In his first public appearance since he announced his separation from his wife last week, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl declined to speak to what he called "personal issues."

"This is a personal issue that my wife and I are going to deal with personally," he said, when approached by reporters after a World AIDS Day event announcement. "We're not going to answer any questions further. We made our statements last week, and we'll continue to pursue it that way. We've been thankful thus far for the privacy that's been afforded to us, and hope that that continues.

"It's a very private matter that we plan on dealing with privately, and we'll continue to do so."

Asked why he hired Philadelphia lawyer Richard Sprague to address media inquiries related to his separation, the mayor said, "I've made my statement in regards to my personal issues, and there's really not much more to say."

He later said Mr. Sprague's bill will be his personal responsibility, and will not be paid for by the city, his campaign, or by any other individual.

"It's an arrangement between myself, my wife, and Mr. Sprague," he said.

"The financial arrangements between my two clients and myself are private and between us," Mr. Sprague said. "I do believe you're entitled to know that no taxpayer funds are involved, no political campaign funds are involved, and no third party is involved in it.

"It's the responsibility of my clients, personally."

He would not disclose the rate he is charging, nor whether he will promptly invoice the mayor or his wife for his services. "Whatever is required to be filed on any ethics statement will be filed. However, his wife is not required to" file statements of financial interest that can include financial obligations.

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