Before City Council, mid-June, 2004

My Name is Mark Rauterkus.My family and I live at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. Internet hang-outs are Rauterkus.com -- and CLOH.Org.

At 6:30 pm, on Thursday, June 17, 2004, I'll be helping to coordinate another community meeting. Everyone is invited. The meeting is on the South Side -- at South Vo Tech High School. We'll meet in the School LIBRARY. Come early as we'll be finished by 8 pm.

South Vo Tech is closing. Today is the last day of regular school for 450 students. Have a great and safe summer vacation.

A number of concerned citizens made objections concerning the decision to shutter South Vo Tech. This meeting won't be only with a focus of South Vo Tech -- but given the setting, it will be part of the discussion.

I advocated for a staged shut-down of South Vo Tech throughout a three or four year period. I think that the kids that are there now (9th, 10th, 11th graders) should be able to graduate -- even with night and summer school.

Otherwise, the drop out rate are going to be massive. The worst move possibe is what is school board has done. A couple hundred kids are NOT going to terminate their high school educations and NOT graduate.

The shift to CHARTER Schools is expected -- costing district MORE money. The outward migration accelerates. Families get yanked around again. And, the impact upon the other schools that must absorb the displaced South students is going to trouble everyone.

Students in HEATING & Airconditioning,
Plumbing,
Commercial Art,
Small Engine Repair,
Welding

Go to Brashier for academic work and still use the South Vo Tech Annex for trade work. Then the following year they'll need to move to Peabody. Treating High School students to a smorgasboard of four schools in their career within the district is a prime example of why we are in such a serious decline around here.

To phase out the school is a little more trouble for the ADMINISTRATION -- but in the long run it still gives the tax payers the same results -- and for the students it offers a world of difference.

When people see this treatment to other people -- they want no part of it for themselves. They choose to NOT come here.

Furthermore, this same group of kids won't be able to go to Connelley Technical School for adult eduation -- as that too has been closed.

These are Dr. Thompson and Bill Isler CAST-OFFs. A whole group of kids -- within a special category -- get flushed away. These kids are NOT the darlings of the CULTURAL DISTRICT.

The Vo Tech vision in this district is an undisputed failure. That burden goes to Mr. Fondy -- of the Teacher's Union (who has serious ties to South and yet he can turn his back upon them) -- and the TRADE UNIONS of Great Pittsburgh.

The UNOINS have been worthless here -- when it comes to our treasured future.

Another invite

On Wednesday, June 16 from 7 to 8 pm --- people in the city can tune into a TV Show on PCTV 21. Our last meeting held on the North Side at the National Aviary was turned into a show.

We talk about the Save Our Summer -- and beyond.

Looking back I called Save Our Summer a process that put a band-aid upon a band-aid and that it didn't address the real wound. I think I might have been TOO GENEROUS with Elsie Hillman's and Bill Truehart's efforts -- in tandem with Citiparks.

I think we have a new band-aid that has been applied to a system held together by old band-aids ----- but the new wrinkle is something that I've not seen before. Then I read the ACT 47 RECOVERY PLAN.

The band-aids -- are going onto a CORPSE.

They want to put on a big show -- work on this to save face -- but THE BODY is DEAD.

City Council -- you might have expired. The last breath of city life in Pittsburgh might be just a memory. When the ACT 47 Agreement is signed ..... we should all send flowers -- to have the aroma to cover the stench -- even if it is another tempory fix.

We need a Lazarus - like REVIVAL. To come back from the dead is going to take a lot of work. It starts with the understanding of cooperation and serious -- all day all night work in proactive ways. If you want ME to help you with the COUNTER OFFER -- as a REJECTION of the ACT 47 plan --- we can do it.

After swim practice.

[via China] Re: [noise] A call to action!

Hi All and Cori,

One suggestion from another was to get a legal opinion before you proceed in additional directions. With a legal opinion understood, then the conversations with others (elected officials, etc.) can be more measured.

As to the free speech matter --- I'd say, "That RIGHT, among others, is messy." Ours is a small price to pay. With RIGHTs come responsibilities -- within all sectors. Even as bystanders we must be more responsible from time to time.

By the way, I did see the photos and trucks in both the South Side and in Oakland for many days. I too have a 6-year old, our second child. But, as a point of contrast from China, I'd assume that those posters wouldn't fly here. And furthermore, second children are not permitted. To explain 'the more than one child freedom' to a family with more than one child becomes quite personal.

short snip --- but rather the pictures they use on their placards being that I had to explain to my then 6 year old the images she was seeing. I am furious at this manipulative method of getting one's point across. I am a avid believer in free speech, however, this group, whoever they are, show very poor
judgement and I will not tolerate it in my community. I hope that many of you feel the same way. --- end snip

So, we agree with the poor judgement part, but don't agree on how much to tolerate in community. Being free means we have to take it all, and explain / teach the younger ones all about living in an open society. IMNSHO, people should be free to show their poor judgements.

For me it is 9:30 am on Friday -- while you all are at 9:30 pm on Thursday. We are on the other side of the world -- as I type -- and Cori, we are on different sides of the issue as to what to do NEXT. Tell Abby (the kdis) that everything in China does NOT look upside down. However, we've discovered that it is much more difficult to run backwards without falling. At a recent sports practice we noticed that the kids from China were more skilled at running fast while moving backward than blond haired kids from North America. Kids from China do tumble from time to time, but not nearly as frequently. Our theory holds that it might be nearly impossible to run your second leg of a race in an over-and-back fashion, all while backwards. Just be warned. There might be something about being over here and running backwards in an "over-and-back race" that trips you..... just a hunch.

Well, here is hoping that the next time I see you ---- you're not going backwards.....

PS: today is our last full day in Chengdu. Catherine's class ended yesterday. To Hong Kong on Saturday. Then to Chicago on Tuesday.

June 1 = Childrens' Day in China

Today, Tuesday, June 1, is "Childrens Day" in China. I just found out about it. No school -- except at the International School. They do have school there. And, we are going to visit it for a half-day -- just for fun. All English at the International School. Sorta small -- yet -- here in Chengdu. One third grade class -- and the 3rd grade teacher has his daughters (3) swimming with Erik and Grant -- and I met them all at Sunday Church Service -- in a hotel conference room (only foreigners).

In the AM we're going to an amusement park at the edge of town.

Last week -- lots of running around to get it all in.

Went to a soccer game this past Saturday and ate HOT POT.

Our friend, Kevin.

This is Kevin. We got together with him for a play day on National Childrens' Day. Kevin swam on the swim team and was most friendly. His mom worked in D.C. and his dad was a big help with some meetings we had too.


China, and other nations around the world, celebrate CHILDRENS' DAY. This is a major vacation day. Most parents get a half or full day off of work to be with their children. We don't celebrate this in the US, yet! 

More photos of the amusement park are available. It was a bit like Kennywood -- but different.

about coverage of Pittsburgh's Parks Scene

Hello from CHINA --

Nice article on the closed parks and smaller offerings.

I'd love to see an article about the POSITION PAPER on Parks & Rec -- now online at:
http://DSL.CLOH.ORG/v1/

Plus we'll hold another meeting on in mid-June. Would love to get some ink about that as well as to create a discussion so as to cover next year -- and SEPTEMBER 2004.

The Save Our Summer is but a band-aid on a band-aid. It is no fix at all when looking about the real care we give to kids, to voice, to public responsibilities, to engagement.

Thanks for advancing the coversation in real and meaningful ways.

Visting with David G - a former Pgh guy in China

We had a fine visit with David G - a former Pittsburgh native in Chengdu today. I don't have time to type much now but I'll get a photo to his parents off line.

Seems that there are a few from Pittsburgh in the area. The foreign folks seem to bump into each other at places like Pizza Hut -- where we talked with 7 from Okl. State Univ. They were sorry about the Sweet 16 -- something that had slipped my mind.

I'm getting a lot of good photos for making into quizes in the future.

more opinions from friends -- not mine - but nods

My concern is the "little guy" --- the middle class is paying the price for the horrible Murphy Administration. If there is a time for outrage, I hope people show up in force. The outrage should also be thrown towards City Council as well. They have done nothing to thrwart the Administration. They could have been brave and bold, but they were not!

I would be inclined to shut down all non-essential city services before doing what they propose. Things that would remain:

1) Police
2) Fire
3) Garbage
4) Skelton staff for public works.

Re: Act 47

My hunch, we'll see a huge rush from the suburban locations to insert a 1.5 percent tax on their people too -- to follow suit -- so as to NOT get any money to Pittsburgh.

So, this move by the city is an anchor / weight that is going to pull down the rest of the region as well.

All in all, it seems to ad to the downward spiral.

snip of email to me:
They came out with 233 page report...does not look good (as I expected) and there will be outrage with the amount of tax increases including 120/ year occupation tax

City property taxes from 10.8 mills to 11.34 mills (a 5 percent increase)

wage taxes on city residents from 1 percent to 1.5 percent.

Commuters, who now pay no earned income tax to the city, would be charged 1.4 percent, although their home municipalities with a wage tax would take their tax share out before the city gets its share.

Rec Center Coaches

Shows the Badminton and Volleyball Coaches at an open Rec Center. We played there and got to play in 2005 as well. The badminton coach, left, was on China's national team for a while years ago. He is an excellent coach. 

[412] Tune in the TV Show -- read the positon paper -- offer feedback -- see ya on June 17

Dear Southwestern Pennsylvania Comrades,

Hello from China's south west. While I'm a foreigner, you don't need to miss me. You can still get a glimpse of me and some of the issues I hold dear -- on PCTV 21 -- the Pittsburgh Cable Access TV Station. http://www.PCTV21.com.

Our COMMUNITY FORUM about the closing of city parks PUBLIC pools and Recreation Centers (taped at the National Aviary) plays on cable at:

Tuesday, May 25 7 to 8 pm
Thursday, May 27 1 to 2 pm

Tuesday, June 1 5 to 6 pm

Thursday, June 3 1 to 2 pm

Sunday, June 6 4 to 5 pm

Tuesday, June 8 8 to 9 pm

Wednesday, June 16 7 to 8 pm

The show mentions elements of the released (to PUBLIC DOMAIN) POSITION PAPER:
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/
Please check it out, offer comments, pass the world. John Craig, former PG boss and leader of the Riverlife Task Force has. With your help, future versions are sure to help the region.

As a side note, the Oversight Board's recent letter to our Mayor talked about his lack of COOPERATION. Months ago, an AP article and public statements from mentioned that the fiscal crisis is much less of a problem than the cooperation crisis. Now the rest are coming to see what many have know for a long time. At the public parks, pools, rec centers and playgrounds -- we teach our kids how to play well with others. Well, no need to rant from CHINA in this email. Understand real solutions are being put forth from these quarters -- and I'd love to have you help with the buzz.

At 6:30 pm, June 17 at South Vo Tech Library (yes, the only high school pending a closure -- sadly) we'll hold another forum and have a presentation from Penn State Univ. Extensions that shows resources for program leaders, parents, volunteers, coaches. Please download, print and pass along the one page PDF to invite your circle of contacts -- http://Play.CLOH.Org/hot/sos-june.pdf

Please save the date for a concert: This IS America. Expect a wonderful event slated for 6 pm on Friday, June 10 at the South Side's Club Cafe... http://S6.CLOH.Org.

Finally, the web log of this China trip is on-hold until either our return, or for next year's Cannes film festival. No sense in a making a distraction from watching the show with date and times above -- nor from reading version one of the position paper -- yet alone the third Harry Potter.

To make public remarks, email Parks-Positions-Noise at CLOH.Org

Thanks for your help.

Mark Rauterkus
china at Rauterkus.Com -----> best while on the road

opening the other pools

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04141/319194.stm

Details on how to open the other pools are a part of the postion paper I released a few weeks ago.

I'd love to have you or someone in the PG staff look into this and REPORT upon it. http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/

Many items there would help advance the discussion.

For example, one staff of seven could open and operate 14 pools -- working at two pools per day. Five work, two are on days off. Each pool would only once per week. But, it would open and that would help.

The SOS crew know NOTHING about swim pools -- and they have said as much to me on many instances. But, yet they are tossing their weight around with demands.

These are PUBLIC swim pools and that first concept should not tossed away -- baby with the bathwater pun in there somewhere.

Re: Got Political Fever?

Hi John,

Good to see you are going to do the event again. I won't be attending -- again. I'm in China.

However, I'd love to have you help with a few things I'm doing. I think your contacts would be very interested in these efforts.

#1. June 18 meeting at South Vo Tech High School -- on the last day of school -- about pools, rec centers, summertime efforts, parks -- and a position paper.
http://Play.CLOH.Org
A PDF - one page - is linked there.

#2. The new position paper is out and being talked about some -- by John Craig - former publisher of the PG and Riverlife Task Force, etc.
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1

#3. A concert is slated for 6 pm, July 9, Club Cafe -- theme: This IS America. Great for political types. To be on TV too. So, there is some studio time possible.

Thanks.

Let's do another vote effort and get my involvement. I think that there are some new avenues that need to be explored in a meeting that I could help lead / present.

Take care. Good luck.

Mark Rauterkus
china at Rauterkus.com -- while on the road.


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My digital camera is out of the shop -- thankfully. Weekend trip to Xian.

Good day today running all around the city with my boys. Got badmitton set -- played at a badmitton staduim. Went to swim lessons.

Catherine and the two Pitt Grad students really had a lot of hard work teaching today. China is getting their value out of them. The class with 13 -- all sharp as a whip -- often is filled with 20+ students.

Re: July 11 -- suggested service blurb

Thanks for taking care of the loose end on the service on July 11. It will be great. Mindy is a gas and very very talented.

China is something else. We are very happy to be here -- but a bit out of step with the ways that are all around us. But, we are flexible and trying.

The boys are both great and bad -- each day -- each in his own right. You know parenting. Man, if only they could get at bit more at ease with each other and stay that way. Now they are in a nap and doing well for 2 hours. But this AM -- Erik was under my skin. They it was Grant yesterday.

Catherine's class is going well. The students are smart as can be and very dedicated.

Our e-toys -- my digital camera, etc., are not doing that well. So, my web log is not where I expected it to be.

I'm not getting many high-level interactions -- yet -- but perhaps that is to be expected. I'm just with the boys and we feel more like tourists. I had hoped to interact more at the swim pool with the other coaches. Oh, well.

Each day is full of new eye - opening observations.

Got to go.

Thanks again. Full slide shows and details upon our return.

Re: have you had a chance to visit this position paper?

Hi Mr. Craig,

My replies to your email (below) follow:

The HELP CENTER is a "big tent concept." It can begin ASAP -- by July/August 2004. It gathers offices under one roof. Recreation departments, school athletics, WPIAL, volunteers, race coordinators, permit offices --- all under one roof. The HELP CENTER gives citizens a one-stop vantage point to volunteer / engage. The old ALCOA building (Regional Enterprise Tower) is a big-tent for the non-profit sector. We need this hub building for kids, recreation, play, sports, parks. So, let's craft a HELP CENTER.

In due time, the HELP CENTER evolves into a new, free-standing entity -- a new branch of government -- a Pittsburgh PARK DISTRICT.

So, the HELP CENTER is a catalist in early months. But, in later years, after referendums, the HELP CENTER is part of the mission and an on-going outcome for service to citizens, coaches, players, staffers and volunteer leaders.

The physical building that is the HELP CENTER is within part of South Vo Tech High School -- and perhaps expanding to more than the first floor in due time. The HELP CENTER could exist with the existing school in a phase out mode.

As the HELP CENTER as part of the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT -- the final outcome -- think of a new governmental entity. Illinois has this model. PARK DISTRICTS are their own taxing bodies, with own elected leaders, with their own jurisdictions. The PITTSBURGH PARK District would start after a chain reaction of mergers and then a spin-out.

Various steps include:
Citiparks flows into the County Parks Dept.
Pgh Public Schools (for after-school and sports facility use) blends, plus CCAC facilities, Point State Park, Pgh Parks Conservancy, Riverlife Task Force (parts), some of the RAD Funds, and then the County Recreation Department all blend with the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTICT.

Accountability rests with the people -- as there are elected leaders and votes throughout. Democracy and self-determination is a HUGE part of this endeavor. Its constitution is something to talk about in future rounds of discussions.

On your #2 below.
No. We agree.
The County's major parks should be part of the same system with all the parks. I want to merge all park efforts and recreational efforts within the city and county. We will need stages and phases, perhaps.
So we agree. There would be a single office. But, I dare not call this an "authority" -- with appointed leaders. Rather a unit of government with elected leaders. But, this PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT would have the authority to manage, direct, own, etc.

I don't call for a total "ELMINATION of the RAD TAX." A total re-think, yes. And, the position paper calls for some of the RAD Districts responsibilities now serve a new master, i.e., the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT. So, some RAD efforts, such as libraries, would still go to and flow via the RAD BOARD. Libraries are not parks. We still need RAD efforts to continue for NON-PARKs elements.

But, we'd need to unravel some of the RAD duties and incomes and re-tool it with the formation of the new entity.

Furthermore, with the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT, the region gets a NEW TAXING GOVERMENT. We get an overlay that can assert taxes upon residents in a regional manner. So, your benefit of RAD -- the only regional entity -- is now expanded upon as we'd keep RAD (altered some) and insert a NEW regional entity. Our regional toolkit is greatly enhanced in the concepts within the Position Paper.

As to the other counties that are beyond Allegheny -- and the RAD and their right to self-determine their interplay or not -- this too becomes an issue -- in the long term views. I think that the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT starts quickly and with four to six principal partners in the mergers. However, the scope of the Pittsburgh Park District would be able to expand to include other municipalities (i.e. Wilkinsburg) and other school districts (i.e., Quaker Valley and Sto Rocks). Then, as the quilt expands and is made more of a benefit -- sponsorships will help to drive this -- I see no reason why the Park District can't become an entity with multi-county jurisdictions.

Furthermore this vision is already in place in ILLINOIS. The Peoria Park District serves an area that expands beyond the home county. Some places are incorporated into the Park District -- and others choose to remain outside of it. So, the city of Washington might not want to be part of this entity -- but -- the rest of Washington County could opt in.

But, first we have to crawl, then walk and take it step by step. The kids in the city need to get this flowing more quickly.

Thanks for your comments and time.
I read your summary, which in itself is quite a piece of work, and can report the following:


1. I am not familiar with what you regularly refer to as "the fledgling help center"; What is it? That said, you seem to put a great many eggs it the center basket and it is difficult to assess the efficacy of the suggestions until I have a better understanding of the center, its makeup, its authority, its budget, to whom it is accountable, etc.

2. There is a second theme to what you write that I do not embrace, if I understand things properly: That is that Pittsburgh's major parks should be operated separately from major county parks. I think major parks (city and county) should be under a single authority and if possible other major parks outside Allegheny County should be included in what would be one regional system.

3. Far from getting rid of the RAD tax, which as a matter of law is required to support parks, I would assign it even more responsibility for regional assets like our major parks as well as the programs in those major parks. The RAD is the only regional tax we have and we would be out of our minds if we eliminated it. I do not have any problem with a slightly different method of putting people on the RAD board, most particularly people from outside the county, if their attractions are to get support. The problem is that when the enabling legislation for RAD was passed the contiguous counties did not vote to participate, which was their mistake. If they change their minds and embrace a truly regional approach to major park and recreation programs I would put them on the board

---------

From: Mark Rauterkus [mailto:Mark at Rauterkus.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:59 AM
To: Craig, John
Subject: have you had a chance to visit this position paper?


Hi Mr. Craig,

I released a postion paper that deals with many issues including the formation of a new, democratic, PARK DISTRICT.

I'd love for you to read it and react.

I'm not too fond of the Riverlife Task Force, however. Sorry in advance.

http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/

change for goodness sake -- not for change's sake

Hi Alison,

The change we need and crave in Pittsburgh is not how it seems in your recent PG article. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04136/316574.stm

For starters, the real change is the move to tadpole status. Not so long ago, Pittsburgh was a major city, 4th largest in the USA. We are now a fraction of what we used to be. Those who have been forcing change are forcing the shrinkage. Those who are asking for a traditional view and legacy viewpoint are the one's who are most upset at our failures in the recent decades.

To stay a tadpole -- not quite. Naysayers know that not only are the days of being a tadpole here -- but -- the pond is shrinking too. The fast forward to the present was horrid and full of folly, shrinkage, management of decline, lost attitudes and missed priorities. The face of change in Pittsburgh has been full of robust acceleration to nothingness. The ones who are with pause are capable of really seeing the decline.

The tag of tadpole is the handiwork of the rulers. The power elite has starved the people and the real Pittsburgh.

The beginning of something new around here has always been more shrinkage. With changes for the worse, Pittsburgh's people grew and advanced elsewhere. Too many have left. Too many changed and chose pathways elsewhere. The precise stagnation we are now experiencing isn't a will against change. Rather it is a will against foolishness and hurtful changes.

The largest remaining primitive creature in our landscape is hype. The swamp is full of one-way thinkers. Back-patting won't fix Pittsburgh.

Encouraging changes, mergers and revisions in our budgets, our governments and our attitudes, may or may not be signs of dragging fiscal feet. Quicksand of our own making, to me, it seems, is to offer little but feel-good chatter.

Tonight was my birthday, and I enjoyed a meal with ethnic food never tasted. Yesterday I visited an art marketplace. Our recent walk along a riverfront park was next to the Fube River. So, I follow your logic, to a degree. I've told someone about something new and exciting in Pittsburgh. But, to get the ball rolling, as you say, it will take more than hype and conventioneers' talk. It would be great for our region if the PG really covered some new ideas and didn't scold for those who are NOT in the goose-step mode. To herald change, advance discussions and insist upon making changes for the better.

And, if interested in real changes --- I'd love to hear your feedback on the position paper I released at http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/ .

Oversight Board phone # as per Brian O'N's PG coverage.

Now you can call 412-288-3803
Ask them if they read the POSITION PAPER.

Consolidation worries with Tom at the HELM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04136/316927.stm


Mayor Tom Murphy's public support for consolidation is a joke. It has taken him 11 years in office to finally get 911 services to merge and make sense. There is little else more basic for people's welfare to pick up a phone in a time of dire emergency and call for help by dialing 911. That is a root service that needs attention. We can build stadiums and department stores in the Murphy Administration, but we can't fix roads, bridges and offer true public service.

The city's imminent budget problems, Murphy said, is the oversight board's job. The shame in that quote goes to how Murphy has given up on himself and his duty as Mayor. He MUST leave the office.

In an interview Thursday, Murphy said the Pittsburgh region would save the most money by focusing on dissolving school districts and police departments, rather than the city's government. WRONG. What Pittsburgh needs is a set of moves into the other direction from where Murphy would have us follow. I'd rather see MORE school districts with a horizontal split of Pgh Public Schools so as to make more, smaller, districts. Todays PPS District is too big and could be effective as a 9-12 district and a start-up of three to five smaller K-8 districts, each with their own elected boards.

James C. Roddey said that Pittsburgh won't solve the [consolidation] problems this year. So sad and so true. However, the biggest road block to progress is none other than Tom Murphy. We do need to start now, with discussions.

[via China] Fw: lazarus is empty and its best use

Hi,

I'm writting from Chengdu, western China, about the empty, subsidized Lazarus. The economy in China is overheating. One report credited China for 25% of the world's volume for economic transactions.

Rather than one store, (Walmart or Target), or even two, (Circuit City), let's convert the space into a home for 200 shops.

Chengdu's computer row has a number of larger buildings with seemingly countless vendors, dealers, reps, agents, and very brisk business. Hundreds of places sell digital cameras. Within blocks, computer desk makers, paper suppliers, printers, copy centers and more mp3 players than you can imagine.

The small business marketplace is Pittsburgh's weakness. More organic, diverse, cutting-ege, creative, companies with local owners are needed. I think all subsidized development is lame, but handouts to ONE corporate neighbor and not 200, is 200-times worse.

Ta.

Mark Rauterkus
China at Rauterkus.com

Working on PPS Athletic Reform since 2004, at least

[Parks] Fw: Sinking or Swimming?

From: rnbphoto7

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.

[via China] We are all doing well

Hi Mom,

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

Blunders - cut from the plan on parks

Heinz Field is on prime property and is used 15 times a year. Extra
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

Hi Friends and Reds, (Yep, "Reds," .... please read on)

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

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

 

[412] FRIENDS of a feather, gathering on Sunday at National Aviary

Media Release and Invitation


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.

Resignation Chatter

Mayor's offer of RESIGNATION accepted from one of harshest critics Front page headlines on April 3, 2004: Mayor says he'll resign if critics do Trib story by Dave Brown PG story by Timothy McNulty by Mark Rauterkus posted to Op-Ed.CLOH.Org on April 3, 2004 I am one of Mayor Murphy's harshest critics. On many occasions in the past seasons I've suggested to Tom Murphy, in person and in public, that his best course of action should be his resignation, for the good of the city. My Post-Gazette letter to the editor ran in August 18, 2003. I didn't think Mayor Murphy would be able to hold onto his job into the start of 2004. I was wrong. I'm often optimistic. Mayor, I'll take you up on your offer. If Tom Murphy resigns from the office of mayor, City of Pittsburgh, I too will resign. I will not chase him to his Butler County home and hurl insults. Nor will I try to yank the plug to his swim pool nor shutter his local gym space. As a sign of good faith on my part, and with splendid anticipation of a looming Tom Murphy resignation, I will resign for the month of May, 2004. I will resign my role as critic by NOT going to City Council Chambers and injecting public comment, nor will I rant to the Oversight Board, nor County Council, nor any neighborhood agency meeting, nor stand outside PNC Park with pickets, nor display the red-lettered, "FIRE MAYOR MURPHY" sign in my office window. Furthermore, I won't call radio talk shows nor push petitions at the UPMC City of Pittsburgh Marathon, nor hound veterans and officials before and after the Memorial Day gun salutes at monuments around the South Side. I won't do any of those activities, for the month of May. I promise. My websites, Rauterkus.com and CLOH.Org, and email blasts to more than 6,000 contacts, won't wane however. Furthermore, should Tom Murphy resign from office, I promise to craft a petition calling for some significant structures to be renamed. Tom Murphy should leave with a statue and a place on the map so as to never forget the legacy and persona. I think a fitting remembrance would be a name change for the Liberty Bridge to the Mayor Tom Murphy Bridge. This tribute to Tom Murphy could be a continual reminder as his administration made great strides in removing true liberty in Pittsburgh. Let's also support the notion of renaming the Liberty Tunnel as the Mayor Tom Murphy Tunnel. The name switch highlights Murphy's vision and hard-decision attitude. It is time for Pittsburgh to turn its directions. The light at the end of the tunnel is coming closer. New intersections await. Fitting too are the stoplights at both ends of the both the Liberty Tunnels and Bridge. They represent Murphy's multiple terms. We are waiting for the light to change. I'm thirsty and long for the future. I want to resign my critic's role and instead, foster civic healing. In other news: Mark Rauterkus, his wife, Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., and their two children are traveling to China for five weeks starting May 1, 2004. Palmer, the Director of Audiology at UPMC's Eye and Ear Institute, is to teach a four-week course to MDs in western China.

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.

perspectives on Dr. T -- PPS & Rec

When asked about Dr. John T of Pgh Public Schools and this Cooperation Crisis and Recreation.

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.

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.

Dear Neighbors -- pondering losses, firefighters, community spaces

Today was a hard day for all in Pittsburgh with a double funeral. The losses and time to mourn and pay respects are about giving and receiving care and love. The families, the firefighters, and the grief was open and honest.

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

Go Penguins

Ticket stubs

Pittsburgh should have a park district

call for meetings with PLAY.CLOH.Org

Schedule for Various Community Meetings with Mark Rauterkus presentations

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.

News of Resignation at Fox Chapel HS

Sillyness from flexing, nebby, moms

CP to MR

Year, uncertain. 

Lib Party

I did not attend this event.

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!

Article on a swimmer

Film: Fathers Missing In Action

An American Journey of Broken Dreams and Unpaid Debt was at Showcase Cinemas East. The National Fatherhood initiative was one of the sponsors. Same too with Youthworks, Citizens Bank, Healthy Starts, Hill House, Juvenile Court Project, Twanda Carlisle.

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.

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.

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

Varsity Foxes

I got to coach these kids.  (private link page)

Weirdness was that the club team and the high school teams were coached by different people. I went to help with the high school. The club coach didn't step up to take the lead with the varsity teams. So, one decent job took a turn into two bad jobs, among other things. 

Hired some good assistant coaches who would do so if I was the head. 

 

When was the last South Side Halloween Parade?

Bonkers over an email signature, cluelessness

Market House Childrens Athletic Assn was jumping

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.

Jumping to reform on early days of being hired at FC

Upon getting the nod to be the next head varsity coach at Fox Chapel, I reached out to a couple of coaching friends to see if we might be able to mix up some reform ideas for WPIAL / PIAA swimming. Oh well. 

Handout at a fall picnic

News from Mark Rauterkus
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.

Letter to Key Communicators from Mark Rauterkus

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

Notes from PERC planning

The PERCs came out of the reorganization from the Title 5 resources. Parents of special needs kids had been having meetings and services from the district for many years.

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.

Ken's meeting to find a candidate for mayor in 2005

I sent the following letter to Mt. Washington and Ken Heiss' home! Ken began to gather people together to talk about the mayor's race in 2005. Sad to say, the results of these meetings were fruitless. The meetings didn't generate much excitement, some, but not nearly enough.

---

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

Market House Childrens' Athletic Assn, handout

Year uncertain.