Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey visited Allderdice on April 23rd in an event sponsored by the Allegheny Youth Vote Coalition. Four Allderdice students had the chance to ask the Mayor questions as the May 20th Democratic primary rapidly approaches. Notably, Gainey’s opponent in the Democratic party, Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, was absent from the event.

The Foreword asked the Mayor about O’Connor’s absence after the event. “For me, it’s all about trying to have civic engagement with the kids and make sure I’m spreading the message to vote, and also why it’s essential to grow up and not just grow old,” said Gainey.

O’Connor’s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment on his absence.

Senior Jakob Sirlin was one of the few students who had the opportunity to ask Mayor Gainey a question during the event. Sirlin said that the students involved in the event were told earlier that O’Connor would be in attendance, and that he initially found out about O’Connor’s absence from a teacher who was not even involved in planning the event.

“I found out in first period, Mr. Deuschle told me; I was surprised.” Sirlin did not hear from the event organizers until later that day.

Students’ reactions to O’Connor’s absence were mixed.

Senior Ezra Rothchild said, “It would’ve been nice to hear him speak… but I get that it’s not always their main priority… but it was a little disappointing.” He also said that he was likely going to vote for O’Connor.

Senior and undecided voter Abby Malkin blamed O’Connor’s absence on the school district. “No, because when has anything that has been planned by this district ever been planned properly?” said Malkin when asked if she was disappointed in O’Connor’s absence.

Senior Landon Johnson said they were surprised by O’Connor’s absence and “expected him to be there.” A fellow senior, Asher Schwartz, said he was a little surprised that O’Connor was not present, despite hearing earlier in the day that he would not be there.

“I would’ve liked to hear some of his policies and beliefs,” said Schwartz.

Despite O’Connor’s absence, students were still able to hear Gainey speak about key topics relating to youth just a month before the May 20th election.

Gainey continued to reiterate the fact that homicide numbers, especially among young people, continue to fall under his watch. “In 2024, there were no homicides in the 13 to 17-year-old age group,” said Gainey. Gainey has used this statistic consistently throughout his campaign.

Gainey was then asked about food insecurity. According to the Allegheny County Office of Child Development and Early Learning, 11% of people in Allegheny County struggle with food insecurity.

Gainey mentioned that one of his first moves after being elected in 2021 involved distributing $3 million to smaller organizations that deal with food insecurity. “Every single year, we give money to organizations that grow food, helping to create infrastructure for food, and helping to buy equipment to allow them to continue to sow in the gardens that they have,” said Gainey.

While Corey O’Connor’s absence raised questions and disappointment among students, Mayor Gainey used the opportunity to try to connect with the youth and highlight some key achievements from his current administration.

With the May 20th primary looming, many students have an important decision to make.