October 26 2022 - Pittsburgh City Paper

ABORTING THE RED WAVE

One issue looms large over Pa. elections

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Director of Advertising RACHEL WINNER

Director of Operations KEVIN SHEPHERD

News Editor JAMIE WIGGAN

A&E Editor AMANDA WALTZ

News Reporter JORDANA ROSENFELD

Art Director LUCY CHEN Photographer/Videographer

JARED WICKERHAM

Graphic Designer JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

Coordinator

KINNEY-KOBRE

Account Executive OWEN GABBEY

Representatives SIERRA CLARY,

HOURS

AFTER THE U.S. SUPREME COURT overturned once-secure federal abortion rights, a swarm of dem onstrators gathered on the steps of the Pittsburgh City-County Building, holding up rush hour traffic as they spilled onto the surrounding streets.

Standing atop the portico on that hot June evening, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey vowed to fight alongside them.

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ILLUSTRATION: PAT

“Pittsburgh is for you,” Gainey said. “If you want to get an abortion, come to the city of Pittsburgh.”

Within days, state, county and city lawmakers prepared new bills seeking to shore up abortion protections in their respective jurisdictions.

By mid-summer, local abortion care providers reported a sharp rise in demand as trigger laws in neigh boring states sent anxious patients into Pennsylvania, where the right to an abortion 24 weeks into a pregnancy remains intact.

Women’s Health Organization ruling has left this right vulnerable, and efforts by some Pennsylvania Republicans to squash it could hinge on decisions made by voters on Nov. 8.

Standing in the way of their efforts is term-limited Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who can veto any anti-abortion laws, and is confident his opponents will fall short of the two-thirds majority needed to overrule him.

But this could change in January, because state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) is one of two major party nominees seeking to succeed Wolf.

debate earlier this year where he also called for a total ban on the procedure with no exceptions.

One of Mastriano’s first moves after his 2019 election was to introduce a bill outlawing abortions once a heartbeat can be detected. When the bill died he reintroduced it during the following session, and has vowed to keep pur suing it if elected governor.

Mastriano’s opponent, Democrat Josh Shapiro, has meanwhile com mitted to following Wolf’s hard line of opposition.

LUCY

But the June 24 Dobbs vs. Jackson

Mastriano, a retired army colonel, referred to abortion as a “number one issue” during a Republican primary

“Our Democratic Governor’s veto pen is the only thing standing between us and an extreme, Texas-style abor tion ban in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro

CP PHOTO: LISA CUNNINGHAM

tweeted shortly before the release of the anticipated Dobbs ruling.

Shapiro has maintained a doubledigit lead in polling conducted since September.

Pennsylvania House and Senate candidates are also fitting their stances on abortion into their campaign platforms.

All four Republican nominees for the General Assembly charted in this Election Guide have positioned themselves as anti-abortion candi dates, with some supporting excep tions for parental health, rape, and incest. Alongside Mastriano’s tabled Heartbeat bill, Republican lawmakers are pushing a constitutional amend ment that would ensure the state has “no constitutional right to taxpayerfunded abortion or other right relating to abortion.”

But for Repblicans, the longtime rallying cry against abortion has become a double-edged sword.

At the national level, many Republican leaders who formerly championed the anti-abortion cause suddenly grew quiet as Dobbs prompted a torrent of Democratic fun draising and a string of polls showing the GOP’s anticipated mid-term resur gence under threat.

In Pennsylvania, Republican politi cians have likewise walked back some of their anti-abortion rhetoric in the wake of Dobbs. Before the ruling, Cindy Kirk, an Allegheny County Republican seeking to represent state House

District 30, pledged on her website simply to “support the unborn right to life.” But she has since replaced the text with a softer message, stating, “I believe abortions should be safe and rare.”

Trump-endorsed firebrand who tri umphed over establishment pick David McCormick in the primary.

In May, Oz said, “If you think that the moment of conception you’ve got a life, then why would you even wait six weeks? Right, then an in vitro fertilized egg is still a life.”

But during a recent press event in Pittsburgh, the former heart surgeon said he believes abortion law should be set at the state level while modestly identifying as “pro-life.”

Oz’s opponent, John Fetterman, the Braddock-hailing lieutenant governor, has consistently supported abortion rights.

Polling shows Oz has narrowed a 10-point deficit to place himself within striking range of Fetterman, whose campaign has suffered from negative ad campaigns focusing on his recent stroke and his views on criminal justice.

Farewell Lisa

BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

LAST WEEK, our editor-in-chief Lisa Cunningham resigned from her role after almost 25 years at Pittsburgh City Paper. She devoted her career to this paper and its mission, but without ever becoming complacent; she never stopped pushing to make us a better publication or advocating for her team. Without her leadership City Paper would not have survived the pandemic — something that killed many other alt-weeklies.

We want to thank our readers for continuing to support us through a difficult transition as we work to find a new editor-in-chief. Our goal is to be as deliberate as possible in our hiring process. We plan on moving slowly to make sure the person will be a good fit for our publication.

In the meantime, we are continuing to work on future issues, including our upcoming Health Guide, our holiday gift-giving guide, and our People of the Year issue.

Going forward, please contact news editor Jamie Wiggan (jamie@pghcity paper.com) with any news tips you may have, and arts and entertainment editor Amanda Waltz (awaltz@pghcitypaper. com) with any potential arts stories you’d like us to cover.

We will keep our readers informed about leadership changes as they develop.

Please continue to visit our website (pghcitypaper.com) for online stories, and our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. •

Other GOP candidates have simi larly softened their stances. Even Mastriano stopped emphasizing the issue after winning the primary.

A Franklin and Marshall College poll found public support for abortion among Pennsylvanians had reached an all time high this summer, with 89% believing it should be permitted in all or some cases.

As eyes nationwide have locked on Pennsylvania’s tight U.S. Senate race, GOP nominee Mehmet Oz has sought to carve a new image from the

While certainly not the only issue voters are carrying into the polls this year, the altered legal land scape means abortion as an issue weighs in far higher than previous years. Pennsylvania’s unique politi cal makeup, its proximity to states where abortion is largely banned, and its potential to shift the balance in the U.S. Senate only add to this.

But voters are also worrying about inflation, crime, election integrity, guns, education and more. In the fol lowing guide, we help put these issues into focus for the races in which you get a say. •

ILLUSTRATIONS: PAT LEWIS

In Pennsylvania, Republican politicians have likewise walked back some of their anti-abortion rhetoric in the wake of Dobbs.

Follow news editor Jamie Wiggan on Twitter @JamieWiggan

ELECTION GUIDE WHAT'S IN THE GUIDE

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

U.S. SENATE

BY JORDANA ROSENFELD // JORDANA@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Two-term Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, announced his retirement in October 2020, opening this seat. USA Today calls it the country’s “most closely watched Senate race.” Pundits say that this race presents the best opportunity for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate if they can win this tight contest.

SELECTING

WHICH RACES to highlight in the Pittsburgh City Paper Election Guide is always a challenge. Across the Pittsburgh region, more elections are taking place this year than we can possibly cover, forcing us to pass over some important contests.

In the following charts, we start out with races open to every Pennsylvania voter: governor, lieu tenant governor, U.S. senator. From there, we take you through the races with the next largest electorates: U.S. Congressional Districts 12 and 17, then Pa. Senate District 38.

Selecting which of the 20-plus state House races to include was a bit trickier. This year, we decided to pick four races that reflect different political dynamics: Third Party, the Newcomer, the Nail-biter, and the Underdog.

As the name suggests, Third Party corresponds to a race with a prominent candidate from outside the two major party platforms. The Newcomer highlights a candidate making a strong impression despite having no prior political experience. The Nail-biter covers the district with the narrowest win during the last election cycle (note: last year’s redis tricting may have a slight impact on competitiveness). Finally, the Underdog features a race that’s com petitive enough to be in play, but leans enough in favor of the prevailing party to make a departure from this a meaningful upset.

A final note: space limits us from profiling in depth all of the many candidates for several statewide races. In these cases, we’ve named the thirdparty candidates who will appear on the ballot without charting out their respective histories and positions.

CANDIDATE

JOHN FETTERMAN

BIO

Democrat. Grew up in York. Pennsylvania’s Lt. Gov. since 2019. Was mayor of Braddock from 2006 to 2019. Masters in public policy from Harvard. Previously worked in nonprofit sector. Advocate of criminal justice reform. Had stroke in May, but his doctor said he “can work full duty in public office.”

ECONOMY

Proposes requiring federal construction projects buy domestic goods to create more manufacturing jobs. Says he wants to cut taxes for working families and suspend the federal gas tax. Supports a “financial transaction tax” targeting “Wall Street, hedge-fund managers, and mega-millionaires.”

CANNABIS REFORM

ABORTION

Supports legalizing cannabis on the federal level and Gov. Wolf’s marijuana pardon program. Tweeted on 4/20 that we should “seriously commit ourselves to full marijuana legalization & ending the racist War on Drugs.”

MEHEMET OZ

Republican. Has never held elected office. Former cardiothoracic surgeon and TV show host. Lived for years in New Jersey. Recently bought home in Montgomery County. Undergrad degree from Harvard, grad degrees from University of Pennsylvania. Veteran of the Turkish Army.

Campaign site says, “A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred and non-negotiable. Period.” Wants to codify abortion access in federal law and repeal the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits Medicaid from covering abortion.

Supports increased natural gas extraction to create jobs. Campaign site blames Biden for economic woes. Says we need to “get tough on China.”

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $48.5 million

Implied that legalizing cannabis would worsen unemployment rates. Supportive of medical cannabis. Repeatedly mischaracterized his opponent’s position by claiming that Fetterman wants to legalize all drugs.

Campaign site says he is “100% Pro-Life.” Tells press he does not support criminal penalties for abortion, according to Pennsylvania Capital-Star, but that the federal government should leave abortion laws up to states, according to WGAL.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $34.8 million

Third Party Candidates: The following third-party candidates will also appear on the ballot for Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race: Richard Weiss (Green Party — facebook.com/richard.weiss.1485537), Daniel Wassmer (Keystone Party of Pennsylvania — facebook.com/ Wassmer4USSenate), and Erik Chase Gerhardt (Libertarian Party — erik4pa.com).

PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Pennsylvania’s governor leads the executive branch of the state government. The governor can veto bills passed by the General Assembly, requiring a two-third majority to override. The governor also staffs state agencies. Current Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, has reached his term limit and is not eligible to seek re-election.

CANDIDATE

Democrat. Current Pennsylvania attorney general. Previously served on Montgomery County Commission and in the state House. Led the 2018 grand jury investigation into Catholic Church sexual abuse.

BIO

Defines abortion as health care. Has pledged to veto any legislative efforts to restrict abortion rights in Pennsylvania. Filed an amicus brief in support of the U.S. Justice Department’s challenge to an early-term abortion ban in Texas.

Republican. Current state senator. Former U.S. Army colonel. Combat veteran deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Former NATO intelligence leader. Holds a PhD in history. Lives in Franklin County.

RIGHTS

Vows to invest in clean energy. Believes policies can protect the planet without threatening jobs. Celebrates Pennsylvania’s “energy powerhouse” status as an exporter of electricity and natural gas. Encourages public investment in renewable energy research.

Strong opponent of abortion. Sponsored a bill in 2019 seeking to ban abortions in Pennsylvania after a heartbeat is detected and continues to push for its passage. Pledges to cut funding to Planned Parenthood and expand counseling for adoption services.

Vows to veto efforts to restrict mail-in voting. Supports automatic voter registration and expansion of early voting. As attorney general, opposed former President Donald Trump’s challenges to Pennsylvania’s 2022 election results.

Aggressively pursued former President Donald Trump’s debunked claims he lost the 2020 election because of voter fraud, marched on the Capitol on Jan . 6, 2021, and was shunned by members of his party for his efforts to spearhead investigations of the state election. Pledged to eliminate mail-in voting and implement voter identification requirements.

Supports broad deregulation of energy sectors, including coal and natural gas. Calls for removing Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative that works to reduce carbon emissions. Introduced a bill this year that would favor applicants for gas and oil industry permits.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $49.8 million

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $4.7 million

Third Party Candidates: The following third-party candidates will also appear on the ballot for governor: Christina Digiulio (Green Party — facebook.com/PKforPA), Joseph Soloski (Keystone Party of Pennsylvania — joesoloski.com), and Matt Hackenburg (Libertarian Party — matthackenburg.com).

DOUG MASTRIANO

JOSH SHAPIRO

PENNSYLVANIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

BY ALICE CROW // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

The lieutenant governor steps in if the governor can’t complete the term, presides over the state Senate and chairs the Board of Pardons. Incumbent Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D-Braddock) is not seeking re-election and is currently running for U.S. Senate.

CARRIE DELROSSO

Democrat. Grew up in the Mon Valley. Graduated from University of Pittsburgh with political science degree. Has served since 2018 as the first Black state representative in the 35th District. Former aide to Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Currently serves as chair of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation, among other positions.

Republican. Native of Scranton. Attended University of Pittsburgh. State House member for District 33. Owned a public affairs and marketing company. Served on Oakmont’s borough council for three years. Lives in Oakmont.

Supports the right to abortion, like his gubernatorial running mate Josh Shapiro. As a state representative, Davis co-sponsored bills to require insurance companies to cover abortion services in full and to change the state constitution to include personal reproductive liberty.

Voted to pass a bill including an amendment declaring abortion is not a constitutional right, co-sponsored a bill to require a funeral or cremation for abortion remains. Her running mate Doug Mastriano has said he would ban abortion, without exception, if elected.

SUPPORT

Has stated that a Shapiro-Davis administration would “invest in workforce development to grow our economy.” Says Pennsylvania has “the lowest minimum wage in the region” and will work to provide workers “a fair and living wage.” Pledges to create new jobs by attracting businesses to Pennsylvania.

Describes herself as pro-growth and pro-jobs. Tells WTRF the first step in supporting economy is opening up energy sector. Claims the private sector is being “strangled by arbitrary closures, high taxes, and overregulation.”

Told City & State PA he will dedicate more resources to police officers, as well as continue to issue pardons on a case-bycase basis as chair of the Board of Pardons. Wants to clarify with voters that pardons go to people who have already served their sentences. Celebrated the launch of a Police Misconduct Database, saying it would create “accountability in policing.”

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $3,165,265

Says “the madness in Philadelphia is spreading to other cities and towns” in Pennsylvania due to weak prosecutors. Pledges to support law enforcement by fully funding them. Has posted support for bills to “protect law enforcement from assault” and to “make it harder for criminals who continue to offend in prison to be released on parole.”

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $2.1 million

Third Party Candidates: The following third-party candidates will also appear on the ballot for lieutenant governor: Michael Bagdes-Canning (Green Party — facebook.com/michael.bagdescanning), Nicole Shultz (Keystone Party of Pennsylvania — nicoleshultz.com), and Timothy McMaster (Libertarian Party — tim4pa.com).

Contributions

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AUSTIN DAVIS

The 5th Judicial District of Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Pretrial Services urges you to enjoy your weekend out in Pittsburgh but make the right choice, don’t drink & drive.

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 12

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

District 12 includes the entire city of Pittsburgh, many southern and eastern Allegheny County suburbs, and the western edges of Westmoreland County. This race will determine who will replace U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Forest Hills), who announced his retirement last fall.

CANDIDATE

ELECTION GUIDE

THIRD PARTY PEOPLE

BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ANEW

POLITICAL PARTY is looking to shake up Pennsylvania’s twoparty gridlock.

KEYSTONE PARTY www.keystone.party

The Keystone Party of Pennsylvania, which formed this year, describes its mission as creating “a culture of positive policy change with workable solutions that solve real world problems.”

of self-ownership in an interview with City & State, saying “individuals have the right to do with their bodies without legal interference.”

“We’re not specifically talking about abortion, and the reason why we did that is because in the old parties, they drew lines in the sand on issues like that,” Tatlas continues. “They said in their parties, ‘We’re drawing lines in the sand, and if you don’t toe the line on the exact rhetoric we give you, then you’re not going to get support in this party. That has fostered

MIKE DOYLESUMMER LEE

BIO

Democrat. In 2018, became the first Black woman from Southwestern Pennsylvania. elected to state House. Born and raised in North Braddock. Howard University School of Law graduate. Founded UNITE PAC to support other progressive candidates, particularly women, LGBTQ candidates, and candidates of color. Won re-election in 2020.

Republican. Not the retiring Democrat Mike Doyle. President of Plum Borough Council, member since 2005.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from King’s College. Website describes a 34-year career in insurance and notes that under his leadership “Plum Borough routinely has budget surpluses,” which he used to decrease taxes and invest in police and infrastructure.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Told WESA she would “fight for a Green New Deal to transition to a 100% clean and renewable energy economy and bring green union jobs back to PA-12.” Also concerned about “marginalized communities facing the brunt of environmental racism.”

POLICING AND PUBLIC SAFETY

The issues listed on the party plat form range from ensuring fair elec tions, to , criminal justice reform, and expanding health care access. The group pairs these social concerns with liber tarian commitments to gun ownership, economic deregulation, and individual autonomy.

In August, Keystone Party chair Gus Tatlas explained the party’s definition

extremism in American politics and in Pennsylvania politics.”

Keystone Party candidates this fall include Joe Soloski, who is running for governor, Nicole Shultz, nominee for lieutenant governor , and Dan Wassmer, nominee for U.S. Senate.

All three statewide candidates previ ously ran as members of the Libertarian Party.

•

Introduced state-level legislation proposing police reform in 2019. Supports universal background checks, banning assault weapons, and ending protections for corporate gun manufacturers, according to WESA. Emphasizes the connection between gun violence and poverty.

ABORTION

Says we “must keep abortion safe and legal in Pennsylvania at all costs.” Tells WESA she wants to codify abortion rights at the federal level, expand access to reproductive health care, and repeal the Hyde Amendment, which stipulates that federal Medicaid money cannot be used to cover abortion.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $1.3 million

Campaign website says, “Mike believes that Energy Independence IS National Security and the Green New Deal will destroy our region.” Wants to “produce our own” fossil fuels. Supports carbon capture, according to WESA. Campaign website says he “will support our police and first responders protecting our communities.” Also emphasizes the need to “secure our border,” according to Pittsburgh PostGazette. Told WESA he does not support additional gun control legislation.

Told WESA he would support a federal abortion ban that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $124,250

“We’re not specifically talking about abortion, and the reason why we did that is because in the old parties, they drew lines in the sand on issues like that.”

Hauntings, Pumpkin Patches, and Fall Festivals

Haunted Hill View Manor

Add Scare Manor to your Spooky Season Line Up. We have more scares than ever before and they’re not to be missed! Make sure you get your tickets in ad vance, we book quickly! There will also be tours of Historic Haunted Hill View Manor available for an additional cost. Tickets for Scare Manor start at $15/person. We can’t wait to scare you soon! Tick ets at hauntedhillviewmanor.com loween-bash/

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

The Silence of the Lambs Night on Friday, October 28th. Enjoy the replica cage, movie reenac tors, original cage blueprints and rug where the movie was filmed, plus spooky vendors and activities before the movie screening. Food and drinks for sale. Doors open at 5:30PM & Movie begins at 7:30PM. Tickets at www.soldiersandsailorshall. org/events

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 17

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Currently occupied by Conor Lamb (D-Mt. Lebanon), who forfeited his re-election bid to pursue an unsuccessful U.S. Senate race. District includes a swath of suburban Allegheny County and all of Beaver County.

CANDIDATE

CHRIS DELUZIO

BIO

Democrat. Navy combat veteran. Graduate of Georgetown Law. Labor and voting rights lawyer. Policy director at Pitt Cyber. Volunteer at Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania and the Veterans Consortium.

Republican. Business owner. Electrical engineer. Graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. Former president, Ross Township Board of Commissioners. Former board member for Northland Library Foundation and Northern Tier Library.

ABORTION

Calls women’s reproductive choices “a basic human right.” Supports Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine this in federal law and also supports state bills to codify abortion rights. Says he’ll “fight like hell to protect our fundamental rights, including the right to an abortion.” Believes in expanding reproductive health coverage as part of a larger push for affordable health care access.

ECONOMY AND JOBS ENVIRONTMENT

Labor advocate and supporter of the PRO Act, a federal bill seeking to expand workers’ rights to organize. Supports anti-trust legislation to rein in corporate power. Argues policies incentivizing American manufacturing could boost the ailing middle class.

Supports “pro-life” policies with exceptions for life threats to mothers, rape, and incest. Pledges to fight state funding for all forms of elective abortion. Pledges to increase resources to “support women and families with high quality of care and family support services.”

Supports clean energy investments and stricter regulations on carbon emissions. Encourages natural gas production as a viable energy source in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Argues clean energy can support middle-class jobs, stating on his website, “we all deserve clean air and water and strong union jobs.”

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $2.4 million

Supports a deregulated market economy as an economic driver, noting on his website, “politicians don’t create jobs, businesses do.” Pledges to slash “red tape” and streamline the “burdensome and complex tax system.” Calls out both socialism and corporate monopolies as “major threats to America’s prosperity.”

Calls for “responsible” environmental protections. Argues technological advances allow for a clean environment and good jobs. Pledges support for investments in the preservation of national parks, which he deems “national treasures.”

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $2.2 million

BY PHILIP FEENEY

JEREMY SHAFFER

PA SENATE DISTRICT 38

BY JORDANA ROSENFELD // JORDANA@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

District 38 covers several communities in northern Allegheny County including Pittsburgh’s 11th and 12th wards, Ross, McCandless, and parts of New Kensington. Incumbent Democrat Lindsey Williams is running for re-election against Republican Lori Mizgorski, a House member who no longer resides in the district she represents because of redistricting.

LINDSEY WILLIAMS

Democrat. Elected 2018. Duquesne University law graduate. Previous minority chair of the Senate Education Committee. Currently serving on transportation, labor and housing committees. Before entering politics, worked for the National Whistleblowers Center, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.

Recently introduced legislation to create a permanent free meal program for all Pennsylvania public school students. Voted against May 2019 proposal to provide more money to parents opting out of the public school system. Supportive of increased funding for public schools.

Has touted funding for infrastructure projects in her district and updates to the region’s water infrastructure, while pushing legislation to reform billing through the Turnpike’s E-Z Pass system.

LORI MIZGORSKI

Republican. Current state representative for Pennsylvania’s District 30, elected 2018. Undergraduate degree in English. Lifelong resident of Shaler and previous township commissioner. Serves on House committees for transportation, labor and local affairs. Longtime board member of Shaler North Hills Library. Previously chief of staff for former State Rep. Hal English.

In May 2019, voted to increase the value of tax credits available to parents opting out of sending their children to public school. Referred to Gov. Wolf’s proposed 2022-2023 budget, which included what Wolf called a “generational investment” in public education, as “fiscally irresponsible.”

Told TribLIVE that she would focus on using federal funds for infrastructure repairs. Says she advocated and secured grant funding for clean waterways and stormwater management in Shaler as a commissioner. Appointed to 2019 Republican taskforce to evaluate problems in the state’s transportation sector. Member of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit board of directors since 2019.

In July 2022, voted against a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting abortion in Pennsylvania. In June 2022, said, “I will always stand for a woman’s right to healthcare, and that includes abortion.”

In July 2022, voted in favor of proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting abortion in Pennsylvania. Previously voted to require a funeral or cremation for abortion remains and to prohibit abortions based on a diagnosis of Downs Syndrome.

YOUR BODY IS ON THE BALLOT

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $313,217

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $19,620

Make a plan to vote Nov. 8th

THIRD PARTY: PA HOUSE DISTRICT 23

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Long held by Democratic incumbent Dan Frankel, the district is considered safe territory for his party. It spans several eastern city neighborhoods, including sections of Squirrel Hill, Shadyside and Oakland. Green Party candidate Jay Ting Walker also sought the seat in 2018 and 2020, securing 9% and 14% of the vote respectively.

CANDIDATE

BIO

Community organizer and activist. Co-chair, Green Party of Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists member. Previous state House candidate. Transit advocate with BikePGH.

24-year incumbent. Chairs House health committee. Former insurance agent. Claims to have made his political debut by giving a speech for the 1968 Democratic presidential nominee at age 12. Holds leadership positions in LGBT Equality Caucus, PA SAFE Caucus, and the PA Women’s Health Caucus.

ABORTION

Identifies as “pro-choice” on his campaign website. Stated in a 2020 platform questionnaire abortions should be allowed under “all circumstances” and indicated support for taxpayer and government funding for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.

Describes himself as “one of the fiercest champions” of women’s reproductive rights. Former co-chair of Women’s Health Caucus, a group of Pennsylvania lawmakers pursuing policy that “protects and respects women’s health, including the right to make private, personal medical decisions.”

ENERGY

Calls hydraulic fracturing an “immediate danger to local air and water quality” and supports a total ban on the practice. Supports funding for renewable energy, investments in a “green economy” and retraining fossil fuel industry workers for new jobs in wind and solar energy.

Describes hydraulic fracturing as a “risky process” that should be discouraged. Calls reliance on fossil fuels “unsustainable” and pushes for green energy investments. Has introduced bills calling for greater state oversight of fracking harms and for closing loopholes in oil and gas industry regulations.

GUN LAWS

Supports a ban on “military-style assault weapons” and large magazines, and universal background check requirements. Notes gun deaths disproportionately impact neighborhoods of color and advocates for policies that address underlying conditions of inequality and poverty.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: None reported

Gun reform advocate. Calls for universal background checks, raising minimum firearms purchasing age to 21 and banning assault-style weapons. “Any rational person can see that deadly weapons should be regulated at least as much as, say, swimming pools or lawnmowers.”

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $41,600

DAN FRANKEL

JAY TING WALKER

ELECTION GUIDE

BALLOT QUESTIONS EXPLAINED

BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

QUESTIONS can present challenges for voters seeing them for the first time on election day. Often full of confusing legal language, the questions deserve time and consid eration ahead of Election Day. This year all Allegheny County residents will be asked whether they believe county council members should be allowed to retain their seats while running for other offices. Wilkinsburg residents will also be asked whether they want to establish a home rule study commission.

BALLOT

ALLEGHENY COUNTY: Home Rule Charter ballot amendment

The Question: Shall Article III, Subsection 6(b) of Allegheny County’s Home Rule Charter be repealed in order to allow Members of County Council the same freedom of right to seek other elected office as is accorded to all other independently elected officials in Allegheny County, such that Council Members are permitted to run for nomination or election to elected office other than that of County Council Member without first having to resign from County Council?

The Home Rule Charter requires county council members to resign from office before they are able to run for any federal, state, county, or local elected office. The charter, including the rule, was originally approved by voters on May 19, 1998 and became effective Jan. 1, 2000.

The proposed amendment would repeal the rule, allowing council members

to keep their seats while running for other offices.

WILKINSBURG BOROUGH: Proposed Home Rule Charter Government Study Commission Special Election Question

The Question: Shall a Government Study Commission of seven members be elected to study the existing form of government of the municipality, to consider the advis ability of the adoption of a home rule charter and, if advisable, to draft and to recommend a home rule charter?

The ballot measure would create a seven-member commission to review and advise on whether the borough should adopt its own home rule charter. Supporters, including neighborhood group Wilkinsburg Future, see this as an alternative to a movement in support of annexation of the borough by Pittsburgh.

If approved, the commission “will be staffed by seven commissioners elected on the same ballot and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Borough of Wilkinsburg,” according to Wilkinsburg Future.

As reported by TribLive, supporters of the measure believe the potential home-rule charter would offer more control over local government and increase access to grants to fund ser vices in Wilkinsburg. The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp., which has led the annexation efforts, is urging voters to reject the commission. •

Follow a&e editor Amanda Waltz on Twitter @AWaltzCP

LYNNCULLENLIVE

THE NEWCOMER: PA HOUSE DISTRICT 30

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

The newly redrawn House District 30 covers Franklin Park, McCandless, Emsworth, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights and parts of Kilbuck, Ohio and Hampton. Once reliably Republican, the new district has added Democratic constituencies that could make it more competitive.

CANDIDATE

BIO

Democrat. Emergency doctor at Allegheny General and Forbes Hospitals. Political newcomer. Former president of the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians. Research director at US Acute Care Solutions. Seeking to become Pennsylvania’s only state representative of South Asian descent.

ABORTION

Supports abortion rights, drawing on his medical experience, where he recalls treating a woman “who had a back-alley abortion.” Says he will vote for bills supporting abortion. “I will never forget her suffering and do not want to see that happen in Pennsylvania,” according to his website.

Republican. Former Allegheny County Council member. Nurse administrator at UPMC Oakland. Former dialysis nurse. Has served on several boards and committees including Northland Library Foundation and SWPA U.S. Air Force Academy Parents Association.

ENERGY

Supports a regulated fracking industry. Told WESA the state should “set a framework for rigorous environmental regulations” that would still leave some of the decisions with local municipalities. Calls climate change a “real” and “serious” issue.

VOTER RIGHTS

Told WESA that he supports no-excuse mail-in voting, early in-person voting, same-day registration and open primaries. “Our democracy works when every eligible voter participates and when voters pick their political leaders, not the other way around,” he said.

Previously included a statement on her website, pledging simply to “protect the unborn right to life.” Has recently softened her messaging by identifying as “pro-life” while supporting exceptions for parental health and victims of rape and incest.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $508,404

Names “responsible energy development” as a top priority of her candidacy. Said in a statement announcing her resignation from council that public parks have benefitted from profits derived by fracking operations under the land.

Supports stricter voting requirements. Calls for “a common-sense voter ID requirement”.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $38,006

CINDY KIRKARVIND VENKAT

BY ALICE CROW //

@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

State House District 39 stretches across a mix of suburban and rural communities in southern Allegheny County and northern Washington County. Incumbent Rep. Mike Puskaric (R-Jefferson Hills) lost the Republican primary.

Democrat. Self-employed. U.S. Army Veteran and South Park resident.

Former political action director for the Local 1843 Steelworkers Union and previously served as township auditor. Founding member of the Mon Valley Unemployed Committee.

Republican. Attorney. Resides in Elizabeth Township. Graduate of University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. Former township commissioner.

Pledges he will support and protect women’s rights during his time in office, and pledges to oppose abortion bans in the state legislature. Argues Roe v. Wade should be codified in federal law.

Responded affirmatively to a candidate survey that asked whether he supported an amendment to the state Constitution “to prevent taxpayer funding for elective abortions.”

Become

medical cannabis

Pro-union. Supports increasing the state minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15. Pledges he’ll fight to ensure thriving wages and flourishing small businesses.

Opposes raising state taxes. Pledges to enact policies that will promote steel and energy jobs. Has not outlined a position on minimum wage.

Wants to protect the right to vote by mail and in-person. Sees mail-in voting as a safe and convenient option for voters, especially seniors.

Believes in “commonsense election reform.” Wants to enact policies to restore confidence in the election process.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: None reported

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $35,138

ANDREW KUZMA

RICK SELF

ELECTION GUIDE

CITY COUNCIL CONTEST

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PITTSBURGH’S DISTRICT 5 council seat has been vacant since July, when Corey O’Connor was appointed as Allegheny County controller. The district spans several neighborhoods in the city’s south and east fringes, including Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hazelwood, New Homestead, Lincoln Place, Regent Square, Swisshelm Park, and parts of Squirrel Hill.

Residents will see four candidates on the ballot this year, two on major party tickets and two running as independents. Candidates have not had long to prepare for this special election, and most have not yet built up strong public profiles. Below, we give each a very brief introduc tion based on what we could find.

Eugene Bokor Republican. Financial officer, Focus North America. Former Allegheny County auditor. Former CEO, Catholic Charities.

Tells WESA he’d seek to introduce “a different perspective” to a Democratled council, noting, “ Pittsburgh City Council is trying to do a run aroun d on state law and take away our Second Amendment rights.”

Barbara Greenwood Warwick Democrat. Board member, Greenfield Community Association. Community organizer. Vocal opponent of MonOakland connector project.

Tells 1Hood Power she wants to rep resent the interests of gentrifying com munities like Hazelwood and Greenfield against those of outside investors, “so that we would have a voice in development, budget allocation and essentially the future of Pittsburgh.’”

Matthew Alan Mahoney Independent. Director of government affairs for Sustainable Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania Solar Center. Army National Guard veteran who was deployed in Iraq.

Per WESA, supports increased investment in transit and affordable housing. Tells Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he wants to represent the entire district by pitching to the center, adding, “community engagement means everybody, not just those that have the loudest voice.”

Robert McCune Independent. No visible platform. Has declined multiple media inquiries. •

THE NAIL-BITER: PA HOUSE DISTRICT 33

BY ALICE CROW // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

District has shifted significantly East following 2021 redistricting. Now includes Alle-Kiski Valley communities of Aspinwall, Sharpsburg, Fox Chapel, Harmar, Springdale, East Deer, Tarentum, Brackenridge, Fawn, Indiana and part of O’Hara. Republican incumbent Lori Mizgorski was eliminated from the district by the new maps.

CANDIDATE

Democrat. Fox Chapel resident and council member. Cofounder, Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy. Founder, Goats for Girls. Green infrastructure advocate.

BIO

ABORTION

Believes the constitutional right to privacy entitles women to make decisions on their reproductive health. Pledges to uphold abortion rights if elected.

ENVIRONMENT

Advocates for an eventual transformation to 100% renewable energy in the state. Will work to ban environmentally destructive practices, like fracking, if elected. Helped pass a ban on coal tar — a hazardous byproduct of coke production — as a Fox Chapel council member.

Republican. Business owner and entrepreneur. Unsuccessfully ran for state Senate in 2002. Penn State and Carnegie Mellon University graduate. Longtime Fawn resident.

ECONOMY

Calls for union clean energy jobs and green infrastructure projects. Believes budget cuts to Port Authority have also hampered economic development. Supports additional transit investment.

Endorsed by anti-abortion group LIFEPAC. Opposes abortion rights but supports exceptions in instances of rape, incest, and life of the mother.

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $60,839

Advocates for further production of coal, oil, and natural gas to foster growth. Believes fostering “a good working relationship” between regulators and energy sector can boost production without compromising clean air laws.

Believes rebuilding infrastructure through government and private industry will lead to a revitalized commercial sector, locally. Believes growth in regional manufacturing would bring more “high-disposable-income jobs.”

Reported fundraising since January 2021: $34,504

TED FAWN

MANDY STEELE

Follow news editor Jamie Wiggan on Twitter @JamieWiggan

CANDIDATE CONUNDRUM

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

SEVERAL

LIKELY WINNERS in local races this year have also placed their hopes on higher offices, or, in one case, they have died. What does this mean for your vote?

If a nominee is running for multiple offices and wins both, they must forfeit one before they can fill another. The seat they chose to vacate then reopens and must be filled by a special election.

If a nominee dies between the primary and general elections, and their party does not appoint a replacement, they can still win the seat if they secure the most votes. But for obvious reasons, they cannot be sworn in, and so, in this case, the race must also be opened up for a special election.

Below, Pittsburgh City Paper walks you through the special election scenarios in several Allegheny County races.

House District 34: Summer Lee (unopposed)

Democrat Summer Lee has served Pennsylvania’s 34th House district since 2019, and she’s the only one on the ballot this year. But Lee is also running for a seat in the U.S. Congress, where polls show her as the likely winner.

How can I vote?

Voters can either elect Lee or submit a write-in candidate.

What happens next?

Assuming Lee wins both races, she can be expected to vacate her Pennsylvania seat, opening it up to a special election. In this scenario, Lee’s primary opponent, Abigail Salsbury, has indicated that she intends to put herself forward again. The Republican Party, which did not nominate a candidate during the primaries, can also select another candidate.

If Lee loses her congressional race, she will almost definitely retain her seat in the General Assembly as she is running unopposed.

House District 32:

Tony DeLuca v. Zara Livingston

Longtime incumbent, Democrat Tony Deluca, died last month after winning his party’s nomination in May. He is opposed by Green Party candidate Zara Livingstone.

How can I vote?

Voters can opt for DeLuca or Livingston, who will both appear on the ballot, or they can write-in a candidate.

What happens next?

If DeLuca wins, his seat will immediately be vacated, and a special election where all parties can select new nominees will follow. If Livingston wins, she can assume office as usual.

House District 35: Austin Davis v. Don Nevills

Incumbent Austin Davis is on the ballot to retain his seat while also being the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor.

How can I vote?

Voters can opt for Davis or Nevills, or they can write-in a candidate.

What happens next?

If Davis wins the lieutenant governor race, and he accepts it, he must forfeit his seat in the state House, forcing a special election where all parties can chose new nominees. If Nevills wins, he can assume office as usual. •

CP ILLUSTRATION: LUCY CHEN Summer Lee, Tony DeLuca, and Austin Davis

VIEWS

SAVING OURSELVES

BY TERENEH IDIA // CPCONTRIBUTORS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

THESPARK that created a climate scientist began when Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel asked Santa Claus, “Where’s all the ice?!”

Mr. Claus may not have been within earshot of Ekwurzel, although she and a team of scientists were in the Arctic Ocean approaching the North Pole on an icebreaker that was, alarmingly, not breaking any ice at all.

Ekwurzel, a senior climate scientist and director of climate science for the Climate & Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, explains over a

video call that her love of earth sciences began as a child in Pittsburgh – seeing the rivers, scrambling over abandoned coal mines, picking up fossils, and even watching the coal barges sailing over the Monongahela.

Ekwurzel had to experience the climate crisis up close and personal — for her, being in Mr. Claus’ Neighborhood — before being ready to take action.

For me, it was going to graduate school in Kenya and seeing the lack of access to food, water, and shelter as a direct result of the climate crisis. Ekwurzel went

from being interested in learning about groundwater health to our global health.

Although, she asks that people not say “Save the Planet.”

“I hate that saying,” says Dr. Ekwurzel. “The planet is going to be fine, it’s about saving ourselves and the other animals, plants, all of our family members.”

Fast forward to September 2022, and Ekwurzel is in Greenland with leaders in the private and public sectors, and poli cymakers, observing glaciers. “We went to a glacier that was the most active, it’s calving most of the time,” says Ekwurzel.

“We were there for nearly 24 hours.”

She adds, “We kept hearing the groaning and moaning of this glacier ... I was brought to tears.”

At this point in the conversation, I have to be honest and say I am feeling dispir ited. So I ask Ekurzel, what can we do?

“We can acknowledge the pain,” Ekwurzel says. She, at times, feels like, “We have not done enough.”

But this is how her hope is renewed. “I feel the log jam breaking, the log jam of resistance to doing nothing, which is choosing really serious suffering.” The

CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM, JARED MURPHY, AND RAYNI SHIRING

PHOTO PROVIDED Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel

leaders who saw and heard the moaning death cries of that glacier in Greenland just a few weeks ago are committed to making the climate crisis a top priority.

But what of Pittsburgh? Santa does not live here, nor is this Puerto Rico or Greenland. What is Pittsburgh’s climate crisis legacy and future?

Ekwurzel acknowledges our Industrial Age history: “We kept the lights on, we’re proud of it … If it was a cloudy day, it was because people were working: burning coal, making steel … building bridges around the world.”

But Pittsburgh can, and, in some ways, is creating a new climate legacy by ensuring new buildings are more energy efficient. “You do not have to go too far outside of the Pittsburgh to see people can make choices,” Ekwurzel continues.

outside” in a weather report. Right now we have warmed up to about 11 days a year with a Heat Index of 90 degrees or more. Important point, most of the global warming began in the 1950s with a major ity of it happening in the past 30 years.

If we don’t do enough to mitigate the climate crisis, we are projected to reach 88 days above 90, basically, all summer. Now before you get excited about Pittsburgh being meteorologically transported into Arkansas, think about how that heat will impact an already aging infrastructure, housing, agricul ture, outdoor workers, out-dated power grid and an aging population.

Before despair sets back in, Dr Ekwurzel suggests actions:

– Pick the easiest thing you can do, and share what you did and how it benefited you. Examples include installing a pro grammable thermostat in your living space that can reduce your heating and cooling bills, washing clothes in cold water, and using public transportation, as well as walking, biking, and carpool ing. The Union of Concerned Scientists website has a robust blog with articles and more information: ucsusa.org

– Hold political and business leaders accountable for climate crisis action or non-action.

Those choices are renewable energy and the jobs connected to sustainability. And there are technologies and solu tions, “We have not even thought of yet,” Ekwurzel says with palpable joy. The joy in reducing suffering. She offered Texas as an example, a state known as both a big oil and wind energy producer.

Pennsylvania can do the same right now — according to PennFuture’s 2021 report, we spend about $300 each on fossil fuel subsidies. Imagine if that nearly $4 billion was invested in sustainable energy.

As we see an increase in climate disruptions, some in Pittsburgh have begun to speak of a “safe zone” for climate change. To this Dr. Ekwurzel says simply, “No.” As she pulls up a presentation from the Union of Concerned Scientists called “Too Hot To Work.”

The Heat Index is humidity plus the nominal temperature “What it feels like

– Pay attention to what companies are doing and how they are doing it. Ekwurzel adds, “Be aware of ‘green washing,’ companies saying they are … conducting their business in a way that is better for the climate, but often com panies make tiny investments which they make sound larger via advertising.”

– Repurpose unused buildings, invest in energy-efficient residential homes, and in infrastructure that supports those most affected by climate disasters and events.

Stop tax payer subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and invest it renewable energy.

Ekwurzel ends our talk by saying: “If you do nothing else, vote. The atmo sphere’s heat-trapping ability is nonpartisan … but solutions exist everywhere and every community has to take their own solutions, their own trade-offs that matter to them … Together we’ll get there faster. We can design our own future.”

That’s a better gift than anything on Santa’s sleigh. •

Follow featured contributor Tereneh Idia on Twitter @TerenehIdia

Mozart’s

opera

“The planet is going to be fine, it’s about saving ourselves and the other animals, plants, all of our family members.”

SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH

THU., OCT. 27

LIT • IRL • OAKLAND

The Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series will host a reading from acclaimed writer Dantiel W. Moniz’s debut short story collection, Milk Blood Heat. Inspired by Moniz’s home state of Florida, the book tells stories that, according to her website, “contemplate human connection, race, womanhood, inheritance, and the elemental darkness in us all.” Stay after the reading, taking place at the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, to hear Moniz talk about her work in a Q&A and conversation. 7:309 p.m. 650 Schenley Drive, Oakland. Free. pghwriterseries.pitt.edu

FRI., OCT. 28

EVENT • IRL • HILL DISTRICT

The first ever PGH Rebuilding Fest at the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center will provide resources for home repairs and renovations. Designed for low-income homeowners on a budget, experts will be on hand to point you in the right direction for your next home improvement project. Hear live music from Ferdinand the Bull and the James Johnson Jazz Trio and sip beer from

GoodLander and Allegheny City Brewing while you plan your new cabinet color. 5 p.m. 1852 Enoch St., Hill District. Free. facebook. com/rebuildingtogetherpittsburgh

COMEDY • IRL • ALLENTOWN

Katherine Blanford brings her self-described “human Golden Retriever presence” to Bottlerocket Social Hall. Her comedy ranges from raucous nannying stories to tales of awkward brunch encounters. She just released her debut album, Salt Daddy, earlier this year, which topped the iTunes comedy charts. Offstage, you can hear Blanford on the podcast Cheaties, where she pokes fun at stories of infidelity from her life. She’s hot off a spot on The Tonight Show, so see her now before she blows up. 9 p.m. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $20. bottlerocketpgh.com

SAT., OCT. 29

DRAG • IRL • DOWNTOWN

Check out the debut stand-up show from “America’s favorite southern redhead.” Taking place at the Byham Theater, Dixie Longate: Cherry Bombs & Bottle Rockets promises a fun time that will have you “walking into your new self with a bang.” From country music to UFO encounters, Dixie Longate looks back on

the past two years of the pandemic and the breakfast vodkas we drank to make it through. Plus, buy a Meet and Greet ticket and you’ll get to chat with the “Tupperware lady” herself. 2 and 8 p.m. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $49-59. pittsburghclo.org

EVENT • IRL • MONROEVILLE

Whether you’re returning to your childhood passion or an avid collector, Brick Fest Live at the Monroeville Convention Center has you covered on all your LEGO needs. A celebration of all things LEGO, the event will feature valuable sets for sale, life-sized models on display, and hands-on zones perfect for kids. Add on to a Guinness World Record-setting mosaic and check out live performances from LEGO enthusiasts from around the world. Tickets are selling out fast, so don’t wait to grab yours. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 30. 209 Mall Blvd, Monroeville. $20-40. brickfestlive.com/2021-2022

SUN., OCT. 30

MUSIC • IRL • DOWNTOWN

Check out the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s new set of keys at the Steinway Debut with Yefim Bronfman at Heinz Hall.

Guest musician Yefim Bronfman will debut the venue’s new Steinway concert piano with

a rendition of Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 22.” The show will be accompanied by the debut of Swedish composer Rolf Martinsson’s “Open Mind” and Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 2,” both led by music director Manfred Honeck. 2:30 p.m. $600 Penn Ave., Downtown. $20-97. pittsburghsymphony.org

EVENT • IRL • NORTH SIDE

Take it all the way to eleven during the Carnegie Science Center’s Laser Stranger Things show. Expect dazzling laser displays of the show’s hit ‘80s soundtrack, featuring songs like “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, and recreations of famous scenes from the past four seasons. Enjoy the show from the comfort of your seat without worrying about Vecna breathing down your neck. 4 p.m. One Allegheny Ave., North Side. $8. carnegiesciencecenter.org/liveshows/ laser-shows

MON, OCT. 31

KIDS • IRL • NORTH SIDE

Get spooky with the whole family at Pittsburgh Children’s Museum Halloween Fun at the Museum offers a full day off activities to keep kids entertained, such as spider weaving, creepy calligraphy, glow-in-the-dark screen printing, and story time with “silly stories about

IRL

/ STREAMING OR ONLINE-ONLY EVENT

HYBRID / MIX OF IN REAL LIFE AND ONLINE EVENT

PHOTO: OPEN WORLD INC. ^ Brick Fest Live

A VERY BIG LIST OF HALLOWEEN 2022 EVENTS IN PITTSBURGH read the list online at pghcitypaper.com

our feelings.” Don’t forget to come in costume. Children and families in their best scary wear will receive 10% off at the museum café, a chance to enter a museum gift basket raffle, and a discount in the museum store. 10 a.m.5 p.m. 10 Children’s Way, North Side. $16-18. pittsburghkids.org

TUE., NOV. 1

FILM • IRL • LAWRENCEVILLE

Row House Cinemas spotlights classic and contemporary Polish movies with Pittsburgh Polski Film. Five Polish films, three of which will be making their Pittsburgh debut, are a part of the lineup. Fill in your movie knowledge blind spots with films like Europa Europa, Agnieszka Holland’s acclaimed 1990 WWII drama starring a pre-Before Trilogy Julie Delpy. For a more offbeat pick, check out EO , a 2022 drama told through the eyes of an itinerant donkey. Showtimes vary. Continues through Nov. 4. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $10-12. rowhousecinema.com

ART • IRL • OAKLAND

The new exhibition at the University of Pittsburgh’s University Art Gallery explores

TUE., NOV. 1

the work of a transgender artist in Greer Lankton: Science Fictions. Lankton, whose lifelike sewn dolls have been a permanent collection at the Mattress Factory since 1996, created a legacy of artwork that explores worlds beyond the male-female binary. The exhibit highlights the ways Lankton “probed myths of sex and gender” through the sculptures and drawings she constructed throughout her career. Continues through Dec. 9. 104 Schenley Dr., Oakland. Free. uag.pitt.edu

WED., NOV. 2

MAGIC • IRL • DOWNTOWN Blink and you’ll miss The Enchanted Cards of Buenos Aires , a new show by Henry Evans at Liberty Magic . Nicknamed “Argentina’s merry magician” on his website, Evans’ original card routines have earned him shows and competition prizes across the world. Part of Liberty Magic’s “Focus on Argentina Series,” the event marks the show’s American premiere. Come experience the magic firsthand and expect a closing “magical feat only attempted once before in American history.” 7:30 p.m. Continues through Dec. 4. 811 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $40-75. trustarts.org

PHOTO: HANWAY FILMS

^ Still from EO , part of Pittsburgh Polski Film at Row House Cinema

Why you need dental insurance in retirement.

Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, throughemployer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.

Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparing plans ...

Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.

Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.

Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.

Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1

That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.

Previous dental work can wear out.

Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.

Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $217 for a checkup ... $189 for a filling ... $1,219 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

MIDNIGHTS BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY // BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

All Crazee

“I don’t worry”

“Now that I have your dental policy, I don’t worry about going to the dentist. I love your plan — you pay what you say!”

Colleen W., MO

CREDIT REPAIR

Denied Credit?? Work to Repair Your Credit Report With The Trusted Leader in Credit Repair. Call Lexington Law for a FREE credit report summary & credit repair consultation. 855-620-9426. John C. Heath, Attorney at Law, PLLC, dba Lexington Law Firm. (AAN CAN)

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-22-11770, In re petition of Bethany Gary parents and legal guardian of Tah’Liyah Latoy Hancock for change of name to Tah’Liyah Latoy Gary.

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 22nd day of November 2022, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

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NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-22-009911 In re petition of Courtney Leigh Drahovsky for change of name to Courtney Leigh Esseltine To all persons interested: Notice is here by given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 3rd day of November, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for. Shannon D. Sacca Esquire, Attorney for Petitioner. Bunde & Roberts, P.C., Benedum Tree Building 223 4th Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15222. 412-391-4330

MASSAGE

M2M Massage by Lee Lean athletic shape. Discreet with 22 years experience. 24/7 • 412-628-1269

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PUBLIC AUCTION

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on November 1, 2022, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for:

PGH. SCHILLER 6-8

• Finish Floor Replacement and Miscellaneous Work

• General and Asbestos Abatement Primes

PGH. KING PREK-8

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTICE is hereby given that a Certificate of Limited Partnership was filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for a limited liability partnership formed under the Pennsylvania Partnership Act. The name of the partner ship is: Firewood Fella, LLC. D Scott Lautner, Esq. 68 Old Clairton Rd. Pittsburgh PA, 15236. 412-650-8820

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-22-009909 In re petition of Erik Russell Peasland for change of name to Erik Russell Esseltine To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court au thorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 3rd day of November, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for. Shannon D. Sacca Esquire, Attorney for Petitioner. Bunde & Roberts, P.C., Benedum Tree Building 223 4th Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15222. 412-391-4330

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTICE is hereby given that a Certificate of Limited Partnership was filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for a limited liability partnership formed under the Pennsyl vania Partnership Act. The name of the partnership is: Top Flight Grilling & BBQ, LLC. D Scott Lautner, Esq. 68 Old Clairton Rd. Pittsburgh PA, 15236. 412-650-8820

STUDY SMOKERS

WANTED

The University of Pittsburgh’s Alcohol & Smoking Research Lab is looking for people to participate in a research project. You must:

• Currently smoke cigarettes

• Be 18-49 years old, in good health, and speak fluent English

• Be right handed, willing to not smoke before two sessions, and to fill out questionnaires

Earn up to $260 for participating in this study.

For more information, call (412) 407-5029

NOTICE

BMW ‘06 325

Petitioners

Request to Order

Transfer of Title. Vin #WBAVB 13536PS66168

Court Date Nov. 4, 2022 11:45 AM City County Bldg, 414 Grant St. Pgh PA 15219, Rm 703, $0 512-525-1880

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 6400 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15206 November 3, 2022 at 1:15 PM. 1020 Kyna Kearney, 1035 Charmaine Moore, 2005 Shelley Barren, 2049 Sharnina Grayson, 2056 Jenn Bakal, 3005 Hannah Williams , 3007 H. E. Gatewood, 3017 Aja Thompson, 4024 William Kingston, 5006 Rahim Tarvar, L041 Michelle Charles, L081 Terrance Walker, L085 Angela Pondexter. The auction will be listed and adver tised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 880 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15226 November 3, 2022, at 1:00 PM. 2021 Ashley Brace, 2071 Davina Baldwin, 3091 DeyKwane Cooper, 3179 Ian Stefnides, 4094 Caravan’s Group Ltd, 4116 Curtis Robinson, 4189 Chris Zimmerman. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 902 Brinton Rd Pittsburgh, Pa 15221, November 3rd, 2022 at 1:30pm of auction. Charles Johnson 1200, Sponce Cade 1116, Shaquana Grant 3049. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 111 Hickory Grade Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, 11/3/2022, 12:30 PM. Jessica Russell-Melvin 1221, Justin Patterson 3077, Lindsey Bell 3097, Lindsey Bell 3202, Rachael Doven 3369. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

• Replace EM (Emergency) Generator

• General and Electrical Primes

PGH. ALLEGHENY PREK-5 AND ALLEGHENY 6-8

• Replace EM (Emergency) Generator

• General and Electrical Primes

Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on October 10, 2022, at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district.