Dear Neighbors,

A few weeks ago, I announced that I would be leaving Pittsburgh City Council to lead Allies for Children, a start-up nonprofit dedicated to working with partners to build a bold and powerful voice for the children and youth of our region.

This has been a difficult decision to make, because leaving means that I won’t be able to work as closely with all of you. We have worked hard to improve our neighborhoods and our City, stood up for what we believe in, and shared our collective hopes and dreams for our future. I will always value the work that we have done together.

On July 10th, I will submit my letter of resignation to the President of City Council, thereby triggering a series of steps that will lead to a special election to coincide with the general election to be held on November 5th, 2013. A special election held on that date will not cost any additional public money, and will give residents the best opportunity to decide who they would like to represent them for the remainder of the current term.

Luckily, on July 10th, we have a Council-to-Go meeting scheduled in Polish Hill. As my letter to the Council President will indicate, I will resign effective the end of that meeting, a fitting close to my tenure on council. If you can make it, please join us.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you in elected office for nearly ten years. I am proud of all we accomplished together. While I am leaving elected office, I am glad to know that we will still have the opportunity to work together in my new capacity of serving the children and youth of our region.

I can be reached via email at dowdps@gmail.com or by phone at 412-680-8007.

Stay tuned, and please keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Patrick

NOTE:  The Polish Hill Council to Go session will be on Wednesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the PHCA office, 3060 Brereton Street.