An Open Letter to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

[Avalux]

Dear Mayor,

I understand you have not yet endorsed a candidate in the Democratic primary and I also understand this is probably a very difficult decision for you, especially since your governor, Ed Rendell, has endorsed Hillary Clinton. Undoubtedly there is pressure for you to do the same. I don't know if I can say anything that will help you make your decision, but I'm going to give it a shot.

2 years ago, you ran for mayor of an old gritty city experiencing a rebirth. You ran for that office in the face of naysayers who called you "baby face" and said you were too young and inexperienced. In spite of this, the people of Pittsburgh decided to give you a chance and elected you mayor at the young age of 26. They decided to "give this young guy a chance and see what he can do".

I took great interest in your story because as a child in the 1970's, I remember industrial Pittsburgh enveloped in a cloud of coal dust; the city that was home to hard-as-nails blue collar workers who fervently loved their Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. As the years have gone by and I've moved away, I've had occasion to visit Pittsburgh and each time I return, I am amazed to see how it's been transformed into a city that is now quite beautiful. The blue collar workers are still there, but because of an infusion of new industry, the population has become quite diverse.

I see your election to the office of Mayor of Pittsburgh as symbolic of renewal and you have made good on many of your promises.

In your inaugural address, you said these words:

"You've gotta believe in the power of Pittsburgh, in where we've been, where we are, where we're going. You've gotta believe that our future is bright and that the good of the whole is worth putting aside individual agendas.

You've gotta believe in our families, our children, our seniors. Our hopes and dreams rise and fall on how our people prosper, and that we've gotta do all that we can to work for the best for each other.

You've gotta believe in change, that the transformation of this City can and will happen when we all work together."

I ask you to remember these words when considering whom you will endorse for the Democratic nominee. Like you, one of the candidates has a message of hope and renewal; like you, he is being attacked for being too young and inexperienced.

I would like him to have the opportunity to prove his detractors wrong, as you have.

Please endorse Barack Obama for President of the United States so that all Americans can have a bright future.

Very Respectfully Yours,

******

[blue neen]

1. That's a very eloquent letter.

I will be happy to recommend this.