Retrieved on 2007-01-01. 
  13. ^ Lord, Rich. "Former top city lawyer opposes succession opinion", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2006-09-06. Retrieved on 2007-01-01. 
  14. ^ Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter
  15. ^ Lord, Rich. "Mayor Ravenstahl changes key posts, targets budget", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2006-09-09. Retrieved on 2007-01-01. 
  16. ^ Rotstein, Gary. "Ravenstahl must run next year", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2006-10-13. Retrieved on 2007-01-01. 
  17. ^ McNulty, Timothy. "Ravenstahl finds Letterman's spotlight bittersweet", 2006-09-15. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. (Post Gazette) 
  18. ^ O'Toole, James. "Risks over arena great for public officials and franchise", Post Gazette, 2007-03-07. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  19. ^ Smizik, Bob. "Political futures may hinge on arena deal", Post Gazette, 2007-03-07. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  20. ^ a b Lord, Rich. "O'Connor left behind one-page 'vision' for city through 2010", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2007-09-02. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  21. ^ Lord, Rich. "Taint of politics colors city's Redd Up work", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2007-05-20. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  22. ^ Boren, Jeremy. "City kicks off help line", Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 2006-10-24. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  23. ^ Blogging Causes Ravenstahl Incident To Hit High Water. WTAE-TV (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  24. ^ Blog Brought Ravenstahl Story To Light. KDKA-TV (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  25. ^ Former Police Chief Speaks Up About Ravenstahl Incident. WTAE-TV (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  26. ^ Mayor Defends his Golf Outing. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2007-08-21). Retrieved on 2007-08-24.
  27. ^ Mayor to council: Tax credits for UPMC for Pittsburgh Promise. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved on 2007-12-17.
  28. ^ City weighs UPMC trade-off. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2007-12-19). Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  29. ^ Mayor defends use of SUV; U.S. attorney to review it. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2007-10-03). Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
  30. ^ Delano, John. "Sources: Officials Knew Mayor Shouldn't Use SUV", KDKA, 2007-10-04. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  31. ^ Mayor defends use of SUV; U.S. attorney to review it. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2007-10-03). Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
  32. ^ In Media’s Eye, Young Mayor Says He’s Learning. New York Times (2007-10-03). Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  33. ^ In Media’s Eye, Young Mayor Says He’s Learning - New York Times
  34. ^ URA board calls for state ethics investigation on billboards. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2008-04-10). Retrieved on 2008-04-10.
  35. ^ Penguins signs held up by city billboard moratorium. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2008-05-21).
  36. ^ Penguins call off plan for banners; Ravenstahl wants to go to Detroit but awaits ethics ruling. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2008-05-22).
  37. ^ "Your Move" E-Mails Chatter. "The Busman's Holiday" (2008-05-24).
  38. ^ The Heinz School - About the Heinz School. Carnegie Mellon. Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
  39. ^ SUMMARY REPORT Allegheny County 2007 Municipal Election Final Results. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.
  40. ^ O'Toole, James. "Onorato, Ravenstahl back Clinton", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2008-03-14. 
  41. ^ O'Toole, James; Anya Sostek. "Revelers greet Clinton with warm Pittsburgh reception", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2008-03-16. 
  42. ^ "Lt. Gov. Knoll Jabs Ravenstahl, Onorato In Front Of President Clinton", The Pittsburgh Channel, WTAE. 
  43. ^ "2007 Municipal Election Official Summary report", Allegheny County, 2007-11-26. 

[edit] External links

Preceded by
Bob O'Connor (D)		 Mayor of Pittsburgh
September 1, 2006 – present		 Incumbent