Public Debate on the Future of Pittsburgh
"Should Pittsburgh Merge its City and County Governments?"
The William Pitt Debating Union will host a public debate addressing the future of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, April 18 from 6-8 p.m. in the Graduate School of Public Health's Parran Hall (located on Fifth Avenue between Desoto and Bouquet Streets) Auditorium Room G-23. Noted experts and student debaters will consider the question, "Should Pittsburgh Merge its City and County Governments?" in an innovative format that includes substantial time for audience participation.
Expert Speakers will be:
- Joan Riehm, Alliance for Regional Stewardship and former Deputy Mayor, Louisville Metro
- Frank Gamrat, Allegheny Institute
- Sala Udin, Coro Center for Civic Leadership
- David Miller, University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh Student Debaters:
- Colin Esgro
- Melissa Mistretta
The debate is the premier event in a new debate series made possible by a generous gift from William Pitt Debating Union alum Marcella Finegold. The series will feature an annual public debate covering one aspect of an umbrella topic selected for four-year cycles. For the first cycle of debates, running from 2007-2010, participants will explore different aspects of the general theme "The Future of Pittsburgh." In 2011, a book featuring transcripts and analysis of the first cycle of debates will be published, clearing the way for a new round of topics to be considered from 2012-2015.
For the inaugural 2007 debate, the issue of city-county government consolidation was selected as a specific topic that is timely, salient, and ripe for public deliberation. With over 900 local governments in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area, Pittsburgh ranks as one of the most fragmented metro areas in the nation. Some view this as a virtue, but others argue that fragmentation is a drag on the region that should be addressed through efforts to consolidate government entities. Prominent opinion leaders will explore these issues and exchange viewpoints with student debaters and audience members during the forum.
The event is free and open to the public, and may also be viewed live via webstream at http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu.
Parking for the event will be at Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage ($5 fee), located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard.