PITTSBURGH -- In the world of advertising and marketing, they call it "branding," and it seems Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is working hard to become the face of Pittsburgh, which has brought the Ravenstahlizaton of the city's presence online.

In his few months in office, Ravenstahl put his name and face on things like the new 311 city service center, dubbed the Ravenstahl Response Line. He's also on billboards across town, promoting his namesake and the "Redd Up" campaign.

"I think it's important that as the mayor, this is something that Bob O'Connor began when he was in office," said Ravenstahl. "You have to interact with the people, and you have to be a person of the people."

Now, Ravenstahl is going online, claiming a high profile on the city of Pittsburgh's official Web site.

Ravenstahl's picture is front and center on the city's home page, along side links for the Ravenstahl Response Line.

In Philadelphia, the mayor has just two images on their Web site, and Cleveland's has only one photo on the side showing Mayor Frank Jackson.

Ravenstahl said he doesn't see any need for restrictions on use of the city's Web site, as long as it's not political.

He said his is not political, but rather informative and appropriate.

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Related Links:

City of Pittsburgh Web Site

Mayor's Office Web Page

Ravenstahl Response Line

Redd Up Page

Mayor's Photo Gallery

Philadlephia City Web Site

Cleveland City Web Site

New York City Web Site

New York Mayor's Photo Gallery

More County News

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