Pittsburghers will see at least three referendum questions on their ballots this spring, with two aimed at ensuring the city isn’t forced to divest from companies with ties to Israel and a third asking voters to bar the city from privatizing its water and sewer infrastructure.
City Council on Tuesday voted to place on the May 20 primary ballot a question that would ask voters to make it official that the city cannot discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, association with foreign nations, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender, gender identity, disability or place of birth.
Another referendum will ask voters to prohibit using the home rule charter’s amendment process to pass measures that violate federal or state laws or otherwise order the city to do something it can’t legally do.
Those measures come in direct response to a pro-Palestinian group, Not On Our Dime, that has pushed for a ballot referendum to stop the city from doing business with any company that does business with Israel.
Members of the organization in a public hearing Monday claimed their measure wouldn’t conflict with City Council’s ballot questions or hamper the city’s ability to do business.
But Councilwoman Erika Strassburger, D-Squirrel Hill, said the Not On Our Dime effort would grind basic city functions to a halt, cutting off access to vital technology and automotive companies, among others.
Supporters of council’s efforts said it was imperative the city does not discriminate against Israeli-based companies, calling such a move antisemitic and claiming it would greatly hinder the city’s abilities to provide core city services.
“It sends a clear message that in Pittsburgh, we value equality, fairness, respect, regardless of background or identity,” Marjorie Manne, of Squirrel Hill, said during a Monday hearing. “This is a message that everyone in our community needs to hear, especially in a time when we see discrimination and bigotry so boldly rearing their ugly heads.”
Water and sewer question
An unrelated referendum also set to be included in the May ballot would bar the city from selling or leasing its water and sewer systems to private entities.
“It’s a basic human right to have access to clean and safe water,” said Jo Anne Tippett, advocacy coordinator for the Environmental Justice Table at Upstream Pittsburgh.
She said she feared rates could go up if private entities bought public water and sewer infrastructure, potentially making utility costs unaffordable for low-income residents.
But Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, D-West End, said she’s not sure that private companies would hike costs or cause problems.
Kail-Smith pointed out that some residents already complain about increasing Pittsburgh Water costs. And portions of the city — including parts of her district — are already serviced by private water companies, like Pennsylvania American Water.
“I’m just not sure whether the privatization of the utility company is such a bad thing,” she said. “It makes it a little more competitive.”
Council members were largely supportive of all three measures.
The bills barring discrimination and the sale of water and sewer authorities earned unanimous support Tuesday.
The measure calling for a referendum prohibiting charter amendments that go beyond the scope of the city’s legal authority was opposed by Councilwomen Deb Gross, D-Highland Park, and Barb Warwick, D-Greenfield.
Councilman Khari Mosley, D-Point Breeze, was absent for the votes.
Voters will decide the questions on the May primary ballot.