Pennsylvania: Kevin Acklin

It ain't just a vote against Lil Mayor Luke.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Franco Dok Harris. His campaign had invited a group of progressive, activist women to have a conversation with the candidate. Can anyone imagine Ravenstahl doing this kind of outreach? Yes, I guess that is rhetorical.

The endorsements that Harris have received are telling: gay rights organization Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh, the Veterans Alumni Association of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania National Organization for Women. They speak to a candidate who is truly progressive.

His platform is also progressive. First, he has a positive vision for the City of Pittsburgh, but one which recognizes the problems that we face including: violence in our neighborhoods,

The P-G endorses Mayor Luke.

After describing Luke's two opponents, the P-G praises by the process of elimination:

Both Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin are informed, committed Pittsburghers. While they could have an impact as City Council members, it's hard to argue that either has a shot at winning the mayor's office and the ability to take charge of the city's $453 million budget and 3,500 employees.

That leaves the incumbent, with whom we have had our differences. After three years as mayor, he has yet to articulate a vision for the future. He does not have a reputation for working with the state legislative delegation.

From Camp Acklin:

MAYORAL CAMPAIGNS ACCEPT ACKLIN DEBATE CHALLENGE, REFUSE TOWN HALL FORUM

PITTSBURGH - After three months of challenges and delays, the competing candidates for Mayor of Pittsburgh have accepted Kevin Acklin's call to debate, agreeing to participate in three televised events. Neither Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, nor Franco "Dok" Harris, agreed to take part in a town hall forum debate, which the Acklin Campaign proposed and at least one local station was interested in hosting.

"I'm thrilled that voters will be able to see all three of us on the same stage," Acklin said, "But I'm also disappointed that the other candidates refused to answer questions directly from voters.

WHAT: Kevin Acklin to Officially Kick-Off His Independent Mayoral Campaign
WHEN: Wednesday, June 3, 2009, Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Program begins at 6:45 p.m.
WHERE: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, (Corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues), 6300 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

"Acklin will address supporters and lay out his vision for reforming city government and unleashing Pittsburgh’s potential."
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