On Tuesday, Pittsburghers get to choose their future. We can either stick with the waste and cronyism that has plagued Grant Street in the past or we can choose to bring sweeping reform that will make Pittsburgh a better place to live in the years ahead.

Right now, our streets are not as safe as they could be and our economy is losing jobs and young talent. Over the past few years, our tax dollars have been blatantly wasted on thousand-dollar trash cans, no-bid contracts and plush patronage salaries. Going door to door, I've heard again and again how Pittsburghers want a city government they can be proud of.

Together, we can do better. Together, we can bring reform to Grant Street and focus on our true priorities, like safety, jobs and schools. As mayor, I'll end the waste and cronyism to free up tax dollars so we can move Pittsburgh forward.

I'll work to eliminate violence among youth and to reduce crime across the city. First, we must cut bureaucracy to allow our police officers to fight crime on the streets instead of doing paperwork behind a desk. Next, we must give our kids more places to play, and more mentors to help them learn outside the classroom. As mayor, I'll work with neighborhood associations, schools and law enforcement to eliminate youth violence completely -- an ambitious but necessary goal.

I'll make Pittsburgh a center of innovation by attracting venture capital and entrepreneurs so we can create good-paying jobs. With private investment, we can spur job growth and give our graduates a chance to stay here and start Pittsburgh's next great companies.

The city of Pittsburgh must make good on the millions it owes to pensions for our police and other public servants. With our aging infrastructure and shrinking population the long-term fiscal health of the city is in jeopardy. Within a few years, our budget will be balanced by a margin as thin as the salary for one police officer. We owe it to our children to plan for tomorrow's budget shortfalls today. As mayor, I'll cut waste and right-size our city responsibly. I'll take the lead on city-county consolidation so we can cut costs and improve basic services for everyone in the county.

Pittsburgh can build a brighter future, but not without real leadership, now. Leadership means more than ribbon cuttings and press conferences. It means listening, and taking the tough stands. It means taking responsibility and enforcing accountability.

Together, we can put the waste and patronage behind us and build a city where our streets are safe, our jobs are secure and our future looks even brighter. As daunting as our challenges may seem, together we can move Pittsburgh forward!