P.G. Sittenfeld is a born and bred Cincinnatian, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. After graduating from Seven Hills High School, he went on to study English and American Studies at Princeton University. Following his 2007 graduation he was awarded the prestigious Marshall Scholarship affording him the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford where he earned a Masters in English and American Studies.

Along the way he had internships at Google and Time magazine. Google, a place that Sittenfeld recalls as being a comfy corporate environment, offered him a full time job in the department of Corporate Communications Public Affairs. He declined. There wasn’t enough of a sense of community at Google, and although he could have lived the “plush lifestyle,” he wanted to return home.

Sittenfeld has been back in Cincinnati for close to two years. He has a job working as the Assistant Director for the Community Learning Center Institute. During his free time, Sittenfeld is campaigning for a spot on Cincinnati City Council. Sittenfeld’s run for political office has come as no surprise to those that know him.

P.G. with students at the Evanston’s Academy of World Languages

He’s that kid in high school, the one who was voted “most likely to run for President…” Well the presidency may be a few years off, but when the time comes, and it surely will, iSPYCINCY will be there first with the exclusive interview. For now, here is what we have gathered as the inside scoop on this impressive young man.

Question: Why are you running for City Council and what will it take to win?

Sittenfeld: My political interest began about 10 years ago when I helped with the David Pepper campaign. I saw through him, especially at the local level, a huge difference can be made. Plus, my family has been civically involved for years. Volunteer work is what we do for fun. Elected office is just one avenue to be helpful to the community, but it is the one I feel genuinely called to do. I care a lot about the city and think I am in tune with all 52 neighborhoods. What I need to do in order to win… run the perfect campaign, knock on the most doors, do my homework. There is lots of turf to cover.

Question: What makes you a strong candidate for City Council?

Sittenfeld: Governing is hard, and the best elected officials are those that can legitimize everyone’s issues. I want to be a consensus builder, not a grandstander. Residents will do well to expect that we are all going through hard times so there needs to be a culture of shared sacrifice. I would cut my salary along with other things that need to be cut. I will make constituents feel good about the sacrifice. With complicated problems there are no silver bullets, just common sense and patience.

Question: Who do you count as inspirations in your life, both personally and politically?

Sittenfeld: I have two loving parents. My mom is actually the nicest person in the universe and my dad is this hilarious, loud, zany guy, who has a great sense of what is important. I just hope to be an extension of both of my parents. Politically… David Pepper and Sherrod Brown — I admire the way they conduct themselves and serve. Teddy Roosevelt had a zest for life; Bill Clinton has a masterful emotional connection to people, can’t fake that; JFK had a sense of optimism that inspired a whole generation.

Question: What is top on your bucket list?

Sittenfeld: To get elected to City Council. I am enjoying the campaign so far. I love Cincinnati and I want to see this through. But the top top of the list is getting married and having a family.

Question: What kinds of music do you enjoy?

Sittenfeld: 90.9 (the classical station) is soothing; Elvis Presley (Always On My Mind); Johnny Cash (Folsom Prison Blues); and Billy Joel (For the Longest Time).

Shannon Glass, P.G. Sittenfeld, Tracey Lynn Conrad
at the annual Rubber Duck Auction for the Freestore Foodbank

Question: All things Cincinnati…

Franchised restaurant: Skyline. I had it four times this week and the more I have it the more I feel I need it.

Restaurant: Price Hill Chili

Sports team: High School basketball and the Xavier Musketeers

Event: The Turkey Trot

Question: Who would play you in a movie?

Sittenfeld: George Clooney on a good day and Zach Braff on a bad day.

Question: Motto(s) to live by…

Sittenfeld: It’s nice to be important but it is more important to be nice – Mom
With great power comes great responsibility - Uncle Ben from Spiderman
Have faith there is a plan. Not everything is under your control so just do your best everyday.
Be yourself - hard for me not to be. Think I am the same person I was in the second grade.

Question: What does P.G. stand for?

Sittenfeld: “Progress and Growth,” he said with a smile… (ever the politician). My full name is Alexander Paul George Sittenfeld, but I have gone by the name P.G. for as long as I can remember.

To learn more, one can visit the website: www.VotePG.com

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