Thank you to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for their endorsement this morning:

For instance, in Avalon, he worked on a joint comprehensive plan with neighboring Bellevue and Ben Avon, an example of cross-border cooperation that is imperative in Allegheny County, which is overrun with small, struggling municipalities.

Mr. Michalow said at various times in Avalon he has had to make unpopular choices and that he has both raised and cut taxes. He said that, on County Council, he would legislate in the same manner. As an open-minded and eager student, Thomas Michalow would be an improvement over the incumbent and he has the Post-Gazette’s endorsement.

The Post-Gazette knows what the people of County Council District 1 have known all along: it is time for a change on council.

My name is Tom Michalow, and I am running for Allegheny County Council in District 1.

I am a member of Avalon Borough Council, and have proven again and again there that I am dedicated to providing the best government possible for my neighbors. With your help, I am ready to bring that dedication to County Council.

Please visit my issues page for more information about my experience and how I hope to apply it to County government.

I already have the support of many friends and neighbors, as well as a number of fine organizations across the county, but I need your help, too. We will be talking to people all over District 1 about how their government can work for them, and that means a lot of doors to knock on, telephones to call, and information to hand out.

If you can spare a few hours to help me improve our County government, please sign up on our volunteer page. I look forward to working with you.

If you are not able to spend time out talking with voters with me, I could use your help with a monetary donation. This is a people-powered campaign, but we still need to buy signs, pamphlets, and other things to help get the word out. You can give securely at our PayPal site.

I am pleased that you joined us here at the website, and I am excited to see you in person soon.

I am proud to have received the endorsements of:

The Democratic Party of Allegheny County

Allegheny County Labor Council

Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers

Steel City Stonewall Democrats

Gertrude Stein Club of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council

Thank you all for your great support. With the help of friends like these, and others to come, we will be able to do great work for the people of Allegheny County and District 1.

County Council District 1 candidate and Avalon Borough Councilman Tom Michalow responded today to opponent Matt Drozd’s contention (see Pittsburgh Comet) that County Executive Dan Onoroto should pay for G20 security from his own campaign contributions.

“Drozd does not take the business of government seriously,” Michalow said today. “I have been working hard to put Avalon’s finances in order, going through our budget line by line to cut fat, improve efficiency, and deliver better services.  My opponent offers no real solutions.”

“My opponent’s absurd plan to pay for G20 security is not only irresponsible, but also another example of his baseless partisan attacks.  This is not the kind of collaborative and creative solution that Allegheny County needs.”

While on Borough Council, Tom Michalow led efforts to deliver infrastructure improvements ahead of schedule and under budget, worked to share services with neighboring municipalities, and a create a joint planning commission.  Michalow is committed to collaboration among government and its elected officials.

“The people of District 1 deserve a representative who is focused on effective and efficient government, not political gamesmanship,” he said.