Mayor Luke Ravenstahl will help Time Magazine pick this year's Person of the Year at a panel discussion tonight in New York City. The annual honor goes to a person or thing believed to have had the most influence on the year's news.

"I'm honored that Time chose me to participate," said Ravenstahl. "Once again, this is a great opportunity for me to represent Pittsburgh. Being a part of these kinds of international discussions really does a lot for our image and I will keep taking advantage of these opportunities because it's good for our City."

The other members of the panel joining the Mayor are television personality Barbara Walters; Gayle King, editor of O, The Oprah Magazine; Tom Colicchio, a chef and author who is the chief judge on the reality show "Top Chef"; Dr. Mehmet Oz, a surgeon and television personality who is the host of "The Dr. Oz Show"; and Rudy Giuliani, former New York mayor and presidential candidate who was Person of the Year for 2001.

Richard Stengel, managing editor for Time, will moderate the panel's discussion of the year's news. The panel discussion is a part of the selection process, but they will not be making formal votes. Mr. Stengel will make the final selection.