MeetUp -- Christmas party -- post this around as you can, please.

Hint: Click the logo / button!

Gathering at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites on Pittsburgh's South Side, 20 South Tenth Street, 412-488-1130.

Bring your wireless PCs. Bring a couple bucks. Bring some favorite beverages too. Coffee and juice is provided. Swimming is right next door at the Oliver Bath House, family swim from 7:30 to 9 pm.

We'll hang there to about 10:30 pm. Want to help, feel free to call or email me.

Come with checkbooks open: 10 am on Thursday, Dec. 16, public hearing in city council chambers

The city clerk just called to inform me that the Citizens of Pittsburgh have called City Council to hold a public hearing on bill 2004-0900 about Campaign Finance Reform for the city races of mayor, controller and city council to be held at 10 am on Thursday, December 16 in City Council Chambers.

Watch for an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review on Saturday.

I went to speak to Pittsburgh Business Times today and did speak again withe the editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.

The public hearing has been rushed ahead. That's fine with me. I think they need 10 day's notice. This is six. Oh well. Wonder if TV coverage will be nixed too. I expect so.

If you want to speak, --- do so NOW. We need to coordinate efforts. That's about effectiveness and efficient discussions.

The list of problems with this bill are long. But, I hope we'll be able to fix them.

I saw some firefighters today too. They'll talk about the bill at their union meeting soon.

Questions: 412-298-3432. = my cell phone.

Doyle's e-newsletter

Reading the newsletter from the congressman, great effort by the way, has many interesting connections to the mayor, rather than the president. Bad budgeting. Bad will with closed and quick decisions. (see comments)

Board for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Nicholas Beckwith III, News Bureau: There are 63 directors on the board, which is comprised of representatives from the University of Pittsburgh, member hospitals and other community civic and business leaders.

Are you on the board too? Or, have you been?
I frown upon authorities. Appointed authority directors serve on the boards and get to pull powerful strings in the public sector. They are not held accountable to voters in elections. PAT, Stadium Authority, Parking Authority, Water & Sewer, Leasing Authority and so on.

Worse than a frown, like frown squared, goes out to UPMC. Those board members are not even identified. Faceless.

We need to open our ways, big time.

Spirit of America - How baseball helped children and saved lives in Afghanistan

I generally stay to local issues on this blog. But, here goes a sports and international story about volunteerism, coaching and kids. Nice read. Spirit of America

Meanwhile at home, our kids now without the coordinators who had been part of the BIG League office. They were layedoff, some in past years, two more this month. Pittsburgh's volunteers are needed to fill roles of coordinators and coaches. And, our kids need some attention too.

Peace. It's hard work and brings a lot of fun to everyone.

Show Me The Way

Confessions Of A Political Junkie: Show Me The Way All campaigns are exercises in investments. The greater the risk, the greater the reward – if successful. The greater the risk, the greater the disaster – if unsuccessful. Likewise with little risk there is little reward or disaster. Unfortunately, too many campaigns have no idea where they are positioned to know if they should take a big risk or a little risk and, if so, in which direction that risk should be targeted to get to victory.

Humm.... This fellow has a lot of good advice on his blog.

I have a good understanding of where I'm at on the map. I'm aware of the travels yet to come. I'm not adverse to taking risks. I can go out on a limb. Being a risk taker, and being calculated, is one of the only themes found in the study of successful people.

The risk element, however, plays greatly to my friends and neighbors in the city's Republican party. To do nothing in one slot on the total ballot (i.e., Mayor's race), can be the safe and prudent option. Efforts to run a candidate for mayor can backfire. The best option, still with a great, great upside, is to support these efforts, here.

Meanwhile, running for other seats is with more purpose and devotion.

KQVs AM show has some nice interviews

My AM Radio dail has been set to KQV, and I've been impressed in the past weeks. They are doing a nice job with extended interviews.

Joan from Penn Future was on to speak of the pie in the sky building of the Mon Valley Toll Road. She hit all the big points well.

Seems Paul O'n, formerly of Alcoa and Bush cabnet, is now an ex- with UPMC's board. That board is H - U - G - E. Not sure why he'd pull off there. Humm.

The KQV editorial on the city's finances made it to the air too, it seems, after three others were yanked due to changes in the conditions in the landscape. Too many cooks can spoil the broth was a theme. Beyond a recap, the only other solid statement, "Sometimes even a blind pig can find an acorn."

Finally, like the radio ads of Trizilla, a sports and fitness store run by another former Fox Chapel swim coach. I'll need to look to see if he has an affiliate program and does web banner ads. Or, just need to plug Dicks some more.

Perhaps you'd better be older than 42 to represent the 42nd?

Senate seat draws interest - PittsburghLIVE.com: "The 42nd Senatorial District includes city neighborhoods in the south and west portions of Pittsburgh, plus Baldwin, Kennedy, Neville, Robinson, Scott and Stowe townships; and Bellevue, Brentwood, Carnegie, Castle Shannon, Coraopolis, Crafton, Dormont, Green Tree, Heidelberg, Ingram, McKees Rocks, Pennsbury Village, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg boroughs. "

Row Office Reform tidbits

One idea: Make the recorder of deeds a function of a new office on assessments. That County Assessor could and perhaps should be an elected official. Property assessments have been such a tooth ache around here. Putting it as a political office, with accountability to the voters might be a viable solution. So, that is an increase in Row Offices.

The Prothonatary, Clerk of the Courts, and Register of Wills, (that's three current row offices) should be servants to the courts, not the County Executive. The PA Governor does not appoint the positions for similar state positions. Rather, the court officials do.

Perhaps a court challenge will come in the weeks and months in the future from, none other than the court leadership. The judges are not going to like the fact that the leaders of those possitions are assigned by the county executive.

Now looking for signatures to call a public hearing

A petition is being circulated that calls for a public hearing before city council on the matter of the campiagn finance reform bill just introduced yesterday. We have until Friday to get the necessary signatures from voters in the city.

Furthermore, we'll need to huddle a bit to organize the points for and against the bill.

I'll try to get golden master copies of the petition online soon (by midnight at the latest) so you can print, sign and forward back to me or directly to the city clerk's office.

The bill itself has been put into a PDF and linked to from another blog entry here. Reactions welcomed in comments here too.

Jobs: Web Marketing Manager - for Gr. Pgh Convention & Visitors

Idealist.org: Web Marketing Manager

See comments for other interesting job postings this week including:

1. Bloomfield Garfield Corporation for a YouthLinks position.

2. East End Neighborhood Employment Center for Executive Director.

3. Stonewall Dems for DC political director.

Christmas strings concerts

My boys are playing their violins with the Pittsburgh Music Acadmey at PPG Wintergarden at 5: pm on Saturday, Dec. 11.

Plus, you can catch them at 2 pm on December 19 at the Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie.

Ho, ho, ho. Tickets are $0.

I'm not sure when the school concert is, exactly. Their holiday play was scratched as the teacher had a bad fall and messed her ankle. Get well soon! My older boy had a speaking part, 4-lines, and was to play the Mayor.

Row office reform

I talked with Wayne Fontana of County Council on the phone. He worked a lot on the row-office reform measures and process. It seems the idea of 10-ballot questions, one for each elected office, was talked about. Wayne, perhaps being nice to me, said he like that idea and pushed for it himself.

By the way, Wayne and I are both expected to be on the campaign trails seeking the PA Senate seat in the 42nd District. Disclosure ends.

But, the Republicans didn't like the 10-votes idea. Nor did the Dems. Wayne didn't have a lot of support.

The fear was that the public would be so mad that they'd transition all 10 from elected office status.

How about this as a wrinkle for the veto's counter measure. The election is May 2005. Any given office transitions from elected to appointed could occur January 1, 2006. But, if the case of more than five (50%) transitions are voted upon, the remaining ones (6, 7, 8, 9, 10?) are to terminate Jan 1, 2007.

The offices that are mandated with a higher percentage of voters for closing close first. The offices that are less strongly in favor of an appointed leader transfer in 2007, if that is the will of the appointed leader of that office. Sooner would be permitted.

Bill's bill about too many bills. Pay to play -- nickle bets

Newly introduced campaign reform bill in a PDF with notes from me.

Hot off the presses. Some new rules are coming in time for the 2005 mayor's race, if Bill Peduto has his way. Bill is being talked about as a candidate. So, he is going to change the laws in serious ways now? Are you nuts? Let's change the goal post in the first quarter of the game.

I think I'll try to peg this the JIM THORPE rule. Thorpe was an Olympian. Great athlete. Poor background. Won medals. Lost medals because he broke the amateur athlete code and got some cash to play baseball. Those rule at that time were part of the sporting landscape to favor the rich. The poor kids, like today, can't travel to tournaments to compete without some cash to get there. But the rich could.

We do need to put these concepts onto the table and talk about them. There is a lot of "Pay To Play" in the city's fabric. However, this law is not yet ready for prime time. There should be a public hearing put on the law as soon as possible, for starters.

Trend: Too late. This should have surfaced six months ago.

If this isn't the JIM THORPE law, perhaps it will be the Earl Jones law. Earl has a wealthy nephew who could bankroll the mayor's race for Earl. Are the Democrats afraid of that?

Another kicker was today's city council action. A contract was awarded to a firm, Mockenhaupt Benefits Group that finances some of the benefits package of city workers. It is some finance deal that the administration wants to put into place. Deal like this happen all the time. But, two on council, Luke and Jim, voted no. They both, and Gene might have been absent but raised some questions last week, wanted to see a contract of that value be put out to bid -- or at least to a RFP process (Request for Proposals). But no. The mayor of the city wants to spend the money is a fashion as he sees fit -- without a bid. And, Bill Peduto is fine with that. I'm not.

Bid all the contracts.

New campaign reforms would not be needed if everything in the city was done on the up and up. The proposed law states that any person who makes a maximum contribution during an election cycle may not be awarded a contract relating to City affairs, without going through a competitive bidding process. Jeepers. Have all the awarded contracts be done with a competitive bid.

Furthermore, who is to say what's what. Who works at the benefits group, or owns it, or manages it, or rents space to it --- whatever --- who is giving to various campaigns. As it is today, no corporate donations can be made to campaigns. So, Mockenhaupt Benefits Group isn't going to show up in the campaign finance reports.

There are many better things to do than this law. How about, for starters, we give each candidate for office 10 hours on the government station as soon as they are on the ballot. Let's let all the candidates make their case. Rather, we get flashing photo billboards of all the members in office now for free for four years at a time.

RCAC.net team nets Monica for political director

See the comments for a mention from Bob G, the GOP Chair. Lots of strong females are in the upper ranks of the county's GOP team.

Do more with Les

It's a good campaign slogan: Do More with Les. That's Les Ludwig.

Today Mr. Ludwig tossed his hat, officially, into the Democratic Mayor's race primary. He talked about the lack of leadership in the city council chambers, in the administration AND with the unions.

Doubt you'll see much in the newspaper or on the radio. His arrival into the race is going to make it rocky for Bob O'Connor. There is some history between the two. Bob O'Connor, as his city councilman, didn't help in a home-care operation.

Les has dug on a few different issues. I've posted his comments on the issues to the internet at my sites.

PG: The people lose / Needed repairs come to nothing

EditorialThe legislation that brought casino gambling to Pennsylvania was flawed in various ways, but the most flagrant irritant to many ordinary people was the provision allowing public officials to have up to a 1 percent stake in gambling entities. A public outcry went up to fix this open invitation to a conflict of interest, and lawmakers hurried to oblige.

That effort has come to nothing... When Republican Sen. John Pippy of Moon introduced Senate Bill 1209 in August, it was a simple affair dealing with the 1 percent problem. When it reached the governor's desk last month, it was anything but simple. The bill was loaded with amendments and Gov. Ed Rendell vetoed it....

This was a collective failure of the executive and legislative branches, Democrats and Republicans. Many Pennsylvanians wanted something done and what they got was a parody of casino life: a lot of action and no final payout. Shamefully, it is another thing that the politicians did without getting right. It's a piece of unfinished business that must be revived next year."

This goes to the trends of doing too little, doing it too late, and one-step better than the worst possible. We need higher standards. Perhaps our expectations need to be raised? When you aim low, it is hard to miss.

10-4 vote for 10-4 question on row office reform

Passed council, 10-4 for 10-4.: "'I think this is a historic moment to reform and reorganize county government,' Rich Fitzgerald said after the meeting."

Everything is so dramatic and so historic. Give us a break.

And, to say it is only 'fair' to let the officials serve out their terms is NOT fair to the will of the people. Fair for row offices. The fair thing to do is put each office before the voters and have it stand on its own.

Give us 10 ballot questions, one for each office. Then let's see how the campaign works.

Dan could veto their plan and get the necessary signatures to put his 10-2 plan onto the ballot. Or, Dan could counter with a 10 office 10 vote plan. Thankfully, there is still a little time.

Anyone else what to offer a ballot question for discussion? This is the time to toss it out into the marketplace of ideas for review.

Place those orders to getting ready for Christmas?

In the next days I've got to come to grips with our final purchase for our kids. Do they do Linux at the North Polo or do we have to get an elf from Round Rock, TX? My kids don't read my blog, as they are generally into Backyard Baseball. But, if you have had any good values let me know in the comments. Thanks in advance.

Christmas Party -- RSVP form

Thanks for the RSVP. Idealist.org: Christmas Party, slated for 7:30 pm on Wednesday, December 15 on the South Side.

You can use this page to invite up to six others as well. Thanks!

Sunday's Libertarian Party, Dec. 12, 7 pm - Monroeville

I'll be there. Hope you can consider it and attend as well. To RSVP, send me an email or put it into the comments.

Sunday, Dec 12th 7 PM. Annual Libertarian Party of Pgh (Allegheny County) Holiday Party at John Harvard's on Business route 22 in Monroeville. This is next to Penn Center and across the street from the Cinnemette East. Everyone on this list is invited. We have to plan the details in the next few days, gather RSVPs and send out additional invitations. Admission will be free. There will be separate checks.

We will probably have a 50/50 raffle to get funds for the party. Anyone can join the LPPgh for an additional year for the reduced rate of $20 at the holiday party. We should hold a short meeting, ratify the chapter election results, possibly nominate someone to run for Jack Wagner's vacated state senate seat, then adjoun. There is no out of town speaker this year, but potential candidates may wish to speak.

We should also take a few minutes to recap 2004 and lay out a general plan for 2005. John Harvard's is a brew pub that makes about 20 varieties of beer. Their food is British/American and includes entrees like chicken pot pie, shrimp scampi, blackened chicken something or other, Oriental chicken salad, grilled salmon,
etc.

Replacement sought for Wagner's state Senate seat

Replacement sought for Wagner's state Senate seatThough no date has been chosen for the special election, the election will probably be in the spring, and could coincide with the spring primary."

To date, the only Republican to publicly express interest in running for Wagner's Senate seat is David Jason, a Scott Township commissioner.

(Bill Toland can be reached at btoland@post-gazette.com or 1-717-787-2141.)

My adivce is headed to Harrisburg in a letter soon. I'm asking that the special election for this open seat be held on May 17, 2005. That special election can occur at the same time as the primary election day so as to save money. The costs of a special election for a Senate seat are too steep to hold on its own day.

I was at an organizational meeting this weekend with some former DEAN supporters from throughout the county. They started to talk about the open PA Senate seat and the need to get good candidates. I spoke up and said, "I resemble that remark." Later I had the floor for a three minute update and invited them to the wiki, Platform.For-Pgh.Org.

Row office reform solution -- unbundle and take on a case by case vote.

I wrote to Erik Selby, Program Manager, KQV, and asked if I might provide an audio editorial.

Row office reform is a big topic in 2005. Our county's chief executive has a plan to reduce the elected offices from ten to two. Others on council and in our political system have different plans, be it 6 or 5 or otherwise.

Rather than a bundled package, I'd love to see the voters of the county deal with each office on a case by case basis. Rather than one question for the voters with an outcome of for example, 10-2, take it or leave it.

Let's think again. Let's ask ten questions.

Should the county charter be changed so as to keep and elected position of:

Treasurer: vote "YES" or "NO."

District Attorney: vote "YES" or "NO."

Sheriff: vote "YES" or "NO."

(and so on)

Listing all the office postions could be squeezed into the radio's message.

The voters are smart enough to take this apart on a case by case basis. The vote would allow each office to campaign or not for their role within the new structure.

When there is a bundled deal, this gives cover. The process should be open, honest and clear for all to see.

As voters are not aware of the issue, they'd be encouraged to not vote and leave the decision to those who have strong opinions on the matter. But, in the course of the campiagns, good news outlets would rise to the call for more voter eduction, also on a case by case basis. This educational exposure would make the county stronger and serve as a civics primer to many.

Western Pennsylvania lags in terms of our use of democracy. Let's provide more power to the people. Our use of referendums and ballot questions is horrid. We should enliven this process as a tool of democracy. Self-reliance is in short supply and greatly needed before we can solve the various crises we face.

###

Of course, I'd re-write for length before going to the studio.

What to do with three Apple Laser Printers?

I've got three broken Apple laser printers. Two are LaserWriters II and one is a LaserWriter Pro (600?). There was a time when these cost thousands. All have had heavy use and served me well. Is there a repair guy out there? Is a rehab even possible? Anyone want them for parts? The Apple stores don't deal with them.

Thanks for your advice and tips, Mark at Rauterkus dot com -- or in the comments.

First edition of Homespun Bloggers Radio

Well worth the listen. Running mates will play here too. And, we're now working on our own multimedia efforts, yet to come.

PPS boss, Dr. Thompson, do we re-up or not?

Dr. John Thompson gets ink in Trib on Nov. 28. More ink flows in early December as a "secret consensus" seems to be flowing from the School Board -- but yet un-announced.

I do love the headline, "It is never going to be a smooth ride. ... It's the name of the game of a large city school superintendent. It's never going to be a smooth ride," said Thompson.

As a coach, it is my job to take people out of their comfort zones. As a challenger in politics, perhaps, I've got to walk with the same type of passions. To learn is to grow, to change. To break the machine, we'll have to teach, to fuel efforts in new directions, to get out of our rut.

If you are content, like Mr. Rooney, perhaps, then I don't expect I'll get your vote. And, I expect to be escorted away from the gates of Heinz Field again some time soon. But back to the school's super, Dr. T.

There are deadlines and then there are sunsets and expirations. Our contract-speak, for both Walt Harris and Dr. Thompson is being reported upon poorly. "The deadline might have to be extended." Fine. No worry at my end.

The quote last week was, "Thompson will be offered a fair contract." Fair Warning, as in "fair share" and "fair tax base." This week the headline is not so certain, "set to decide."

Challenges remain, but why would one of them be listed as "a school board opposed to raising taxes." I'd say that is an asset. So, the legislature goes and robs the school district.

Also included in Dr. J. Thompson's priorities is cultivating a better relationship with the school board, ... and other area politicians.

"It really concerns me that I haven't built a better relationship with the board and some of the politicians in the area. That's a must in order for the school district to move forward," he said.

Bingo. This is a huge statement. Huge. Let me explain. When Dr. Thompson first came to Pittsburgh I wrote to him and said, "Garbage in = Garbage out." This is an old slogan from the world of computer programming. If you have a bunch of junk programming, your program is going to be junk. I explained to him that our political system is ill and sick. Hence, the only one's he'll get on the school board are going to be products of that environment.

The winners of the local elections for school board are not sick. But, the process they need to navigate is. The process in our local democracy is frail and can't craft a method that insures great outcomes, as should be the case.

Dr. T needs to work with the school board much more than with the teachers and far more than with the students. Dr. T needs to be concerned with the board, its make-up, and the landscape of our politics in Pittsburgh.

Until that statement was in the paper, Dr. T has been sleeping at the wheel. He has blown many great opportunities to do things in new ways with political implications. Now, perhaps, he thinks this is the time. There is no time like the present. But there is much to do. Might be too little too late to come to this observation. I'm very excited to get this progressing.

The unresponsive and insulated remarks are sure to stick when he didn't engage in the politics.

So, as a fix the board and leaders say the rancor is to be reserve for private sessions. Wrong. Let's be civil. Let's be open. If you got to rumble and step in some rancor -- do it in public. Don't revert to the stone age and do a non-debate Allegheny Conference style. Then we have to wonder if the board is getting better or just getting hi-jacked.

Hate to see PG reporting such as this: "even Thompson's attire has beomce ammunition for detractors, who say he is overdressed. He favors tailored suits, starched collars and flashy neckwear."

Brently: "This process has not been clearn or open or honest." Does Mt. Lebo have a board member who can break ranks and say that? But, on the flip side of the same conversation Brently accused one un-named board member os saying Thompson is "too dark" to continue as superintendent.

Romaniello said he would have exposed the person who said it. Exactly the right thing to do, rather than smear without a name being mentioned.

All in all, I think we have a long way to go. But, I think we are making some good progress. The schools in the city in much better shape than the city itself. But, the bailout will cause a good bit of pain for the schools.

If Dr. T stays, I hope he wakes up to the need to do more politically with the district. And, I'll give him a long list of things to consider. He can start with the Pittsburgh Park District white paper.

12TH ANNUAL POLITICS ONLINE CONFERENCE

Road trip?
http://www.PoliticsOnline.com

The 2005 Politics Online Conference at The George Washington University, March 10 - 11, 2005, will analyze this year's successes and, more importantly concentrate on what lies ahead: innovations on the horizon that will set the path for the industry and shape the future course of Internet politics.

The 2005 Politics Online Conference will be the largest Conference to date featuring over 70 speakers and expanded to a one and a half day format comprising 15 breakout sessions, 2 plenary sessions, 2 evening cocktail events, a keynote luncheon and the Politics Online Conference Great Debate. To register: www.ipdi.org/politicsonline

Secretary of Health and Human Services resigns

Another Bush administration resignation came. Former Wisconsin Governor, Tommy Thompson. Thompson is show on stage while Grant entertains the Harlem Globetrotters.

Click the photo for a larger version.


We were in DC on the lawn pushing the awareness of the closed swim pools and rec centers here in Pittsburgh. The little guy in the middle, Grant, is my son. Today is Grant's birth day. He is now seven.

Thompson's brother is a Libertarian and former mayor. He too has run for the Governor's office as well.

Winning logo? Reactions welcome on "We the people" design

New version shows PA outline.



What do you think? Do you like the logo and design?

The site, Elect.Rauterkus.com is not expected on December 15, 2004. That day is devoted to more general efforts.

Homespun Bloggers Symposium III

Homespun Bloggers What, in your mind, represents the single greatest long-term threat to the United States of America, and what should be done about it?

I'm a swim coach. Because of my background, I know that the greatest threats are those that are found within, not without. An external threat is, generally, less of a factor than internal ones. In swimming, we often coach the athletes to get of ouf their own way. Get off the brakes. Reduce drag.

Canada? ... Naw. Mexico? Sure. Outter space? You bet.

Our biggest single problem internally might very well be our poor handling of the wider concept of democracy. I wonder what from the outside can topple that internal system, and I don't see much. I'm stuck on this internal nexus.

I better read what you others have written as I'm not moved to rant about oil, solar flares nor aliens.

CELEBRATE PITTSBURGH'S FILM & TV INDUSTRY

Heavy Or Not, that's the name of my TV show. http://hon.cloh.org. This would be fun. But, scoll down a bit and see what I'll be doing -- getting people off of their couch and into life.

at Dowe's on Ninth Street Entrepreneurial Thursday's Year-End Event --
An Evening of Live Jazz, Interviews & Networking Hosted by Jessica Lee & Adrienne Wehr

Thursday, December 16, 2004, 5:30 - 8:00 PM, $5 cover at the door

Dowe's on Ninth Street, 121 Ninth St. - Downtown

PANEL:
"Building and Growing Pittsburgh's Film/TV Industry"
City Councilman William Peduto
State Representative Tom Stevenson
Tom Savini & Marty Schiff - "Tom Savini's Chill Factor"
Don Marinelli - CMU's Entertainment Technology Center
Rick Sebak - WQED
Brian Bronaugh - Pittsburgh Advertising Federation

PROFILE INTERVIEWS WITH:
Janet Smith - Trifocal Media
Brady Lewis - Pittsburgh Filmmakers, "Daddy Cool"
Amy Lamb - Lumiere Films
Bill O'Driscoll - Film Kitchen
Jared Early - Oaks Theater
Aisha White - Rights and Responsibilities
Gary Kaboly - Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Jeff Garton & Hugues Dalton - "The Lift"
Laura Magone - "One Extraordinary Street"
Joe Giacobella - Bello Productions, "Doing Therapy"
Kevin Clark Forsythe - Another True Story Publishing

New Pittsburgh's New Trustees Board Survey

New Trustees Board Survey Are you aware of the New Trustees for a New Pittsburgh Program?

With depth like this, (3 question survey), the crisis is going to be grave. Hey guys, use eVote. If you really want to get things cooking -- and I do -- then we'll need bigger, better, more effective tools.

Putting Humpty back together again, after the great fall, is going to take a lot of helpers with far more interaction than what has transpired so far.

TAKE HEED! New CDC Virus Warning nationally and local rash warning follow-u

2 Political Junkies blog: New CDC Virus Warning. The Center for Disease Control has issued a warning about a new virulent strain of sexually transmitted disease. This disease is contracted through dangerous and high risk behavior. The disease is called Gonorrhea lecthim (pronounced 'gonna re-elect him').

Locally, we have another problem, a new rash that is sweeping Pittsburgh this winter and spring: gonna-not-elect-em-tri-fecta. Comes from hugging and a peck on the cheek from Bob O'Connor as he tries for his third run at the mayor's race.

Cure: Long, 3 to 5 minute embraces. Bear hug him like a clam and avoid the pain of hearing him speak on the issues. If he only hugged, we'd all be safe. So, don't let go.

PG coverage of O'Connor gears up for mayoral run.

Seriously, it was good to see Bob resign from the state position as there are ethical matters to deal with if he kept campaigning while on the job there. So he did do the right thing. But to have him say he is still considering the run is outlandish.

It was interesting to see Bob O'Connor outside of Heinz Field the night of the WPIAL football games. Bob was cheering for Central Catholic. Meanwhile, deals were being cut in the final hours in the legislature for Pittsburgh's bailout. Go team go.

I love Central Catholic too. Hope they win in Altoona and take states the next weekend. Central is to play a part in the position papers, Platform.For-Pgh.org. The school needs space for its own athletic complex. The city should help to make that happen. That's a priority that values the sandlots over stadiums.

Honest Wagner & being juiced on Roids puts clouds in the night sky

Honest WagnerA posting from a fellow burgh blogger covers some of the insights about the recent news of steroids in baseball.

Sports are games of time, space and relationship. Poor sports hurt one or all four of those factors. Great sports excel in them.

The relationships one has with yourself (health and wellness if not ambitions), your team, competitors, the game, its history are all to be judged, valued and managed.

We teach kids, and learn for ourselves, many lessons in these games. The big value comes in the transfers of those lessons to life beyond the game.

A star will shine less brightly if juiced on roids. And same too for the overall game. This is like clouds in the sky that are sure to darken the stars.

You gotta think again and get to the roots of what really matters. Then the decisions and judgements we make are based on principled understandings.

These are big society and culture questions. How we treat ourselves and our kids are going to matter. The hindge to prosperity and wellness is values. That talk exceeds money.

I think the talk is important. Keep it flowing. Share it, (all dimensions) with your kids too. We all have a lot to learn in these areas. And make Lyle Alzato part of the early lessons too.

Ta.
Mark Rauterkus
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

Blog lookup story from AP

TechBits: Showtimes, blog lookup, music videos, holograms, electronic eye: "'Blog' is most-searched word in online dictionary
NEW YORK -- 'Blog' is now the most popular search word in the online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Its frequent lookup paralleled its growth on the political scene this year as keepers of Web logs aggressively chronicled campaign developments they thought were undercovered or ignored by traditional media.

Politics dominated Merriam-Webster's top-10 list, with 'incumbent,' 'electoral,' 'insurgent,' 'partisan,' 'sovereignty' and 'defenestration' among the top searches. Rounding out the list were 'hurricane,' 'cicada' and 'peloton,' the main body of riders in a bicycle race.

Last year was the first that the company kept a list of the top words looked up online. As with this year, the most popular words were frequently in the news.

Last year's winner was 'democracy.'

As for a blog, Merriam-Webster defines the noun as 'a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.'

The story above was by Ellen Simon, AP Technology Writer. My AP contact, Judy Lin, is no longer with Pittsburgh's AP office. I'm now pitching a story to M. Crissey about the 2nd Pittsburgh blog fest -- to happen Dec. 15. More news, I hope, very soon.

Dept. of Parks and Rec -- BIG LEAGUE members invited to an open discussion.

A form letter arrived to invite participants to an open discussion regarding the 2005 BIG League sports season. They are looking to create an advisory board and want input from the community. Citiparks Director asks that one person represent each athletic association at the meeting. Participation is voluntary. A volunteer committee will be set up to give athletic associations the opporutnity to have a positive impact on the future of youth sports in the City.

The meeting will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, December 16, 2004 at the South Side Market House.

www.leaguelineup.com/pghbig

412-488-8585 or
412-488-8580

From Joseph Defeo and Michelle Aul

The BIG League program has been axed. Gone. There was a day when a handful of full time employees and a number of part time staffers helped organize the sports leagues in the city. Kiss em good bye.

I was involved in the Aquatics Task Force in past years. Such a joke. We used to have 32 outdoor swim pools. Now we'll be looking at 12. But, there is $0 in the capital budget. So, if one pool needs a pump or a new fence -- I doubt it will happen. These places have been held together by band-aids for years. Neglect has been the rule. What do they say about making chicken soup without a chicken?

We need a new Pittsburgh Park District. We need some leadership coordination and training. We need some peer review. Time will tell.

Put one of these under your kid's Christmas tree, a domain name.

Resign Tom Murphy

A guy I know wrote to me (and I think a similar email went to Doug Shields as well):

Resign Tom Murphy

Step down. Your time ruining this City is over. I hope they stick to their votes. I would rather pay the $200 more per year so we can insure that our mayor leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth.

Start-up dot com movie tonight with mixer and Ron Morris

Good event slated tonight at DU:
http://americanentrepreneur.net/sub_index22.asp

Changes at RCAC.net and their holiday party

See the comments for a message from the County GOP chair. Mike and Mike are moving on and women county executive director returns to take over. Their party is at Sports Rock too.

Chess invites for kids. Its often all about playing well with others. Great lessons must be taught.

Source: Jerry Meyers, Chessmaster, Western PA Youth Chess / Pittsburgh Chess Club

Your children are invited to participate in the Tri-State Junior Chess Championship, which will be held on Saturday, December 18 at Carnegie Mellon
University. This event is intended as the championship for PA, Ohio, and West Virginia. Usually attendance runs between 250 to 400 kids.

Many newcomers ask if their child is ready and why they should encourage their child to play chess.

If your child can play a full game without help and carry out simple checkmates, they can play in a tournament. I firmly believe chess is good for kids. It focuses them, helps with their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and even helps teach some lessons about being better winners and more gracious losers. If your child has never tried a tournament before, why not discuss it with them. Chess will give them a chance to exercise their brain, and our tournament will provide a positive atmosphere. Our message to your kids will be "Win or lose, if you do your best, You are a Winner!"

Children of different ages and ability levels are placed in different sections. For instance, there is a Grade K to 2 Beginner section, Grade 3 & 4 Beginner section, etc, as well as numerous sections divided by ratings. Different sections allow them to play others of similar ability and still have a chance to win some games or even a ribbon or trophy.

Full details, and a registration form.

You can also look up your child's current rating on the website and look at the "Honor Roll," which shows the top 15 rated kids in each grade.

Entries are accepted until the day before the tournament. However, if you mail your entry by next Saturday, December 4, you will save $5 by avoiding the late fee.

For those who are interested, there is also information on the website about our next set of Sunday chess classes at the Pittsburgh Chess Club. Those classes will begin on Jan 9. Beginners and Advanced Beginners meet from 2:30-3:30 and Intermediate players meet from 1-2pm. Cost is $35 for 6 weeks. There is also a class for Advanced students on Monday nights, starting January 10. Details.

Lastly, I would like to mention that there are 3 spots remaining for my Chess Camp from Dec 27 to 31 for players rated roughly 700 to 1000. Details on the website.

Thank you for your consideration. I hope your children are enjoying chess.

Closed for good

The Station Square nightclub, Chancey's, is closed for good now. The one attorney said that the sting and shut down was like shooting a wounded animal. The owners had a plan and it was due to close in early January.

Perhaps we should hold the 2nd blog fest there? (joking)

Cascade of closings:
1. The curfew center.
2. Chauncey's.
3. The roller rink in Forest Hills.

Some in the community might be itching for a good fight -- or a hockey game.

Dartmouth, Notre Dame, Stanford

Three great educational institutions gave football coaches the pink slips. Notre Dame's student athletes are to vote about NOT going to the Insight.com bowl game. That's interesting too.

Row office reform and Dan O on Bowyer

Our Chief Executive, Dan Onorato, was on the Jerry Bowyer show and spoke about his bill on row office reform. The bill is presently in committee and should surface to a vote soon. Until the vote on council, we're not sure where the people stand. This vote, by the way, only gets the question to change the row office onto the ballot.

Dan's is a 10-to-2 plan. We end up with two row offices. This is the next logical discussion. The second step in home rule is here. Home rule -- there is an interesting point that gets kicked around in the city. We don't have home rule when we have two oversight boards. So, we've swapped out row offices for oversight boards and Over Lords.

The so-called machine, so says Dan, is something that makes him chuckle. He said, "I don't know how much machine is left." We'll find out.

"A lot of those things are from a prior era. It really does not exist. Most of these jobs are civil service jobs. You can't bring in your friends. Merit hiring is in place."

Today's machine is around, but not in the employee ranks. However, the machine is in the funding, campaign ranks in terms of donations to campaigns. The machine is in place in terms of the media coverage too, I expect.

Running from duties! Wear these 'sneakers' -- sneakers.

If you are going to recess and run from duties, might as well be prepared with nice shoes. Sneakers are also good to play upon the lack of soul.

Throwing an anvil to a sinking swimmer

Recess!

Oh my gosh. I was always good at recess. Gym class and firedrills were other favorite classes of mine. Plus music too.

The city council at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, pulled out a rule to recess its meeting. Only the chair can end the recess. Now we wait. Closed door meetings are to happen again, perhaps?

If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about -- join the rank-and-file club. We all don't know for sure, sadly.

The Act 47 vote to switch out the ordinances was about to go down. The 5-4 vote from the summer was about to be a 4-5 vote.

I went to speak before city council today and I asked for "self-reliance." Rather, when the going go tough, they ran and hid. Gene Ricciardi asked for the recess. He holds the gavel. So now, the citizens wait. The workers wait. The tax hikes are looming larger.

Carpenters rally on Friday with Anne Feeney

Invite from a friend:

Rally at the Carpenters' Hall this Friday evening, 12/03/04. All are welcome.

CARPENTERS AND FRIENDS,
Please join us for a show of SOLIDARITY with ANNE FEENEY, INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED UNION LABOR SONGWRITER AND PERFORMER.

At 7 to 9:00 pm, Friday December 3, 2004 at the Carpenters' Hall, 3rd floor, 495 Mansfield Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Nationality rooms at the Cathedral host holiday open house, Dec 5

I'll be at a birthday party for a special 6-year old, but you might check it out. We could put some holly on the sign, Fire Mayor Murphy.

The University of Pittsburgh's Nationality Rooms are traditional classrooms created from 1938 to 2000. Rooms, including Irish, German, Hungarian, Lithuanian, and 22 more, are decorated in holiday style traditional to each culture, and truly are magical for the young and old alike. The Holiday Open House is Sunday, December 5, from noon to 4; food, crafts, and tours will be offered by guides in ethnic dress.

Transportation blog needs a dozen worthy volunteers and contributors

This current events blog outsources chatter on transportation to a sister blog, http://Ratsburgh.blogspot.com. The issue of transportation stretches from roads, potholes, river-traffic, light-rail extension, PAT's doomsday budgets, Mon Valley Toll Road and bikeways, to name a few.

We need a number of others willing to chime in on these matters, posting pointers and insights, at that blog. Interested? Willing?

Seems as if the special session to the legislature called for by both Jake Wheatly and Don Walko isn't happening in 2004. Snip from the New Pgh Courier:

Steve Mishkin, spokesman for House leader Sam Smith, R-Punxutawney, said the session is over and the governor is to blame.

“The administration would not do a supplemental, they wanted permanent taxes and fees as a temporary fix,” he said. “The governor can use surplus Intergovernmental Transfer Funds to tide PAT and SEPTA over. There’s $250 million right there and he doesn’t need legislative approval.”

In a letter sent to Rendell Nov. 12, Smith noted the legislature held off on discussing transit funding at Rendell’s request until an audit of SEPTA and PAT was completed. “Having just indicated (Nov. 22) that you received the final audit report Nov. 12, I am concerned that it has not been shared with either the House or Senate Transportation committees, or leadership as far as I know,” said Smith. “This information may have been helpful as we sought to reach an agreement on temporary funding for public transportation.”

Smith said he remains committed to working on further dedicated funding for mass transit early in the next session and urged Rendell to use the funds at his disposal, which he would have to do anyway since his proposed taxes would not yet be available.

“If using any of these funds truly creates a secondary problem, I propose we consider any transfer as a loan, which can be subsequently addressed during the general budget process,” he said.

PAT spokesperson Judy McNeil said the staff is assembling its public comment report for the board of directors and has put the process in motion to increase fares, cut service and layoff 500 employees by March.

“With nothing happening in Harrisburg, there is not enough we can do administratively to close a $30 million budget deficit,” she said. “On (Nov. 21) SEPTA sent out 1,400 pink slips. So it’s pretty gloomy around here.”

Too many secrets, closed door meetings and double-dealings

Rendell's double-dealing by the Trib's Brad Bumsted: It was one more public relations nightmare for Gov. Ed Rendell. ... Rendell had a secret plan for a commuter income tax.

Only with the legislature's blessing could a commuter income tax be pursued. But the legislature won't bless anything Tom Murphy champions. This plan wasn't solid for the city nor the region. But even if Murphy had figured out how to cure cancer, The Murphy/Rendell/O'Connor plan would not get a reception in Harrisburg.

It's obvious that Rendell and/or the Murphy administration were angling for a loophole in the law. These guys try to wiggle past the letter of the law. And, at the other end of the spectrum are others who would rather value the spirit of the law and do the best things on the basis of a higher calling.

House members insisted on the provision because they don't trust Rendell. (And Tom Murphy too.)

A disaster for Rendell is that his credibility - and his top staff's - was already damaged in negotiations with legislative leaders during the final weekend of the session. Senate Republicans aren't sure how they can deal with Rendell in the future based on how he botched things with what they say was a disorganized agenda with shifting priorities.

Rendell and Tom Murphy are good together. They broke campaign laws together. They spin each other's lies together. A special on the city cable tv shows Rendell giving a big check to the city and Rendell says how he is unaware of anyone in the city raising the white flag and leaving. None. I don't know how he can say that with a straight face.
Stephen MacNett, counsel for Senate Republicans, said he hadn't seen such a poor effort since the tail end of Democrat Gov. Milton Shapp's administration (1971-79.) He called it "a shameful performance by the front office."

Speaking of Comcast, Rendell was demanding a huge annual tax break for cable giant Comcast in Philadelphia.

The flap over the conference call was an example of "what we've been dealing with. He (Rendell) says one thing, then he's running around doing something else.

Does this slogan work for you?

Could it be more clear? Comments welcomed.

Senior Showcase Night -- a western PA tradition

Seniors talk here is not about blue-hair bingo players. Rather high school seniors who want to scramble for a football scholarship for college.

This outfit, www.akrecruiting.com, of which I know nothing, is holding a Senior Showcase Night on December 7 at the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena (up Rt. 28). More info contact AK at 724-826+1331 or email - akrect at salsgiver dot com.

Swimming is so simple next to football.

Saw DU's head football coach at the All-Star game at Cupples today. By the way, the city kids scored 44 points and the north team (mostly from the burbs but also included North Catholic) had zero. I don't think that the scoreboard was broken, but it is very old. (Snicker as to the scoreboard's age.)

South Side's football stadium -- move Pitt's spring game here!

The PG's education reporter covered some of the fix ups at the South Side's football stadium, owned and operated by Pgh Public Schools. The article gives some depth, but sadly, was only put into the public eye after most of the construction has been completed. Too late. I knew this was to occur and happen, but the general public didn't. Wonder what would have been the story had this news hit when the news of school closings hit?

For example, the K.O. (Keystone Oaks) coverage on its stadium happened before the building. It has had plenty of buzz and coverage.

Article: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04332/418120.stm

"With all these changes you've done, what have you done for the facilities players actually use?" Tokarski said. "And there are things they could be fixing in the athletic program that don't cost a dime."

At the most recent school board meeting there was a conversation about the overtime pay that also got a lot of ink -- after the fact. Some janitors make more than $100k as they work a bunch of overtime. The board member, Randall Taylor, said that there are lots of things that we as board members can't get to. He made the point that there are things that go on that he can't see or or hidden by design, and its his job to set policy and be aware. As the district is so big that board members have troubles, then we all have troubles.

There are many things that occur in a big district that don't get attention. Both good and bad things happen. Part of our problem is the fact that the district is so large. I think we'd be better served as citizens and taxpayers if we split up the PPS into a few other districts. And, I'd love to see one of the splits be horizontal -- cutting the 9-12th grade education into one highschool district.

I have a lot to say about the stadium, but let me only sping one bigger item today. The Pitt's SPRING Football game should be played at South's Cupples Stadium. I would like to see a "spring sports sepectacular on the South Side." Parade from the practice facility, block parties, all sports getting a bit of a showcase in the neighborhoods, street festival, tailgates, graduate activities, game on a Saturday afternoon in the spring.

Pitt has played its game in a high school venue in the past, in the burbs. Pitt has been kicked out of Heinz Field in the past too. Pitt's spring game crowd is thin, not like the sell out at PSU. And, Pitt needs to do more with an open house at its sports performce place and community efforts in the neighborhoods of Oakland and South Side.

Finally, two other points about the PG article. I called the writer and left her a voice message of thanks plus:

A) The story behind the story is the fact that the Pgh Public School's Athletic League should dissolve and the schools should merge with the WPIAL.

B)What's going to become of South Vo Tech High School? I'd love for that faciltiy, with its fixed-up stadium, be the home of the new Pittsburgh Park District. Take all the offices of County Parks and Rec, Citiparks and School Athletics and Afterschool, and put them under one roof -- ASAP. Then bring in the offices for other rec associations as well. We need to use South as a hub for community. More.

I'll be at the stadium shortly, with the sign, Fire Mayor Murphy, to mingle. Was there last week for Perry's playoff game too.

Doug Shields and Shield Laws --- psst --- wire taps?

The boys on Grant Street have their nose bent out of shape as some of their secrets came into the PG with Tim McNulty's lead story.

Just a few days ago I wrote an obscure position plank that concerned this topic. Funny how it was pulled into the limelight so quickly. Platform.For-Pgh.Org's plank on journalist and shield laws.

I graduated from Ohio University with a Journalism degree. I'd never make the threats I heard from City Council President Gene Ricciardi today. Unreal. He's "going to keep this on the front burner." Murphy too came out to rant about an investigation.

If I'm elected mayor, I'll help the folks in the media do their jobs. They have a duty. We need them to stay awake and alert. The Fourth Estate has a most important job.

Furthermore, there should be no secrets. I don't want any secrets. These guys are working in the public sector and they are talking smack about trust.

PG Editorial, Rendell on the line. A reporter does the public a favor by listening in.

Rendell: "If he was going to unethically eavesdrop, he should have eavesdropped on the whole conversation."

Not to be outdone in the annals of folly, Council President Gene Ricciardi, Mayor Tom Murphy and other council members then called for an investigation into how the call came to be overheard by the reporter.

Creating a community task force focused on African-American Achievement.

At 6 pm on December 2, a consortium of parents, teacher, staff, community leaders and members are gathering at the Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave., for the Greater Pgh Alliance of Black School Educators' informational community forum, Collective Voices: A Call to Action for Addressing African American Achievement.

Followin a reception, the community forum will explore the gap in African-American achievement. The goal is to create a community task force focused on improving African-American achievement.

Parents, prepresentatives from community, schools and faith-based groups as well as local political leaders are invited to attend.

RSVP to 412-665-3980. Hope to see you there.

David at the Public Hearing about Act 47 changes

Comments of David Tessitor at City Council Hearing
on the PA Legislature's Act 47 requirements on Monday, November 22, 2005

Council members: You honor me today … by proving me right as you have brought to fruition my most dire predictions over the past decade. This Council, the Mayor, and the Allegheny Conference, a.k.a. Pennsylvania Economy League, have doggedly pursued one subsidy after another for real estate speculation. Now with the City on its knees, you are hellbent upon continuing real estate speculation subsidies while placing the burden for you ways upon the average citizen.

I have watched as you have overseen the dismantling of the City. I have heard Councilman Peduto express his desire to see the City eliminated and it looks as though he and the Allegheny Conference will get their way.

In reviewing the proposal before you, I see you removing much that makes the City a unique urban community. In doing so, you make it harder for the City to compete, not easier.

Let us look at the purchasing provisions. First, surrendering to the County is not any step forward — the County is actually worse off than the City, it just hasn't hit the fan yet. Second, deleting anti-sweat shop provisions is a clear statement that you are inviting sweat shop competition with our fair practice American businesses, some right here in Pittsburgh. Maybe you should turn our purchasing over to Wal-mart instead of Allegheny County.

But you are going to do what you are going to do. So, let me argue in the alternative that if, in the face of the crisis you have precipitated, you implement onerous changes that undermine the urban product, then, at the bare minimum, you must protect the City by predicating the changes upon them existing only as long as the City remains in its fiscal crisis and placing in your legislation a sunsetting provision that returns the present requirements and arrangements to full force upon the City regaining solvency.

In the meantime, I implore you to stop subsidizing the real estate speculation. The Allegheny Conference will undoubtedly argue otherwise, but they have not been elected to run the City. The only time it stood for election as the initiator and proponent of the Stadium Tax, they were defeated 2 to 1 in the city and 8 to 1 in the surrounding counties.

Thank you

Nameth, Dorsett, Cash

Joe Nameth, Tony Dorsett, and Swin Cash (US Olympic / US Post Office) all gathered at the Macey's Thanksgiving Parade.

I've started a VIP page at Platform.For-Pgh.Org to chart celeb endorsements and efforts to secure those statements. This has gotta be fun.

Bob The Builder held up the Lincoln Tunnel on his trip to the city last night as he had to be folded to fit. Seems he had left his ''Easy Pass Card'' in his pocket. (Matt L's (Ohio U) joke).

Musical tunes were generally fitting and well done.

The spirit of America is alive indeed. This great country, great land.
Another tune: Free to dream, million hues of color.

Don't like the recorded music however. It is interesting to watch to see what is "live" and what is not. That's tension I could deal without. Early songs were more about America and later about Christmas. <;/

Floats: Clifford, the big red dog, follows the city's leash laws. Nice political statement.

Maps matter from a Go Blue state big M state.

University of Michigan site on maps of election: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mejn/election/

In addition to that traditional red-blue map of states, these political scientists give you a more realistic way to look at the election based on population vote, along
with some other options.

Sprawl's Ugly Side on a day to feast

Farmer harvested corn; neighbor sowed anger. Interesting story in the PG. Plus, the reporter covered it as a story. Even the headline does not give away the outcome.

Hats off again to great law enforcement efforts. Fantasic! Good news on prevention.

The story behind the story is about sprawl. Live in the city. Stay away from the pesky, loud farmers. Nothing like the din of growing corn to drive you up the wall.

In other matters, the story of the Shaler couple in an apparent murder-suicide shows how things unfolded without the necessary protections. We need to have a watch list that works. This is part of the state's role and duties -- protection. One's home needs to be safe from intrusion.

Shaler couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide When police arrived, they discovered the front door had been kicked in, and found the body of Sheryl Burkhart, 33, and her husband, Barry Burkhart, 46, in an upstairs bedroom. Both had been killed by gunshots.

Except for forced entry at the front door, Morton said there didn't appear to be a struggle.

Chauncy's closing

Eight indicted in drug scheme at Chauncy's: "
'It is apparent that the operators of Chauncy's bar-nightclub cannot and will not control the patrons and the persons attracted to the vicinity of the bar to the extent that they terrorize, ruin its peace and safety and good order, making it a miserable, fearful and dangerous place to visit,' wrote Zappala's staff."

A Station Square night club, ripe with fights, weapon violations, LCB complaints, and other headaches, was with a pad-lock. Closed.

I don't have any problems with taking people to jail. If there is an unsafe area, that should be closed, of course. But, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things.

The flip side of the coin to the closure is the thugs, drunk drivers, drug pushers are now in the neighborhood bars. Having the rowdies in Station Square is fine with me.

I live on the South Side, just 12 blocks from Station Square. Now I'm a half block away from those itching for a fight, flashing weapons, pushing drugs and causing other headaches.

I tried to illustrate the right way to handle matters in Pittsburgh a few years ago with another matter. Recall the wake of a fire in R.I. when indoor fireworks caught a stage curtin with a band's show. That caused many deaths at an over-crowded venue. You don't have BBI (Breau of Building Inspection) storm the place with the police and close the place, kicking everyone out in one swoop.

Rather, no others get to enter. Plus, you turn off the music, turn up the lights, stop the sale of alchohol. Keep the joint stay open the rest of the night, selling coffee. Don't dump a mob of drunks needing bathrooms, yanked off about a spoiled night trashing the entire vacinity.

Plus, a big shake down takes a dozen or more officers and empties the streets of the force.

Chauncy's should have to stay open, selling nothing but soda and coffee. Punish them, not us. Well, seems that two of the managers are in jail too. That doesn't mean that the place can't keep its doors open. Perhaps 10 or 30 others lost their jobs with this total shut down. I hope some were clean.

Furthermore, hat's off for being proactive. Let's choose to run with preventative measures. We need more undercover cops in these places. Take the drug pushers to jail. If we have bullies, any given night, pick em up and have them cool off in a jail cell for 12 hours.

Citiline Apartments on DU's campus

Duquesne Univ. wants to purchase Citiline Apartments. The mayor stood up to the sale. Coverage in the PG.

Mayor Tom Murphy testified that a Duquesne University apartment building should stay on the tax rolls and not be ruled exempt from Pittsburgh ...

I got into politics years ago as the sale of 35 acres of the South Side Works site was about to be sold to UPMC for a sports performance complex that had 4-new jobs, $100k bargain basement price per acre, and smaller-than regulation football fields that broke the NCAA rulebook about shared facilities among college and professional teams.

The plans for the South Side called for flex office space.

The mayor pushed for the UPMC site and its rental agreement to the Steelers. Then he goes around and cries the blues that the non-profits are taking so much land. That's two-faced, at best.

The biggest problem with the non-profit land grab isn't our fine educational institutions. The big problem is the URA.

Should DU buy that property. Sure. Should it be taken off the tax rolls. No. Do DU folks care about 10 new city police officers? Heck no. They've got their own police force.

The big nut to watch about Citiline is the deed transfer tax.

Turnpike Tolls and a travel story with toll workers.

My sister and her family from the eastern part of the state are in their mini-van heading over the hills to Grandmothers house for our Thanksgiving. When I see her I'll ask for the $12.00 saved in tolls.

The toll takers are on strike today. Everyone gets a free pass. Another free skate is expected again on Sunday for her trip home. Might as well hit her up for $24. I'll keep four quarters in my pocket just to be prepared to make change from her $25 bill.

Would be nice to see our nine members on city council working the toll gates today. Think of today as a way to replenish the 'rainy-day fund' as the PA Turnpike Commission is out $1-million that would have been generated.

How long does the strike need to last before new employees are hired. Or, before we start to slide into the hole regardless of the pay raise? Feel free to do the math and post it here. Or, post it elsewhere and give a pointer here.

Speaking of grandmothers, when mine died about 15 years ago, her childhood neighbors from Dunkirk, NY, came to town for the funeral. Margaret Rauterkus was in her late 80s. She lived as a child in NY and my dad as a boy would often go there in summers. The nice family in NY had heard of her passing, got into the car and drove to Pittsburgh. They drove up to the PA turnpike gate in Monroeville and said, "We're here for the funeral of Margaret Rauterkus."

The PA toll worker knew exactly what to say. She gave the visitors turn by turn instructions of how to get to the funeral home. The toll worker, my little sisters friend, had been to the funeral home the prior night.

What ever became of Pitt's Enviromental Law Center?

At one time, say 5 years ago, a lawyer with a connection to Pitt opened up an enviornmental law clinic. One of their first issues was to help with the citizens' defence in the fight to halt the Mon Valley Expressway (Tollway).

What happened to that clinic / center?

Didn't someone get into some hot water about those conditions?

Web URL, names, email pointers, phone numbers ware welcomed, either in the comments or directly: Mark.Rauterkus at Gmail dot Com.

I need to learn more about trespass laws and environmental cases with the Platform.For-Pgh.Org.

Building Neighborhoods By Bulldozing Blight

As a licensed Realtor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, "building neighborhoods" is one of my responsibilities. And as a city Realtor with great pride for my adopted hometown, I try to do whatever I can to improve the "quality of life" in and around our fair city.

That said, I was interviewed by a prominent TV Reporter, KDKA's Paul Martino, for a piece concerning the demolition of some blighted properties, so people can invest in nice homes in improving neighborhoods.

With assistance from city Councilman Gene Ricciardi's office, one long-vacated home in the Allentown neighborhood was razed. Another, next door to the first, is slated for demolition in the first quarter of 2005.

With luck and more than a little diligence, those active in their communities can help improve their neighborhoods by communication and good will.

Look for the report on Channel 2, KDKA TV, sometime soon. There's a chance that they may want to return to film a "speed boat full of garbage" near another of my listings.

My comments before City Council in OPPOSITION to Act 47's wrath of ordinance changes

Today, Nov. 22, City Council hosted a public hearing at 3 pm that was NOT put onto the city's cable television station, for some unknown reason. The meeting should have been on the government station as it was very important.

Jack Shea spoke just prior to my statement. He finished his statement with a comment about wanting a 9-0 vote, against the Act 47 package.

My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 South 12th Street. Pittsburgh's South Side. My home on the internet is at Rauterkus.com.

I have to take exception to Jack Shea's mention of wanting to see a 9-0 vote. The lock-step boosterism is a mentality that got us into this situation. These guys are all of the same party. We need someone around here to break ranks. We need to value dissent.

We need people like Jack and Tom Flaherty, our city controller and leader of the county's Democratic Party, to say Tom Murphy is a big part of the problem and that he should resign.

We don't need a 9-0 vote. Rather, we need to value some disent.

Today I speak more from a parent's perspective. We, the people, are baffled, confused, betrayed and angry. Our public sector is a heavy burden, an anchor, that is pulling us down. We are sinking in our hopes, faith, dreams, and aspirations. We must tell another generation of our kids, and mine are here with me today, that they can't get to where they want to go in life by living here.

We, the people, want to see and need self reliance.

As a parent, an at-home parent, I'm going to take care of my kids. I'm not going to farm out my children's welfare. As an engaged parent, I am not going to choose to stay in a city with absentee elected leaders. I want you to step to do the job and be self-reliant too.

I spoke here a number of months ago and gave away four badminton shuttlecocks as a prop to encourage the ones to vote "no" then and "ruffle feathers."

I spoke four years ago and said "All the king's men and all the king's horses won't be able to put our city together again." We've had a massive fall. Those others have proven that they can't do it on their own. The city needs all the people working together. This plan stinks.

The crossing guards -- they need to write tickets.
The RAD Tax shift -- that antiquated RAD Tax (sarcastic point) is wrong.
The mix tax shift away from schools is bad.
The worst is the deed transfer tax hike.

Ten minutes ago we stepped out of the chambers and I took my son to the bathroom. I told him something that applies here too. You're old enough now. I don't need to wipe. Clean up after yourself.

We teach our kids this. City council is expected to do the same for itself.

We, the people, need to see our city council become more self reliant.

24% of businesses in the state can't find enough qualified workers.

Insights from a friend's email and associated article in mainstream media.

Among the 50 states, Pennsylvania ranks 46th in the percentage of its
labor force with education levels beyond high school. Currently, only 3% of working-age Pennsylvanians are enrolled in part-time, postsecondary education, compared with 6% for the country as a whole.

What are the 47th, and 48th states? Obvious MS, and AR are at the bottom.

Labor Pains: Closing the 'Skills Gap'
November 22, 2004; Page A2

PITTSBURGH -- One conundrum that continues to vex the U.S. job market is this: Workers can't find jobs, and companies can't find workers.

A Labor Department report released Friday on employment trends by state showed that .... (see the comments) ....

Oversight with or without malice?

This blog, Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events, is one of the most vibrant in the blog-landscape. It was part of the PghBloggers.Org site, until this weekend.

Wonder why the blog got zapped?

Another area where the light needs to shine, but the switch is to "off" is the city's cable television department. I was looking forward to seeing the public hearing, on cable. It didn't get done. Funny business. Non-open ways.

Wonder why the public hearing wasn't on the city's government tv station?

So, I had to go there and testify with my kids in tow.

Toss the poor fellow something, but don't make eye contact

An opinion cartoon has the above caption being stated by an older white guy in a suit with briefcase and "non-profits" -- talking with a pear wearing older white women. Then is the City County Bldg in the background with a wire leading to a two crate desk and the mayor sitting there reading budget and a big bucket with "GIVE" sign. The city skyline is in the background.

BTW, a web search on the PG site by Tim Menees doesn't lead quickly to this image. ??

The only problem with the cartoon is that Mayor Murphy is sitting on the sidewalk. Rather, Murphy isn't in the public eye. He isn't on the front lines. He isn't doing 'retail politics.' The Mayor is in a hole. He is accessible.

Editorial: Pgh children left behind by Marian Wright Edelman

No child should have to worry about surviving the walk to and from school each day, but ...

The efforts on the part of bus companies and escorts are laudable, but they are not a long-term solution for Homewood, and they do nothing to address the hundred of other Homewoods scatter across the country.

We must insist on making the safety and needs of children America's supreme moral value and demand investment in the most vulnerable instead of the wealthiest among us.

We have to look more deeply at why so many of our neighborhoods have become like Homewood and devolved into place of drug dealing, brutality and lost purpose.

We've got a bully problem in the city. The biggest bully has an office on Grant Street.

Folks, called a, " Dismal failure"

Ferlo and Wagner voted no.
Schools got raped.
Not reform.
Oversight impotent and lightweight.
Today, the city is in worse condition compared to a year ago, due to Mayor Murphy and the oversight boards.

Those are the words of Gene Ricciardi, City Council President, on KQV on Monday AM. Gene voted for the Act 47 plan. Gene has never called for the resignation of Tom Murphy.

PA's new clean energy bill

See the comments for the text of a press release.

Jeopardy, the shows from Pgh to air shortly

My son went to see the Jeopardy show from Pitt's campus on October 10. He's been waiting to see those segments. He figures that they'll begin to air on Monday.

Fourth HIGHEST Paid LEGISLATURE (PA) CONSIDERING PAY INCREASE

From another source, Chris L, of YC of PA.

Imagine if your State Representative or State Senator walked into your house, opened up your strongbox, removed some money, and placed it directly into his own wallet. Well, disturbingly, state legislators are going to attempt to vote themselves a huge pay increase, which achieves the same effect. Unless you and other concerned taxpayers act now, this week state legislators will vote themselves a 20% pay increase that they don't need or deserve, especially when we're the ones paying for it. Consider the following:

State legislators are paid $66,203 -- each. A few big shots get more, with the House speaker and Senate president pro tem hauling home $103,347.

As reported by the Harrisburg Patriot-News, state legislators get an extra $126 per day stipend just to show up for work. We also give them a car and insurance -- up to $650 a month -- plus mileage. We pay for their health insurance and provide an annual cost-of-living increase, which there salary automatically goes up with inflation.

State lawmakers increased their pensions by 50 percent three years ago. They already make 51 percent more than the median household income in Pennsylvania. And unlike many state residents, pay nothing toward their health insurance.

If their salary is increased to $80,000 or more, Pennsylvanialawmakers would zoom up from having the fourth-highest legislative salaries to the No. 2 spot, behind California's $99,000, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Unlike members of Congress, state legislators are not forbidden from earning outside sources of income in addition to their legislative pay, and many do.

Pennsylvanians were just socked with a higher income tax rate, and we are paying increasingly higher property taxes--thanks to the very politicians who want to take still more of our money to line their own pockets. Working families cannot afford this outrage!

PLEASE CALL AND EMAIL THE FOLLOWING HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERS AND DEMAND THAT THERE BE NO PAY INCREASE.

EVERY PHONE CALL AND EMAIL TRANSMISSION IS VITAL.

Speaker of the House John Perzel
jperzel@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-2016

House Majority Whip Dave Argall
dargall@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-9024

House Appropriations Chairman Brett Feese
bfeese@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-5270

Rep. Sam Smith
ssmith@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-3845

Senator Robert Jubelirer
rjubelirer@pasen.gov
(717) 787-5490

Senator David Brightbill
dbrightbill@pasen.gov
(717) 787-5708

Senator Jeff Piccola
jpiccola@pasen.gov
(717) 787-6801

Allegheny County Libertarian Party Elects 2005 Board Officers

Press Release
Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh
www.lppgh.org

info@lppgh.org

412-553-6464

November 20, 2004

Pittsburgh, PA - The Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh (which serves Allegheny County) announced the results of its internal election for its 2005 Board of Directors. The 2005 board, a healthy mix of senior and newer members, will officially take office at the end of final 2004 regular meeting on December 15, 2004. The 2005 board member are:

* Timothy Crowley - Chair
* David Powell - Vice-Chair
* Henry Haller - Secretary
* Richard Loether - Treasurer
* Mark Rauterkus - Member at-large
* Thomas Gillooly - Member at-large
* Jerold Gloekler - Member at-large

Tim Crowley, Henry Haller and Rich Loether are the most senior board members. Each has served the Libertarian Party in various administrative and activist capacities for many years. Henry Haller was the 2002 Libertarian Party Lt. Governor candidate. Tim Crowley also serves as the Western Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania.

Dave Powell and Mark Rauterkus are the newest Libertarian Party members to serve on the board. As a 2004 at-large board member, Dave Powell played a key role in starting a Libertarian Club at the University of Pittsburgh. Mark Rauterkus is a welcome and recent convert from the Republican Party. Before his recent efforts to seek private solutions to closed Pittsburgh recreation facilities, Mark was a candidate for the 2001 Republican nomination for Mayor of Pittsburgh.

In 2005 the LPPGH board will focus efforts on increasing party membership, adding to Libertarian voter registrations, running candidates for local offices, assisting local university libertarian groups and general party building activities.

Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh
P.O. Box 71333
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-553-6464

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, in Pennsylvania and Allegheny County. It runs more candidates than all other third parties combined.

Nearly two dozen

By one count, there are nearly two dozen candidates seeking elected office for the bench. Seems like there is about to be a mad rush with people hoping to be judges.

Glad I'm only going for the Mayor's office as the field is more thin.

Four years ago in this time, I was beating the bushes to try to recruit opponents for the Mayor's race. Now my strong personal advice to others to toss their hat into the judge races -- or that of city or county council.

Come Live Over Here -- two lists of urban top spots

This list is nice, but not mine. Not that I have a list, yet. But, it is mind food for travelers.

Project for Public Spaces (PPS) - Placemaking for Communities - The 20 Best Neighborhoods in North America

1. Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia
2. East Village, New York, NY
3. North Beach, San Francisco, CA
4. Camden, ME
5. Coyoacan, Mexico City
6. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
7. The Plateau, Montreal, Quebec
8. Kensington Market, Toronto, Ontario
9. Center City, Ponce, Puerto Rico
10. Fells Point, Baltimore, MD
11. Lower Garden District, New Orleans, LA
12. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL
13. Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
14. 23rd Street, Portland, OR
15. South Beach, Miami, FL
16. Federal Hill, Providence, RI
17. Downtown Northfield, MN
18. Chautauqua, NY
19. Venice Beach, CA:
20. Adams Morgan, Washington, DC

Around the world in 20 places:

A few of our favorite neighborhoods abroad

* Arbat Street, Moscow
* Asafra Beach, Alexandria, Egypt
* Downtown Christchurch, New Zealand
* Fez Souk, Fez, Morocco
* Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
* Le Marais, Paris, France
* Miraflores, Lima, Peru
* Muslim Quarter, Kunming, China
* Neal's Yard, London, England
* Old City, Dubrovnik, Croatia
* Old City, Krakow, Poland
* Old Delhi, India
* Old Havana, Cuba
* Otavalo, Ecuador
* Pedestrian Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
* Pedestrian Center, Freiberg, Germany
* Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
* Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
* Yemenite Quarter and the Carmel Market, Tel Aviv, Israel
* Weekend Women's Market, La Paz, Bolivia

One of my sites at CLOH.Org is "Come Live Over Here" -- and it is getting rusty around the edges. No much effort has been given there in some time, sadly. Oh well.

Bail out hits hardest at --- take a guess --- those who don't vote.

The kids are getting crushed again. This time the blow comes from Harrisburg. The new bailout for the city, still in the wind, is going to hit hardest against the school district and the kids of our city.

The RAD tax has been an on-going source of $4-million to the PPS (Pgh Public Schools). Gone. Send that money to Mayor Murphy and the city.

The tax rates are shifting. For the consumer / citizens / taxpayers the rates are not shifting. Rather the shifts come in that the percentage given to the schools is less and the amount to the city and Mayor Murphy is more. This is a one-two body blow too as it hits in two different flavors. It's all in the mix.

Then comes the crossing guards. Mayor Murphy ran away from that duty. He fumbled to the school board. In the past this had been a 50-50 deal. Murphy went to zero as per the budget a year ago. Now the crossing guards are fully the responsibility of the schools. Wrongheaded.

Crossing guards need to work for the police department. They can write tickets. Or, they used to be able to have law-enforcement capabilities.

We just build a new school in Homewood and there are people pulling out of that place as it isn't safe getting there. The last thing we need are fewer police and crossing guards.

By the way, the Mayor's Commission on Public Education was shameful. The A+ Schools effort is still a joke.

Next we'll see a reverse on the reversal. Dr. John Thompson had expected to raise taxes. Then he took a reading of the board and got the message. He said this week that there won't be any new taxes in his 2005 budget. Now Harrisburg is smacking the schools on repeated fronts.

The Homeland Security grant for $3-million should be made to $8-million and given to the Pgh Public Schools. Is there some under-handed state money due to arrive to PPS's budget?

Then there are the foundation folks. They used to provide $4-million to the schools. The mayor pulled their chain and ended that to great fanfare three years ago. Well that money crept back to the schools recently. But, now they are being dragged in part ty Dr. Trueheart of the Pittsburgh Foundation to the table to pony up $6-million a year.

Everyone around here needs to get back the their knitting. The foundations need to do foundation work in nonprofit ways without a threat of taxes. They need to help in the schools and not run the city swim pools. The mayor needs to stop stealing from others (foundations, schools, Homeland Security, Harrisburg, parkers, suburban residents). The schools need to do their thing without getting yanked around.

This is a total mess. And, the fix is so easy. But we can't heal with these dunderheads.

Stevens out and time to join the NAAC

Trib coverage of NAACP election. New leader said, "My No. 1 (priority) is to build the membership base."

Moss is the director of Naomi's Place, a transitional housing affiliate of the Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church in East Liberty. Naomi's Place assists single mothers suffering from drug and alcohol addiction and mental illness.

Moss said she also will focus on job training and education.

'Our people are gravely unemployed,' she said. 'We're going to form new partnerships with the government and CEOs of companies that pull the purse strings in this community for economic development.'

Where is that NAACP membership form?

THE USO CHRISTMAS SHOW

Producer Jude Pohl is pleased to announce the opening of his latest
production, THE USO CHRISTMAS SHOW, at the Perry Como Dinner Theatre in
Canonsburg, Pa. The show will open on Friday, November 26 for eight
performances only. Dates are: Friday & Saturday, Nov. 26 & 27; Friday,
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 3, 4 & 5; and Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 10, 11
& 12.

THE USO CHRISTMAS SHOW provides a trip back in time to the 40's and World
War II when Hollywood stars went overseas to entertain the troops, with old
favorite songs like: "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," "Boogie Woogie Bugle
Boy," "Paper Moon" and "I'll Be Seeing You."

Starring in THE USO CHRISTMAS SHOW are Gary Baughman, Karen Hanes, Lisa
Weiss and Leigh-Anne Yost. Musical Director and accompanist is Carol Karl
with percussion by Roger Dimit.

Because of the nature of the show (similar to The Bob Hope Christmas Shows),
Pohl is inviting all military personnel, Active Duty or Reserves, to come IN
UNIFORM for free. He will also offer a special discount if they choose to
bring their families. He does ask that they make reservations since seating
is limited.

The Perry Como Dinner Theatre is located in the Canonsburg Elks Ballroom,
diagonally across the street from the famous singing statue of Perry Como.
On Fridays and Saturdays, dinner is served at 6:30 with the show starting at
7:30. On Sundays, the dinner will be served at 2:30 with the show at 3:30.
Price of the dinner theatre package is $32 and is all-inclusive.

Reservations are absolutely required and several performances are already
filling up. For additonal information and/or reservations, please call JUDE
POHL PRODUCTIONS at (724) 746-1178.

Dr. John Thompson, another prediction comes true

Looks as if Dr. John Thompson, Pgh Public School's Superintendent, is going to get a new contract and sustain his position.

I'm fine with an offer of a contract extension. And, I was fine with the lack of action a number of months ago as well. Be calm. Be patient.

A number of months ago a few including Rev. John Monroe, pitched a fit and folly about the position and the person.

I had good expectations then, and told many that Dr. Thompson was going to stay and would be offered another contract, all in due time.

Furthermore, it is great to hear that the school budget is NOT going to raise taxes. It is of interest to see how that news of no new taxes is tied with such closeness to the news of contract extention talks. Humm. I see direct links.

Photo content for the PennFuture's e-calendar and screensaver

A collection of beautiful scenes from around Pennsylvania, urban, suburb, rural and wild are welcomed. See www.pennfuture.org for this year's version.

If you have beautiful Pennsylvania photos that you would like to donate to this project, please submit.

Preferred image size is 1600 x 1200 at 72 dpi, saved as a .TIF file.

Submissions should be sent to taylor@pennfuture.org

Deadline for photo submissions is Monday, November 29th.

Troma's Lloyd Kaufman at Pitt this Friday

Lloyd Kaufman, Troma President (TOXIC AVENGER) and author of MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN MOVIE is coming this Friday, November 19th, 2004, at 5:30 PM at Room 501 of the Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Forbes Ave, University of Pittsburgh.

FREE and open to the public!

Lloyd Kaufman: "Make Your Own Damn Movie!"

Entertaining and informative advice from the producer/director/actor who has
done it himself (Toxic Avenger, Tromeo & Juliet), and runs Troma, the oldest independent production company in the world!

Troma has a loyal fan base and gave stars such as Kevin Costner, Billy Bob
Thornton, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert DeNiro, Dennis Hopper, Dustin Hoffman
and the South Park creators the chance to get a start!

With 30 years of experience with independent films, Lloyd can show you how
to make a movie, even if your funds are tight. Don't miss this FREE
interactive event that already taken campuses across the country by storm!

Everyone is welcome, so spread the word!

Don't just dream about making movies, do it!

www.pittinhollywood.org

We just talked about this last night

Trib covers special election for PA Senate listing some possible Dem candidates.

I expect to enter that race as a Libertarian.

Official announcement(s) expected December 15, 2004.

Click the map to see a full sized image that is more readable. Thanks Chris.

Homespun Ponderings about Electorial College

The first Homespun Symposium question: Is it time for the U.S. to end the Electoral College? If so, in favor of what alternative system? If not, why is it still relevant and beneficial to the nation?

I'm a huge fan of expanding our democracy and making a much more open public sector process. We need large measures of accountability. Our system is frail and ill. But, I don't want to mess with the electorial college. I'd say keep it as it is for the next 10 years or so as there are many more important things to tackle first.

I don't care about the pimple known as the electroial college. Rather, I care about the cancer that strickens our overall wellness in terms of (small 'd') democracy.

We should insist upon ballot access changes. In my city, the old parties get to put candidates onto the ballot with a fraction of the signatures on the petition vs. those in minor parties or as indies. Ballot access is a big, worthy issue in Pennsylvania.

We should insist upon a new entry on all elections of individuals: None Of The Above. NOTA! If candidates had to race against each other, and outscore NOTA, then we'd be much better along in terms of our public service. The 'lesser of two evils' dilemma goes out the window.

I'd be a strong supporter of the removal of the single-party lever. Yep, we still got them. And, lever-puller data should be made public at each polling place. I'd like to know how many people in each polling place voted with one action. I think that reporting could be very insightful, until those levers are removed.

Plenty of other great ideas exist as well. They are all going to be blended into my Platform.For-Pgh.org as I build a case for elected office in 2005. Referendums, percentage votes, and retention votes for authority appointees make great sense and should be enacted before the E.C. is scratched.

Another reason for keeping the E.C. -- Iowa and New Hampsire. A campaign is a dance. We've got voters in those areas, and others, that take their added responsibilities with great seriousness. Retail politics can thrive with today's system at certain, early periods. Without the E.C., candidates wouldn't hit the other areas much. The overall dance would change greatly. Meltdowns like that of Howard Dean might not unfold. Candidates could just set up in studios in major media cities.


Back in Pennsylvania, I am NOT in favor of moving our election day to a sooner period in the presidential primary time line. We shouldn't vote in a snow storm.

If anyone wants to inject democracy into their everyday email discussion groups, check out one of the other projects I'm engaged with: eVote, http://Deliberate.com/ and the eVote blog.

Pay raises

Pledge 1:
I won't ever vote for a pay raise.

We don't need to pay our state reps more money. Sorry Harry Readshaw, Mike Diven, Jim Ferlo and you others that represent us. I'm sorry too that you'd put the pay raise matters into effect in a lame-duck session that has so many more important things to occur.

Pledge 2:
Upon leaving office, my golden parachute would constitute nothing but a swim coaching position.

Pledge 3: If I become mayor, and if I ever want a pay raise, I'll put the question to the people of Pittsburgh in a referendum. The voters can decide.