tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post4529138989541526804..comments2023-10-24T11:05:25.288-04:00Comments on Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events: Open Letter to Bill Peduto, as a result of radio conversationMark Rauterkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-48191509006573704562007-09-08T22:21:00.000-04:002007-09-08T22:21:00.000-04:00Reform Pittsburgh Now: "Mark, I am not supporting ...<A HREF="http://www.reformpittsburghnow.com/" REL="nofollow">Reform Pittsburgh Now</A>: "Mark, I am not supporting ANY candidate in the Mayor’s race. The people of Pittsburgh should choose the candidate they believe is best candidate. I will work on Council and through this PAC to create an alternative agenda and a vision for our city."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-79536399044593117712007-09-08T16:10:00.000-04:002007-09-08T16:10:00.000-04:00Of course Bill Peduto is not supporting Mark DeSan...Of course Bill Peduto is not supporting Mark DeSantis. <BR/><BR/>Bill Peduto is a proud Democrat...a Democrat that isn't of the lefty/socialist persuasion...but of the roots that John F. Kennedy and the like would be proud of. In many ways, Peduto is a fiscal conservative, and that's good enough in Pittsburgh.<BR/><BR/>Both of you are also correct in that an Independent (especially a fiscally conservative Independent) would be good for Pittsburgh. A candidate who is not married to the minority of Pittsburgh voters known as unions.<BR/><BR/>The union's stranglehold on the city scares most people into NOT voting. That's an issue that any successful "outside" candidate must somehow get around. For approximately 75 years, city politicians have been crippled by union members who will easily and illegally wear political tee-shirts while on the job, which almost nary a repercussion. <BR/><BR/>Bill Peduto needs to find a way to energize the electorate. Unfortunately, he hasn't and I'm not sure what the answer is, either. <BR/><BR/>This Saturday afternoon, Mark DeSantis was to be door knocking in some of the eastern neighborhoods. He'll be needing to some of that every single day until the election, to make any kind of impact whatsoever. Good luck to him.<BR/><BR/>Jim Roddey does not matter one iota in this race. Roddey's political career as the county's first Chief Executive Officer is considered, in city Republican circles, to be a complete and total failure. City Democrats never thought much about him. <BR/><BR/>Reform Pittsburgh Now is NOT a lost cause. The fact of the matter is, no sitting council member cares enough about the city to do ANYTHING outside of Grant Street. Not one. Most are just happy employing friends, family members and having their own streets paved. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps Mark R. should join the ranks of Reform Pittsburgh Now. Peduto would probably welcome Mark's passion, even though they differ on some political issues. Mark R. has shown beyond the shadow of a doubt that he has passion for the future of this city, as does Bill Peduto. Mark R. would not be intimidated like the Dems who don't want to step on too many toes, as those actions would assuredly build glass ceilings on their own political careers.<BR/><BR/>At least we have some political debate. I will be voting for Mark DeSantis because of principal for change.Thomas Leturgeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452123582626408864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-40929680150206573162007-09-08T15:25:00.000-04:002007-09-08T15:25:00.000-04:00Mark, thanks for setting the record straight. It s...Mark, thanks for setting the record straight. It should not be said that Peduto is supporting DeSantis when it isn't TRUE. Good to get clarification.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-20488806166415060452007-09-08T15:04:00.000-04:002007-09-08T15:04:00.000-04:00RPN is fine, if not very good. But, Elect.Peduto.c...RPN is fine, if not very good. But, Elect.Peduto.com would be more direct<BR/>and between the eyes.Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-23101400028904652752007-09-08T15:03:00.000-04:002007-09-08T15:03:00.000-04:00I (MR/blogmaster) got the okay via email to post t...I (MR/blogmaster) got the okay via email to post this from Bill Peduto.<BR/><BR/><I>Good post. Interesting concept. I am not endorsing any candidate in the mayors race. I met Mark DeSantis once. <BR/><BR/>RPN is a way for me to get back to what I care about - Pittsburgh and issues. The people of Pittsburgh will decide who they believe is best able to lead their local government - not me. I'm OK with that - it took some time, but I realize I can push things from Council and work to get the votes and then compel the administration to act.<BR/><BR/>Certainly, I believe - just like you - that a strong, independent Mayor could change this city in a couple of years and make it a shining, progressive example of good government. Until then, I will do my job (and Mark, I know you will continue doing yours) and I will push for the city I know we can be in an honorable way that I can be proud of.<BR/><BR/>B.<BR/><BR/>PS - RPN is already working - Pokey has caused the administration to change its position and support a Paving Management System for the city. A great journey starts with a single step.</I>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-86522933467216105832007-09-08T14:37:00.000-04:002007-09-08T14:37:00.000-04:00Bill Peduto replied in an email to me, about 1 hou...Bill Peduto replied in an email to me, about 1 hour after this was posted. I asked him to put the email on this blog as a thread.Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.com