Highland Park's grandeur reborn as blood sucking worm

If the fountain at center of renovated entry to Highland Park is the best we can do, other than the merry-go-round slated for Schenley Park outside the main Oakland Libraries, then hell is at our doorstep.

In Highland Park, the past is present -- and I don't want to go there. The major projects at the RAD parks are jokes.

In the early 1900s, a grand Victorian entryway greeted visitors with imposing bronze sculptures, clustered Ionic columns, a fountain, reflecting pool and lush formal gardens. At that time, and for decades after, Highland Park also had segregated swimming pools. One pool for whites. One pool for colored. Fact. History.

Do these bone-headed leaders want to turn back the clock to that time as well?

Pittsburgh used to be the 4th largest city in the US. Did the garden party attitude make us flourish or is it what has pushed us to our decline?

The best we can do in our parks these days is to crave the 1930s with bricks and stone. On the North Side, the Riverview Park was slated to get and upgrade -- running water. That is right. A sink with a pipe to flow water and a real toilet that flushes. Such advancements in 2004.

If this is the most refreshing sign is a gush of sparkling water 15 feet in the air, then shame on us.

The water seen spouting comes from crews testing new pipes that have been laid. Union crews? Over the next few weeks, the fountain may be on or off, depending on the testing schedule.

Meanwhile, over the next few weeks, kids will be growing, all the time, never switching to off. We can freeze our city budgets, but we can't freeze our kids and tell them to wait.

According to city workers, no official opening has been scheduled yet. Furthermore, this is a project that has taken more than six years to come to testing stages. it has taken forever in terms of the live of a six-year old. Wait some more.

Can walkers, residents and passers-by in 2004 catch an early peek at a fountain that went to hell in 1930s?

So, we've driven our parks into the ground for say about 70 years. Hold the phone. We have had one-party rule in Pittsburgh for 70 years. So, the Dems have been in charge of the city for all this time and yet we LONG for a return to that era.

"It's beautiful," beamed Annette Marks, 67, a lifelong resident of the East End neighborhood that was laid out over 300 acres in 1778. "It's going to be just like it was."

The parks will be beautiful as soon as we break the rule of one party politics. And, as soon as we set new priorities that go beyond the brick top layer. As soon as we figure out that our kids can't be raised and made whole by only UNION workers -- and we engage all of the community -- then we've got hope for the future.

Some remember, goldfish in the pond. Now, one only needs to walk a quarter mile to the Highland Park Zoo and Aquarium and find sharks. We spent millions on places for our fish to swim, yet put $0 in the city budget for places for our kids to swim.

Anyone who wants to see goldfish -- go to the pet store and get some yourself. If you want more a more exotic fish experience, go to the zoo.

What gurgles again might speak with forked tounge.

"They're bringing it all back, reverting to what we had originally. It's going to do a lot for this neighborhood." --- what about the segregated swim pools? is that next on the to-do list?

Or, really, what could happen -- Oxford Development can build a sports complex in the burbs -- such as in Monroeville and Cranberry. Coaching shouldn't happen in Highland Park -- as the local swim team needs to have its rates doubled, (really).

The reflecting pool did get mentioned in the Park's Master Plans -- and the swim pool got ignored, other than as a place for selling refreshments.

Financial assistance also came from Allegheny Regional Asset District funding earmarked to aid the city's parks. We need to "think again" about the RAD funds for the city parks. Those funds have been a major waste. The RAD tax should be eliminated.

The project will cost about $700,000 -- and it cost about that much to run the swim pools in 2004.

"...It seems a little impractical to use funds when the city could be doing other things."

Phase two of the project, more horticultural work, won't happen if I'm elected. The rainbow of seasonal color, will be seen in our kids and the opportunities presented to them to work upon -- not in the dirt. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, a group working with the city and Highland Park community groups to rebuild the park, should be NUKED and folded into the new Pittsburgh Park District.

As the temperature steamed toward 86 degrees, the fountain was one of the coolest spots at the park yesterday -- if you don't count the swim pool.

"It is certainly tranquil," said Marette Simpson, a minister from Monroeville, jogging past the babbling fountain on her 3-mile run. "I'm ready to take a dip in it." My point exactly.

Original article by edyer@post-gazette.com.

Heart breakers and silver liners

Lauryn Williams, you go girl. The silver medal was a fantastic. The heart breaking part of the story is that she will return to Miami -- the city she now calls home.

Do get that degree in finance. By all means, graduate. Sadly, here it is again. Our most talented youth must leave Pittsburgh to flourish. Our regional brain and talent drain is still a big monkey on our backs.

This issue, the youthful exit from the Pittsburgh region, ranks high among all issues. Our debt is high too. And, the fact that our latest fixes are lame (tunnel under the Allegheny River for light-rail service to the lower North Side) compounds the steepness of the climb ahead.

but the linkage can't be ignored. The youth are going to leave when the debt soars. Debt is but a burden on today's youth. And, let's fix matters today by giving the shaft to the kids of today -- by closing recreation centers and swim pools.

The kids are getting more than zilch. They are getting the debt and the closed door treatments.

L.W. speaking about the 2005 World Championships is quoted to have said, "It's going to be great," she said. "I can't wait." All in due time. Great athletes excel in the management of time, space and relationships.

Bush Olympic Ad

Bush Olympic Ad
The ad is okay. It is a stretch to say that democracy is spreading like a sunrise. We do have two other nations in the Olympic Family who are what they are. But, look at things a little bit further into history.

In 1976 South Africa was not permitted to send its athletes to the Olympics. Meanwhile, a young swimmer, Jonty Skinner, held the world record in the 100-free -- establishing the new mark in Phili of all place. Since I'm name dropping on the blog, Skinner's book, Tide Teamwork, was the first book I published. Now, South Africa's conditions are different. Plus, the men's 400 freestyle relay from South Africa is second to none. And, South Africa might be hosting the Olympics in the near future.

I think it is fair to celebrate the arrival of athletes into the Olympic Games -- from all the corners of the world where there are some serious hurdles for participation.

Should that celebration be part of a political advertisement is a good topic for debate among those with little else to worry about -- or -- for those of those nations mentioned. So, it is fair ground to ask the athletes from Iraq and Afganastan what they think about the add. But, humanity and sports questions should come first.

Local slant

Not many words would need to change to get that ad positioned for Pittsburgh. In 1972 there were 40 democracies in the world. Well, we could turn back the clock in Pittsburgh and say there were 600,000 residents. Today we are half of what we were.

Then you could say, in 2003, Pitsburgh had 19 recreation centers. Today there are none. (whatever the number is as this is a moving target) And, in 2003 there were 32 swim pools in Pittsburgh, in the summer of 2004 we had 15. Mayor Murphy, we hired you to operate our facilites and manage our shared spaces. You shuttered them. Our chance for hope isn't re-opening Lord & Tayor nor Lazarus -- but working with communities, parks, parents, coaches and kids --- to make better lives for us all.

Water Polo -- shooting at the keeper

The Russian goalie seemed to be a target of the US men's squad in Saturday's action at the Olympic aquatic venue. The shots from the US side were not crisp. Aim for the back of the net!

I was able to work with Coach Monte Nitzkowski as he authored a book text book, US Tactical Water Polo, published in 1994 by my indie, small press. I gave away more books on water polo in PA than we sold here.

From the bio link above, you can get two sections of the book in PDFs: the first 24 pages, 158k, and chapter 5, (pages 119 to 180), 365k.

Notice the work with fonts and the technical delivery with the publishing elements within the book. Polo has plenty of Xs and Os to describe, (i.e., hole defender, etc.). Every graphic and every statement in that 375 page book was reworked in these efforts. Even as publisher I've had some amazing fan mail from readers of that book from around the world. One coach read the book three times, start to finish, and took his team from last to first place in one season. This book was and is the best ever for the sport of polo.

We do need to get more and more into water polo in western PA. This winter the kids at Fox C. played some polo and we injected it into one AM practice per week in November and December. Plus, we had a join polo practice around Christmas with Carrlington HS. Back in the early 90s as I was working on the book and coaching at Plum HS, we started polo and played 2 nights per week. One night was for older folks and was co-ed. Great fun.

WPIAL or city HS swim coaches wishing to have a dedicated session or three on water polo, any time of the year, give me a call and I'll come out with the balls, caps, and understanding of the game to lead a mini-clinic.

The NA HS coach, Mr. C.S., credits water polo for great advancements to the overall swim program's performance. The NA girls team went to states last fall.

Highland Park Pool is a great place for water polo. The deep end is perfect.

Pittsburghers of the year

Our sprinter, L. Williams sped into the 100-meter final today behind Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus. Perfect so far. Both two-time winner, Gail Devers, and gold-medal favorite, Christine Arron, of France were eliminated.

Perhaps Williams will get 30-under-30 awards this year. She is a mover and shaker.

The Pittsburgher of the year -- in the running -- the gent who donated to get dad to Greece to she his daughter in her finest hour.

USA Basketball Team -- shoots a brick in first game

The first game, and the first basketball competition -- the Dream Team -- shot a brick. It was an upset as historic as it was inevitable, reported Sports Illustrated. Beaten soundly, dominated. Now it is time to "bounce back."

Puerto Rico, homeland of a Pittsburgh hero, Roberto Clemente, is much like a 52nd state. So, the sting of loss might be easier to shrug away.

Great PG article about the Clemente Sports City Dream is a great read.

What will be reported in Pittsburgh and around the nation when the mayor's office goes to someone who is not of the old-school democrats' clan? Historic, inevitable?

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Does Tom Murphy have the swagger in political circles that matches that of the NBA stars in an Olympic Games?

Trivia quiz: the mason artwork appears on the side of the building. What one? Where?

Update:

The USA squad was 2-2 in pool play and US players still expected to win the gold medal. Meanwhile, parties broke out in the streets in Lithuania. The US squad (if you can call them a team) departed Athens in the semi-final round. Argentina deserved to win.

Elephant mascots, death, tour, uploads

Wondering minds need to know about this recently uploaded image. The GOP mascot is an elephant. Tomb mention too???





Grant, 6, Erik, 9, and I are pictured above. This is one of the 125 slides in Erik's presentation given at his school this year upon our return from China.

Enjoy the PDF or HTML version.

Old news for clarity - bio notes for Mark Rauterkus

Old article: "Mark Rauterkus, a South Side resident and former swimming coach, also has stated he will run for mayor.

Since the record has been wrong before, here is a refresher on some facts that the journalists often miss.

Correct:
stay-at-home father, registered Republican, not sure about running as a Republican (again), but certain to not run as a Dem, two sons.

'We need new direction from Grant Street. We don't have a holistic approach to our leadership,' Rauterkus said.

Grad of Ohio University (not OSU) with a degree in journalism and went to grad school (no master's degree earned) in physical education at Baylor University.

Rauterkus has worked several years as a swimming coach and instructor. He has coached at Green Tree, Canon-McMillan High School, Plum High School, Fox Chapel Area High School, and New Trier Swim Club in Illinois.

My birth: May, 1959, year of the rooster!

Mike, I guess my "under the radar approach" is working

Mike Seate's column

If you'd really like to talk about the Mayor's race, in a serious way, then let me know. I'd be glad to meet with you.

Four years ago, I announced my intention to run for the office of Mayor, around August 22. Throughout the next four months, I worked and attended more than 100 community meetings / interactions. This sechedule included time at Three Rivers Stadium, gate C, prior to a STEELER Game, with a Trib photographer there on assignment. Nothing ever ran in the newspapers despite repeated calls to the Trib editors.

On New Year's Day, 2001, Josh P., then 18, sent out an email press release saying he was running for Mayor. Josh and I had met and talked on a few instances and with other issues. Both of us helped the Greens in 2000.

Starting then, I got to ride Josh's coat tails in terms of getting coverage from the Pittsburgh media outlets.

More Trib coverage was spent on coverage of those NOT running for mayor than the individuals and issues who spoke with positive actions and real solution discussions.

The illustration of captain and a sinking ship fits. Well done there.

The "I told you so" gang -- however -- was more with fellow naysayers and less to do with Doug Shields and Bob O'Connor, guys who have been on the watch for many turns in the downward spirals.

D.Q.ed and whistleblowers

Aaron Peirsol, US backstroke star, coached by David Salo, Ph.D., of Irvine (yeah Nova) was outspoken about the fly kicking going on in the 100 breast from the gold-medalist from Japan, Kosuke Kitajima. In the 200 breast, the swimmer from Japan kept fair under the water, and still won.

Peirsol gets serious props from me for speaking up when he did and as loud as he did. Being a whistleblower isn't easy. And, he didn't have a personal stake in the breast events. Peirsol is a backstroker. Well, then again, there is the Medley Relay yet to occur. But, he went out on a limb to raise a stink when conventional wisdom and the coaches of the squad did nothing.

By the way NBC payed good attention to the flap -- after the award's were given. But, from my living room in Pittsburgh I could easily spot the extra liberties taken underwater by the swimmer from Japan, and a couple of others. So, the watchdogs, the broadcasters, could have been more aggressive on the coverage the the stroke as the race unfolded and heats were conducted. So, Rowdey gets a B+ for the the attention to the flap, but it was a little late.

Then in the finals of the 200 backstroke, Peirson got nailed for an illegal turn. Is this were they retired figureskating's French Judge?

After the appeal got into high gears, the D.Q. was erased. (I have yet to see the race.)

Peirsol was more than two seconds ahead of the silver medalist. When the D.Q. was flashed on the scoreboard, the crowd began to boo. Still standing on deck, the 21-year-old Californian shrugged his shoulders in disbelief.

"It sounds pretty bogus to me," Peirsol said. "I don't know what it is and I've got to go figure it out."

FINA overturned the disaqualification in 30 minutes time, just before the medal ceremony.

Goddard of the UK was second much off the race, only to get passed by two at the end. He slapped the water in disgust. He was edged out for a medal by 20-hundredths of a second after Peirsol's win was restored. With grace, the US squad has done little or none of those types of outbursts.

In the 100 back, Peirsol took the gold and fellow US teammate, Lenny Krayzelburg, got fourth. Lenny had won both the 100 and 200 in the Olympics in 2000. Furthermore, both are friends and now swim with the same club team and are coached by David Salo. David's team put six swimmers on the USA squad. The club's web page has the clever slogan, "Sent Six!"

The frst lesson here ---- it is okay to speak out. Speak out in times when it might come back to harm you as well. When you are at the top of your game, and when you are right, it is okay to speak out. We need more to do so.

The next lesson has to do with backlash. When bad things happen -- good officials, good people with power, need to go out of their way to make sure things are straight. The Olympic officials missed a bit in the 100 breast. I expect some officials were with a big blush -- if not red faced. A couple might have been flat out angry -- as seen in the D.Q. of Peirsol. But, it didn't stick.

US Women's Volleyball Spiked

The US Women's Volleyball team -- 6 on 6, indoors -- are in an uphill battle in Pool B. The team lost a match to a squad who had yet to win a game in its past two encounters.

In the past, my indie small press published a number of books on volleyball. The bulk of those titles now form an E-book collection on volleyball and are on the web in PDF format for gratis downloads.

The 2004 Men's USA's Olympic Coach, Doug Beal, has been a by-line author in the volumes found in the link above.

Western PA has great tradition in high school volleyball.

Fresh Ideas for Just Harvest Silent Auction Contributions

The annual dinner for a non-profit group, Just Harvest, is looking for exciting donations for a highly anticipated Silent Auction. Their search for fresh new donations hit a motherload with creativity here. Can you donate something too?

It can be a weekend at a country home, a painting, knitting lessons. Do you know a local sports figure that would be willing to give lessons, do you have a clothing store where you can donate an outfit or maybe a local television or radio personality that's willing to tape an outgoing message on someone's answering machine? No matter how big or small it will help to raise money to fight hunger in our communities.

If you have a donation please contact or have the donor contact Shauna at (412) 431-8960 or mail to her at Just Harvest, 16 Terminal Way, 15219.

My offerings are expected to include:

One hour of help and hand-holding to establish your own blog and web/email space.

Two hours of badminton instruction, play, games with equipment provided by Coach Mark at a local park or your facility / function (schedules permitting).

Thirty minute private swim lesson at the Oliver Bath House in public swim time (schedules permitting) -- if the pool reopens.

Other ideas welcomed. These above are rather "tame."

The wind in Athens isn't always from Mother Nature

in the past, I've been hard on NBC's coverage of the Olympic Games, I've been critical. In 2004, NBC's efforts have been better than expected. However, as a whole, trash talk isn't just of the realm owned by the USA Men's Basketball Players. The overall tone of the coverage from the print journalists is now 'officially' making my skin crawl.

Steve Rushin, of Sports Illustrated:

" ... The Olympics have more down time than federal prison...."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/writers/08/17/oly.downtime/index.html

In another story, Frank DeFord asked if Michael Phelps would be in wrestling and other sports for the duration of the games.

How many stories of empty seats do we need to endure? Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim headline: Empty Olympics stands lead to lack of excitement and lousy television. Frankly, the TV is fine.

Perhaps, the fans are interested in wading past the mud so easily flug by the journalists. So, perhaps, we've got a man bites dog story unfolding. Clueless journalists might be jumping on the wrong bandwagons.

Negativity wants to rule the day. This negativity, (U.S. boxing hasn't been competitive for several Olympics -- as lead by Richard hoffer) does nothing but illustrate lazyness from writers. Case in point: Don't tell how poor the boxers are going to do until after you've introduced the individuals and perhaps the coaches.

New Bio and Eco Lab in Hill District

bio lab Volunteer!

Political Victory in Allegheny County for voter database access

The county voter database has been opened at a reasonable price. This makes for a major victory for open government. Thanks to David Tessitor. and the ACLU for bringing the case against the elections department before a judge. If you missed the news, catch it at 9x9.CLOH.Org/departments/politics.

Celeste Taylor, formerly of the NAACP and Good Schools PA, said she'll be down at the county offices to pick up her copy tomorrow.

Home team is golden

Mens Springboard Syncro Diving --- wow! Greeks get wet and soak in the victory.

The Greek's won. A number of other teams tanked. Nice event for spectators, even with a half-time show.
ATHENS — After four days of Olympic competition, Canada can lay claim to a bronze medal in diving and the fool in the pool.

Now security is going to a higher level.

Men's 200 meter freestyle FINALS

This is going to be great. Watch Michael Phelps on his turns. He'll stay in the steamline longer and have a more explosive push-off. If he takes the gold, he'll need to cook off those walls.

Ian has better distance per stroke.

What a race. Can't wait.

Badminton, Costas called it a CULT Sport

We are going to see plenty of badminton in the Olympics, said NBC's Bob Costas as the opening parade of athletes was being conducted. Great!

But Bob also said that badminton was a "cult sport." Hold the phone. Badminton is great. It is great in the backyard, and, it is great as a real sport too.

When we went to China, we got into badminton, big time. At our 4th of July party we set up five courts in our local park. At our family vacation / reunion, we set up a court and wore out the grass with four continual days of play.

If you want to play some badminton, post your comments below. We'll be playing again real soon.

Furthermore, he mentioned badminton and tied it to another CULT sport, the winter sport of CURLING. Hey, he is hitting too close to home. I love curling too. I was slightly involved in the formation of the young Pittsburgh Curling Club. It meets throughout the winter months and is a lot of fun. I have pitched the idea of turning the now closed, indoor ice rink on the South Side, located behind South Side Hospital, as a curling center.

Humm. Why not make the closed ice rink a curling center in the winter and a home for power badminton in the summer.

This reminds me. I did offer to help coordinate the badminton competition for the 2005 Senior Games to come to Pittsburgh. The badminton and volleyball will be played at Pitt's Cost Center. A sponsorship of Sports Court has been established to get the flooring. It would be great to get that flooring into the now closed ice rink, before and after the event.

Ruffle feathers. Play badminton.

In case you missed it: Call me a snob or enthusiast, but what was that word within the NBC News Coverage from Aug. 15, 2004 about badminton?

Pittsburgh's Marathon Dies

Marathon article in the Post-Gazette with "post-it comments" from Mark Rauterkus

Our marathon-running Mayor, Tom Murphy, is at the helm of the city as the Pittsburgh Marathon dies. He can't advance his own agenda, yet alone now, run in a marathon in a city that he claims as his primary residence.

I have plenty to say about the Marathon in Pittsburgh.

In the end, once we establish a new Pittsburgh Park District, we'd be much better along.

Furthermore, when I'm mayor, I'd re-establish the Pittsburgh Marathon -- but do it in a much different manner and style. There is no way we should spend $1-million to host a marathon.

The Marathon saga, woven with the Great Race, makes another great example of the lack of cooperation from the administration, the lack of creativity, and fumbles of leadership.

Open Debates . Org

Go to http://opendebates.org/ and sign the petition.

Lump Camp takes another holiday

The summer's schedule has been full of highs and lows -- by design. We've come to perfect the concept of LUMP CAMP. Simply put, lump camp is when you sit around and do nothing. Act like a lump.

For me, lump camp means fussing on the web, writting, reading, playing, going to the park with the kids. Even going swimming is a bit beyond the true spirit of lump camp. We will get to Ream Pool one of these days.



For the boys, they get to play. And, as a special twist, about three weeks ago we put in a new rule. No TV. We unplugged the boob tube. It isn't going back unless we are watching the Olympics.

Today, as the photo show, we had a rebel with crafts in our midst, an out-of-town relative. Foiled.

So, the plan calls for some really easy days because there rest of the summer has been full of wild adventures and travels.

We went to China for five weeks.

Then to DC and played basketball on the mall with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Two weeks of scholars camp for Erik.

Music camp for a week for half-days.

A trip to Chicago, staying at Hamburger University.

Three days at Kenyon College for Summer Insititute, a church camp.

A week at Virginia Tech for SUUSI, our favorite summer church camp.

Five days in eastern PA at a state park for a family reunion, saying at the Weisel Hostel.

Zoo camp for a half-day for both boys.

Trip to Maine and Boston.

Trip to Montana, yet to occur.

Time will tell if I get all of these photos online.

Subscribe to this blog

Enter your email address:


Powered by Bloglet.

I'm not sure, yet, if I want to put the subscribe buttons on the main blog home page. So, for now, it goes within one article.

An interface to the other email subcription services is brewing, some how, some way.

Mailman at Rauterkus.com

CLOH.Org contact sign-up

Sports Scribes, Coverage, Journalists, -- Olympics in 2004

"Athens, in many ways, resembles a police state this week," Wise said. "You can't walk around without seeing scores of young Greek men with automatic weapons affixed to their waists."

Sure, there will be tension this week. It will be interesting to see if the USA squad stays within the rows as it enters the stadium for the opening parade. But, the humanity can still make for a buzz that is easily able to overcome the automatic weapons.

"We've had State Department briefings," said Terry McDonell, the managing editor of Sports Illustrated. "If the unthinkable happens, we have to be ready to be able to explain it and be inside the news."

Sportswriters and editors get annoyed when they hear suggestions that their beat isn't newsy in the first place. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, some in our sports departments are very happy to say that they are covering ENTERTAINMENT, not sports, not life, not news. And, when it comes to the harder, more interesting, more newsworthy elements -- they take a pass.

Sports are GAMES of TIME, SPACE and RELATIONSHIP. All elements matter in sports. Meanwhile, entertainment is like a movie in a cinema that can be played over and over again, in any place, in any time. Staged entertainers can use lights and really move one's emotions and build a following and toy with 'relationships.' But, that isn't sports. The distinctions are clear to people with real understandings of sports.

Sportswriters are professional reporters. They need editors who are real journalists too, even with a city beat.

Pittsburgh is a sports town -- despite the sports departments in the newspapers. The coverage is frail in certain areas. Steelers talk is always going to rule the day, but, the spectrum is wide and the day is long.

"Our strategy is to do the unusual, a story about someone unexpected who wins a medal and get the back story on an unexpected hero," Hoenig said.

For those of sports, this is not unusual. It is expected. Bring it on.

Drugs & Olympics

The drug wars happen in sports too. So, there are two wars on drugs today, one in society and another in sports. With both, as is the case in all wars, the media gets twisted and manipulated. Furthermore, those in various camps are often cluess as to what the others are doing.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/track/08/13/greek.sprinters.ap/index.html

In the story above, my hunch about the Greeks pulling a clever trick seems to be off the mark. It would NOT have been much of a suprise me to see them step out of the hospital to light the torch at the opening. Something is still unsaid.

LA Times reported on Monday, day 3 of the games:

Off the field, the International Olympic Committee canceled a hearing for a second time with Greek sprinters Costas Kenteris and Ekaterini Thanou, who missed a drug test before the Games and have been withdrawn by the Greek Olympic Committee pending a hearing with the IOC. Kenteris and Thanou were accused of failing to report for a drug test.

New Jersey: Former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler

The resignation sets the stage for a shift of focus in the Garden State. There is still more limelight to be given to the to scandals of the outgoing Governor. However, the questions of who will be the next elected governor become more pressing.

I'm pulling for the former Jersey City Mayor, Bret Schundler. Bret, a Republican and fiscal conservative, won my attention as he was a mayor in a town that was overwhelmed with Dems. The landscape in Jersey City is even worse than what we face in Pittsburgh. One party rule was everywhere. Corruption came with that there as well.

Bret's story is one that Pittsburghers should study. Bret will be running for the head spot in NJ as Pittsburgh seeks its way in the 2005 mayors race. So, we share a common time-line.

Big events often happen in sets of three. Resignations happened with governors in CT and NJ. The third could be, in our wildest hope, that of Tom Murphy, mayor of Pittsburgh.

Olympics: Phelps and Spitz

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/swimming/08/13/bc.eu.spt.oly.swm.phelps.relays.ap/index.html

Word has begun to leak about the swimmers' relay selections for the USA Men in Athens. This is the story within the story around the swim pool, until the real splashing begins.

The coach, Eddie Reese, has a puzzle to handle. He is well suited to make the right decisions. He is fantastic. He is cool. He is above all the pressure. Everyone else outside of that circle of the squad now in Athens is but a pea-brain in these matters.

Coach knows best. Period.

Furthermore, don't rush these decisions. People don't need to know in advance, as things could change. The athletes need to prepare the best they can, and things will flow from there.

I love Michael's approach. He is going for ONE gold medal. That's the best approach. His coach too, Rob B., is great and knows best. Wonderful coaching and approach.

Meanwhile, the media needs to appreciate the quest and the voyage, as well as the team dynamics. I hope the press and broadcasters allow the stories to unfold and don't become the story themselves. No need to hype a slant at the Olympics. Just get out of the way and tell it straight.

I'm going to be glued to the tv starting tonight for the opening and the lighting of the torch. I could post a million times here, or else, make a new blog. I'm not sure what to do.

Actions on Friday the 13th

http://pctv.cloh.org/scoop/keith-and13x3.html

Rip, Weap, Pray

We're just back from a family vacation. Our gang gathered for five days in Eastern PA at a state park with lots of swimming, kayak, fishing and plenty of together time.

Sadly, the vacation for the Leech family of the Pittsburgh / Fox Chapel went with a tragic ending. Swimming and beach play clashed with a rip tide and the father, Tony, age 44, (same as me), died.

Sons, ages of 11 and 10, got caught in a rip current off the beach on the Pacific. Leech and a local resident went into the surf to save the boys. Three survived.

This past winter it was my great pleasure to coach and interact with a swimmer on the varsity team at Fox Chapel Area High School. Her uncle was taken. In these times, my family and I pray for all in the Leech family. Such a tragic loss.

A Trib article, Rip currents: An uncertain threat makes for a meaningful content for a family huddle.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_207382.html

About Mr. Leech: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/pittsburgh/s_207386.html

In the weeks to come, our family will be headed out for another swim in the ocean. This painful loss will press on our minds, always. My, how conditions can swirl and things are never again the same.

Welcome to the neighborhood

Move over Cheesecake Factory.
A new, indie, Cinci-based bookstore is to come to the South Side. Welcome to the hood.

Pgh Biz Times article

The city-wide literacy figures, however, are something to ponder. Bet the sales are less than third best in the chain. Time will tell.

What jerk would go ahead and change a petition question?

Trib News

A petition was circulated. People signed it knowing that what they signed would HOPEFULLY be put upon the ballot in November.

Only a complete jerk who was trying to submarine the democratic process would CHANGE the ballot question.

Now the Mayor's office has grounds to fight to get the ballot question removed from the ballot. The question isn't the same. People didn't sign for something else.

Furthermore, any group that goes to the effort of putting a petition drive together should have a well crafted, meaningful question to propose to the citizens and to the voters. They must have their reasons, right?

I really think we need to have MUCH MORE ACCOUNTABILITY as to WHO were the ones to change the question as it headed to the ballot. Names, offices, phone numbers.

"The (county) election department counted the signatures when the petition was filed and they appeared to be OK," said Al Opsitnick of the Allegheny County law department. "But we rephrased the question because it was not clear that the Home Rule Charter would be amended."

In court papers filed by the city, officials argue that the "county does not have the power to cure a fatal flaw in the question presented to the electorate for signature."

Was it Al's decision? Is Al a jerk or what?

Mistakes: Being Very Anxious

We don't have a convention center hotel in Pittsburgh, but those hopes are being revived by the probable slots parlor that seems to be in Pittsburgh's future. The slots revenue could bridge fiscal gap, a $34 million gap. So, once again, the marketplace in Pittsburgh becomes a slave to bogus spending with lots of zeros in the price tag.

PG news:

"We're very anxious to get the project moving," authority Executive Director Mary Conturo said.

Citizens --- talk like that above makes me scared. There is good money going after bad money. And, the leadership in this town is anxious to spend more and spend it quickly.

Friday's meeting will be the first between the authority and Forest City, the firm selected by Mayor Tom Murphy and former Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey in April 2003 to build the hotel.

The bid process, the open evalution, the design contest, the competitive call --- all happened when?

Forest City and the Sports & Exhibition Authority are nearly a year behind schedule in breaking ground for the hotel, originally planned for fall 2003, and still have not finalized a formal development agreement for the project.

Wrong! The hotel is five years late. It should have been done along with if not BEFORE the convention center. This isn't one year. The convention center should NOT have been built without the hotel. We've got a WHITE ELEPHANT on our hands now. Prior planning fumbles can't be sugar coated into some simple one-year blunder. This has been a long-term, repeated, warned of blunder.

"It's just an organizational meeting to get the project moving forward again," she said.

Another great reason why Mayor Tom Murphy should resign. His agenda is stalled. He can't do even what HE wants to do. Pittsburgh can't heal itself with him in office.

Still, the fact the authority and Forest City are talking again is good news to many local tourism officials who believe the lack of a headquarters hotel is preventing the convention center from reaching its full potential.

This might be good news for the tourism officials -- and it is BAD news for the locals. The local tourism officials can all fit within a parked taxi cab in Pittsburgh. Local blood suckers might make for a better description.

Members of the Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association have been split on the need for a new hotel, however, with proponents believing it will help bring more conventions into town and opponents fearing it will create a glut of rooms and drive down rates.

Even those in the industry -- not local tourism officials -- are split on the hotel's merits. We have a real hospitality trade. We have a real B to B infrastructure and trade show marketplace. But, what we also have is a small minority of folks who are quick to be on the take.

Old News: The lack of hotel space near the convention center has been an impediment to some groups considering Pittsburgh for conventions.

[412] Welcoming the HOPE of Olympic FEATs --- and join casual chatter at a blog

Hi All,

The Olympic flame sparks to life in Athens in a matter of hours. I love
these times as the world gets a single focus to celebrate humanity. It would
be great if everyone with a weapon or in war could take a vacation from the
fighting.

Violence has hit hard in our areas too, sadly. There is much to do.

It seems to me that if we were spending more time in efforts to create
literate Olympians, every week, we'd be much safer, stronger, and smarter in
our quests to know ourselves and our communities.

Today's invite and personal plea: Please visit and comment at:

http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/

You too might consider starting your own blog. Then we can link their
feeds in a hub in the weeks to come.

Stay safe. And GO OLYMPIANS!



Ta.

Mark Rauterkus http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell

Getting Volunteers for Community TV Efforts

If you'd like to be part of a new class of recruits to become a "PRODUCER" at our COMMUNITY TV STATION, PCTV 21, then contact me. Mark@Rauterkus.com

Tour Invites Expected

On the advice of a blast email reader, we'll be setting up a tour or two of the PCTV 21 Studios. A simple, short show-and-tell can be organized before we get into the education and details of being a volunteer for full productions.

Thanks for the consideration. This will be a lot of fun.

To Few Olympians in Western PA

To few -- PG Article

We have two in Athens. That is a sad statement for both the region and city. In 2000, we had five. We should have dozens.



I don't agree with Dejan, the writer, that we have "an abundant, varied selection of athletic programs at the formative levels and beyond." We are failing our kids, ourselves and our stretches to world-wide performances.

Perhaps those that are closest to the issue who struggle for a definitive answer are fooling themselves.

Pitt has a rising NCAA Division I program, but it lacks a track that can host a meet. Finishing in the middle of the pack in the Big East and fielding Olympian are not so similar. Good point to make that NONE on Pitt's track team come from the city league.

One city league facility, South Stadium, has a track. But, there isn't a program there that uses the facility. And, no public uses occurs at the stadium. If we have facilities and no access -- we don't have facilities. Just as with the Rec Centers. They are there -- but not open. So, first things first.

Yes, we do have some problems within the coaching ranks in the region too. You can't expect coaches to flourish when given so many challenges that have nothing to do with the athletes and the sports challenges.

"Healthcare Not Warfare" - Rally on Aug 15

www.healthcarenotwarfare.org

Running on empty

By December, the city is projecting a cash shortfall of $8.8 million, said the budget director. The City Controller's office said the shortfall could be up to $12 million.

The budget director said, "When we see this picture, we just don't sit back." Meanwhile, the city's reserve fund had been in past years as great as $80-million. That fund balance has dropped by $20-$30 million each of the past few years. Now it is running to empty.

Fear not. The city is not hiring. Many are retiring. Attrition is high.

Sala's first line of questions was to the timing of additional borrowing. The slogan "tax-and-spend Democrats" won't fit any more. Rather the new slogan needs to be "borrow, spend and beg" -- and in that order.

"We know that 2005 will bring a balanced budget," said the budget director. To bad the last two years saw illegal budgets.

Every year for at least the next three year, Pittsburgh will need a tax note at the start of the year to borrow some $30-million.

The hole that Mayor Murphy and the others in leadership positions have been digging is very deep. And, the real digging has yet to end.

South Side Summer Street Spectacular Sucks

The South Pittsburgh Reporter newspaper on the 2004 event: "It's the worst thing that South Side ever came up with," citing the "nastiness, urine, and puke."

Seniors, especially, suffer as they are fearful of leaving their homes.

You've got until August 13, 2004 to fill out a five question survey from the South Side Local Development Company. Like they didn't even plan this years event until June. Rush to give that feedback.

Residents' Survey

Business Survey

The event should be terminated. There are many other, better things that should be done. Frankly, I'd love to see the field used as a ballfield.

The South Side Spring Sports Showcase should occur with partnership of Pitt. Pitt's spring football game should be played at South Stadium. A parade should go from UPMC's football facility to South with players, coaches, tailgaters, and other sports activities throughout the neighborhood.

Football Fumbles with City League out of sync with WPIAL

My rant is a follow up to the call to merge with City League with the WPIAL and the spledid story in the Trib.

Mt. Washington's REAMS swim pool - opening

Citiparks has some 16 swim pools that did NOT open this summer. These are mostly outdoor, neighborhood pools that were opened last summer until mid August. In August 2003 a major ax swing shut down most of the pools and closed the Recreation Centers.

One of the now closed pools, in Mt. Washington, next to a Rec Center, is about to re-open. Thanks to a lot of pushing and pulling by some locals and community folks -- money has been raised, water has been flowing, and the grounds are ready for patrons.

REAM pool had its big, grand opening on August 6, 2004.

Learning of the terms of the deal will be interesting. Happy swimming. Photos soon.

Fire Response Time on Ballot - show for PCTV?

So, the firefighters got a petition together and a question seems to be on the ballot for November's election. Well done. I love it when issues are put to the people for a vote. Democracy (with a small "d") rules.

A pending idea is floated at S6, my special events sub-site. Read it there and react if you can.

http://S6.CLOH.Org/whynot/fire-response-show.html

US Senate Race goes five ways -- it seems??

PG article

Thanks for doing the whole story in the story of Specter and Hoeffel debates. Seems that the two men are going to have two debates. But, the race is larger than just a D and R. I'm glad you, Jeffrey Cohan, and the PG made mention of Jay Russel of the Libertarians.

But, the Constitution and Reform parties made a submission of signatures to get candidates on the ballot -- but -- what are the names of these men and/or women?

Please cover the entire story. Our democracy (small "d") depends on the watchdogs doing their jobs to the fullest.

And, when are we going to hear about others beyond Nader who have gotten onto the ballot for the President? I've asked Tom Barnes -- and don't have a reply yet.

$15,000 for Highland Park fountain

City council voted to spend $15k on the entrance and fountain at Highland Park. This is a turn-back the clock upgrade to make the entry like it used to be near the turn of the century -- not 2000 but 1900. That's a great example of how Pittsburgh's leaders sum up the progress in our parks today.

X-Game, Dirt Biker

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/nationalsports/s_206486.html

The photo in the Trib on Aug. 4, 2004, page C13, of the X-games athlete, Chris Doyle of Plum, on an airborn bike, without a helmet is shameful. The photo editors, photojournalist and athlete should be scolded.

Good to see the coverage in the paper. Good luck in the games. But, athletes and media pros need to be responsible to the physical body and only loosers are wreckless.

The headline, Taking to the air, might be fitting. Going to the air isn't the hard part. The trick is landing. Good to see the photo off of the web site already.

Wylie Ave deal -- typical smoke and folly

So, let's have a public authority own the land and the developer own the buildings. Then we ask for a PILOT (payment in lew of taxes).

Sala, it is underhanded to have the land owned by someone and the building by another. That is underhanded and underfooted and under the foundation junk wrangling.

The sweetheart deals are deals that are not freemarket deals. The well of the marketplace has been tainted with poor deals in the past. Real development and real prosperity would flow into Pittsburgh once City Council stands up to these lame efforts.

"It is a new day!" said Councilwoman Carlise. However the old way of thinking came when it was time to vote. This 9-0 means more of the same.

Another one bites the dust - PDP boss departs

Ms. Geyer, head of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, (PDP), is leaving town with no major disappointments during her tenure. Accomplishments include bike racks, new trash cans and a back alley facelift.

Fifth - Forbes failures and the lack of a downtown grocery store .... ho hum.

The PDP can go away, along with its executive director.

Our city: a time of JEOPARDY

www.Post-Gazette.com/pg/04216/355666.stm

The College Championship shows are to air from the Petersen Event Center, one of Oakland's finest food courts. Its grand prize is $100,000.

Quiz, Answers, Comments, -- all welcomed.

Quiz Utility at CLOH.Org

You can roll your own quiz for placement on the web at the URL above.

Wishing again for a MN political landscape

Those open-minded folks in MN are at it again, freethinkers making their points, based upon what and how one thinks -- not based upon a lockstep of mental numbness and norms established by some conformity.

St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly (a DEMOCRAT) Endorses President Bush

snips of news... St. Paul, MN -- In a remarkable show of support, St. Paul Mayor, Randy Kelly announced his endorsement for the re-election of Bush-Cheney.

Democrat Senator Zell Miller (D-GA) stated, "I am really pleased Mayor Randy Kelly has joined me in the effort to re-elect George W. Bush. Mayor Kelly knows, as I do, that George W. Bush represents the values of America's heartland. President Bush is a man Democrats and all Americans can rely on to stand by his commitments to fight terrorism and support our troops. The President is also making sure that working people keep more of their hard earned money and send their kids to schools that give every child a good start in life. These are values that my fellow Democrats and all Americans can support."

"Mayor Kelly today again proved what I have long known: he is a fine man, whose first priority is not partisanship, but the wellbeing of St. Paul and the entire nation. Mayor Kelly recognizes that jobs are being created and that tax cuts have stimulated that job growth. He has done the same for St. Paul. He also understands that we are engaged in a war on terror and now is not the time to change horses in mid-stream. The mayor has never been afraid to reach across party lines to get things done. I applaud him for following his conscience and his concrete convictions. This is bipartisanship at its finest,” stated Bush-Cheney '04 Minnesota Campaign Co-Chair Senator Norm Coleman.

Kelly concluded, "With just over 90 days left before the election I feel extremely confident that the message, priorities, and policies of President George W. Bush will better serve America and the people of Minnesota over the next four years."

The point of this story is to show that people elsewhere break ranks. People in power, even mayors, can endorse candidates of other parties. In Pittsburgh, we are too old school. In Pittsburgh, our "lockstep style" is a turn off. In Pittsburgh, those who break ranks are forced to vote with their feet and leave town. Pittsburgh is half of what it was because of the culture that demands lockstep actions. As we shrink in our freedoms and are held back by past anchors, our local dispair will sustain.

What elected DEM in the city would endorse a Republican?

The conventional wisdom and standing joke is that the devil himself could get 100-percent support and endorsements with local Dems. Could that be true? I have heard variations on the same story many time on the streets in Pittsburgh.

However, it was very interesting to note that Al Fondy of the Teachers Union passed an endorsement of Senator Spector, R, -- for re-election of his umpteenth term with a huge campaign war-chest. How can that be explained? Perhaps it is don't back the looser? Perhaps it is don't buck the establishment?

On the flip side, there are a number of GOPers who would and do endorse Dems. Jim Roddey won't help a Republican candidate. Western PA's Barbara H supported the Dem for PA Gov. while she was holding state office as a Republican.

KQV voters had it right in poll about paying for conventions

The Libertarian Party asked the Republicans and Democrats to pay for their own conventions. The Libertarians say the Republicans and Democrats each receive $14.5 million from the Federal Election Commission. Security costs add another $25 million. Taxpayers foot the bill for nearly $40-million for each event.

Do you agree with the Libertarians that the Republican and Democratic parties should pay the full cost of their conventions?

Results: 90 percent of the voters did agree with the Libertarians.

Get the data at http://www.kqv.com/phonepoll.php?vo=9

Afterschool Funding as Campaign Issue

Candidates for school superintendent, mayor, Congress and even President are vowing to increase funding for afterschool programs in recognition of the importance of the issue and its appeal to voters.

Support for afterschool makes good political sense. A poll conducted for the Afterschool Alliance last fall found that nine in ten voters (94 percent) agree there should be some type of organized activity or place for children and teens to go after school every day that provides opportunities for them to learn. The poll found that support for afterschool was strong across all demographic and party lines.

U.S. Conference of Mayors

In a measure of the growing support, the bi-partisan U.S. Conference of Mayors rallied behind afterschool programs in June, 2004. At their 72nd annual meeting, the mayors passed a resolution calling on President Bush to increase funding for the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) afterschool initiative to $2 billion next year.

The resolution urges federal, state and local governments to increase their investment in afterschool programs because afterschool programs "provide a way for communities to reduce the risk of youth involvement in crime, violence, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and gangs" and "enhance the physical, social, emotional and moral development of youth."

Kerry Proposal

John Kerry recently unveiled a plan that would provide full funding for the 21st CCLC initiative. The "School's Open 'Til 6" plan would significantly increase funding for afterschool programs, keep schools open later, and offer reliable transportation so children can get home safely.

Senator Kerry also pledged to fully fund the "No Child Left Behind Act," which would increase afterschool funding from its current $1 billion level to $2.5 billion in 2007. This would give afterschool opportunities to 3.5 million students - a significant increase from the 1.4 million children currently served by federally funded afterschool programs.

"Increasingly, candidates from both political parties recognize that afterschool is a winning issue because there is a compelling and urgent need for safe, reliable afterschool care," Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Judy Y. Samelson said. "Today in America, one in three middle school students care for themselves after school. With juvenile crime spiking between 3 and 6 PM, we all benefit when youth are in safe, learning, supervised activities."

Support from Senator Dole

In another noteworthy move, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) wrote a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leaders in July urging them to increase funding for afterschool programs in Fiscal Year 2005.

"My request for a modest ten percent increase of $100 million would allow 140,000 more youth - 3,200 in North Carolina - the opportunity to participate," the Senator said in her letter. "It is a step in the right direction... I believe that an investment of $1.1 billion for the 21st CCLC Program is the right thing to do for our communities, for working families, and for children throughout America."

"Senator Dole has demonstrated that she is a true champion for children by asking for an increase in federal afterschool funding next year," Samelson said. "Afterschool funding has been stalled at $1 billion for four years, and millions of children are missing out on the learning opportunities and other experiences these programs provide. As an important new voice, Senator Dole's actions have helped to raise the level of debate on this vital issue in the Senate."

More information on how afterschool advocates can raise the issue in the context of elections, in a nonpartisan way, at http://www.afterschoolalliance.org. Click on the "2004 Elections Guide" button on the upper right.

Bloggers: The New Media Or A Fad?

Neither. Bloggers are "new media" and hardly a fad. But, it isn't really new. We've been blogging for years.

Big Media Tried To Steal Bloggers' Thunder at DNC

Blogging Has A Role In National Debate, But It Isn't Journalism

This blog, by the way, has as its principle author an old-school J-School grad. I have a BSJ degree in Journalism from Ohio University. So, blogging can be done by journalists and can be real journalism too.

Bloggers Make Their Presence Felt At DNC and the GOP Invited Bloggers to its convention.

GOPers in Pittsburgh get nods for various roles

Ron Hicks, a Republican committee member from the South Side, as Solicitor to the County Republican Committee. Ron has assembled a team of twelve Assistant Solicitors who-were they to join forces-would be one of the most formidable law firms in the city. This legal team played a critical role in the GOP's only statewide victory in the last two years when
they worked diligently on the re-count in Susan Gantman's ultimately successful campaign for the Superior Court.

Ted Owen of Pine will head the Leadership Committee, a group established under our bylaws to ensure that party officers benefit from the insights and experience of other party leaders and elected officials.

The single most important aspect of our work is the development of strong local committees, and it is appropriate that our newly elected Vice Chairman, Dave Majernik, will chair our committee development committee with the able assistance of Dave Weinstein from White Oak. Both have proven track records as the leaders of committees that have shown how to win local
elections even in solidly Democratic areas.

You can't win elections without raising money, and I am pleased that David Jason of Scott has agreed to head our Finance Committee. He brings an innovative approach to this important role, and he will be ably assisted by the committee's vice chairman. John Rangos.

Lou Nudi will chair a committee to review the county party's bylaws and propose any changes they believe to be necessary. A number of local committees have asked that we offer a "modular" set of bylaws they can adopt after making any changes their own circumstances may warrant.

Next year, there will be a minimum of six vacant seats on the Common Pleas Court bench. I have appointed a distinguished lawyer and long-time Republican activist, Woody Turner, to head a committee to interview and screen potential candidates. Last year, Jill Rangos showed that it is possible for a Republican to win one of these seats, and she is today the only Republican on the county bench here. We can elect one or more Republican judges next year, but only if we recruit candidates of the highest caliber to carry our party's banner.

Finally, I have asked Marcy Reed to head a candidate development committee to recruit and work with potential candidates for important city and county offices.

FUND-RAISER FOR JOE PETERS

One of the most important positions to be filled in this year's election is Auditor General. It is vital that we elect a Republican to rein in the spending excesses of Governor Rendell and the Democrats in Harrisburg. I am organizing a fund-raiser for Joe Peters which will be held on Thursday, August 19 at Wildwood Golf Club from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Melissa Hart and Tim Murphy have agreed be our special guests, and nearly every Republican representing our county in the state Senate and House will serve on the host committee. For RCAC members, tickets are $75 per person. We have more information about this event in next week's update.

Heavy Or Not - Schools, Fitness and P.E.

EDUCATION WEEK WEB CHAT

Responding to CHILDHOOD OBESITY THROUGH SCHOOL POLICY

On July 29 a live Web chat on school efforts to promote student health had this question:

Question from Mark Rauterkus, parent, Pittsburgh:

Most of our playgrounds are slabs of blacktop and ripe with bullies. How can we get play structures as a higher priority for principals and those with the will to do a make-over for the sake of recess, before school and afterschool times?

Sarah Lee:

Hi Mark, One thing you may want to consider is finding an appropriate assessment tool that would allow for the examination of safety of the schools' facilities and equipment. I do not have a resource for this at my fingertips. This would seem like a first step for assessment. Another resource that may be helpful is the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. This center includes information relating to playground safety. Their website is the following: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/playgr.htm.

http://www.edweek-chat.org

Childhood obesity is quickly becoming an epidemic in the United States, with the rate of overweight children and adolescents nearly tripling in the past 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the nation's children grow heavier, policymakers, health officials, and interest groups are pressuring schools to provide students with healthier meals and snacks and more time for physical activity during the school day.

Fewer than 35 percent of students today attend daily physical activity classes, and most schools don't require physical education, the CDC reports. At the same time, the federal agency says, half of all districts have a contract that gives a company the rights to sell soft drinks in schools. Some states have already moved to limit the sale of candy and soda in schools, but asking schools to give up the lucrative vending deals offered by companies such as Coca Cola is no small matter. Our panel of expert guests will address your questions on these and other pressing school health issues.


Guests:

* Rep. Sean Faircloth is a Democrat in the Maine House of Representatives who has sponsored comprehensive legislation to help the state's schools address childhood obesity.

* Sarah Lee is the physical activity health scientist in the division of adolescent & school health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

* Jane Mandell is a senior nutritionist in analysis, nutrition, and evaluation with the Food and Nutrition Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The fourth submitted question from this parent in Pittsburgh:

A parks, city, and schools soda bidding war for a 5-year contract might net the public parties some tens of millions of dollars, and even new scoreboards. (Pittsburgh's documented estimate is $50-million, by the way.) How can those incomes be primed in the marketplace when Pepsi and Coke are OUT of the buildings and solutions? Could "Fruit-y-drink-y" whatever have the margins and investment upside for such deal makings? Do soda machines turn on again at 4 pm?

Text transcripts are worth the visit and read.

Badnarik, Libertarian for President Navigates to November

"Michael Badnarik isn't likely to win the election in November (how's that for understatement?). However, if he plays his cards right, he can determine that election's outcome. Polling is a key factor in doing so -- and that's why it scares the bejabbers out of Chuck Muth."

http://www.rationalreview.com/tlknapp/072904.shtml

Polling is an important cornerstone to the Badnarik plan.

Only 3-percent of the people, as of now, would choose Badnarik as thier first pick. However, 43-percent pick Badnarik as the second choice. Bush and Kerry are within a stastical margin of error for the top slot.

Mayor Murphy's status

Question from a net friend:

Is there another petition to impeach Mayor Tom Murphy in the works? I sure hope so. I laud your efforts in trying to have him impeached last year.

It's sad to see my hometown of Pittsburgh suffering so. If you are doing a petition again, I'll let my mom know so that she can sign.

My reply:

I don't think so. There are new T-shirts. The old ones said, "Fire Mayor Murphy." The new one's said, "Fire Mayor Murphy and City Council."

Cute.

I do think that there needs to be a real movement to get him (Tom Murphy) out of office. We have no term limit. He could run again, and win.

Mayor Murphy is in Boston now with the DNC event. Too many Dems who are in power are NOT standing up against him. Even some who are bucking to be the next mayor (Gene R, Sala U, Bill P) are silent on the distain and demands to have him leave the office -- for the common good.

There might be some "opinion polls" that I'd organize via eVote software.
http://www.deliberate.com
But, I'm waiting until I get to 10,000 subscribers on my contact list. So, for now, I'm looking for email addresses (low volume) of contacts in and around Pittsburgh -- or -- folks like you who are elsewhere but care about the city and region.

July 4th follow-up

Since Vice President Dick Cheney was visiting Pittsburgh on the 4th of July to speak at an event in Oakland's S&S Hall. The VP was invited to our family's open house. An invite was faxed to the White House at the end of June. In mid-July a note came to me from Elizabeth Kleppe, Deputy Assistant to the VP and Director of Scheduling:

Office of the Vice President

Due to security concerns, mail delivery to the Whit eHouse has been delayed over the past several months. As a result, we did not receive your correspondence until after your event had taken place. We apologize for the delay in response, and thank you for the kind invitation.

Many of the readers of my email blasts were happy to learn of the Cheney's visit -- so as to make plans for protesting. As for the next visit, I'll be away again.

President's next visit

President Bush visits Pittsburgh again on Saturday at the Convention Center. The rally is on the heels of the Kerry-Edwards convention in Boston.

Tickets to the event will be available at two locations in Allegheny County beginning on Wednesday at 9:00 am.

1. Victory 2004 Center, 125 Hillvue Lane in McCandless (off Route 19 a quarter of a mile south of Cumberland Road), 412-369-7197. Open Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.



2. Bethel Park American Legion Post, 2409 Bethel Church Road. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Tickets will be available for committee members and their families only at both locations beginning at 3:30 this afternoon, as recognition by the Bush-Cheney campaign of all the hard work you do for the Republican party here in Allegheny County. Name, address, social security number, and date of birth are needed for each person for whom you are picking up tickets, and the person picking up the tickets will be required to show photo ID (as will every adult attending the rally on Saturday).

On Saturday, doors open from 1:15 and close at 3:30. The President is expected to speak shortly after 4 pm. Arrive early to avoid the wait in line. Arrive after 2:30 and run a risk of still
being outside as the doors close.

Known the world over as "football"

Pittsburgh's Heinz Field hosts soccer teams: Chelsea FC (London) and AS Roma (Rome) - at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 29 at Heinz Field.

Would be great if:

A regional soccer league could be formed and organized with play at the South Side's stadium, next to the closed South Vo Tech, owned by Pgh Public Schools. That facility is generally closed to community programs.

The Riverhounds facility, to be built years ago, would be under construction if not completed, within the city.

With Roddey on Jerry Bowyer's radio show

Fax sent to the WPTT station: ON-Air HOST:

Hi Mr. Roddey,

Talk of the next Pittsburgh Mayor SHOULD include both:
---> None of the above, and
---> a Republican.

Furthermore, on a personal note, I think it makes sense for YOU to mention me as a candidate as well. You rejected the opportunity to sign my petition to get me onto the ballot for that office in 2001. I've been busy in our community since then. I have written that I am the FRONT-RUNNER in the GOP side for that office.

If I call today, I'd ask you about your role as an Oversight Board Member and your postions on PARKs and RECREATION. I called for the creation of a NEW Pittsburgh Park District in a postion paper released in May. Did you read it? Can you react to some of those ideas?

Tom's on-air question was very well put and generated an interesting reply from Mr. Roddey. When Roddey talks only about the status quo -- he is talking only about sustaining the same old same old. It would have been easy to name the names and then offer none-of-the-above. But, he is NOT interested in a real power shift around here. J.T.'s none of the above mention was great!

The idea of a sell off or removal of PARKs from the realm of the city -- and the county -- and the schools -- allows a "down to the basics" with those governmental agencies. The city is diverted with PARKS. If the city didn't need to worry about parks -- then -- it would do the things mentioned (... police and fire protection...keeping streets plowed in the winter, pick up garbage) to a much better degree. These folks can't walk and chew gum at the same time.

Forever Gambling Sell Off

So, the $50-million slots license sale is "forever."

Right?

Gambling isn't my cup of tea. But, if those in Harrisburg are intent on getting drunk on the new incomes, just sell the rights for one generation. Allow our children and our children's children do the same.

Simple solution: Sell the $50-million licenses / rights for 10, 15 or 20 years. Not forever. Make those license expire. Sunset them. Then, a future auction can occur.

Senator Costa's email to me on July 20:

Thank you for contacting me to express your belief that the licenses authorizing the operation of slot machines in Pennsylvania should be issued for a limited period rather than an indefinite period. I appreciate your interest in this legislation and I understand your contention that the Commonwealth could generate additional revenue if licenses were issued for a definite period.

As you may be aware, the legislation that enacts the gambling expansion does not explicitly limit the term of a slots license. The license will be issued to the groups deemed most appropriate by the Gaming Control Board, and those groups will be obligated to pay the $50 million license fee. The licenses are subject to annual review, and the Board may revoke the license issued if there is cause to do so. If the license is successfully renewed, however, there is no additional fee for the renewal. If the license is revoked, however, it would presumably return to the Board who could re-assign it and the new licensee would again be assessed a $50 million fee. I realize that this proposal may not generate as much revenue as is possible, but it allows the Commonwealth to evaluate the applicants based on their merits rather than the amount that they can pay. I am confident that this legislation provides a sound licensing system that will allow the Commonwealth to create an honest and well-run gambling industry.

The press watchdogs have ask those questions of the represenatives and
senators. Tom Barnes wrote offline: "We've already asked such questions, mark, and legislative leaders have rejected the idea; it's a onetime $50 mil fee."

Citizens ... the time to put a bug into the ears of those in the State House and State Senate has passed. Some tried. A "historic bill" would be less of a historic give-a-way had there been a term limit. A license in Illinois sold for more than $500-million. Ours, at $50-million and forever, are selling for much less than is prudent.

Resign William Lieberman

The Oversight Board should not have anyone seeking the lone Pittsburgh Slots Parlor.

The Tribune Review reported, in part:

In a related matter, Roddey said oversight board Chairman Bill Lieberman should resign from the unpaid position if he succeeds in partnering with a group that wins a slots license. Lieberman has said he is seeking such a deal, but doesn't have one yet.

"If he is successful, he will have to step down from the committee," Roddey said.

"I respect (Roddey's) opinion," said Lieberman, who has said he will seek an opinion from the state Ethics Committee if he becomes part of a group with a slots license.

A number of groups are now in pursuit of a state license for gambling halls. And, the oversight board is going to control the new incomes that are due to the city. William Lieberman, a Republican who contributes to both parties, has teamed up with investors (Charles Zappala) to strike gold.

In another snip from a past press story:

"Lieberman has said he has not yet invested any money in a slots operation, and if he ultimately does, he will seek a ruling from the state ethics commission." (Post Gazette quote)

Lieberman may never invest in a slots operation, but might work hard to get an operation the slots license. The conflict is in the rub in who gets the slots operation opportunity. Lieberman does not need to invest money in the slots operation to make a sticking point.

As Leiberman forms or joins a partnership that entertains the notion of a pursuit of the lone slots license then the next breath should be about "resignation of his oversight board duties."

Ethical questions arise again.

Whistle Blower Costs and Bumsted's Perceptions

State Represenative Jeff Habay, R, of the near north burbs, is in some hot water these days with an ethical wrangle. A fee was charged and paid, costing Jeff more than $10,000.

In the Tribune Review, state-capital reporter Brad Bumsted wrote, in part:

What's on the line in this case, potentially, is Habay's political career. If Simpson agrees with the citizens' complaint, he could order a full-scale audit or refer the case to the state attorney general for possible criminal prosecution. The plaintiffs apparently don't have much to lose other than the "hundreds of hours" Radich said were involved in preparing the case and their expenses.

Apparently the cost of being a whistle-blower is lost upon Bumsted.

As to who is right and who is wrong with the apparent bad-blood being spilled among the participants is not the factor that is alarming to me within the Bumsted article. The opinion as to the apparent cost of defeat is not only out of touch, its out of place as well.

Brad Bumsted can be reached at bbumsted@tribweb.com or (717) 787-1405.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/pittsburgh/s_204364.html

Our shared well of democracy is not to be taken lightly, nor is its protection. And, in doing so, our resources and characters are stretched and meet great tensions.

Udin Hints at New Mayor

The PG article that talked about the all-star baseball game going to PNC Park in a couple of years had a quote from Sala.

 
"The city's taken some black eyes. It's good for the world to know, especially by 2006, that our problems will be behind us," Udin said. "We'll have a new mayor in office, and we'll be able to say to the world: Pittsburgh is back."

I wonder what Sala will do to help Pittsburgh get a new Mayor? Is Sala ready to stand up and say that Tom Murphy should resign?

The present mayor has no term limit. He can run again.

I expect Tom Murphy will run again -- and the chances of him winning the election for the D's primary is within the range of possible, if not probable.

Sala should ask Tom Murphy to resign. This should be made public soon, Sala.

 

Creative Eating and Playing

Oh I wish I could win the Weinermobile for a day. My submission at: http://kraft3.promotions.com/iwish/splash.do looks like this.
 

Budget blues: the Mayor closed Pittsburgh's 19 Rec Centers and 32 swimpools in 2003. Volunteers can fix our cooperation crisis. I'd set up a tour with badminton. I've got 5 nets, courts, rackets. We'd eat and engage in discussions for long-term  re-opening solutions

 
 

Nine Mile Run

Rachel Filippini of GASP issued an alert that warns of a threat to the progress of the Nine Mile Run stream restoration.
 

 

FUNDING of the ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS’ DOMESTIC PROJECTS has shrunk.

Federal funding, expected $1.6 million, seems to be $330,000. Meadville Land Services must pull all their workers and equipment out of the work site in a matter of weeks.

Although they are doing their best to leave the site as stable as possible by seeding the area with native plants, they are still a long way from finishing the restoration. The Army Corps of Engineers, who are supervising the implementation of the project, are expecting that funding will be cut next year as well, seriously jeopardizing the completion of the restoration.

If the restoration is left incomplete our stream will continue to suffer from serious stream bank erosion and degraded habitat for fish and other wildlife, and will remain inhospitable for human recreation.

Human recreation has not happened at the RECREATION CENTERS as well. Jeepers, for $300,000 plenty of the centers could re-open.
 
Even if the restoration proceeds, but at a much slower rate due to continued funding shortfalls, the stream and park may in fact be in worse condition — sediment will enter the stream during multiple summers of construction, invasive species will colonize the banks in between construction seasons, and park access will be limited. Not to mention the additional unnecessary cost of remobilizing construction crews each summer, reducing the amount of money available for direct restoration work.

Both SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER and CONGRESSMAN MIKE DOYLE were early supporters
of the initiative.

GASP asked citizens to say that the completion of the stream restoration project is essential! Is it really?

Urge them to ensure that full funding for the project will actually be reinstated in the next fiscal year!
 
Perhaps the home-owner association at Nine Mile Run can fund the rest of the project.

Total cost of the Nine Mile Run Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project is $7.7 million. The $2.7 million local match was met by the City of Pittsburgh more than two years ago. See that money go, how does one say, down the drain. Of the remaining $5 million expected from the federal government, $3.4 million is still needed to finish the work.

Marijke Hecht, Executive Director, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association at 412-371-8779 or marijke@ninemilerun.org

PG news snip

Marijke Hecht, 33, of Wilkinsburg, the executive director of the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, asked Onorato to push for more funding to complete the "re-streaming" of Nine Mile Run by creating an open stream that replaces the pipe the waterway was forced through years ago. Onorato said the city and county are working together to garner more state funding to fill the $3 million gap in federal funding cut from the Army Corps of Engineers budget.

Bill Frist

The LEFT -- is way out there again with name calling. This is how it should NOT be done.
 
Citizens for Legitimate Government, http://www.legitgov.org/ , called U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Republican from TN, a cat torturer.  Frist is a medical doctor. He called for the creation of Medical Courts in a wide-ranging speech on health policy at the National Press Club.
 
Sen. Frist urged the federal government, among other things, to "set up an expert medical court system with transparent decisions, limits on punitive damages, and scheduled compensatory damages to provide rapid relief to injured patients. This solution comes as an alternative to the trial lawyers being the prime stake holders.
 
That seems like food for thought and worthy of more investigation. But, the opening to the press release from the site with the "cat torturer" handle gives a great example of a serious stumble.

Linda and Desperado

Casino INDUSTRY and Linda fall out. Meanwhile, I'm soaking in some of the best music ever. Sure, it is out there -- but bring it on. I'm at SUUSI, our summer camp, hosted at Virginia Tech. The music here is always amazing. And this year, I'm taking some photos and snips of video to show my friends and family back home.
 
As for the story that follows, we don't do much drinking. Me none. Nor gambling. But, Linda, should you need a gig for later in the week, come on out here. We might, and that is a questioned "might," be able to fit you into a slot for our coffee shop -- Common Ground-- late in the week. The jam sessions are always open to new faces and talents.

LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Singer Linda Ronstadt was thrown out of the Aladdin casino in Las Vegas on the weekend after dedicating a song to liberal filmmaker Michael Moore and his movie "Fahrenheit 9/11," a casino spokeswoman said Monday.
 
Ronstadt, who had been hired for a one-show engagement Saturday night at the Las Vegas Strip casino, dedicated a performance of "Desperado" to Moore and his controversial documentary, which criticizes President Bush and the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
 
That dedication angered some Aladdin guests who spilled drinks, tore down posters and demanded their money back, said casino spokeswoman Sara Gorgon."We had quite a scene at the box office," she said.About a quarter of the 4,500 people in the audience got up and left before the performance had finished, Gorgon said.
 
Before her concert, Ronstadt had laughingly told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that she hoped that the casino performance would be her last."I keep hoping that if I'm annoying enough to them, they won't hire me back," she was quoted as telling the newspaper.A statement issued by the Aladdin said Ronstadt had been "escorted out of the hotel" just after her performance and said the performer would "not be welcomed back."
 
"Ms. Ronstadt was hired to entertain the guests of the Aladdin, not to espouse political views," the casino said.Ronstadt was not immediately available for comment.

Open Ways with Open Source

As mayor, I'd turn the city's technology front directly into a new direction. This proven direction would include an embrace of open-source software.

Significant developments have been happening around the world and around the halls of government in terms of open-source software. Other cities have made the move to open source software. The US Court system has made shifts to open source too. My 2001 platform had an embrace of open-source software, but it was hardly noticed. Those on Grant Street and in the media were clueless to these advantages and the cost savings. Now more and more aspects of the US government is getting jazzed about these aspects.

Advocating open-source software as part of the solution to Pittsburgh's ills was bold and insightful in 2001. In 2005, open-source software will be much more pressing, and just as brilliant.

For example, a circular from the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB) covered OSS. For education, this can expand the ability to apply for grants that have been unavailable in the past. Look for the section on Common Criteria important.

Article at Linux Journal

Polling's depth at university is fails at preschools

Quinnipiac University is a tiny little college with even smaller thoughts, actions and services. Most pre-schools have higher expectations for teaching what's right from what's wrong. Quinnipiac would be completely unknown, except for its name in the northeast because of its polling volume.

The signal to noise took another beating with another poll in PA, labeling it a 3-way Bush / Kerry / Nader race.

The academics there have been called on this in the past. Thumb sucking is a hard habit to break, whatever the age. They still REFUSE to include Libertarians among the mix of those who are eligible selections in the polls. Quinnipiac has been called on this in years past, but to no avail. To leave out candidates is to think like a child.

Please, people, BLAST them this time. We can't allow the media and its slaves to keep soiling our shared space called democracy.

Call the main number and ask for the polling institute and Doug Swartz, the director of polling: (203) 582-8200, doug.schartz@quinnipiac.edu.

Olympic Swim Coaches

Named for the staff and headed to Athens:

David C. Salo, Ph.D.

Bob Bowman

Jon Urbanchek, Teri McKeever, Richard Quick and Frank Busch.

Coach Salo, Irvine Novaquatics, authored a book, SprintSalo, published in 1989. That was the second book ever published by my company, an indie small press.

Bob Bowman is moving from Northern Baltimore to the University of Michigan after the games. He is Michael Phelps' coach. I got to know Bob when he was with the Las Vegas Gold and the Cinci Marlins.

More on the others and general observations about the Olympic Trials and movement still to come.

Dave wrote:

Thanks for the note and the support. Looking forward to getting to Greece and taking on the rest of the world. i think it will turn out to be a great event.

Lost in the Parks

A City Parks Public Meeting is slated for 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at the Schenley Park Visitor Center, 101 Panther Hollow Road, Contact: 412-682-7275.

Tell them what kind of signs would help you navigate and enjoy Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley parks. Join park users from around the city in a public forum to discuss how wayfinding, directional and identity signs could improve your park experience.

My list includes:

Directions to the 20 closed swim pools.

Instructions for re-opening the dozen closed recreation centers.

Contact info for various swim teams, coaching opportunities and programs within each park.

Rules for entering your vintage roadster into the Grand Prix.

Drafting Coaches to Politics -- with Chicago & Pittsburgh Roots

I lived and coached in Chicago. I met my wife there as she was getting her Ph.D. at Northwestern.

Furthermore, drafting "running partners" is a theme -- as is there a need to draft good candidates in general.

The Draft Ditka movement, mentioned here a while ago, picked up steam, then turned to State Party Chairmanship -- not US Senata. Ditka went to a House Republican Organization Fundraiser at Navy Pier. House GOP Leader, Tom Cross, HRO Chairman, Skip Saviano, and Deputy House Leader, Brent Hassert, were set to endorse a Ditka Candidacy. For the latest, contact: David Dring 312.505.0256 or Tom Pence 630.215.3017, or visit their site.

Football fans, Pittsburghers, ex-coaches and GOPers take note. Some are hoping to draft former Chicago Bears Coach Mike Dikta into the big leagues of Illinois politics. DraftDikta.com was created by staff members in the Illinois House to gather signatures to nominate Ditka as the chairman of the state's Republican party after the current chairwoman, Judy Baar Topinka, steps down at the end of this election cycle. Within days, the website had generated 6,000 signatures.

With the vacancy left by Jack Ryan for the GOP Nomination for U.S. Senate, Coach Ditka's name came to the surface.

There are some real heart warmers on the "Letters to Ditka" page worth reading. My letter went like this:

Coach,

I too am a Pittsburgh-native, coach, GOPer, and have had the same passion of you and helped here with Pitt Rocks fellows to save Pitt Stadium. That was my entry into serious politics. And, I'm still mad -- and expect to run again for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, in 2005. I'd love to have you visit Pittsburgh and hold a special event for you here in Pittsburgh. And, we'd put it into a TV show. How about a policy address to those beyond the Lincolnland -- from your homeland. Thanks for the consideration. Call my cell: 412-298-3432. We'll be in Chicago and would meet with anyone there in early August.

My efforts are now being put into motion so as to hold an event on September 11, 2004, in Pittsburgh with Coach Mike Ditka. We'd be able to attend the Pitt game vs. Ohio University. Want to help? Send an email ---> Ditka-Rocks@CLOH.Org.

More political spin: Phil Jackson is also free these days and might consider coming back to Chicago, and if it's not for DAAA Bulls it just might be for DAAA Elephants.

News Swells and a recent story that is the Top Story on Yahoo!

Former NFL coach eyes US Senate seat

CHICAGO (AFP) - A former NFL coach is considering a run for a US Senate seat, following a path already blazed by the likes of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (news - web sites), and former Minnesota governor Jesse "The Body" Ventura.

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, better known to his fans as the irascible "Iron Mike," is mulling a run for public office -- one in which his considerable name recognition would be a powerful asset.

"I'm getting excited about it," Ditka said in an interview with a Chicago television network Monday.

The 65-year-old NFL Hall of Famer stressed that he was just evaluating the idea, but that was enough to rev up his many fans in this Midwestern state, some of whom have already established a "Draft Dikta" campaign.

"We need more signatures on the petition. We want to present them to him this week and we need your help," read one entry made Monday on the "DraftDitka.com" website.

"Da Coach will do this if we push him!"

The people behind the website aim to collect 10,000 signatures to encourage Ditka to run, and say they have already passed the 6,000 mark.

Republican Party officials have not formally approached the 65-year-old about joining the race, but they are desperate to find a viable candidate to put on the ticket.

The previous candidate, millionaire banker Jack Ryan, quit the race late last month over a late-breaking sex scandal, and some Republicans who have been touted as possible replacements have reportedly balked at jumping into a campaign at this late stage.

Even before the sex rumpus, Ryan was trailing his Democratic rival Barack Obama by 20 points in the polls.

"Certainly, you wouldn't have to spend five or six million dollars for people to get to know (his) name," said Dennis Hastert, a US representative from Illinois and the most senior member of the state's congressional delegation.

Even this state's Democratic governor said he would welcome a Ditka candidacy because it would add spice to the race. "I love Mike Ditka. He's a straight talking guy who talks from the heart," said Rod Blagojevich.

There are still some hurdles left: Ditka's wife has said she will divorce him if he throws his hat in the ring, and he is not apparently even registered to vote in this state.

The Senate seat is currently held by a Republican, Senator Peter Fitzgerald, but he is stepping down after one term and voters will choose his successor in November.

Ethics -- "Not Engaged Here"

The City of Pittsburgh has an Ethics Commission, but it might not have any meetings in the past four years. There might not be any members to the commission, revealed City Council Member Bill Peduto. He put the blame fully on the current mayor.

We have not taken up campaign finance reform. Peduto also wants to raise that issue in 2004.

Sala Udin said, "The ethics commission does not exist."

Trib's mentions on Mayor's Race

Trib Story and GOP Urban Flight

My home is NOT up for sale. I am not a DEM, yet am a front-runner in the Mayor's race.

If the Trib's EDITORIAL REVIEW Board wishes to talk with me -- I'd be very happy to do so. I've asked for years to meet with them -- but they've not taken up the offer.

I hope you don't do too many articles on who else is NOT going to run for Mayor. Roddey in that race is a non-story. Or, to get the poison out of the discussion, do the article on Paul O'Neill and Glen Meakem before August.

Four years ago the Trib's fumbles were downright shameful.

However, your lead about URBAN FLIGHT was on the mark. This is a top worry in the city, not only for GOPers but also for the general wellness. An entire group of people voted with their feet. Pittsburgh is a one-party town and Pittsburgh is half of what it was. The departures were calculated. Hence, the repairs that need to be made are such a burden to accomplish. And, without functional watchdogs, they are nearly impossible.

We need the Trib's coverage to flourish.

Convention Center, its water course is working but

Don't you find it interesting that the $7-million water course under the new Pittsburgh Convention Center is working again -- but -- our swim pools in the city are not.

Talk about miss-placed priorities.

Newspaper reporter replied:

I do. The best part was when I called the Sports and Exhibition Authority for comment, they laughingly patronized me and tried to make light of the whole debacle. So I said, "if you built something at your house that cost $7 and it leaked or didn't work properly, you'd want to know why, right?"

He didn't have a response for that. It's amazing how these groups spend ,illions of tax-payers' dollars and then get upset when someone asks questions.

Alyson Walls