Pittsburgh mayoral Republican candidates hold debate
Pittsburgh's Republican mayoral candidates went head-to-head during KDKA-TV's debate less than two weeks before the primary election.
Retired Pittsburgh police officer Tony Moreno and Lawrenceville business owner Thomas West answered tough questions in the KDKA-TV studio to try to prove they should be the republican nominee for mayor of Pittsburgh.
Moreno touted his involvement in city government after spending 24 years inside the police department.
"I've gone through all of the actions that the city has put us in the position we're in now. They're easily reversed if you know exactly where those issues are in the budget and in policy," Moreno said.
West said he's coming in with no baggage and to get things done.
"What we have right now in the city of Pittsburgh is not working. So, I take the fact that I haven't been in a position in the city as a plus because I'm bringing new ideas," West said.
The two candidates explained what they would do to improve safety downtown.
"No matter how much money you spend, if you even perceive yourself to be unsafe, you're not going to go anywhere as a downtown. You have to be safe, and you have to perceive yourself to be safe," West said. "We have to remember though that safety is a city-wide thing, not just a downtown thing."
"One third of all police calls come from Downtown. That means that currently is the biggest problem, so that's where we have to attack it from. We have to build that model there, and it's not simply by putting more officers Downtown. Its enacting or reestablishing the policies that are utilized to take care of the issues," Moreno said.
Both Moreno and West believe they're the right man for the job of mayor. But they'll both have to overcome the city's history, as voters haven't elected a Republican since 1933.
"We have a Democrat side who is arguing over Trump money. That just tells me one thing. Tells me if they win, one of those two win, that means everyone who is not a Democrat in that small pond will not be listened to as we've not been listened to for many years," West said.
"It's entirely preposterous that we're still arguing about Republican and Democrats when we can plainly see the issues that are happening on the ground in the city," said Moreno.
The Democratic candidates, incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey and Corey O'Connor, debated on KDKA+ on Wednesday. The two answered questions about public safety, housing, the city's aging emergency vehicle fleet and more.
The primary election is set for May 20.
