Articles

Editorial...Our choice is Gainey

Category: Opinion Published on Wednesday, 18 April 2012 10:20 Written by Courier Newsroom

With the Primary election rapidly approaching, April 24, the Courier looked at the candidates running for the various offices and the primary race we see as vital to the Black community is Ed Gainey challenging incumbent Joe Preston Jr. in the Pennsylvania 24th Legislative District, serving the East End of Pittsburgh and Aspinwall.

Even though we have the greatest respect for Rep. Preston and what he has accomplished for the district over the past 29 years, we feel it’s time for new vision.

The East End area is one of the worst communities in the city and has been that way for a number of years. Rep. Preston has had his opportunity to make changes; now it’s time for someone new to try their hands.

The district needs a more visible stand on the issues, someone more actively engaged in the concerns of the community and willing to shoulder the load for the changes the people in the district need.

Development or the lack of it is what concerns this area most, and this is Gainey’s strong point, having worked in development with Mayor Tom Murphy and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

No he doesn’t have the experience Rep. Preston has in Harrisburg, but he does have the experience in the city where it’s most important. Heading the Pittsburgh Democratic Party should allow him to be able to get a lot accomplished working with the Committee people, City Council, the Mayor, and the other movers and shakers in the city.

However, if Gainey does win we will watch him very closely and we will continue to make sure he keeps the interests of the people in his district first.

In the Janis Brooks vs. Mike Doyle race for the 14th Congressional District, we give our endorsement to Doyle. He has been a champion for many of the causes affecting the Black community and hasn’t hesitated in hiring African-Americans in his office, with K. Chase Patterson being one such example.

We encourage everyone to exercise your constitutional right and go out and vote April 24 for the candidate of your choice.