Live chat of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's press conference

#ravenstahl spokesperson says media will be allowed into mayors office "in a couple minutes" #alreadyimprovingoveryesterday

Friday March 1, 2013 10:46 CharlieDee71

10:47

Lauren Daley:

This is news staffer Lauren Daley manning the livechat. We have @CharlieDee71 live at Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's press conference.

Friday March 1, 2013 10:47 Lauren Daley

10:49

Lauren Daley:

The press conference begins at 11 a.m. Both of the mayor's parents have arrived

Friday March 1, 2013 10:49 Lauren Daley

10:52

Live chat now launched pghcitypaper.com/Blogh/archives… submit comments, questions.

Friday March 1, 2013 10:52 lndaley

10:53

Lauren Daley:

While we wait, here's some background that has brought us to this point: The Pittsburgh Post uncovered multiple, mysterious bank accounts being tracked by the FBI, http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/investigators-tracking-multiple-pittsburgh-police-accounts-676099/; Ravenstahl, for days, stood by police chief Nate Harper. After meeting with federal investigators last week, however, Ravenstahl reversed his support and asked for Harper's resignation: http://www.pghcitypaper.com/Blogh/archives/2013/02/20/reversing-previous-support-ravenstahl-announces-harpers-departure-as-police-chief

Friday March 1, 2013 10:53 Lauren Daley

10:53

Packing in pic.twitter.com/BYfp1qj2gA

Friday March 1, 2013 10:53 CharlieDee71

10:54

Lauren Daley:

Meanwhile, questions began to swirl regarding these bank accounts, and it came out that Ravenstahl's own bodyguards had debit cards tied to these accounts. Then, a former bodyguard, Fred Crawford, tells the PG that Ravenstahl knew of the debit cards, as well as asked them to lie on their time sheets to conceal late-night partying. http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/ex-bodyguard-mayor-knew-of-credit-union-debit-cards-676387/

Friday March 1, 2013 10:54 Lauren Daley

10:56

Lauren Daley:

Ravenstahl formally launched his re-election campaign 11 days ago. At the age of 26, he became Mayor in 2006 after the death of Mayor Bob O'Connor. He's currently running against Democratic mayoral candidates city controller Michael Lamb and city councilor Bill Peduto.

Friday March 1, 2013 10:56 Lauren Daley

10:58

Lauren Daley:

The mayor has been absent at several campaign and public events in the last week.

Friday March 1, 2013 10:58 Lauren Daley

11:05

Lauren Daley:

Mayor entering with his parents

Friday March 1, 2013 11:05 Lauren Daley

11:05

Here we go #ravenstahl

Friday March 1, 2013 11:05 CharlieDee71

11:06

Lauren Daley:

"10 years go this month i began the journey that has lead me to where I stand today. I was an ambitious and energized 23 year old determined to make his neighborhood and city better."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:06 Lauren Daley

11:06

Ravenstahl now at the mic: "The city I ran for office to represent in 2003 no longer exists... It's evolved into a bigger and better place."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:06 PGHCityPaper

11:07

Lauren Daley:

"I'm proud of my role in making this city was it is today. I'm proud we're no longer bankrupt. I'm proud we employ more people in Pittsburgh today then ever before. I'm proud we have turned a corner and now see our population increasing for the first time in my lifetime. I'm proud that the dream that was the Pittsburgh Promise is now a reality touching more than over 3800 kids already. I'm proud of the Renainssance we've advanced in our neighborhoods and most notably in our core downtown."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:07 Lauren Daley

11:07

Ravensthal: "I'm proud that the dream that was the Pittsburgh Promise is now a reality ... I'm proud of what I've been able to achieve."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:07 PGHCityPaper

11:08

Lauren Daley:

"I'm proud of things i was able to achieve. ... This success however comes at a cost. the grueling demands of this office are difficult to describe, the sacrifice significant. those that pay the greatest price are those who are closest to me."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:08 Lauren Daley

11:08

Mayor: "This success has come at a cost. The grueling demands of this office are difficult to describe."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:08 PGHCityPaper

11:08

Ravenstahl says success comes at a cost. Mostly to his family

Friday March 1, 2013 11:08 CharlieDee71

11:08

Ravenstahl announces he will not seek reelection

Friday March 1, 2013 11:08 CharlieDee71

11:08

Mayor dropping bid for reelection "without any reservation and a clear mind."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:08 PGHCityPaper

11:08

Lauren Daley:

"After a careful and considerable amount of thought I have decided that that price has become too great to endure. As a result ... hear to announce I'm dropping my bid for re-election. I do so without any reservation and with a clear mind."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:08 Lauren Daley

11:09

Ravenstahl says investigation played no part in decision

Friday March 1, 2013 11:09 CharlieDee71

11:09

Mayor decries "nasty and vicious allegations." "Many will speculate about my motives," but investigation NOT reason for withdrawal

Friday March 1, 2013 11:09 PGHCityPaper

11:09

Lauren Daley:

Mayor says recent events, and nasty allegations, have lead him to this decision. "Many will speculate about my motives and conclude that the investigation is my reason for today. It's not. I've done nothing wrong. That will be proven over time."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:09 Lauren Daley

11:09

Lauren Daley:

"Politics for me have never been about winning....I'm not dropping from this race because I'm worried about losing. In fact I can say I'm more confident today" then he ever has.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:09 Lauren Daley

11:10

Ravenstahl says not worried about losing. "More confident" than ever

Friday March 1, 2013 11:10 CharlieDee71

11:10

Lauren Daley:

Says grateful for his supporters. As you can say " my mom is great...hope she looks half as good she does...she does have medical issue she's dealing with but I have no doubt she will overcome and defeat them."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:10 Lauren Daley

11:10

Mayor: mother does have medical issues, though "I have no doubt" that she will overcome them.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:10 PGHCityPaper

11:11

Ravenstahl is NOT resigning

Friday March 1, 2013 11:11 CharlieDee71

11:11

Lauren Daley:

Ravenstahl says honored to hold position. Says he'll continue to do the "best job i possibly can' in the next 10 months.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:11 Lauren Daley

11:11

Mayor: In next 10 months as mayor, "I will continue to follow my heart and do the best job that I possibly can."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:11 PGHCityPaper

11:11

Lauren Daley:

Cites Bill Cowher retirement speech. "Just like Bill Cowher I have been extremely blessed....I can proudly say that this North Side boy has lived his dream."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:11 Lauren Daley

11:12

Lauren Daley:

Says next job will be coaching his son's t-ball team

Friday March 1, 2013 11:12 Lauren Daley

11:12

Mayor: "This North Side boy has lived his dream." says his next job will be son's (unpaid) T-ball coach.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:12 PGHCityPaper

11:12

Ravenstahl says next move is to coach sons t ball yeam

Friday March 1, 2013 11:12 CharlieDee71

11:13

Lauren Daley:

Said he took time with the decision. says he does so without a clear mind and without reservation

Friday March 1, 2013 11:13 Lauren Daley

11:13

Ravenstahl says thoughts on not running have been materializing for a couple years

Friday March 1, 2013 11:13 CharlieDee71

11:13

Mayor, answering reporter, says he is NOT ruling out future run for office.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:13 PGHCityPaper

11:14

Lauren Daley:

"We're not going anywhere. We'll be here next 10 months."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:14 Lauren Daley

11:14

Ravenstahl says he's not going anywhere for 10 months

Friday March 1, 2013 11:14 CharlieDee71

11:14

Mayor: "I'm still focused on doing the job. Today's about not running for re-election."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:14 PGHCityPaper

11:14

Lauren Daley:

"It's been a great ride."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:14 Lauren Daley

11:15

Just a personal impression, but Ravenstahl actually seems more relaxed than when he announced Harper's departure.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:15 PGHCityPaper

11:16

Mayor: "when you spend more time ... responding to things that are false, that are harmful and hurtful ... it's [what] I enjoyed least."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:16 PGHCityPaper

11:16

Lauren Daley:

"When you're spending more time doing things or responding to things that are simply false they're harmful and hurtful and cause you to have to deal with and therefore take your eye off the ball. It's something that's the nature of the business but something I clearly enjoy least about the business."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:16 Lauren Daley

11:17

Lauren Daley:

"I've assumed we've cooperated with any inquiries [feds] have made with the city. .." says he hasn't talked to anyone about the fed investigation into police this week.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:17 Lauren Daley

11:17

Mayor asked about claim that security falsified pay records to conceal his after-midnight activities: "Simply not true."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:17 PGHCityPaper

11:18

[Comment From SophieSophie: ]

Sophie for Mayor

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 Sophie

11:18

[Comment From SophieSophie: ]

Too much partying at 7 springs

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 Sophie

11:18

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Wow.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 Ben

11:18

Ravenstahl says allegations by former bodyguard are not true

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 CharlieDee71

11:18

[Comment From WesleyWesley: ]

Is this being televised live anywhere?

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 Wesley

11:18

[Comment From WesleyWesley: ]

Is this televised or streamed anywhere?

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 Wesley

11:18

[Comment From BenBen: ]

What the next 9 months be like?

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 Ben

11:18

Lauren Daley:

being televised here: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/live-video/

Friday March 1, 2013 11:18 Lauren Daley

11:19

Lauren Daley:

"I along with my family was no longer willing to bear that cost and pay that price. I don't nkow if I can put my finger specifically on what "it" was or what "it" is in order to move forward I had to make a decision, and I did."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:19 Lauren Daley

11:19

Ravenstahl: "The cost one has to bear to do this job is one that I, along with my family, was no longer willing to bear."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:19 PGHCityPaper

11:19

Lauren Daley:

He's encouraging others to get involved in race, has a candidate in mind. Won't say who.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:19 Lauren Daley

11:19

Ravenstahl says he is encouraging another candidate specifically to get into the race

Friday March 1, 2013 11:19 CharlieDee71

11:19

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

It's easy to criticize, Sophie, until you've been there.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:19 Guest

11:19

[Comment From BenBen: ]

One blogger says he handled this perfectly today. So far, I agree. But I doubt that we know everything.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:19 Ben

11:19

Ravenstahl says he is encouraging a specific candidate to enter the race in his absence, won't disclose identity.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:19 PGHCityPaper

11:20

Lauren Daley:

Says he'll speak with hsi donors and decide what best course of action is with those dollars.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:20 Lauren Daley

11:20

Lauren Daley:

@Ben which blogger?

Friday March 1, 2013 11:20 Lauren Daley

11:21

Lauren Daley:

Says he respects the media but says it's changed in his time in politics, and for future candidates to be prepared.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:21 Lauren Daley

11:21

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Thatschurch @JanePitt

Friday March 1, 2013 11:21 Ben

11:21

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Here is her tweet: Man. He handled that perfectly. Who knows what the real reason is. But he handled it perfectly.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:21 Ben

11:22

Lauren Daley:

Thanks, Ben. There will be lots of speculation, observation, analysis next few days. Power of social discourse!

Friday March 1, 2013 11:22 Lauren Daley

11:22

Ravenstahl saying he has a candidate in mind has media in a frenzy

Friday March 1, 2013 11:22 CharlieDee71

11:23

Ravenstahl says he hasn't spoken with mystery candidate: "I don't know what the person may or may not do." He's chuckling at follow-up q's

Friday March 1, 2013 11:23 PGHCityPaper

11:23

Lauren Daley:

Which, coincidentally, is something he just cited about running. "I don't know that I'm burnt out. ... It was simply the toll that it's taken on me personally and my family personally. It's difficult to describe unless you live it. It's difficult for me to explain to my closest friends, even my parents."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:23 Lauren Daley

11:24

Lauren Daley:

"It's not really something I anticipated and contemplated until Mayor O'Connor got sick and passed away. I've been very fortunate to be here for 7 years."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:24 Lauren Daley

11:24

[Comment From BenBen: ]

He seems very mellow... at peace

Friday March 1, 2013 11:24 Ben

11:24

[Comment From BMABMA: ]

The toll it has taken on him? He's at bars and strip clubs every night!

Friday March 1, 2013 11:24 BMA

11:25

Lauren Daley:

BMA, earlier in the press conference he was asked about a similar accusation from former body guard and responded "it's simply not true."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:25 Lauren Daley

11:25

Lauren Daley:

Says his proudest moment is the Pittsburgh Promise. "I'm not going to get into regrets. e all have regrets in our life. That's just the nature of life."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:25 Lauren Daley

11:25

[Comment From sarahsarah: ]

what's cool is that the Pittsburgh Promise totally fixed the public schools!!!

Friday March 1, 2013 11:25 sarah

11:25

[Comment From BenBen: ]

I wasn't going to vote for him but I will admit a lot of good things happened in this city while he was mayor. Pittsburgh Promise is a great thing

Friday March 1, 2013 11:25 Ben

11:26

Mayor: Proudest accomplishment is Pgh Promise. Biggest regret? "I'm not going to get into regrets."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:26 PGHCityPaper

11:26

Ravenstahl says invoices from security detail will be released today

Friday March 1, 2013 11:26 CharlieDee71

11:27

Mayors says he'll make records available to prove "nothing improper was done" in terms of use of credit-union debit cards.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:27 PGHCityPaper

11:27

Lauren Daley:

Says he's going to make invoices from his security guards available to media today to show there was no wrong-doing on their part. "I know without a doubt I did nothing wrong and that is not why this decision was made. I know folks won't believe that. Maybe you guys don't even believe it. But over time the truth will prevail, and it will come out. Not as quickly as I would like to it, but it will. All these allegations and things being suggested simply aren't true."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:27 Lauren Daley

11:27

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

whoever mystery candidate is, only one will get the Dem endorsement - Lamb.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:27 Guest

11:28

Lauren Daley:

Mayoral challenger, city councilor Bill Peduto, released this statement: “I understand how difficult of a decision this was and would like to extend our sincere best wishes to Luke Ravenstahl and his family. My campaign will continue to focus on taking Pittsburgh in a better direction and making the city the most livable for all of our residents.”

Friday March 1, 2013 11:28 Lauren Daley

11:28

Lauren Daley:

Ravenstahl's campaign account is now retweeting messages of support from followers. It's been silent since yesterday morning.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:28 Lauren Daley

11:29

[Comment From SusanSusan: ]

I Do hope the truth comes out and that although he is young, he did no wrong.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:29 Susan

11:29

Ravenstahl says his age when taking office did come with added pressures and played a role positive and negative

Friday March 1, 2013 11:29 CharlieDee71

11:30

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Any chance his chief of staff, Zober, will run?

Friday March 1, 2013 11:30 Ben

11:30

Mayor asked whether his youth complicated job: "I think so, yeah ... My age did play a role in things, whether positively or negatively.'

Friday March 1, 2013 11:30 PGHCityPaper

11:30

Lauren Daley:

Ravenstahl says "my age is something folks always talk about and I guess probably always will."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:30 Lauren Daley

11:30

Mayoral challenger @billpeduto “I understand how difficult of a decision this was and would like to extend our sincere best wishes to Luke"

Friday March 1, 2013 11:30 lndaley

11:31

Lauren Daley:

Ravenstahl says no pressure from inside the party. "Quite the opposite." "I was not encouraged by anyone to do what I'm doing right now."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:31 Lauren Daley

11:31

Mayor asked whether Jack Wagner is the mystery candidate: Chuckles and says, "I'm not going to get into specifics."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:31 PGHCityPaper

11:32

Lauren Daley:

Mayor says he's disappointed in former bodyguard Fred Crawford "He's disappointed a lot of people. He's disappointed me.. .. He'll have to answer for it someday."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:32 Lauren Daley

11:32

Ravenstahl says he was not pressured by dem party officials to step aside "quite the opposite actually"

Friday March 1, 2013 11:32 CharlieDee71

11:33

Ravenstahl says he has no plans cone january

Friday March 1, 2013 11:33 CharlieDee71

11:33

Mayor: No job lined up. "I have no clue what I'll do in January."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:33 PGHCityPaper

11:34

Mayor, asked about use of bodyguards on personal time: "Chances are, they were there ... That's a decision the chief of police made."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:34 PGHCityPaper

11:35

Lauren Daley:

"I feel really good. ... This is not a somber day. THis is a day I'm excited about. I feel really good. I'm at peace with my decision. It's been a tough couple of days because there have been a lot of people who have invested a lot of time to me and committed a whole hell of a lot to me that I've had to tell no and it wasn't easy. ... All of those people that may have not agreed with this decision are either standing in this room or will be standing with me in the future. That's, to me, what true friendship and love is all about and I'm just blessed to have a tremendous amount of love around me and tremendous amount of support."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:35 Lauren Daley

11:35

Lauren Daley:

"It wasn't an easy decision, but I'm, I'm happy."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:35 Lauren Daley

11:36

Mayor: "I feel really good ... I'm at peace with my decision."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:36 PGHCityPaper

11:36

Ravenstahl asked if his brother was a candidate for mayor. His mother answered "no!"

Friday March 1, 2013 11:36 CharlieDee71

11:37

Lauren Daley:

To media. "I respect what you do. Doesn't mean we always agree, that I'm always polite to you. ... I know that you have a job to do sometimes I wish you were a little more understanding of the job we have to do including my press staff. ... I'm not angry at any of you. I don't blame the media for anything. That's the nature of this job."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:37 Lauren Daley

11:38

Lauren Daley:

Says he doesn't plan on doing Chief Regina McDonald's job for her, that he'll think she do a good job. Thinks rank and file officers "will respond to her leadership."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:38 Lauren Daley

11:38

Ravenstahl says he doesnt blame the media for anything but wishes the media would understand the pressures he and his staff faces

Friday March 1, 2013 11:38 CharlieDee71

11:39

Ravenstahl identifies — belatedly — his attorney as Chuck Porter. Says he was not "a target" or "subject" of federal investigation.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:39 PGHCityPaper

11:39

Lauren Daley:

Identifies Chuck Porter as personal attorney. says "I'm not a target, a subject. I don't know what all the words are I know folks were using creative words to suggest I was trouble. ... I didn't receive a letter. I was told point blank I wasn't a target and I know I'm not a target because I didn't do anything wrong."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:39 Lauren Daley

11:39

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Glad to hear him not blame the media.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:39 Ben

11:40

Lauren Daley:

Says Sgt. Gauntner didn't use debit card.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:40 Lauren Daley

11:41

Mayor: "We'll start to prove [allegations of wrongful card use] wrong today."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:41 PGHCityPaper

11:41

Lauren Daley:

Mayor: "We'll start to prove Fred wrong today." From mayor's office: The total amount in 2012 allocated for the mayor's security detail is: $140,085
Dom Sciulli - full time security detail for mayor - Salary of $67330.22; over time for mayor's detail, $34699.64. Sgt. Matt Gauntner - works full time as a police sergeant and fills in for Sciulli, part time at a total cost of $38,055.74

Friday March 1, 2013 11:41 Lauren Daley

11:42

Ravenstahl says one of his guards made about 10 debit card transactions

Friday March 1, 2013 11:42 CharlieDee71

11:43

From mayor's office: The total amount in 2012 allocated for the mayor's security detail is: $140,085.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:43 lndaley

11:43

Mayor: Acknowledges allegation aired on KDKA Radio this morning that he was probably at casino after midnight with bodyguards.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:43 PGHCityPaper

11:44

Ravenstahl says he was very likely out at places like the casino after midnight with bodyguards.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:44 CharlieDee71

11:44

Lauren Daley:

Ravenstahl says he probably should have made this decision three months ago.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:44 Lauren Daley

11:45

Mayor on what changed his mind about running: "No silver bullet." Says he probably should have decided to drop out three months ago.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:45 PGHCityPaper

11:45

Ravenstahl says he should have made this decision months ago bit fought back those feelings

Friday March 1, 2013 11:45 CharlieDee71

11:45

Lauren Daley:

Mayor says he's uncomfortable with the public life. Something he's uncomfortable with. "I disliked the ability of folks to say and do whatever they wanted to say or do... I dislike the politics of it in terms of the folks that are, you know, in it to win and will do so at any cost. I'm just not that person."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:45 Lauren Daley

11:46

#ravenstahl pic.twitter.com/Tp5DeleXwY

Friday March 1, 2013 11:46 CharlieDee71

11:46

Lauren Daley:

Says he disliked the nastiness of politics. "and quite honestly sick of" it.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:46 Lauren Daley

11:47

Lauren Daley:

"Ability to make decisions now without having to run for re-election...is a good feeling. It may allow us to do some things that are perhaps bolder than what somebody who has to run for re-election might consider ... I'm not going to promise you anything."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:47 Lauren Daley

11:47

Mayor looks forward to "[t]he ability to make decisions without having to worry about re-election." (Uh-oh?)

Friday March 1, 2013 11:47 PGHCityPaper

11:49

Lauren Daley:

He's getting a little choked up, talking about his employees. "They dedicate their life and put up with that same scrutiny. When somebody comes after me, they take it as them personally being attacked— their commitment is incredible."

Friday March 1, 2013 11:49 Lauren Daley

11:50

Mayor on yesterday's "Stahl tactics." "I don't know who your sources are ...I guess he's not a good source." Crowd laughs.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:50 PGHCityPaper

11:51

Ravenstahl says media sources were wrong about press conference yesterday. He wasn't blowing anyone off

Friday March 1, 2013 11:51 CharlieDee71

11:51

says now he hopes "folks don't view me as somebody they are trying to defeat" and that they may be more open-minded on his initiatives.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:51 PGHCityPaper

11:51

@CMerva he says he is unclear how he will proceed with chief replacement

Friday March 1, 2013 11:51 CharlieDee71

11:53

Ravenstahl says he will stay in Pittsburgh

Friday March 1, 2013 11:53 CharlieDee71

11:53

Ravenstahl jokes he might be doing "KD/PG Sunday Edition" someday. If he wants to avoid public scrutiny, that'd be a great gig! #burn

Friday March 1, 2013 11:53 PGHCityPaper

11:56

Ravenstahl says finding a permanent police chief replacement would be difficult under circumstances — i.e. 10 months until a new boss.

Friday March 1, 2013 11:56 PGHCityPaper

11:56

Ravenstahl says to find an outside candidate for police chief to come in for only 10 months would ne difficult

Friday March 1, 2013 11:56 CharlieDee71

11:59

Ravenstahl asked about sons baseball talent says he loves him but will prob. Be in right field

Friday March 1, 2013 11:59 CharlieDee71

12:00

After winding down with questions about 4-year-old Cooper Ravenstahl's political/athletic ambitions, press conference ends.

Friday March 1, 2013 12:00 PGHCityPaper

12:02

Yarone sober going over debit card trans

Friday March 1, 2013 12:02 CharlieDee71

12:03

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Thanks for doing this! Gonna tune out and get some lunch. Keep digging!

Friday March 1, 2013 12:03 Ben

12:04

Lauren Daley:

Some reax coming in from City Hall: City councilor Bruce Kraus: "I’m supportive of the mayor's decision. I think it took a lot of courage to do it. I think it's in the best interest of Pittsburgh as a whole."

Friday March 1, 2013 12:04 Lauren Daley

12:05

Sober and regan going over debit card trans pic.twitter.com/qGjqLPWzG5

Friday March 1, 2013 12:05 CharlieDee71

12:06

Reax from city counclior @BruceKraus "I’m supportive of the mayor's decision. I think it took a lot of courage to do it."

Friday March 1, 2013 12:06 lndaley

12:08

Lauren Daley:

From city controller and Mayoral challenger Michael Lamb: "I understand this was a difficult decision for Mayor Ravenstahl to make today. I respect the choice he has made, and wish the best for the Ravenstahl family. As our city continues to face serious challenges, I hope to work with the Mayor, his Administration, and City Council for the remainder of his term toward our common goal of improving Pittsburgh and the lives of the people who call it home."

Friday March 1, 2013 12:08 Lauren Daley

12:10