Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Monday, May 10, 2004
[Parks] Fw: Sinking or Swimming?
From: Charles J McCollester
To: Gene Ricciardi ; Sala Udin
Dear Gene and Sala:
I'd appreciate it if you would share this with your colleagues. It was submitted to the P-G. It is in both text and attachment forms.
Charles McCollester
The issue of the pools, recreation and senior citizen centers is finally coming to a boil. The manifest unfairness and brutality of their closings last summer struck at the heart of the city's relationship to its resident workers and their neighborhoods. The very services that impact most directly the ability of the neighborhoods to
provide viable places to raise a new generation of Pittsburghers were not simply cut back proportionately, they were eradicated. This is a family survival issue.
Insult was then added to injury when duly elected officials were supplanted by not one, but two state-appointed commissions descending on Pittsburgh accompanied by the audible sharpening of knives as they informed the long-suffering residents that they need to tighten their belt and trim the fat. One of the commissions in a noble gesture of solidarity with the pain of our fair city will be reimbursed close to
a million dollars to tell us about our need to make further sacrifices. That million could fund all the pools for this summer. With governmental responsibility divided, the stage is set for a vigorous round of finger pointing instead of action while the Burgh sinks.
The central issue is how to adequately fund the city services of the City of Pittsburgh by developing funding streams that are not cut out of the hide of the resident and small to medium-sized local businessperson who presently bears the bulk of the burden. This can be done in three ways: extending the business privilege tax to the large presently-exempt corporations, banks and utilities; negotiating
reimbursement from the large ?non-profits? like hospitals and universities for services provided (while continuing exemption for churches and small non-profits); getting some fair sharing of the burden by the two-thirds of Pittsburgh's workers who live outside the city and pay very little for its wear and tear. Reform should neither be at the cost of our police and fire protection, nor decent union contracts for city workers who are nearly all residents. Reform should not be done on the backs of the children and elderly, nor should it undermine the health and safety of our citizens.
Much hope is being expended on the efforts of private generosity to mitigate the situation for the coming summer. The Elsie Hillman-Salah Udin initiative is one such worthy effort; the more apparently grassroots effort, Save Our Summer, is another. While these initiatives should be recognized and encouraged, they in no way should
be seen as a vehicle for the abrogation of either public input or responsibility. These pools, recreation centers, and senior centers are extremely valuable taxpayer-owned properties. They represent, with our great public parks, greenways and libraries, an important part of our historic legacy as Pittsburghers. There is a real danger that these building blocks of our common wealth as residents will be grabbed by private interests.
What is most distressing is the lack of public input. Unfortunately, this follows a longstanding Pittsburgh tradition that has ill-served us in the past. What we need is a public - private - community partnership to keep all the pools, recreation centers and senior centers open; every one of them for at least one year. We don't need another unelected group to make strategic decisions about what recreation the city of Pittsburgh is offering and where. Why ten pools? Why these ten? Who decided the winners and losers? The southern third of the city looks especially hard hit. What public process decided this? It is past time for City Council to exhibit some serious
interest in their responsibility as our elected representatives and fight for the preservation of these critical family and neighborhood assets.
We should invite all concerned citizens and neighborhood organizations interested in setting up Pool and Centers Committees to assist in the operation and promotion of the facilities in close coordination with city workers and their elected representatives. We need to honor union contracts as well as demonstrate respect for the knowledge and skill of city workers especially in the areas of safety, sanitation and maintenance.
In Philadelphia, when about twenty percent of the pools were deemed no longer viable, they were offered to neighborhood groups with assistance to take them over.
The critical failing of the former Pittsburgh pools system were the unreasonable barriers to access erected by a ridiculously bureaucratic and centralized system of passes and metal tokens. To operate efficiently each pool must control its own access and collect day fees from users - both resident and non-resident. Each pool must be allowed to retain the bulk of revenue it earns for its own maintenance and renovation. The pools should be understood as regional assets that can attract people from surrounding towns. We need maps to show people where the pools are and what parking or public transportation is available to access them.
Last summer's punishing of city families for the mismanagement of the city's affairs by the rich and the powerful was reprehensible. As the second summer approaches with our youth on the streets and old folks without a place to go, the whole mess is compounded by the proliferation of new imposed, unelected governmental structures that dilute both authority and responsibility. We need more participation,
democracy and accountability -- not less.
Pittsburghers unite! It is time to fight for our city.
Charles McCollester is a resident of Mt. Washington, professor of
employment relations and the director of the Labor Center at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
[via China] We are all doing well
Happy Mothers Day....
We are doing well. I'm having a bit of trouble with the internet and the computer.... plus with the digital camera, but things are fine otherwise.
Upon our arrival Erik had a bunch of nose-bleeds. They have ended.
Yesterday I had a bit of an explosion in my digestive system --- but that was just messy in the bathroom.
If that is the worst of it -- we are doing well.
Catherine is now teaching her third class. Yesterday the size of the class rose from 13 to 21.
Of interest, since 2000, they have had a 7-day holiday starting May 1. Then on the 8th and 9th -- sat and sun -- they get right back to work. So, there wasn't a typical weekend. Sat and Sun were work days.
Beijing was nice.
Bikes are everywhere - no helmets.
Our boys are a bit of a eye opener for the locals. We get a lot of stares -- but not too much. Lots of people don't understand English.
This is a huge city. First day the sky was milky -- no clouds, nothing but a white blur above. Hardly able to see the shine of the sun behind the cover. Then the second day the real smog came and has been with us since. Hardly able to see the buildings 3 or 4 blocks away. There is a smell in the air of car fumes, gas/deisel.
Our apartment is nice. It is on the 5th floor of a complex with 5 larger (24 stories) buildings. Guards at the gate, small playground, more exclusive than most other places I'm sure.
We are taking a lot of urban hikes.
More homework for the boys. Today in the afternoon we'll drop by the American Consolate office just for good measure. Then tomorrow we hope to start our looking for violins. Saw some in Beijing's department store for $50 with case and bow.
Love to all.
Mark, Erik, Grant and Catherine
Friday, April 30, 2004
Blunders - cut from the plan on parks
escalators built in 2004 cost an amount equal to the entire Citiparks
budget.
PNC Park, built on prime property, is used by a team that isn¹t able to win. The new, glorious field attract fewer fans than Three Rivers Stadium. Opening day at PNC Park in 2004 came with 1,000 unsold tickets. Closing day at Three Rivers Stadium came despite a $30-million pubic debt.
Do not build a horse race track in the city. Fish in Pittsburgh have a better place to swim (new Zoo and Aquarium ) than the kids. Next we¹ll give horses a better place to race than our kids.
Close Pitt Stadium and say it was used only a few times a year -- if you overlook its offices, state of art strength and conditioning facilities, medical support for all sports, daily band practices, intramural venue, walking track, Track & Field venue, WPIAL, City and PIAA playoffs, graduations.
Do not rush to build a merry-go-round in Oakland and vacate 170 parking spaces in Schenley Plaza. Push for bike lanes and pedestrian bridges, not more cars parking on the street.
Don¹t close the Civic Arena. People don¹t go to the Circus and Disney On Ice wishing for luxury boxes.
[412] NEWS -- Parks Position Paper + Five Week China Peace Tour
Contents:
#1) Version 1
#2) Paper editions
#3) Public domain
#4) Parks-Positions-Noise at CLOH.Org
#5) PCTV 21 show airs in May
#6) 6:30 pm, June 17 at South Vo Tech High School library
#7) http://play.cloh.org/hot/sos-june.pdf
#8) 6 pm, July 9, concert --> This IS America!
#9) Hire Tom Murphy, letter to editor, http://op-ed.CLOH.Org
#10) Best news, essay wins $500. PG link to Erik's photo.
#11) China trip
#12) Playing well with others. Father to father.
#13) Thanks
#14) Opt out if you must, on your own.
- - - -
#1)
Version 1 of a 100-plus page document, Pittsburgh's Parks, Recreation
and Pools -- a position paper, is now online in PDF format:
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/
#2)
To save the pain of reading from a computer screen, or taxing your
printer, feel free to pay for photo copies and get a paper version yourself.
Two source are available for duplication.
One is with Mary Beth at the City Clerk's office, 5th floor, City-County
Building, 412-255-2138, very near to City Council and Mayor's office.
Another copy is at Copies On Carson, 1315 East Carson Street, South
Side, voice = 412-481-4875, fax = 412-481-4890.
#3)
The position paper can be freely copied, reused, or whatever as its
release is with a "copyleft license" -- not a copyright. Consider it a
contribution to the public domain.
#4)
Let's not debate if the document is ready for "prime time" -- yet. But,
do debate the ideas. Act 47 Coordinators, I.C.A./Oversight Board and many
others from the School Board and beyond, are thirsty for solutions.
Your edits and input is welcomed:
Parks-Positions-Noise at CLOH.Org
#5)
Our past community gathering at the National Aviary will be replayed on
PCTV 21. Stay tuned.
#6)
The next open community meeting is slated for the last day of school, at
6:30 pm, Thursday, June 17, at the library of South Vo Tech High School.
Within the position paper, the South Vo Tech site is a keystone for a new
HELP CENTER.
Sign-up now at http://Play.CLOH.Org.
#7)
Save Our Summer reaction with 1-page PDF, 44k, handout is:
http://play.cloh.org/hot/sos-june.pdf
#8)
At 6 pm on Friday, July 9, 2004, we're going to host a Benefit CONCERT
at Club Cafe, http://S6.CLOH.Org. Theme: "This IS America!"
#9)
My recent letter to the editor in City Paper, re-posted at:
http://Op-Ed.CLOH.Org
The best news of all, a proud dad moment!
#10)
Erik, my son, won an essay contest for Black History Month and got a
$500 prize frm National City. His photo was in the PG last week:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04114/305173.stm
#11)
We are headed to CHINA for five weeks. My two boys, 6 and 9, two
graduate students, my wife and I are going to Beijing (home of the 2008
Olympics), Chengdu, and Hong Kong.
#12)
Global Coalition for Peace, a non-profit peace organization has been
getting parents from distant parts of the world together to support each
other in the goal of raising peaceful world citizens. Mother-to-Mother for
Peace and Nonviolence began with an overseas partnering of American and
Muslim mothers. As the program spread, others from around the world became
included.
Dads, take note. Two fathers, Dave Blackman, of San Diego, and Mark
Rauterkus, of Pittsburgh, PA, aim to launch an initiative geared to fathers.
Our family travels are going to kick-off the program.
While my wife is teaching a course to M.D.s, we'll be tourists with a
goal of playing well with others.
Rose Lord, organizer of Global Coalition For Peace network, said, "We
hope the Rauterkus trip to will be the first of many Peaceful Parenting
Tours. Others taking a family vacation, whether in our own country or
abroad, can become a grass-roots ambassadors for peace.
The Dad's message is simple: Thanks for playing. Peaceful partenting
tour promotes playing well with others. See our journal and learn of the
parent-to-parent efforts for peace and nonviolence:
http://Rauterkus.com/china/
The boys (ages 6 and 9) and I are tourists. Meanwhile my wife is
traveling to teach a four-week course to Medical Doctors in Western China.
We'll hit the road with some games under our arms, a digital camera, and an
attitude of fun involvment. We'll take the time to visit parks and swim
pools. We'll share treats, such as pins and stickers. A note of thanks for
playing together gives the journal and trip more purpose.
The real press release is due upon our return and the completion of the
online journal. Journalists can reach Rose Lord for information at
412-655-3063 or rose at globalcoalitionforpeace.net.
#13)
Thanks for taking an interest. Thanks for the dozens who have helped so
far with the release of the document. Thanks for the help in the future as
well.
#14)
This infrequent email blast is full of open community invites for you to
consider. The server allows you to opt-out on your own, if you must. Or,
change your own email contact too.
http://Rauterkus.com/mailman/listinfo/412-public-remarks
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus http://Play.CLOH.Org http://DSL.CLOH.Org
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell
412-481-2497 = voice mail
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Would you hire this man? Please? (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Would you hire this man?
Please?
Re “A Case of the Runs” [Potter, April 15] :
When one can’t move an agenda, it is time
to resign. Tom,Murphy needs to not only
not run, but he needs to step aside, now.
Pittsburgh hired Tom Murphy to be a
steward and operate our programs, places
and public services. When he chooses to not
do his job by closing swim pools, rec centers
and such, Murphy is choosing to get in
the way. His abandonment of stewardship
means he must go now.
However, the real wild card is the corporate
community. One top executive at
PNC, Mellon, Federated or even
FreeMarkets should do the right thing: Go
to Tom Murphy and offer him a corner
office, secretary, parking spot, hefty salary,
long-term contract, travel budget and some
nifty job title. And the deal might need
shorter gigs for Tom Cox and a few others
[in the Murphy administration] . Murphy
needs to be yanked off of Grant Street
before the tar and feathers arrive. And the
yanking must stem from some in the
Allegheny Conference circle. It might take
$200,000 per year for a decade.
Upon Murphy’s departure, I’ll be the
first to float a petition to rename both the
Liberty Bridge and Liberty Tunnel after
him. Motivating a move takes more carrot
and sticks to sway his ego.
– MARK RAUTERKUS,
South Side
Thursday, April 15, 2004
[412] FRIENDS of a feather, gathering on Sunday at National Aviary
Hi Neighbors, Friends and Flock-mates,
You're invited to an open community meeting at 2 pm on Sunday, April 18
under the tent in the Rose Garden at the North Side's National Aviary,
http://www.Aviary.Org.
Pittsburgh's Community Cable Station, PCTV 21, http://PCTV21.Org, is slated
to record the presentation, speakers and free-flying discussions as we
ponder our community and issues of:
Closed (or opening?) outdoor swim pools;
Closed (or opening?) Recreation Centers;
Closed but should open indoor ice rink;
Summertime opportunities for kids of all ages;
Citiparks, County Parks and Rec Department, and more.
At 2 pm, some volunteer activist will join me to conduct a briefing and make
a public delivery of a 100-plus-page POSITION PAPER. Media, press and guest
are welcome, of course.
At 3 pm, an open community discussion takes flight. We'd love for you to
attend and offer your opinions and observations.
Help!
If you are interested in helping with editorial refinements and content
contributions for the position paper prior to its release (and beyond)
please email:
Hawk at CLOH.Org
If you are interested in speaking and assisting at the meeting (and beyond)
please email a brief bio of yourself to:
Crow at CLOH.Org
Anyone can attend the event, but please try to register in advance. See the
links at http://Play.CLOH.Org.
Moving Target and Recent Victories:
Corporate, foundation and civic communities of Pittsburgh have been
buzzing and chirping to 'Save Our Summer.' The goal of $850K is targeted,
but all involved understand this is a short-term, one-time fix. My approach
and role is to call for solutions beyond a "new band-aid upon an old
band-aid."
So, friends of a feather, even if you consider yourself more of a buzzard,
hummingbird, pigeon, flamingo, eagle or free-ranging skeet that slipped away
from the NRA event, .... thanks for your attention and feedback hoots.
FYI:
Admission to The Aviary is NOT gratis on the Sunday the 18th. However, a
three day weekend of no-charge admission to the Aviary is coming in the
weeks ahead. In the past, the Aviary hosted a weekend of no charge
admissions, but that was during the NOW CANCELLED Childrens' Festival. More
details on Sunday from the Aviary's spokespeople.
Feel free to forward this message or leverage the one-page PDF, 72kb,
handout for your friends and contacts.
http://Play.CLOH.Org/hot/2aviary.pdf
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus http://Play.CLOH.Org
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell
Our Mailman has been upgraded. To change your contact, or to get off this
wire, please email. Hatching jokes are optional. =;0
Or, click the link in the footer below.
Saturday, April 03, 2004
Resignation Chatter
| Mayor's offer of RESIGNATION accepted from one of harshest critics
by Mark Rauterkus |
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Was doing groupware before its time
We used Groupware, a utility to keep track of friends and events. Others were invited to join in by just picking a username and password and then they were added to the server too.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
perspectives on Dr. T -- PPS & Rec
Are his intentions are good?
I believe he does care about the children and he certainly would be on the side of getting the pools open and perhaps utilizing the current pools within PPS more wisely. Agree?
He is without follow through in terms of sports team oversight and athletics. I think he fumbles all afterschool efforts. He has other things to do and this isn't getting done.
He isn't going to buck the unions and make more work for himself, the staffers nor perhaps cost the district any money.
But, I tried to tell him that the foundation folks might put $2, $3, $4 million on the table. He should snap up some of that for these efforts. A band-aid on a band-aid is no fix at all. The Citiparks pools are held together by a band-aid. And the only thing worse is the plan behind the
band-aid.
Schools would not be sun-bathing centers -- but places for teams, coaching, conditioning, and real learning to occur.
Monday, March 22, 2004
WQED show, Mark Rauterkus on ChrisFire
WQED Multimedia: Television ChrisFire: The guest tonight is Mark Rauterkus, a community activist, swim coach and former candidate for mayor of Pittsburgh. Rauterkus says that the Pittsburgh financial crunch is really going to hurt children this summer. Thirty two swimming pools will close and nineteen recreation centers. Yet, he says there is no need to be discouraged, and that there is still time to build quality fun for the city's youth. He tell us what he proposes during ChrisFire.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Dear Neighbors -- pondering losses, firefighters, community spaces
Our messages of "thanks for the duty, and thanks for the jobs done well" are sent to all of the men and women who serve others in unselfish ways.
Thanks too for the vigilance and the kindness paid to our public lives. As we mourn, we think and reflect. Let's allow the concept of "duty" to linger long in many corners of our shared spaces.
Our personal lives are to be private. But it seems that the quality of life for each individual is made from a foundation that has one foot firmly upon the ground that is "common."
The public heros rushed to a church, of all places. The embers and tears meet and blend. Perhaps a different spirit is to come with the next dawn?
- - - -
There are many issues to yap about these days - but for the sake of respect let me just say:
1. Thanks for reading my messages.
2. Thanks for ongoing feedback and the sharing of your thoughts and concerns with me. Mark04@Rauterkus.com
3. Thanks for furnishing me with your valid email contact(s).
4. You're invited to these three functions if you are willing and able:
6 pm, Wed., March 24, Mt. Washington's Duquense Heights Community Center:
http://Play.CLOH.Org.
http://Play.CLOH.Org/hot/Get-Involved-2.pdf
A candidate for PRESIDENT of the United States is expected!
No charge - open discussions.
6 pm, Sat., March 20, Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network's banquet
http://piin.cloh.org
10 am, Sat., March 20, East Liberty Branch of Carnegie Library to talk about
sports opportunities in Pgh Public Schools.
http://dorm.CLOH.Org
in other news: Ripped from the recent Pgh Business Times
Headline: GOP sets sights on mayor's post
Sub-Head: Lawyer John Pierce among possible candidates
Reporters: Patty Tascarella and Suzanne Elliott
DOWNTOWN -- Wanted: Republicans to lead Pittsburgh. Seriously.
Even though the city's next mayoral election isn't until 2005 and the GOP hasn't fielded a candidate since 1993 or won in more than 60 years, Pittsburgh's staggering fiscal problems have party officials eagerly talking about opportunity.
There were TWO GOP candidates for Mayor in 2001! And, we both predicted this pathway to bankrupt status. Furthermore, the wrongheaded actions of the city continue, such as yesterday's announced closings of all 32 outdoor swim pools, 19 recreation centers and our only indoor ice rink.
To close, let's talk again about the firefighters. Did you know that Joe King, union boss of Pgh Breau of Firefighters, worked with his rank-and-file and went to the Mayor and a city council member a few months ago with a plan? Their offer was to put two-percent of their pay into a trust fund so as to allow for the re-opening of Recreation Centers for the kids and the
layed off employees. Their solution included an offer that exceeded $800 K per year to help in this crisis.
Mayor Murphy sent them away and chooses to maintain the crisis. The fruit of this is a "financial crisis." But the roots of our problems are really a "cooperation crisis."
I said tonight on WTAT TV News -- 'We teach our kids how to play well with others at the parks, pools and rec centers.'
Thanks for the offer Joe King and Firefighters of Pittsburgh. Sorry it was snatched from the 'jaws of victory.' We'll fix ourselves and all our problems after we get serious about cooperation.
PS:
Pgh Business Times = 412-481-6397 x 203 Fax: 412-481-9956
Editor, LLawley@bizjournals.com
http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2004/03/15/story1.html
Monday, February 16, 2004
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
call for meetings with PLAY.CLOH.Org
6 pm on Feb. 27, 2004, at Duquesne Heights Community Center, Mt. Washington
5:30 pm on March 9, 2004, at the South Side Planning Forum
6 pm on March 24, 2004, at Duquesne Heights Community Center, Mt. Washington
Let's Play Well Together
Editorial by Mark Rauterkus -- (okay to pass about and provide reactions)
The saga known as "Pittsburgh's budget crisis" contains two lessons. First, "If we don't do anything, then nothing will get done." We, in this case of parks and caretakers, means volunteers, parents, coaches, neighbors, teachers and citizens. We can fix this. And, we must act to do so.
The city's fumbles with closed outdoor pools and Rec Centers provides plenty of opportunities for others to rise and meet the challenge. The Great Race had an alternative flavor. The marathon is off, but our shared marathon of life for providing care for our youngest citizens never ends. We can't permit a "lost generation" to simply grow on their own without opportunities and direction. We all need to work together. Buck up Pittsburgh, as I expect this endeavor to proceed without the support of city employees.
The second lesson digs to the root of the problem. "At the parks, playgrounds, rec centers and pools we teach our kids how to play well with others." Parks and crossing guards were the first to go and the hardest hit. Grant Street leaders fail to understand and display a willingness of "playing well with others."
Playing well with the public and other agencies is the key to fixing our future. Pittsburgh deserves its "oversight board" as our elected leadership hasn't played well -- even among themselves. The oversight board might straighten the budget and mend its bond status. But sadly, the oversight board will overlook the tykes and teens.
We must work among ourselves to care for the youth. The city's distressed status is not so much as a pimple for those of distressing teen-age years. Act 47 may work for the Governor, but for tykes, we need other actions. How about Actions for 4 to 7s?
Grass-roots efforts to better handle the places and programs where we all come to play are starting. All are welcome to open community meetings on these issues. Contact Mark Rauterkus, Mark04@Rauterkus.com, http://Play.CLOH.Org,
412-298-3432 = cell.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Lib Party
2003 Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh Holiday Party
Del's Bar and Restaurant, 4428 Liberty Ave., next to Bloomfield Bridge (412-683-1448)
$35 at the door; $30 in advance if received by Dec. 10th
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Hors d'oeuvres & soft drinks (cash bar)
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM - Dinner
8:15 PM - 8:30 PM - Dimitri Vassilaros introduces Gary Nolan
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM - Gary Nolan speech, Q&A session
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM - Party time!
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Film: Fathers Missing In Action
Mr. Mario mcLoid, Mentoring Partnership of SW PA; Mr. Fedor Hernandez, PA Fatherhood Initiative; Mark Edwards, Juvenile Court Project; Eric Vecere, Fatherhood initiative; Mr. Hugh Mitchell Bouvier, writer and director.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Pitt's Athletic Slogan, branding, Commitment, Teamwork, Pride
Pitt's Athletic Slogan: Commitment, Teamwork, Pride
Commitment is needed to the spaces of Oakland. Commitment to listening is necessary. The athletic director needs a commitment to his role as a keeper of Pitt's sacred releationships.Teamwork is needed between Pitt and our Pittsburgh citizens. Pitt has a poor record in teamwork.
Pitt is one of Pittsburgh's biggest players. If we were to make an illustration with a deck of cards and the card-game of bridge, Pitt and UPMC would be much like the Ace and King of Spades when it comes to our assets these days. There is no doubt that Pitt's star is burning brightly in these times, now overshaddowing the rest. In the game of baseball, the power-hitter of the line-up bats fourth and is affectionatly called the "clean-up hitter."
Without naming names, Pitt is pulling a Barry Bonds. Pitt is being a spoiled player who chokes in the big-games and cranks in the glory and successes when the game is already in the bag. Pitt's TEAMWORK, to use its own slogan against itself, sucks when it comes to the larger picture items in our community.
In the case of the LTV site and the building of the football practice compound, Pitt isn't needed. The developments at the LTV site is, as a basketball player might put it, a "slam dunk." The LTV site is going to be developed in seven years, says the URA Executive Director at a City Council meeting. Pitt can ride the bench at this game and Pittsburgh can still pull out a mighty victory. The LTV site can be a lock.
An official from UPMC, T.D., said at a South Side Steering Committee Meeting in January 1999 that other developers for the site are not going to be found. That miss-information can not be allowed.
What other players did not get to develop at the LTV site because of UPMC's and Oxford's arrival? The URA isn't going to case back-up plans and court developers for places already being developed. The URA puts all its eggs into one basket and gives the cold shoulder to others who might be interested in the site.
If asked, the URA won't have a clue as to who else might be possible developers and tenants for the LTV site, as in their mind the first best bet already got axed too, and that was River Boat Gambling. Well, if River Boat Gambling went sour, UPMC became part of the next best option. The trend is from sour to bland -- and we must go back to the drawing board and get what works and what was ordered.
At the initial news event, UPMC was to take nearly 30-acres of land at the LTV site. Now UPMC is going to get nearly 20 acres. The early projection can be called a speculative land-grab.
UPMC downsided the space plans by casting off the chaft. UPMC only needs to buy the most valuable spaces. The skinny, odd-shaped parcels of land that no developer would acquire are now worthless. No developer would want a tiny, odd-shaped spec of land that sits right next to UPMC as UPMC would be an overbearing neighbor.
At a public meeting, the developer of another portion of the LTV site, said something very interesting. His off-hand comments that came in the question/answer period of his presentation was at odds to what UPMC and the URA seem to say. The residental builder said that it would have rather have had a larger portion of the site to develop. He hinted at the fact that if more of the site was made available to his company, then they would certainly want to develop those sections as well.
An obvious alternative to the sale of land to UPMC for a football practice compound is a second sale of space to Contential. Perhaps more apartments can be built on the site, or perhaps a condo development can be built by the same company, and rather than all rental units, these units can be made available on a for-sale basis.
Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hit the ball and played a great teamwork game. is an ace in our is he greater good of Pittsburgh by tacking the bigger problems in our society. Teamwork isn't selfishness, and moving a football practice site to that prime river location is total selfishness displayed at its best. Pitt should not cash into a prime spot (such as is the case with the LTV site). Pitt wants to run the final yard and score the touchdown. Pitt can score big-time with a new complex on the river's edge of the Mon at the LTV site.
Pride is won and earned from respect, not acquired by bullies.
The past victories that served to buid Pitt Pride are feelings. Feelings can't be easily bulldozed into a new facility, such as the Steeler's New Three Rivers Stadium. As Pitt Stadium closes, so too goes the intangibles of Pitt Pride.
Tweaking a development to placate special monied interests is the pathway to ruin.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Pittsburgh ACLU Chief Legal Counsel Walczak To Debate National Patriot Act
Televised Duquesne Law Discussion
Pittsburgh, PA- Does the Patriot Act protect our civil liberties or infringe upon them? On Tuesday, November 11th, at 6:00, Pittsburgh ACLU Chief Legal Counsel Vic Walczak and Heritage Foundation Fellow Paul Rosenzweig will debate this highly contentious question at the Duquesne University School of Law. PCTV-21 will broadcast the event.
THE PATRIOT ACT: A CIVIL WAR OVER CIVIL LIBERTIES is sponsored by the law school's Federalist Society Chapter and will be moderated by former Night Talk host John McIntire. The debate, which will raise money for Habitat for Humanity via each attendee's suggested $3 donation, will take place in room 204 of the Law School before an audience of at least 120. The debate will include legal questions from law professors Margaret Krasik, Robert Barker, and Thomas Lizzi, as well as audience members.
"I want to congratulate our Federalist Society for organizing this debate on such an important topic to our nation," said Law School Dean Nicholas Cafardi, who will welcome attendees. "I am looking forward to a stimulating discussion."
"How we respond to the threat of terrorism while continuing to respect cherished civil liberties is the single most important domestic legal question facing America today," said Rosenzweig, who is flying in from Washington, DC. "Public engagement in answering that question and the Duquesne debate are vital in making sure we get the answer right."
"The ACLU appreciates the opportunity to participate in what will likely be an illuminating discussion of these important issues," added Walczak.
"If John Ashcroft is covering up nipples on statues, who knows what else he's hiding?" pondered McIntire. "There's a lot of propaganda by both sides on this issue. I'm very excited about having enough time to sort out the spin."
"We are honored that the Duquesne Law School Chapter of the Federalist Society has associated Pittsburgh Habitat with this program," said Habitat for Humanity's Maggie Withrow. "Habitat never has to debate the overwhelming need for affordable housing."
"The Patriot Act radically alters America's ideological landscape with strange bedfellows and unlikely alliances," said Duquesne Law Federalist Society President Chris Lilik. "We are pleased to provide Pittsburgh with such a stimulating and informative discussion."
Vic Walczak, ACLU Chief Legal Counsel: 412-681-7864 x21, vwalczak@aclupgh.org
Paul Rosenzweig, Heritage Foundation: 202-329-9650, paul.rosenzweig@heritage.org
John McIntire, former Night Talk Host: 412-322-1967 MacYapper@aol.com
Maggie Withrow, Habitat for Humanity: 412-466-6716 mwithrow@pittsburghhabitat.org
Dean Nicholas Cafardi, Duquesne Law Dean: 412-396-6280, zagrocki@duq.edu
Chris Lilik, Duq Law Federalist Society President: 412-261-1666, Lilik714@duq.edu
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Varsity Foxes
Friday, October 31, 2003
Friday, October 24, 2003
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Cameron got ink for high scores in exams in CT
Naugatuck student get high scores
Republican-American
Naugatuck High School Principal Bill Collins said he know last year's seniors would do well on their Advanced Placement program exams.
He just didn't expect their scores would be as high as they are. "I'm proud of the kids, and I'm proud of the teachers," he said. "I'm very pleased. The kids have really taken it seriously."
Seniors who participate in the program take college-level courses and can generally receive college credit of they score a three or higher on the exam, said guidance counselor and program coordinator, Joseph DiStasio. The exams are graded on a scale of one to five.
Last year in Naugatuck, 92 seniors took 131 AP exams in biology, calculus, English, psychology and U.S. history.
In calculus, all 15 students who took the test scored a three or higher.
In English, 76 percent got 3,4 or 5. In history, 64 percent.
Cameron Palmer, a senior last year who currently attends Middlebury College in Vermont, qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award. he took all five exams and scored a five on all of them.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Jumping to reform on early days of being hired at FC
Saturday, September 27, 2003
Handout at a fall picnic
for the GOP Faithful on Sept. 27, 2003
412-298-3432 Mark@Rauterkus.com http://Rauterkus.com
1. The “Community Unity” event of Sept. 11 is being released for TV and WEB. Jim Roddey spoke as well as a minister and great music. If you have interests in any web site, multi-media content or live in a Community with CABLE Access TV -- please speak to me if interested in helping.
2. Ken Heiss hosted a meeting on Sept. 10 concerning the Mayor’s office in the City of Pittsburgh. I’ve got copies of my open letter that was delivered there. As meeting’s notes are made available, I’ll post them.
3. For personal reasons -- please see me if you live and have any connection to school board members or top administrators in: Fox Chapel, or Baldwin, or Mt. Lebanon.
4. A new, bold effort is about to begin with an internet utility called eVote. We’ll do far reaching opinion polls on many matters. I’d love to be certain that all sectors of our community is a part of this endeavor. My email blast list has 6,000 contacts. This can double by the end of the year. Help by attracting REGIONAL email contacts for like-minded people.
5. The Mayor’s Commission on Public Education report that hit this week is being call -- by me -- “POND SCUM.”
Those that agree or think otherwise, we are going to make a public reactions as citizens, taxpayers, voters and parents. Meeting are about to be called to coordinate public reactions. See me if you are interested.
6. FreeTeam.Org has Personal Computers for “gratis loan” to any candidate in the county of any party who desires. Web and internet consulting is included.
7. The Great Replacement RACE is Sunday. A Hash event -- for free -- is to happen after for those beer drinkers with a running problem.
8. A YOUTH Technology Summit is in being planned. This is a long-range plan that will take years to occur. Nearly 10 idea sessions have been hosted and 20 are expected for round one. We need “board members” or better expressed, “faculty members.” If interested in a role for yourself or your company -- please email. We also want to have “idea planning meetings” around the county in various settings with diverse groups.
9. Personally, I’d love to entertain invites to speak to (and with) suburban GOP Committees. I’d love to attend one of your meetings so as to look at issues and concerns shared between the city and suburban political leaders.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Letter to Key Communicators from Mark Rauterkus
Mark@Rauterkus.com
108 South 12th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203-1226
412-298-3432 = cell
Open Letter
Key Communicators with the PPS
Dear Fellow Key Communicators and Concerned Citizens,
The Mayor’s Commission on Public Education issued a report this week -- something I’ve called ‘pond scum.’ In my not so humble opinion -- we, the citizens and parents, need to organize quickly and make a measured reply and response to the commission and the media.
The kids and volunteers (as well as others watching this madness now and for the years to come) need to witness and come to know that we are not happy. They need to know that we will work to not only set the record straight -- but work to uphold quality of life issues.
A measured response is necessary in the days ahead -- not weeks or month to come. We need to act quickly.
This media response needs to be much more than a few ‘letters to the editors’ or ‘talk-show rants.’ The put news throughout the Post-Gazette - and on the front page. The media is waiting for our reply and will allow for this story to turn into a healthy debate.
I think the best response from Dr. Thompson, the elected board, principals and staff is “NOTHING.” The scrap that is yet to come can be with the Key Communicators. I want to carry the burden and headaches of a tangle to ourselves so the school people can keep about their business in the care for our children and educational missions.
Perhaps the best way to proceed it to have three planning meetings. If you can attend any one meeting, then you’d be able to have a spot on the agenda for the press event. Then we’d have a reply in the middle of next week with a press event. All meetings could be held at Connelley, perhaps, or else another PERC. Or, perhaps South High School’s cafeteria might be available.
I’d love to get a bit of a boost from the School officials -- in getting the initial call out to the various schools, getting the building permits, and opening up a back-channel email flow of info for those who are willing to contribute ideas.
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus
mark@Rauterkus.com
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Notes from PERC planning
To work on behalf of all children,
All parents of PPS,
Leaders, support, advocate, role, citizens, wide-community, lifelong learning, community discussions, help-centers, circullum based, focus, emphasis, holistic, assist parents in developing the skills needed to promote the development of all students / training, structure, partnerships, who are you, raise academic standards for students, equip parents, to become involved in the child's school experience, attend school, commitment, collaborate, intervention, gather parents.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Ken's meeting to find a candidate for mayor in 2005
An Open Letter
Dear GOP Faithful Ones,
My reaction to this endeavor is nothing but “splendid.” Thanks Ken and all the others for launching this discussion. Let’s sustain it on many fronts and in many dimensions.
Tonight I’m at UPMC’s Eye and Ear Institute to introduce a friend from California who is playing at the Grand Opening of the Musician’s Hearing Center. Perhaps I’ll arrive at the end of the meeting to get a copy of the notes from this discussion. On 9-11, tomorrow night, I strongly encourage you to get to Club Cafe by 7:30 pm. The music will be perhaps the best you’ll ever hear. Plus, Jim Roddey is confirmed for 8 pm and Dan at 9 and PCTV 21 will be filming for a rebroadcast.
My thoughts and perspectives the Mayor’s office and candidates are extensive. I’d be happy to sit down with anyone to talk in length and depth about matters. Or, ask via email and the rants and ramblings can be made visible for all to see and ponder.
Nutshell:
1. We need an open-source mentality which is a new type of process for leadership and problem solving. We can’t do what Mayor Murphy has done in his closed door meetings and bingo -- 731 are fired off. We can’t be a smoky city where Lawrence and Mellon run the town. When it comes to knowledge, more is always more. We need solution ideas and suggestions to come from citizens of every neighborhood -- from around the world. All the King’s horses and King’s men can’t put Pittsburgh together again -- but all the citizens, with the king’s engagement and leadership can sure try.
Those of us who have been hitting our heads on the wall are going to be in a much different situation after Murphy and the cronies leave. Too many have voted with their feet or just don’t care to waste their time any longer with leaders who can’t and don’t listen. The choice of willing ignorance is going to end -- and we must not field another candidate like what they’ve done.
I don’t want Pittsburgh to be like those in Poland in WWII -- where there was Hitler to the west and Stalin to the east. The citizens will not rush to new leaders unless there is a team that has a process of inclusion and distinction.
Stories, payables and even a book, Compelling Sense, have been crafted to express these fundamental shifts that need to occur in our government’s style and operations. We don’t need to shift the street. No, it is much more. We need to alter our philosophy and then chart new courses and directions.
To win this office from a non-Dem, we’ll need someone who is here to make history and not be a slave of it. We can’t run a person with a program that is like the Ds but better.
2. We need a communicator. Accountants, legal advisors, and bond experts can be obtained. We need a person who writes, speaks, and plays in every setting and every instance. We’ll be talking about modern thoughts with digital friendly attitudes. I’ll go to block parties -- and the high tech council -- and the messages will be understood by the audiences.
3. We need a team player and a team builder. And, the team is with the left, right, and center. We need to go to the faith based community as well as every other community. This web of life in Pittsburgh is still working -- and it needs respect. .
Ken will want a leader who operated a corporation with large budgets. Frankly, I think it is more difficult to coach a swim team with 200 kids and get them to state records and championship levels. Management is hard work and has been ignored. Being direct is not always the most welcomed and flower-filled way. Being brutally honest is a turn off in many situations. But, it is what is called for here. If managers are not doing their jobs -- they need to be written up, benched and / or fired.
This is parenting. We need the mayor to be at our side -- and then on the case of those who stumble in their production. The Ds have lock-step boosterism at work here and reward the ones who follow the predetermined pathway. Rather we need to have managers who grade on another scale that is about service to the customers -- the citizens -- and consider the economics of our time. I’m a tough love manager, parent and coach. Respect will be given to others -- and earned as well in return. The duty of stewardship is hard work and the easy pathways can’t lead us to success any longer.
Of course part of this is coaching, but another part is a regional attitude. We need the next leaders to be in the burbs, in the city, in the state house and in the various sectors of our greater community. Murphy doesn’t play well with others. We need a team that plays well with everyone. And, we need to walk this talk in bold ways.
Prediction and assertions:
I do consider myself as a front runner for the job of Mayor. I’m not campaigning now nor do I have a PAC open. But, I’ll have a role -- and it might be that of pace setter. I’m very ready.
Should the election proceed as the calendar goes, given four year terms and no resignation, then I’m thinking I’d love to be in a five way race in the GOP Primary. I’d want viable opponents. I’d want a hard campaign. I’d want the GOPers to do different things than ever before in terms of heavy lifting in the campaign with issues, platforms, debates, and such.
Furthermore, I think I could not only win the GOP primary -- but I’ll try to be the victor in the Dem’s primary as well as a write in candidate. My goal will be to sweep both primary elections.
For Pittsburgh to soar again, we’ll have to fly with both wings -- (left and right) -- plus the tail feathers, body and head. This GOP focus on the Mayor’s race, to me, given the soaring destination, is much like the strong beak that is capable of cracking the nuts of our yet hidden nourishment. Our opportunity is growing. The tide in the city has now shifted.
Thanks for listening --and let’s continue the open, community wide conversation. Reactions welcomed.
Think again!
Mark Rauterkus
mark@Rauterkus.com
Monday, September 01, 2003
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Friday, August 22, 2003
412-public email blast from August 22, 2003
Hi All,
Things are hot in and around Pittsburgh in many ways. This blast points to invites and actions, plus a grand opening party, and three community events on 9-11. Thanks for the consideration and surfing of the various sites. I hope to see you around town in meaningful ways.
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus mark@Rauterkus.com http://Rauterkus.com
- - -
Resign
Impeachment Petition in PDF format (6 kb)
http://9x9.cloh.org/departments/politics/impeach.pdf
Impeachment ideas:
http://9x9.cloh.org/departments/politics/impeach-Tom.html
For the good of Pittsburgh's long-term health, Mayor Murphy needs to resign. With the bailout of the Crossing Guards, two school-issues need attention:
1. The Mayor's office should allow the lighting of the sign at CAPA, the new high school for performance arts. The Mayor finds many ways to suppress news and highlights of the efforts of our kids. Putting a candle under a basket is something that most understand as sinful.
2. The Mayor's Commission on Public Education still hasn't issued its plan, more than a year and a half late. That group needs to go away. The Commission's report should be released directly to a toilet as "pond scum." The process and outcomes are cloaked corruption.
Mayor Murphy is playing a high stakes game of "political chicken" with our children packed into the front seat. We can't tolerate his actions. His moves make dangers that justify the call for impeachment. Mayor Murphy's stay on Grant Street needs to end as he is hurting us all, especially the kids.
Now it is time for the parents, and the regular folks to demand his resignation.
- - -
Keep on eye on the dealings with the "alternative" to the Great Race. Can volunteers coordinate and operate a function to show vitality in the city? The Boston Marathon occurs as an all volunteer endeavor. Will the Mayor's Administration put up road blocks or simply get out of the way?
- - -
Tonight, Friday:
West End Elliott Citizens Council Meeting and Candle Light Vigil on Friday August 22 at 7 pm at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, intersection of Lorenz and Crucible Streets in Elliott.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ways to save our Zone Four, and all of the Public Safety Personnel (Crossing Guards, EMT, and Police) and to show City Government our disapproval in a peaceful manner.
Monday:
Pittsburgh Zone 4 Public Safety Council's Emergency Meeting is at 7 pm on Monday, August 25. The meeting is at St Marks Lutheran Church, 933 Brookline Blvd in Brookline.
The purpose is to discuss the closing of one or more Police Stations, and the Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation Personnel layoffs. We hope to develop a plan of action, concerning this matter.
Contact Bob Hillen, 412-571-1126, President of Zone 4 Public Safety Council, bobhillengop@hotmail.com.
Tuesday: Public Hearing in City Council Chambers at 6 pm on Tuesday, Aug 26, for the closing of police stations due to a petition from the citizens of Pittsburgh. You can go and speak. Or, call Kim in the City Clerk's office in advance to get onto the agenda, 412-255-2138.
Wed: Pgh Public School's board meeting at 7:30 pm. The bailout of 202 crossing guard jobs makes a tax shift away from Mayor Tom Murphy's responsibility. The continuation of this type of leadership means failures. Stand up for the kids. Fight for the kids. Parents and crossing guards need to toss Mayor Murphy out of office.
- - -
Candidate news:
Former Democrat Dan Cohen is running for City Council District 5 seat. The City of Pittsburgh Republican party substituted former Democrat Dan Cohen to run against Doug Shields for the City Council District 5 seat formerly held by Bob O'Connor. Dan Cohen is a real estate agent living in Squirrel Hill who recently changed to the Republican Party over concerns with the City finances, among other things.
http://who.CLOH.Org/all/c/daniel-cohen.html
Council President, Gene Ricciardi has introducing Shields to protest audiences in council chambers as "Councilman Elect." Woops.
Ricciardi, currently the president of city council, is up for re-election and faces TWO challengers on the ballot. Gene's plans to raise taxes got a "Thanks but no thanks" reply from Mayor Murphy recently. His lifeline to save the jobs of 202 crossing guards by shifting the tax burden to the Pgh Public Schools is a shell game solution.
Another Dem, Len Bodack, now on council filling Jim Ferlo's seat, may have a challenger, (NN), for the election for the 4-year term.
This isn't just outrage about the Mayor's dealings as seven on city council voted for the 2003 budget. Time will tell.
- - -
THREE Special Event(s) are slated for 9-11
A YOUTH Technology Idea Session, #07, is slated for 10-noon on Thursday, Sept. 11 at Wilkinsburg's Hosanna House. http://summit.CLOH.Org.
The Youth Tech discussion is in advance the Warrior Fatherhood event hosted by the National Fatherhood Initiative.
http://9x9.CLOH.Org/departments/parenting/warrior-father.html
They have a four-day schedule.
An after school event geared to those ages 10 to 30 is slated for 3 pm to 4:30 pm on Thursday, September 11, at Mt. Washington's Duquesne Heights Community Center. We'll have activities and focus on self-expression.
Please save the date and register online for the concert and presentations to begin at 8 pm on Thursday, September 11 at South Side's Club Cafe. http://S6.CLOH.Org
Invited speakers include:
James Roddey, Dan Onorado and Rev. Lynn Brodie. Musical performance by songwriter of the year, Dave Nachmanoff.
Pass out a brochures, please: http://s6.cloh.org/911/handout-2up.pdf
- - -
On Sept. 10, UPMC's Eye and Ear Institute is calling for all musicians and music lovers to join their grand opening for the Musician's Hearing Center.
http://cloh.org/hot/musicians-hearing.html
- - -
Rauterkus.com's motherload of thoughts is open with an outbox archive: outbox: http://Rauterkus.com/pipermail/postings-by-markrauterkus/
We can't heal ourselves and soar with "closed door approaches." Rather, in the case of knowledge, more is always more. To divide and scatter is a ploy for those with fleeting power.
- - -
If you are getting multiple copies via various contact points, sorry. Please let me delete duplicates by providing specific email addresses to NUKE. The pending eVote efforts make multiple messages as multiple ballots. This network has more than 5,500 regional readers. To opt out or in (provide awareness to your friends), just email Mark@Rauterkus.com. Thanks for your understanding.
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus
mark@Rauterkus.com http://Rauterkus.com
http://CLOH.Org http://Sunnyhill.org http://www.Deliberate.com
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
412-Public-Remarks community news and insights
http://Rauterkus.Com/mailman/listinfo/412-public-remarks
Thursday, August 21, 2003
City Paper article about kids and protests
News Briefs ARCHIVES, 8/21/2003
So Many Anti-Murphy Protests, So Much Time
Now it's the children's turn
Writer: MARTY LEVINE
"I'm not personally excited about getting all these jobs back," says Mark Rauterkus about the 731 recent layoffs in the city. "As volunteers, we can do things."
The one-time mayoral candidate and perpetual South Side organizer led two public venting and protest prep sessions last week attended by a total of about 70 city people.
"I think this is huge," Rauterkus says. "You add a whole new layer of citizenship. There are some people who are upset and furious and engaged who haven't been there before. I heard, 'We just need to take our kids out and march them on Grant Street.' And I said, 'Well, we've got to talk about this.'"
While the group chose Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. to let the children lead them to the steps of the City-County Building (see photo), a member of city council President Gene Ricciardi's office pointed out that no one would be there to see them. So the group added Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. so they could take their protest to council.
"So now we've got dueling protests for kids," Rauterkus laments. "It's building [but it's] going all which ways." Massing children just as police and emergency medical personnel have gathered may not be the best protest strategy, he says. "We should have a chalk coloring protest on the steps of the City-County Building. We ought to hang 'Extinction: Murphy' signs on the dinosaurs in town. If Murphy says our kids are human pawns in a game with Harrisburg, we ought to play a game of human chess" with them.
The group's evolving plans for a revived Great Race are meeting with a mixed reaction from city officials and the remaining employees, Rauterkus reports. Unionized and longtime city workers may not relish seeing someone else take over their tasks for free, Rauterkus theorizes: "If volunteers can run the Great Race, why the hell do we need these employees anyway?"
He dismisses the city's worries about liability (private recreation programs have long acquired insurance) and public safety. "We're closing facilities and putting kids out on the streets and then we're taking away police officers," he says.
Rauterkus has long been involved in an effort to reopen the South Side's closed Neville Ice Rink on the South Side, which is city-owned. "I offered years ago to run the Oliver Bath House," he adds. "There's going to be a big struggle and tug of war to allow other entities to use these facilities. We've got to be a little more creative now." He suggests the city partner with local colleges, for instance, whose pools are perhaps little used in the summer. He suggests City Paper print the dos and don'ts for being a volunteer crossing guard -- and print an orange flag for them to cut out. "I would like to see the whole [Urban Redevelopment Authority] office move to Mellon Park and run the tennis bubble," he says.
Evoking the rhetoric of his mayoral campaign, Rauterkus concludes: "Humpty isn't going to look the same. And I don't think re-building and healing can occur with Mayor [Tom] Murphy in office."
Monday, August 11, 2003
Editorial -- I love a challenge
> :).
Hi All,
Okay, I love a challenge. I'll bite.
Editorial theme: The Mayor's Administration needs to resign.
Pittsburgh's healing can not occur until after Tom Murphy and his cronies move themselves to the private sector.
Many in the rank-and-file of both the police and EMS forces are talking of resignation. The Firefighters hold a lynch-pin too. However, this option is only getting mimimal play in the press.
The unions can't back the incumbants any longer. The same-old methods are history. It is going to take all of this city, working together, to make significant changes.
As soon as the upheaval occurs, then folks in Harrisburg will spare some relief for the city's crisis. But, the real cruching is yet to occur. The city leaders on Grant Street have NOT tightened the belt to spending in 2003 as hundreds of thousands in the budget were spent in June on such things as "decorative lighting."
The Tom Murphy ploy for saving $6.5 million on the day he shed a tear and went to the Springstein concert at PNC was just the first drop in the bucket. The necessary amount is $60 million. In 2004 the amount of the gap is $80 million.
- - -
Could I work on an editorial article such as the one hinted above?
- - -
Urgent Meetings & Community Unity & Calling ALL Musicians
> i think you should have the names, addresses and phone numbers of all
> Allegheny county state representatives and senators available for those
> attending so that they can write to them urging that the house/senate
> adopt the state budget with provisions that will provide the City with
> additional funds.
>
> i really think the focus ought to be on our state legislators who have
> taken a backseat position on the city's fiscal problems. i would be more
> than happy to draft a "sample letter" if you like.
> thanks again.
> john burke
Better yet.... Can you draft the letter and then bring 40 copies? Can you get the list of contacts as well?
I'm swimming upstream at the moment and could use the involvement of some others. I'll be sure to give you the floor to make some statements.
But personally, I don't feel that the state should bail out Pittsburgh until AFTER Mayor Tom Murphy and his administration resigns. We can't fix Pittsburgh with him at the helm. Too, too many closed door meetings and lies. His policies are wrongheaded too.
If URA officials came out to the neighborhoods now -- it won't be smooth sailing. In a few more weeks, it will be worse if nothing is done on your part as far as measured responses to grass roots folks.
The URA is going to need to get out of its comfort zone. We'll need to privatize the facilities and you'll need to scrap things and shine a light on other issues that are more essential. When we change directions -- and that might need to occur a number of times -- the URA is going to be nimble or else tossed overboard.
How many properties did the URA purchase around the now closed indoor city ice rink on the South Side behind S.S. Hospital. What ones?
The folks in the URA office are going to need to do more. For example: re-install the brand new bubble at the tennis courts in Mellon Park this October -- and run those courts at a profit. Your desks can shift to the trailer out there.
Re: great article on political courage
You are welcome. But, Brad, you are going to have to take some 'ownership' of this if it is to work.
Jon Delano can't do it. Mr. Scaife can't, nor can Paul O'Neill, IMHO. We need a trusted media voice to come into town on a white horse -- or a pipped pipper -- or an angel -- whatever.
Perhaps a guy such as Mark Single could help and partner with you and State Senator Jane Earll. You three, together with a CMU Professor and myself -- and we've got a full house of LEADERS to CALL for an ALL-SECTOR, Sustainable, SUMMIT about PITTSBURGH.
As per the CMU prof, leave out Richard Florida for now, please. How about Peter Shane? Or, the guy who co-lead the Pgh 21 task force was in my home last week? He was the COO of Heinz. He might be that bench strength we need as a sixth man.
Give Mark Single my cell phone #, 412-298-3432.
Too bad Joe Paterno didn't retire last year. He'd be perfect for fixing Pittsburgh's ills. :)
(but really..... I'm serious.)
I'll leave you alone now -- but look below for my latest EMAIL Blast that went out to 5,000 + contacts.
Dear Lynn -- I'd love to have you speak at a special event on Sept. 11
I've invited yourself plus James C. Roddey, the Chief Executive of Allegheny County. Mt. Lebo is in the county -- as Pittsburgh is the city within the county. And, Dan Onorado, presently the County Controller, is invited. Both Roddey and Onorado's folks have expressed an interest in attending and speaking.
I'd love for you to speak for up to 15 minutes. We can talk about the content in a phone conversation if you desire -- but really, that conversation is just as a helper and I'll really want you to be free to say whatever you desire.
The headline entertainment for the night is a musical genius who you will love as well, Dave Nachmanoff, http://www.DaveNach.com. He has attended a few UU events (we meet at SUUSI) and even leads some UU services.
The event is now slated for 8 pm to midnight. I don't know exactly when you'd speak -- but -- I'd love for you to be flexible as both Roddey and Onorado are in a regional race for the county executive office and are very, very, very busy. I want to work around their schedules.
Neither of the elected leaders will use the night as a "campaign event." They are smarter than that. So, it is interesting to see them work with the theme 'community unity.'
If you desire, I'd love for you to ask each of the other speakers one of the five questions that they'll be fielding after their presentation. So, you'll be an integrated part of the overall evening.
By all means, a chace for reflection, story, and spiritual mentions are welcomed.
This overall concept is the first in a series of events that I want to do in our region. Later, we'll stive to get a portion of the sponsorship to be sanctioned by our church -- Sunnyhill -- as well as the other UU churces in the area. I want to have this event so we can talk about doing others with a real-live example. It is my hope that the overall vision of "outreach" and "connections to the greater community in meaningful interaction" can be realized by our faith's leaders.
Recently, I went to a Sunnyhill Faith In Action committee meeting -- I'm a member there --- and asked them to approve a statement of support that "encourages" you to attend this 9-11 event. After some discussion -- everyone there (6?) was in agreement to do so.
I'm sending this note to Karen Z -- a board person for her awareness.
- - -
On another matter, SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Ministry) is hosting an event on 9-11 as well. I think that the invite for you is to go on stage all night but speak only 2 lines and offer a Budhist's perspective. I think others can fill that role that ROLE at SHIM that night. We'll be giving a UU
perspectives (not Budist) with longer exposure (15-min talk, not 2 lines) and critically important guests (County Exec.) and wider reach (TV) happening on the South Side. I also feel strongly that this event can set the stage for many great things yet to come with cooperation among the UUs in the area, a shared coffee house kick-off, a way to reach PIIN folks after their meeting and more.
Sunnyhill folks are NOT on the steering committee for the SHIM event. But, I tried. I wasn't allowed to meet with the SHIM steering committee for their 9-11 event as I asked the exec. director that question directly. I mentioned a willingness to work with him and SHIM in mid-summer phone call as soon as I heard of the SHIM event via the grapevine. SHIM's exec. director didn't even know that the UUCSH was a member of SHIM -- yet alone who was the contact. For this time, I really reached out to SHIM and was denied. It is funny that they would now offer in invite -- as I find that hollow.
Oh well. Sunnyhill should have a spokesperson there, on stage, saying two lines. Dean Hazelton might be perfect for that role.
I am going to send an note to The Drummer about the 9-11 event. I'll make it clear that this is a COMMUNITY UNITY event hosted by Mark Rauterkus. It isn't an event sponsored by UUCSH, nor PIIN, nor the Faith In Action Committee. I'd like it to be such, but perhaps next time. Yet, all of these populations, and many more, can come to this gathering.
Furthermore, it is going to be "newsworthy" to have you attend a central gathering where we can stage a "media event." I would expect, should I get your okay, that I could have the TV stations cover the event for the 5, 6 and 11 pm news on Sept. 11. I have working relationships with many of the news directors and reporters. If I ask them to attend -- because a new minister has moved to town -- I think we can get coverage BEYOND the religious editor(s). However, any other week, the news value is gone. So, as part of the evening, should you desire, I'd be willing to stage a NEWS EVENT.
Case in point: Today's Tribune Review had me as a "newsmaker." That could be done for you too.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_149054.html
Re: Cutbacks will affect all aspects of city life
c) continue to pay employees with little responsibility
Right. It's called "management" and "supervision." There is little of that going on. Performance evaluations. Honesty is nice to have on hand too. Frankly, there is a good deal of dead weight. Furthermore, the system is so ridgid that the deadness can be covered and protected. Plus, there is no sense of ownership so as to be free to fix things and rock the boat a bit.
People who raise issues are tossed out.
I think we need a whistle-blower achievement attitude. We don't need to do silly kickbacks and bonus money to employees who SAVE money -- up to 10% -- as per Gene R's absurd measure (now tabled). But, we need to set new attitudes.
There is a time to make lemon-aid -- so to speak. That time could be now in terms of Recreation and Aquatics. These are areas I LOVE and understand with professional experiences.
The majority of the swim pools are closed and the others may close forever too. However, we can re-open them when we are good and ready and when we have a real viable plan that includes some being privatized, all being overhauled with programming. We have to pull our own weight. But, we can do so, so, so much better than what was being done.
Get this: The AQUATICS TASK FORCE was a JOKE -- like everything else this administration has tried to do and failed, (Fifth & Forbes Downtown Collaborative, etc.)
Frankly a few others are fired up about this. I hope to get others joining in the cause.
Planning meeting: Monday, August 11 at 6 pm.
Community meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6:30 pm.
Mark Rauterkus
Hi Project Rebirth Staffers,
In Pittsburgh, PA, USA -- I'm hosting a 9-11 special event for "community unity." If you had something that was presentable -- I'd love to have it as part of the showcase we are organizing.
Case in point: Do you have a slide show that could be run from various computers throughout the night?
Do you have any give-a-way info on the project that we could make available?
I'd love to get you some extra exposure -- but we don't have any organizational money for a purchase. But, we'd be happy to solicit for you.
I apologize for the delay in responding to your e-mail!
Thank you very much for your interest in Project Rebirth and thank you for your 9/11 presentation. I hope everything is going well.
Unfortunately, we do not have anything to give you right now. Although we have footage from the rebuilding we are not releasing it in any public capacity for a while, most likely, not until the World Trade Center is rebuilt.
We are in the process of upgrading our website and hope to have a short edited piece of time-lapse footage on the website. The new site is due to launch in early 2004.
I'm sorry I cannot be of further assistance. Thank you, again, for your interest and I wish you success in all your endeavors.
Kind regards,
Croi McNamara Line Producer Project Rebirth Inc.
Great article on political courage
Great article today on the political courage to alleviate the crisis. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/news/s_149035.html
Hi Brad,
I'm in the streets. I talk to many and go to lots of meetings. The first thing we need to do in Pittsburgh is rescue the truth. We might need to do a revival of the truth as it has been lost for some years now. But, --- we can't let truth be slashed again and again now that the jobs are being cut as well.
To do this -- truth revival -- we need a lot of heavy lifting in the media as well as in person.
Mostly the PG, but on rare times the Trib too, the real story isn't being told, and it is riddled with holes or fibs. But the call is for HEAVY lifting. This isn't just about great newspaper coverage -- it is much, much more.
If the TRIB's executives and reporters were to take this issue on like a bull by the horns -- I'd be willing to help. Pittsburgh would be much, much better off. And, frankly, it is going to take someone like yourself -- Brad -- to do this. You come into the scene from Harrisburg. You don't have much poitical dead weight around you. You have more of a global view. We need a trusted figure to take on this quagmire for a six-month challenge. And, all the resources of the company would need to enter into the fray -- with a host of other partners.
To start:
We need a week's worth of citizen summits to really vent. We need video cameras. We need lots of coverage every day. We need to get the unions and the rank-and-file there.
Joe King of the Fireman's union is part of the problem. Same too with the FOP brass. A big split in the FOP is present. But mostly, truth is getting hijacked. The citizens don't know 1/10 of what they need to know. And, the citizens are still very aware of what is going on. The citizens are sorta smart and can smell the stench from the Mayor's office.
To continue:
We'd need to have NIGHTLY meetings. We'd go INTO the closed REC Centers around town on a day-by-day basis. We'll need to be engaging, open and tireless.
I would like to partner with you, Brad, and the TRIB so as to hold a business / editorial meeting in Pittsburgh with all of your power brokers.
Pittsburgh has to heal. It's long term health is at the brink. And, we need to take charge and monitor the truth. Lies are not allow. For half-truths to be spoken -- then we need to document them and challenge them. Sadly, the miss-info occurs and occurs and occurs again. Closed door meetings are NOT going to allow for the fixes and the healings.
My vision is for a massive dance with and among the public. All sectors. A real "grass-roots summit." And, it has to go on and on for weeks and months.
If you can get an editorial board meeting and allow me to challenge you all with these ideas for some such venture --- let me know.
Letter to the Wireless Neighborhoods - delivered in person
Dear Friends of Technology and Neighborhoods,
I'm hosting a few meetings and would love to get your support and help in the promotions.
Monday, August 11, 6 pm, open planning meeting at Armstrong Park on 12th Street, South Side. Bring your own lawn chair.
Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 pm, OPEN Community Meeting at Armstrong Park. Bring your own lawn chair.
Essay contest for 9-11 begins this week. Details to be posted at CLOH.Org
On Thursday, September 11 from 10 to noon, Idea Session 07 concerning the pending YOUTH Technology Summit is slated for the east end in conjunction with a fatherhood event.
A Community Unity event starts at 8 pm on Thursday, September 11 at Club Cafe, 85 South 12th Street. High level offiicals as well as a recent songwriter of the year are expected. See http://S6.CLOH.Org. S6 =3D Sports,
Spirit and Soul Song and Story Summit.
In the months to come, the S6 event series can be constructed to raise money for technology and the co-op. I still want to talk with the finance committee about this.