A City Council Farewell

Today marked the last meeting of the year for Pittsburgh City Council, and the last for Councilors Jim Motznik and Tonya Payne. It was a brief, but emotional meeting filled with laughter and sniffles. Motznik will become district judge, while Payne will be running for a state representative’s seat.
Payne wiped tears her eyes as the remaining council members said their goodbyes at the end of the meeting. Councilors Darlene Harris, Theresa Smith and Bill Peduto specifically commented on her hard work and passion.
Payne said that she and Motznik had become close friends during her time on council, and he taught her many things.
“I know that we’ll always have this special friendship no matter what,” Payne said. “You’re a lot like myself… we’re just not afraid.”
Motznik said he’s worked hard to get where he is now, and at first, he never planned a political career. It’s a tough job, but he’s going to miss it.
“Imagine moving up from a laborer to district judge,” he said. “It’s a dream come true.”