BCT Editorial – 9/21/06

This page was last updated on September 21, 2006.

Youth movement; Editorial; Beaver County Times; September 21, 2006.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject editorial.

“Mayor’s age gives Pittsburgh a chance for an image makeover

“Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s age must not be a factor when he seeks election to fill out the remainder of the late Bob O’Connor’s term.

“He should and must be judged on his record and his agenda for the city and, by extension, the region, because Pittsburgh’s identity is our identity. (‘Here we go, Steelers, here we go.’ Enough said.)

“But then again, the 26-year-old’s age could prove to be an asset that cannot and must not be overlooked by Pittsburgh voters and the leaders of the Democratic Party. Our region’s population has one of the highest percentages of elderly in the nation. One reason for that is because it is not keeping enough of the young people who are born here and who come here to attend school. That its politicians worship at the shrine of senior citizens living on a fixed income doesn’t help matters.

“A fresh, young face provides an instant makeover for Pittsburgh’s image as a time-has-passed-it-by city. It focuses attention on the young and the vibrant, as witnessed by the positive press Ravenstahl has garnered for the city, including coverage in The Wall Street Journal and an appearance on ‘Late Night with David Letterman.’

“Granted, Ravenstahl came into office in an unusual way. As president of city council, he was next in line to succeed the popular O’Connor. Until the election to fill the remainder of O’Connor’s term, which is still undetermined, he’s governing on an interim basis.

“Ravenstahl may be young, but he’s no political rookie. He became the youngest member of council at 23 and the youngest council president in December. He’s also got a foot in old-guard politics, which never hurts. (His father is a district judge, and his grandfather is a retired state representative.)

“The Washington and Jefferson graduate is no a shoo-in. The number of people who are thinking about running against him in the special mayoral election was around eight at last count, and the sclerotic gerontocracy that dominates the Democratic Party in Allegheny County might resent Ravenstahl’s uppity youthfulness for not waiting his turn.

“But consider this. About 14.6 percent of the city population of 320,000 is over 65 years of age. That comes out to around 46,720 residents. More than 50,000 college students come to Pittsburgh each year to attend the city’s colleges and universities.

“Perhaps it’s time for youth - and the future - to be served.”

[RWC] What did you not read about in this editorial?

Incredibly, in an editorial supporting a candidate for mayor of Pittsburgh, there’s not one mention of the candidate’s record or positions.

Based on this editorial, it appears the only thing the Times cares about is the candidate’s youth and appearance.

Then again, perhaps I should not be surprised. After all, liberalism is all about appearance and nothing about substance and results.

Note: I’m not bashing Mr. Ravenstahl. For all I know, he may be a nice guy. This critique is about the Times, not Mr. Ravenstahl.