Mayor Ravenstahl Discusses Plans For Pittsburgh

In his first frank discussion about Mayor Bob O'Connor's death since taking over as Pittsburgh's new mayor, Luke Ravenstahl revealed that he believed that in the early days, back in July, when O'Connor was first admitted to Shadyside hospital, that he was only temporarily sidelined.

Then the community heard the sad news from O'Connor's doctors that the chemotherapy treatments had failed. Reports that were once encouraging became foreboding.

While he continued to pray for O'Connor's recovery, then-City Council president, Ravenstahl, found himself in the uncomfortable position of worrying about the fate of his mentor while gearing himself up for the likelihood that he would succeed him in office.

"Probably about a week before the mayor passed was when I knew for sure that the situation had worsened and unfortunately would lose his battle with cancer," said Ravenstahl.

As president of City Council, he knew he was a heartbeat away from the mayor's job.

"I'm prepared to lead this city," said Ravenstahl.

Ravenstahl plans to do this by closely emulating the man who set him up to succeed him because he knows what Pittsburghers have come to expect.

"I think, in a lot of ways, I'm similar to Mayor Bob O'Connor. While he may have been a little bit older than myself, I think we are from the same mold. We talk to people. We listen to people. You're going to see me out in the street in the same manner as Bob O'Connor," said Ravenstahl.

Ravenstahl knows Pittsburghers love the role of the underdog and it's that perception he said he feels many have of him right now and that will serve him well in the weeks ahead, even in the event that he will have to run for the job next year.

Previous Stories: September 8, 2006: City Law Dept.: Ravenstahl's Term Extends To Nov. 2009 September 5, 2006: City Council Elects New President September 1, 2006: Luke Ravenstahl Takes Over As Mayor