Four more city pools won't open in 2005 -- we can do much better.

Four city pools high, dry - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Four city pools high, dry

Pittsburgh officials say four more city swimming pools won't open this summer.

Save Our Summer -- 2004 -- is DEAD. In 2004, the SOS effort was to raise money to get a band-aid to put onto a dead body.

Allegheny County was trying to get the operation of the newer city pool up in Lincoln Place. What happened with that deal? Let me guess. Perhaps those on Grant Street displayed their lack of willingness to play well with others.

"The pool is all we have here," said Marlene Emro, 64, a long-time resident of Lincoln Place. "We have the city school Mifflin Elementary, the pool and no other city things here. It's a shame. Our kids are out here at the end of the world."


"It's not fair," Emro said. "We pay taxes, and the children deserve the chance to go up and take a dip."
...
Pittsburgh City Councilman Doug Shields, whose 5th District includes Lincoln Place, said the tentative closing there is especially troubling because McBride is a newer pool; it opened just a few years ago to replace an above-ground pool.

Lincoln Place residents are worried the new pool will deteriorate if it's not used and maintained.

Shields, of Squirrel Hill, said he plans to work with state Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Carrick, to investigate getting a state grant to operate McBride.

As for the closings citywide, Shields said: "If you open one and not the other, someone else is going to feel the pain. There are no good choices to be made here.

WRONG!

Before McBride opened, I voiced a protest. I went on the record saying that the swim pool there should NOT have been built. Readshaw, D, PA House, brought home some pork for the building of that pool. It is a dinky pool. It took the place of another dinky pool. It is inferior. Our kids got robbed. Our city got robbed.

I raised the objections that the pool should be built in the first place. I didn't want to spend the state money on the pool. It was no gift as operational costs were not part of the solution.

I said that the city should build the pool there only after the aquatics task force had suggested that it be built. The aquatic task force was concerned about the city's swim pool landscape -- but it was another joke miss-managed by the city's mayor and city council.

The Mt. Washington pool is another sad note. Paul Renee, a candidate for city council in the D primary for the seat formerly held by Alan Hertzberg, was one of the champions in 2004 in efforts to reopen Reams. Rene, with some help, paid to open the swim pool at Reams in Mt. Washington last year. He got a great lesson in how hard it is to operate a rec facility. It isn't easy -- it isn't hard -- it is long.

What is worse, the pool opening in Mt. Washington blazed a new pathway in city and community cooperation. But sadly, the operations are not going to be sustained. It would have been wonderful if the REAMS model was able to pull its own weight and expand to other now closed pools.

No large-scale money-raising effort is under way to open more pools. John Ellis, spokesman for the Pittsburgh Foundation, said last year's "Save Our Summer" campaign -- which raised more than $600,000 for the pools -- was a one-time effort. The pools' futures are in the hands of the city this year, he said.

These make good examples as to why we need a new direction. Let's work to form a new Pittsburgh Park District.

PG Editorial: O'Connor for mayor

Giuliani of New York was a REPUBLICAN.

Giuliani of New York broke a long string of DEMs as mayor of New York. Pittsburgh faces the same-old, same-old Democrat Bob O'Connor. The future with O'Connor in Pittsburgh is unlike what New York had with Rudy Giuliani.

Editorial: It's O'Connor / Democrats need a consensus builder for mayor "Mr. O'Connor sees himself as Pittsburgh's Rudolph Giuliani, the mayor who cleaned up New York. 'When we start believing in ourselves, this thing will turn around,' he told the editorial board. We certainly hope so -- because what the city lacks in money it must make up in determination.

Bob O'Connor, who deserves the nomination, is the party's best hope for rekindling a spirit of renewal.

Bob's determination isn't able to be discounted. But, this city isn't about Bob's determination. This election isn't about the next in que and highest in determination. Rather, this process is about the determination and will of the people of Pittsburgh. Citizen centered perspective need to take the helm, not next in line thinking for annointed ones. The PG perspective is NOT match my perspective.

A vote for O'Connor shows little "determination" from the voters.

Those with a loud and strong desire for a different type of determination won't choose O'Connor.

---

... Pittsburgh was a different place four years ago. Today it is financially distressed and under the watchful eye of two state agencies. Police have been laid off; fire stations and swimming pools have been closed. While neighborhoods are trying to hold it together, parts of Downtown (despite new development) look shabbier than ever.

Told ya. We knew what was happening, back in 1999, 2000 and 2001. We knew Tom Murphy was trouble. The PG endoresment went to Tom Murphy in 2001.

In 2000 and 2001, I went to the public. I ran for mayor and helped the guy that beat me in the contested primary. I (and others) knew that Pittsburgh was in serious trouble. Pittsburgh was in trouble in 2001. Pittsburgh is in trouble in 2005. Pittsburgh is NOT a different place now. The PG can't ignore the facts of our poor conditions.

That giant whizzing sound you're about to hear will be an exodus of Pittsburghers -- unless they have a chance for a mayor who will do more than restore financial stability, but will also build hope for the future. In the Democratic field, that candidate is Bob O'Connor.
ABOUT to HEAR? Come on.

More people had left Pittsburgh in 2001 while Tom Murphy had been mayor than voted for him then to continue being our mayor. People have been leaving for some time.

People who leave don't get to vote for the opposition that remains.

Pittsburgh has an empty feeling. We can't even gather enough for a good disaster drill because of the years of disasters that have come in the past dozen years.

Bob O'Connor was on council when the city's debt mounted. Don't forget it and don't reward it with an endorsement or a vote.

Sure, O'Connor is backed by city worker unions and orthodox party leaders. So, I say the next mayor should not be part of the same cloth.

Because the next mayor has Act 47 bean counters -- we have an opportunity to pick an inspired leader who is less experienced. Act 47 and the Oversight Board serve as TRAINING WHEELS for getting on the right track.

The fiscal straight-and-narrow is not a guarantee, but it is more assured. We might not fall hard -- but we still might not go anywhere near prosperity. The old guard won't have the same influence if the voters choose to elect NEW PEOPLE. The old guard will have the same influence if we keep electing those who have made the troubles continue.

The PG editors wrote, "Among the seven Democratic candidates, only three have notable credentials for the job."

NOT-ABLE, as in not able?

Or, Note -- as in a note of debt. We have some who are okay with debt and notes.

That debt advancing history is not a prerequisite for the job of mayor.

I agree that the other Democrats care about their city. But prime time values are not lost on me because one is 'retired.'

The PG welcomes a robust debate in the fall between the party nominees on the best solutions for the city's problems. --- NOTE: The PG does NOT welcome another into that debate, say from neither the Ds or Rs.

If O'Connor had fervor for improving Pittsburgh, he would NOT have left city council. He would not have left the fight to claim the vote in protest in 2001. O'Connor knew the vote totals were rigged -- a dozen different ways. But, he didn't out the ways of the cheaters -- as he didn't want to rock the boat that much. He didn't have the fervor I would have hoped to have seen.

O'Connor has been playing defense in his campaigns, in 2001 and 2005.

Oh well. The PG and I don't see eye to eye again.

Row Office Reform: YES and NO editorials in Sunday's PG Forum Section

The Yes-vs.-No ballot question on the May 17 election, right next to our special election for PA Senate, 42nd, makes for some interesting discussions.

Recap from my perspectives:

Months ago, I pushed and pulled as best I could to the County Executive and to County Council Members to junk the plans put forth for the ballot question. The question is not nearly as good as it should be.

Voters are asked to choose a bundle. YES votes call for a drop from ten (10) row offices to four (4). NO votes say keep the system of 10 row offices -- just as it is for now.

The bundle is bad. The bundle forces a discussion into certain areas. The voters got ripped off at the ballot box -- before the vote was even taken. The question of 10 to 4 stinks.

Dan Onorato wanted to drop from 10 to 2. He had a different bundle. That was a bad question as well.

Would-a, Could-a, Should-a from the Rauterkus perspective: Ask each each question for each office on its own merits in seperate votes.

Should the county controller continue to be elected? YES -- or -- NO?

Should the county's recorder of deeds continue to be elected? YES -- or -- NO?

These questions would continue for all ten row offices.

That is what should have happened. That isn't happening. We need elected people who know and care about democracy.

Among the candidates in the race for state senate, Diven seems to be on the side of voting "YES." Fontana was on county council and he didn't do what should have been done, as I suggested. He went with the flow and fumbled into an expansion of four offices put onto the ballot in a crafted compromise that ends up putting the region in another goofy situation -- much like being a dead skunk in the middle of the road.

We need leaders that push forth better solutions. We don't need back bench leadership. We don't need guys who cave on important issues.

Back to today's PG editorials. On the "YES" side was Dick Thornburgh, and he got his taken by David Tessitor.

Thornburgh put up a call for a YES vote because of some an ancient relic reasoning. Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, -- and even George Washington -- are "ancient." But they gave us freedom and in turn the Constitution. Hey Thornburgh -- being ancient has its advantages and is heads and shoulders over the style of leadership and bone headed people we've in too many offices of power running the region in these MODERN TIMES.

Let's turn back the clock and thrive again in terms of our democracy.

The closing statement from the "NO" side from Tessitor is powerful. Note NO! We need more deomocracy, not less.

Thornbergh does not give one reason WHY the old doesn't work. He streamlines democracy and the power with the people -- and that's something that we should question. He thinks an appointed leader is going to give better customer service than an elected one. Why? Thornburgh's spin without substance.

Hanging one's hat on modernized IT is a joke. IT is Informational Technology. I know a thing or two about public IT elements. The county's IT plan isn't about modern solutions, such as open source software. I have no confidence in mega networks run by those who less than 10 years ago didn't have any computers. A distributed network is stronger, better, more modern. We don't want Thornburgh styled, monolitic IT plans lead by career politicians.

If we had a real IT pro among the flock of those in charge, then I'd re-consider my stance. We don't have the talent nor know-how in the top leadership, sadly.

Red tape for citizens and business isn't in the row office structure, but is in found in the AUTHORITIES such as the URA, Water & Sewer, Parking, Stadium, and Housing. We need to work on those authories. I'm the one that wants a vote to eliminate the authorities.

We are barking up the wrong tree.

Onorato is not bucking powerful people in his own party when Michael Lamb, a candidate for mayor, is also standing up to say the same should occur. Onorato is going with the flow among the corporate power base. That isn't bad, in and of itself. But, don't tell us Onorato is bucking the establishment. I'm not crying any tears on these matters for him going out on a limb.

Power would have gone to the people with a one-by-one vote on each office. That would have been the way to buck the system in an effective way.

Wellness in the Workplace -- TV 4 show hits a home run for me.

WTAE TV 4 does a Healthy 4 Life tv show on Wellness in the Workplace. Wellness is a plank in my platform. Great stuff. Marilyn Brooks made the report. Well done!

Health fairs, health screening, extra activities, and many other extra examples.

The concern is the bottom line. Can't afford it -- ha. To a lunch and learn. A health fair is no cost. The health assessment is

Medrad. Inc., 1,200 employees, medical products, northern suburban location has some great applications of wellness in the workplace. Its coupled to the philosophy.

Stanford and Deliberate -- was at CMU 2 years ago

CMU and Stanford are two top insitutions in the realm of "deliberate" areas of public life. There is a promising, academic, policy, democracracy and technology confluence that has been budding for years. Some in Pittsburgh have been at the cutting edge of this mission and movement. Some huge grants and outcomes have been obtained.

Marilyn Davis, Ph.D., is a long-time net friend of mine. She is the principle developer of eVote and hosts efforts at "deliberate.com" -- a site that I've helped for years by providing some high-speed web services.

Two years ago, CMU hosted a conference. I attended. Now it is going to happen again, but on the west coast. Marilyn is going to present. She wrote today:

Hi eVote Fiddlers,

I will be giving a demo of eVote at a conference at Stanford. I'll be the last of this: 1:10-2:30 Demonstrations: Groupware (380-380C)

For the demo, I'll put in a poll on this fiddle list. If anyone is online, and happens to see the poll come in, it would be totally cool if you went ahead and voted on it.

This looks like a great conference. The paper titles make me think there's lots of hope for online deliberation yet.

Check it out:

http://www.online-deliberation.net/conf2005

Marilyn

Our lightly used blog is at http://eVote.blogspot.com.

In Pittsburgh, a month ago, an out of town expert was a guest speaker for a public lecture, and I attended and asked a question. She got the discussions started in earnest outside of the academic and techie realm where I dabble with the lawyers and attorneys.

These concepts are going to reshape politics and our decision making process. I am sure it is the wave of the future for Pittsburgh -- as its happening with great results elsewhere now.

Tonight is the only TV debate, 7 pm, all candidates!

WBGN, a Green Tree station, #3 on my city cable box, is to broadcast the debate of a few weeks ago held in Mt. Washington. All three candidates were present and got an opening statement, closing statement and replied to some questions.

In my opening -- I jumped upon some overstatements mentioned by Fontana in his opening. Fontana read a portion of a letter from Tom Shumaker, (R), County Council member. Shumaker has since let it know that he'll be resigning from County Council and moving to Virginia. Tom also has been quoted in the papers saying he won't comment on Fontana's claims of being so effective in "bi-partisan" behaviors.

Shumaker's letter to Fontana was nice -- but -- it was dated Feb. 29, 2005. Shumaker sent it because Fontana was then not eligible to be on the county council as he was a candidate for another public office. Fontana needed to resign by then. He didn't even resign after being nominated. Fontana's resignation came weeks late. Fontana's actions of ignorance for the expressed statements within the County Charter was painfully obvious.

In my closing statement, I pointed out the main distinction between the other two any myself. I expect to serve the American people in a lawful way as a state senator should. I'm not only about bringing home the pork.

I'm the one that thinks that the system is broken. That the public treasury is broke. We've tried their style and it has diven us deeply into a crisis.

Hope you tune into the debate.

Viet Vet says on KDKA TV / PG Sunday Edition: There is more capitalism in Siagon than there is in Pittsburgh.

Ho chi Minh City is what its called now, officially.

T.J. McGarvey gave the quote on the air, "There is more capitalism in Siagon than there is in Pittsburgh."

He was on the air with Thomas M. Fitzgerald, another Vietnam Vet. Great interview. Great men.

The two were on the air talking about their experiences in the service from 30 years ago, as well as more recent visits back to Vietnam in the 90s. Plus, some insights into the Pittsburgh monument and other related issues were covered.

The concept of saying, "Welcome home to a veteran is always important."

A hint of GOP spunk - PittsburghLIVE.com

A hint of GOP spunk - PittsburghLIVE.com Reminded great social commentator R.G. Ingersoll in an 1876 speech: 'The Republican Party is the first party that was not founded on some compromise with the Devil. It is the first party of pure, square, honest principles: the first one.'

Wiser words never were spoken. Wise Republicans would heed them.

Wise. Humm.

We'll see what the Trib does with the PA Senate race in the next week. Ignorant or aware? Closed or open minded? Falling to principle or to party pandering?

My main point, nevermind.

Candidates step up TV ads -- Rauterkus does TV in other ways

Candidates step up TV ads - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Libertarian Mark Rauterkus, of the South Side, who is a candidate in the Senate race, hasn't made a TV buy.

Tonight, I'll be on TV for one hour. The TV debate is to air on WBGN at 7 pm. The station is #3 in the city on my cable package.

The debate was filmed at a Senior Center in Mt. Washington and is the only such event where all three candidate were involved.

The clear winning, according to many sources, was not Diven nor Fontana -- but me. I won.

After the debate, a few were wondering if the Dem had a pulse. After the debate, Diven nearly ran out of the room.

Tune in, judge for yourself.

In other matters, I'm expected to be running 3-minute TV announcements on Tuesday and Wednesday -- and they replay other days as well. This is the public comment period at City Council.

I was part of a lead story on TV 11 about four weeks ago on the 11 pm news as we were engaged with our school district's (PPS) project to get interactions and feedback from the community.

I was filmed as part of the AARP event -- being kicked out and giving a statement -- on Friday with WTAE TV 4. I made a powerful protest about the poor decisions of the heavyweights and about the instutional patronage. A nice ovation was delivered in support of myself and after the event 80% of the people in attendance came up to me to express their humble outrage that I wasn't included. All took my CD and many gave me their phone numbers and are now passing out my literature.

In the past, I worked with PCTV to be part of a show, The Art of News.

I've been on the OnQ show, with debates and features a year ago in efforts to "open swim pools and rec centers" -- plus in a candidate debate.

But the biggest effort, with long term potential has to do with WQEX. I was in the battle to prevent the sell off of QEX 16, an asset of the public, miss-operated and miss-managed by QED for years. The public TV mission is not being upheld as it could and should in the Pittsburgh region.

As I remind people of the squandered asset of QEX and the poor behavior of QED's board, this isn't to score points with the powerful. Hillman, Roddey and others are (or were) on that board and drove that station into its huge debt. QED and the city share much as they are in ugly situations due to overspending.

The public trust has been fleeting. Over the years, some is growing in a gradual way, but then it falls away again when the management does NOT do a real debate for a special election in their studios. Or, for other races in the political landscape.

Where is the QED debate for State Senate?

Where is the QED voter education for all the candidates now seeking offices in city council?

When have those interviews taken place?

It is hard to point to something that is absent.

In the end, people vote with their feet. People see the "institutional corruption" and back away. People leave Allegheny County, continually. More than 8,000 left the county last year.

in certain places we can't do nothing and expect to thrive.

There should be a media and journalistic backlash against the negative ads from the candidates. The half-truths in the self-promotions should be revealed as well -- by broadcasters at public TV.

Pittsburgh has "do-whop" covered. Other things that are much more important to the community are left bare.

Brochure text, continued:

Fiscally prudent.
No corporate welfare, EVER!
Beholden to one special interest group: residents.
Solutions for recreation and democracy.
Transportation ideas targeting all.
Honest and open accountability.

-- I'd launch a youth technology summit, establish a regional Park District, end TIFs, lower deed-transfer tax, begin assessment buffering and squash horrid big-ticket spending.

-- I understand that voting and volunteerism matters -- not cronies.

-- Let's halt sprawl to boost our urban fabric.

-- Career politicians put the region in a tailspin. Opposition must counter their give-a-ways.

Disaster

Lots of effort was devoted to the disaster day at PNC Park today. Practice is good. I am a coach. I know practice counts and matters. You either use it or loose it. It is hard to knock practice, cooperation, safe behaviors.

Without a doubt, lots of volunteers were involved, and necessary.

I kept my nose clean, milling from scene to scene. Didn't want to get tossed out of the place. Yesterday's fireworks were enough. Hear some rumblings. Saw the bomb backpack getting dropped into the county's bomb squad blender from its tow rope. Lots of hardware and man power was engaged.

The lifeguard in me can easily understand the efforts of the disaster drill. However, I'm generally come from a perspective of wellness.

It is going to take plenty of band-aids to heal the world.

Some devote their lives to cleaning up the mess others get themselves into. (i.e., Emergency Rooms, trama centers, funeral home operators, bankrupcy dealmakers.)

Some devote their lives to the creation of new messes to replace the existing ones.

Others devote ther lives to making no mess at all.

And, among others sure that are left unsaid, comes the last example.

I am devoted to the reaching of one's potential. To soar, to excel, to strive for excellence is what drives me.

I am more in my element at Sunday morning's big community event, the race for the cure in Schenley Park.

Good luck to the runners. Good luck to the researchers for their discovery that improves prevention, diagnostics and treatments. And most of all, best of luck and strength to the women and their extended families of support in dealing with cancer and other issues.

O'Connor widens contribution gap - PittsburghLIVE.com

Trib quote is on the money. They got it right with the reporting. Yes, I agee. The numbers don't reflect the total amount of money coming into the campaign. The numbers are reported -- but they are less than the whole truth. The real big spending is coming from other sources.

O'Connor widens contribution gap - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Mark Rauterkus, a swim coach from the South Side who is running as a Libertarian, has raised $3,300 in cash and $4,000 in in-kind contributions. He has $100 left in the bank.

The numbers don't reflect the total amount of money coming into the Senate campaign, said John Verbanac, chairman of Neri-Verbanac, a political communications firm based in Harrisburg. He estimates Diven and Fontana each have at least $1 million in support, with state campaign committees paying for most of the TV ads and direct mailings.

Fontana, Diven trading punches (again squared) -- This is about Choice

Fontana, Diven trading punches Diven said he'd 'originally hoped the race could be run in a positive manner, but they went negative on me three weeks ago with a mailer and a TV ad. They threw the first punch and I had no choice but to respond.''

These guys are the ones who are all about a LACK OF CHOICE.

Both of my opponents are staunch PRO-LIFERS. They are not freinds to choice.

Both of my old-party opponents don't want the public to see a choice in terms of the full spectrum on the ballot. Both of my opponents have a willingness to debate without me.

These guys are not fit to be a state senator.

I would never go to a debate knowing that my ballot certified opponent was excluded. I can't stand for discrimination, intentional discrimination, institutional discrimination.

I say, "Think again." We need choices. We don't need senators who are slaves to the wrong masters.

Fontana, Diven trading punches - another problem that comes with a new fix in my campaign

Fontana, Diven trading punches: "Final campaign fund-raising and spending reports don't have to be filed until a month after the election."

I went door knocking, made calls, sent letters to a number of area bankers in recent times. I have a solution, talked about among other places, at city council's public comment period.

The press and Business Times have not picked up on the story, yet. They should. It would help them greatly in these matters. And, most of all, the solution gives the citizens a lot of power. So, the watchdogs might not like this solution.

Transparent PAC accounts would fix a ton of problems. It would make the public campaign process open. We'd not make more work for government offices.

The record keeping of expenses, incomes and assets is in a bank account. Open those bank records with a new style of account, the TRANSPARENT PAC ACCOUNT, and allow for bank by phone and bank by internet views of those accounts by everyone.

The general public should be able to call up, on the internet, my bank account, Elect.Rauterkus.com, and see how much money I have on hand, how much I'm depositing, and the checks, and how I'm spending my money. The checks and credit card expenses are all there -- hidden -- and waiting for a report that happens only four times a year.

The candidate expense and asset report would be much more simple.

The banks already do these type of accounts within their TRUSTs. There can be dozens of trustees who can VIEW the trust transactions -- but who can't do anything else, other than watch.

The public should be able to watch these PAC accounts, real time.

As soon as any bank comes forward, I'll move Elect.Rauterkus.com to that account and publish the access codes for others to witness -- with bank by phone and bank by internet viewing.

Fontana, Diven trading punches - Fontana's vowed -- an opposite direction of mine and where it should be

Fontana, Diven trading punches: "Fontana vowed, 'We won't be outspent.'' He said he's getting financial help from state Senate Democrats and other party officials.

Fontana thinks it is important to win a spitting match.

I vow that I will be outspent.

I vow that I won't overspend. And, I won't overspend when I get into public office as well.

The problem with these old-party candidates and the old-party ways is that they feel more important when the spend more. They burn, churn, waste, abuse. They are not prudent. They are not responsible. They are not frugal. They are not serving the best interest of the taxpayers. They try to out-spend each other and think that that is real measure that counts.

Think again.

Fontana should say, "I'm getting my message out to the people." He can't say that.

Meanwhile, I can't blog much longer. I've got to get my message, now in 40,000 fliers, out to the people. I've got to delver boxes to some volunteers.

Want to help, give a call, or send an email.

If you want to pick-up 100 handouts and take them door-to-door in your neighborhood, come on down.

Fontana, Diven trading punches - ROTFL - Jubelirer's freshness = toxic stentch

Fontana, Diven trading punches: "'We think people are disgusted with the Democratic politics of the past and will vote for Mike Diven, who is a breath of fresh air,'' Jubelirer said.

ROTFL = Roll On The Floor Laughing

Anyone who thinks Diven is a breath of fresh air must always be surrounded by toxic stentch.

Here is a statement without any creditability from the same source via Harrisburg. "We like this matchup," Jubelirer said. "Wayne Fontana has been the godfather of the reassessment process. He's part of the old Democratic establishment. Polls show the two within a few percentage points of each other. It's going to be very, very close.''

The race isn't close. It is costly. It isn't close. The move is a classic to try to close ranks. It isn't the truth. The poll results prove otherwise.

Fontana, Diven trading punches and Fontana's far from the truth on own personal history

The PG reported the following:

Fontana, Diven trading punches 'Mike Diven has been sucking on the public payroll udder his whole life,'' said Fontana campaign director Marty Marks, whereas Fontana was a full-time real estate agent until he got involved in politics five years ago.

Tom Barnes, the PG reporter, set a wonderful trap with this question and statement from the Fontana camp.

Fontana didn't become a full-time real estate agent until recently. One of Fontana's bits of literature, early, when they were NOT so negative, put a much more recent date on the obtaining of Fontana's real estate license.

Text mentions within the new brochure include:

Voters of any party affiliation, including INDEPENDENTS, can vote for Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian.

Polls open to all from 7 am to 8 pm on May 17.

Choose Rauterkus (lever 3-SP) to serve a brief, unexpired term of Jack Wagner because the other two (D & R) have been grossly negative in $1-million campaigns.

Holding the special election with the primary was pushed by Rauterkus in 2004. Rauterkus’ voice already helped to save PA taxpayers $200,000.

Good questions from PoliticsPA's renewed message board

Sadly, I'm to spent to dig into these questions right now. Good ones to ponder -- or allow others here to reply.

What do you think the top three issues are in your district?
 
Let’s say the voter turnout is 48,000.  What portion of that vote do you see yourself getting, and why?
 
Do you trust the voters of the 42nd district will make an informed decision when electing their next Senator?
 
When the number one issue in the 42nd district is property taxes, why do you choose to deal with other items like corporate welfare, pool schedules, trash pick-up and so on?
 
Name what you see your number 1 accomplishment is that defines your term/terms as senator.
 
An old woman comes into your State Senate office and tells you that she can no longer afford her property taxes and unless she pays $2500 in back taxes by month’s end, her house will be sold at sheriff’s sale.  What would you do for her, or what would you tell her?
 
I hope to hear from you, and only ask these questions because it will help me make a better informed decision.
 
Thanks.

Harold's call to action -- with good weather this weekend for lit drops

The Western PA Liberty PAC cut the "Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian for
State Senate" campaign a check for $500 yesterday, and Mark already has 10,000 of a final total of 40,000 fliers in hand (he'd already made arrangements with a printer friend of his). He needs help distributing them, needless to say. He said they look good. FYI, he designed them so any leftovers -- and I think there will be plenty -- can have the time-sensitive part cut off, to make a shorter, more general handout for
later use this summer (if and when he runs for mayor of Pittsburgh in the General Election).

The weather this weekend is supposed to be pretty decent, I've been told. So, you can kill three birds with one stone if you'd be willing to distribute some of this literature for Mark -- get some sun and fresh air, exercise, and help the libertarian cause.

To contact Mark about how to get fliers from him, and where you can fruitfully distribute them, call him on his cell phone at: 412-298-3432.

We're coming down the home stretch.

Thanks!

Harold Kyriazi

Campaign Finance Reports due -- news shortly from the others

Today is a deadline for putting in the campaign finance reports.

The Elect.Rauterkus.com committee raised about $3,300 in cash donations. The in-kind ia about the same. The money on hand is around $100. But, I've got a source for another $1,000 or so to land the campaign.

Four years ago, I ran for Mayor in a contested Republican primary. Both me an my opponent raised about $600 each. We got about 2,000 votes each. I got votes for about $.30 each.

Four years ago, in the Dem primary for mayor, Tom Murphy and Bob O'Connor each raised about $1-million and got just more than 30,000 votes. They got votes for about $30 each.

I expect I'll get votes for $.50 each -- and get between 3,000 and 15,000 votes.

Meanwhile, we'll see how much money is being spent by the other camps. But, a bulk of that money is from Harrisburg, not local. To unravel the source of the money, as it comes from the state committees is a bit more trickey. Hope we have good reporters. The other camps might get votes for $100 to $50 each.

Time will tell.

To vote for me, Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian, it cost $0. After the curtin closes in the voting booth, look to the top row, white background, lever 3-SP.

Tossing a lifeline of good news to Diven and Fontana in a few minutes

This memo has been sent days ago to the other two camps. Showdown came. Both of the old party cronies did the wrong thing. These guys can't make the local landscape better. They have no standing to become senators.

Open Memo to the Citizens and Community Groups within the Greater Pittsburgh Community and the 42nd State Senatorial District

Subject: Debate Inclusion and A.A.R.P. Event

Date: Friday, May 6, 2005

From: Candidates on the ballot in the special election for PA Senate (42nd District)

Wayne Fontana

Michael Diven

Mark Rauterkus


Part 1: I, Wayne Fontana, insist upon the inclusion of all the candidates on the debate stage. I'll do everything I can to see that this occurs.

_______________________________________
(FONTANA did NOT agree to this request.)

Part 2: I, Michael Diven, insist upon the inclusion of all the candidates on the debate stage. I'll do everything I can to see that this occurs.

_______________________________________
(Diven did NOT agree to this request.)

Part 3: I, Mark Rauterkus, want to be included and invited to all the debates and candidate events, along with my loyal opponents. I've stood for others in this regard in other races. I feel certain that our shared democracy requires positive action on these matters.

_______________________________________

+ + + +

Thanks for your consideration and all you do for our public life and community, both in the past and in the present.

Both Diven and Fontana are unfit for service as PA Senators

Statement from Mark Rauterkus, May 6, 2005

First of all, I am ashamed to be in a race for public office with Michael Diven and Wayne Fontana. Today they had an opportunity to stand up for diversity, inclusion, democracy and justice -- and these two acted poorly. Neither Diven nor Fontana supported my inclusion in today's debate hosted at Station Square by the AARP.

Needless to say, I’m extremely disappointed that the AARP deemed it necessary to exclude me. In my opinion, the national and state AARP organization should allow the local affiliations the latitude to make their own decisions in regard to local matters. But, this is simply a microcosmic version of how Federal and State Governments’ use bully-tactics when dealing with local government. Protection of the status quo is more important than the voters’ issues. And that’s something near and dear to my heart … and an issue with which I take very strong exception.

I am not a member of AARP. I acknowledge its right to run its organization as it sees fit. I simply disagree that an organization should be able to promote a legitimate view of the candidates without including all of the candidates.

Given the crisis mode and the band-aid mentality throughout the city, region and state, we also need to address the larger issue of one-party and two-party government. Neither one party rule nor two-party government provides the options needed by a diverse electorate.

Organizations, such as AARP, and events such as today's candidate function, provide the opportunity to bring more representation to government. Today's event provided an opportunity to bring representation to the multitudes of disaffected voters throughout this region, not to mention the country. All parties (AARP, Diven and Fontana) failed.

--- The AARP has chosen to pass on this opportunity.
Today's debate is an example of how those in power allow, condone and support an imbalance of power.

--- The disaffected voters of this region demand balance.
Today's debate provided an excellent chance to see two-thirds of the options.

--- This District’s constituency knows that 67% is a failing grade – and this District’s constituency is clamoring for 100%.

Many democracies involve a multitude of parties. Iraq, with more than 120 parties, this past January 2005, makes just one example. But our present system is designed to eliminate all but the two old parties. Today's frail democracy is a conundrum specifically designed to be an endless, impenetrable loop.

You cannot participate without a 5% minimum past representation, yet you cannot get a 5% minimum representation without prior participation. And please note that celebrity candidates don’t qualify in quite the same manner as those of us with serious issues to address.

The AARP was unable to prove to me that any independent poll was held that had me at less than the 5% benchmark. Polls are being taken. Polls are not being reported because they show a large and growing number of voters who are going to vote for neither the D nor the R -- but for Mark Rauterkus, Libertaian.

To close, let me reiterating my disgust to Mike Diven and Wayne Fontana for their lacking. They don't have the capacity to do the right thing. They don't have the capacity to be my senator.

All future debates must take serious candidates seriously.

Both the heavyweight candidates, Diven and Fontana, were asked to wait before taking the debate stage until after an invitation was extended to all on the ballot. The other camps know what was unfolding. The other camps knew in advance what would occur. My advance statements were handed to them directly.

Failures from AARP, Diven and Fontana. My stand for inclusion, diversity and reson got me kicked out of the Station Square Ballroom -- News on WTAE TV

I didn't get arrested.

I did get kicked out of the AARP event after I raised a "point of order" to be included in the debate and statements today at Station Square.

The AARP moderator had only total denial to offer as an excuse. He said he didn't know I was on the ballot -- but -- he lied. He knew. I told him on a number of occasions. He knew, as the Elect.Rauterkus.com campaign manager had told him and the others with the AARP for the past two weeks.

News coverage is expected from WTAE TV 4.

I got a nice ovation at the event as I made the statement. The expected negative reply came from the stage. Then came my exit -- under protest.

Diven and Fontana are failures at making the situation as it should. They agree with me in principle. But, they fail to stand up for their principles. Neither are suited for the state senate.

This would NEVER happen if the tables were turned. I didn't let it happen in the past. I told my opponent when there were candidate events.

You can't have a valid meet the candidates program when you don't meet all the candidates -- despite the candidates being there and wanting to present.

We send our men and women around the world to fight -- give their lives -- for the sake of democracy and freedoms. Those efforts are valid but turn in vain when our democracy at home is worthless.

Letter from school

This came, and when it did, I didn't tell anyone. And, I don't think we changed any behaviors. There was nothing to bark at. Same old, same old. 

 

Tension -- like the morning Rosa Park's decided to ride the bus.

My wife is in Chicago. I dare not get arrested. I've got my mother-in-law to get in Oakland after her LAST day of work, FOREVER. She is 71. She is to retired for good. Today the office folks are taking her to lunch.

I've got my kids to get after school too.

This was an advanced copy of a prepared statement that is NOT valid. Diven and Fontana fumbled. The most recent statement is now on the blog in another posting.

Proposed Prepared Statement – Mark Rauterkus – 6 May 2005

First of all, I would like to thank Michael Diven and Wayne Fontana for supporting
my inclusion in today's debate.

Needless to say, I’m extremely disappointed that the AARP deemed it necessary to exclude me. In my opinion, the national and state AARP organizations should allow the local affiliations the latitude to make their own decisions in regard to local matters. But, this is simply a microcosmic version of how Federal and State Governments’ use bully-tactics when dealing with local government. Protection of the status quo is more important than the voters’ issues. And that’s something near and dear to my heart … and an issue with which I take very strong exception.

I am not a member of AARP, I acknowledge its right to run its organization as it sees fit. I simply disagree that an organization should be able to promote a legitimate view of the candidates without including all of the candidates.

Given the crisis mode and the band-aid mentality throughout the city, region and state, we also need to address the larger issue of one-party and two-party government. Neither one party rule nor two-party government provides the options needed by a diverse electorate.

Organizations, such as AARP, and events such as today's candidate forum, provide the opportunity to bring more representation to government.
Today's event provides an opportunity to bring representation to the multitudes of disaffected voters throughout this region, not to mention the country.

--- The AARP has chosen to pass on this opportunity.
Today's debate is an example of how those in power allow, condone and support an imbalance of power.

--- The disaffected voters of this region demand balance.
Today's debate will provide an excellent chance to see two-thirds of the options.

--- This District’s constituency knows that 67% is a failing grade – and this District’s constituency is clamoring for 100%.

Many democracies involve a multitude of parties – Iraq with more than 120 parties this past January, is just one example. But our present system is designed to eliminate all but the two old parties. Today's frail democracy is a conundrum specifically designed to be an endless, impenetrable loop.

You cannot participate without a 5% minimum past representation, yet you cannot get a 5% minimum representation without prior participation. And please note that celebrity candidates don’t qualify in quite the same manner as those of us with serious issues to address.

To close, let me reiterating my thanks to Mike Diven and Wayne Fontana for their support. All future debates must take serious candidates seriously. Thank you for your time!

Diven and Conquer -- City Paper Ink -- a few notes and CDs about a "RECORD"

Whether they vote on little things like issues and records is another question. As is often the case, the one candidate without a record, Libertarian Mark Rauterkus, seems to have the most specific ideas, pushed in Web sites and blogs (Rauterkus.blogspot.com, Rauterkus.com, Platform.For-Pgh.org).

I don't have a record. No criminal past here.

I don't have a record -- because I've got a CD.

Really, by now, I've got five CDs that I've used on the campaign and community trails.

One was for the relief concert in advance of Mindy Simmons' last visit. That had public domain art from last years travels.

Two was in advance of Johnsmith's concert.

Three is the present Elect.Rauterkus.com offering with the theme song, "Think Again."

Four and Five is a two-CD offering called Dad's Perspectives with Pround Dad's founder, Hogan Hilling. That CD appeared for the first time on May 3, 2005, at a Parent Engagement Conference hosted by Pgh Public Schools at my presentation.

Another insight on "records" -- I do have one. I've been on the record on a large range of issues. I'm here to make history, not be a slave of it. My record is out there in many ways.

And a final "record insight." As a swim coach, I've coached swimmers who have broken STATE-RECORDS in four states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New England). The New England swim association includes a few "states." So, I'm no stranger to records, record breaking feats, and overall performance.

Next week's City Paper is going to have more from my perspective, so I'm led to understand. The article by Marty Levine was good. It showed some of the character of the heavyweight opposition.

AARP showdown

The AARP, the biggest political lobby group in the nation, is holding a candidate forum on Friday, May 6, 2005 at the Sheraton Station Square. Mayoral candidates are on from 9 to 10 am. The heavyweight candidates in the 42nd State Senate special election have been invited for 10:30 am.

I am not yet invited.

I am not able to participate. The stupid, national AARP guidelines require that an independant candidate must register at least five percent in voter support in official polls conducted by news media or other independent polling organizations OR if the candidate belongs to a political party, the party must have received at least five percent of the last general election vote, if the party ran a candidate.

KDKA TV didn't do a poll. Or, they didn't release the numbers.

In states where third parties are not strong, this last two points can be large hurdles.

The other two candidates in the race support my participation in back-channel conversations and in theory. We'll see what happens.

I can attend and have campaign literature available. But, I'm going to say something. If any of you can come to support the efforts of inclusion, of thinking with your entire brian, of not putting the cart before the horse, of democracy, of fighting for the right to make an educated vote -- that will be greatly appreciated.

I'll be the one with the American flag in my hands.

'Super-voters' to cast ballots - PittsburghLIVE.com

'Super-voters' to cast ballots - PittsburghLIVE.com The 2001 election was the lowest turnout among the five most recent Pittsburgh mayoral primaries, Wolosik said.

The predictions are wrong. The facts are right.

In 2001, everyone was in a tizzy about the race between Bob and Tom. Both burt $1-Million. Street money was at an all time high too.

The buzz before the election was NOT carried to the polls on election day. When it came time to vote -- the masses of people didn't. The people were turned off.

Bob and Tom earned votes at a rate of $30 per vote.

G.W. Bush got 39,000 votes in the general election in the city. He would have crushed Murphy. He would have crushed O'Connor. Both of those got just a few more than 30K votes -- from Democrats.

People VOTE for candidates, against candidates -- or -- not at all. More often than not, people vote with their feet.

In 2001, more people left Pittsburgh while Tom Murphy was mayor than voted for him to continue being our mayor. The same holds for Bob O'Connor, who then was city council president.

Bob has his base. Bob's base has shrunk since 2001.

The prediction that 25,000 votes could win the city's mayor's race in the Dem's primary is what I expect.

Meanwhile, in the PA Senate 42nd race -- there are two NEGATIVE candidates and myself. The negative race being waged by both Diven and Fontana is epic. Yesterday negative mailers arrived from both camps.

The negative messages are a turn off to the sensible citizens. The question of the month is about the turn off. Does off mean votes for the other alternative who is positive? Does off mean that no vote is cast?

I expect that a lot of people won't vote for either Diven or Fontana. Our race could be won by much less than what it takes to win the Mayor's Primary on the Ds side.

Meanwhile, Diven and Fontana might earn votes at a rate of $100, $90, or $80 per vote.

Montour Record - and Coverage in Baldwin Township -- getting this profile

Gageway Newspapers did an article on the race for PA Senate. Here is what came out about myself.

Montour Record

Mark Rauterkus

The third candidate in one of the most expensive races in Pennsylvania history is Mark Rauterkus, but he's not putting out the $1 million plus like his two opponents.

The representative of the Libertarian party is as a community activist who feels there are a number of issues not being presented to the state Senate.

'I think I would help Pennsylvanians in the area of quality of life,' Rauterkus said. One of his ideas is assessment buffering, which would avoid municipal-wide windfalls. Assessment would change over three years, similar to Maryland.

He proposes a tax on the land (land-value tax) as opposed to homes, based on a square footage factor.

'People are rewarded for letting their building go to pieces. There's no reason to be penalized for taking care of your home.'

Parks, volunteering, education and treatment of children are also major issues for the South Side resident. He wants to create a park district in the city as a governmental overlay after consolidating several county and city entities and form a new group that would oversee that kids don't get the short end of the stick.

'Our parks have been, for a long time, held together by a band-aid. The swimming pools have been grossly neglected.'

In the suburbs according to Rauterkus, voters need to know that the issues that effect the city also hit the taxpayers on the outside. The huge parking tax, having too many authorities and limiting corporate welfare deals are some things he would want to look at changing to benefit all residents.

Rauterkus works as a swim club coach in Carlynton and considers himself a community activist.

He also publishes a blog on his website. His political career includes a run for mayor four years ago, when he was defeated by Tom Murphy.

After graduating from Penn Hills in 1977, he earned a journalism degree from Ohio University. He is married and has two sons.

'I'd be a lightning rod for every other independent person,' said Rauterkus.

'I'm an advocate for citizens. I would offer a strong voice of alternative thinking in Harrisburg.'

Click the comments to see the entire article.

Technical blunders elsewhere are at every turn. The frustration mounts on lack of quality throughout.

The lack of effective and efficient governmental services drove me to run for public office. The lack of efforts to support quality of life elements is depressing. But, same too with the efforts at hand with the campaign.

Allow me to rant on this 5-5-05 occasion.

On the PCNC TV show with David Johnson -- neither my ear monitor nor my microphone worked. There was a terrible sound buzzing through the show's broadcast.

On the City Paper article, now at newstands, lacks a working link to the article from within the City Paper's own web site.

Our purchase of hardware brought the excuse, "new firmware." Now the third unit is entering the office.

The web content's migration to disk hasn't been smooth sailing.

With a race, you expect to find a few hurdles. They are out there.

Oakland article in the City Paper. Oakland is part of the 42nd District

Some of his neighbors, however, think they can change Oakland -- several members of the Oakland Community Council, an advocacy group focused on quality of life in the neighborhood, for example. Led by architect Nathan Hart, the group believes that preservation is the way to revive the neighborhood, or at least bring it into a future that isn’t a student-dominated rental ghetto.

With frames, its impossible to point to the articles in the pghcitypaper.com site. Click to the comments for the article.

In the months to come, I'll re-energize the Newcolonist.CLOH.org site -- and get the message of "Come Live Over Here" the platform it deserves. As a PA Senator, this would be a snap.

Nonprofit event for capital fund planning on North Side, May 13

FYI

A Breakthrough in Non-Profit Capital Funding

The Seeds Of Hope Foundation / Linx 2 Funds presents Val Hills, a speaker from Atlanta. at 1 pm on Friday, May 13, at CCAC (North Side) Allegheny Campus, Byers Hall, 808 Ridge Ave. Val's 90-minute presentation of invaluable information helps to establish a sustainable capital funding campaign for nonprofit organization. Learn how to replace dried up donations with a new flow of funds.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

•Bypass all the challenges of traditional fundraising!
•Do the fundraising work ONE TIME and CONTINUE to receive tax-free dollars YEAR after YEAR!
•Supporters don’t have to attend any functions or buy anything!
•Everyone benefits! DONORS, VOLUNTEERS and YOUR ORGANIZATION!

Registration, $20, due by May 6, 2005. Make check available to CCAC. Contact Mary Jo Guercio; North Side Allegheny Campus Byers Hall; 808 Ridge Avenue; Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Marsha Miller, 724-832-3891, Project Director, The Seeds Of Hope Foundation, 724-832-3891, mjmiller -at- zoomlinx -dot- net

Zip Codes in the PA Senate District -- 42nd

The 42nd District includes parts of these zip codes:

15017
15106
15108
15136
15202
15203
15204
15205
15210
15211
15212
15213
15216
15219
15220
15222
15225
15226
15227
15228
15233
15234
15236
15243
15282

Questions from another source

2005 General Assembly Special Election Candidate Questionnaire

Dear Candidate:

We hope you will take just a few minutes to answer the attached questionnaire. Your responses will be provided to all of the organizations listed below.

The candidate must sign and date this form to signify agreement with all statements made. Please also initial each page. Please answer all questions, and please print or type. We welcome additional comments and clarifications.

Please return your completed questionnaire as soon as possible. You can return your questionnaire by fax to: 215-351-5594 or return it by mail to the address below.

NAME_________________________

Office sought:____________District:______
Party___________Campaign Manager _____________

Campaign
Office Address ______________

Home
Address_________


Telephone Numbers (Campaign) ___________ (Fax)______

(Home) __________
(Work)_______

I certify by my signature that I have read and agree with the statements I have checked and/or the written comments I have made on the attached questionnaire.

____ Yes, I wish to have the endorsement and support of pro-choice organizations.

____ No, I do not wish to be endorsed by pro-choice organizations.

___________________________________________________ _________________________
(Candidate Signature) (Date)

Organizations that participated in the development and distribution of the questionnaire are listed below. These organizations will also receive a copy of candidate responses:

NARAL Pro-Choice Pennsylvania
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Chester County
Pennsylvania's Campaign for Choice
Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania Advocates
Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates
Planned Parenthood of Central Pennsylvania Advocates
Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania PAC
Planned Parenthood Western Pennsylvania Action Fund
Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Bucks County
Planned Parenthood Advocates of North East Pennsylvania
Planned Parenthood of the Susquehanna Valley Action Fund




Return form to or contact with any questions:


Public Affairs Dept.
Planned Parenthood Southeastern PA
1144 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-351-5505




I. PREVENTING UNINTENDED PREGNANCY

A. STATE FUNDING FOR FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES
State Funding: In Pennsylvania, some 750,000 low-income women are at risk of unintended pregnancy and qualify for subsidized family planning services, but no more than 300,000 actually receive services. Family planning services include screening for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sexually transmitted infections and cancers including breast and cervical cancer, as well as a variety of birth control methods. By preventing unintended pregnancies, subsidized family planning services prevent 70,000 abortions in Pennsylvania each year. Family planning also allows women to plan their pregnancies. Women who utilize family planning services seek prenatal care earlier and have healthier babies.

These services save taxpayers money. Often, an unintended pregnancy will cause a woman to lose her job and precipitate an episode of welfare dependency. Nationally, an annual family planning examination and provision of birth control for one year costs a patient between $300 and $400 per year, while the birth of a child costs between $8,000 and $12,000.

Currently, subsidized family planning services are supported by federal grants, limited state funds, patient fees, and private donations. The present network of providers is able to serve fewer than one-half of the eligible women at risk. Increased state funding, such as the proposed Keeping Women Healthy program (which would provide a broad range of preventive health care services) is needed to support and expand this network to serve more women.

1. Do you support state funding for comprehensive family planning? (These services do not include abortion.)

_____ Support _____ Oppose


Federal grants support confidential services to teens. The effectiveness of these services in reducing teen births and abortions has been demonstrated over twenty years, as has their effectiveness in preventing and treating sexually transmitted diseases among youth. According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI), without family planning services, the number of teenage pregnancies would likely increase by 20 percent. In Pennsylvania, 46 out of one thousand teenagers become pregnant each year. The Journal of Pediatrics has noted that 85% of teens said they would not seek care for a sexually transmitted disease if parental consent or notice were required. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the provision of confidential family planning services for teens without requiring parental consent, as does state and federal law. Although reports have noted a decline in teen pregnancy, a recent study by AGI found that 80% of this decline from an increased use of more effective methods of birth control.

2. Do you support comprehensive confidential family planning services to teens?

_____ Support _____ Oppose



B. COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION
"Abstinence-only" sex education programs teach a "just say no" approach to sexuality and exclude information about birth control and safe sex practices. Comprehensive approaches include discussions of abstinence, work to build self-esteem and enhance refusal skills, and provide age-appropriate information about the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Studies have repeatedly shown that quality, comprehensive sex education helps teens delay sexual activity, prevent unwanted pregnancy, and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

3. Do you support the teaching of responsible, age-appropriate sex education, including information about both abstinence and contraception, in public schools?

_____ Support _____ Oppose

Insurance Coverage for Birth CONTROL
Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and nearly half of those unintended pregnancies end in abortion. Contraceptives have a proven track record of enhancing the health of women and children, preventing unintended pregnancy, and reducing the need for abortion. Although contraception is basic health care for women, many insurance policies exclude this vital coverage. A recent study found that only 29% of Pennsylvania insurers typically include contraception in their prescription plans. As a result of this type of inequity, women of reproductive age spend 68% more out-of-pocket for their health care then men do. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and one federal district court have ruled that not providing for equitable contraceptive coverage is a violation of federal anti-discrimination laws. As reported in HealthPlan, an industry magazine for health insurers, cost-effectiveness studies show that “every dollar spent on contraception saves several dollars in costs associated with unintended pregnancy.” (HealthPlan, Nov/Dec 2001) Twenty-two states have now passed Contraceptive Equity legislation requiring insurance companies to cover prescription contraceptives in the same way they provide coverage for other prescription drugs and devices.

4.Do you support requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraception drugs, devices, and services if they cover other prescription drugs, devices, and services?

_____ Support _____ Oppose


EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Emergency Contraception contains hormones that reduce the risk of pregnancy when taken soon after unprotected intercourse. The sooner the Emergency Contraception is taken after unprotected intercourse, the more effective the treatment. It is currently recommended that medication be started within five days after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception does NOT interfere with an already established pregnancy as defined by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the US Department of Health and Human Services. According to a recent survey, out of the 89% of Pennsylvania hospitals surveyed, only 46% routinely offer and provide Emergency Contraception to victims of sexual assault.

5.Do you support legislation that would require all hospitals in Pennsylvania to provide Emergency Contraception to victims of rape and incest?

______Support _______Oppose





II. SAFE, LEGAL ABORTION

A. RIGHT TO CHOOSE ABORTION
In 1973, the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision established a framework to regulate the provision of abortion services in the United States. Roe and subsequent Supreme Court decisions stated that government may not ban abortion before the point of fetal viability. After the point of fetal viability, Roe allowed the government to prohibit abortion except when it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman. More than 70% of all people in Pennsylvania believe that the decision to have an abortion should be made by a woman in consultation with her family and doctor without interference from the government.

6.President Bush has stated that he would appoint anti-choice justices to the US Supreme Court. If this happens, the likelihood that Roe v. Wade would be overturned would increase dramatically. Do you support legislation that would guarantee a woman’s right to an abortion as provided for in Roe v. Wade?

_____ Yes _______ No


B. ABORTION METHOD BAN
Anti-choice organizations have tried to erode the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision (which ensures a woman’s Constitutionally protected right to choose) by banning specific abortion procedures. Congress recently passed, and President Bush signed, legislation outlawing one abortion procedure. This law has been blocked by the courts from taking effect and is the subject of several court cases because it does not provide for an exception to preserve the woman’s health – an exception that the US Supreme Court ruled in 2000 is required. Abortion method bans like the one signed by President Bush interfere with a physician's ability to choose the safest method when abortion must be performed to protect a woman's life or health. This type of legislation also interferes with a woman's right to choose, in consultation with her physician, the method of abortion that will best protect her life and preserve her health. The Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act already prohibits all methods of abortion at 24 weeks of pregnancy or later while providing exceptions to preserve the woman's health and life.

7.Do you support a woman’s right to choose the abortion method most likely to preserve her life and health, in consultation with her physician, and free from government interference?

_____ Support _____ Oppose


C. ABORTION ACCESS FOR LOW INCOME WOMEN
The Constitutionally protected right to choose abortion means little to low-income women who can not afford to exercise this right. At present in Pennsylvania, the Medical Assistance program (which pays for health care for low-income persons) covers abortion only for women whose health or life is threatened by continuing their pregnancy or who are pregnant as a result of rape or incest. Unintended pregnancy is very common among women of all economic classes in the United States. One half of all pregnancies are unintended and half of those end in abortion. For a low-income woman, an unintended pregnancy can prevent her from completing education or job training or from obtaining employment, with the result that she and her family remain in poverty. As a result, several states have continued to provide Medical Assistance coverage for abortions in order to guarantee that low-income women have equal access to the right to choose.

8.Do you support the restoration of Medical Assistance coverage of abortion for low-income women to ensure they have equal access to choose abortion?

______ Support ______ Oppose



D. PENNSYLVANIA'S ABORTION CONTROL ACT
Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act, which was designed to restrict and limit access to abortion, went into effect in March of 1994. Since its first year of implementation, women, hospitals, and reproductive health care providers reported an increase in the number of adult and teenaged women who left the state in order to choose abortion and an increase in the number of women unable to exercise their right to choose at all.

Mandatory 24-Hour Delay and State-Mandated Lecture
Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act requires a woman to receive a state-mandated lecture and then delay her decision at least 24 hours before having an abortion. There is no public health rationale for these restrictions, which were designed solely to make abortion more difficult to obtain. The mandatory 24-hour delay often causes a wait of up to a week that can result in riskier procedures.


9.Do you oppose the restrictions that require a mandatory 24-hour delay and a state-mandated lecture prior to having an abortion?

____ Yes _____ No


Mandatory Parental Involvement for Minors Seeking Abortion

Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act requires that a teen seeking an abortion obtain the written consent of a parent. In order to give consent, the parent must also listen to a state-mandated lecture and wait at least 24 hours. If the minor and her parent cannot meet this requirement, the teen must appear before a judge to obtain a court order, often a difficult and traumatic process, or leave the state to obtain an abortion. Reproductive health providers work to help teens involve their parents in these decisions, and most do. Forced parental consent, however, does not encourage family communication; rather it puts teens at risk. Such statutes cause later abortions and may contribute to self-induced or illegal abortions. The law also places teens from dysfunctional families at risk of physical, emotional or psychological harm. In other states, an adult other than a teen's parent, such as her minister, rabbi, aunt or uncle, may consent to her abortion.


10.Do you oppose Pennsylvania's mandatory parental consent statute?

______ Yes _____No


E. STOP CLINIC VIOLENCE
In recent years, a campaign of violence, intimidation, and harassment has been waged against reproductive health providers, patients, and their families. NARAL-PA and Planned Parenthood believe that all levels of government should take an aggressive role in enacting and enforcing laws to deter these illegal acts, and in prosecuting the perpetrators of such acts.

11.Do you support the enactment and enforcement of laws that help prevent violence, intimidation, and harassment specifically directed at reproductive health providers and their patients?

_____ Support _____Oppose

Can you spell and visualize "disaster"

The city needs actors and extras (about 900 and 14,000 respectively). It should be a really cool event, so they say. Efforts are to provide a learning tool to Pittsburgh's emergency medical system.  

And who can pass up A FREE CONCERT WITH DONNIE IRIS, JOE GRUSHECKY, AND B.E.
TAYLOR? 

Get involved with www.swpa.redcross.org

A simulated disaster drill at PNC Park is to occur on May 7, 2005. The PNC Park Disaster Drill is a full-scale exercise testing the emergency response capabilities of the City of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC Park, local area hospitals, and various response agencies from around the region.

The event will take place in real-time over a 6 - 8 hour period. The agencies involved will test many facets of emergency response including the PNC Park evacuation plan, medical injury classification or triage, victim transportation, scene preservation, scene security, decontamination and communications.

The true success of this exercise greatly depends on the participation of individuals such as you. As a participant in this exercise, you will get a first hand look at how our community would respond to a terrorist event.

Entertainment from the "Pittsburgh All-Stars" featuring Donnie Iris, Joe Grushecky & B.E. Taylor will be provided to volunteers that day! In addition, each volunteer/participant will receive incentives for participating in the disaster drill. These incentives include two free tickets to a Pirates game, a Red Cross First Aid Kit and a Replica of PNC Park. Free parking is provided.

Appreciation for Parent Involvement Conference

Getting a pat on the back is a nice thing. Sadly, the next decade PPS would only be passing out kicks in the teeth. 

On TV show, Talkback

Mayor hopefuls agree on development agency -- I'd move to liquidate all the authorities

Mayor hopefuls agree on development agency Mayor hopefuls agree on development agency...

Pittsburgh has too many authorities with too many powers and too many assets. That amounts to too little accountability.

I'd MOVE to LIQUIDATE the various authorities. I'd turn in that direction. This take apart is going to take years to occur. Don't just sell all the properties in one blink -- as the market would get a knock and all the other property values would nose dive. That's bad. A steady sell off makes sense.

Then, if the next leaders want to re-build the authorities -- they could have that option.

Political lawn signs cleared from Allegheny County land

I am NOT doing lawn signs. I am doing CDs and artisitc buttons.

Political lawn signs cleared from Allegheny County land: "The signs had sprouted like wild weeds over the last few days.

Tough battle for Wagner's District 42 Senate seat -- PG article

Tough battle for Wagner's District 42 Senate seat The campaign has been heated. Diven and Fontana regularly trade shots at public forums and through their advertising campaigns. Mark Rauterkus, a former Democrat and Republican running as a Libertarian in this race, seems to take turns blasting his opponents.

That is a good recap. I'm able to put out my ideas -- and -- I'm willing to knock the lame ideas I see from both the opponents. I've been picking on both equally as hard. And, with luck, neither will slam me.

"He's an independent thinker who will do what he thinks is best for his district."

Bingo. That answer above scares me.

Our 42nd districe needs a senator -- not a city councilman-like, hand-holding-ish, get-your homestead exemption form-filler-outer, reactionary.

Pennsylvania needs a senator who will do what is best for the citizens of the commonwealth -- for the sake of general landscape. This contrast and thought came together within my closing statement on the debate that will be on TV on Sunday at 7 pm on WBGN. Watch for it. The other two gave their identical answer as expressed in the quote above.

We don't need a senator who is only about bringing home the pork. We've tried that style of local government -- and it has not been effective. The state "bailout" is less than it needed to be. The band-aid for transportation is going to fall off in less than two years. The economic development efforts are geared only for the management of decline.

We are broke. The system is broken. We can't be spending what isn't available. The debt -- thanks to past city council efforts it way too high. We can't elect special interest tax and spend career politicians and expect to flourish.

This election calls for a choice of a senator who is going to understand concepts of freedom, justice for all, liberties, -- and being an American in both a modern and classical sense.

Diven and Fontana have been so negative and miss-placed in their priorities in the campaign and in the past half-decade that neither should be rewarded.

This is a short term opportunity. May 17 is a special election to fill the vacant seat. If I win, trust me, they'll be back. Or, someone better will be back from the old parties in seemingly no time at all.

Putting a Libertarian in the PA Senate will send a message that the people of Pittsburgh know how to "think again." We are not satisfied with the same old same old.

Join with me. Wear a button. Come get my CD. Tune into TV 11 tonight at 6:30 pm for Talkback, as I'll be the guest. Tune in -- and tape -- the TV debate, 7 pm on Sunday evening at WBGN.

Spread the buzz.

Propaganda Tour to Spread Random Student Drug Testing

Drug Czar in Pittsburgh on Thursday!

I've talked a lot about the creation of a YOUTH Technology Summit. A different type of summit is slated for this week, one I don't favor in terms of policy push.

Drug Czar John Walters is traveling around the country on a taxpayer-funded drug war tour to promote student drug testing as the "silver bullet" to adolescent drug use. He comes to Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Fellow Pennsylvania parents, take a moment and make mentions educators, coaches, other parents and our kids about Walters' quick fix solution. Their plans are ineffective and with dangerous unintended consequences, like taking drugs. To violate the rights of parents and the physical and moral integrity of young people isn't what America is about. We can't simply violate the Pennsylvania Constitution -- even for drug abuse reasons.

Since the 2003 Supreme Court case, which upheld Pennsylvanians' heightened constitutional right to privacy, many school districts in Pennsylvania have abandoned their programs, however some districts continue to test.

Join with us and others (such as the Drug Policy Alliance) to speak against this
insidious policy at the Pittsburgh summit.

In Walters' first two summits held in Dallas and St. Louis, Alliance members made their voices heard with thoughtful questions that pressured the ONDCP to acknowledge the harms of student drug testing. Their inquiries highlighted the flaws and inconsistencies in the messages of the presenters for other attendees.

An online toolkit contains action ideas and it has a meet-up tool to connect you to other reformers to strategize before attending the summit.

An organizer, jkern@drugpolicy.org, asks for copies of the summit's handouts, photos and other insights, if you attend.

The event is from 9 am to 5 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2005, at Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh, 1160 Thorn Run Road.

Drug TESTING is humiliating, costly and ineffective, but it's an easy anti-drug soundbite for the White House. Student testing breaks the trust between children and
adults, and drives students away from extracurricular activities. What's more, studies even show that student drug testing doesn't work to deter drug use.

Even corporations are getting into the act, sadly. PPG is one such employeer that gets a thumbs down from me for their drug testing policy.

PG loves Udin for city council

The PG picked Udin. Oh my gosh.

Sad that the other candidates were not at the PG meeting. Sad too that the PG editors are not seeing these three in action at community meetings.

Editorial: Udin in District 6 / The Democrats' best choice is the incumbent Neither Ms. Payne nor Mr. Brentley met with the Post-Gazette editorial board, but it hardly matters. Sala Udin is someone we do know.

Formerly seen as a prickly antagonist for minority jobs during the stadium and convention center constructions, Mr. Udin has more recently gained the reputation of a fiscal tightwad.

To write that Udin is "a fiscal tightwad" is a classic ROTFL. That's net jargon that means Roll On The Floor Laughing.

Solid track record in putting Pittsburgh into the hands of two oversight boards. Sala was there helping the city go into its tailspin.

Put Sala into the private sector -- too.

Pittsburgh school board races heat up

Pittsburgh school board races heat up When it comes to serving on the Pittsburgh Public Schools board, hard-won experience trumps good intentions, says defending incumbent board member Theresa Colaizzi.

I'm sorry I didn't hold a debate among the candidates. In the past I've organized and hosted such events -- along with others.

P-G Letter to Editor - candidate Rauterkus

Op-Ed to the Post-Gazette about candidates Rauterkus and Fontana

Dear Editor:

I take exception to the unstated assertion in the PG's endorsement for State Senate District 42 ("Fontana for Senate", 5/1/2005).

The editorial states that Libertarian candidate and community activist Mark Rauterkus can't match his opponents' knowledge of Harrisburg. Turn that coin over and it follows that career-oriented Harrisburg politicians can't match the community-oriented knowledge of local activists like Mark Rauterkus.

The mess in Harrisburg is made worse when well-intentioned media unknowingly promote the unspoken assertion that public service must be considered in strictly career terms that value titles and out-of-town mailing addresses over local activities and accessibility.

Volunteers from all walks of life become citizen soldiers and make our military the world's best. Volunteers from all walks of life, not career politicians, should be able to do the same for Pennsylvania's legislature.

That's why we should never dismiss a swim coach and community activist from consideration for the position of citizen legislator.

Prison industry thriving - Park's programming dying

Do we want to build more prisons. Or, should we perhaps work to challenge our kids in structured programs with coaches, teamwork, fitness, and personal excellence?

Prison industry thriving - PittsburghLIVE.com Prison industry thriving...

This gets to the roots of the approach I want our society to embrace.

I want our prisons empty because I want our ballfields, theater groups, net cafes and swimming pools filled with dedicated, respectful, hard-working, eager learners who are rooted in communities. In my vision, we have young people, middle-aged people and seniors training themselves with a passion of performance. These citizens are thinking clearly and making great decisions.

Editorial: Fontana for Senate / The County Council member is the better fit

Better fit -- as in fitness -- was an interesting choice of words for the headline. As we campaign, I feel that I am the candidate who is most concerned with fitness, wellness, kids, and better quality of life.

Editorial: Fontana for Senate / The County Council member is the better fit There's also a third candidate, a Libertarian, Mark Rauterkus, 46, of the South Side.

Other mentions from the PG editorial include:

Mr. Rauterkus, 45, a swim coach from the South Side, ran unsuccessfully in the 2001 Republican primary for mayor and offers some different perspectives, but he can't match the experience in public office of his opponents and the knowledge that it brings.
...
In this case, picking between two dedicated public officials, and one quixotic candidate, almost demands a judgment on which party will best serve the district.

See the comments for the full story.

A few other parting thoughts: This is a time when the city and suburbs need to focus on the survival of Pittsburgh. But, it is the D party that has done so much damage to Pittsburgh, especially the city proper, so that the survival is so critical.

Furthermore, the Fontana plan for Pittsburgh's survival is best presented to the voters when it hidden from everyone's sight. Fontana isn't talking about lowering the deed transfer tax, making assessment buffering a state-wide option, merging Citiparks and County Parks & Rec with a NEW Pittsburgh Park District, nor does he want to liquidate the Parking Authority so as to lower the parking tax to 15%. I do.

Schools, wellness, democracy, transportation plans and economic development efforts that make sense are needed and absent from Fontana's agenda.

What isn't absent in Fontana's agenda is atrocious. This is from Fontana's lastest direct mailer. Fontana wants to punish companies who (sic) break their word and ship jobs overseas.

Suburban voters will get to choose among three candidates, all from the city. The two others are career politicians with the experience of city-styled operations. That is a liability if you ask me. Their experience is with making TIFs, for begging for handouts, for doing wasteful capital projects. I've been injecting different ideas and making efforts to turn away from envy and greed and lead to self-reliance for a number of years. Some people in the city have different views and different values from the present leadership in the city. The opposition within the city is alive and should be supported with votes.

I will win a number of votes in the city. But this campaing's success relies upon the suburban voters to choose to go away from the machine-styled policians of the city's horrid past. Not only is there is a chance to break from the blue-state vs. red-state mentality, but there is a choice and chance to break from the same-old-same-old mentality that has driven Pittsburgh to the brink.

The PG has been a long-time supporter of "machine politicans." The endorsement was given because it rewarded experience. However the experience is troublesome.

I think that this PG editorial is something that can help me in the suburban reaches of the 42nd.

Way to go Pitt Graduates

Hats off to you all.

Graduates, go forth and do great work. Make the world better, healthier, and more open-minded. See the big picture. Act in prudent ways. Make peace -- and stay rested as the work of the peace maker takes constant energy.

May some of you be my neighbors again. May we all think of ourselves as neighbors for a long time to come, wherever regular sleep, play, worship, study and work takes you.

Lead Sunday Editorial: Post-Gazette endorsement gives respect and reveals logic

All along, I knew I would NOT be getting the endorsement of the Post-Gazette. I have been in the trenches working with others in battles, hard-fought struggles on iissues, against the lame policies of Mayor Tom Murphy. Meanwhile, the Post-Gazette had generally endorsed the Murphy agenda.

Four years ago, I didn't get the endorsement of the PG in my only other race for public office, for Mayor in a contested GOP Primary.

Four years ago, the PG editors endorsed Tom Murphy. Frankly, I was glad I didn't get the endorsement.

Times have changed. Many of my worst fears came to pass. The fallings for the city have been noted.

I have different perspectives. The PG noted that. I got some respect in the editorial meeting, and in the recap.

The PG editors had ripped Fontana just a month prior for his failure to resign from County Council. That was noted. Strike one for Fontana. But that was less of shocker.

Diven struck out. He missed on the proposal to turn downtown public buildings into loft apartments. Strike one. Strike two on the flip flopping for the wrong reasons. And strike three on the recent pro-dem stance.

I think Diven would have gotten the endorsement had his ideas made sense. His plan for Pittsburgh is a sure-fire prescription for killing this town.

I saw Wayne Fontana tonight. He leaked the news to me on the endorsement article. He thinks it is a major victory for himself. It is. Fontana gets a star by his name now.

I feel that the PG was open minded about both Diven and Fontana. Their endorsement could have gone either way. It wasn't a done deal for either old party career politican.

The PG didn't hurt me, and for that I'm okay with the coverage.

Next up, seeing what comes out of the Trib. Wayne will be on hostile ground there. Diven might be the wonder boy -- but his stock will fall faster than a Kennedy's once the Trib editors get a sniff of the new authority Diven wants to establish.

No coverage at all is still an option with the Trib's editorial board. Perhaps the Trib editors will watch the TV debate (WBGN) and then have us come into their offices. That would be wise of them. Our TV debate comes next Sunday, 7 pm. Then the Trib editors can go deeper into materials that spin out of those debate presentations.

Time will tell.

Other media interviews, beyond the Trib, today

I was on The Saturday Morning Light Brigade in its visit to our South Side Market House. Plus, I gave an interview to The History Channel, the cable TV station.

I was on the air with Bill Peduto and a the Comcast Gov. Affairs boss.

Comcast didn't endorse anyone in our race.

Nor did the Pgh Federation of Teachers.

Great to hear the Westmost Chorus.

Furthermore, my boys, Erik and Grant, were on the air with the radio and behind the camera with the TV interview.

Investigation of driveway paving under way - PittsburghLIVE.com

Smile, you're on candid camera.

Investigation of driveway paving under way - PittsburghLIVE.com: "He said he learned about the matter when a TV reporter brought a videotape from a neighbor showing a city road crew doing the paving.

Romaniello said the controversy is the latest in a series of disputes with some of his neighbors. The two sides accuse each other of calling police, animal control officers and building inspectors to lodge petty complaints.

'All they keep doing is trying to find stuff to get on me,' Romaniello said. 'I ran for office to be in a position to help my community. I don't get paid for it.'

Costa said he plans to bill Romaniello for the work, which he estimated cost the city between $700 and $800.

Humm...
A TV 11 reporter let me know of this story before it broke. The Diven camp was very worried that the news would be associated to the campaign.

My solution: Those on school board should NOT be eligible to get onto any ballot for another public office for two years from the end of their term on school board.

School board members have used the school board as a stepping stone to other offices. Barbara Burns, Valerie McDonald, and now Mark Brently. Others are in this league too.

If school board office was a "dead end job" -- then those seeking power would NOT run for school board. Then, only those who want what's best for the schools would run for school board. The grandstanding would evaporate as well.

I still want to elect board members, but I want to have a provision that they can't run for other office. And, as is the case with Mr. Fontana on County Council too long -- as is the case with those who work in the White House -- the off-limits designation needs to sustain itself well past the "resignation."

Campaign manuals on how to run for public office often provide the advice that you should start your political career at the level of school board director. That's bunk. Worse advice might have never been given and taken as such reasonable conventional wisdom.

To grow your power base while using the students as stepping stones is ugly. This is one reason why our schools are having such problems.

We need school board members who are there to serve the best interest of education while being aware of costs and taxpayers.

Capitol Notes: Pennsylvanians recycling at a record pace

The recycled electron joke is one I use -- as I'm publishing online, and not killing trees and using much paper.

Capitol Notes: Pennsylvanians recycling at a record pace THIS NEWS IS MADE OF 100 PERCENT RECYCLED MATERIAL:
Good news on the recycling front -- Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.45 million tons of municipal waste in 2003, the most recent year for which data is available.

That's according to reports from the 67 counties, made to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The growth of recycling is beneficial in several ways, the DEP says.

PA can do much more about efforts to recycle, reuse and restore.

Mayoral TV ads a battle of bland

Mayoral TV ads a battle of bland: "The latest television commercials by the major Pittsburgh mayoral candidates are a lot like the campaign so far. They focus on fiscal issues and are surprisingly bland.

Bland is as bland does.

Bland has been rewarded in the media in Pittsburgh throughout the years. Bland has been rewarded in the institutional circles in Pittsburgh throughout the years as well.

Bland is what career politicians seen when they look into the mirror -- and they try to use it as a benchmark of their success in this market. They have been conditioned to strive for bland.

He's a nice guy -- I know him -- Its his time -- Gotta -- Bland, bland, bland.

These guys are playing defense. Most have. They seemingly want to manage the downward spiral of the region.

To break out of the bland mold, you'd have to have something to say beyond the unified dog-license sales office, one's grandparents from Italy, and french fries sales from the days before the drive through window was invented.

Even when Bob put up an idea that wasn't too bland -- streetcar line between Oakland and downtown -- he got knocked around for it.

When Sophie put up the idea of a new baseball park -- she got knocked around by Tom Murphy for even suggesting the idea. Then Murphy went ahead and made TWO stadiums and championed the folly just months later, after being elected.

Because so little gets told in the media -- bland rules. Once you air out the story, the policies, the positions -- then bland crumbles as does the mindlessness.

I have a TV ad -- here on my desktop. It won't get onto the air. It isn't bland.

The ads should be bland, really. This is no fault of the campaigns. But, the coverage does NOT need to be bland. The coverage should be front on and raw.

Senate election expected to set spending record - PittsburghLIVE.com

Real ink for the race hits today in the Trib.

Senate election expected to set spending record - PittsburghLIVE.com Rauterkus, who is active on the campaign trail in person and via the Internet, is not expected to spend much on ads.

The only typo: My wife's name is Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D. Her name is Palmer, not Parker. When we got married, Catherine had a long list of academic publications in her profession. She had done research and had it published in her field, and name identification in the academic world is very important -- just like it is in politics, if not more. Women who rise in the ranks of scholars have a serious burden when asked to change their name when getting married.

Presently, Catherine is the director of audiology at UPMC's Eye and Ear Institute and an Associate Professor at Pitt's School of Health and Rehab Sciences. I like to say that she is the W2 of the family.

Another round of hate mail showed up in the mailbox -- trees are moving to the city to escape slaughter.

How many times must the negative mailer be sent -- before they fall all the trees?

How many times must the insults be shared -- before the voters show that they care?

The answers my friend, are blowing in the wind. The slander is blowing like the wind.

---

I'm in a musical mood tonight. More direct mail arrived in my mail box today. Its like music to my ears. My old-party opponents, Diven (the new Republican) and Fontana (the Dem who didn't get a D-majority in his endorsement bid) are punching and counter-punching with four-color direct mailers to voters in the 42nd district. As their folly accelerates, they burn more money and kill more trees. That isn't what the melody I'm looking to hear. But their silly mailers are helping me climb in popularity.

What's more, the mailers are not even that good. My wife read the first mailer that the Dems sent out that hit against Diven -- and my wife's reaction was, "My, this is going to help Diven."

So, not only are the old-party hacks weak with their own case and merits on themselves, but they are floundering at efforts to illustrate weakness within the opposition.

In another week, both Diven and Fontana should have sealed their auditions for new roles in any future remake of the Keystone Cops. Children giggle at the slapstick comedy of the Keystone Cops, providing some redeaming value. In this situation with the Ds and Rs, the redeaming value lies elsewhere. Anyone else who runs against these critters, today and in the future, is going to be blessed.