Letter to the editor: Peduto's plan to run again is good news

As a first-time voter and teenage progressive, I found a recent bright spot in the political news — Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto seeking a third term (“Peduto makes it official, seeks 3rd term as Pittsburgh’s mayor,” Jan. 14, TribLIVE). Although Peduto saw raucous protests in front of his house this summer and calls for his resignation by angry activists, I believe his record reflects concrete, progressive achievements.

Many young voters take issue with Peduto’s disappointing response to the summer protests; I do not believe it reflects his overall police policy. Summer activists demanded limits to the police’s budget as it has grown by 49% since 2015. But the reality is that Pittsburgh’s overall $115 million police budget lags behind most comparably sized American cities. Peduto has worked with the Black Political Empowerment Project to address 20 points of concern surrounding Pittsburgh’s policing and is earning respect from community leaders for “concrete commitments.”

Most importantly, Peduto is championing the environment. He understands the climate crisis and the necessity to act now. His environmental policies extend far beyond bike lanes with ambitious goals to achieve by 2030, including 100% renewable energy in city facilities, matching global climate leaders like New Zealand.

Peduto gives me hope in a desperate time. He has earned my vote.

Gus Robinson

Point Breeze