Mayoral Candidate Selects Former WPXI Reporter For Campaign Post

Independent mayoral candidate Kevin Acklin announced on Wednesday that veteran news reporter Andy Gastmeyer will join his mayoral campaign and serve in the position of press secretary.

"I'm honored that someone of Andy's impeccable reputation and journalistic integrity has agreed to join our campaign team. Andy has always been committed to making our city a better place, and I'm grateful that he's joining our effort," Acklin said.

"Kevin Acklin has what it takes to win this race and be a tremendous mayor for the city of Pittsburgh. I've covered Pittsburgh politics for many years, and I've seen first-hand how Grant Street runs. I know we can do much better. So I look forward to this new challenge, to working with many of my former colleagues in a new capacity, and to bringing Pittsburgh the kind of leadership it deserves," said Gastmeyer.

Gastmeyer was a reporter for NBC affiliate WPXI in Pittsburgh for over 24 years. He retired from WPXI in December 2008.

The Pittsburgh City Council declared Dec. 9, 2008, "Andy Gastmeyer Day" to honor him for decades of excellence in reporting.