Corey O'Connor's surname gives him instant recognition in the Democratic primary for the District 5 seat on city council, but the 26-year-old son of late Mayor Bob O'Connor has more than that going for him.
Mr. O'Connor of Squirrel Hill inherited his father's affability, and an open and easy nature never hurts on the campaign trail.
More important in commending him to voters, though, is his understanding of the issues confronting Pittsburgh and his experience in working with constituents through his job with U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle.
A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Mr. O'Connor was an intern in the congressman's office during college and joined the staff after graduation from Duquesne University. Handling constituent services has taught him how to assist residents in need, and he frequently has been in attendance at community meetings both in Pittsburgh and in suburbs that are part of the district.
His opponent in seeking the Democratic nomination May 17 is Chris Zurawsky, 48, also of Squirrel Hill. Mr. Zurawsky, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh who holds master's degrees from Pitt and Columbia University, is a former newspaper reporter and now is director of communications and public affairs for the Association of American Cancer Institutes. He's secretary and past president of the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club and in his third term as a member of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.
Despite that involvement, it was Mr. O'Connor who won the committee's endorsement last month, a decision Mr. Zurawsky attributed to his opponent being a favorite of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. If that's true, Mr. O'Connor has an odd way of showing his allegiance. In interviews with Post-Gazette editors, he and Mr. Zurawsky were equally and openly critical of the mayor. The candidates also agree on numerous issues, including their desire for a ban on Marcellus Shale gas drilling in the city, economic development in Hazelwood and increased police presence in neighborhoods.
A sharp distinction came with Mr. Zurawsky's unusual suggestion for how to fill more potholes with fewer dollars. Mr. O'Connor suggested merging city and county asphalt operations, while Mr. Zurawsky proposed closing some streets and narrowing others, thereby reducing the amount of road surface for paving.
If anyone doubts that Pittsburgh politics is an insider's game, here's a bit of trivia: Mr. Zurawsky said he's in the race to carry on the work of incumbent Doug Shields, who is not seeking re-election to council. Mr. Shields' job before his election? He was an aide to Mr. O'Connor's father during the former mayor's terms on council representing Greenfield, Hazelwood, parts of Squirrel Hill and Point Breeze, Glen Hazel, Swisshelm Park, Regent Square, Hays, New Homestead and Lincoln Place.
The Post-Gazette endorses Corey O'Connor for the Democratic nomination in council District 5.
First Published: April 19, 2011, 4:00 a.m.
