Merger mania sweeps Midwest - part two - quotes and replies

As expected, the coverage from the PG is long on hype and absent on what I wanted to accent.

Not a merger mania (hype) word about Illinois and its Park District model. That's what I want to see covered by the PG or Trib or Pittsburgh Business Times.

What of the industrialized corporate farms that have nearly eliminated the family=owned farmstead? We just get to hear how Omaha is booming -- but not why. The outward migration from the country is a serious trend that has devistated small towns to nothingness. By the way, the exodus from the country makes the population decline in Pittsburgh much worse than reported upon.

The farm mergers have been a way of life for some decades, so much for the wide-open and fertile.

Merger mania sweeps Midwest: "In the old industrial Northeast, with its tightly packed neighborhoods and shuttered mills, city-county mergers have been mostly just talk.

In the wide-open, fertile Midwest, however, the movement toward metropolitan government has been as fast and furious as a hay baler in dry weather.

The merger action has been particularly hot in the Kansas-Nebraska-Iowa triangle, among a set of cities that are all within a 200-mile radius of each other.

Yes, the voters in Des Moines and surrounding Polk County, Iowa, rejected a merger last month for the second time in 10 years. Details like this shouldn't take away hype from the story.

My school of thought differs from that of the PG and some of the others in Pittsburgh on these two important matters. The quoted expert there says the key is a consortium of community leaders as an essential action to boost a region's economy. Note the economy element. If you feel it is okay for the local or regional government to make the economy prosper, then you go about on these wild goose hunts. Some say it is all about the economy stupid. But, the government is NOT what I want to see as a driver to our region's prosperity and economy. Governement's role isn't to FIX the economy. That's where and why we've had a lot of failures. Our purpose and priorities are goofy. So, we look for keys that are just as goofy.

Downtown retail stinks. So, Mayor Murphy and the URA want to make a new downtown shopping mall. Make others give up their properties -- by starving the area of police and street sweepers. Then take what isn't sold with eminent domain if necessary. Then build a few shopping sites with tax abatements and grants. Government solutions to the rescue for a market place flutter. Then we have mounting failures on past failures. The poison in the system gets toxic. Then a TIF is needed to build in Shadyside for Giant Eagle (Lunar Square).

The other huge headache on my part that makes me different, "The successful consolidations are guided by civic elites." Gulp. The elites are the key -- for some. Not me.

All the king's horses and all the king's men can't fix Pittsburgh again. The effort here must go far beyond the lifting that is capable from the well-heeled ladies and gentlemen with 401Ks and prior corporate-welfare deals. The overlords and Elsie Hillman types are in over their heads here. They've driven the city into a deep ruts.

The professors concluded that civic leaders must clearly convey the same message that former President Bill Clinton did in his first campaign for the president: "It's the economy, stupid."

There is that quote. I'm ranting on the first read. How about that. But, that's wrongheaded. The government is NOT the best suited to fix the economy. It is stupid to do Lazarus deals. It is stupid to do Lord & Taylor deals. It is stupid to expect prosperity because we merge the city and county. The city is so broke it is stupid for the county to want these headaches. The County is busy putting out its own fires and it would be crushed if it had to absorb the debt of the city and the city's woes.

Civic leaders decided it had to stop. They looked for the cause. "They saw bickering between the city and county over planning and zoning and economic policy," said Thurmaier, who was hired, along with Leland, as a consultant there. "They decided if there were one government, there would be one economic development policy and plan," he said.

This makes for another scary theme.... merge to stop the bickering. Gosh. The elites don't like bickering. Here is an idea along the same lines. Only have one child, and then you'll never have siblings bicker. Let's make a law like they have in China. Just keep the first born and abort the other kids. Then we can all get along like never before. Duhh.

The loss of dissent isn't what we need. That is what got us into the mess at the outset. We need not only other opinions and ideas to shine and be considered -- democracy is messy. But, we need choices among our locations. Edgewood can flourish for decades while Wilkinsburg can rot as the later was full of corruption.

Give us one government and we're setting sail in one ark and choosing to go without any lifeboats. I want diversity. I don't want to force conformity.

These are great benchmark's of community and civic progress: Today, Kansas City community leaders point to several tangible examples of the unified government's success in economic development: construction of a $250 million NASCAR track, a 400-acre commercial development across the street, an indoor water park and a new minor-league baseball stadium.

Perhaps the problem in Des Moines should really be called a VICTORY for the citizens and a problem for the elites.

Merger supporters had hired a consultant -- redflag -- ELITE expert who knows best -- way better than the citizens in their own communities.

Seems like these voters in Des Moines were smart as the voters asked themselves if they wanted to lose their sovereignty for $2.5 million in efficiencies. Sixty-five percent said no in November. A vote in 1994 went the same way. How much is sovereignty worth? Ever hear of "Give me liberty or give me death?"

Many have paid and are still paying for their liberty with their lives. I don't want to forget nor minimize those advances. Those men and women don't lay down their lives because of unity in the economic development office nor new NASCAR tracks. The saga of failing to focus on economic development until too late is really a failure to focus on economic development at all.

This is a framing issue. Why frame a loss of sovereignty on econimic development at all? Because the elites have nothing else to stand upon.

Des Moines, saga had another problem. The proposal failed to win support from key civic leaders, including the Polk County sheriff, a former city councilman and a former state attorney general.

That list is very lame as to a lack of key civic leaders: sheriff, one former councilman and one former state attorney general. Perhaps, more than 60% of the people account for more than those three scapegoats.

There is a breath given to parks in the article. How about a feature article on significant annexation powers.

Pitt over rated -- not really. Rather, the Big East was over privileged.

Pitt went (or really is still) against a GREAT Utah team. But Pitt wasn't ever over rated. Pitt's ranking was always within the realm of what was accurate. Rather, Pitt got into the B.C.S. game and its New Year's Day date because of privilege. The victors of the Big East got this right. The right was earned by the Pitt squad. But, the Big East rode into that game based upon its reputation of by-gone years.

Pitt wasn't so lucky. It isn't luck to get matched with an undefeated team. It isn't lucky to take a slot that others craved and would have better hopes of playing toe to toe with the competition.

The Big East was lucky. And, Pitt was fortunate in that it gets a big payday.

I hate privilege and love being pragmatic. So, in an ideal world, Pitt would get to take a pass on the BCS Bowl slot, but somehow gets to keep its share of the income for that game. If I'm a wonk from the NCAA, Big East or even Pitt, I'm trying to make that type of co-op deal early in the get-a-long. It was a bad sign as the Big East was sicking the lawyers on BC (Boston College) and the others (Va Tech, etc.) trying to force intra-league glue and friendships.

I was happy to see Walt Harris get the opportunity to coach the game. I would have liked to have seen the new coach in an interview from the TV box, in person, at the Bowl game. Pitt's new coach was on the phone from South Florida. Keep him off the sideline, but he could have done hall duty at the hotel and operated a video camera.

My cousin is in Gainesville, and I bet they're psyched. The Gators are going to have a spunky swamp in the years to come -- with flea-flickers off of screen passes.

As the third quarter ends, I hope we might be wishing for "the slide" if it subtracts 5-minutes off of the game clock.

SI.com - Hooked on the Web & Truth be know about our kids.

In our family, our kids got new desks and computers for their major Christmas presents. But, there is an number of upsides to what this rant covers.

SI.com - Writers - Elliott: Hooked on the Web - Friday December 31, 2004 10:04AM I want to tell these kids idling for far too long for a seat at this keyboard to go read a book. I want to tell them to go outside, where the perfect sea is begging to be jumped in, frolicked near, or at least napped next to. Of course, these Christmas carols being piped in, complete with the requisite tin-drum atmosphere and at a volume some might find criminal, can be disorienting. I want to chat with just a couple, see if I can't get them outside in the warm sun, plop them down with a real page-turner -- surely the first book they'd have read purely for pleasure since Curious George a decade ago. Or, God forbid, I coax a couple of these pasty blobs into some consciously chosen exercise.

Two days ago both boys went to the doctor's office for annual check ups. Erik has grown beyond the height charts. And, he is lighter than a year ago. He lost weight. Doctor David was very happy.

Last winter, our Market House Rec Center was closed. Shut down. I have been on the Mayor's case like white on rice, but truth be known, my wife recently said that she was ready to ring his neck last year as Erik's fitness was so poor. This was due to the closed gym, no doubt.

Well, last winter I was also coaching. So, I was heading out to play with the varsity boys and girls swim teams at Fox Chapel Area High School while my guys were in baloon mode sitting at home.

This fall (2004) we played indoor soccer at the Market House for a 10-week term. The parents/boosters got the keys and re-organized the programs in our city owned facility. As the soccer season was closing, the boys and I dove head-long into a winter swim season at another suburban district. Beyond the lack of city implications, I am very, very please. The swim season and practices are going well. The other coaches, the team's friends and its leadership is fantastic. And, it shows with the boys.

Beyond the new desks (boards places on old file cabinets) and new computers for both boys, other gifts include new ice skates for Erik and a new helmet for Grant (who fits well into a pair of hand-me-down skates). My sons and my wife have been skating for hours on most holiday days at Schenley's outdoor rink. Great fun. They love it and began the activity last year with the closed Rec Center. But, that's more of an extra and not enough to really be the whole of a fitness program.

Anyone know what's up with South Park's rink? Not opened. Why? True?

The other plus to highlight within this linked-to-SI-rant, beyond a good game of NFL Football with John Madden, is the concept of the kids getting into the technology aspects of life. That points well to the concept of the proposed Youth Technology Summits -- still to hatch in this area.

THE NFL'S TOP FIVE (OR SIX) TEAMS, BECAUSE I SAID SO

1. PITTSBURGH (14-1): The sort of fan this team produces: My pal Devin Pedzwater called on his way from Heinz Field to the airport last Sunday, flush with visions of home-field throughout dancing through his addled brain. We spoke for 20 minutes. He has no memory of the conversation.

BTW, who's this Pgh dude named Devin?

Okay, I'll get my database snapping again and send this guy a campaign letter in the weeks to come.

Watershed Weekly

Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) is soliciting articles for a new feature section in Watershed Weekly entitled "Grassroots Shoots". This section is dedicated to providing a voice to watershed organizations where their stories can be heard. If you have an article you'd like to submit please email the article to jcoutts -at- pawatersheds -dot- org . Please Note: POWR retains final editorial rights over all submitted articles.

Pennsylvania Organization For Watersheds and Rivers
610 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone (717) 234-7910 Fax (717) 234-7929
www.pawatersheds.org
Email: editor -at- pawatersheds -dot- org

KALEIL : The Heart of Entrepreneurship - Tools, Tips, Training and Traction

Here is a nice kit for those who really want to get into entrepreneurship. KALEIL : The Heart of Entrepreneurship - Tools, Tips, Training and Traction

I went to the Ron Morris class at DU and saw the movie and talk. As a former publisher, I was impressed with the kit.

Wrap up the blog archives for 2004 with this closer:

I am only one; but still I am one.
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
I will not refuse to do the something I can do.

Helen Keller

Happy New Year -- ringing in 2005

Great weather for First Night -- so we go as a family. But, the kids and my sweetheart crack by 8:30 pm. Nuts. Oh well, back to the homestead. We'll have a later night to watch Pitt duke it out with the Utes in 24 hours.

Then James sends out some heavy mentions that I've got to ponder and share here:

The medium IS the message.

Journalism, nowadays, in addition to being largely a mouthpiece for the short-term elite corporate interests of the top 1% income bracket Americans, covers style, techniques and process more than substance. Issues are secondary to the mainstream media. It's hard to distinguish between the rhetoric of the coverage of a football game and almost any of the omnipresent television political "analyst" shows...

...political practices which favor the privileged over the underprivileged, liars over seekers of truth, authoritarian hustlers over those who struggle to help others, the unprincipled over the principled, and the mean-spirited over the kind-hearted. This is the legacy of the politics of deceit. It is a time of deep crisis for democracy and freedom...Vaclav Havel, Jan Patocka, and other Eastern European insurgents brought down their Soviet masters with far fewer resources than we have at our disposal."...

I'm generally quite amazed at what he digs up and sends to his blast list. I've asked him to be a running mate, but, he has his own thing brewing in his own style. Not much time for other techie hurdles. Understood.

The footnote to the above, I think, is The Politics of Deceit: Saving Freedom and Democracy from Extinction by Glenn W. Smith http://www.buzzflash.com/premiums/04/12/pre04091.html#order

As we floated around town tonight, we peeked into an ageless room sponsored by the Post-Gazette. Different trade show booths with each decade and places for comments with markers. In the 1990s board my wife wrote, "Got a Ph.D., got married, moved to Pittsburgh, purchased a house, had two kids." She reflected and said, 'that was a busy decade.'

Hope you have a safe time tonight. Let's get excited about 2005. I am now well rested from a nice week filled with naps. Lots to do in the weeks to come.

Turnaround Year for Pittsburgh? I say 2004 is but a churn-around year.

the turn-around year could be 2006, if we force the mayor to resign ASAP. Otherwise, we might be in churn mode. We can't churn and say we've been progressive or developed. We have to make real changes.

The Allegheny Institute released a policy statement at year end. Some of the more interesting points and reactions follow.

Workers in the City will pay a $52 Emergencies Services Tax (formerly the occupational privilege tax). Those earning less than $12,000 annually will be eligible for a $42 refund.

The for-profit business community will be subject to a new payroll tax that completely replaces the mercantile tax and significantly reduces the business privilege tax—which will be phased out in five years.

... Many trends in Pittsburgh that are tied to the City’s business and tax climate that are still very worrisome.

* Population decline in the City shows no sign of abating. The latest estimate for the City of Pittsburgh's population stood at 325,337 in July of 2003. This was down 2,600 from July of the previous year and over 9,000 since the 2000 Census.

* Decline in enrollment in the Pittsburgh Public Schools is to continue over the coming years.

* People working in the city are in decline.

* Office vacancy rates provide a strong indication of the economic vitality in the City. In 2001, Pittsburgh’s central business district vacancy rate stood at 13 percent. By 2002 the rate had risen to 17.2 percent and by the third quarter of 2004 had climbed to 18.1 percent. The national average in the third quarter of 2004 was 15.3 percent. Bear in mind that there has been no appreciable increase in Pittsburgh’s downtown office space that could have raised vacancy rates.

* Due to the decline in occupancy levels, rents are falling and the value of office buildings is dropping rapidly. Dominion Tower sold in 2000 for $82 million, the building is now listed at $53 million.

* The countywide taxes ... are growing at a negligible rate. Hotel/motel tax, Regional Asset District, Sales tax revenues ... remain flat.

The City needs to get spending and taxes down to sensible and sustainable levels. The 2005 budget stands at $425 million, or about $1,300 per resident. Per resident spending has grown too high and needs to come down dramatically. Aggressive outsourcing, privatization and merging services with the County are absolutely essential.

The City's authorities as part and parcel of a long-term slimmed down City. Mention has been made that the Stadium Authority may be the first to go. Others, such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority, should sell off assets and downsize, returning properties to the tax rolls and using proceeds from property sales to help the City pay off its debts.

Most appropriate would be an abandonment of the top-down government-driven economic development strategy that has been embraced here for far too long.

For a formatted version of this brief, please visit our website: http://www.alleghenyinstitute.org/briefs/vol4no48.pdf

Agree on the shift away from top-down styles and cutting the authorities. Nuke the Parking Authority, over time. Zap the stadium authority too. And make more democratic all the other authories -- as that injects lots of accountability.

Frankly, I think that the worst is yet to come. Our roads are sure to crumble. Our infrastructure is thin and frail. The mayor is still in office and 2006 budget is going to be worse.

A sell off of URA assets can drop the value out of all the decent properties still in the city. A rapid sell off would hurt us dearly.

We need to reform some of the taxes and the overall political landscape. Term limits, better debate inclusion, and real sustainable discussion, such as what the A.I. does, is needed to reach far and wide in our communities. The mind leads and the body follows. Frankly, I worry a lot when the PG just talks about beating Buffalo in terms of mergers. Too much hype of Louisville.

Let's talk about the deed transfer taxes. Let's start to put a pinch on the bond holders and the debt rates. Let's look further at the past corporate welfare deals and try to wiggle out of them as soon as possible. Lazarus is still eating our lunch. The place closed and we are still paying for it. We'll be paying for the Convention Center for a generation or two. We can't pay to have the place heated and lights on. But, is that part of FRIST NIGHT --- no!

We got a lot to do. Cutting a few more schools is not going to be the ticket to fixing the city.

FairVote-The Center for Voting and Democracy

FairVote-The Center for Voting and Democracy: "Become a democracy activist. Suggestions and encouragement for promoting full representation and instant runoff voting in your city and state."

We need more activist for democracy. Some, such as Jessie Jackson, are pushing for IRV = Instant Runoff Voting.

Buffalo is kicking our tail and I don't care!

If they want to jump off a bridge -- let em. I'm not going to follow in haste. This type of pressure doesn't work for me. Community connections take time.

If there's a merger race, Buffalo leads it: "The Republican county executive succeeded this year in forming a high-powered, 11-member committee that is scheduled to deliver a detailed city-county merger proposal in mid-January.

Another item that doesn't work for me -- nor for the region -- is the notion of a "high powered 11-member committee" that has been hand picked. We have these over lords. Un-inspired outcomes.

On the other hand, let's bring on the discussions. Let's let it all hang out and really give the conversation the respect it needs.

So, what do you have to say about the merger idea I floated in a 100-plus plan on May 1 for parks and recreation? http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1

The PG has not given that one heartbeat of ink. I'm sure dozens of people there have read it. John Craig did too. But, they fumbled the ball in terms of the community conversation. Rather, they want an 11-member committee. They also endorsed Tom Murphy over and over again.

All this "METROVISIONS" stuff needs to look in our own backyard.

If the talk to come is about mergers in the midwest -- I bet they miss the part about Illinois and its PARK DISTRICT models. There isn't a need there to merge as they have a different set up from the get go.

And as for Cleveland -- why follow that mess? Cleveland was the envy of Pittsburgh. But when the Presidental tickets went to debate there the news was that Cleveland was the worst city in North America.

There is no ARMS RACE among the cities. What we need to do is make a "NEW NORTH." Their suffering is not our gain, unless you are talking about the NFL. But, life isn't about the NFL. That's a football game. That isn't how life works.

Rather, Cleveland needs to worry about Pittsburgh in terms of us building an under-river pair of tunnels to the North Side -- and burning millions of federal funds for no real benefits. They can help us save us from ourselves. And, we in turn could help them do the same. Financial folly here hurts them.

As for Pittsburgh's merger issues, look no further than the mayor. He is the road block. He could merge 911 services after years and years of efforts. To the rest of the world, it is a no-brianer. It makes sense to merge 911 services with the county but it was nearly impossible to do with Murphy at the helm. There is no way he can do anything with EMS or any other issue where real creativiity and problem solving is needed.

Pittsburgh can't heal itself with Murphy in the mayor's office. So, for now, it is time to wait or eject him. We don't need more damage with new solutions.

Murphy's best idea for the next merger solution is to give the ball to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy so they can take over a parking lot between the library buildings in Oakland to make a gateway to the park and a merry-go-round. Take away parking and income and give us something that's not needed or desired. No thanks.

Murphy's merger plan blueprint is called playing chicken. He starves and punishes into nothingness. The when the value evaporates, he gives it away. Look how he merged the Crossing Guards. That is no merger at all.

Meanwhile, what is even worse is the merger and metro plans of Bill Peduto. Murphy has taken apart the city by neglect. Others are out to destroy city life by design.

Think again.

What we need to do is pull ourselves up into a realm of functional positions of strength. We need to get our house in order. We need to engage in democracy and it is going to be an open, messy age of discussions. But we need to protect and increase the benefits and value of our assets -- not diminish them. And, after we get back onto our feet then we have some standing for merger talks.

As it is now, I'd not want to merge the city into the county. Understand, I'm in both a citizen of the city and the county. The dead weight of the city to hit the county is too much. I want the county to function for the long haul. If the county comes to take over the city, that task would tip the county to its death. Today, the county can't absorb the city. But, when the city gets its health back, and that can occur, then we can be partners in those merger talks. Then we can do it well and for the benefit of all parties.

The city needs to pull its own weight. After the city is functional again, then mergers are going to make sense.

Finally, this is why my solution in the position paper is so splendid. I don't call for a merger of Citiparks into the County Parks & Rec Department. No. That would be a wrongheaded solution. Rather, make a new Pittsburgh Park District. This would be a new entity. This takes the Citiparks plus the Coutny Parks and Rec plus the Pgh Public Schools for AFTERSCHOOL time and gives a new teamwork approach with new volunteers and new democracy. That new entity would be a benefit to all and not be a burden to one.

Don't TIF Deer Creek for another shopping mall

I hate TIFs. I would put an end to them in the city if I'm elected mayor. I'd help to re-write new rules for TIFs in Harrisburg if elected to the PA Senate.

TIFs (Tax Increment Finance) are deals that were used to great measure by the creative and visionary Tom Murphy in Pittsburgh. They got us new retail at the expense of old retail. They churn developement, and that isn't real development. And, as the churn occurs, the one's who build get to pay less in taxes. Then the loosers who lost out leave and pay less in taxes. So, we're stuck with new low-paying tax avoiders and empty buildings elsewhere in a serious decline.

This TIF effort is all about 'corporate welfare.' Any progressive city or progressive politician should be against corporate welfare. However, in Pittsburgh we've got corporate welfare deals going to Giant Eagle, going to Lunar Square in Shadyside, going to places where the marketplace should be doing deals alone.

Bill Peduto has never met a corporate welfare deal he has not embraced. Bill Peduto calls himself progressive. I call that ineffective. Some think Bill is going to be like Murphy light. I think it is more like Murphy HEAVY.

If you want to join with me and others to fight against a TIF, for whatever your reasons, an opportunity is knocking.

Help protect Deer Creek, one of Allegheny County’s best trout and bass streams, and a possible site for a new mall, with tax favors.

PennFuture has represented and assisted local residents opposed to the proposed Deer Creek Crossing shopping mall development since its inception, including a long court battle to demand the current amendment process. On at 6 pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, Allegheny County residents can give public comment for or against a tax-increment financing (TIF) plan that would clear the way for the mall.

TIFs are supposed to be used for blighted (mostly urban) areas only. Please take action to protect this undeveloped green space, stream, and surrounding wetlands.

Attend the hearing, and sign up to speak by contacting County Clerk John Mascio at JMascio@county.allegheny.pa.us or at 412-350-6495 no later than noon, January 4, 2005. Each speaker gets up to five minutes.

Allegheny County’s Office of Economic Development will make a presentation of the existing Deer Creek Crossing project in Harmar Township, Allegheny County, with proposed amendments by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County at the hearing. There will also be opportunities for comments by the other taxing bodies (Allegheny Valley School District and Harmar Township) and by the proposed developer that will be participating in the tax-increment financing plan.

The hearing allows for comments on tax-increment financing, and on the Deer Creek TIF in particular.

Local residents, PennFuture and other organizations including the Sierra Club, Tri-County Trout Club, Clean Water Action, Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Rachel Carson Council have been opposing the project for more than four years. Deer Creek is one of Allegheny County’s best (and perhaps only) trout and high-quality bass streams, and the network of habitats supporting and supported by it, including nearly six acres of wetlands, will be replaced by 200 acres of parking lots and buildings. The plans for the mall, even as revised, will eliminate the riparian zone (the vegetated, forested areas bordering the streams), confine the stream to a deep, narrow valley; produce large amounts of runoff from the parking lots (containing many contaminants); and remove productive habitat by creating several culverts. The results, at the very least, will reduce Deer Creek to an average or below average urban stream, with little quality or function.

Tax-increment financing (TIF) is a form of public subsidy intended for blighted, previously-developed areas. TIFs are quite simply not appropriate or meant to be applied to green, undeveloped areas. This development will draw jobs and businesses away from existing developments, resulting in no net increase in tax revenues or jobs, and creating blight elsewhere. Allegheny County cannot continue to subsidize retail developments on our last, best green spaces.

Public Hearing is slated for 6 pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, at the Allegheny County Courthouse, 435 Grant Street, 4th Floor, Gold Room, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219.

To contact members of County Council to voice your concerns, visit http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/council/members.asp.

For more information, contact Heather Sage, Outreach Coordinator for PennFuture, at 412-258-6681 or sage - at - pennfuture - dot - org.

Don't take your Christmas tree to the landfill.

Two recycling options:

Don't take your Christmas tree to the landfill! Union Project will accept your old tree (even if you didn't buy it there) at the Union Project building between Saturday January 1 and Saturday, January 8. Please place your tree in the side yard in the area that has been designated for Christmas tree drop-off. Union Project members and volunteers will turn your tree into mulch for the Union Project flower beds from 12-4 pm on Saturday, January 8. If you'd like to volunteer to help mulch the trees contact justin - at - unionproject.org.

Please DO NOT BRING YOUR TREE AFTER JANUARY 8.

Christmas tree recycling collection on Saturday, January 8, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Construction Junction, 214 N. Lexington Street, Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh.

‘Tis the season for good deeds and good treats—and the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) can help with the good deed part. At the close of this holiday season, don’t send your tree to the landfill, where it will take up valuable space. Instead, bring it to Construction Junction for a second use.

PRC, the City of Pittsburgh, and Construction Junction, in cooperation with Emery Tree Service, are hosting a Christmas tree drop-off on Saturday, January 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During that timeframe, individuals are welcome to drop off their real Christmas trees for a $1 fee per tree. Emery Tree Service will recycle all of the trees into mulch. PRC will also accept old phone books for recycling at no charge that day. The Christmas trees must be free of ornaments and loose or tied with a string when dropped off. Absolutely no trees in plastic bags will be accepted.

Additionally, PRC needs help unloading trees from vehicles and directing traffic in Construction Junction’s parking lot. Volunteers will stay warm with cups of hot cocoa; the Square Café will provide lunch for everyone. All volunteers will receive a coupon for one free hour of kayaking this spring, courtesy of Kayak Pittsburgh. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold in North America every year. For every Christmas tree harvested, 2 to 3 seedlings are planted in its place the following spring. Help PRC keep these trees out of the landfill—recycle them. Call PRC at (412) 431-4449 ext. 243 or visit www.prc.org for more information.

Duquesne Light and Downtown Living Initiative to Illuminate Building Facades Along Penn Avenue Corridor

This story and project is a glowing example of our wrongheaded embace of bricks and mortar solutions. Putting a bath of new lights onto a block or two of downtown buildings is all about the hardware end of the spectrum -- not the software side of life. I think we need to get away from the focus on the buildings and instead give a priority to the programming, the software, the network, the human elements and the thoughtful components.

Furthermore, this solution is costly. How much? How much to install? How much to maintain? Where is the mention of money? I have no problems with making an investment. And, I have no problem with allowing the foolish to burn their own money and keep control of their own property rights. I'm just flexing my right to speak up and call em as I see em.

But, then again, who voted on this effort? Who owns the public company? Who pays the rates to this power company? Who has to deal with the economic and enviro waves it is to make? Who benefits?

This isn't the first time I'm called into question the efforts of Duquesne Light. A couple of years ago the company thought it a top priority to light up the bridge over the Allegheny River. I made light of the fact that the same money might be better spent if it was invested into math teachers for our 9th graders who were failing algebra. I'd rather have a dozen teaching specialist to tudor, give night classes, assign and check homework, and advance scholorship rather than light a rusting steel expanse in the night sky.

Don't you take great pride in those lighted bridges? I'm sure many hear the claim that their new neighbors have moved to the city despite the 65% failure rate in 9th grade algebra just to soak in the post-card landscapes of our bridges built in the 1930s and 40s.

Since Duquesne Light does lights, and not math tudors, perhaps they would find it more to their mission for the funding of a Vo Tech program. Or, if you gotta have illumination, why not light some ballfields, if not PNC Park for local kid's to use. The bill to hold the city's little league championship games at PNC Park is $7k per year. That's paid out of the Citipark budget.

Duquesne Light and Downtown Living Initiative to Illuminate Building Facades Along Penn Avenue Corridor: "The premier begins with remarks from Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy at 7 p.m. in front of 940 Penn Avenue. J. Kevin McMahon, president and chief executive officer of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which hosts the First Night celebration, and Morgan K. O'Brien, president and chief executive officer of Duquesne Light, will join him to inaugurate the facade lighting program. Their remarks will be followed by a spectacular laser-light show, which will course up and down the two-block area of Penn Avenue.

'This is just one in a series of public lighting projects Duquesne Light has initiated to help foster a strong, safe and vibrant downtown,' said O'Brien. 'We believe that a healthy downtown is critical to the overall economic well-being of the region, and we are proud to be a part of such a unique project.'"

(More of the press clip is reposted in the comments section.)

City paper ink

"Perennial candidate Mark Rauterkus already owns his dot-com.

The City Paper, alternative, gratis, news weekly, did an article (page 10, Dec. 29, 2004) with the headline, For Stronger Elections -- Mayor candidate haven't declared, but they're snagging Web sites.

You can watch, as I'll open up Elect.Rauterkus.com in the future. Of course I'll yap about it here first.

What's more interesting is Julie M's New Year's Eve party. Perhaps I'll try to bring something there.

I also think some of the comments at some of the other blogs are very telling, IMNSHO. I'll post them in the comments section, FYI, FWIW.

Home fix up. Hired the pros and are very happy.

The new tub and walls are so white. They make the rest of the house look very old, as it is. 

This old house meets BATH FITTERS

Our old bathroom walls had some leaks. They were removed and made ready for a new tub liner. The old tub stayed, but it was covered with a new form-fitted outside cover. 

PG Letters to the editor hits solid points

Love it when two letters in the same day hit home splendid points. Better to use the words of others for extra leverage when I can:

PG Letters: 12/29/04 Thank Mayor Murphy? He brought down the city I thought I'd seen everything in the PG's opinion section, but Elsie Hillman's praise of Mayor Tom Murphy on Friday was nothing short of bizarre ('Thank You, Tom Murphy: Despite Some Painful Years, This Mayor Has Served Our City Well,' Dec. 24 Perspectives)! Mrs. Hillman (pseudo-Republican that she is) must have had a bit too much Christmas cheer, or she has been secluded for so long (except for appearances in the Seen column) that a primer/re-education is needed regarding Pittsburgh's desperate situation.

My former hometown has gone into freefall mainly due to Mayor Murphy's totally inept leadership. I agree with Mrs. Hillman that Mayor Murphy is an honest man -- but without a clue.

Since a Democrat has the only chance of being mayor for the next 30 years or so, here's my plan: Mrs. Hillman should throw some of her vast fortune into helping bail out Pittsburgh, and Dan Onorato (the only Democrat in Allegheny County government with any sense) deserves a chance to go up against the entrenched policies of the ruling party.

Good luck, Mr. Onorato; you're going to need it!

CAL KANE Butler

Mayor Tom Murphy's recent announcement that he will not run for re-election ('Murphy Won't Seek 4th Term,' Dec. 22) should signal Pittsburgh residents to take a stronger role in local politics.

Pittsburgh is best known for its institutions, and it goes unrecognized that rugged individualism has been obliterated through lost jobs, lost family-owned business and lost representation for the unaffiliated person. The relationships among big business and local politics have resulted in socio-economic disaster.

The best strategy for economic and cultural growth in Pittsburgh is to re-introduce manufacturing to the region in the form of independent tradesmanship.

BRUCE REISNER, North Side

Mrs. Hillman being called a pseudo-Republican fits. Cluelessness is also on the mark.

Rich Lord of City Paper asked, off line, so I answer.

Here is a telegraph, pals:

For planning purposes, can you tell me whether you're leaning toward running for mayor, or state Senate ... or something else? And if you're not planning to run for mayor, do you know who anyone in your former party who is?

RICHARD LORD, Pittsburgh City Paper

Hi Rich,

I'm running for the State Senate -- now. I'm on the ballot. Tonight I'll be going to the DU at RMU hoops game. While at the game, a theme is to seek others to run for office too. Both DU and RMU are in the PA Senate 42nd District, FWIW.

I want the State Senate election to be May 17 to save $200k. But, if it was held in March or April, as is the custom, 60-75 days, (Jan 18 start), then I'd be able to be more visible and more active for the May 17 primary as the State Senate race would have concluded.

If I win the state senate seat -- I don't expect I'll run for Mayor.

Should I win the special election, I'd be the lone Libertarian in either chamber. That would be an important role and would mean I'd pull out of the Mayor's race general election.

I'm asking GOPers to NOT put anyone on the ballot. A candidate for mayor can backfire. Run good races for other posts. Rather, they can vote for me as a write-in in the primary (that message comes later). Then my network can join with theirs. We win in the community by addition.

I'll be making calls to the city voters shortly.

Other moves on ballot access for Nov are being considered. To appear on three slots (Indie, Libertarian and GOPer) would be an eye opener.

The Platform.For-Pgh.Org is getting more attention and will be suitable for others to use as well -- from State Senate to Mayor to city council and such.

By the way, as a look ahead, I'll be helping my wife, still a GOPer, help Gene Ricciardi get onto the ballot for District Magistrate on the GOP side. That will be action to take root in early January.

Call me if you want more insights or quotes.

Pittsburgh's embattled mayor keeps quiet, wins support for recovery plan

PG review / coverage The mayor would have to shut up.

'Every day [aides] would remind me not to put my foot in my mouth,' Murphy said recently, laughing at the memory. 'The effort was to stay on message and not have me get people mad.'

The strategy worked when the state Legislature approved the Pittsburgh budget package Nov. 21. It was great news for city government, which was facing bankruptcy in early 2005, but there wasn't exactly a victory parade down Fifth Avenue at the news.

To say the strategy worked is to say Pittsburgh is business friendly -- or -- why not say the Penguins are in first place and we're a city of champions again.

The effort from those aids should have been leveraged to get Murphy to resign. We don't need a leader to zip up for top performances.

In life all moves are either to protect equity or to gain equity. It is offense or defense. So, our city is going down the drain, we are running out of money, we are full of outward migration, our kids are shooting each other --- and the best we can do is sit with a buttoned trap.

Murphy isn't good at playing defense. He isn't good at playing offense either, as his agenda has been a proven failure. And, when he can't play well in either role, the best we can hope for is for him to remove himself and take it to the sideline. That is what should have and still needs to occur.

This is no memory to laugh about and reflect upon as history. This year, 2005, we stay in neutral and keep the back slide in high gear.

Then, what is this bit about Murphy was bluffing? I assume you are talking about his actions in 2000, 2001, 2002. The swim pool closed -- many for good. The kids didn't play baseball. The rec centers still are NOT open. What bluff is that? Is he still pulling the wool over your eyes? Let's not be at odds with the truth. Let's not re-write history so soon and with such absurd stances.

The mayor is still bluffing every second he sits in the Mayor's office. So, perhaps the bluffing from Murphy still in high gear. He isn't leading this city. He hasn't done so in years.

It is one thing to be the one to bluff. It is another to be the one to fall for the bluffing and promote it as reality. Murphy can't be blamed for bluffing as that is all he has left in his inventory. But, those who churn the ink and paper and subscribers with tall tales of the new wardrobe of the old emperor are hardly selling soap.

Pennsylvania's big-city mayors have trouble with the law

Pennsylvania's big-city mayors have trouble with the law: "'It's their method of governing,' Saidel said, lumping ethical shortcomings, prickly personality and other factors under the umbrella of governing style.

'I think old habits die hard,' he said.

This is a hoot, IMNSHO.

Bill Green is looking for a mayor like Rendell. He wants man to meet city to meet job. He wants to see a certain personna and bank-roll justifications. Duhh.

Rendell isn't in trouble in Phili as they have term limits. Same too for Murphy. He should have taken a hike after eight years. The writting was on the wall. I saw it then. Green didn't.

The media --- like Bill Green --- help by sustaining the agony of these situations. John Wayne types are sure to find a sniffling Bill Green in a puckering position.

I heard Lynn Swann might be at the mall next week, sickem Bill sickem. Atta boy.

And, what is sure to reverse this "amazing coincidence" trend is either ego-centric politicians who agree to serve one term and run elsewhere. Or, a new breed of gentlemen, scholar, servants who can dance among the people. And, please, let me be complete and qualify this second half by one more major distinction. The gentlemen part needs few other modifiers if it began with a woman.

How many jag-offs in office in trouble are female?

A women wouldn't make those same mistakes. But moreover, most are smart enough to not step into these messy situations at the outset.

Next mayor must run with ball

PittsburghLIVE.com: "Al Neri, editor of The Insider, a statewide political newsletter, said the perfect candidate will have to persuade voters that he or she is 'a different animal from Murphy and an agent of change for the better.'

An 'anti-Murphy,' Neri said.

Bingo! That fits me.

Knocking on doors, being able to be reached, holding and going to lots of community meetings --- are descriptions of what I'm about too.

'Mayor Murphy developed this whole administrative blockade so the average person in the community could not go to the mayor,' said Mary Ellen Hayden, lead organizer for the local chapter of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. 'It totally lifted the mayor up and away from the people, made him inaccessible.'

Murphy put up walls to protect himself as he couldn't rumble. He knew democracy was messy and he wanted to take the easy pathway with corporate welfare. It is easy to pick up the phone and talk to Rooney or talk to the Alcoa executive. It is hard to talk with the congregation of a church or twenty merchants along Fifth & Forbes.

Voters next year are going to want someone more like them to lead their city, political analysts say. -- Well, that's me in most instances. While I don't have season tickets, I do it one better. I've been know to be a vendor at the games and get in for free. I helped my Uncle Joe for a season or two, "Get your official, game day, souvenier, programs."

Hello: Voters still want a brainy leader, but one with the common touch. A Pittsburgh populist, in other words.

Have you been introduced to the campaign slogan, "We the people?"

Voters are saying: "Let's modernize Pittsburgh, but do it like a Pittsburgher does it," said John Verbanac, chairman of NeriVerbanac Public Affairs, which specializes in political issues. "They want a person who is a Pittsburgher, who understands our uniqueness and who can apply modern solutions and changes to who we are."

Right on.

Because the next mayor will need to answer to the oversight boards, and will have fewer resources, we can choose to pick a leader who has no intention of doing corporate welfare deals (there is no money anyway). I won't need to be sorry and make excuses to those seeking handouts. Plus, we'll be able to have the experienced oversight lords to lean upon on making the budget and finances tick. They'll be calling the shots anyway. And, we'll want someone who can get into the parks, get into play with the kids, get into volunteerism, get into sports and cheerleading and coaching and literacy.

We have toys here to play with among ourselves. We can make this place fun -- without building a downtown mall. I want to work with coaches, leagues, fields and families. That's the type of cheerleading we need.

A candidate will have to show he or she can deal with all that without being consumed by it. A viable candidate will be upbeat, a cheerleader who will lay out a program that excites residents about getting more involved in improving neighborhoods and solving problems.

Problem solving is about being creative and then being able to communicate. Plus, the communication goes in mini-cycles, not one-way.

"We could use a nice person with brain power," said Joseph Sabino Mistick....

I think that the "being nice" part is a little out of focus yet with JSM's comments. Murphy was too nice when it came to management of the city's contracts. He was too sweet with the corporate welfare. He was soft when he needed to be hard and hard when he needed to be soft. Personally, I'm not "nice" all the time. I'm hard in some instances. I'll be nice when I tell you -- you are off the team or your job is going to go to this other person because you're not doing what needs to be done. But, that isn't so nice. We need boldness. We need respect. We need tough-love. We need a coach -- Ditka like. We can cheer, but we can be down in the pit too and riding your back for another 10 reps or another set or more attention to detail.

When I expect this level of intensity, fair play, kindness, scholarship and effort from myself and my friends, then the same can be demanded from others that work with the system, operate in the neighborhoods and choose to live here and engage with our services.

It is about sincere respect. I treasure the worth and dignity of everyone. This includes the kids. Yes, kids, as in non-voters. And, those in the suburban reaches -- another non-voter population. Mayor Murphy has little respect for dissent and for the real treasures of Pittsburgh -- its people and its network of relationships.

Happy Boxing Day

American Gridiron takes center stage on Boxing Day in Pittsburgh. Our gang is also going to the see The Nutcracker.

Letters to the sports editor: 12/25/04

Double yoi and merry good cheer to both letters.

Letters to the sports editor: 12/25/04 Pitt needs atmosphere adjustment

The decline of the Pitt football program starts in its own back yard. Pitt needs to get away from Heinz field. The college atmosphere does not exist there and most students have no interest in traveling on a bus or cab to or from a home game. College football is all about students tailgating and giving their team an added advantage of the 12th man. Therefore, recruiting a high school superstar becomes a difficult sale. Find a way to bring football back to Oakland.

GLENN HERNON, Shaler

Bring back script 'Pitt'

Now that Walt Harris' departure is confirmed, the door has closed on the rebuilding era of former athletic director Steve Peterson. Maybe Pitt can look back to its glorious roots and return something Pitt faithful have missed for a long time (No, not Pitt Stadium): the script 'Pitt' logo on the side of the helmets. It was in place for many years, and it's time for the heritage of Tony Dorsett, Bill Fralic and Dan Marino to return to Pitt's helmets.

FRANCESCO ROSATO, Brookline

Welcome Home Dave!

Hi Coach! Welcome home.

We'll have to get you and your wife new voter's registration forms soon. If you are going to return to Baldwin, you'll be able to vote for me in the special election for State Senate.

Merry Christmas

Hope you and yours have had been having a wonderful time at Christmas. Things are great in our home, but a bit slow on the blog. That's good news.

At our Christmas service lots of folks were asking me what I was going to do with myself now that Tom Murphy has said he wasn't going to run.

The short answer is to make sure that the next mayor isn't worse than the one we've had. And, frankly, that is a real concern. Twice in the past the Pittsburgh voters picked Tom Murphy over Bob O'Connor. Ever consider the option that Bob could have been worse?

Oh well, there will be plenty to do in 2005. And, it can wait for a few days.

Peace. Hope. Charity. And, stay warm.

Cleveland.com is kicking our high tech tails

cleveland.com: Weblogs
1. Taipei, Tawain
2. Spokane, Washington, USA
3. Toronto, Canada
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5. Mitaka, Japan
6. Pirai, Brazil
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
8. Tianjin, China
9. Singapore (1999 Intelligent Community of the Year)
10. Sunderland, U.K.
11. Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties), NY, USA
12. Province of Ontario, Canada
13. Greater Cleveland and NE Ohio, USA
14. Calgary, Alberta, Canada (2002 Co-Recipient of the Intelligent Community of the Year)
15. Dublin, Ireland
16. Spanish Fork, Utah, USA
17. London, England, U.K.
18. Issy-les-Molineaux, France

Brief - Ink in the Trib about candidate for 42nd

PittsburghLIVE.com: South Side

Rauterkus seeking Wagner's empty post

Mark Rauterkus, 45, of the South Side, will run as a Libertarian Party candidate for the state Senate seat being vacated by Jack Wagner.

Rauterkus, a swimming coach, was nominated last week by the Allegheny County Libertarian Party as its candidate in the race to complete Wagner's term in the 42nd Senate District. Rauterkus ran unsuccessfully for Pittsburgh mayor as a Republican in 2001.

Wagner, a Democrat from Beechview, was elected state auditor general on Nov. 2 and is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 18. A successor will be chosen in a special election to fill the nearly two years remaining on Wagner's term, which expires at the end of 2006. The date of the special election will be set after Wagner resigns from the Senate post.

What's Tom Cox saying here?

Can someone please translate this for me?

Murphy's out - PittsburghLIVE.com: "'Over time, people will come to understand what happened here,' said Tom Cox, Murphy's top lieutenant. 'There is brick and mortar, if anybody will see it. The objective legacy is palpable.'"

Editorial: Board and coverage was hitched to Murphy

Editorial: Murphy's limit / Pittsburgh's mayor decides to call it a career: "In the city's hour of desperation, it was hard to find any good will toward Tom Murphy from suburban lawmakers, some Democrats included.

That, if nothing else, was a sign that Pittsburgh needed a new mayor.

Two weeks ago, this editorial board said as much and we also said that candidates with fresh perspective, even from the Republican Party in a city dominated by Democrats, should step forward with their plans for the future. Now that the incumbent has decided not to run, those ideas will get a more thorough airing."

My expression, said thousands of times has been: "Pittsburgh needs a new mayor more than I need to be mayor." Finally, the sign of needing a new mayor get home to those at the PG.

We'll see how the treatment goes to candidates with fresh perspectives. The double talk is obvious in the mention above. Why not just say that the editorial board will be open minded to candidates and don't rub the readers in the nose with the city dominated by Rebublicans swipe?

Thomas Baker for School Board

Tom is a candidate for school board. Site just launched. Go get em!

Thomas Baker for School Board: "I will provide parents and students within District 5 with electronic newsletters monthly so that they can remain in touch with what is taking place in the school district and provide direct feedback to their school board representative"

The Middlebury Declaration

Middlebury is very near and dear to our family. Our Cameron is there as a sophomore. And, the Palmer family has many ties to the school and community.
http://www.vermontrepublic.org/writings/middleburydeclaration.html

The Second Republic, Journal of Vermont Independence

Naylor on Vermont, George Bush and Secession, from the Vermont Cynic.

Vermont Independence Day Petition.

New Hampshire Free State Project

South Side Summer Street Spectacular STOPS

Local news is reporting the death of the SSSSS.

I thought we all knew that this event was toast.

Last year the event organizers were tickled because their event rose in the standings. The event became the third largest annual gathering in the city, up from forth. I think. The pulling the plug on the Regatta lifted the ranking. Big deal.

A possible replacement is the South Side Spring Sports Saturday! Pitt's spring football game could be played on a Saturday at South Vo Tech with a parade from the UPMC Sports Complex to the staduim, tailgates, and a big blending of campus and community.

Murphy won't run

Our marathon running mayor won't run in either the Pittsburgh Marathon -- cancelled due to a lack of funds -- nor the 2005 mayor's race. He said today, as he signed the 2005 budget, that he won't be running for mayor. Tom Murphy is finishing his third term.

I was wondering about the turnout to his Christmas Party this year. Generally it is a big festive afair on the North Side. Didn't hear a peep about it this season. But, I never get an invite so I might have missed it. Anyone know?

An upsdide to not holding a 2005 marathon is the embarasment avoidance. Lots of injuries, blown knees and ankles sprains are sure to be avoided along the course. The sum of the city's road re-paving budget enables a scant 4-miles of pavement coverage for the duration of 2005. That sad fact is part of the budget the mayor signed today as well.

The city is about to crumble. The capital budget for 2005 stands at $0. Most of the rec centers and swim pools are staying closed.

More people left Pittsburgh while Tom Murphy was mayor than voted for him to continue being our mayor.

Voice of the Region uses "Think Again"

A quarter page ad in today's trib, page A4, uses the expression, "Think Again."

Headline: Think Your Opinion Doesn't Matter? Think Again.
Help Chage our Region by Givein Us A Piece of Your Mind.

The campaign and web site is by Mampos Inc. in partnership with the Pgh Tribune Review.

http://www.voiceoftheregion.com.

These folks also did a lame undecided voters market research thing after one of the presidential debates. Only "undecided voters" were invited. Then they ran the discussion on the radio. I called it lame because all the candidates on the ballot were not in the debates. To build a case after only some of the evidence is presented is faulty. And, to build a decision with a flock of those who are wishy-washy by choice is sure to a cheap investment of one's time.

Gratis read on Linux from IBM about desktop migration

IBM released a new Redbook: Linux Client Migration Cookbook -- A Practical Planning and Implementation Guide for Migrating to Desktop Linux.
Among the most interesting topics which are focused on the desktop deployment and technology are the chapters about "Migration best practices" and "Desktop automation and scripting".

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246380.html

Libertarian Party: Home Page

Libertarian Party: Home Page Libertarian to run for Pennsylvania Senate in special election.

http://lp.org/lpnews/0502/rauterkus.html

Phili wine friends: What are you doing New Year's Eve?

See the comments to learn what's up with singer, songwritter friend, Dave Nachmanoff.

DC's convention center lasted 22 years

Boom! Poof! Another churn and burn in 22-seconds. Film at 11.

DC got good ink and props for not blinking to the pressure from Major League Baseball. But, it gets a new parking lot on the site of its old as dirt convention center. Yep, the new one is already built. At least they didn't take down the one before the other was built.

Interesting sprawl fact: 20-new miles of roads for mall

Montour Record Robinson Planning Director Rick Urbano said the township will have to take over responsibility for 20 miles of new public roads connected to the Mall at Robinson.

Meanwhile, in the city, in 2005, we expect to be able to repave a total of four miles of roads. That's the extent of the paving budget.

West Allegheny Record reports on new park next to a school

West Allegheny Record One of the main focal points of the site will be the 1,000-seat amphitheater.

Parks such as this add value to the community and to the home owners. This seems to be a place for interactions, coaching, gatherings.

Meanwhile, some would like to remove the bandstand and stage from Point State Park.

River boss and overlord to vacate

Another one bites the dust.

River boss - PittsburghLIVE.com: "John G. Craig Jr., who stepped down as co-chair of the Riverlife Task Force, epitomizes the 'fatal conceit' of self-appointed leaders who presume to know what's best for everyone.

Some of the region's best and brightest citizens serve on the task force, formed in 1999 by the Murphy administration to create a 'grand, urban-scale park along the three rivers in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.'

Craig, appointed by his good friend Mayor Murphy, gave voice to that fatal conceit when he told a reporter the task force was a sort of 'moral authority' over developers of projects along the rivers.

However, this former newspaper editor did not cite a source indicating who gave the organization that so-called moral authority, or how Craig even was qualified to determine or guide the proper use of anything. "

Murphy's mess

Murphy's mess by the biased Joseph Mistick

Should have blogged about this a week ago. We do need more perspective in these matters. But, Mistick's folly is part of the mess too. Murphy has put the pedal to the medal and drove the city over the brink. But, the funding for the corporate land speculation had already started. Oh well. Now we're all on the same side, I assume. But, I'm not going to assert much more than an assumption, yet.

Gambling & greed: Joined at the hip

Editorial from PittsburghLIVE.com

Fox Chapel hopes to remain competitive in Class AAA

Go Foxes!

Fox Chapel hopes to remain competitive in Class AAA - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Fox Chapel's swim teams were among the best in the WPIAL last season.

The boys finished fifth in the Class AAA meet, and the girls were seventh.

Inheriting two teams that were in the top 10 in the WPIAL is not a bad situation for new head coach Todd Clark.

'It's always nice to have them know what being successful is like in advance,' Clark said. "

Last year I was the head coach of the varsity swim teams. This year, I'm having a lot of fun coaching my kids in the pool in another suburban location.

It is good to see in Fox Chapel the team with the same coach for both the club and varsity programs. Furthermore, it is great to see coaches from last year still on the staff this season. The Foxes should be able to climb higher in the standings in the years to come. I hope to get to one of the meets this year as a spectator.

City of Pittsburgh schools' magnet program slots are filled

The demand at these schools exceed the supply.

City of Pittsburgh schools' magnet program slots are filled Liberty Elementary, Homewood Montessori, Pittsburgh Classical Academy, Sterrett Classical Academy, Frick International Studies Academy, Liberty Elementary, Perry Traditional Academy and Allderdice High School.

Roddey to bail, not bail out

PG: Roddey plans to quit city oversight board Asked in July why Pittsburgh's government should not have direct access to those gambling funds like other communities, Roddey's answer was, 'Because all the other communities aren't as screwed up.' ... Later he went off on council members who spent thousands of dollars on books, picture frames and other miscellaneous items even while the city was facing bankruptcy. ... Council had 'no intention of changing the way they operate, and have no appreciation for the crisis the city is under ... They don't get it. They simply don't understand what it means to be frugal,' Roddey said in October."

Meanwhile, our Gov, Fast Eddie, shows how he is like the others doing too little too late. "Rendell said yesterday that he plans to submit legislation next year expanding the board to seven members, which he said would make the board more diverse. Board members are currently all white males."

As for Mr. Roddey, it is hard to call him a critic of Tom Murphy. Roddey was no critic of Tom Murphy in 2001. One can only wonder how much of a help or hinder he'll be in 2005 when it comes to protecting the machine in the city. Time will tell.
Finally, I think it is sad to hear that another on the board is talking about putting external pressure on Mr. Roddey. What is that about?

Hens-Greco for Judge site goes live

Hens-Greco for Judge: Introduction: "I am a candidate for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County."

SEA bets on $2 M in revenue from slots

These guys are still drunk on the expected slots incomes. Now the move is to prop up the SEA (Sports & Exibition Authority) Budget. They are with a $2-million hole. Rather than doing the right thing and making a balanced budget, as hired to do, they wish upon a star.

Logan is generally a strong critic of Mayor Tom Murphy. However, in this move, he seems to be doing the same things Murphy did with the 2003 drink tax.

SEA bets on $2 M in revenue - PittsburghLIVE.com: "
There are ways state gambling overseers could raise money before slots revenue starts rolling in, said state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, an SEA board member.

Other state agencies, he said, borrow money against future revenue, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, which pledges future toll revenue to borrow money.

'It's not like the Gaming Control Board, if they choose to do that, would be breaking new ground,' Logan said. "

The SEA needs to build a hotel. This slots money doesn't go to that purpose. Perhaps the size of the white elephant known as the convention center will be a story in 2005 or 2006? We've got a big sink on our hands. We're taking hoped for money to plug up operational holes for things that are to supply our economy with robust fuel. This is rolling out of control in reverse. And, if Logan is part of the new guard -- we are in deep, deep trouble.

Christmas letter, 2004

All on Earth can all take credit for another trip around the sun. Hope yours was exciting, joyful, peaceful, or whatever you wanted it to be. Our trip around the sun had some extra zig-zags around the planet as well.

We're thankful for many things and find that we don’t say “thank you” often enough. Consider this holiday letter as a thank you as you've touched our lives in special ways this year.

We are thankful for:

Beautiful places and splendor magisty as witnessed on a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The family soaked up one of the most beautiful places and the boys and I spending several days in Yellowstone. Amazing – bison, moose, eagles, elk. Grant went over the edge of the raft to cool his head and dunked into the Snake River. Snatched back into the boat by quick hands, Grant was the only one all season to topple out of a raft. Later with mom, the boys took their first horseback ride – up into the Rockies. They look great in their cowboy hats.

Catherine took both boys to Arizona for a weekend adventure that included horseback riding and lots of cactus.

DC trips have been fun. Catherine is planning the American Academy of Audiology 2005 convention. One adventure included meeting Congressmen, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Globetrotters.

Two trips to Chicago. One included a fun visit with Meryl and family. Thanks for the hospitality everywhere.

Catherine was awarded the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology honors. (Many thanks. Humbled by this.)

Catherine made a productive writing trip to Nashville. We've become country western fans and particularly enjoy singing “It’s only Monday Mr. Mom.”

An adventure in Vermont that included a wonderful family visit with nephew Cameron at Middlebury College and sugar on ice.

Erik got a $500 prize for the best essay for Black History Month in his age group in the city.

Many wonderful winter days ice skating.

Another great ski/snowboard/sledding weekend at Margie’s Hidden Valley House.

Another caring year being involved in our church community. Both boys sing in the choir.

A remarkable five week trip to China. Thankful there for wonderful tour guides, two terrific Pitt grad students who traveled with our family, and the people of China who made us feel welcome. We visited Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, Hong Kong. Catherine lead a month long course. We purchased new violins, had lessons, joined a swim team, and turned badminton into our newest family sport! An invite has been extended to a return trip in 2005.

Teachers at Philip’s Elementary School and the teachers at the gifted program are talented, patient people.

Nephew/cousin, Cameron, spent the summer in Pittsburgh, His presence was a treat for the whole family.

Aunt Debbi came to Pittsburgh and Uncle Bob made several visits throughout the year.

We rented a car and drove to Maine to visit Grandpa, Jay, and Jim and the exciting Atlantic Ocean. This year we kyaked in the ocean and Catherine went shopping.

We visited with Uncle Charlie, Aunt Pat, Sandy, and Steve, and enjoyed delicious lobster, for the first time.

Another week camp with a life affirming SUUSI and many UU friends. Thanks to our musical friends who take time with Erik, he wrote another song this year. Our year was full of music with visits from Mindy Simmons and Amy Carol Web – thank you so much!

A four day trip among family at Aunt Pinky and Uncle John’s youth hostel in eastern PA. Each year we are grateful for the Rauterkus family and once again celebrated with many of them at Nana’s annual cousins’ party.

Another undefeated summer swim season for the Green Tree Great White Sharks. The boys swim. I coach.

Year-round swimming started this fall for the boys. I'm coaching Grant as part of my duties with a club team a few nights a week. Both boys are swimming well and enjoying it.

For Grandma, she's still right across the street.

Red Sox crushing the Yankees and taking the World Series.

Others who care about the city too. Some advisors meet each morning after walking the kids to school. I've accepted the nomination to run for PA's Senate in a special election this spring.

Our old house is still standing. Home improvement is on our list for 2005.

Grant finds himself drawing in his free time. He creates a cartoon series that makes us all giggle. Dang it, Dangy. Dangy is a superhero who rids the world of people who do stupid things.

Erik currently is reading the Constitution because he finished the Declaration of Independence. It doesn’t give all the details (all inspired by the movie “National Treasure” – go see that one!).

There is so much more. We hope you have too much to be thankful for too.
With love – Mark, Catherine, Erik, and Grant

No Dice

EMERGENCY! CHRISTMAS IS COMING, AND GAMING CONTROL BOARD MEMBERS HAVE NOWHERE TO LAY THEIR REAR ENDS

Commentary #3 from No Dice, December 17, 2004 - For use as desired by Bruce Barron

The new Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board held its first meetings this week, and at least one historic event took place: the word "emergency" was redefined.

The board invoked emergency procurement procedures in order to take four actions without going through the standard bidding process prescribed by state law. One of those "emergency" actions was to rent office space.

State law says that emergency procurements can be made without going through standard bidding procedures only when there is a threat to public health, welfare or safety, or when circumstances outside the agency's control create an urgency that does not permit the use of competitive methods.

Nevertheless, the Harrisburg Patriot-News quoted a state Department of Revenue spokesman as defending the use of emergency procurement to rent office space, stating, "They have no place to sit."

That certainly sounds like a dire emergency to us.

We're sure that the honorable members of the Gaming Control Board investigated all other possible options before taking this emergency action, so we assume the following must be true:

* Governor Rendell used up all his chits fighting for the slots bill, so he can't persuade a single one of his own agencies to lend the Gaming Control Board a conference room and an office for three months.

* The Gaming Control Board members, hampered by salaries of only $140,000 a year, have no spare change available to buy folding chairs or a table, or to rent a meeting room a few times while conducting a proper bidding process.

Judging from their "emergency" need for a place to sit, none of the Gaming Control Board members could make it as a stand-up comedian, even though many of their actions may be downright hilarious.

Representatives of the gambling industry, predictably, expressed pleasure with the Gaming Control Board's willingness to bypass state law in order to accelerate the arrival of slots.

At least the Gaming Control Board, by demonstrating its ability to declare a state of emergency at the drop of a rental agreement, is getting Pennsylvanians accustomed to what Nevadans have known for years: once you let gambling into your state, the gambling lobby trumps good public policy every time.

(No Dice is a Pittsburgh-area advocacy organization opposing the proliferation of legalized gambling in Pennsylvania. To be added to or removed from this distribution list, or to receive copies of previous commentaries, contact Bruce Barron at nodicepa - at - aol - dot - com or 412-835-0614.)

No ho, ho, ho's for Santa

No ho, ho, ho's for Santa pols - PittsburghLIVE.com Shopping-mall Santas are less harmful than politicians.

End all corporate welfare here and now!

Another 'historic' day

Onorato calls row office reduction vote 'historic.' People recognize that this is a historic day.

We've had it to here in historic days .... and .... these folks are giving history a bad name. Putting something on the ballot isn't so historic, in my humble opinion. Should people vote for the measure, then, all-in-all, its like the loss of a few pimples.

City faces $528,000 in interest to pay bills

PG coverage "This is a less than perfect plan . . . It adds more debt to the city when we don't need it," Shields said.

Everything around here is always less than perfect. Everything. Generally, it is often one step better than the worst possible.

Next stop for row office reform: May 17 with the voters of the county

Allegheny County's Executives signed the 10-4 plan that puts the ballot question before the voters of Allegheny County voters.

Keeping the Sherrif's office as an elected position keeps politics in law enforcement. However, the move keeps their boots out of the game. They have a lot of muscle. Had this been a 10-2 plan, perhaps their might would have swung the fight to no refrom at all.

Keep the Treasurer as an elected office is interesting to me, personally, in an around-about way. A potential opponent in the 42nd Senate has that office. His job is not up for elimination. Staying put might be an option that makes more sense.

Penn Avenue Arts Initiative

PG story

See comments for a letter from Jeffrey Dorsey.

Great tutorial on deed transfer tax with Jerry Bowyer's show.

I called in and we talked after a great tutorial on the deed transfer tax. This is a very important issue to the city. Jerry said, "The devil's in the details." Good point. We should be getting rid of this tax as a top priority. Meanwhile, the city is going in the exact wrong direction.

Some who know these things would say, and I agree, that this is the worst tax in our "mix."

Save Pennsylvania $600,000 -- Yawn, another day in the blogsphere with your help.

An Open Letter and Request (feel free to repost, link to, re-use, etc.)

From: Mark Rauterkus, Candidate for PA Senate
108 South 12th Street, Pittsburgh's South Side, 15203

Mark@Rauterkus.com 412-298-3432 = cell
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com


To:
Pennsylvania's Elected Leaders
Allegheny County's Election Officials
Allegheny County Executive

Original release: December 14, 2004

Subject: Special Election in PA Senate 42 should be May 17, 2005.

The citizens and voters of Pennsylvania would benefit greatly if the date of the special election for the PA Senate 42nd District was set to May 17, 2005. Please do what you can so as to schedule the special election to occur on the same day as the Primary Election rather than as a day unto itself in February, March or April.

The cost savings for the taxpayers would be significant. The senate's district stretches from Baldwin to the city and out to the airport. The large district calls for many workers. These expenses are paid by the county and refunded by the state could be totally avoided. The county and state have better uses for those funds. The district has 250 districts at a cost of $800 each for a total expense of $200,000.

Rushing into the election shortens the campaign cycle and diminishes the opportunities to raise issues, debate positions, discuss solutions, and create better understanding and relationships within our communities and region.

The divide between the city and county has grown into a massive gulf due to abrasive actions from Grant Street and less-than-ideal bailouts from Harrisburg. In many instances it is as if the city is ringed with an iron curtain. Rather, we need to have this campaign be an opportunity to bridge city and county understandings. We need to heal and reverse the dysfunctional strains that pit city and county residents, and their elected leaders, against one another.

+ In Baldwin the Sierra Club and others are in dismay at the city's plans that advocate gambling, the extraction of coal and retail development with Charles Betters and Tom Murphy.

+ Suburban sprawl often clogs the Parkway West as more are being pushed from the inner city. Extra traffic chokes suburban streets. These are lose-lose situations and many others are seeking to raise money with $52 commuter taxes.

We have witnessed divisiveness. A range of issues add fuel the fighting: WPIAL/City League sports; RAD Tax; Transportation; MagLev; US Airways; Airport Development, and so on.

If the election is to be rushed to occur in 60 or even 75 days, the community can't rally to call for forums, hold in-depth discussions and work together in earnest, meaningful ways. Cramming the date sooner into the calendar hurts our opportunities to flourish as a region. We should cherish the interactions among candidates and community before votes are cast. May 18, 2005, is 119 days after the seat opens given the intended January 18, 2005 resignation of existing office holder.

Another matter to raise: prosperity. Nobody creates wealth by sitting at a polling place for 13 hours to handle a trickle of voters on special election days. Thousands of hours are absorbed in polling duties by many good neighbors. Rather these people should better invest their precious time with work, volunteer efforts, family time, school assistance and starting new businesses. I'd rather see a day of neighbor helping neighbor, improved fitness or even snow removal rather than the time and energy sink of a special election -- even with my name on the ballot.

I'd be embarrassed to NOT speak out as best I can on this matter. Democracy is messy. Politics is complicated. But voting is simple. The easy, simple and more direct path calls for the special election for the 42nd on May 17. Let's have a dual election. As the others are headed to the polls for the primary, we'll pick a senator too.

As I understand, Allegheny County's Department of Elections budgeted for the election's cost. An overtime investment into the election process should do different tasks.

1. Let's spend a small portion with mechanics to insure functional voting machines.

2. Let's recruit and train poll workers. Today's workers are great, but they are not getting any younger. We need to deepen and widen the pool of workers.

3. Let's speed the result certification so the new state senator from PA's 42nd is able to take the oath of office and join with colleagues within days after the election. Let's provide for overtime work, if necessary, after the election to get the new senator on the job. I will want to get to work on time. It would be better to delay the election by six weeks and work hard on the back-end to certify the vote's results in hours or days.

The 2004 PA Senate stood with a 30-20 party margin. A delayed election in the 42nd won't impact the balance of power in that chamber nor would it impact upon any super-majority necessary to override a veto. The politics of picking the election date is minimized, hence the practical matters are maximized.

Two special elections in eastern Pennsylvania could occur sooner, if need be. However, I'd love for them to be delayed to May 17, 2005, as well. Hence, the suggested savings nets a three-fold increase.

Google Partners with Oxford, Harvard & Others to Digitize Libraries

Google Partners with Oxford, Harvard & Others to Digitize Libraries: "Placing full text book material is not a new idea on the web. Many services, both free and fee-based, allow you to access books online. The longest running such service is Project Gutenberg, founded by Michael Hart in 1971, with over 13,000 books available."

Judge nominees to face grilling from 'jury'

Nominees to face grilling from 'jury' - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Candidates running for judge next year in Pennsylvania can expect to be grilled like never before about their positions on hot-button issues such as abortion and gun control.

When the U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 struck down a Minnesota rule barring judicial candidates from expressing their opinions on issues, it created a new playing field for judicial candidates in 39 states in which judges are elected.

'It's a different ballgame now. You can no longer hide behind the ethical requirements that judges and judicial candidates not comment,..

This "deliberative democracy style" is now the rage in certain circles. It has plenty of merit in terms of making better choices. These new wrinkles will be interesting to watch and promote in the months to come.

Got ink in today's newspaper. When it rains, it washes out the poor.

See the article on this weeks public campaign reform hearing in PittsburghLIVE.com

Mark Rauterkus, of the South Side, who initiated the petition drive, said Peduto's bill favors the wealthy because it places no restrictions on the amount of money candidates may spend on their own campaigns.

Rauterkus said he is considering a run for the state Senate seat vacated by Jack Wagner, who was elected state auditor general in November. Rauterkus also is considering another run for Pittsburgh mayor. He lost a bid to James Carmine to be the Republican nominee in the 2001 spring primary.

'If this is approved, we'll have a situation in which a rich person can spend all they want, but somebody who might make a great leader and doesn't have a lot of money won't be able to accept the large contributions they need from the people who back them,' Rauterkus said.

Peduto said the U.S. Supreme Court already has ruled that there is no limit on how much individuals can spend on their own campaigns. Peduto believes his measure would ensure that so-called front-runners won't have a significant edge because they are able to attract large contributions.

I have no problem with the rich being able to self-finance campaigns for public office. However, I do have a problem when they begin to exclude the poor from the process.

Your comments are welcomed.

To speak at the hearing, either for or against, or to just appear on the record for, against or undecided, call the city clerk's office: 412-255-2138.

More to come.

Walt walks to Cardinal

Let me join in the chorus and wish him the very best in in his position at Stanford.

Hope Walt coaches, or gets to coach, the January 1 game.

Hail To Pitt!

Pitt Rocks!

Feedburner button that updates itself.

Code can be posted on your web pages and stay up with the changing content of this blog.

more jobs

Here is a great job for a human rights peace activist. The pay range is $35,000 – 45,000, but you would have to move to Harrisburg. Please pass it on.

The PA Progressive Majority is now interviewing for an outreach/political director. This is a newly created position that will be based in Harrisburg but requires extensive in-state travel. I have attached a job description for your information and ask that you please forward this to anyone you feel may be interested. Thank you for your assistance.

Kathy McEntee, State Director, PA Progressive Majority, 717-238-4775
More in the comments.

Superintendent's fate official. Perhaps he'll consider a Running Mates position?

Superintendent's fate official - PittsburghLIVE.com: "
'Dr. Thompson's extremely disappointed in the board's decision and even more disappointed in the way all this has been handled,' said the superintendent's attorney"

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.