With a vote of 74-49, former city Councilwoman Tonya Payne won the Allegheny County Democratic Committee endorsement for state House representative over incumbent Rep. Jake Wheatley.

TONYA PAYNE

“Tonya Payne is very popular in the Democratic committee and especially the city committee,” said James Burn, Allegheny Democratic Committee chair. “The committeemen and women are very familiar with her and she worked it very hard.”

This race is only one in a long line of elections between opposing forces battling to represent the Hill District and North Side neighborhoods. Throwing his hat in the ring with Wheatley and Payne for the 19th Legislative District seat will be Pittsburgh Public School Board representative Mark Brentley. Brentley declined to comment on the race.

The New Pittsburgh Courier will again honor some of Pittsburgh’s most dedicated and talented individuals at their Fab 40 event March 26 at the US Steel Building, Downtown. The event honors 40 African-Americans under the age of 40, who are making strides to uplift the Pittsburgh community.

JADA GRANDY and K. CHASE PATTERSON

“It was an honor any time someone is recognized for their good work, whether it be in their profession or in the community, it is exciting,” said K. Chase Patterson, field representative for Councilman Mike Doyle and one of last year’s Fab 40 honorees. “But along with the honor comes an expected charge to continue one’s good works.”

To the relief of his family and supporters, after two delayed hearings, charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest against Jordan Miles were finally dropped last week.

VINDICATION—Jordan Miles, the CAPA High School senior who said he was beaten during a Jan. 12 arrest, talks with reporters after having assault and resisting arrest charges dropped March 4.

While reaction from the Black community was a mix of relief and calls for further action, according to two city police officers, some bureau members are calling for payback.

The two officers, who asked to remain anonymous, said a text message blast went out some time March 5 calling for officers to either refuse to patrol Homewood and to “take their time” responding to any calls there.

As one of the most active wards in the city, the 12th Ward Democratic Committee frequently hosts community forums where constituents can hear from candidates in upcoming elections. Each time the constituents hear the candidates’ platforms and are able to ask questions in the hope of gaining future ammunition to hold officials accountable if they are elected.

WARD CHAIR—Rev. Jacque Fielder, 12th Ward Democratic Committee chairwoman, encourages her constituents to ask questions and hold elected officials accountable.

However, at the most recent forum on March 3, many constituents had grown tired of the song and dance.

“No one stood out. They all played on the same things—veterans, heath care, education,” said Robert Germany. “To me it just seems like they talked about what they accomplished in the past, but we’re in the here and now.”