In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, Eileen Cunningham fills in for Todd McCollum. She and Russell Dryer welcome Jim Edwards, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 35th House District.

A lifelong resident of the Mon Valley, Jim discusses growing up in North Braddock, his ties to Homestead and Munhall, and his decades of military service in the U.S. Air Force and Army. As he prepares to retire as a lieutenant colonel, Jim explains why he sees running for office as another opportunity to serve his community.

The conversation dives into Jim’s campaign priorities, including property-tax relief for seniors, lowering Pennsylvania’s fuel taxes, reducing regulations on small businesses, expanding the local tax base, creating jobs, and revitalizing communities throughout the Mon Valley. Jim also talks about what he is hearing while knocking on doors and his efforts to connect with Republican, Democratic, and independent voters across the district.

The group discusses the importance of the U.S. Steel–Nippon Steel deal, its impact on union jobs and businesses throughout the region, and the need to attract new investment to communities that have experienced decades of economic decline. They also examine public safety, police staffing, prosecution, affordable housing, conditions at Mon View Heights, property taxes, inheritance taxes, and Allegheny County’s continued population loss.

Later, the conversation turns to the redevelopment of Homestead and The Waterfront as an example of what economic growth can look like in the Mon Valley, along with the importance of grassroots organizing, voter registration, door knocking, and rebuilding Republican infrastructure in traditionally Democratic communities.

Plus, Jim shares how listeners can connect with his campaign as he works to become the first Republican to represent the 35th House District.

Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and James Edwards.

On Episode 30 of The Right Side of the Rivers, Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Libby Blackburn, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 30th House District.

Libby shares how she stepped into the race following the disqualification of the original Republican candidate and discusses the experience she brings after more than 14 years of service on the North Allegheny School Board. A lifelong resident of the area, longtime community volunteer, former airline employee, and small business owner, Libby explains why she wants to take her record of public service to Harrisburg.

The conversation covers some of the biggest issues facing families in northern Allegheny County, including affordability, rising energy and utility costs, education funding, responsible government spending, property reassessments, and protecting taxpayers. Libby also discusses her approach to working across party lines, her commitment to fiscal responsibility, and why she believes Pennsylvania needs a fairer education funding formula.

The group also takes a broader look at the upcoming Allegheny County property reassessment, the importance of local elections and voter participation, Pittsburgh’s economic challenges, and the region’s continued leadership in healthcare, robotics, and emerging technology.

Plus, hear how Libby earned approximately 2,700 write-in votes to secure her place on the November ballot and why she believes Republicans, independents, and like-minded Democrats can make the difference in the 30th District.

Special Guest: Libby Blackburn.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Tim McCune, candidate for Pennsylvania’s 36th Legislative District, for a conversation about his background, why he decided to run for office, and the concerns he is hearing from residents across Pittsburgh’s southern neighborhoods and Brentwood. Tim discusses his years of service as a volunteer firefighter, his community and nonprofit work, and his focus on public safety, taxes, affordability, and making sure elected officials remain connected to the people they represent.

The conversation also explores several issues impacting Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, including new health-monitoring technology at the Allegheny County Jail, concerns surrounding the county pension fund, economic development and data centers, and the potential burden of additional taxes on local residents. The episode rounds out with discussion of local innovation and technology, Pittsburgh’s connection to space exploration, and RCAC's upcoming event commemorating America 250 and the 25th anniversary of September 11.

Special Guest: Tim McCune.