Pittsburgh City Council District 1 covers the North Side neighborhoods of Brighton Heights, Marshall-Shadeland, Spring Hill, Spring Garden, Troy Hill, Fineview, Northview Heights, Observatory Hill, Spring Garden, Spring Hill, Summer Hill, Deutschtown (East Allegheny), Allegheny Center, and Allegheny West.
There’s currently no incumbent running because incumbent Darlene Harris (D-Spring Hill) lost the Democratic primary to Bobby Wilson in the spring.
Malcolm Jarrett (Deutschtown)
Bio: Jarrett, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, has lived in the North Side since 2003. A member of the Socialist Workers Party, he worked with SWP presidential candidate Alyson Kennedy on a campaign focused on workers’ rights resisting police brutality. Has stood with workers on picket lines in Indiana, Pa. and local United Electric union members.
Taxing large nonprofits: Jarrett didn’t respond to CP’s specific questions on the city’s role in potentially taxing large nonprofits like UPMC, but in other media reports, he says he doesn’t support more taxes on working people and would rather those taxes come from “wealthy businesses.” Opposes the city parks referendum.
Development: Wants to advocate for increases in federal funding for a public-works program to build roads, bridges, hospitals, child-care centers, mass transportation, and affordable housing. Supports a $15 an hour minimum wage.
Public Safety: Jarrett didn’t respond to CP’s specific questions on how to address public safety concerns in the North Side, but in other media reports, he says he plans to continue to fight against police brutality and racial discrimination and supports ex-prisoners’ right to vote.
Supporter and Endorsements: As of Oct. 1, has raised $391 in campaign contributions, all in small donor amounts of $50 or less.
Chris Rosselot (I-Deutschtown)
Bio: Rosselot began his career in public service as an aide for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Scranton), focusing on issues related to community development, access to health care and education, and transportation improvements. Moved to the North Side in 2003. Previously served as the president of the Community Alliance of Spring Garden and East Deutschtown.
Taxing large nonprofits: Supports taxing large nonprofits, especially UPMC, which owns a significant amount of untaxed property in the city of Pittsburgh. Believes taxes on these properties could be used to fund infrastructure projects, without placing a tax burden on Pittsburgh residents. Opposes the parks referendum.
Development: Supports a balanced approach to development, ensuring vulnerable residents are not displaced as a result of new development. He believes low-income families and the elderly should be able to stay in their homes, while also benefiting from community development.
Public Safety: Believes improving public safety is linked to bettering the lives of residents, children, and police officers. Hopes to provide police with additional resources because “officers under stress and citizens under stress make for unsafe scenarios.” Also hopes to ensure living wages for families and create more spaces where children can “learn, grow, and become good citizens.”
Supporter and Endorsements: Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. As of Oct. 1, has raised more than $10,000. Financial support mostly from individuals, but also from Clark Hill Thorp Reed PAC.
Bobby Wilson (D-Spring Hill)
Bio: Wilson is a fifth-generation North Sider. Earned a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Serves as the president of the Spring Hill Civic League, and as a board member of the Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC). Represents the NSLC on the Breathe Project, a nonprofit advocating for clean air in Pittsburgh.
Taxing large non-profits: Wilson says he supports taxing larger nonprofits like UPMC, Highmark, and others, while also protecting smaller nonprofits from higher taxes.
Development: Believes it’s important that the growth in Pittsburgh is equitable and inclusive. Priority as a councilor is to ensure our North Side residents see new opportunities and real benefits from the city’s progress. “Longtime Pittsburghers and those who are economically vulnerable must not be displaced by new development.”
Public Safety: Says officers should have the resources and training to do more than simply respond to emergency calls, so they can participate in more community engagement and outreach to “build and maintain trust.” Wants to bring law enforcement and struggling communities together to work towards strengthening bonds.
Supporter and Endorsements: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, District Council of Western Pennsylvania, SEIU Local 32BJ, Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 24M/9N, Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees Chapter 20-15, the International Association of Professional Paramedics Local 1, Allegheny Labor Council, Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, SEIU Healthcare, Senator Jay Costa, Gertrude Stein Political Club, Conservation Voters of PA, and Clean Water Action
