Acklin Calls For End To Mayor's 'Boogeyman Politics'

Independent mayoral candidate Kevin Acklin unveiled his plan Thursday to end what he calls mayoral abuse of appointing city authorities and boards.

Acklin's announcement comes after Mayor Luke Ravenstahl fired stadium authority chairwoman Debbie Lestitian last week.

Acklin said the removal represents abuse of power by Ravenstahl and demonstrates a callous response to a board member doing her job.

"Instead of respecting (Lestitian) for doing her job, Luke Ravenstahl chose to remove her from the authority simply because she stood in his way,” Acklin said. “This is exactly the kind of boogeyman politics that have held this city back for far too long."

Acklin has been an outspoken advocate of removing abuse from the selection process.

Former WPXI news reporter Andy Gastmeyer joined Acklin's mayoral campaign and serves in the position of press secretary.

Acklin will face off against Ravenstahl, who won the Democratic nomination last month.

Franco "Dok" Harris, son of Steelers legend Franco Harris, has not yet come up with enough signatures to appear on the ballot.

Previous Stories: May 27, 2009: Mayoral Candidate Selects Former WPXI Reporter For Campaign Post May 20, 2009: Ravenstahl Wins Primary, Calls Dowd Campaign 'Insulting'