In May of 2019, Pittsburgh resident Bethany Hallam defeated a nearly 20-year incumbent to become Allegheny County Councilor at Large. She takes her seat in January, 2020. What's truly remarkable about her victory is the story that precedes it. Bethany watched the 2016 US presidential election from the Allegheny County jail as an inmate and recovering heroin addict. She shares her journey from addiction, to incarceration, to her inspiration to run for local elected office in a metro area of over a million people.
And I also take the opportunity to share a little about my own journey. It was hard to pick an opening quote for this episode because she had so many great ones, and whether you're frustrated with your political situation, struggling with addiction, or know someone who is, we're sure you'll find cause for inspiration and hope in her story.
Photo by Caiolinn Ertel
