County Councilwoman At-Large Bethany Hallam verbally harassed Judge Elliot Howsie, an African-American Pittsburgher, whose journey as a Wilkinsburg-born janitor’s son to the Court of Common Pleas has earned him the respect of colleagues across all walks of life. The harassment included name calling and foul language at a public jail oversight board hearing, of which both Howsie and Hallam sit. The harassment, which is too heinous to describe in words, can be viewed here. Judge Howsie has dedicated his life to serving the public:

A former assistant district attorney, Judge Howsie became the first African-American to serve as chief public defender in Allegheny County in 2012. 
Under his leadership, the public defender’s office took unprecedented steps to reduce the local jail population. These steps included:  providing all people with representation at the earliest stages of criminal proceedings, including preliminary arraignments and bail hearings; adding on-staff social workers to help all people access mental health treatment, drug and alcohol counseling, and other social services that reduce the chance of arrest; and, partnering with the county’s probation office to help clients end probation early. 

Judge Howsie’s public service in working in every sector of the justice system and in the non-profit community to help all people has been publicly recognized and lauded by top local African-American democrats including, Mayor Ed Gainey, Lieutenant-Governor Elect Austin Davis and Allegheny County Councilor DeWitt Walton, among others.

Ms. Hallam’s reputation, however, does not hold a match to Judge Howsies and her behavior puts her past into question. We, as ordinary citizens and stakeholders for good governance, public service and accountability will not stand silent. We are appalled that Ms. Hallam’s actions have not resulted in any real consequence. African-Americans and Pittsburgers stand united in ensuring this disrespect is not accepted or tolerated. An attempt by some county council officials to censure Ms. Hallam for her behavior fell short. On behalf of the African-American community of Pittsburgh, we call on Council People Anita Prizio, John Palmiere, Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Paul Klein, Bobby Palmosino, Liv Benett, and Patrick Catena to do what is right and vote to censure Ms. Hallam at the next county council meeting.  In addition, we call on County Council President Patrick Catena to remove her from the jail oversight board immediately. It is not possible to have progress in these meetings with this kind of abhorrent behavior and discord. Lastly, Ms. Hallam must do what we would expect our children to do if they act in a manner of disrespect: apologize.