Here's what some people are saying about Coghill...

From today's Post-Gazette:

Post-Gazette

I have been a resident of Brookline for more than 20 years. In recent years I have seen a decline in businesses not only in Brookline but in other neighborhoods in District 4. I have driven on Brookline Boulevard, Brownsville Road in Carrick and Broadway Avenue in Beechview, and I noticed they all have something in common: A lot of businesses that were once there are not anymore.

We need leaders with strong community networks and intellectual talent to revitalize District 4; we also need leaders with an excellent amount of experience. That is why I strongly believe Anthony Coghill is the best candidate to represent District 4 on City Council.

Anthony started his own roofing business right out of high school. It became the top roofing business in the South Hills. He was able to make more than $2 million in payroll and, mainly, knows how to start a business and run a business.

Anthony is a lifelong resident of District 4, hailing from Beechview, and had a wonderful opportunity to serve his district as a constituent liaison to state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana.

As a Pittsburgh native and District 4 native as well, I can cast my vote for Anthony Coghill and hope that other residents of District 4 will do the same. Experience is a top-notch priority when it comes to representing and revitalizing a neighborhood.

BRANDON DUKES
Brookline


Yesterday's Post-Gazette

Post-Gazette

Yes, good for him

Regarding the May 8 article "Mayor's Support of Unendorsed Coghill Irks Some Democrats": If party loyalty means endorsing the committee-preferred candidate over the person you believe is best for the job -- well, I for one would like to see less "loyalty" and more personal integrity. Good for Mr. Ravenstahl, who clearly believes in the latter!

JONATHAN ALDRICH
Squirrel Hill

Kudos to the mayor for independent thinking

Last week, the Post-Gazette ran an article about how Mayor Luke Ravenstahl had the unmitigated nerve to support Anthony Coghill, a Democratic candidate unendorsed by the party for City Council ("Mayor's Support of Unendorsed Coghill Irks Some Democrats," May 8).

I greatly admire Mayor Ravenstahl for any number of reasons, but one of them is that he is not a blind follower of what the party bigwigs dictate. If he feels that Mr. Coghill is the best man for the job, as I do, I am glad that he has the courage of his convictions and will stand up for the things he thinks are right.

This may be heresy to Karen Waight, a county Democratic Committee member for many years, but it is good -- nay great -- news for Mayor Ravenstahl's, and what will be Mr. Coghill's, constituents. Instead of "business as usual" for us enlightened Democrats, we will have sentient, committed representatives looking out for our interests. After all, isn't the primary's purpose to express the will of the committed party members, not merely to echo the long-term committee members' opinions?

Finally, the implied threat of "reprisals" is disturbing, but it rings a little hollow. Isn't Mr. Ravenstahl enjoying a projected lead of 10 to 1, even after his grievous slight to the party?

PALMA WARNER
Beechview