O'Connor Still In Intensive Care (Pittsburgh Mayor called "Unresponsive")

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor remains in intensive care at UPMC Shadyside Hospital after doctors spent Tuesday putting him through neurological tests to find out the exact cause of his seizures and his downward turn.

After undergoing surgery on Monday, the hospital's latest statement on O'Connor was that he was in serious condition.

"I was with my classmate, Father Terry, and Judy O'Connor was there, and some other family and friends," said Father Thomas Burke, a family friend of the O'Connors. "We had some lunch, and we're just trying to support each other, pull through together. And then I did have the opportunity to go down and see the mayor with his son, Father Terry. And we all said a little prayer and we blessed him, so, we're just all hanging in there."

When asked if the mayor was awake, Burke said, "He's still unresponsive. Machines are hooked up to him. He's resting comfortably. He does look comfortable. And we just said a brief prayer over him."

O'Connor's medical team said brain scans conducted Sunday night and Monday indicated seizure activity, and tests showed that infection may have involved his drain and spinal fluid.

Hiz Honor O'Connor was just elected last fall. At least it was a big change from several terms of a totally inept mayor Tom Murphy who drove the city to near financial ruin.

O'Connor is a Democrat...Pubbies don't stand a chance here...but it's a very sad situation not just for his family but the city and county as well.

There appears to have been a power struggle, with O'Connor firing several top aids right after he was hospitalized in July. A deputy mayor has been appointed.

If O'Connor loses his battle, the transition should go to the 23 year old president of city council as outlined in the Home Rule Charter. However there seems to be some questions/challanges about that and the situation is confusing at best.

Despite his political persuasion, prayers for him and his family.

prisoner6

several terms of a totally inept mayor Tom Murphy who drove the city to near financial ruin.

A close friend just moved from NY to Pittsburgh a few months ago. They are renting a condo during their home search. While the homes were priced quite reasonably, they were taken back by the high property taxes. Now I know why.

Prayers for O'Connor and his family. Seems he has given his health, hopefully not his life, for the betterment of Pittsburgh.

A very close friend of mine was a city policeman for years. He was forced to register Democrat because of the job and the ridiculous politics of the city. He ended up retiring two years ago and one of the first things he did was to change his political affiliation.

Even as a staunch conservative he said that Bob O'Connor is a fine man. I can't imagine a good outcome to this. My prayers for him and his family.

This is just so sad. On the KD news at 11, it was stated that the Mayor's condition was 'hour to hour.' My prayers are with the O'Connors.

My family and I were away at the beginning of July...when we came home, and I read the stacked up newspapers, I was stunned by the irony of Mr. O'Connor entering the hospital the day before the MLB All Star game was held here in Pittsburgh. He worked so hard, and promoted Pittsburgh so enthusiasticly. He truly loved Pittsburgh and it showed.

I'm at work now putting morning news together. Hiz Honor O'Connor is off life support and it's basically a death watch. The hopsital is overloaded so it's no use calling there. The >VERY unoffical< word is he's passed, perhaps even lost brain function a couple of days ago. Rumors were rampant Tuesday or Wednesday to that effect but strongly denied.

prisoner6

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