Residents press council on AI, alleged misconduct and neighborhood investment during public comment
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Summary
During a lengthy public comment period at the Feb. 10 Pittsburgh City Council meeting, residents raised concerns about artificial intelligence, alleged police misconduct, neighborhood disinvestment and the influence of large philanthropic donations; speakers urged transparency and long‑term investment in underserved areas.
Dozens of residents used the council’s three‑minute public comment period on Feb. 10 to press elected officials on a range of issues, from the role of artificial intelligence in government to alleged law‑enforcement misconduct and gaps in neighborhood investment.
Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller, who identified himself as founder of the Pittsburgh City Neighborhood Network, said he is 'overall... anti AI' and cautioned against relying on artificial intelligence for governance. 'AI never makes a mistake. AI never lies,' Miller said, adding that those claims are "untrue" and urging caution in local uses of the technology.
Former Strip District resident Richard Mardonian delivered extended allegations of what he described as 'fraud on the court' spanning multiple states and accused local officials of inaction. He said he personally met Mayor Cory O'Connor and was told there was 'nothing he could do' about the matter. Mardonian alleged a Pittsburgh police clerk accepted a prohibited cash payment and said he had sought help from state and federal officials without success.
Bethany Cameron of the local nonprofit InformUp.org presented a survey of 71 respondents across all nine council districts about four issues. On whether donations like UPMC’s $10,000,000 gift could influence city decisions on nonprofit tax exemptions, she said about 69% were 'somewhat or very concerned.' On snow removal since Mayor O'Connor took office Jan. 5, she said 49% were 'somewhat or very dissatisfied.' Cameron said the full survey results will be distributed to council offices.
Speakers representing community groups urged targeted investments in neighborhoods they said have been overlooked. Chief Kikahana Halenakina (self‑identified) said it would be 'hard to tell what neighborhood are in need of investment' and called for partnerships with tech firms to create youth opportunities. Other speakers urged council action on gun‑industry transparency and raised personal allegations about identity theft and guardianship processes.
Council did not respond directly to most individual allegations during public comment. The session closed after the registered speakers were heard and the meeting moved on to presentations of bills and committee reports.
Next steps: Public comment items do not result in automatic council action; commenters may follow up with specific offices or raise items on committee agendas.