PITTSBURGH -- Squirrel Hill attorney Kevin Acklin officially kicked off his campaign Wednesday night to become Pittsburgh's next mayor.
"I think we can be a safer city. I would support giving our police, fire, and EMS all the tools they need to make this the safest big city in America," said Acklin.
The south Oakland native launched his bid to become the first Independent mayor since Richard Caliguiri in 1977.
"I believe Pittsburghers are hungry for independent leadership and Pittsburgh has relied on independent leadership in the past," said Acklin.
He wasted no time taking aim at current Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and what he calls, "Governance by Photo Op."
"What I see is when an issue comes up, the mayor tends to respond when the cameras are looking and there is not a lot of follow through," said Acklin. "We hold our quarterbacks and our sports teams to a standard of excellence; I think it is about time we hold our mayor to the same standard of excellence."
Acklin won't be the only Independent candidate running for mayor this fall.
Franco "Dok" Harris, 29, the son of Steeler Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, announced his candidacy in March.
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