In election, put aside politics and choose Pittsburgh

The Post-Gazette’s Feb. 27 article “As City’s District 8 Special Election Approaches, Candidates’ Differences Become More Apparent” captured the essence of what this election has unfortunately become.

While there are certainly important issues facing Pittsburgh, the campaign has been more focused on politics than policy. The political dynamics that divide Pittsburgh City Council and local government have manifested in the District 8 council race as a battle between pro-mayor and anti-mayor factions aligned with leaders and supporters who fall into those political stripes.

The election is more about picking sides than picking a leader who will go to council with an unbiased approach to policy and governing. Rightly or wrongly, the perception in this race by many is that the candidate backed by the mayor will too easily rubber-stamp the mayor’s initiatives and the candidate supported by the mayor’s perceived foes will too readily oppose the mayor’s agenda.

Pittsburgh is at a turning point that will be better served if our leaders are not divided into battling political factions. For 14 years, the Act 47 financial oversight body has had final say on our city budget and spending. Now that Pittsburgh is no longer a “distressed city,” our city council will be the final authority on city finances.

I am running for council because I believe my 35 years experience in finance and business management are a good fit for making tough financial decisions related to our water authority, workforce and more.

I picked my side and it’s Pittsburgh. MARTY HEALEY Shadyside

The writer is an independent candidate in the special election for the city council District 8 seat.