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Libertarian, 2 independents enliven City Council races

Libertarian, 2 independents enliven City Council races

The South Side volunteer swim coach and community activist has tried for years to crack one-party control of Pittsburgh politics, and he has three losing campaigns under his belt to attest to the lopsided odds against a Libertarian such as himself of beating a Democrat in the fall election.

Even so, Rauterkus, 48, and independent candidates David Adams, 49, of East Hills and David Schuilenburg, 34, of Summer Hill vow to wage aggressive campaigns through Election Day in hopes of snagging seats on City Council, where all members have been Democrats for decades.

"I don't want to give a free pass to anyone. The citizens lose when there is not an option. By me running, I think it keeps them a little more honest and allows discussions to occur," says Rauterkus, who also is a Libertarian candidate for city controller on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Adams is running against the Rev. Ricky Burgess, 50, of Homewood, who beat a crowded field, including Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle, to take the Democratic nomination in District 9.

Schuilenburg opposes Councilwoman Darlene Harris, 54, of Spring Hill, a former school board member who won the seat in a special election last year and beat two challengers in the Democratic primary.

"I think we need new energy and directions," said Rauterkus, who bases his campaigns on a pledge to do more for the city's young people. "Nobody on Grant Street has kids as a top priority. That's certainly my top priority."

The Libertarian has proposed an annual Youth Technology Summit as a regional event to bring architects, engineers, artists and other professionals together with young people for "a lot of mentoring and inter-generational" exchange of ideas. Rauterkus has called for formation of a regional parks district to improve recreational facilities.

Kraus, the Democrat, said he's taking nothing for granted. "I haven't stopped since the primary," he said. "We've kept it in campaign mode the entire time."

He has pledged to spend taxpayer's money "responsibly" and to work to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh.

"We're working for safe streets, clean neighborhoods and responsible management of natural resources," Kraus said.

Adams said he soon will announce a "citywide crime prevention program" that brings all city neighborhoods "under one crime-prevention umbrella."

"I believe the Democratic Party is solely responsible for the condition of our neighborhoods, and the condition of the black populace in the city with disparities and the lack of an economic foundation and opportunities," Adams said.

Democratic nominee Burgess said his campaign continues to focus on development and crime prevention in District 9, and the city's money problems in general.

"We've got to spur growth. We need more housing. We have to find a way to attract people to move back into the city," Burgess said.

Schuilenburg pledges to "restore credibility in local government, improve public safety, create an atmosphere of change to bring new residents to the city" and work to improve Pittsburgh environmentally. He wants a ban on semi-automatic handguns and a requirement that everyone carries identification when out in public in the city. He would roll back and freeze the pay scale for council members while Pittsburgh is financially distressed.

Harris said she continues to focus on public safety issues and "fiscally responsible" spending.

"I've enjoyed working for my constituents in the last year and look forward to serving them the next four years," she said.