Pittsburgh’s newest City Council member, Democrat Kim Salinetro, who will represent the city’s West End neighborhoods, took the oath of office on Monday.
Salinetro was sworn in alongside returning council members Anthony Coghill, D-Beechview, R. Daniel Lavelle, D-Hill District, and Erika Strassburger, D-Squirrel Hill, all of whom won another term.
Salinetro replaces longtime Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, who did not seek re-election.
Salinetro, a lifelong Pittsburgher who lives in the Banksville neighborhood, served as Kail-Smith’s chief of staff for more than 15 years.
“District 2 is a very special and unique place, as is our city,” Salinetro said. “I’ve lived in this district my entire life, and I’m honored and proud to be able to serve and move this forward. I see great things in the future for our district.”
Salinetro said she looked forward to working with the city’s new administration under Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor to streamline permitting for new developments, bolster economic growth in the West End neighborhoods she represents and hire more police officers.
Salinetro thanked Kail-Smith — who was unable to attend Monday’s swearing-in because of illness — for mentoring her.
“She’s a big reason that I’m here today,” Salinetro said.
Returning members
Lavelle was sworn in for a fifth term. Coghill and Strassburger each start their third.
“We ran a back-to-basics platform eight years ago, and we did just that,” Coghill said, adding that focus on core services would continue to be priority in his next term.
Coghill said he wants to pave more roads, rid his district of litter and celebrate the opening of a long-delayed public works division that will serve neighborhoods he represents.
Strassburger said she was committed to building bridges and restoring trust in government at a time when many Pittsburghers are wary of the federal administration.
“My core values, my inclusive approach to problem-solving, my dedication to public service, will never waver,” Strassburger said.
O’Connor made a brief speech from council chambers.
“This is a special place,” O’Connor said. “This is where the work of the people happens.”
He credited council members for taking on a “difficult job” because of their love of the city and their neighbors.
“We have a difficult job ahead of us,” O’Connor told council. “But I look forward to building a city for all of us and growing Pittsburgh with each and every one of you.”
Council status quo
As has been the case since the 1930s, there is an all-Democrat council. On Monday, members unanimously elected to maintain their leadership.
Lavelle will remain council president. Strassburger will continue in her role as council’s finance chair, and Councilman Bobby Wilson, D-North Side, will remain president pro tempore.
Lavelle said he was reminded of a quote his grandmother used to repeat when he was a child: “Once a task you have begun, be it big or be it small, do it well or not at all.”
Lavelle said council already has undertaken a plethora of important tasks, from investing in affordable housing and food justice initiatives to reducing violent crime and litter.
“The task is already begun,” Lavelle said. “Today, we’re going to stand here to recommit ourselves to finishing it very well.”