Get The Election Choices Here! Posted on May 11, 2017 by wpengine Share this post People have been talking a lot about politics recently. Maybe you’ve noticed. Maybe you’ve wanted to do something about it. Maybe you’ve been struggling to find a way to make a difference. Sometimes government seems big, opaque, and far away, but next week we have a chance to vote in an election that will undoubtedly have real, tangible, local results. At GTECH, we work regularly with fantastic public officials (and aspiring public officials) throughout the county, from Mayors, to council people, to employees at local public works. We couldn’t do the work we do without their support. And they won’t be elected (or reelected) without your support. Do you worry about development in your community pushing your neighbors out? Do you want to improve your local park? Is your kid getting good grades? Is it safe for them to walk to school? What about those autonomous cars? What about the lead? What about our rivers? What about that pothole? Federal and state government get all the attention, but it’s County and City government that actually manages the daily operations of the public infrastructure all around you. Be sure the people doing this work know that your voice counts! On Tuesday, May 16, Allegheny County voters will be participating in a variety of primary elections, voting on races including Pittsburgh mayor, city council and school board, as well as Allegheny County Council, Sheriff, and judges. Here’s where you can go to learn about the individuals running for office: Pittsburgh – Mayor This year incumbent Bill Peduto faces two challengers, Darlene Harris and Rev. John Welch. You can listen to a forum with the three candidates here. And of course, if you’re like us, you probably want to know how the mayoral candidates stack up regarding all things green. Pittsburgh – City Council There’s only one contested City Council seat this primary, as outgoing Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak’s chief of staff Ashleigh Deemer faces off against Anthony Coghill, Democratic Party Chair for the 19th ward. Read more about that race here. Pittsburgh – School Board At $594.4 million, the district’s operating budget this year is larger than the city of Pittsburgh’s. The school board represents your voice in public education, meaning they are responsible for managing this substantial chunk of change to best accommodate school district needs and the wants of the community regarding the education of our children. This includes setting achievement standards, meaning they have a big say in what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Want our kids to know more about the environment? Want them to have more time for recess? Access to safe transportation? Healthy food? Be sure to vote! Here’s a bit of information about the race. Of course, there are 120 other municipalities in Allegheny County, each with their own local races. Be sure to check out those running for seats wherever you may live! Allegheny County Council County Council seats for districts 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 12 are up for election! Which district are you in? Finally, a whole slew of candidates are vying for seats on the bench at the County and State level as well. Read about them in this in-depth guide to the elections published by The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, a nonpartisan political organization. Don’t like any of the candidates? Consider running yourself next time! Since our country was founded, we’ve relied on each other’s energy, intelligence, and commitment to keep our communities healthy. And even if things seem uncertain, we should continue to trust that: “Should things go wrong at any time, the people will set them to rights by the peaceable exercise of their elective rights. ” Thomas Jefferson