Looking Toward Pittsburgh's Political Future
The best comment I've read (thus far) about the future of Pittsburgh's political situation came from a comment on The Burgh Report, from a commenter named "hatesyinzers":
I'd like to say I disagree, but the sad truth (as near as I can see it) is:
* Pittsburgh is in the throes of the ineffectual, old boy-network Democratic machine
* Ravenstahl is a very young cog in that machine, with years and years of political rewards ahead of him as long as he supports traditional cronyism
* The average voter is chronically unable to understand the issues and therefore votes based upon preconceived notions of party or personality
* A Republican (or any non-Democratic) mayor in Pittsburgh will probably never happen in my lifetime
In short, the Pittsburgh mayoral election is a snapshot of the pointlessness of the current political system in America. Shall we explode the two-party system and force people to run on their own merit (and individual fundraising ability -- or in a fundraising-free system)? I'd love to; wake me up when that's a possibility.
Meanwhile... did anyone else write in Mathis 4 Mayor?
I don't see any potential Democrat knocking off Ravenstahl in 2009 despite his "weak" showing yesterday. The Yinzers love Ravenstahl's anti-intellectualism, brazen arrogance and sense of entitlement, meaningless boosterism and lack of ethics. He will grow stronger over the next two years... the Yinzers will love him more and more for every scandal and ethics violation he is involved in... he has the mayor's office as long as he wants it...
I'd like to say I disagree, but the sad truth (as near as I can see it) is:
* Pittsburgh is in the throes of the ineffectual, old boy-network Democratic machine
* Ravenstahl is a very young cog in that machine, with years and years of political rewards ahead of him as long as he supports traditional cronyism
* The average voter is chronically unable to understand the issues and therefore votes based upon preconceived notions of party or personality
* A Republican (or any non-Democratic) mayor in Pittsburgh will probably never happen in my lifetime
In short, the Pittsburgh mayoral election is a snapshot of the pointlessness of the current political system in America. Shall we explode the two-party system and force people to run on their own merit (and individual fundraising ability -- or in a fundraising-free system)? I'd love to; wake me up when that's a possibility.
Meanwhile... did anyone else write in Mathis 4 Mayor?
Labels: people, perception, personality, pittsburgh, politics, society, sociology
posted by Justin Kownacki at
11:50 AM
3 Comments:
In other states, such as TN, one can NOT run under a PARTY banner. It is illegal for races from County Executive on down -- including the mayor.
Or election laws in PA need an overhaul. Getting on the ballot as a 3rd party is nearly impossible and not worth it after getting onto the ballot.
Peduto talked in the past about campaign finance reform. He has been a sink about that since.
There is much to do.
I think a non Dem can win the mayor's race. But, I don't think a R can -- or could.
By
Mark Rauterkus, at 1:19 PM
Quite useful piece of writing, thank you for this article.
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Azariah, at 5:56 AM
Can't wait for your next article, I really like your writing style! Keep 'em comin!
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Naomi, at 3:17 PM
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