GOP names candidate for council seat
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A Sheraden man who serves as political director of the Allegheny County Republican Committee will be the GOP candidate in Pittsburgh City Council District 2.
Chris Metz, 24, who has a bachelor's degree in political science from Point Park University, was the unanimous pick of four District 2 committee members who voted yesterday at the Republican headquarters in Green Tree. Two other committee members were eligible to vote but did not attend.
"He's worked on numerous campaigns and is experienced in the world of politics," said Bob Hillen, chairman of the Republican Committee of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Metz has never before sought elected office but was "the first person who came to mind" to fill the vacancy created by Dan Deasy's resignation to become the new 27th district state representative, Mr. Hillen said.
He acknowledged that Mr. Metz is an automatic underdog in heavily Democratic Pittsburgh. But he said he believes the city is ready for a change.
"Republicans have won voting precincts in the City of Pittsburgh starting with the '05 election and we did it with pennies. This city is ready for a change and the people of the 2nd District will find change in Chris," Mr. Hillen said.
Mr. Metz said he intends to "hit as many doors and make as many phone calls as we can" before the Feb. 3 special election.
Theresa Smith of Westwood was picked Saturday as the Democratic candidate.
The special election will fill the year remaining in Mr. Deasy's term.
The seat will be up for a full four-year term next year as well, beginning with the May 19 primary.
First Published December 22, 2008 12:00 am
