Following politics these days is a whirlwind. With the chaos of the Trump administration, it's hard to stay focused on local political races that will more directly affect constituents. Heck, even controversy surrounding local politicians like former U.S. Rep.
Tim Murphy can distract constituents from other state or municipal political stories.
But
City Paper wants to help. On April 12,
CP is teaming up with Women for the Future of Pittsburgh (WTF PGH) to host a political forum and game night with political candidates for Pennsylvania General Assembly seats and U.S. congressional seats before the May 15 Primary Election. The event will run from 6-9 p.m. at Spirit in Lawrenceville, and will include plenty of time for candidates to stump their platforms and meet voters. But the event will also include games for the candidates to play as a way to entertain and inform constituents. There will also be a cash bar available.
“This may be one of the most important mid-term election cycles in recent history,” says
CP Editor Charlie Deitch. “We wanted to give candidates a chance to speak to voters, but we also wanted to present a format that would be fun and informative. Candidates will be given a chance to talk about their campaigns, but the games portion of the evening will give voters a chance to see the candidates’ personalities.
"Also, we couldn't be prouder to partner with WTF PGH for this one-of-a-kind event."
Participating candidates include
Mike Devine, a Democrat running for Pennsylvania state House District 20 against incumbent
Adam Ravenstahl (tentative);
Sara Innamorato, a Democrat running for Pennsylvania state House District 21;
Summer Lee, a Democrat running for Pennsylvania state House District 34; and
Emily Skopov, a Democrat running for Pennsylvania state House District 28.
Two state Senate candidates will also be in attendance: Democrat Stephanie Walsh and Democrat Lindsey Williams. They are both running in the Democratic Primary for state Senate District 38 for a chance to take on state Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R-Shaler) in November.
Democrat Ray Linsenmayer will also be at the forum. Linsenmayer is running against U.S. Rep.
Conor Lamb (D-Mount Lebanon) in the Democratic Primary Election, since Lamb was drawn into Pennsylvania's new 17th U.S. Congressional District after his special election victory in March.
Candidates will participate in a Rorschach test made up of ink blots shaped like Pennsylvania's old congressional districts, trivia quizzes about random facts about state Senate districts, and a game where players have to identify which politicians said controversial quotes.
There will also be a round of North Side Jeopardy, and, yes, bike lanes will be a topic. Interspersed in between the games, any other candidates in attendance will have a chance to win time to speak on stage. Constituents will also get an opportunity to mingle with the candidates.
"I think people are looking for a political event that promises to keep them awake," says Deitch. “It will definitely be different than most candidate forums you’ve been to.”
The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit
CP's
Facebook page.