Pittsburgh Councilman Dan Gilman could be the next chief of staff under Mayor Bill Peduto.
Mr. Peduto confirmed Monday that he’s speaking with Mr. Gilman about the influential job, which Kevin Acklin is expected to vacate next month.
Mr. Gilman, 35, of Squirrel Hill has worked as Mr. Peduto’s top aide before — when Mr. Peduto was a City Council member.
“We’re talking. Everyone knows that Dan was my chief of staff for 10 years. We have a strong connection. He’s been very involved in this administration,” Mr. Peduto said. “But there hasn’t been any final decisions that have been made. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make an announcement sometime this week or early next week.”
Asked if he were discussing the job with anyone else, Mr. Peduto said: “There is a short list. I’ll leave it at that.”
Mr. Acklin, 41, of Point Breeze announced this month that he will step aside in January to rejoin to the private sector. He plans to return to legal work — and to earn more money — as his three children approach high school and college, he has said.
A lawyer by trade and education, Mr. Acklin has served as the mayoral chief of staff since Mr. Peduto took office in January 2014. The chief’s job centers heavily on executing the administration’s policies and priorities across city government. Filled by the mayor, the appointed role does not require confirmation by City Council.
Mr. Peduto, 53, of Point Breeze won a second term as mayor last month. He’s budgeted to be paid roughly $111,000 in 2018 — about the same as the chief-of-staff salary. Council members are slated for about $66,000 apiece.
Mr. Gilman, who fills the District 8 council seat that Mr. Peduto occupied for 12 years, confirmed conversations with the mayor. Voters reelected Mr. Gilman in November for a second four-year term as councilman; he ran unopposed.
“Certainly my top priority is how I can best serve the entire City of Pittsburgh, whether that’s from council or the mayor’s office. It’s an honor to be considered for such an important position,” Mr. Gilman said. “As he and I continue discussion this week, hopefully we’ll be able to make a final decision and announcement sometime this week on where things stand.”
Adam Smeltz: 412-263-2625, asmeltz@post-gazette.com, @asmeltz.
First Published: December 18, 2017, 9:07 p.m.
