PITTSBURGH — Mayor Luke Ravenstahl made a rare appearance Tuesday at an event in the city’s Manchester neighborhood to accept a grant for his “Green Up” and edible gardens programs.
It was the first time Channel 11 News has had the chance to question the mayor since his former bodyguard, Fred Crawford, testified before a federal grand jury.
Target 11’s Rick Earle was there and asked Ravenstahl for his response to Crawford’s attorney’s accusations of wasting taxpayer money on overtime so bodyguards could chauffeur him around.
“I’m not going to talk about the investigation. If you guys have any other questions about city business I’d be happy to answer them,” Ravenstahl said.
Crawford has said the mayor instructed bodyguards to use a debit card linked to a secret police account to conceal late-night activities.
Former Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper has already been indicted on charges he used that account for personal gain.
The mayor has denied the allegations and called Crawford a liar.
Last month, Crawford’s attorney, Bob Stewart, called Ravenstahl a bully who has been backed into a corner.
When asked if he expects Ravenstahl to be indicted, Stewart said, “My speculation would be, yes.”
Ravenstahl has five more months left in office and he said he’s concentrating his efforts on improving the city.
The mayor also said he would discourage City Council President Darlene Harris from running for mayor and said it’s time for the Democratic Party to unite behind mayoral candidate Bill Peduto.
WPXI
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