“This is a victory for the City of Pittsburgh,” said Heisler in a statement. She emphasized that the referendum, if implemented, would have conflicted with Pennsylvania law, particularly the Home Rule Charter’s “business exclusion” provision, which limits municipalities’ authority to impose restrictions not authorized by state law.
Future Actions and Legal Costs
The Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists of America and No War Crimes on Our Dime acknowledged the withdrawal of the ballot measure in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. They characterized the withdrawal as a “strategic” move and pledged to revive their efforts in the future.
Meanwhile, the Jewish Federation’s legal team indicated that they might seek to recover their legal fees from the supporters of the ballot measure. Judge McVay has granted them 10 days to file a motion for such costs.
Legal Representation
The City of Pittsburgh is represented by Clifford B. Levine, David F. Russey, and Jonathan P. Sion of Dentons Cohen & Grigsby PC. The Jewish Federation and local clergy are represented by Ronald L. Hicks and Carolyn B. McGee of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, alongside Efrem M. Grail of the Grail Law Firm. The ballot initiative supporters are represented by Charles Pascal of the Law Offices of Charles A. Pascal Jr.
