Pittsburgh Mayor-elect Ed Gainey shared top priorities for start of his term

PITTSBURGH — After celebrating a historic victory Tuesday night, Pittsburgh Mayor-elect Ed Gainey will soon have the chance to follow through on his campaign promises.

“Let me tell you why this is beautiful. Because you proved that we can have a city for all,” Gainey excitedly told a group of supporters Tuesday.

For the city’s first Black mayor, bringing unity and diversity are top priorities.

Pittsburgh Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle believes Gainey’s victory underscores similar feelings among community members.

“It says that we’re becoming a more progressive city. It says that we’re ready to move forward,” said Lavelle on Wednesday.

Gainey also hopes to improve education in the city, as well as reform policing, which is an initiative the city council began more than a year ago.

“It’s always good to get different perspectives and with this new mayor coming in and working with him on his vision for what Pittsburgh is going to be is going to be really interesting and we’re going to have those conversations over the next few months,” said Councilman Corey O’Connor.

Current Mayor Bill Peduto, who Gainey defeated in the primary election, tweeted his congratulations to Gainey, saying he looks forward to working with him and his team on a “progressive transition.”

Members of the city council are also excited to continue their work moving the city forward.

“I look forward to working with him,” said Lavelle. “I think it’s a real turning point and historic moment for our city.”

Gainey will officially be sworn into office in January.

“I think it’s good to have an experienced council behind a new mayor so that when he starts, things can go quickly,” said O’Connor.

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