Aerion Abney

Aerion Abney was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Abney graduated from Cardinal O'Hara High School in 2006. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Abney's career experience includes working in social work and as the Pennsylvania director of special projects with Access Democracy.[1][2][3][4]

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Candidate Conversations

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a social worker that understands how policy impacts people's quality of life. I live my professional life at the intersection of politics, philanthropy, and civil rights. Currently I am a voting rights advocate fighting to expand access to the ballot across PA.

Previously, I served as a program officer at a local foundation in Pittsburgh where I was responsible for granting over $1.2M in funds to nonprofits in the area. Additionally I am a former committeeman in my neighborhood of Manchester.

As state representative I seek to support anti-displacement strategies that ensure residents have opportunities to remain in the neighborhoods as communities continue to develop. Additionally, I support the highest educational opportunities for students as they prepare to excel in the 21st-century workforce. I'm dedicated to criminal justice reform strategies that provide second chances for non-violent offenders to become reintegrated into society.

I sit on the boards of Hill District Federal Credit Union, Human Services Center Corporation, and Allegheny County's My Brother Keeper taskforce.

I live in Manchester with my wife Tamara and my newborn son Aerius.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe in renewing the lines of accountability between our elected officials and those they represent.I'm running to challenge the status quo and the political establishment that all to often puts politics over people.I am different than my opponent who is a career politician that accepts corporate PAC money and has a record of missing key votes in Harrisburg,

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I support responsible housing and development strategies that will improve our neighborhoods without pushing our community members out due to economic conditions. As State Representative, I will support anti-displacement strategies and policies that ensure residents are able to participate in the planning process where we're able to build both the neighborhood and people at the same time.

Our youth deserve quality education that will position them for success in the 21st century. However, some of our schools do not have the funding they need to best support our teachers and educate our students. I believe that we can do better and that we must give our schools the resources they need to educate our youth including funding for out of school and afterschool educational opportunities, STEAM and STEM programming, and expanded Pre-K offerings.

Living in a clean and sustainable environment should not be a luxury only afforded to the few. We know the negative impacts of things such as lead in water can have on cognitive skills and the high rate of children growing up with asthma due to poor air quality. I will push to reinvest in the Department of Environmental Protection to develop innovative ways to use water, wind, and other renewable energy to promote a clean green environment. I will be a tireless champion to establish community health equity zones to eliminate the vast health disparities in our communities.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity

Common sense

Open minded

Good listener

Decisive

Inclusive

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as someone that cared enough to give a damn about other people. Someone that used my platform as a sphere of influence to change the realities of struggle for the people that I represent.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Camp counselor at my local YMCA. I worked my way up over 4 years from counselor to Site Director overseeing 25 staff and hundreds of kids.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. My 6-month old son loves the song.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that it is certainly useful but do not see it as a deal breaker. As long as they truly have the best interest of those they represent at heart I believe a person can be an effective legislator.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. There is no such thing as a one person army and in order to pass legislation you need to have the support of colleagues. Having relationships with colleagues will help to get legislation passed.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriations

Education

State Government