PITTSBURGH - In his first official act as Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, Luke Ravenstahl named Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Deputy Mayor "effective immediately following the conclusion of tonight’s Steelers home opener." Ravenstahl, who injected a note of whimsy into an otherwise somber day by performing an impromptu soft-shoe routine on a giant piano in the foyer of the City-County Building with former mayoral spokesman Dick Skrinjar late yesterday afternoon, met with reporters just prior to kickoff. "After reading the cover story in the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated naming Mr. Porter the most feared player in the NFL," said Ravenstahl, "I have decided to appoint Mr. Porter as my second in command as I attempt to complete the work begun by my predecessor. I am certain that Mr. Porter will be of invaluable assistance to me in using all of his considerable persuasive powers to help impose my will – check that – bring to fruition the dreams the late Mayor O’Connor had for our city."
Ravenstahl said the first order of business for Deputy Mayor Porter would be to "personally visit" those members of Council who feel the City Charter calls for a new mayoral election as soon as 2007, rather than in 2009. "Deputy Mayor Porter will be calling on those individuals, such as Councilman Bill Peduto, or State Senator Jim Ferlo, in the near future, to set an example – check that – to make sure we’re all on the same page regarding the length of my current term in office."
Deputy Mayor Porter could not be reached for comment.
