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Q&A with Pgh City Paper Editor-in-Chief About the ‘Best of Pittsburgh’ Reader’s Poll: Pandemic Edition
I am not being coy or exaggerating when I say that being voted “Best Local Blogger” in the Pittsburgh City Paper Reader’s Poll in 2016 was transformative for me. It was the first year for the category and I had no idea I had even been nominated. I accused the City paper staffer who called me of trying to punk me and immediately called someone at the CP whom I personally knew to confirm it was for real, for true.
The award didn’t change my world — no book deals, no promotional opportunities — but it changed me. 46 year old white cisgender disabled queer lady bloggers who write about politics are not exactly garnering all of the awards or high-profile moments. We just … don’t. But once I was someone who did win an award from my neighbors, I reframed my perspective. Then I won a national award in 2019 and then the City Paper award again in 2019, as well.
When the polls opened for 2020, I was curious how things would shake out. People have more time to vote and recruit supporters’ votes. But we also don’t have concerts, readings, bars (at this point) or other venues to engage. I had the chance to talk with CP Editor in Chief Lisa Cunningham about the ‘Best of Pittsburgh’ poll; pandemic version.
