Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey promises to unite city in inaugural address

Pittsburgh’s new mayor, Ed Gainey, reiterated his campaign promise of making Pittsburgh a city for all during his inauguration Monday.

Formerly a state representative, Gainey — who campaigned on promises to reimagine the police, create more affordable housing and unite a divided city — was sworn in as Pittsburgh’s 61st mayor and the city’s first mayor of color.

He began his inaugural address by thanking the Pittsburgh voters who elected him.

“I understand that your trust and your confidence is not permanent, but something that must be earned and protected every single day,” Gainey said.

Ed Gainey began his inaugural address by recognizing three former mayors in attendance: Bill Peduto, Luke Ravenstahl and Tim Murphy.

He then thanked Pittsburgh voters, promising to earn their confidence every day. pic.twitter.com/yJwcv4J0it

— Julia Felton (@JuliaFelton16) January 3, 2022

After defeating incumbent Mayor Bill Peduto in the May primary, Gainey won a decisive general election victory over retired police officer Tony Moreno. A Republican candidate hasn’t been elected mayor since the 1930s.

Gainey’s win was seen as a hopeful sign for many Black Pittsburgh residents.

There was no in-person public participation in Gainey’s inauguration, but the event was livestreamed for the city to watch. Former mayors Peduto, Luke Ravenstahl and Tom Murphy and other local officials joined the event in person.

Gainey told supporters he plans to uphold the promises he made during his campaign.

“My promise to you is that we will work to make Pittsburgh the Pittsburgh you voted for — a city where economic opportunity is abundant for everyone, a city where affordability isn’t a luxury, and a city that is prepared to lead into the future,” he said. “From today forward, our city’s leadership will be a direct reflection of the people we serve.”

In his inaugural address, Gainey said he hoped to make Pittsburgh a leader in transportation by collaborating with the Port Authority, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and PennDOT to work toward “multi-modal transit options, options that will be walkable, technology and connectivity.”

He said he hopes to help the next generation of Pittsburghers “by establishing policies that create and sustain investments in literacy, career and workforce development, civic infrastructure and housing options.”

Pittsburgh Public Schools recognized the day as Mayor Edward Gainey Day, said school board member Devon Taliaferro, who spoke in a prerecorded video.

She said school leaders “hope that our district can build a bridge toward a stronger partnership with the city of Pittsburgh.”

In a press briefing after the inauguration ceremony, Gainey said he also would like to strengthen ties with the city’s school district.

“We have to have a relationship,” he said. “They’re our children.”

Though Gainey’s inauguration is a historic moment as he becomes the city’s first Black mayor, he said he did not run to make history, but to make change.

“We will not be divided. Rather, we will strive for solidarity and face our most pressing issues together,” he said. “I intend to represent every resident of Pittsburgh, not only those who voted for me, but those who didn’t vote for me. We are one city. We are one Pittsburgh.”

“My administration will be progressive, principled and always on the side of the people,” he said.

His inauguration — part of which was prerecorded because of climbing covid-19 case counts — featured a drum and dance performance from Sankofa Village, a song from CAPA senior Francesca Rose and blessings from Michael Smith, who is Gainey’s pastor at Destiny Ministries.

Joining the inauguration remotely, Gov. Tom Wolf called Gainey “a very strong leader.”

“Under Mayor Gainey’s leadership, Pittsburgh can look forward to an even greater future,” Wolf said, praising Gainey’s “ambitious plans” for the city. “This is just what Pittsburgh needs.”

Gainey has not yet made any formal announcements about members of his administration and said he would not do so Monday. Gainey has previously confirmed that Jake Pawlak — who is serving as his transition director and has held posts at the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority — and state Rep. Jake Wheatley will have posts in his new administration, though he has not announced what roles they will have.

Gainey last week announced Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich will not have a role in his administration. A replacement has not yet been named. Police Chief Scott Schubert is currently remaining in his role.

Gainey, of Lincoln-Lemington, had previously announced a diverse transition team headed by co-chairs Angel Gober, who serves as the Western Pennsylvania Director for One Pennsylvania, and Silas Russell, vice president and political director of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments are providing additional transition assistance by hiring New Orleans-based Thomas Consulting Group. The consulting firm has been coordinating with Peduto’s administration to gather data that will show the functions of each city office, as well as the challenges and opportunities that exist there. A report containing that information is expected to be completed later this month and be made publicly available.

Gainey said he has “not been briefed on anything yet,” and therefore declined to comment on questions regarding Jim Rogers, who died after police used a taser on him repeatedly. His next few days, he said, will be full of “a lot of briefings.”

Gainey said he does plan to keep Peduto’s vaccine mandate for city employees in place “for right now,” though he wants to continue talks with the unions representing police and firefighters. City employees represented by those unions are not yet facing discipline if they don’t comply with the mandate, as negotiations are ongoing.

“It seems to be working,” Gainey said of the vaccine requirement.

The Peduto administration last week said 95% of city employees were fully vaccinated.

Gainey also said he was supportive of a measure passed by City Council last week that puts an end to traffic stops for minor, secondary violations — something that some argued should not have passed until Gainey was in office, considering he ran on a platform emphasizing police reform.

He also said is “comfortable” with recent efforts from City Council to strengthen their own powers. His appointments for assistant and deputy directors will now need to be interviewed by council.

Gainey said he had “butterflies” Monday, and didn’t expect they’d go away anytime soon.

“I’m excited,” he said. “But I see the challenges.”