Suburbs melted into Ontario's 'Steeltown'

PG covers Ontario's 'Steeltown': "Government consolidation -- or what Canadians call 'amalgamation' -- took place in Hamilton in two stages spaced nearly 30 years apart. In 1974, the province of Ontario eliminated through mergers five of the 11 municipalities in the Hamilton area. Simultaneously, the province superimposed a new county-like government, called the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Council."

Fine. That's called "evolution." Pittsburgh needs to evolve. Pittsburgh does NOT need a massive jamming.

This is a serious but subtle problem with Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh's leadership has been stuck in self-service and can't and won't evolve with modest steps. To close schools, for instance, takes a massive upheaval. Rather, schools should be phased out over time and everything at everytime needs to be under constant evaluation. Rather than call for the elimination of seven or eight or nine row offices in one sweeping cut of the ax, let's close one office each year for the next five years. Row office reform was such a hot topic a year ago and both candidates (Dan O. and Jim R.) wanted some type of it. However, now is the time and it isn't getting done.

I don't want "metropolitanism." Rather, I want serious, measured, ongoing change that is calculated, managed, obvious and sets a trend to actions based on principles and common sense. Furthermore, everything is on the table at all times. The creativity needs to be in the mix at all juntions.

For example, the hoped for merger of EMS and the Firefighters didn't happen. People in the Mayor's office have been working on that for years and failed. Then then hope of getting the hospitals to pick up the EMS units is now the pathway of narrow-minded, agenda driven, top-down wish-for-the-sky approach. Folks, it isn't going to work.

All the king's horses and all the king's men can't put Humpty together again.

For example, think Fifth and Forbes. The Mayor's plan called for a massive re-do. His golden ticket was tied to "critical mass." Now it is time for us all to be critical of the mayor and his mass-appeal. He can't move along his agenda as he isn't creative. He is spent. He is an all-or-nothing bone head who can't manage day-to-day instances.

Finally, the media doesn't get it either. The PG is looking for that fountain of youth and award winning story. It is hard work to cover the ordinary done in exceptional ways.

Time, again, to kick-in at the Market House

We play today!

Our kids are going to be running around at the Market House again. We should be holding a ribbon cutting.

The Market House Childrens Athletic Association is about to resume programming after a year of no activities due to the lay-offs and closures by the Mayor.

Sign ups for the fall youth soccer program will be from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, Sept. 10 and from 10 to noon on Saturday, September 11.
The Market House is located on the South Side, at 12th Street, and Bingham Square, very near to East Carson Street, the main street through the South Side Flats.

The Market House youth soccer program, for both girls and boys, is slated for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for ten weeks. Times are 5 pm for ages 4, 5, and 6; 6 pm for ages 7, 8 and 9; and 7 pm for ages 10, 11 and 12. Charges are a $25 nonrefundable registration fee of $25 for the first child and $15 for each additional child. Additional info and scheduling will be provided at signups and in the first week of practice to follow.

The goal is to get up to 15 players on six teams in each age group --- and no more. Registration will be limited. Parents are needed as volunteers and coaches.

Hope to see you there.

The Pittsburgh Hip Hop Initiative's Education Series Presents:

Carnegie Mellon's University Lecture Series on Thursday, September 23. The lecture will take place at 6 p.m. in Rangos Auditorium"

Education Innovations, Inc. is searching for a volunteer artist

Assignment: Draw our vision for the proposed, uptown, NatureLAB space. The drawing for perspective sponsors, customers, and partners is to depict the 26,000 square-foot property with greenhouse, geodesic dome classroom, performance space, and working mini-farm. If interested, s.wilcox @ educationinnovations.org or call 412.363.7707.

Source: Salvador Wilcox, CEO, Education Innovations . Org
914 Heberton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Humor in big type

Today's chuckles in PG sports headlines:

Strictly for the birds (i.e., Baltimore Ravens)
Stuck in idle (@ The Bus)
Little elbow room (@ #7's elbow injury)
A heap of trouble (@ Todd Heap, #86 for the Ravens after getting pushed back after being injured the prior play)

ESPN.com - MLB - Neyer apologizes for anonymous book review

ESPN.com - MLB - Neyer apologizes for anonymous book review

Posting under a fake name and posting as anonymous are two different matters. I have no problem with you being a faceless coward and voice in the crowd, like a heckler. Shout and duck and be without a name. But, don't post and say you are who you are NOT.

On this blog, you can post without a name. But, don't post as "Joe Sixpack," when that isn't your real name, please.

Furthermore, some do have real "nicknames." Pen names can work, if you always go there.

local disaster

Bush declares local disaster - PittsburghLIVE.com: "'We'll get through this because we are all working together,' said Mayor Tom Murphy."

Mayor Murphy's statement about "working together" is such a joke as it comes on the day City Council is holding a POST AGENDA and the Mayor has refused to show up and has instructed others in the administration to NOT show up. Tom Murphy isn't working together when he doesn't respond and stops others from responding. This is his duty. The topic of the Sept. 20, 2004, post-agenda is, get this, EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIMES.

We'll get through this in a much better way when Mayor Murphy shows up in the PRIVATE SECTOR. As mayor, he isn't working with others. Tom Murphy isn't showing up in city council chambers to discuss a ballot question that will be in front of voters in the city in a few short weeks.

Our shared landscape has a lot of boats parked within Point State Park at the moment. But the real local disaster is when Mayor Murphy is parked elsewhere when he should be before the citizens and city council on matters such as EMERGENCY Response Times.

Mayor Murphy is absent on the agenda again.

Bucs sweep double header

Shiver me timbers! The Pirates played the Mets at PNC Park in two games and swept them both. Too bad it wasn't through Sharpsburg and Millvale. Great Sunday for a game, for all 86 people in the stands.

Yard sign drop off

Some good soul, (unknown to me) delivered an Arlen Specter yard sign to our house this morning. Thanks.

I wonder if the sign came because I miss-spelled both of his names in a blog comment at some other site this past week. Woops. I don't claim to be a good speller. I'm way better as a re-write communicator. I always try to touch up my prose and typos. But, I can't re-visit and edit my postings on other sites.

The sign will sit in the office in easy view as penance. It won't go in my front window as I'm staying "neutral" in the elections (so far). I've got a few public roles to fill. From the podium one can't be too overboard in partisanship.

Flogged by the blogs

PittsburghLIVE.com: "As in all revolutions, first, the old order must be destroyed, then we will learn both the strengths and the shortcomings of the new order. We're now getting a glimpse of the Internet bloggers' strength."

The eiditorial is about Dan Rather by an out-of-town writer. Perhaps that same headline will ring true when it comes to Mayor Tom Murphy and his administration. Time will tell.

He Said She Said

Union bosses attack official on Act 47 plan: "Marlene Lamanna at a news conference yesterday -- said Lieberman also told them to lobby against the recovery plan."

What the heck is going on here? Generally I'm in the know. Generally I have a sense of what's about to happen before it is ever reported (as far as city politics). I'm not bragging, but more so discounting what get reported.

But, from time to time, as this is, I find a real head scratcher.

Bill Lieberman is on the ICA (oversight board). For starters, Lieberman should resign. Isn't he the one who wants to be a player in a new gambling venture in the city? For even thinking about the play for the lone license -- I sense a real conflict of interest. His conflict occurs in the gamble to get the gambling permit -- not after hitting the jackpot.

Next, he's puffing up the ICA (oversight board) and taking the air out of the Act 47 Recovery Team. Right? Is this just a selfish power play? Is this just a deal where more power can be secured by helping the enemy of an enemy?

But, why in the hell does any enemy exist? Just to undercut?

And, why are we only seeing about this comment in the PG now? Because of the press event? And, what did the other union officials say about what got said. Is the crossing guard union president being left out in the wind and rain by Rossi and Vesci and who knows who else.

PA Aspen and how to land on your wallet at the slopes

Bank takes control of Laurel Mountain ski lodge: "We have some very interested parties lined up,' said Somerset Trust Vice President Lee Murdy."

We can (as does the State) sell management rights to facilities and keep on top of the contractors for the sake of the public good.

The closed indoor ice rink on the South Side that was once operated by a contractor -- but there was NO oversight from the city, sadly.

Welcome Cornhuskers

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Three cheers to the good people of Nebraska for taking Steve P off our our hands. He is your Athletic Director now. You sent him to us, and I'm glad we could send him back. Sorry, an 'at.

Enjoy your stay.

Pitt's campus, should you care, is in a part of town called Oakland. That's where you'll find the acadmic buildings, the medical centers, a wonderful cultural hub and the old as dirt Cathedral Of Learning -- the landmark building for education.

The Cathedral of Learning, Pitt's visual showcase, was built some time ago -- just about the time of the once great Pitt Stadium. When Steve was in town he did all he could to put the wrecking ball to the grand old venue called Pitt Stadium. He ripped it from our landscape before a lease to use Heinz Field was even crafted.

Pitt should be playing Nebraska at Heinz Field. But, the band should hold its practices, the track team should hold its meets, the intramural games could occur, and the injured athletes could get their rehab at Pitt Stadium too.

Point being: If my neighbor offers me the use of his new motor home for our family summer vacation each year -- great. I don't need to get rid of the family station wagon for the other 355 days a year.

We are doing the same foolishness with the talk of the Penguins arena. They want a new home for NHL hockey, should it ever resume again. Fine. Mario can build a new home without destroying the existing Civic Arena. Then we could host a city-league or PIAA championship basketball game in town and have a NHL game on the same date.

Steve's failed lesson: 1 + 1 = 2
But, he's in good company as Mario and others around here can't seem to grapple with that as well.

We churn. We even got two new stadiums (PNC Park + Heinz Field) but lost 3RS and it had a $50-million mortgage still outstanding.

Hope he doesn't bring Nebraska more of the same.

And, how did that loss at home to a non-confrence foe feel last week?

Corporate Welfare at Work

PAPower: GOVERNOR RENDELL PRESENTS ALMOST $78 MILLION FOR PHILADELPHIA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: "Governor Edward G. Rendell today presented checks totaling almost $78 million for 16 community and economic-development projects in Philadelphia. "

 “Funding for these projects is part of my ongoing commitment to change how we do business in Pennsylvania, err, Philadelphia." said Governor Rendell.

Fast Eddie is at it again. He's spending. He's taking our money. He's giving it all to the eastern part of the state. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh gets a gift for the Rooneys on the North Shore. Pittsburgh gets a merry-go-round for Oakland. Pittsburgh gets a stern letter and finger wagging that calls for more lock-step actions for the Mayor's agenda.

Big-screen excitement

This blog, now with movies too, (see below) will keep its $0 admission.

Big-screen excitement: Workers rush to ready SouthSide Works Cinema for tomorrow's grand opening: "General admission will be $8.50, with senior citizens (62 and over) and children $6. All seats before 6 p.m. will be $6."

I still think that the best theater in town is the Earth Theater behind the bones in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. That's where I want my movie to play on its grand opening, other than Cannes, of course.

GOP chair yacks back to PG editorials

Allegheny County's GOP chair, new to the job in 2004, fired a letter to the editor to the PG in response to recent PG stances that so strongly favor Kerry. See the comment section for a replay of his email and letter.

City Council Speaker

Check out the movie! This is a new feature for the blog.

My presentation at City Council in early September, 2004. We didn't get an award for the re-opening of the Market House, like they did for the South Side Slopes Step Trek. And, we didn't have a ribbon cutting, but we could.

The overall tone of talk from the speakers in the public comment period at city council meets has seemed to have taken a turn. The edge is sharp, all in all.

Few dollars for public works - York Daily Record

Let's get in a spitting match to find the worse place, YORK vs. Pittsburgh:

York Daily Record smashes Pittsburgh and proves to be ahead of the game too: "Brenner, who returned from meeting with Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy, said things in York aren't so bad. He said Pittsburgh had to lay off hundreds of firefighters and police officers, completely shut down the parks and recreation programs and be subject to a state takeover with an outside board governing the city.

'As bad as things look with our budget, things could be worse,' Brenner said.

After hearing the condition of Pittsburgh, resident Gerry Turner slumped in his chair.

'I feel like I've been to the graveyard,' he said."

Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, we've not had one budget meeting. Last year the budget was passed on New Year's Eve. We operate on a too little too late schedule. This smaller city is well ahead of our progress. Shame on Pittsburgh's leadership.

Called as a "free radical"

I love Pittsburgh:

Quotes: 'The notion that a radical is one who hates his country is naive and usually idiotic. He is, more likely, one who likes his country more than the rest of us, and is thus more disturbed than the rest of us when he sees it debauched. He is not a bad citizen turning to crime; he is a good citizen driven to despair.' - H.L. Mencken

PSU to train Indian Principals - Knowledge

PSU got a $1-million grant from the US Dept. of Ed to expand its American Indian Leadership Program.

Wonder if an mentions are made to gambling prevention within the overall program?

Family trivia: Years ago, Catherine (my wife) was a 2nd grade student teacher in New Mexico at an Indian school. She values that lesson / experience and still keeps in touch with some friends from there.

A new challenge for Catherine comes in the form of grant a Pitt from the Air Force. The first days of activities covered some of the Air Force culture -- interesting as well.

Meanwhile, the new grad students in Catherine's class come from all around the nation. Sixteen students entered the multi-year program this fall, from Washington state to the east coast. Only two graduated from Pitt as undergrads. Not only is brain size and class size increasing a bit, but the years of study has gone up and the number of out-of-state students is much greater. That makes a triple win for Pitt.

In mid-week, all of the students in Catherine's class were clueless as to Pitt's football opponent this weekend. Its Nebraska. Grad students have more pressing matters to ponder.

Question: Why does Nebraska have a big red "N" on the side of its helmets?

Answer is found in the last word in this blog-entry's headline.

Pittsburgh, corruption, bonds, -- oh my

Feds seek paperwork that links to payoffs: "Federal investigators are looking at a possible Pittsburgh connection to a corruption probe focused on officials tied to Philadelphia Mayor John Street.

Mayor Tom Murphy's administration is catching a subpoena.

Too many times there have been grumblings about bond deals -- but nothing ever happened -- other than blogger's head scratching. Smells fishey still.

Family living gets back to even steven in downtown and is shut-out in South Side Works

Great example of how the city administration makes life with kids in the city such a struggle. Why eliminate the parking at the outset? Why not insist that day care centers be incorporated within new neighborhoods -- such as at South Side Works?

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Laurel: To the city Department of Engineering. It has reinstated a drop-off zone near three Downtown day care centers. Much to the consternation of parents, the zones along Penn Avenue were eliminated during the new convention center's construction. Police then began tagging parents attempting to drop off their little tykes. We're glad to see common sense prevail. "

The ribbon cutting for the South Side Works site, a new extension of the neighborhood that promised to generate 4,000 new jobs, generated ZERO increases in our day care capacity. Fumble, again.

Laurels from Trib for Ad sales

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Laurel: To Jim Motznik. The Pittsburgh city councilman is proposing the city sell advertising space on the fences at 83 multiuse sports fields. Great idea. On street furniture. Great idea. On the city Web site. Great idea. And on city government cable broadcasts. Great idea. Mr. Motznik doesn't have an estimate of how much such advertising would generate. But every bit helps, doesn't it? "

The parks position paper put forth in May, 2004, also called for the sales and advertising. Why can the Penguins keep the money for the naming right for Mellon Arena. That was a public asset built with public funds. However, the Pens got to keep the money. Meanwhile, we who work with the kids in the neighorhood can't do similar deals.

Les Ludwig gets the biggest laurel for starting this type of chatter.

I'd also give Motznik a laurel for his lone vote to reject the $5-million from Gov. Rendell for a new merry-go-round in place of parking in Oakland.

Pleads for pension - slam shut case

Its safe to assume Terlecki isn't surfing the net and reading our blogs, as he is functionally illiterate. He wants his $2,263 in monthly benefits for his reward and contributions. His productivity must rank him with the poorest work record in the world, other than that of crack salesman, Gil Martinez.

Guilty ex-city boss pleads for pension: "Terlecki -- a former Democratic Party ward chairman and supporter of Mayor Tom Murphy who started working for the city in 1964 -- is 'functionally illiterate' and 'can barely read or write.'"

Sadly, City Controller Tom Flaherty is loose again with the purse strings. And, he was the one to employ Martinez.

Water Taxi -- might as well paddle

A new water taxi service just opened and is serving Pittsburgh. One of the features mentioned in today's news account is the city's skyline. It is all about the service, not skyline. The service is slim.

With all the chatter about swift boats, too bad the taxi service can't move in a like manner. Everything is fast at the Olympics, I guess. And, sadly, does everything need to be so slow in Pittsburgh, hence making the skyline enjoyment some consolation.

On one hand, the service will cost nothing from the city's budget. But, we pay via the Feds to subsidize the service.

Moreover, the taxi service is starting as a boost to the Convention Center. They want to get tourist. They want another feather for out-of-towners.

Why not build the service for residents? Why not start the service early in the morning rather than at 10 am. Who can go to work at 10 or 11 am? One can't even get to City Council meetings that late.

We need to use the rivers. But, we need to have real use. We need sustainable projects.


Folks, who wants to go from the Mon Warf to the Convention Center? Other stops are going to include PNC Park, Heinz Field, Point State Park, and the Cultural District. Nobody lives at any of these stops.

Run the service from 10th Street Bridge. Run the service from 18th Street on the South Side. Run the service from the new South Side Works -- where there will be lots of housing and some is already there.

Run the service from the West End, from Hazelwood, from Highland Park even.

The scope of service is too small. And, the time of service is too short. This will flop. And, I really want it to work.

That big sucking sound is coming from the big white building -- the convention center. The debt is high. It is still not finished. The hotel space is too slim. And we are even now going to move the light rail T-Stop to its back doors, near the dumpsters. A stop is just a short two blocks away that could be used.

Update: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04261/380708.stm

Libertarian Doubleheader Hits Pittsburgh

Libertarian Doubleheader Hits Pittsburgh: "will visit Pittsburgh on Sunday, September 26th" -- check em out.

A 'grand' groundbreaking

A 'grand' groundbreaking - PittsburghLIVE.com:

#1) ... Mayor Tom Murphy expressed satisfaction with the project, saying the city 'would not settle for anything that was not grand.'

Rauterkus Replies

Pittsburgh needs to settle for things as they are. We don't need "everything to be grand." Murphy's wants exceed his needs. Murphy's wants are so grand that the budget can't pay for them. When Murphy said he won't settle for anything that isn't grand, he sends the wrong message of being prudent. That is typical Murphy, the poor leader, the over spender.

When only the grand can get his attention, then the others don't rate. The homeless problem -- just use a grand broom and sweep the problems away.

The little things are the keys to making a great manager and a great city.

#2) ... nearly $4 million from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and $1.3 million in equity from the Cultural Trust.

Who's money is that of the Cultural Trust? And, we'll see less than truthful statements that not a penny of city money went into this project. At least there isn't $10-million from the water authority under a cloak here -- or is there?

#3) ... a half-dozen other projects are in the pipeline.

Sure, the pipeline is primed now. Always is. Pittsburgh's population was going to explode, some 6, 5, 4, 3 years ago too. Things have been on hold since Tom Murphy has been in the Mayor's office.

#4) 'I think more (people) living Downtown encourages more retailers and restaurants,' said Murphy, who envisions more living options working in partnership with retail development.

Retail, gambling, and Hard Rock --- tickets to salvation for Tom Murphy's vision. False hopes all.

#5) Tom Cox, chairman of the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority, said 'the URA is here to stay in developing Downtown.'

Tom Cox makes more complicated deals that are going to be harder to untangle to insure that the URA can't go away. Tom -- take your golden parachute and beg for a job in Detroit.

#6) 'But I've been wrong in my predictions in the past on who will live in other new housing developments, such as Washington Landing and Summerset,' he said.

Murphy's past predictions have always been wrong. He has poor forecasting skills. He can't understand that Nordstoms isn't exactly what Pittsburgh needs. And, here we go opening a new cinema, this time in South Side -- while others are closing in Monroeville (Wilkins) and Mt. Lebo. Tom would have had us build the big complex as part of Fifth and Forbes. It was another looser of an idea.

#7) For example, Murphy said he did not believe Summerset at Frick Park, a massive new housing development under way at the former Nine Mile Run slag dump site between Squirrel Hill and Swisshelm Park, would attract families with children. 'At least half the families that purchased houses in Summerset have children,' he said. "

Developing the slag dump pulled homeowners out of their other city neighborhoods and into another. And, it took money that didn't go to the frail neighborhoods and made for new upscale homes. All the work on the stream, green goals, creek run off and such was necessary and should have been the priority. In Murphy's way, elements of the environment were an afterthought that needed attention.

Cultural District Apartments for upscale

First, we don't need to have a super-tight focus and only build in the downtown sector. There are lots of fringe areas within an easy walk that should be better suited for the new residential buildings. Sure, some can go downtown. But, 10 to 20 times the potential and upside is just a short walk beyond downtown.

Lower bluff, West End, North Side of the West End Bridge, both sides of Station Square, bottom of Bates. Then go a tiny bit farther and the real gem is Hazelwood.

I don't think it makes sense to make subsidized housing for rich folks. Frick at Sommerset is not prudent in terms of priorities for the public dollars.

Why is the URA putting money into quarter-million dollar apts in the Cultural District? Its $4-M that I'd strongly object.

If you put housing in downtown that families would use -- then you'd have places that empty nesters, college kids and young urban types would use as well. Why build temporary housing just so folks move in and move out?

If we make places that people are not going to leave -- then we'll have real demand. A marketplace will form that will be sustainable.

Aim low, don't miss. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh slips some more.

However, I do think we need some student housing in downtown. That is a no brainer. And, I would also love to see a large time share complex as well. Think of all the Pittsburghers who are not living here any longer. My we all love to come home. But how we hate to stay with aunts and uncles or older parents, should they still be around. But, a week at a time, once a year. They'd sell like hotcakes, even without the fries.

More at Fester's blog. See his downtown housing post.

Who is mentioning parents rights in the presidential campaign

Parental rights opens a big can of worms. It is both a local and national issue. I'm not hearing much about this topic in the race for president.

Grassroots, Jewish, Gratis Training

A Grassroots Training Seminar is slated for Sunday, September 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel, 300 W. Station Square, Pittsburgh for the Jewish Republican leaders from Pittsburgh.

Learn effective ways to reach out to potential supporters of President Bush's policies

Receive special training in heightening grassroots awareness and activity

Work with grassroots, Jewish, and political experts on ways to "deliver the message"

Listen to experts from Washington and New York discuss 'the message” and “how to deliver it."

This one-time training seminar will provide you with the tools, language and skills to reach out to the general Jewish community and reach the hidden, potential supporters of President Bush's policies on Israel, Jewish security, economic security, and other issues of concern.

A 70 page Briefing Book on the issues of the day will also be distributed to participants.

RSVP Is Required. Please respond to: Marc Radasky, 202-638-2909 x 107, Email: MRadasky @ RJCHQ.org, NOTE: SALOMON DINNER WILL BE SERVED.

Yes, the training is free. All that is required is an email address at the door. Please mention it to others. Explain to people that they will have to give their email addresses.

If you attend, I'd love to hear how it went. Please share your observations with the comment section or offline in a direct email.

Transportation

Transportation: "Federal funds could revive Maglev project
"
Slide over to my other budding blog, dedicated to transportation rants.

Stadium authority worker accused of taking $200,000

Stadium authority worker accused of taking $200,000: "Writing numerous checks for small amounts -- but also once taking a bank bag containing $20,000 of the Stadium Authority's money -- authority accountant Jeffrey S. Harmon managed to elude detection for more three years while embezzling nearly $200,000, "

What are these folks thinking? The Pgh Parks Conservancy had an employee steal some serious money as well.

In China, folks who got caught steeling get shot. When the public trust gets shaken over and over, it is little wonder that the public trust is stretched so thin around here.

Furthermore, it is one thing to steal for yourself. It is another matter to steal from the public purse and pay others for outright deeds of little public value. The shame patrol needs to out both types.

For the later, we've got a legacy of miss-deeds such as the paving of streets, the lowering of property values, handouts of consulting contracts, the buying of bogus PR campaigns, etc., etc.

County hires consultants for minority outreach

County hires consultants for minority outreach: "The Rev. James Simms, former president of the county council, will assist faith-based and community groups in identifying county and other government resources to develop social service, housing and public works efforts."

Sounds like re-treads. Perhaps Sala Udin will be getting jobs like this with the state or county after he is booted from office in the city.

Those guys are both with big respect and big scorn. I've never crossed either, personally.

I wish they would care a lot more about parks and opportunities for our kids -- within the city especially -- and less about minority contracts that have lead mostly to pass throughs and scandal.

The concept of "faith-based outreach" is fine with me. But, the hook and attractiveness of that effort is to save money and get things done. It isn't about more pork, more red tape, more consultants.

Time will tell if these folks are productive or not -- but -- time has told us something already. Both have been around the block, or should I say the around the downward spiral.

I wonder why Dan O, our county executive, wasn't quoted in the new article? I assume he hire them personally. Where is a quote from him on these hirings?

Airport to step up wooing

Pittsburgh's airport, with its hub and spoke model, is about as modern as the wheel in the image. Pittsburgh overspent on the airport. It is mostly idle, too large, with huge debt. The airport isn't the type of economic engine Pittsburgh needs. The building project is going to saddle our kids with debt for years to come. Sadly, same goes the Convention Center. And, even worse, same goes the underwater tunnels to the lower north side to service the stadiums and alter the light rail. Wrongheaded.

Airport to step up wooing of all fliers: "The authority has launched a $272,000 advertising campaign designed to generate more local traffic"...

FWIW (for what its worth), its easy for Tom Murphy to catch a flight out of Cleveland from his home in Butler County.
Here is more "boosterism" to make our load of image-gap all that more of an uphill challenge. The airport authority shouldn't be running a quarter-million-dollar PR campaign. The authorities are way out of bounds around here. And, it is money like this that goes to the media outlets that then allows the watchdogs to fall to sleep. They can't bite the hands that feed them.

Meanwhile, we are building a new airport in the northern edge of the county. More corporate welfare.

PIAA District 8 - draft handbook

A number of volunteers have reviewed and edited a new handbook put forth by the Pittsburgh Public Schools for its coaches. A PDF version, unofficial, 36-page copy has been posted at http://Dorm.CLOH.Org/hot/AthleticHandbook(Sept04)R.pdf.

The Pgh Public School District serves the City of Pittsburgh and is much like an island only unto itself in terms of scholastic sports. The suburban schools have a different sporting landscape than what occurs in the city. In a sense, there is an "iron curtin" around the city in terms of many issues, including the way we play our most organized games among communities.

I think the handbook is a great first step in the process to benefit the students and overall community with PPS. However, the real solution rests with the merger of the city schools to the W.P.I.A.L. (The WPIAL is also known as PIAA District 7.)

My position paper on parks calls for the gradual elimination of the "city league" on a sport-by-sport basis with a gradual flow among various schools as well.

WPXI.com - Money - City Council President Wants Commuter Tax

WPXI.com - Money - City Council President Wants Commuter Tax: "Ricciardi will call on the mayor to immediately petition the common pleas court to impose a commuter tax.

Ricciardi said 25 years of lobbying the state for tax reform has not worked. He also called Murphy's proposed 40 percent hike in property taxes for 2005 unfair."

Gene Ricciardi, City Council President, should be pushing anyone and everyone to make a removal of Tom Murphy from the Mayor's office. Gene, push to impeach Tom -- now. The key to that process is with city council.

Otherwise, put in public and private calls to John Kerry. Demand that Kerry announce, upon his election, that Kerry would appoint Murphy as an ambassador to Ireland, or New Zealand, or Greece, etc. If Kerry pledged to get Murphy out of town, he'd get a ton of votes from western PA's swing voters.

Tom Murphy's been playing chicken with those in the state house and state senate for a few years now. He put our children into the front seat -- and it still hurts. Next he'll be putting the homeowners into a mission impossible ramble to misery. Murphy can't move the agenda to a "commuter tax" because he can't move any agenda. He must burden those who are stuck here who have yet to be drained in full. Murphy can't even stick it to seniors -- as you can't get blood from a rock.

Pittsburgh is in a hopeless place with this mayor. And, the hopelessness increases as the leadership of city council is so lame.

Wyoming

Give us a home, where the buffalo roam. The city kids did well in the west. We loved the visit to the Diamond Cross Ranch.

China's guys and gals

Interesting article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5953508&&CM=EmailThis&CE=1

An American demographer, who has been closely following China's population program and who spoke on condition of anonymity, lauded China's "coming to grips" with the problem.

"Still, they are in a deep dilemma -- emotional and policy dilemma -- because the solution to the problem will conflict with other parts of their population strategy to reduce birth rate or some of the measures could perhaps make the problem even worse," warned the demographer.

$5-million for Merry-go-round in parking spaces in Oakland

The merry-go-round in Schenley Plaza was given the green light in city council. A state grant of $5-million has come from the PA Governor. The $5-million can't be used for street paving, because it is being spent in the removal of valued parking spaces.

There was no public hearing on the park expansion. Yes, there was a post-agenda. I did rush to the meeting and got to speak. The process was trash. The process is a great example of what is wrong with Pittsburgh today and the outcome is going to be another elitist boondogle.

The grant for $5-million should have been applied to the formation of a new Pittsburgh Park District.

Who died so as to make the leader of the Pittsburgh Park Conservancy the queen of our town?

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy should be eliminated as it makes a serious a drag on the region. Its mission is with blinders by design. Its goals are of bricks and mortar, sadly.

Doug said, like a coward, "In the future I will look with great disfavor on projects such as these." Doug, there is no time like the present. You should have voted "NO" today. You should have acted like the leader you were hired to become.

The Heinz History center grant didn't take over public spaces, such as Phipps and the Carnegie Museum. Bill Peduto has it wrong.

The only councilmember to vote with courage to deny the elitist plan was Jim Motznik. Yeah Jim.

Grandview building heights

Background:

The uproar in Mt. Washington has been about the height of buildings. A zoning law has wiggled to city council that aims to cap the height of buildings along Grandview Ave, the senic roadway that sits atop of Mt. Washington and provides a splendid view of the rivers and downtown.

First of all, the folks in Mt. Washington have been energized on a number of different matters in the recent years. They had fights to save the school (Whittier), incline, library, ball-fields, rec center, swim pool, rehab of the long vacant South Hills High and still manage to program the DHCC -- a community center in the shell of a former grocery store. South Siders have some of that same spit, but, perhaps, Mt. Washington residents have been more on the cutting edge since the WE-HAV toils were nipping at their heels.

So, its been time to keep in the sadle and go again from Mt. Washington to city hall. Keep up the good work.

The clash comes with:
1) zoning laws,
2) the bulk of the people (desire a hight limit on buildings)and the grassroots want limits and are fighting "developers / speculators."
3) Meanwhile, elected leaders need to lead. And, if they can't sway the masses with their points of view, then it is time to "represent" the people's wishes.
When one is silent on the issue for 15 months, as was the city council member from that district, then it is hard to lead. And, pushing for a new amendment might soil the process.

However, Sala, "going all the way back to zero" is okay. That is a call to "think again." When a new law gets to the council, the law makers, it is fine to take it out at the knees if there are better possible outcomes. Sala is all to often quick to embrace lockstep decisions.

Bigger solutions

Pittsburgh is blessed with places all around the central ring where we should be building tall housing. The edge of the west end, near station square's west entry, at the north side of the west end bridge, near the east end of station square, at the bottom of the bluff east of the jail over from the 10th Street Bridge.

We can't turn Pittsburgh into Hong Kong -- but we could try for the higher residentail buildings at wasted corners that are now vacant or without much community merit. Point being: we need to fix the broken areas. We don't need to trample the thriving areas.

Furthermore, we need to use our political capital into allowing the marketplace to strive. I'd be quicker to think again on zoning and put all zoning laws into the trash and allow property rights to reside with the property owners.

Standards that are not standards is favortism. Our government needs heavy measures of justice and fairness -- not favorites and exceptions.

Doug: You don't need stability to move forward. To move forward you have to leave where you sit.
Your town, your neighborhood, your city. WRONG. What about your property?

However, the real bottom line comes with this awareness: The city's planning department is a complete failure. One of the first actions for the new mayor -- eliminate the planning department. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. However, when you follow poor plans, the results are sure to be poor.

Jerry Bowyer going to the 3 to 6 pm slot

Jerry Bowyer and "Uncle Douggie" (Hoerth) are switching time slots on WPTT, 1360 AM. Jerry Bowyer goes to 3-6.

Hoerth hates the morning, as he has said on the air. My radio won't play much of Uncle Dougie as his conversations are best suited for adults. I don't care to hear about the legs of TV newscasters, nor do I want my kids have that type of nonesense pushed into their airwaves.

Bowyer is a Pittsburgh media gem. He thinks. He gets great guests. He has knocked the system on multiple instances and with multiple campaigns. He is a worthy counter-weight to Lynn Cullen too.

All in all, I still really miss Chicago's radio talent. I'm a "Kev Head." I'd really like to hear daily sports reports from Jim Shorts. Listen yourself: http://www.kevhead.com/archives.asp

Open Debates Await

Let the George W. Bush and John Kerry campaigns know that the American people want real, democratic and engaging presidential debates hosted by the Citizens' Debate Commission, with all the candidates.

Both Kerry and Bush are campaigning to be your public servants, and you should not hesitate to remind them of your wishes, this week.

Kerry campaign: 202-712-3000

Bush campaign: 703-647-2700

The major party campaigns have assembled their high-profile debate negotiating teams, and they will soon begin debate negotiations.

Letters to the editor seeking open debates have been published in dozens of newspapers: Buffalo News, Baltimore Sun, Deseret Morning News, Tulsa World, Bellingham Herald, etc.

The Open Debates' Executive Director, George Farah, appears on ABC World News Now tonight (sometime between 1am and 3am EST, for those of you still awake), and on ABC News Now Thursday morning at 6am EST.

In Pittsburgh, we will have a voter education event on October 21, 2004. Save the date. Details to follow. All candidates on the ballot are being invited and strongly encouraged to attend or to send a spokesperson.

Holding Press Meetings

It's been a month now since John Kerry last talked to the news media. At that time he took eight questions. A week earlier, on Aug. 2, he held a news conference at which he took two questions. None of the ten questions had anything to do with his service in Vietnam.

Do not look for Kerry to hold a press conference any time soon.

Kerry's reluctance, though understandable, is beginning to draw complains from members -- at least conservative members -- of the news media, which is also understandable.

Chuck Muth, campaigndoctor.com, wrote and explained, (perhaps the only time he'll be on Kerry's side):

The purpose of a political campaign is to win an election; it is not to kowtow to the wishes of the press. That being the case there is only one reason for a candidate to hold a press conference, that being to help him win the election. If a press conference doesn't meet that criterion don't hold it.

Clearly then, as far as Kerry is concerned, holding a press conference today is not in his best interests. There are reporters, usually liberals, who will demand them, whining about their right to know. There is, however, no such right. You won't find it anywhere in the constitution.

Reporters, of course, have a right to ask questions. They have no right to an answer. The right of free speech also includes the right to be silent.

The fact that Kerry is not holding press conferences in itself speaks volumes. It tells reporters and, through them, the people, that there are questions he does not want to answer or for which he has no answers.

There probably are three lines of possible questioning which are making him nervous. One, the charges concerning the validity of his combat medals; two, the validity of his post-service testimony before a senate committee, and three, his penchant for taking stands on both sides of issues.

Until he can devise satisfactory answers to questions in these areas it is not likely he will be holding full-fledged press conferences.

Tom Murphy does NOT hold many press events. He dodges issues all too frequently as well. We need the press to act as "watchdogs." We need open, direct and honest leadership. I crave both in our community landscapes.

Pitt's International Week, Sept. 18-24, 2004

Requested to lead badminton activities on Sept. 20 from noon to 2 pm for International Week were nixed today. Permission wasn't secured as there is some eight week lead time to get a "permit" to use the lawn at Pitt's Cathedral or Student Union. My, they are worried about protests. Plus, a 'student group' was also needed as a co-sponsor. Pitt web site with more insights on International Week.

They're hosting a Soccer Tournament too, on the Cathedral lawn. Nice use of space.

Pitt's glossy magazine is expected to do a story on our trip to China. We're providing some photos and Catherine gave an interview.

Perhaps we'll get to do it next year, as the coordinator of the event was very excited. But, red tape prevails.

Yard Sign with recycled electrons

Rich Lord's new book

Rich Lord's book, American Nightmare
Predatory Lending and the Foreclosure of the American Dream

Wyoming

Elevation 8262.

Save our * (city, summer, steps, schools, stadium, ...)

The Pittsblog asks about the Iron City message, "Save Our City." I wrote, with typos over there and reposted:

On one level, I smile at the "Save Our City" campaign. At its most basic sense it is a call to "care." The Iron City Corporation trumpets a tune that gives a wake up to action in a civic sense. The message is less, "buy our beer" and more "we live here too." I think of the saving as a lifeguard who shows up at the swim pool guard chair and cares to insure that everyone is safe, alive, and healthy at the end of the day.

Too many corporations are worried too much about its own next customer, marketing its specific product. Meanwhile the marketplace is in a serious decline. The city is half of what it was. Those that are NOT here would have made for a larger, core customer base -- drinking a lot of beer.

Q: save if from what? My A: "rust, decline and apathy."

Tip: better to leave a message over on the Pittsblog and not here. And, Iron folks, it's better to bring a beer truck and not a case a beer to our family reunion next month -- along with a case of t-shirts.

Schools + County + City = hope = Formation of a new Pittsburgh Park District

The new plan that hit tonights TV news calls for our County Executive to form a charity to help to develop the parks. That approach isn't a ticket to success. Parks and kids shouldn't be with non-profit oversight.

Meet Up, 7 pm third Wednesdays - Beehive

Come to the Beehive on the South Side, now with a no-smoking room, breathing deeply, at 7 pm on Wed. Sept. 15. Ken is the new leader of the Pittsburgh's Weblogger group. Let's make some waves!

Community Technology Center Site Coordinator

Wireless Job for Peabody: JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Community Technology Center Site Coordinator
Salary Range: $28,000-$32,000 plus benefits package
Position Start Date: Fall 2004

Looking to trade links

Other networks and pointers are welcomed, as I'd love to get links for my blog elsewhere. You can link to your blogs, as well as other pages at my link center. Leads, please email me.

Homespun Bloggers Best Of Submission Tips

mudphud11-at-yahoo-dot-com

Remove the "X" parts and put in the correct HTML code, either quotes or the close the /A.

Join us on a hill walk on October 17, 2004

The South Side Slopes is full of interesting steps that snake through the urban neighborhoods. This non-competitive hike inclues a bit of history, entertainment and down-home-up-the-hill friends of all shapes and sizes. A two-for-$15 special goes to October 4.

Outreach

The time to network and extend in various fronts with others so as to build better solutions is here. Within the comments is a slice of some of these efforts.

Resignation chatter

PG coverage of resignation chatter

It is not worth the effort to offend Mr. Roddey, nor is it my duty to defend him either. Nonetheless, it would be great to see City Councilman, Jim Motznik, write a letter to Gov. Ed Rendell asking for help in getting the resignation of Tom Murphy.

To Jim's credit, he spoke of the resignation of Mayor Murphy, on the record, some weeks ago. His quote was something like .... "After we (City Council) passes this Act 47 plan (oversight), then we should ask for the resignation of Tom Murphy."

Like Luke's mention of resignation weeks before, the statement was stronger than double-speek, but not direct enough. Try this for blunt talk: Mayor Murphy should resign. The resignation would come for the good of the city. His time is finished as he can't get his agenda off the ground.

Yard Sign built with recycled electrons

Debate coverage and C-SPAN shows

C-SPAN's coverage of the first presidential debate is at 1pm ET Monday, September 6, 2004. The only two to show were Green Party Presidential Nominee David Cobb and Libertarian Party Presidential Nominee Michael Badnarik. It was held in New York City during the Republican National Convention.

Sunday, September 5, at 7:45 AM EST The program Washington Journal hosts Janet Brown, Executive Director, Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), for live call-in. Ms. Brown will talk by video link from Boston about the status and history of presidential debates. She will respond to telephone calls, faxes, and electronic mail from viewers.

The telephone numbers to call to find out why all the candidates are not being allowed in the debates are:

Washington Journal: Democrats (202) 585-3881

Washington Journal: Republicans (202) 585-3880

Washington Journal: Others (202) 585-3882

According to a recent Rasmussen poll, 68% of Americans want Michael in the debates - including 67% of Republicans and 64% of Democrats. Sadly, Ms. Brown, the CPD, George Bush, or John Kerry are in the minority and don't want democarcy for America.

People who don't care about open debates are careless people with democracy and don't care about the American people.

The Badnarik campaign footed the lion's share of the bill for the debate in NYC, as the Cobb campaign simply did not have enough financial resources to cover the expenses. To be clear, the Badnarik campaign was more than willing to help out our third-party brothers. Several Green Party members were more than generous to help defray the cost.

No Yard Signs

Another great reason to avoid YARD SIGNS comes to from Florida. Election day in Florida was Tuesday. Days later, Frances, a hurricane, arrived. The political signs stuck all around the state are sure to be fast-moving in-flight objects making life more dangerous, ripping down electrical, phone, cable lines and causing nasty property damage as they scrape and puncture.

I hate yard signs. I doubt I'll ever spend a nickle on yard signs in any campaign.

Pitt football

Ohio University visits Pitt for a football game on Sept. 11. See the comments for invite to the OU tailgate on the Gateway Clipper.

Pitt's first game of the season, slated for South Florida has been wash out due to Frances. The teams are slated to meet either Friday, December 3, or Saturday, December 4. Good decision.

Music is important -- but out of bounds

Music has a great place and role in all cultures, and one day I'll put more muscle into the S6 efforts. But is Slam Bush.net out of bounds?

Personally, I don't think it is wise to be so "negative" and "slam Bush." -- But I am all in favor of dissent and am also all in favor of good humor. We need to all 'lighten up.' So, in some ways, this is good. See the comment section for the details of an event in Pittsburgh with Sala Udin and Bill Peduto.

Linux in Government: Will Schwarzenegger Terminate Windows?

Linux in Government: Will Schwarzenegger Terminate Windows?: "Linux in Government: Will Schwarzenegger Terminate Windows?"

Four years ago, in my platform for Mayor, I pledged to make Pittsburgh an open-source leader. This plank is sure to surface in future campaigs as well. But now, the rest of the world has passed our ability to blaze new trails in these elements of technology. We can still lead, but perhaps not be the first. In 2000 and 2001 -- the concepts of open-source were original stump issues. In 2004 and 2005, others have worked on the issues and those efforts are sure to lend credit to the challenges at hand.

When we go to open source, we'll have better tools and save money. It isn't always as simple as the A-B-Cs. But, technology is something that can bring serious advantages to Pittsburgh's public landscape, if we have the leadership that gets it.

Not many political contributions are available from the poor children.. , but then one always has Microsoft.

Pens Practice Rink part of plan

PG reports Practice Rink for Pens part of plan

Kansas City Start coverage Kansas City.com/mld/kansascity/business/9567443.htm?1c on process for new arena for NBA / NHL

News flash: Tom Murphy, senior vice president of corporate communications at Sprint Corp. is named to the Kansas City planning committee for the development of a new, indoor arena there. Sprint has agreed to pay up to $2.5 million annually for the arena naming rights.

Closed door dealings, presentations stink

The city committee that will decide who will design the arena will conduct its interviews and deliberations behind closed doors.

“I don't want anybody to disturb the committee from paying close attention,” said Kansas City Councilman Terry Riley, one of the nine members. “We don't want anyone lobbying for one group or another. We want the best team for Kansas City.”

Assistant City Manager Rich Noll, who also is on the committee, said the decision to bar the public did not violate the Missouri Open Meetings Law.

“It is a working session,” he said. “There's no legislative activity going on and no public policy being addressed at that time.”

Closed South Side Indoor Ice Rink needs attention

If the Penguins want to have a practice facility, as they should, how about a look again into the now closed, indoor ice rink on the South Side. The rink is closed. The facility hosted Pens practices and had a rental connection when it was orginally covered. The NHL All-Stars held practices there.

Better yet -- a swim pool

Rather than putting in a practice ice, I'd love to see an aquatics complex within the scope of the new arena project. The Univ. of Florida has a 50-meter pool and diving towers within its basketball facility, tucked behind the stands. The spaces are not wasted around the edge of the arena.

When we visited China, I was impressed at the ongoing use of the space along the edge of the downtown stadium. Ballroom dancing, roller skate rink, and a casual dining area was put into action along the ramps and landings of the outdoor stadium. The indoor arena in China hosted a stock market. Photos pending.

Wasted Spaces

Sure, PNC Park hosted a concert that featured "The Boss." Other business events occur at PNC Park from time to time, and at The Great Hall in Heinz Field. But, these are too few and too far between.

Its great to see High School football games as part of the Rib Cookoff this weekend. Let's hold more regular events at these facilities. Why are we not playing scholastic soccer at Heinz Field on the other nights this weekend? Or, in the spring, when the demand on the field is less, we should have events with local teams.

We have public facilities and they should be used around the clock in other uses and around the calendar with other special events.

Bye-bye UV Loop

UV Loop Goes Bye-Bye -- PG coverage
The end of the road for the UV Loop is of little suprise to me. It was far too empty. Its course was bad as well. Sure, the support was amazing. But, it wasn't sustainable. It was a good idea that needed constant evolution.

After riding the UV Loop on a number of trips, mostly just for fun, I noticed how it wasn't effective. Same too with the new water taxi. A course re-do was needed. A few back and forth routes would have been much more productive. And, in turn, would have been sustainable. Some of the suggestions I made to the organizers at the outset of the UV Loop would have been significant. It needed 10 to 100-times the ridership, and the loop wasn't able to provide those passenger trips.

China and the Olympics

My pre-Olympic prediction that the Olympians from China would perform very well in Athens rang true. The strong medal winning performances by China and Japan make Beijing in 2008 something special. The I.O.C. President, Jocques Rogge was in agreement and spoke highly of Asian nation performances. The Athens Games is where Asia has awakened. He expects Asia to be a full strength for the Beijing Games.

The women's volleyball team from China held a practice before they played the US squad -- and they didn't even use a ball. The announcers watched the practice, 90 minutes, and not a ball to be found. Final game score, 25-18.

The divers from China are amazing. They took six out of eight gold medals. Photos from our trip are yet to go online. However, any of the 10-year old divers in Chengdu would have been able to breeze to a WPIAL diving title. And, there were 20 or more very talented, hard working kids in the pre-teen ages.

China got 31 gold in Athens, but had a goal of 20 and had 28 gold in Sydney. Japan had 16, making the best for them in 40 years. South Korea was 12th with eight golds.

Ping pong -- China got three out of four golds. After the games more ping-pong comes into the spotlight as a diplomatic tool for China and its neighbors.

In badminton, China got three of five golds.

China looms large in swimming, gymnastics, rowing, track-and-field, shooting, basketball and weightlifting. Ethiopians passed at the end of the 10K by said that they assumed they were a full lap ahead of the Chinese runner, Xing Huina (women).

Others to watch include South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan Indonesia. The South Korea women archers won an 11th straight gold -- completing a 20-year streak, unmatched in any other sport at the Olympics.

This blog

Readability and Attribution

The web's we weave are not always as visible and clear as they could or should be. In interest of time, fair use, and repetition, links to other articles are generally put within the rants that occur on this blog. I do a good bit of external linking on all of my sites.

From time to time I should thank, in public, the editors and writers of the PG and Trib. Of couse their conent is used most often for fodder to these fires. I do try to give them credit in each instance. I avoid academic footnotes, but should try to be less sloppy.

As I see clever and helpful writting, I often post a kind mention directly to the writers.

In the future, the aim is to use both the "blockquote and "ITALIC" formats to better isolate material that is lifted from the other sources.

First day of school

The kids are back to school, starting today. But, today also marks the first day South Vo Tech is empty. There was summer school.

Fifty percentage of all eleventh grade students score below proficiency in math in Pittsburgh Public Schools. For eleventh graders who scored below the proficient level of reading, there has been small improvement as the percentage decreased from 41 percent in 2002 to 39 percent in 2004.

The percentage of African Americans that scored below proficient in math is a staggering 82.5 percent in 2004 (virtually the same as the 82.7 percent in 2002 (but an improvement over the 84 percent in 2003)). The results are slightly better on the reading part of the test: 72.1 percent scored below proficiency in 2004. The group scored better than those who took the test in 2002 (74.1 percent), but not as well as those who took the test in 2003 (71.8 percent).

The students who are closest to graduating and entering the workforce and higher education are doing the worse.
Policy Brief in PDF formatted version from the Allegheny Institute

My suggestions: Split up the Pgh Public School District with one HORIZONTAL slice and a number of vertical ones for the K-8 levels. I'd love to see three to five new school districts come into formation. Each district with its own elected school board, superintendent and geographical area would be constructed for students from K to 8th grade. Then the existing PPS District would be city-wide and only need to focus on the education of the high school aged students.

I coached at New Trier High School, named at the time by Town and Country magazine, the very best public high school in America. It was. The New Trier school district is a 9-12 district. It has a number of other districts that feed into the high school. Each of the other districts, smaller, are able to focus upon the education of the younger kids, grades K-8.

Pittsburgh's Public Schools, as a district, is too big. It is too hard to get volunteers, focused attention on learning, and other challenges into solutions.

My kids are excited about the new school year. My hope is that everyone feels the same and that the desires to learn never fade. And, as a parent I know that I can best impact the kids in their youngest ages. And, when it comes to teaching higher level lessons, like those found in high schools, great teachers are necessary. We need to overhaul our approach to education in Pittsburgh, and a split in the district would be a great solution.

To hedge his adventure, our oldest boy did ask last night if it was still possible to take Semester at Sea. Not this year Erik.

Wearing blame IS productive

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04246/372097.stm

Ed Rendell, PA's Governor, doesn't yet understand our situations.

PG article (link above) quote: "I know people think this city is crying wolf, but there's no question this city is out of money by December," Rendell said.

We are crying "wolf" and pointing fingers at Mayor Murphy. The city is out of money because the wolves ate it all! The city has been chewed into nothingness. The link between the call of wolf and the lack of funds might be lost with the Governor's understanding.

"We've been trying to point the finger of blame for over a year now. That's not productive. Regardless of who's to blame it's up to us [in Harrisburg] to solve this and give Pittsburgh the opportunity to get back on its feet financially."

Wrong. Going to the root of the problem is productive. Wearing blame and putting blame where blame needs to reside is critical to fixing our future. To be productive is to learn from history. To make the same mistakes again is what we all fear.

Harrisburg has a role in the solution, now that Pittsburgh is so far gone. However, it is NOT up to Harrisburg to solve this. Why give Pittsburgh an opportunity to get back on its feet financially when it will not come face-to-face with the necessary blame and will repeat the same tragic outcomes?

Summary:
It is one thing to be a big spender. However, it is another matter when the spending is illegal. And, when the plan to overspend breaks the city's charter, our law, not once, but for two years -- then we have a real problem and case of repeated mistakes. Mayor Murphy and the City Council passed budgets that were not legal -- TWICE in a row. This is sure to happen again.

The mayor and the city's leaders have yet to realize what they did is wrong the first time yet alone the second time. The third time is upon us.

Rendell repeated yesterday that some kind of state-approved tax reform is "absolutely essential" for the city.

What is really essential for the city, is the understanding that we can't sidestep blame. When Ed Rendell gives cover to Tom Murphy, again and again, we won't be able to heal. The healing begins as soon as Tom Murphy and his cronies go to the private sector.

Murphy's next spending plan is due to the board Sept. 22. Expect that the city won't be able to live within its means. We expect the wolf to bear its ugly head again to devour some more.

Great debate news in PA, finally

Debates for US Senate to be inclusive - PG article

PA will be treated to U.S. Senate debates with all the candidates. Great news.

Democratic challenger Joe Hoeffel has persuaded debate organizers to allow the Constitution Party's Jim Clymer to take part in the candidate forums set for Oct. 2 and 9. The debates' co-sponsors, which include the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania said Clymer and Libertarian Party candidate Betsy Summers will receive invitations to participate. Thanks Joe!

Originally, the debates, included only Specter and Hoeffel. Both the League of Women Voters and the PA Association of Broadcasters are known to often exclude candidates. Both got pulled out of another shameful moment by a candidate leader.

The talk of debate criteria is bunk. The only criteria that should be used at this point is the ballot itself. If a name is on the ballot, then the true criteria has been established. All debates should be opened to all candidates in a fair and even manner. The state's arcane election laws take a second seat to the state's bigots who host debates and don't include everyone from the outset.

From PG, link above: "We consented to the Hoeffel campaign: 'If you want Clymer in there, we'll stick him in there,'" said Richard Wyckoff, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.

I prefer that the president and the association consented to a sense of fairness, not to the Hoeffel compaign. Moment to moment justice is needed, especially with the watchdogs.

The story here isn't about any campaign trying to pull votes away from another. Rather, our shared well of democracy counts most of all. And, those who would choose to spoil our American landscape with lame journalism needs to be discounted by their peers, or in this case, just given a scolding for showing their true UN-Democratic colors at the outset.

Gag Orders for Men and Women in Blue

Being 'open' is a value that matters greatly. I hate to witness "closed society" methods.

The ACLU has threatened to sue Pittsburgh's police chief if he doesn't lift rules restricting the free speech rights of city officers. Officers can't speak to the media after disciplinary action, even after an internal investigation is finished. Only police management can address discipline.

The rules also bar officers or other employees from publicly criticizing superior officers or fellow employees and require officers or other employees to clear any critical comments through the chief's office.

The policy is vague, confusing and has a chilling effect on speech. Meanwhile, this blog is open to postings, even unsigned ones.

Phili set to clean our clocks

Phili, the city of brotherly love, home to fast Eddie, our urban counterpart to the east -- home region of two of my sisters is doing thing that sizzle past what we can muster in Pittsburgh.

Olympics to Phili in 2024

Wireless Society

Pittsburgh should and could take the leader's role in wireless access, if we get a mayor who cares in these matters. Our present mayor can't even get what is due to us as part of the Comcast Cable agreement.

Pittsburgh shouldn't put together a bid package for the Olympics. However, we should be a region that trains an Olympian or five. Plus, we do need to get that cooperative spirit flowing around here. We can't even host a marathon, yet Akron has two.

GOP Convention Schedule

Sent from a friend: Tonight's GOP Convention Schedule

Back from the beach

We did a lot of surfing at the beach, but didn't encounter anything like this. However, the Green Tree Great White Sharks ruled the summer swim league again in 2004. We'll need to update the final standings, but all went well with the team, our young swimmers, the coaching and such.

National Taxpayers Union smashes Tom Murphy

Politicians Increasingly Use Property Grabs to Pad Government's Bottom Line

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- Using subsidies and city-financed loans adding up to more than $50 million -- $150 for every person living in Pittsburgh -- Mayor Tom Murphy lured Lazarus and Lord & Taylor to relocate in the city. However, both upscale department stores closed before they even reached the sales target that would require them to start payments on their taxpayer- financed loans.

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=35180

ntu.org

September 24 workshop @ school, family and community

Joyce Epstein, Director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships at John Hopkins University, will be facilitating a workshop in Pittsburgh on September 24, 2004 at the PFT (Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Building) on the South Side. The workshop will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is no cost for attendance.
More at PPS.CLOH.Org.

Fat Lady Sings at North Side Amphitheater Plan

Trib coverage of A.I. policy.
PDF version of policy brief.
Comments in the Trib PM from 4 faces in the crowd

Is this another "done deal?" The design is bad. The plan is bad. This should not occur with PUBLIC funds. The land is already secured with public muscle. Do it on your own.

All the Kng's Men Could NOT put Humpty together again

Just as Humpty fell, so too went our city. Pittsburgh has stumbled. To fall is bad. But, dealing with that tumble is more telling. Pittsburgh can't get back up. Pittsburgh won't be able to fix itself with the help of all the king's horses and all the king's men. The present leaders, i.e., the king's horses and men, can't work together. Do they have the creativity needed in these times.

I've said, for years, that the king's resources joined with those of the people would make for much better solutions.

Mayor Murphy's veto on the City Council agreement with the I.C.A. (Intergov. Cooperative Agency) (one of the oversight boards) is telling. The Murphy VETO came at the final hour, just before the agreement would have been law. Murphy should have spoken sooner in the process about the amendments. And, furthermore, as soon as the legislation passed City Council in an 8-1 vote, Mayor Murphy should have made his veto known.

"Time is of the essence," said Councilman Alan Hertzberg, one of the five who voted to sustain Murphy's veto.

To Tom Murphy, who has had time pass him by, the rush to fix Pittsburgh is secondary to the rush to stand his ground.

Gov. Ed Rendell stepped into the dispute, pledging in a letter to lobby the Legislature to diversify the board.

Dear Gov. Rendell. Send the letter to lobby for diversity to YOURSELF. I've been harping that the ICA overvsight board mistakes would be repeated with the GAMBLING Panel for PA. Paid $145,000 per year, we see that diversity is expected with the appointment by Gov. Rendell of a women for the last slot, Mary DiGiacomo Colins, a former associate in the Phili D.A.'s office.

McCabe, the sixth member of the gambling board, has been called, Rendell made the final appointment in early September. Legislative leaders of both parties appointed four members. Rendell gets to pick three. Each of the legislative appointees has veto power over board actions. One of the seven appointees is a women. One is an African American. Five are white males.

"It's a moral issue," said Carlisle, who voted to override the veto. "I do want to see a woman on that board."

Take aim at the Gambling Board too. And, don't fuss after the train leaves the station. Don't take a lead from Tom Murphy, as he is always way behind the curve on everything.

Arguing to sustain the veto, Councilman Sala Udin warned his colleagues that they would alienate the governor if they insisted on keeping the amendments in the agreement. "I don't want to get in a fight with the primary friend we have in Harrisburg," Udin said. "We will need Gov. Rendell's support."

With friends like this, who needs enemies? Gov. Rendell is no friend to "democracy" nor "the people." If Gov. Rendell wanted to change the diversity on the oversight board, he could and would.

Shields punts on second down

Councilman Doug Shields, building on Udin's argument, cautioned that state legislators will refuse to give the city new taxation authority if council continues to squabble with the oversight board over the amendments. "We're not in the driver's seat anymore," he said. "We don't hold the cards to bargain."
Of course you don't hold the cards. Of course City Council is a short step away from meaningless. Of course Tom Murphy is powerless. However, to punt, or to give up, is hopelessness personified. Doing nothing insures nothing gets better. Will the downward spiral ever even slow when elected leaders not only squander the power that is their duty but prohibit others from doing somethig about this king and his court?

Swiftly, .... ROTFL

In a prepared statement, Murphy said, "It is my hope that council will move swiftly to adopt the new cooperation agreement, which will allow us to move forward in a cooperative spirit with the [oversight board]."

ROTFL = Roll On The Floor Laughing.

UN-democratic Democrats

Trib article
Tom Murphy is fighting to keep a question off of the ballot. He and his type don't want the citizens to make choices. The opinions and methods of self-determination -- yet alone the voice of the people -- seem to be meaningless to him.

On Monday, the city's leaders formally appealed a Common Pleas Court decision that allowed a union referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot. Murphy administration lawyers contended the referendum would violate the Act 47 plan, but Judge Eugene Strassburger ruled the city can only challenge the response times if and when voters approve the ballot question.

Firefighters' union attorney, Josh Bloom, said Murphy is trying "to find a loophole to gag the people's right to be heard on the matter of public safety."

The firefighters put their muscle behind efforts with signature collection. They have the "RIGHT" to get a ballot question before the people on election day. The move by the mayor to go to the courts is classic. He and the others who are in leadership roles don't want to be democratic. They don't act like Americans.

As for the question and the issue --- I'm not sure yet what to say. Research is needed. But, an appeal is still looming. In a certain way it makes sense to follow the story of supression now while there is still an a hope to foil the election day choices for the voters. But, once the appeal is resolved -- then it is due time to see the article on all the sides of the question and cover the issue as watchdogs should.

In other news, county executive, Dan O, (Dem) is locking horns with another Dem, County Council's Rich F. This is a power grab. They struggle for authority. Various roles from the different branches of government have been established for a reason. I don't need to see uncooperativeness going to the courts.

The county executive has a role. The county council has a role. The roles are not alike. The rules are clearly written and esablished. If there is some wiggle room -- work it out like leaders should. Don't sue each other. Fix the problem.

Leaders who can't lead -- should leave. Or, bicker. Go to court. Then welcome to the private sector on the next election day.

When Dems are undemocratic and when Dems are running to the courts at such frequent intervals -- then it is time for all the Dems in this city to "think again."

We can't reach our potential as a region when our dems in the executive office can't get along with the other dems in the other branch. Tom Murphy vetoed an 8-1 vote yesterday concerning the ICA agreement. Lead -- don't lurk and just suprise and bring suits. He is hopeless, and he can't lead -- rather -- LEAVE.

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.