Pittsburgh’s Republican candidates for mayor were grilled for a solid, commercial-free hour Tuesday night during a live debate on WTAE.
Artificial intelligence, education, economic development, homelessness and public safety were some of the issues the candidates touched on as they explained why Pittsburgh needs to break from a century of dominance by Democrats and elect a Republican as mayor.
”Are you tired of being abused? Are you finished dealing with this one-party system?” Tony Moreno asked.
The blame for the state of the city’s affairs can’t be laid on the GOP.
“There’s not one Republican you can point to,” Moreno said.
His opponent in the primary, Thomas West, posed a similar rhetorical question: If the Democrats win, will the city improve?
West is a frustrated taxpayer and small-business owner who said no one has the backs of people like him right now.
Moreno, 56, of Brighton Heights, is a retired police officer.
West, 48, of Highland Park, owns a clothing store in Lawrenceville.
They are competing in next Tuesday’s primary to be the Republican Party’s nominee to face off against the winner of the Democratic primary.
The last time Pittsburgh was led by a Republican was in 1933 and his name was John S. Herron. He was appointed to the post after his predecessor, Charles Kline, was indicted on charges of rigging city contracts. Kline’s win, in 1925, made him the last elected GOP mayor.
This is Moreno’s second mayoral run, while West is a newcomer to politics.
The winner will face either incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey or his challenger in the Democratic primary, Corey O’Connor.
O’Connor, 40, of Point Breeze is Allegheny County controller and previously served 10 years on City Council. Gainey, 55, of Lincoln-Lemington, was a state representative before he was elected mayor in 2021. This is his first term.
Both GOP candidates pledged changes and talked about the need for transparency. The candidates were also quick to point to issues in the city without offering more than generalized solutions.
“I’m a go-getter. I do what I need to do to make things happen,” West said.
Moreno said he’s familiar with city operations because of his career as a police officer.
“I’ve been involved in creating policies that help people,” Moreno said.
Both pointed to the promises of the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry, something Moreno said was key for the city’s future.
It’s also important that the city keep in mind its blue-collar roots and work to spur those kinds of jobs, West said.
Related:
• GOP mayoral candidates Moreno, West detail visions ahead of primary
• As Gainey claims unity in mayoral race, cracks appear among Democrats
• Where did all the Democrats go?
• Democrats, Republicans outline visions for Pittsburgh in mayoral forum
• Pittsburgh mayoral contender Tony Moreno rips Gainey in campaign launch
• Pittsburgh businessman Thomas West announces run for mayor
• Drama on Grant Street sparks widespread concerns about Pittsburgh Mayor
