★ ALLEGHENY COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 13 ★
BATTLE FOR THE NORTH SIDE
With the departure of Democratic Allegheny County Councilor Amanda Green Hawkins and the primary defeat of a candidate backed by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, the door is open for a fresh face. The district encompasses Lawrenceville, the Strip District, Downtown, Bellevue, all of the North Side and sections of the South Side.
BIOGRAPHY
Raheem, a 62-year-old resident of Manchester, works as a community organizer for the Hill District Consensus Group. He is also a community activist working on issues such as police accountability, sustainable wages and affordable housing. He is running under the New Afrikan Independence Party, which he founded in 2012.
ROLE OF COUNCIL
Says she wants to be an “independent voice” on council and that many current council members have been receptive to her. Ranalli-Russell says she recognizes the tension that exists among current members, but says that “we should all have the same goal of having the best interests for the county.”
Wants to represent the opposite of the prevailing “rubber stamp” role of county council. “I hope to bring a different style that seeks to empower the people I represent,” says Raheem. He says he wants to focus on the best interests of the people of District 13 and the people of Allegheny County.
Wants to introduce legislation that would protect low-income residents and seniors from sewage rate increases from ALCOSAN. Also supports advocating for issues in Bellevue, since it is the only independent borough in District 13 that is not a part of Pittsburgh.
Would work for $15 minimum wage countywide, and wants to have the county pass “ban the box” legislation so that job applicants do not have to disclose their criminal history on job applications for low-level work. Wants to establish a county civilian police-review board.
Says guards at the facility are overworked. Believes that warden Orlando Harper is instituting policies that hinder guards’ ability to do their jobs and is calling for Harper’s firing. Happy with the county increasing its jail health-care budget and hopes to see improvements in inmates’ health care.
Says county is headed in the right direction by increasing health-care funding. Says warden Orlando Harper should be fired. Is glad to see the county with direct control of jail health care, but would like to see citizens have a more active voice at the jail.
Ranalli-Russell is officially endorsed by Pittsburgh firefighters and the Allegheny County Labor Council. Also endorsed by Teamsters Local 249.
No officials endorsements, but says he represents the community, can speak confidently on issues, and knows what underlying problems are affecting the county.
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 10.21/10.28.2015
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KHALID RAHEEM
Democrat Denise Ranalli-Russell, 48, has worked at Ranalli’s Classic Barber Shop for 25 years and took over as owner from her father last year. She serves on the 27th Ward Democratic Committee and lives in Brighton Heights. Through her business, she provides free haircuts to low-income residents and seniors.
COUNTY JAIL
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