The link below is to 2 Political Junkies, a blog I read daily and link to often. They have the details about a fundraiser and recognition for Bill Peduto, a Pittsburgh councilperso every LGBTQ Pittsburgher ought to care about. Many already do, and if you aren’t one, start following Bill and what he does as an elected official. Few of our elected officials are as supportive of our community as Bill, and I want to do my part to make sure he gets that recognition.
The 3 things I love most about Bill Peduto today:
1) Unlike our current Mayor Luke, Bill Peduto is 110% behind full legal support for same-sex marriage and the recognition of our relationships as LGBTQ people. Equality isn’t really equal (imagine that) when lines are drawn as to our rights. The Mayor seems to flip-flop on what he does and doesn’t support. At first he was all for LGBTQ, then he refused to sign on along with Mayors across the country in support of Marriage Equality. Then, I heard through the grape-vine, that that was a mistake, and he really did support it, but still hadn’t signed. With Bill Peduto, you know exactly where you are at all times. No shifting, or crazy vague stuff.
2) Bill is not a one issue politician. I marvel that no matter what topic I ask Bill about, he has an answer or a comment. He doesn’t have to check with his people, he is on top of things. From little stuff to big stuff, Bill is there for his constituents.
3) Bill is accessible to the people of Pittsburgh. In the last few years, I have asked to meet with the Mayor on two occassions. On the last time, even a staff person in his office promised me that the Mayor’s scheduler was “trying to get me on his calendar.” I have written the Mayor several letters. I have never received a reply. Not even a form letter. I have never been able to meet with the Mayor. You would think he could find 15 minutes in one day at some point to meet with a constituent. Nope. Nada.
Peduto on the other hand, like most every council person is extremely accessible. Drop him an email or even a Facebook message, and you will hear back shortly. And it isn’t that he has all sorts of free time. He simply makes the time to be in contact with the people who elected him.
A Common Cause Benefit Honoring Bill Peduto
What: Reception and Award Ceremony
When: Thursday, May 24th, 5:30pm
Where: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
6300 Fifth Ave., Pittsbrugh, PA 15217
Cost: $50 General Admission, $250 Seat at the Honoree’s Table
Tickets can be purchased through Thursday (the day of the event) here.
All proceeds support the government reform work of Common Cause Pennsylvania.