PERSON: Corey O’Connor

City councilman

In his initial run for public office, Corey O’Connor was elected to represent City Council District 5 and was sworn in on January 3, 2012. Endorsed by both the Post-Gazette and the Tribune Review, O’Connor won his seat with over 75% of the vote. He also received endorsements from the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Allegheny County Central Labor Council, Young Democrats of Allegheny County, and Steel City Stonewall Democrats.

Before running for City Council, O’Connor began his career in public service as a Community Development Representative for U.S. Representative Mike Doyle in the Congressman’s Pittsburgh District Office. Corey’s areas of responsibility included: business development projects, housing concerns, appropriations, EPA compliance, public safety, and FEMA disaster responses. He also assisted residents with foreclosures during the 2008-2009 recession and provided guidance to low-income constituents regarding energy and heating assistance. In his four-plus years in this position, Corey frequently represented Rep. Doyle at community meetings and public events.

Corey began his campaign for Pittsburgh City Council in January 2011. With 70 percent of the vote, he easily defeated his primary opponent. A lifelong Democrat, Corey has been active in other election campaigns, including his late father’s mayoral and council campaigns as well as in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 presidential elections. He also served on the Platform Committee at this year’s Democratic convention. The notable website Politics PA named O’Connor one of Pennsylvania’s top “30 Under 30” and in 2010, he was selected at Allegheny County Young Democrat of the Year.

O’Connor is proud to have introduced legislation establishing an HIV/AIDS Commission, worked cooperatively to create an Assessment Appeal Assistance Program, and launched “Corey’s Crew," consisting of volunteers who troubleshoot, clean lots, help senior citizens, and assist at community events. As chair of City Council’s Committee on Urban Recreation, O’Connor has visited dozens of Recreation and Senior Centers and toured almost every city park with the Citiparks Director and Deputy Director of Public Works.

A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Corey became the youngest varsity sport coach in the history of the WPIAL at age 20. Through six seasons as Central’s varsity golf coach, Corey has taken his team to the WPIAL finals five years in a row. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University. The councilman was a Squirrel Hill Little League baseball coach for 10 years and was twice honored as Coach of the Year. A regular participant with the city’s Redd Up Team, O’Connor also serves on several boards and commissions including, the Stadium Authority, First Tee of Pittsburgh, the Clean Pittsburgh Commission, Addison Behavioral Health, and the Cancer Caring Center.

Corey, now 28, is the youngest of Pittsburgh’s late Mayor Bob O’Connor and Judy O’Connor’s three children. He resides in Swisshelm Park and is engaged to Ms. Katie Stohlberg. The O’Connor family honors Bob O’Connor’s legacy of public service by hosting the annual “Bob O’Connor Cookie Cruise” that raises funds for local charities.

-- pittsburghpa.gov