In a gesture of humility and gratitude reminiscent of his father's post-election actions, Corey O'Connor, fresh from clinching the Democratic mayoral primary in Pittsburgh, carried a "Thank You Pittsburgh" sign on board a familial trek through the city streets. According to TribLIVE, the homemade sign, crafted in a blue-and-red scheme, became a token of appreciation directed at the constituents who contributed to his victory over incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey the previous day.
Braving the delicate pitter-patter of rain in Squirrel Hill, a blue-and-red sign reading "Thank You Pittsburgh" was taken by O'Connor on his cursory city tour. Standing alongside his wife and children, O'Connor commenced his thank-you tour at the intersection of Brookline Boulevard and Pioneer Avenue during the morning rush, where he received an enthusiastic response. Amid the symphony of car horns and elated shouts from rolled-down windows, O'Connor, sometimes jogging to greet those stopped at the lights, embodied his father's teaching that "the No.1 priority of this job are the people of Pittsburgh," as he stated, per TribLIVE report.
Losing last night's primary, Ed Gainey's defeat paves the way for O'Connor's quest to secure the mayoral seat in the general election come fall. Marking his victory, O'Connor took to the streets, a nod to his late father, Bob O'Connor, who passed away early into his term as mayor. This tradition of public gratitude is not new to the O'Connor lineage, having originated when Bob first took office, finding expression through handwritten signs and solitary vigils on street corners, irrespective of inclement weather. Providing this backstory, CBS News Pittsburgh cited O'Connor's reflections on his ascent through public office, emulating his father's actions at every stage — council member to Allegheny County Controller, and now, a mayoral candidate.
