1st mayoral debate a low-key affair

Peduto criticized for his handling of water woes, large nonprofits, Uber

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Mayoral hopefuls Darlene Harris and John C. Welch knocked Pittsburgh incumbent Bill Peduto for much of their inaugural debate Wednesday night, criticizing his administration over its handling of Uber and public water problems.

But Mr. Peduto delivered few return jabs during the hour-long broadcast. He said later that he wanted to focus on “a good message” about his record and priorities, although he acknowledged concern that he could lose the May 16 race for the Democratic nomination.

“Look who’s in the White House,” Mr. Peduto said after the debate, held at WTAE-TV studios in Wilkinsburg. “I never would have predicted that in 1,000 years.”

Questions focused early on the troubled Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, which is trying to ease lead contamination, brush up customer service and fix deteriorated infrastructure. Mrs. Harris, a City Council member, said Pittsburghers have endured PWSA problems “for probably this whole administration.”

“I would declare a state of emergency seeking funding from the federal government and from the

Stephanie Strasburg/Post-Gazette City Councilwoman Darlene Harris talks to debate moderators Wednesday after the mayoral debate at WTAE’s studios in Wilkinsburg. Behind her, fellow Democratic contenders Rev. John Welch, center, and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, back right, talk to...