Why I Disinvited Both Mayoral Candidates From the 2025 Political Q&A

This was a tough decision. You, dear readers, deserve candidates who follow through on their commitment to answer questions. We see this NOT playing out every single day as federal elected officials avoid town halls or other forms of engagement with their constituents. Both Democratic candidates for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh agreed to […]

Q&A with Shammen McCune, the Actor, Educator, and Artist

Magic happens (like empathy, compassion, respect, passion, trust…) when we take a moment to listen to one another, acknowledge our specific existence in the world without judgment, and respect each other Sometimes it is the show, sometimes it is the actor who connects with you, or me in this case. I find that when it is […]

The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Kellianne Frketic, Candidate for Allegheny County Council

My office will prioritize government accountability by increasing transparency in legislative and executive decisions. This includes strengthening ethics oversight, ensuring that government records and processes are accessible to the public, and advocating for independent commissions to prevent partisan gerrymandering or unchecked executive authority.  Meet the Candidate Welcome to the 2025 election season series ‘Political Q&A’ […]

Which Candidates Have Responded to Our 2025 Political Q&A

This weekend, we published number 13 in this series (Erika Strassburger) so it is time to update once again. I’ve reached out to over 40 campaigns, 20 have replied requesting a Q&A. So we are waiting on seven to be returned. And keeping open the door to other candidates. There are seven weeks left to […]

The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Erika Strassburger, Candidate For Pittsburgh City Council District 8

No one should be punished simply because they have found themself in an abusive relationship. Knowing how difficult it is for people to leave these relationships when the abuser has gained often emotional, financial, social, and physical power over them, I felt strongly that they should have every tool possible to gain their independence, freedom, […]

The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Lissa Geiger Shulman, Candidate For Allegheny County Council

I helped to found a group called “Hampton for All” which is a community resource for educators, parents, and students in our community. We have a visible presence at our school board promoting protection for all marginalized groups in the town, including trans students. Meet the Candidate Welcome to the 2025 election season series ‘Political […]

The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling, Candidate For Allegheny County Council

Kathleen Madonna Emmerling

While Allegheny County does include gender and gender expression in its anti-discrimination policy for employees, I support a county-level ordinance similar to the City of Pittsburgh fair employment ordinance (Chapter 659.02), is appropriate and feasible. The County often models its legislation after city policies pass.  Meet the Candidate Welcome to the 2025 election season series […]

These 10 Local Candidates Have Completed Our Political Q&A

Each time someone mentions how they are showing up to resist tyranny, I feel a twinge that I could be doing more. Then I remember how I’m spending a lot of my time – memorializing trans neighbors and the Political Q&A project. It is critical that we make informed decisions to put strong progressives into […]

The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Amanda Neatrour for Pittsburgh City Council, District Two

Representation in government is extremely important. We haven’t had a Black woman on City Council since 2009, and there have never been more than two Black people on council at any given time. I also do not recall the last time we had a truly active disability rights advocate who was also disabled on City […]

The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Eva Diodati Candidate for Pittsburgh Public School Board District 7

Schools are where kids go to learn how to be adults. The influence of a child’s family plays a part, but it is during their time at school that kids develop a sense of identity and an understanding of social dynamics. If we allow bigotry and hatred to penetrate our schools, then the adults we […]