Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome back returning guest Juan Romero, who previously joined the podcast to discuss his experience growing up in Venezuela and witnessing the country’s political and economic changes. This time, Romero brings that perspective to a discussion of the latest election results and what they could mean for Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and the country.

The conversation looks at voter frustration, affordability, Republican turnout, campaign messaging, and the growing influence of democratic socialist candidates and policies. Romero discusses parallels he sees between political movements in the United States and developments he witnessed in Venezuela, while the group examines why voters may respond to economic pressures, rising costs, and dissatisfaction with government.

The group also takes a closer look at the results in Western Pennsylvania, including the races involving James Hayes, Tony Guy, Thomas West, and Stacy Garrity, as well as the role of campaign fundraising, name recognition, party identification, and grassroots organizing. They discuss the challenge Republicans face in communicating local issues when national politics dominate an election and what the party may need to do differently heading into future races.

Later, the discussion turns to the Allegheny County ballot referendum, which was rejected by voters despite Democratic candidates performing strongly elsewhere on the ballot. The group examines what that result may say about attitudes toward government growth, taxes, affordability, and local spending, while also looking ahead to candidate recruitment and upcoming local elections.

The episode closes on a positive Pittsburgh note with a discussion of Giant Eagle and the Pittsburgh Steelers partnering to help provide meals for local children, along with a reminder of the region’s strong tradition of businesses, sports organizations, and community leaders stepping up to help their neighbors.

Special Guest: Juan Romero.

Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome back Tony Guy, Beaver County Sheriff and candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 17th District. Guy gives an update on the final stretch of his campaign, reflects on his recent debate with Chris Deluzio, and discusses the differences he sees between their approaches to public safety, government, and representation.

The conversation covers law enforcement, military leadership, bipartisan government, voter outreach, and Guy’s experience running the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office. He also discusses the makeup of PA-17, his efforts to connect with Republicans, Independents, and moderate Democrats, and the importance of building a broad coalition across Beaver and Allegheny counties.

The group also looks at the Allegheny County ballot referendum, Pittsburgh’s financial challenges, government oversight, federal debt, inflation, and concerns over expanding government spending. Later, the discussion turns to residency requirements for Pittsburgh paramedics, business conditions in Allegheny County, and the potential impact of paid parental leave requirements on employers and the local economy.

The episode closes on a lighter note with stories about escaped pelicans from the Pittsburgh Zoo, local athletes giving back to the community, the Steelers’ upcoming game in Paris, and Guy’s travels through Europe and World War II historic sites.

Special Guest: Tony Guy.

Todd McCollum is joined by Eileen Cunningham - filling in for Russell Dryer who is out on special assignment - and this week's guest J.D. Longo, Mayor of Slippery Rock and Pennsylvania Chairman of the America First Policy Institute. Longo joins the podcast to talk about his background, his experience in local government, and the work he is doing with AFPI across Pennsylvania.

The conversation covers energy, education choice, taxes, deregulation, government spending, economic opportunity, and the importance of keeping government accountable. Longo also discusses his experience managing Slippery Rock’s finances, including controlling spending, reducing debt, and avoiding property tax increases. This discussion is in comparison to the current financial challenges facing Pittsburgh - including pensions, public spending, transparency, and the role local leaders play in protecting taxpayers.

Later, the discussion turns to license plate readers and surveillance technology, including concerns about privacy, constitutional protections, and how law enforcement tools should be used. The episode closes with a look at the 100th anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, college students getting involved in civic life, and some of the political issues shaping Pennsylvania.

Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and JD Longo.

Todd McCollum is joined by Bob Crankovic - filling in for Russell Dryer, and returning guest James Hayes, candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District. Hayes returns to the podcast to provide an update on his campaign, including voter outreach initiatives, fundraising, door knocking, and the issues he says he is hearing about across Western Pennsylvania.

The conversation covers public safety, energy production, gasoline and electricity costs, nuclear power, data centers, artificial intelligence, and economic development. Hayes discusses the role he believes Pennsylvania’s energy industry can play in regional growth, potential uses for brownfield sites, and how emerging technologies such as AI could affect small businesses and the broader economy.

The group also revisits the U.S. Steel–Nippon Steel partnership and its potential impact on the Mon Valley, steelmaking, advanced manufacturing, and future investment in Western Pennsylvania.

Later, the discussion turns to the recently unsealed City of Pittsburgh search warrant, questions surrounding no-bid contracts, financial oversight, city finances, pensions, and the responsibilities of the legislative branch when it comes to appropriations and accountability. The hosts and Hayes emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing and that no criminal charges had been filed at the time of the discussion.

The episode also examines Allegheny County’s proposed paid parental leave requirements, including possible impacts on small businesses, employers, the county tax base, and economic competitiveness. The group closes with a discussion of the UPMC settlement involving gender-related medical care for minors and a local feel-good story honoring 103-year-old World War II Merchant Marine veteran Anthony “Tony” Vaccarelli.

Special Guests: Bob Crankovic and James Hayes.

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.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Pennsylvania State Representative Valerie Gaydos for a conversation about her path from the private sector to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the issues shaping Western Pennsylvania. Drawing on her background in technology, entrepreneurship, and small business, Gaydos discusses economic development, healthcare affordability, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and the opportunities created by the Pittsburgh International Airport corridor.

The discussion also explores the state budget, government spending, public safety, criminal justice reform, and a recent legislative debate over sentencing laws in Harrisburg. The episode wraps with a look at grassroots campaigning, voter engagement, the importance of electing leaders with real-world business experience, and the recent visit by the Union Pacific "Big Boy" locomotive as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration.

Special Guest: Valerie Gaydos.