Dear Editor,

The College Democrats, as concerned students, have been thoroughly impressed… Dear Editor,

The College Democrats, as concerned students, have been thoroughly impressed with The Pitt News’ recent editorial opinions, for which we applaud this paper. Unfortunately, this makes us all the more serious when we say, “Shame on you, Pitt News, for endorsing Mark DeSantis!”

Your editorial argues first that Mayor Luke Ravenstahl hasn’t done much to retain youth in the city or clean up Oakland. This is simply false. Ravenstahl started and now chairs the Propel Pittsburgh Commission, which is comprised of students and young professionals and works to get them more involved in city government. Ravenstahl has also been on campus and engaged with students long before his official campaign began.

Secondly, Ravenstahl proposed legislation just this week that will eliminate South Oakland slumlords by implementing a three-strike policy that would result in landlords receiving invoices for each additional code violation and attach criminal charges for repeated violations.

The Pitt News editorial goes on to extol DeSantis’ business experience and how he can best manage the city. Unfortunately, despite DeSantis’ attempts to portray himself as a moderate Republican capable of fixing the city, his record speaks otherwise. This is the same man who worked in the first Bush White House, an administration that was about as fiscally responsible as Ronald Regan.

Additionally, he gave significant campaign contributions to both Bush campaigns and Rick Santorum. As much as DeSantis claims that he is the face of change, Pittsburgh is already experiencing change – with Mayor Ravenstahl. In 14 months, Ravenstahl has done more than some Pittsburgh mayors have done in the entirety of their tenures. Ravenstahl is the best candidate for change, for students and for this city.

Jim Sheppard President, College Democrats