Onorato Endorsed by African-American Clergy, Community Leaders

Leaders tout Onorato’s record on economic, community development in Allegheny County
 
PITTSBURGH: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato was endorsed by leaders of the Pittsburgh African-American community today. The local ministers and community leaders cited Onorato’s record of helping to create jobs and strengthen neighborhoods, and his plans for increasing economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.
 
“We need a Governor who understands how to get the economy back on track and improve the quality of life for working families,” said Pittsburgh City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle. “Dan has a record of accomplishment and a history of bringing people together, and he is the only candidate with the experience and the vision to lead Pennsylvania during these tough times.”
 
A county-wide collaboration of more than two dozen community leaders joined Onorato at Freedom Corner in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District. The monument served as a meeting point for community members and leaders during the Civil Rights Movement.
 
“I am honored to be endorsed by these community leaders who are committed to moving Pennsylvania in the right direction,” said Onorato. “We have worked together to make Allegheny County a better place to live, work and raise a family – and that is exactly what we need to do for Pennsylvania.”
 
As Allegheny County Executive, worked to create an economic climate that encourages private-sector investment and small business success. He launched a loan fund to help minority-owned small businesses thrive and created a Working Capital Loan Program that has provided $1.3 million in loans to minority- and women-owned companies to provide working capital for contract financing. Onorato has also championed workforce development programs to train people for good-paying jobs.
 
Onorato has worked with community leaders and partnered with faith-based organizations to strengthen Allegheny County’s neighborhoods.  He signed the landmark Hill District Community Benefits Agreement, established an $18 million initiative to build community centers in distressed neighborhoods and advocated for the August Wilson Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh. And Onorato led the most diverse county government in history.
 
Today, Allegheny County has more people working than any other county in Pennsylvania, and an unemployment rate that is lower than both the state’s and the nation’s.
 
Onorato’s policy platform includes:
·         Focusing on jobs and the economy to get Pennsylvania back on track and help create economic opportunity in all communities;
·         Ensuring that leadership positions in state government fully reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania;
·         Expanding access to early childhood education and ensuring that all families are able to send their children to quality schools;
·         Focusing on college access and workforce development so that Pennsylvanians are prepared for good-paying jobs;
·         Building strong communities and addressing issues like reducing recidivism, improving public safety and increasing affordable housing; and
·         Focusing on health care affordability, access and quality, and reducing health disparities that impact women and minorities.
 
The list of community leaders and elected officials who endorsed Onorato today is attached.