tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post112368618775484615..comments2023-10-24T11:05:25.288-04:00Comments on Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events: 'Open government' referendum for Pittsburgh fails to get on November ballotMark Rauterkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1124030137960494962005-08-14T10:35:00.000-04:002005-08-14T10:35:00.000-04:00My reference to jumping into the race was more of ...My reference to jumping into the race was more of a reference to ANY "D-List" names entering the race would end up at least third in this race. <BR/><BR/>Bob O'Connor doesn't have any groundbreaking, entergetic "new" ideas.<BR/><BR/>The top priorities for city life are as follows: quality of life (police and snow plow presence), reasonable taxes and job growth. Period. Things like the Police Review Board aren't even on the radar screen.<BR/><BR/>Hopefully someone like Mr. Weinroth can hit on these issues...and make things interesting in November.Thomas Leturgeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452123582626408864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123868471031998662005-08-12T13:41:00.000-04:002005-08-12T13:41:00.000-04:00Mark, agreed that Bob does not have a monopoly on ...Mark, agreed that Bob does not have a monopoly on good ideas, in fact I think he does not have any or few at best. But I don't think a debate will change the outcome of the election in Nov. Please, please let me be wrong, but I don't think I am wrong, Bob will win by a landslide. I would love to see any fresh blood/ideas in the mayor office.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123867700782267332005-08-12T13:28:00.000-04:002005-08-12T13:28:00.000-04:00The ballot for the Nov 2005 Mayor's race has been ...The ballot for the Nov 2005 Mayor's race has been set. No additional candidates can get into the race nor toss one's hat in. <BR/><BR/>The landscape for the Mayor's race isn't right and wasn't right for me at this time. No thanks.<BR/><BR/>As for why bother with debates at all -- well -- there are a few reasons to hold debates. First off, it is within the scope of the charter for QED to do so. That is part of the charter for Public TV. They'll fail and fumble. QED should be known as the cancer it is. (prove me wrong by hosting debates) So, that isn't a "bother" at all for them as it is QED's duty.<BR/><BR/>And, O'Connor does NOT have a monopoly on good ideas. That's one of the biggest understatements I'll ever make in my lifetime. Debates have proven that to be true in the past with Bob. He was toasted by Murphy in the past.Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123865635986181772005-08-12T12:53:00.000-04:002005-08-12T12:53:00.000-04:00So why don't you though your hat in? Maybe I am w...So why don't you though your hat in? Maybe I am wrong but I just have become cynical about polotics in Pittsburgh, and I just don't really think things in Pittsburgh will change in the near future, we have had a democrate as mayor since 1933.<BR/><BR/>One think I do find funny if you search for the term "O'Connor Pittsburgh" (as of Friday August 12 2005) I out rank Bob O'Connor on google.<BR/><BR/>But I do hope Dave does well in his campain.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123854515557449912005-08-12T09:48:00.000-04:002005-08-12T09:48:00.000-04:00Why bother with debates at all? Because there is a...Why bother with debates at all? Because there is a race with two candidates representing the only two parties that matter (especially in this race) politically in 2005.<BR/><BR/>I've long supported third-party candidates, but in my experience have only found most of them to be personally agenda-driven. My friend, Mark Rauterkus, is one of the few exceptions. Most are in it to get their names in the newspaper, or want to push a hard-to-accept idea, i.e. Mr. Tessitor.<BR/>While his idea is admirable, the execution has been a total disaster.<BR/><BR/>I've also strongly suggested that Mr. Weinroth should run an ambitious candidacy. There is a strong anti-Bob O'Connor sentiment, but Mr. Weinroth has done next to nothing politically. <BR/><BR/>But to be fair, it is the dog days of summer and there is very little, other than the vaguest Bob Casey, Rick Santorum, Ed Rendell and Lynn Swann talk.<BR/><BR/>"The Socialist, Green and David T on the ballot makes for an interesting race for 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Or, it could be a total yawn. ???" --Fact of the matter is, Mark, there isn't any interest who will run third in this race. Let alone 4th or 5th. Why should there be? We're not talking about future movers-and-shakers who come in 4th in the Pittsburgh Mayoral General Election. <BR/><BR/>Prediction:<BR/>1. O'Connor<BR/>2. Weinroth (there's still time for Joe to make some headway)<BR/>3. David Tessitor (unless I decide to run as an Independent. Or Mark's political campaign manager, Katrina. Now that would be a campaign!)<BR/>4. Green Party candidate (unless the guy with the sandwich board comes back to life)<BR/>5. Socialist (unless ANYONE else gets into the race)Thomas Leturgeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452123582626408864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123827725309424182005-08-12T02:22:00.000-04:002005-08-12T02:22:00.000-04:00Thomas Leturgey why bother with debates at all, we...Thomas Leturgey why bother with debates at all, we all know who will win. It is to the point that I am thinking of staying home in Nov, the election is decided in the primary, which is a same a the few that are registered as Republicans are not alowed to vote for the major, that just how it is in Pittsburgh, when you know who won the Democrates primary you know who won the majors race.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123815133428488282005-08-11T22:52:00.000-04:002005-08-11T22:52:00.000-04:00David T was working on the OPEN GOV petition. It ...David T was working on the OPEN GOV petition. It didn't make it. It was a mouthful. It is needed. Execution of the petitions was lacking.<BR/><BR/>The Open Gov ballot question could have been a good opening punch and then the second would have been the candidate for the mayor's office. That 1-2 combination was the vision for David T's efforts. That vision had some merits. <BR/><BR/>The media has nothing to fear with David T. Nor does O'Connor. So, how does that wash out in the real world. Does that mean everyone puts the cards on the table and there is serious discussion and sustained coverage and conversation. Or not? <BR/><BR/>I think Weinroth needs to work hard to make respect in the campaign and in the outcome. He and the GOP can loose plenty and gain nothing or little. Time will tell. <BR/><BR/>The Socialist, Green and David T on the ballot makes for an interesting race for 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Or, it could be a total yawn. ???Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123814428966126452005-08-11T22:40:00.000-04:002005-08-11T22:40:00.000-04:00Boy, was I wrong! David Tessitor isn't who I think...Boy, was I wrong! David Tessitor isn't who I think he is (after a quick Google search).<BR/><BR/>That said, Joe Weinroth has absolutely no worry whatsoever about coming in less than second. <BR/><BR/>Friends don't even know Tessitor's running? Glory be! The layman voter surely doesn't. Don't expect too many debates with more than O'Connor and Weinroth.Thomas Leturgeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452123582626408864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123729767755696412005-08-10T23:09:00.000-04:002005-08-10T23:09:00.000-04:00the do in my last post should be don't sorry my ba...the do in my last post should be don't sorry my bad there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123729730961903372005-08-10T23:08:00.000-04:002005-08-10T23:08:00.000-04:00I know who Dave Tessitor is, and no I don't think ...I know who Dave Tessitor is, and no I don't think he is friends (or even knows) Bill Clinton. Dave is a good person. I do agree with Daves views on everything, but Dave does at lest deserves some respect. I did not know Dave was running I wonder why he dis not let me know before. I saw him recently. I wonder what would happen if he did win, But still I don't think it is possable for a democrate (bob this time around) to loss.<BR/><BR/>But I will have to wish dave good luck next time I see him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1123727274187297432005-08-10T22:27:00.000-04:002005-08-10T22:27:00.000-04:00Talk about the dog days of summer. David Tessitor ...Talk about the dog days of summer. David Tessitor announces an independent candicacy, and not one outlet picks it up!<BR/><BR/>Ballot organizers try to get an important question with signature collections in high 80 and mid 90 degree heat during vacation season!<BR/><BR/>Who's running these campaigns, Larry, Moe and Curly? No wonder there weren't enough signatures. Absolutely the DREGGS of organization and activism.<BR/><BR/>Unless Mr. Tessitor, who would have gathered an iota of steam if he had announced his candidacy the week after the primary...he could have made a news cycle. Here he gets nothing but steam raising from our balmy sidewalks in July and August. If he's who I think he is, Mr. Tessitor would have received some attention...isn't he a close, personal friend of one Bill Clinton?<BR/><BR/>Unless he comes up with some serious cash, Mr. Tessitor will come in third, certainly after Joe Weinroth. By the way, Joe has done NOTHING this summer politically.Thomas Leturgeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452123582626408864noreply@blogger.com