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PITTSBURGH, Sept. 7-At 26, many people haven't even decided on a career. Luke Ravenstahl, cashing
in on his family's political tradition, is already the mayor of Pittsburgh, the youngest mayor of any major city
in the country. Although mayors elsewhere have been younger, Jeff Dunkel was 18 in 2001 when he was
elected mayor of Mount Carbon, small towns in New York, and elsewhere have also elected teenagers as
mayors. But, Tallahassee, is the only other city with a population over 100 000 that has had a mayor as young
as Mr. Ravenstahl. A supporter of Mr. Ravenstahl said concerns about Mr. Ravenstahl's age would dissipate
once the city saw his work ethic.
But now comes the hard part. As he strives to be taken seriously and take charge of a city only recently
back from the edge of bankruptcy (破产), the baby-faced mayor said that even the smallest decisions felt
weighty, even what to wear in the Steelers game matters.
And another pressing issue is to strengthen the city's economy. Pittsburgh has lost all its mills, nearly half
its population and much of its downtown commercial district in the last several decades. "But Pittsburgh has
50 000 college students, and our challenge is to figure out how to retain them and to increase downtown
development." He said.
But one of the biggest uncertainties is how long he will remain in office. According to the city charter,
Mayor Ravenstahl's term will not expire until November 2009. Some city lawyers, however, have argued that
he must face the electorate next year. And residents in Pittsburgh are still keeping judgment on him Deli,
Jimmy Cvetic, a sandwich shop owner, said "I call him Cool Hand Luke. He'll be all right, but he's going to
need a cool hand to get through this."
Mayor Ravenstahl said he was still trying to deal with the challenge he faced.
1. About Luke Ravenstahl, which of the following statements is TRUE? [ ]
A. He is the youngest mayor in the U.S.A.
B. His family background has contributed to his successful political career.
C. His young age has won support from media and young voters.
D. He will be mayor of Pittsburgh at least until 2009.
2. The underlined word "dissipate" in the first paragraph probably means _____. [ ]
A. disappear
B. appear
C. spread
D. reduce
3. What can you infer from the article about Pittsburgh?[ ]
A. It is a small town in New York famous for steel mills.
B. It has always enjoyed prosperous economic success.
C. Many young college students there are the new hope of the district.
D. It is a major city in the U.S.A with a population slightly smaller than 100 000.
4. Where can you find this article? [ ]
A. A magazine.
B. A brochure about politicians.
C. A newspaper.
D. An advertisement about some mayor candidates.
5. What kind of challenges will not Luke Ravenstahl cope with? [ ]
A. distrust from his citizens.
B. pressure from other outstanding young mayors.
C. economical standstill of his city.
D. decreasing population in his city.
