We asked readers what they thought about Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor's decision to fire three city administrators and replace them with longtime loyalists, leaving the mayor firmly in charge of city government, and a cadre of closely allied pros out of jobs. (Read article.)

Here's a selection of your observations:

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Responses

It's business as usual in Pittsburgh.

Tom B
Pittsburgh

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First, my prayers are with the Mayor and his Family for a full and speedy recovery from his illness.

Second what a huge error in judgement by the Mayor's Advisors, the City of Pittsburgh's political leadership and his Family for letting the firings of his Administration team unfold as they did. Putting aside the reasons for the firings , the timing could not have been worse.

It is obvious from the media reports of the Mayor's medical condition that he is having difficulty fighting the disease afflicting him (his doctors have reported he is confused as to the time of day it is). The Mayors Advisors and his Family should have handled this perceived junta by the "Professional Gang of Three" after the Mayor had recuperated from his illness and had regained his full physical and mental capacities. An effective, experienced and truly loyal cadre of Advisors would have enjoined the Gang of Three to support the Mayor's wishes (in terms of positioning Yarone Zober as Deputy Mayor), and then addressed the supposed Brutus like disloyalties at a later date. The fact that his Advisors chose to force the Mayor (in his susceptible state) to make a decision with such far reaching implications is tragic. This capricious act may the City back another five years.

This most recent development in Pittsburgh Politics is symptomatic of a far more serous situation in the Pittsburgh: there is a severe void of effective political and community leadership that is crippling growth of the City and the surrounding region. Examples of this void abound: the 25 year old President of the City Council is at best a novice in terms of dealing with bare knuckles Pittsburgh politics -- in essence he is a messenger / figurehead for the old political guard. Numerous other members of City Council lack true experience, training and vision to lead Pittsburgh into a 21st century global economy. The leadership void list is lengthy; I will not depress you with further examples.

As a loyal son of Pittsburgh, I am truly saddened by these recent developments. Citizens and supporters of Pittsburgh alike were (and are) rooting for Mayor O'Connor to lead the City of Pittsburgh into a new era; one in which it is truly an outstanding place to raise a Family, educate children, pursue a career and celebrate achievements.

God Bless Mayor O'Connor, and God Save Pittsburgh.

Terry Laughlin
New York City

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I just returned to Western Pennsylvania after living new Philly for 10 yrs. I often "bragged" about Pittsburgh and that Politics as usual, was gradually fading away in Pittsburgh. The almost monthly corruption scandals in Philly don't even raise eyebrows any more. Not that way in the "Burgh," I would always say ... well except the Sheriff's Office.

Not like the political hacks that run Philly, the Burgh was becoming just the opposite. I return "home" and find that I was sadly mistaken. It is politics as usual and that is a real shame. It is a sad day for Pittsburgh.

Maybe the mayor and the sheriff are relatives...somebody should check that out.

Jack
South Side

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I have known BJ Leber for a long time, both professionally and personally.

She is competent, honest, smart, loyal and hard working. No matter what the circumstances, there is nothing that could justify such a humiliating and abrupt termination for anyone. Knowing BJ, I am even more astonished and appalled. My faith in the city of Pittsburgh's decision making process and judgment is gone.
Holly
Squirrel Hill

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Let the games begin.

It is back to politics as usual in the 'Burgh, just downright despicable. Just when I thought this mayor was different he showed he is not.
Heather
Downtown

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I never thought that I would agree with Jim Roddey on anything, but he is right when he says that Mayor O'Connor has replaced the professionals in his office with "political hacks." The mayor had said that 50% of his staff would be women but now look -- all men and who is this Regan dude who is calling all the shots?

Of course I pray for our mayor's speedy and full recovery but this was still a lousy thing to do. Oh yeah, why did the fired professionals have to get police escorts out of the building like a bunch of criminals? This is a disgrace.

Pittsburgh gets the type of government it deserves -- cronyism, cronyism and more cronyism!
Stephen Donahue
Bloomfield

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Good for Bob O'Connor!
Nita
Mount Lebanon

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It's about time we got some good ol' boys in the Mayors office. Some old fashioned butt kickers, movers, shakers, lets get it done kind of guys. Mayor O'Connors' coming back, and everybody better step aside. Dennis Regan is a good man too. Pittsburgh is in good hands.

Anna
Tarentum

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I think that Mayor O'Connor has done away with the opportunity to change how Pittsburgh is governed. He fired three professionals in an unprofessional manner by not allowing them to tell their side of the story. He took the words of other politicians and made a too fast decision.
Lemuel Nixon
Wilkinsburg

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As a lifelong Pittsburgh resident and friend of O'Connor's, let me assure you, he acted swiftly and accurately to remove the cancer that was growing in house. He is NOT the old guard politician he is made out to be (See: Murphy buys votes from firefighters) but an insightful businessman that recognized the need to move personnel contrary to progress. The patronage system is what it is and forever shall be, but to bring up gender etc. in this attempted coup is wrong. It was a necessary move, made decisively and without reservation. Oh, by the way, the Penguins will get their new stadium, sign a long term lease and all will be right soon. (Steelers in Camp!) And Bob will be back soon, the BUSINESSMAN that can put Pittsburgh back on the map again.
Bob Bennett

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In response to "Judy from Pittsburgh"

Fire Guy Costa next??? Now that would truly be a sad day for the City. Guy Costa is a rock-solid, hard-working asset to the City of Pittsburgh, with a strong dedication and an un-compromised level of loyalty and integrity. He is one public-servant who not only thrives to serve well, but lives to do what is right for Pittsburgh and her people. Pittsburghers are very lucky to have Mr. Costa working on their side.

Mayor O'Connor, I pray for your strength to make a speedy recovery.
Mary
Mason

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Bob O'Connor appears to have abandoned his campaign promise to professionalize City Hall. No city can excel at improving its citizens' quality of life when competent staff members are purged and then replaced with political hacks.

We are not impressed.
Joshua Punchur & Elise Gatti

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It is very apparent at this point in the O'Conner Administration that it is business as usual. If the people of Pittsburgh think that this administration and the city has hit rock bottom wait until they permit the Pittsburgh Penguins to leave town . This will be the final curtain.

Will the last person out please turn off the lights.
Art Pollock

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Well heck just when you thought it was safe to go in the water the sharks are back. What were we thinking that he was going to be any different?. Well not only is he not getting better but his administration is getting worse. I wish Bob a speedy recovery, but if there is this much trouble already with the Mayor in the hospital for 3 weeks tell me how bad is he really?. It is only going to get worse, welcome to the dark ages.
K Forbes
Dravosburg

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Thank you for the opportunity to respond to recent developments in Pittsburgh City government. Allow me to preface my comments by admitting that I am far from being highly educated and/or possessing the political savvy that it takes to make an accurate and credible assessment about any of the actions or parties involved. I would venture to say that many of those who are casting their opinions on these matters are no more knowledgeable or more privy to all the details than am I.

Having said that, I beleive that the reactions of the media, fellow politicians in city government, and other memebers of the community are premature. All be it the recent actions of the O?connor Administration may or may not be reminiscent of past administrations and ?politics as usual?, No one, not even O?Connor insiders can make judgments until such time that there are recognizable results or lack there off.

Lets all continue to remain focused on the important business at hand rather than the day to day politics and scuttlebutt. What continues to be important is the economic and social growth, development and prosperity of the City of Pittsburgh. It remains to be seen whether or not the current administrations? agenda will benefit or hinder the City. One thing is for sure, Bob O?connor has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his plans and the courage to act accordingly. I for one, have tremendous respect for that alone.

Regarding the recent terminations, there are really only 4 people who can legitimately and accurately comment on the details of that matter and those people are Bob O?connor, B.J. Leber, Susan Malie, Paul Leger. Aside from those people and perhaps a small handful of those closest to each party, why even speculate and entertain all the 3rd party innuendoes!

I appreciate the opportunity to share my opinions on this and sincerely hope that we can move past this and get back to the business of running the City of Pittsburgh.
Jonathan Squirrel Hill

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Let's see, the taxpayers of the City of Pittsburgh now have a person in charge of the day-to-day operations of City government that has "eyes and ears everywhere" (from yesterday's Post Gazette article). I certainly respect that level of professionalism. I can hardly wait to see how that type of demeanor translates to managing staff, meeting with Civic leaders, dealing with the City's unions etc. What a major setback for the City of Pittsburgh.

I, for one, expected more from this Administration (I have no expectations from our City Council anymore), as a taxpayer and homeowner in the City. Unfortunately, once again, it appears that nothing truly is going to change....what a shame....

I suspect that the residents of the City will never fully know the truth. The three professionals let go appear to have too much integrity to want to discuss this matter any further. Hmmmm.....integrity - wonder if those now on Grant Street know how to even spell the word let alone know the meaning.
Bruce
Northside

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Unless , they found BJ Leiber rifling through confidential files and proof of planning a coup d'etat on City government I can't think of any reason to fire one of the most talented people in the City of Pittsburgh. Notice I did not mention gender as BJ as an individual has shown her business acumen in every job or project she has ever been associated with .

There was a small flicker of light/hope in her appointment but the Pittsburgh politicians were able to stomp on that meager flame.
Gil Lucas

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I'm not sure why anyone is surprised that Bob O'Connor is conducting "politics as usual"; he had no platform when he ran for office, and basically, he though it was "his turn". I'm not surprised about his moves because typically insecure and incompetent leaders only want "yes" men and women to surround them.

Its unfortunate that he chose to do this while lying in what is probably his death bed. Having experienced a love one who had cancer that effected the brain, I don't believe a word they're reporting about his "positive" prognosis. This is a time when he should be concerned about his health and not playing politics. If he truly cared about the City, he would have taken a leave of absence and allowed the City to move on without him. But he had waited far too long to become Mayor to do that.! There's no way we can truly expect a Mayor to run the City from his hospital room or from his home. The whole thing is ridiculous. Well, the only thing more ridiculous is how whether he kept those three or got rid of them, he still didn't have any African Americans in responsible positions in his administration, but courted African American churches and pastors to get their votes...when will we learn.
Karen

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Born, raised and educated (Univ of Pittsburgh) in Pittsburgh, I most admit this is not all that shocking. While I am appalled by such a juvenile and "small town" house cleaning, did we really think Bob O?Connor the "King" of small town Pittsburgh politics would do anything different. This guy spent too many years and way too much political capital desperately trying to win the mayoral post. So it should come as no surprise that he needed to repay those close to him and of course at the expense of our city and its citizens. We finally had some qualified individuals in meaningful positions that were poised to propel us to the next political/civil level but are once again left with back-scratching "Yocals" running our city.
M. Jones

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The Grant Street Massacre will go down in the Annals of Pittsburgh Political History as the beginning of the end of the O'Connor Administration. Universally, we all hope for his rapid and total physical recovery. Unfortunately, his postition as a leader of Pittsburgh has been grossly undermined by, as Eileen McFadden has said, and I paraphrase, a "Tin Man" and a beautician.

Democracy has been supplanted by a Thugocracy. Smitty
Southside

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The firings of the mayor's own appointees yesterday suggests not that the mayor is in charge, but that Dennis Regan and Jim Ferlo are in charge.
Patricia Farly

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It is quite obvious from the responses posted thus far that people automatically make judgements based on limited knowledge of a situation. No one knows how long these 3 individuals may have been doing their power play behind Mayor O'Connor's wishes. He has seemed to be a person who expects you to do your job and he should not have to babysit you. Just because these 3 individuals, 2 being women, supposedly have all this experience does not mean they are necessarily good at their job. How many of us lower level employees, like secretaries and maintenance crews, make their bosses look good and they take all the credit for the projects success. Ms. Malie has been with the City Law Department since she graduated from law school. Who did she know to secure such a position back then when most law school graduates have to scrape and start at the bottom of a law firm? Only few individuals know what was really going on in that office and people need to reserve their judgements on this decision until they see what happens in the near future. There are more than likely very few, if any, government operations in this entire country that do not have relatives or close friends involved with the person in charge. Residents need to keep their minds open to these changes and stop jumping off the ship as soon as some tough decision is made, that maybe not everyone may like.

I wish & pray for Mayor O'Connor to continue with his treatments and recovery and value his privacy. I love the fact that he is keeping himself tucked away in the hospital while he is recovering because the hounding media in this city can be more than some folks can endure. If he were recovering at home, all the media outlets would be camped out in front of his private home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, completely disrupting all his neighbors lives & traffic flow. Keep up the good work!
Christine
Pittsburgh (Carrick)

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Just before the election, I made a decision to build a new home. I strongly considered Sommerset in Frick Park, but after O'Connor was elected mayor, my thoughts about living in the city turned sour. I was concerned that O'Connor was seen as part of the old guard and we've certainly had enough of that in Pittsburgh. So, I built our new home in Moon Township on the Ohio river. After the mayor took office and started making progress, I thought perhaps that we had made a mistake. But, now I see that nothing's changed, and we in fact are probably better off in the burbs.

With all of the emerging good news about this city, the downtown development, the national exposure, this is a huge setback. I can only hope this is the stress of cancer treatment talking.
Rich Caralli

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The timing doesn?t seem right. This was a huge decision considering the Mayor current situation. It appears as if the Mayor has reacted versus responding to the situation (if a situation even existed). I don?t know Mr. Regan but I am beginning to wonder what is his agenda?
Sharon Happe

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I was sickened by the actions of the O'Connor administration yesterday. The message delivered by the administration was painfully clear: street politics over professionalism, corruption over competence. No one bothers to argue that people like Mr. Regan are competent to run the City because such a contention would be laughable if not so damaging. No one believes that a person like Mr. Regan is involved in government to promote the best interests of the City as compared to personal/political interests. The background of the three dismissed officials presents a stark contrast to those who carried out the power play. The legal memorandum issued by Ms. Malie, an act routinely performed by a City Solicitor, is being used as a pretext for the real reasons for dismissal. If it were the reason, of course, Mr. Leger would still be employed by the City. The comments of Mr. Shields, Mr. Motznik and Mr. Ferlo on these issues have been reprehensible. They have attempted to switch blame from the executors to the executed. Given their knowledge of the people involved, their actions are shameful at best. The City of Pittsburgh did not elect Dennis Regan and I (for one) do not want him passing around our tax dollars.
Brian
Pittsburgh (Carrick)

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Congrats to the mayor's loyal staff members! It's appalling to think anyone would take advantage of this situation. We wish Bob a speedy recovery!
Kathy Dulski

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My instincts are that three people were fired so the mayor can show that he is still in charge despite his hospitalization. I wish Mayor O?Connor the best, however, the termination of three dedicated, experienced, professionals with long histories of accomplishments was not the proper avenue.
Jason Phillips
South Side
Democratic Committee Member

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More intrigue at the Politburo on Grant Street. This reminds me of one of the Communist Party purges during the Soviet era where someone falls out of favor and they and their friends all disappear. The "outer party" members have walked the plank replaced by "inner party" members.

No wonder people view Pittsburgh as city in decline.

Normally, one would think, if the mayor had problems with the actions of subordinates he would call them in for an explanation then tell them to cease the activities if he did not approve or they would be fired. Seems odd a city councilman shows up the evening before the firings then first thing the next morning 3 people get the ax.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the General Secretary, er, I mean Mayor O'Connor.
Don Myer
Pittsburgh

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When we elected Bob O'Connor mayor of Pittsburgh, we thought we were getting a break from the usual patronage laden, bloated, "Not what you know, but who you know" politics that is the main reason Pittsburgh finds itself in the hole it is so desperately trying to escape. How wrong we were. With the latest firings, Mayor Bobbo has shown his true colors and has exposed himself to be yet again another Picksburgh Yinzer old guard hack that still worships at the shrine of long dead stilllmills, and defines governmental reform as hiring a favored campaign supporters' brother instead of his cousin.

By replacing professional, competent and respected movers and shakers that had this city on the right track, with the usual gang of toadies, lackeys, and their kith and kin, Mayor Bobbo has guaranteed that any and all progress that Pittsburgh has achieved in its efforts to enter the 20th century (yes, I said 20th century) will grind to a sickening halt and that Yinzer, bass-ackward politics as usual will endure for at least one more mayoral term. Good going Bobbo, you wanted to "redd up" Pittsburgh, and you started at the City-County Building. Too bad you threw away the priceless vases, and replaced them with used Dixie Cups.

And the Grant Street Mob can't figure out why anyone who graduates from Pitt, CMU, Duquesne, Robert Morris, and all the other fine colleges and universities in this town hightails it out of here faster than Willie Parker's Super Bowl TD run. Welcome to Pittsburgh, America's Nursing Home, where progressive and innovative thinking comes to die!!!
Pierre R. Wheaton
Homewood

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Does anyone else feel that there is much more to yesterday's firings by the Mayor than meets the eye? I (and others I know) believe the Mayor is not doing nearly as well as the media and people of the region are being led to believe. Why not at least allow one quick telephone interview with some local media outlet. Let us here the Mayor's voice and be assured that all is as we're being told.

I'm tired of hearing Dick "Penn Dot" Skrinjar speaking for the Mayor. He is NOT the mayor and we should be able to hear or at least see the man we elected to serve.

Trust me yesterday's purge was the beginning of the end for this Mayor and his administration.

We won't know that though until Dick deems to tell us.
Mark Levin Squirrel Hill

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Best quote of the entire brouhaha comes from Jim "Slots" Roddey:

"I think today's events are a tragedy for the city," said Jim Roddey, a former Allegheny County chief executive now involved in a slot machine distributorship. "I think we've replaced the professionals with political hacks."

Takes one to know one, Slots...
J.R. Johnson
Robinson Twp.

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Although I live in NC now I was born in Ellsworth, Pa., and lived and worked in Pittsburgh for years. It looks like politics has not changed in the Burgh in the 20 years I have been gone. Nepotism, infighting, do unto others before they do unto you, it's all there alive and well.
Jerry Gumbert

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I think that the mayor is reacting out of his illness. I'm sure he's bitter and very shaken up about his health and with the doctor's lying about his recovery all of the time the public can't be sure how bad his condition is. When he first went into the hospital he was going to be released immediately, speedy recovery as it was being said. Now here it is weeks later and he's reacting to his treatment a lot worst and longer than doctors and media said it would take to recover. I think he's over reacting, jumping the gun and making rash decisions. I don't know the particulars about the power struggle but I do know that BJ Leber was probably one of the most professional people that he could ask to be in his corner. I hope that she can file a suit against him and the city. Funny, the Post-Gazette made it read as though they got fired because he was annoyed that they weren't visiting him in the hospital. Best wishes for his recovery and for our city. Who knows what in the world is going to be going on down there in city hall now.
Linda Ellis

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The moves in the O'Connor administration were very much needed. I would have done the same thing if I was in his position. These people were trying to take advantage of someone who is laying in a hospital bed. They thought they could get away with a coup against the administration and the coup was rightfully squashed.
Matt Hogue
Allegheny County Democratic Committee

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This is another example of the failure of the Democratic Party to properly and professionally run City government. I didn't think it would come so early in Mayor O'Connor's term.

Mayor O'Connor garnered less than 40,000 votes in the general election to win the office and must work to gain people's trust. I hope these internal power struggles will not interfere with the smooth operation of City government. City employees must work together to correct the abuses from the Murphy Administration.
Carol Pivak
Greenfield

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I agree with the Post Gazette Editorial comment this morning. It appears that connections and the usual politics have trumped common sense and capability. I am also disappointed that the Post Gazette article on this story focused on the fact that the loss of BJ Leber and Susan Malie meant that the role of women in leadership positions in the city was diminished, rather than focusing on their competency and the impact that would have on the city - you completely undermined the whole issue by focusing on the female aspect (and I'm a feminist) rather than the issue of ability and suitability.

The ouster of these people is local cronyism at its worst, taking

advantage of an ailing mayor (who clearly is not in control if he was so quickly and easily swayed by Regan in a vulnerable period). Regan looks like a complete opportunist with no clear ability except easy access to the mayor.

A black day for Pittsburgh and one that seriously brings up the issue of the need for a special election if the Mayor is not quickly back in charge. I for one would like the opportunity to be able to elect someone competent to run our city, not someone without a track record who comes in the back door, given that it is still so early in the mayoral term.
Ria David
Squirrel Hill

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Typical Pittsburgh. People like Dennis Regan pursuing personal agendas at the expense of what is best for the city and citizens. Is it any wonder why this city never progresses beyond second rate, and why the exodus of the young and talented never reverses itself?

I find it particularly amusing that Regan gives city jobs to the children of his girlfriend, for which these children have not an ounce of qualification for. This is was a sad day in the history of this city.
Ron Collett

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It is scary to think a general contractor and a beautician are running the city
Eileen McFadden

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Anything that involves Dick Skrinjar can't be good. Maybe the Mayor can fire Guy Costa next.
Judy
Pittsburgh

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Good ole boys politics back in charge in Pittsburgh.

Without the release of reason the city has been robbed of three very talelented individuals who would bring professionalism to the Mayor's office. Sure smells like the machine wants to protect themselves. Again.
Jim Satterfield
Plum Boro

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These firings by Mayor O'Conner confirms my fears that Pittsburgh is doomed to further failure. O'conner is not the kind of mayor this city so desperately needs. He is not a progressive thinking person, and too devoted to old-line, old-time politics (i.e. hiring Costa).

I pray for his recovery from cancer but worry that he and city council will damage this city beyond repair.
Bob Williams

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I believe that the mayor has the right to fire and hire anyone he or she wants. The part that concerns me is that he replace the two women with men. What happen to the diversity that the mayor promised? Even before the firing of these three officials the mayor had not had many minorities in key positions like he claimed would happen. When will the voters wake up? I'm a registered independent and I am happy to say that. I vote for who I think will do the best job instead of partyline voting something that most voters do not do.

Take New York City for example, n heavily Democratic city but they continue to select Republicans for mayor because they are the best candidates.

Mayor O'Connor promised a different Pittsburgh but I just see much of the same. What happened to the progressive city that we were promised? A few weeks ago the PG had a three part story comparing Pittsburgh to Charlotte, to me there is no comparison. I was down there for the July 4 weekend and I was shocked that a city that progressive can be compared to a city that is digressive. All I ask is that voters please educate yourselves and maybe next time we can advoid repeating history.
Jerome
Point Breeze

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How sad that Pittsburgh politics continues as usual. Professionals who were brought in to right the ship are let go while political hacks will continue to drag the city down. I expected more from this mayor. I see the beginning of the end of this administration.
George
Shadyside