Pittsburgh’s
Black D.C.
Þnest uncovers
Mt. Lebanon achieves rare
native ranked
‘Brooklyn’s
Finest’
feat in capturing boys and
8th on Forbes
‘wealthiest’
girls WPIAL AAAA crowns
list
Entertainer B6
Sports C4
National A3
VOL. 101, NO. 10 Three Sections Published Weekly 50 CENTS
MARCH 10-16, 2010
Dems endorse Payne over Wheatley
by Rebecca Nuttall
hoods. Throwing his hat in many people were saying
Courier Staff Writer
the ring with Wheatley and ‘we miss you, we support
Payne for the 19th Legisla- you,’” Payne said. “People
With a vote of 74-49, for- tive District seat will be showed great courage and
mer city Councilwoman Pittsburgh Public School belief in me and my record.”
Tonya Payne won the Al- Board representative Mark On March 5 Wheatley
legheny County Democratic Brentley. Brentley declined gained the Allegheny
Committee endorsement to comment on the race. County Labor Council’s en-
for state House representa- The rivalry between Payne dorsement. In light of this
tive over incumbent Rep. and Wheatley stretches back he said the weekend ended
Jake Wheatley. to 2005 when Payne beat in a draw.
“Tonya Payne is very pop- former city councilman Sala “I’ve always respected the
ular in the Democratic com- Udin for the District 6 seat. democratic process; people
mittee and especially the Both Payne and Wheatley have the ability to voice
city committee,” said James were once members of their opinions,” Wheatley
Burn, Allegheny Demo- Udin’s staff. said. “We went in knowing
cratic Committee chair. Payne, once a city ward (Payne) had an advantage
TONYA PAYNE
“The committeemen and chair of the Allegheny in that area. I definitely ap-
women are very familiar Democratic Committee, preciate the fact of open ing on past elections. Instead both have il-
with her and she worked it said she was thankful for and fair democratic pro- lustrated what they see as their major ac-
very hard.” the endorsement. She also cess.” complishments in office.
This race is only one in a noted it would be difficult Despite the elephant in “I’ve had seven years of working on behalf
long line of elections between for an incumbent to over- the room, both Wheatley of this district, producing results. I think
opposing forces battling to come not getting the en- and Payne have strayed we’ve developed a relationship,” Wheatley
represent the Hill District
JAKE WHEATLEY
dorsement. somewhat from attacking
and North Side neighbor- “It was unbelievable how their opponents and focus-
SEE DEMS A4
Miles charges dropped
Police protest may follow
by Christian Morrow
going to protect the public?”
Assistant Chief Paul Donaldson found
Courier Staff Writer
the text disturbing enough to respond in
To the relief of his family and supporters, an e-mail of his own:
after two delayed hearings, charges of ag- “I have heard some disturbing rumors
gravated assault and resisting arrest that some officers are contemplating a
against Jordan Miles were finally dropped work slowdown or diminished patrols, in
last week. response to the recent events revolving
While reaction from the Black commu- around Jordan Miles. Any such actions are
nity was a mix of relief and calls for further forbidden and would be detrimental to the
action, according to two city police officers, involved officers and the entire bureau.
some bureau members are calling for pay- “Decisions are made by magistrates,
back. judges and juries that we do not agree
The two officers, who asked to remain with, but must accept. This does not give
anonymous, said a text message blast went us cause to personally attack those who are
out some time March 5 calling for officers tasked with making those decisions. I am
to either refuse to patrol Homewood and to certain that these are merely rumors, but
“take their time” responding to any calls felt a need to address it.”
there. As for “personally attacking” Petite, the
PHOTO BY PARADISE GRAY
“So you’re telling me I either go along, or officers who spoke to the Courier said they
VINDICATION—Jordan Miles, the CAPA High School senior who said he was beaten during a Jan. 12
if I’m in Homewood and there’s a situation, are aware of at least one T-shirt worn by an
arrest, talks with reporters after having assault and resisting arrest charges dropped March 4.
I’m not getting any backup?” said one offi-
cer. “Who’s going to protect me? Who’s
SEE MILES A4
Smith-Ribner running as people’s advocate 40 young
by Rebecca Nuttall
Courier Staff Writer
Focus on education, veterans
Smith-Ribner, of Philadel-
phia, said what sets her
apart from her opponents is
elite to be
For the past 35 years, Doris Smith-Rib-
It’s something I love and I feel I’ve accom-
her background and experience. Her re-
ner has worked in public service in Penn-
plished a lot. I’ve loved my career and I
sume includes time spent as a state ap-
sylvania. In the May Democratic Primary
feel I can do even more.”
peals court judge, Allegheny County con-
honored
she will battle for her next public service
Her opponents are Philadelphia City
troller solicitor, trial lawyer and Supreme
position, as Lieutenant-Governor.
Controller Jon Saidel, who received the
Court designee.
“I felt the Lt.-Governor position would
Pennsylvania State Democratic Commit-
One of her most influential cases was a
give me a bully pulpit, if you will, to advo-
tee endorsement, Scranton Mayor Chris
lawsuit filed by the Philadelphia Human
by Courier
cate for our people,” Smith-Ribner said.
Doherty and State Rep. Joshua Shapiro of
“I’ve spent many years in public service.
SEE SMITH-RIBNER A5
Abington.
by Ashley N. Johnson
Courier Staff Writer
12th Ward
The New Pittsburgh Courier will again
honor some of Pittsburgh’s most dedicated
tired of broken
and talented individuals at their Fab 40
event March 26 at the US Steel Building,
Downtown. The event honors 40 African-
promises
Americans under the age of 40, who are
making strides to uplift the Pittsburgh
community.
“It was an honor any time someone is rec-
by Rebecca Nuttall
ognized for their good work, whether it be
Courier Staff Writer
in their profession or in the community, it
is exciting,” said K. Chase Patterson, field
As one of the most active
representative for Councilman Mike Doyle
wards in the city, the 12th
and one of last year’s Fab 40 honorees.
Ward Democratic Commit-
“But along with the honor comes an ex-
tee frequently hosts com-
pected charge to continue one’s good
munity forums where con-
works.”
stituents can hear from
Damion Wilson, of Adagio Health Center
candidates in upcoming
for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, said
elections. Each time the
PHOTO BY ROSSANO P. STEWART
he was surprised when he was notified
constituents hear the can-
WARD CHAIR—Rev. Jacque Fielder, 12th Ward Democratic Committee chairwoman, encourages her constituents to
that he would be among the honorees. “I
SEE WARD A4 ask questions and hold elected officials accountable. SEE FAB 40 A5
NEW
Pittsburgh Courier
Jason Johnson says
To subscribe, call
Obama finds his inner ‘Neo’
412-481-8302 ext. 120
or FAX 412-481-1360 Forum A9
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