On Monday, Pittsburgh started a new story. Corey O’Connor was sworn in as the city’s 62nd mayor. As with so many such moments, it came with optimism about what comes next.
It also has to come with realism. There is much that must be examined with clear eyes and honest objectives.
Pittsburgh’s recent mayors arrived with different visions, but each took office buoyed by promise — and each left behind a mix of progress and unfinished work. Ed Gainey spoke to a city seeking broader inclusion. Bill Peduto pushed Pittsburgh toward sustainability and global relevance. Luke Ravenstahl assumed office at just 26 after the death of Bob O’Connor, bringing youth and urgency at a moment of transition. Tom Murphy presided over a deeper transformation, helping move the city away from the remnants of a declining industrial economy toward new public uses…