Mayor Gives Back

"In 2006, we had the occasion of losing nine individuals, nine lives, in fire deaths" said Mayor Ravenstahl, in a story by the P-G's Rich Lord. Giving away smoke detectors is part of an effort "to make this city the safest in America."

Not only is the Mayor giving away 1,000 smoke detectors, he is personally taking charge. Lord leads his piece with the tale of Elizabeth Hogue, of Elliot, who recently suffered an oven fire. Although the 79-year old put out the fire with a small extinguisher, the Mayor himself dropped by days later to install a new detector.

"Isn't it wonderful?" she gushed.

Mr. Peduto has taken steps to mandate smoke-detector checks in certain apartment units, so this may be a way for the Mayor to one-up his rival ...

Wait a minute.

Elizabeth Hogue, of Ellliot. Hogue. Hogue. Of Elliot.

Matt H!!!! The relative with whom, if memory serves and our case-files are correct, he still lives! Mayor Ravenstahl dropped by to hand out free swag for his loneliest, and most prolific, e-spin-doctor! And used the occasion to generate some good press!

Thanks to the very alert Comet reader who tipped us off. Note to Maria, the Adm., et all: check your own smoke detectors and batteries. Help may not be forthcoming.