Monday, March 23 – In the wake of yesterday's Post Gazette's story on the connection between political donations and government contracts in the Ravenstahl administration, Democratic Mayoral candidate and City Council Member Patrick Dowd today called the story a “wake up call” to Pittsburghers. "Especially in this economy, people want their tax dollars watched closely, not given away in sweetheart deals in exchange for campaign contributions." said Dowd. “Every time the Mayor awards a no-bid contract, the taxpayers lose.” 1. * 2. 1. * 3. 2. 1. *