Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's back in town today after a two-day trip to Chicago that led some in the political chattering class to wonder: Why now?

After all, it's the beginning of the election season, when most politicians' agendas include being seen everywhere, being on the phone raising money, and being quoted. Being quoted is what his rival, Councilman William Peduto, was doing.

Yesterday the mayor suggested to Early Returns that he was filling his quiver with innovative policy ideas and studying a model of civic leadership.

"On the economic development side, we've been able to come home with ways we can streamline procedures," he said. Expect an announcement soon on how the city will cut the red tape involved in putting up a building.

He said he also talked with Mayor Richard M. Daley and his staff about ways the Windy City uses video cameras to enhance security, encourages environmentally friendly development, and spurs tourist draws like Chicago's Millenium Park.

Although he said he didn't seek nor get political advice from Mr. Daley, he came away impressed with the man who replaced the late Mayor Harold Washington mid-term and then won four full terms. He's the son of the late Richard J. Daley, who was mayor of Chicago for 21 years. Talk about dynasties.

"He's the leader of this city, and they all look to him for guidance," Mr. Ravenstahl said of the current Mayor Daley. "Obviously, he's been a very influential mayor here in Chicago."

All good, but while the Pittsburgh mayor was away, his chief rival, Mr. Peduto, seized the initiative on the pivotal arena issue. Mr. Peduto suggested that the city, state, and Allegheny County should scrap Plan B and move on to Plan C, which isn't so much a plan as a concept -- that the team should be made a partner in the massive Hill District redevelopment proposed by casino builder Don Barden and others.

"I'm glad that no one followed Peduto's lead in neglecting Plan B, because had we followed the thought process of not looking at Plan B, the Penguins would already be out of Pittsburgh," the mayor said yesterday.

But the idea, first reported here, grabbed the fancy of the media. If it becomes part of an arena deal, Mr. Peduto will be able to claim he played a role in keeping the Penguins here. If it doesn't, and the Penguins leave, Mr. Peduto will be able to point to his efforts.

Meanwhile, the politically important Fraternal Order of Police is upset about a percolating plan to fold the Pittsburgh Housing Authority's law enforcement arm into the city's Police Bureau. Seems the FOP is worried that authority police will get special treatment as compared to current city officers and applicants. FOP President James Malloy sent a letter to his 800-plus members yesterday trashing the idea.

And make no mistake: Mr. Peduto is wooing the FOP.

Early Returns would be surprised if the mayor leaves town again any time soon.

City Council candidates continue to emerge. For those trying to keep track, here are the incumbents, and the challengers who have formally announced for the pivotal May 15 Democratic primary.

District 1 -- Incumbent Darlene Harris, challenger Dave Schuilenburg

District 3 -- Incumbent Jeff Koch, no challenger yet announced

District 5 -- Incumbent Doug Shields, no challenger yet announced

District 7 -- Incumbent Len Bodack, challenger Patrick Dowd

District 9 -- Incumbent Twanda Carlisle, challengers Rev. Ricky Burgess and Rachel Cooper