City Council President Luke Ravenstahl, at 25 the youngest member of council in city history, would take over as mayor in the event that Bob O'Connor cannot return to office.

"I wish to extend my best to Mayor O'Connor and his family during this difficult time," he said in a statement. "He will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Knowing Bob and the strong personality that he portrays I am confident that he will successfully overcome this challenge."

Mr. Ravenstahl, whose council term runs through 2007, unanimously won a two-year term as council president in January.

When he took that office, he said he shared Mr. O'Connor's desire "to return our city back to prominence and what it is -- the most livable city in America."

Mr. Ravenstahl, a political neophyte who has been on council for only two years, said he brought a "fresh perspective" and a "young face" to city politics when he took over for Gene Ricciardi.

But he has proved a quick study. Last year he helped negotiate the city's budget crisis, working closely with the state-appointed Act 47 recovery team and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, which oversee the city's finances.

Mr. Ravenstahl, a 2002 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, beat Barbara Burns in the 2003 primary to win a seat on council representing the North Side. He was unopposed in the general election that year.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

First Published: July 10, 2006, 4:00 a.m.