Luke Ravenstahl Takes Over As Mayor

Friday evening, former Mayor Bob O'Connor passed away from a rare form of cancer, leaving City Council President Luke Ravenstahl as the new mayor.

Ravenstahl’s thoughts and prayers are with the mayor and his family, but he knows that he must be ready to fill the position.

Several days ago, Ravenstahl commented on the issue.

"I'm here, I'm the president, I've been elected by my district, I've been elected by my colleagues, and I’m more than confident that if and when I'm called upon I’m here to serve the residents of the city,” Ravenstahl stated.

Ravenstahl was sworn in Friday at 10:36 p.m. as the 59th mayor of Pittsburgh. The ceremony took place in the mayor's conference room.

"It is difficult to find the proper words to express our emotions at this time. Bob O'Connor was our beloved friend and colleague. His actions, deeds and accomplishments serve as a model to all of us. We join Judy O'Connor and her family in their time of grief and offer our prayers and support as we mourn our friend and celebrate his life and career of helping others," said Ravenstahl.

Ravenstahl was named City Council president just last year and was originally elected to council in 2003, making him the youngest councilman ever in the city.

He graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, where he was an honor student and a star kicker on the football team.

Actually, Ravenstahl was so well respected as a natural leader that he was elected captain of his team for his senior year.

And although Ravenstahl has been in politics for only three years, he is no stranger.

His father is a district justice on the Northside, and he has been exposed to the inner workings of bureaucracy for quite some time.

Ravenstahl will begin assuming responsibilities immediately.

Previous Stories: September 1, 2006: Mayor Loses Battle With Cancer