City council District 9
Ricky Burgess has a record of accomplishment
The Rev. Ricky Burgess’ opponents in the May 19 Democratic primary for Pittsburgh City Council complain that he isn’t sufficiently involved in meeting the needs of the neighborhoods that make up District 9. The strongest rebuttal to their complaints is his legislative record during two terms on council.
Mr. Burgess’ three challengers for the nomination, and likely election in the fall, range from unacceptable to well-informed and dedicated.
The worst choice would be Twanda Carlisle, 56, of East Hills, who went to prison for using taxpayer funds for personal expenditures while on city council. She has no business being in this race.
The other candidates — Andre Young, Judith K. Ginyard and Mr. Burgess — share a disappointing trait: Each has had liens placed against their property for not paying taxes on time. Ms. Ginyard has a long list of unpaid city and school taxes. Mr. Young has unpaid state and local taxes and owes the Urban Redevelopment Authority $72,000 on a defaulted loan. Mr. Burgess’ liens, imposed for unpaid federal and local taxes, were released by 2008.
Mr. Young, 62, a Stanton Heights businessman, offered little prior community activity to commend him for the nomination.
The strongest challenger is Ms. Ginyard, 56, of Point Breeze, a real estate broker and former executive director of the Lincoln-Larimer Community Development Corp. who sought this office twice before.
It is Mr. Burgess, 58, of Point Breeze who has the edge because many of his efforts have been good for the district and for the city, even if his three jobs — council member, pastor and community college professor — spread him a bit thin.
On the important issue of public safety, he voted to allow the use of red-light cameras, surveillance equipment and gunshot detection devices. He pushed for a new technique now used by police to combat domestic violence and, in the wake of the police beating of high school student Jordan Miles, he introduced the bill that now requires city officers to file a report every time they stop and frisk a person and forces the bureau to include more information — about police chases, warrantless searches, workers’ compensation claims and criminal charges or lawsuits filed against officers — in its annual report.
Economic development has taken many forms in the district, which includes East Liberty, East Hills, Garfield, Larimer, Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar, Point Breeze and parts of Friendship, Stanton Heights and Regent Square. Projects run from the small — a new Animal Rescue League kennel in Homewood — to the enormous — a $30 million federal grant to kick-start a $400 million Larimer revitalization with more than 300 new housing units. Naturally, Mr. Burgess does not get sole credit for an effort that began with long-term planning by community members, including one of his challengers, Ms. Ginyard. Nonetheless, he did have a role, winning approval for city and Urban Redevelopment Authority funds.
Although Mr. Burgess was an ally of former Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, he has not shown an obstructionist bent now that Bill Peduto has replaced his rival in the mayor’s office. Based on the legislation he has offered and advanced in council, Ricky Burgess has the Post-Gazette’s endorsement.