Kevin Battle Goes One On One

If ever there was a person created for one job or vice versa, this is it!  His family roots in our region date back to our founding and his passion and knowledge for our history are unequalled.  However, his first book had nothing to do with us.  It was about the Civil War and the West.  Why?  And, how does a historian feel about evolving neighborhoods like the Strip District or the tearing down of monuments dedicated to the past?  Is he a picker?  Do we focus too much on sports?  How important was our Whiskey Rebellion for America?  How did the voice synonymous with Western Pennsylvania history find its love of the past?  And, how does ice tie together Washington County’s earliest inhabitants, his office, and a boyhood treasure hunt that sparked a lifelong devotion to preserving, presenting, and teaching about the treasures that tell our amazing story?  I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Andy Masich, President & CEO of the Heinz History Center.’

(Photo: Heinz History Center)

This is a special week with the celebration of the US Marine Corps’ 246th birthday and the recognition of Veteran’s Day.  It is one of the most recognizable and beloved structures in Oakland.  However, very few people know much about it.  It has a long history that continues to evolve.  There are big plans for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum both inside and outside on the lawn!  That lawn and property is priceless but Oakland is growing.  What does the future hold and who is entrusted with the treasures of the history that the structure protects and honors?  I hope you enjoy ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: John McCabe of Soldiers & Sailors 

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with one of the most influential leaders of athletics in Western Pennsylvania.  A very humble, hard-working visionary who helps guide our region’s future - one game, match, or competition at a time.  For her, it is not about personal glory but about the task at hand and the children who participate.  

She is spearheading growth of our sports landscape and heritage.  Which sports will be added to WPIAL competition?  Is ‘gender’ too big of a focus in athletics?  How can gender identity effect competition and how will it be accounted for in the future?  What about Name, Image, and Likeness?  Will high school sports follow college athletics in getting participants paid?  The Playoffs are upon us: Which matchup would she like to see as a fan?

How does she find a work/life balance that so many of us struggle with?  And, with her busy professional schedule, what would she like to accomplish in her first contract as Executive Director?  What is this high-level athlete’s dream vacation & favorite junk food?

Have you ever wondered how the WPIAL gets its funding or why certain schools never host a playoff game?  And, why is Proverbs 31 so important to her mission as a professional?  Hint: She definitely ‘does not eat the bread of idleness!’  Listen and learn!  

I hope you enjoy this episode of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: WPIAL Executive Director Amy Scheuneman.’

He grew up in the shadows of steel mills and rose to influential leadership as a lawyer, teacher, historian, and writer.  I referred to the park-like campus that he oversees as the crown-jewel of our city.  But, maybe he is actually that jewel as the Pride of Pittsburgh swells from deep within him!  He loves our region’s history and character - and its virtuous characters.  In fact, this very accomplished resident wrote a book about them.  Many of those folks helped form his ideals in-spite of some of their collective short-comings.  His favorite aspect of the city - his MUST SEE spot for any visitor - will surprise you!  His knowledge and expertise expands well beyond Western PA.  Yes.  He guides a worldwide brand - Duquesne University - and its international campuses.  However, he also has a national reputation due to his expertise in the Watergate Scandal and the US Constitution.  That said, why does he hold Pennsylvania’s Constitution in such high regard?  Was it because he was once nominated to the PA Supreme Court?  Will US politics ever see a viable third party?  Did this worldly, best-selling New York Times author, expert, and ‘Keeper of KDKA History’ really wrestle a bear?  And, what upsets him about ‘chipped-chopped ham’ - the staple of a true Pittsburgh-area diet?  Welcome to this episode of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One with: Dr. Ken Gormley, President of Duquesne University.’

He is a quintessential Pittsburgher.  Known around the globe for his documentaries that focus on our region.  However, he has travelled extensively so where would he live if he could temporarily relocate?  And, after discussing his heritage, is he related to Chuck Noll and Paul Newman?  Did he really consider a career on the Alaska pipeline?  Hmmmm.  Listen and find out.  He loves Pittsburgh because it constantly surprises him.  

He is a historian who may have stumbled across long forgotten knowledge of the East Hills and a decidedly different name.   What priceless advice did his late friend, Mr. Rogers, give him?  He is responsible for ushering in the era of TV shows about diners and sandwich shops so how does he feel about today’s nationally syndicated and very successful foodie shows?  And what so will this journalist, writer, narrator NEVER do?

Thank you for joining us for this episode of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Rick Sebak.

She runs the largest transportation network in our region and is responsible for getting commuters to and from work safely while ensuring employees are also secure.  But, why did this history buff who holds a Bachelor’s degree in the field apologize to historians!  And, how does a CEO/mother of two youngsters find work/life balance in a hectic world?  We had a great conversation about her life, family, and Pittsburgh. 

But what about bike lanes?  We only have so much space on the Golden Triangle that is Pittsburgh.  How do buses navigate a congested, narrow system that is now shrinking due to bike lanes?  Covid really caused much pain and anxiety as she tried to ensure safety of front line workers - the drivers - and passengers as ridership slumped.  How have things bounced back and what is the plan for public transportation for the next 25 years?  

Thank you for joining us for an in-depth conversation with the CEO of the Port Authority of Allegheny County!  This is Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One with Katharine  Kelleman.

(Photo: Port Authority of Allegheny County)

Born & raised in Western Pennsylvania, she felt a calling to serve.  However, after studying in Chicago and Boston she was beginning a career in law and the family practice.  A quest for something else led her to help the hungry.  Her decisions and passions were honored as she was recently named ‘Pittsburgher of the Year.’  However her dream job was unavailable to her!  She is responsible for healthy food options for hundreds of thousands while transforming a system of getting those options to the most needy and hungry in our region.  We had a lovely, warm conversation about her life, her goals, and career moves.  Plus, her passion for food.  I hope you enjoy ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One With: Lisa Scales of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.’ 

(Photo: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank)

I very much looked forward to meeting Mr. Walker and truly appreciate the time he made available for our meeting.  He is an aspirational person with the ability and knowledge and common sense to back it up.  He makes field visits every Friday and uses ‘frontline intelligence’ in his everyday decision making as the boss.  But will we experience rolling blackouts like other regions of the country as we grow and upgrade our power grid for the demands of the future?  His leadership and residency in Pittsburgh began during the pandemic after serving as a Senior VP of California Edison power.  What about a balance of power sources: Fossil Fuels, Nuclear, Solar, Wind, Coal?  The success of our energy relies on good paying jobs and affordable energy.  So what makes sense?How does the President and CEO of Duquesne Light find a work/life balance?  What was the West Point & Wharton School grad’s very first job?  How will the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative effect our power sources and jobs in Western PA?  He is looking for a cleaner future in which everyone wins including those working in the fossil fuels industry.  Welcome to ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One with: Kevin Walker’ - President and CEO of Duquesne Light! Thank you!  

Editor’s Note: due to an equipment issue on my end, I apologize for the brief moments of digital static at some points of this tremendous conversation.

The race for mayor of the city of Pittsburgh is heating up!  He knew the city well from his earliest days but was never exposed to politics until his first day of college.  Efforts to help save an HBCU he attended paid off and sparked a passion for civic involvement. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he didn’t leave the city until he went to college to see what the world had to offer.  That journey ended with a gift for his mom: his diploma.  Now a veteran of state and city politics, Rep. Ed Gainey sets his sights on the big office on Grant Street.  Voters will decide if the man who defeated Mayor Bill Peduto in the Primary should serve as Pittsburgh’s leader.  

So, what did he learn and how did working in two previous administrations help mold his work ethic and build his vision for government?  Will he be able to bridge state and city politics or build relations with Harrisburg to benefit Pittsburgh?  How does he view the city’s bridges and topography?  What are his thoughts on football, food, and vaccines?  I truly appreciate the time Representative Gainey set aside for me.  We had a great conversation about growing up in the 70’s & 80’s.  I really enjoyed meeting him face-to-face to discuss a wide range of topics including his journey.  I hope you enjoy ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One With: Ed Gainey.’ 

Thank you!

The race for Mayor of Pittsburgh is heating up.  Tony Moreno helped innovate policing while a detective with the City of Pittsburgh Police Department.  However, he admits that he was not part of the inner circle.  How will he fill the holes in the Pittsburgh Police Command Staff caused by recent resignations and retirements?  Is nepotism a problem within the ranks?

I once wrote an editorial based on criticisms of Mr. Moreno.  Many felt I was endorsing him.  They obviously were pushing their own agenda and never read my article.  I would have written the same editorial had his competitor been slandered in the same manner.  So, how does race play a role in this competition for the most powerful office on Grant Street?  Regardless, in January 2022 either be the first African-American mayor or first Hispanic mayor will be sworn in on the steps of the City/County Building in Pittsburgh.   The city is relatively affordable but what can be done  to keep it home for Pittsburghers?  Are crime rates kept high so people flee which opens areas for redevelopment?   How will he ensure the south sections of the city are not forgotten?  What is 90=1?

It was a great conversation with a visionary man who loves this city and is determined to lead and listen should votes go his way in November.  I hope you enjoy ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One with: Tony Moreno.’