Lavelle Announces Bid for Pittsburgh City Council -- Flanked by Supporters
On Saturday afternoon, January 24, in a standing room only Hill District community center filled with residents, family, friends and community leaders, Robert Daniel Lavelle announced his candidacy for City Council, District 6.
Robert “Daniel” Lavelle is the third generation male of a family with deep ties to the Hill District community, one of eleven neighborhoods within the district.
Among other opening speakers including residents, colleagues and Democratic Party leaders was his grandfather, Robert R. Lavelle, who recounted stories of triumph in his decades-long struggle as a small Hill District business owner who was young and African American. But his struggle was not in vein, at least not according to Robert “Daniel”. Daniel attributes his grandfather as a primary inspiration for his passion for public service. During his announcement speech, Daniel recited one of his grandfather's great refrains, “If you recognize a problem and can grasp the nature of the solution, then you have an obligation to use your talents to help fix the problem.” And that's exactly what Daniel Lavelle wants to do. 
During his speech he cited dismal census report findings for much of his district:
- 30% of the children in the community are living in poverty;
- 35% of men are unemployed;
- 40% of young women are single mothers;
- 25% of our children will drop out of school;
- 22% of our housing stands vacant;
- most families live on an income of only $28,000 and;
- The Hill District and North Side lead the city in murder rates and nearing their highest rates ever.
Daniel assured the audience that in spite of the statistics, “We can turn the corner, and I am eager to work hard, building coalitions and resolving the issues at hand. I am eager and committed to working with the community, not on my own behalf.
With over sixty supporters on-hand, many said they are supporting Daniel because he understands the issues and knows how to bring people together. When grandfather Lavelle spoke, he recounted his earliest recognition of Daniel's uncanny awareness and ability to listen, even as a very young child. Supporters echoed these sentiments.
Daniel closed his speech by asking for support from attendees. In return, he promised that he will work relentlessly to reduce crime, bring more affordable housing and commercial development and quality jobs – “ people will come back to live here; our children will stay here and succeed .”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Daniel Lavelle was born and raised in the Hill District section of the City of Pittsburgh. He is a graduate of Pittsburgh Public Schools and Kent State University. He is a former aide to City Councilman Sala Udin and currently serves as Chief of Staff to State Representative Jake Wheatley, Jr. His service and leadership roles have included volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, Wireless Neighborhoods, the League of Young Voters, Hill District YMCA and other organizations. Daniel lives in the Hill District with his wife Rachel Riley-Lavelle.
Council District 6 includes the Hill District, Downtown, Uptown, the Strip District, Manchester, Central Northside, California-Kirkbride, and Allegheny West, as well as parts of West Oakland, South Oakland, and Fineview.