Bike PGH! – Questions for Mayoral Candidates
*note: In no way does Bike PGH endorse any political candidate. These questions are meant to introduce Bike PGH to the candidates for Democratic Mayoral Nominee, get them thinking about bicycling issues in Pittsburgh, and provide our constituents with insights into the three major campaigns. The answers are listed in alphabetical order based on last name. The Democratic primary is Tuesday, May 17, 2005. If you are a registered Democrat make sure you get out and vote!
1. How do you envision the City of Pittsburgh adapting its infrastructure to make the streets & neighborhoods safer and more accommodating for all forms of transportation including bicycles?
Lamb: Traditionally, Pittsburgh has not been a bike-friendly city. Over the last 10 years, the city, many volunteers and non-profits have invested money and time developing a world-class system of trails. I will continue this investment, completing the Hot Metal Bridge pedestrian/bikeway and will work to complete the Pittsburgh section of the Great Allegheny Passage. I commend the Port Authority’s Rack’n Roll program, and encourage increased participation. Pittsburgh also has some bike lanes on city streets, but not enough. As mayor, I will work to increase bike lanes, and will stress to our drivers the need to safely share our roads.
O’Connor: Multi-modal transportation is vital to a thriving City. I will dedicate myself to working aggressively in Harrisburg for dedicated sources of transit funding. Existing bridge and road maintenance will be my first objective, followed closely by linking our economic centers of Oakland and Downtown. Getting people to and from work safely and efficiently is critical and transit is vital to that end. True Multi-modal transportation is an expansive undertaking. I will actively serve on the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), where I will use my previous experience as Governor Rendell's SPC representative, to fight for funding necessary to create, maintain, and upgrade a multi-modal transportation system.
Peduto: There is a limited amount of money coming into the region for transportation, roughly $33 billion over the next 20 years. We as a City, and more importantly as a region, must prioritize these funds. First we must fix the current transit problem; we need to create a dedicated funding source for public transportation in the region. Second, we need to focus on a multi-modal transportation network. With proper prioritization of funds, there exists a great opportunity to connect Hazelwood, the Second Avenue Tech Corridor, Oakland, Baum-Centre, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and downtown, by a transit system using existing rail lines. I support funding transportation systems that solve today’s problems.
In terms of accommodating bicycles in the City, some areas have the potential for "European" sidewalks with painted areas for bikes. Additionally, there needs to be an effort to create bicycle only lanes in certain areas that tie into the existing biking infrastructure (i.e. trails) to create greater connectivity throughout the City. I have been the most dedicated local elected official in terms of supporting bicyclists in the City of Pittsburgh, and will continue to do so as Mayor.
In addition, smart urban growth is dependant on the support of pedestrian traffic, smart transportation, and connectivity. I would create more prominent pedestrian “way finding” signs to promote and ease pedestrian traffic throughout the downtown quadrangle.
2. As mayor, would you consider appointing a full-time bicycle planner to work on bike transportation issues?
Lamb: I will consider such an appointment. Pittsburgh will remain under Act 47 and the Oversight Committee for the next few years, and our Planning Department staffing has been sharply reduced. If our fiscal situation does not permit a full-time bicycle planner immediately, that function should be a shared one.
O’Connor: I know that any good organization begins and ends with quality people. My Administration will be comprised of professionals, not political hires. Effective, efficient and modern management will be applied to City Government and its personnel. Not all of these items will be achievable overnight; however, they must all be placed upon the table for discussion and will receive my full attention.
Peduto: Given the City’s current financial difficulties, we would not be able to hire a person solely responsible for bicycle planning. However, our City has excellent transportation planners and I would work with them to make sure that bicycle planning took a more prominent role in our general transportation plan.
3. What connections do you see between economic opportunity, urban revitalization, and incorporating the bicycle as a viable form of transportation?
Lamb: As Richard Florida notes in the “Rise of the Creative Class,” Pittsburgh must develop more opportunity for young, creative entrepreneurs, and this includes more recreational opportunity. Developing Pittsburgh as a great bike city is a great economic tool that we can use to market Pittsburgh.
O’Connor: People not only work in great cities, they also live there. Pittsburgh must once again be a destination where people not only want to work, but live. Residential development is critical to our long-term success. I will work tirelessly in our 88 neighborhoods to bring about a revolution in our housing stock. I will work to ensure we have a clean, safe and attractive community. The City must work with the Allegheny County Department of Development, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development to ensure that all our activities are coordinated and complimentary, especially regarding multi-modal transportation projects.
Peduto: Pittsburgh is fortunate to have breathtaking views and natural beauty. The City must take new steps to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation within downtown. We need to create easier access to downtown’s 8.5 miles of riverfront, to allow for greater opportunities along the water. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist for new outdoor activities including climbing walls on abandoned bridge piers. The City must partner with organizations like Venture Outdoors and Bike Pittsburgh to provide recreational programs on a daily basis. Additionally, the City must complete the extension of the Eliza Furnace Trail to Point State Park, and the extension of bike/walking paths from Point State Park up the Allegheny River. Pittsburgh must embrace all of its’ natural assets in the revitalization of downtown.
4. Have you supported any initiatives or bills that address bicycle and pedestrian issues in the City? If so can you tell us a bit about them?
Lamb: The Office of the Prothonotary does not lend itself to introducing legislation. As mayor I will be an advocate for bikes, public transit and pedestrians.
O’Connor: As council president, I supported putting more beat cops on the street, worked to improve pedestrian crosswalks with help from PennDot, and fought to enact the Clean Streets Program. I will continue efforts already underway to build new housing units in our 88 neighborhoods to bring about a revolution in our housing stock. Blighted properties and slum landlords must be confronted aggressively and resolved expediently. I will work to ensure we have clean, safe, and attractive communities. Good transportation is vital to the city's present and future greatness. Without clean, safe streets our residential development opportunities are limited.
Peduto: Since taking office, I have been a vocal advocate for the installation of bike racks throughout the City, and I have supported the continuation of the Eliza Furnace trail, and bike/walking paths along the riverfronts. Furthermore, I supported “Bike to Work Week”, and sponsored both “Venture Outdoors Week” and Pedal Pittsburgh.
5. How would you characterize the overall health of Pittsburghers and our environment? As mayor, what would you do to help improve the health of the people and our environment?
Lamb: Pittsburgh has come a long way from the smoky days of the 1950’s but still has a way to go to gain full attainment of national air quality standards. I will work with environmental organizations and our corporate community to tackle our air quality. Pittsburgh’s water and green space are great assets, and we must vigilantly protect them.
O’Connor: Health care organizations in Pittsburgh are among the best in the world. The best medicine is preventive so we must educate our citizens about the quality of life issues associated with a healthy lifestyle. The health issue that Pittsburgh faces is that of our financial health. Pittsburgh faces no greater challenge than solving our fiscal crisis. Years of City mismanagement have created this fiscal crisis. We need the city, the Act 47 team, and the Oversight Committee to work cooperatively together. The financial health of Pittsburgh is similar to health of an individual; reduce fat with a better-managed operation and increase activity in the workforce.
Peduto: I believe that Pittsburghers should become more active in outdoor recreational activity. Enjoying Pittsburgh’s great natural assets and spending time outdoors has a positive impact on a person’s physical and mental health. I previously outlined several steps I would take as Mayor, to promote recreational activity as part of downtown’s redevelopment. In addition to those steps, I would create more prominent pedestrian “way finding” signs to promote and ease pedestrian traffic throughout the downtown quadrangle. Smart urban growth is dependant on the support of pedestrian traffic and connectivity.
6. Do you support Bike PGH's initiative of installing pedestrian-friendly bike racks along sidewalks in business districts around the city? The process to install these racks is very lengthy with much red tape to cut through. As mayor, would you pledge to review the bike rack installation process and work with Bike PGH, City Council and the Department of Public Works to streamline it?
Lamb: I fully support Bike PGH’s bike racks. They are a great asset to Pittsburgh, both functionally and esthetically. These efforts should be encouraged, and as mayor, I will work to streamline installation.
O’Connor: Yes, I support the installation of bike racks throughout the business district and pledge to work with Bike PGH, Council, and the city departments to streamline the installation process. As mayor, I will work aggressively to streamline the many agencies so they can and will work collectively and in concert.
Peduto: I have been involved with this project from the start and will continue to be an ardent supporter of the bike rack program. I believe that these racks are a positive addition to downtown and all neighborhood business districts. As Mayor, I would work with Bike Pittsburgh, City Council, and Public Works to improve the current approval process.
7. If you are elected, do you pledge to work with bicycle advocates in order to make Pittsburgh continuously safer, more accessible and friendly to bicycle transportation?
Lamb: Absolutely. Pittsburgh will be a bike-friendly city under my administration.
O’Connor: I will work with bicycle advocates and discuss any transportation issues put on the table. Pittsburgh needs more transportation options, multi-modal transportation including bicycles, pedestrian, wheelchairs, and other forms of wheeled vehicles. The Mayor must be a relationship builder and work cooperatively and successfully with others to turn this City around. Pittsburgh needs a Mayor who can pull this City together -- business, labor, non-profits; and work cooperatively with the County and Region. We must not be divided. Everyone has a role to play. I have the necessary experience and a viable working plan to put Pittsburgh on the right track. I have spent nearly 20 years successfully managing a $20 million company with over 1,000 employees. With foresight and hard work, we grew our business and with it we created jobs. That's what we must do in the City of Pittsburgh. We must grow our economy, create jobs and make the City a destination for people to live and work. That's the greatest challenge the next Mayor will face.
Peduto: During my term on City Council I have been an advocate for creating a safe, accessible, and friendly environment for bicyclists in Pittsburgh. As Mayor, I will continue to work with Bike Pittsburgh and other transportation advocacy groups to continue to promote that vision.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Bike Pittsburgh -- Q & A with Mayor's Race Candidates
Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/11/2005 | Short on bucks, but long on blogs
Carrier Pigeon?
Speaking of that, my son, Grant, 7, has a neighborhood buddie bird -- named Mailman. He's a local pigeon who hops up on Grant's hand.
Must register to read the article.
Speaking of that, my son, Grant, 7, has a neighborhood buddie bird -- named Mailman. He's a local pigeon who hops up on Grant's hand.
Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/11/2005 | Short on bucks, but long on blogs: "Though it seems modest, a national Democratic political consultant who specializes in Internet organizing sees the Philadelphia effort as a beginning. Bloggers in Pittsburgh have been talking up a candidate in the mayoral primary there.
Must register to read the article.
KQV says "NO" to Growing Greener in Editorial
Mr. Dickey, KQV, editorialized and asked the voters say "NO" to Growning Greener. That is one of two county wide ballot questions.
Photo and story is in City Paper -- without a mohawk!
I made it into the Pgh City Paper, now out on newstands. You'll be able to seem my head shot -- without a bad hair do, thankfully. They didn't give me a neck or shoulders, cutting my head just below my single chin.
The new cover has "Muse You Can Use" and a singer with a hat collecting dollar bills.
Photo and start of the article is on page 10 -- and the story jumps to page 12.
Presently, the web site still has last week's articles.
The article hinted at a LACK of POLLING data on the race. No data has been released to the media from any polling agency, outfit, etc. Zippo. KDKA, Q Univ., Keystone, etc, -- all are quiet on the race.
My internal polling is sky high with those that watched the lone TV debate. Landslide high in my favor.
My internal polling shows my gaining 5-percent last week alone. My increases have been remarkable in the past weeks. And today, one more negative campaign mailer arrived. Diven's was a pro-GOP mailer. Fontana's mailer today was had an senior citizen as "trainee" as a fast-food worker to help pay for teh Diven Tax.
More than 25% of the voters are still undecided.
If you want to help get out the word, come one by and we'll get you some CDs and some handouts. People are working in most parts of the district now. I will work Mt. Washington again this weekend as well as Brighton Heights.
The new cover has "Muse You Can Use" and a singer with a hat collecting dollar bills.
Photo and start of the article is on page 10 -- and the story jumps to page 12.
Presently, the web site still has last week's articles.
The article hinted at a LACK of POLLING data on the race. No data has been released to the media from any polling agency, outfit, etc. Zippo. KDKA, Q Univ., Keystone, etc, -- all are quiet on the race.
My internal polling is sky high with those that watched the lone TV debate. Landslide high in my favor.
My internal polling shows my gaining 5-percent last week alone. My increases have been remarkable in the past weeks. And today, one more negative campaign mailer arrived. Diven's was a pro-GOP mailer. Fontana's mailer today was had an senior citizen as "trainee" as a fast-food worker to help pay for teh Diven Tax.
More than 25% of the voters are still undecided.
If you want to help get out the word, come one by and we'll get you some CDs and some handouts. People are working in most parts of the district now. I will work Mt. Washington again this weekend as well as Brighton Heights.
CBS News Segment -- sign language to babies
Sign language to babies, been there. Done that. Helped spread the word farther and wider.
A preview on the AM show highlighted an evening network news feature on the trend of teaching sign language to babies. The segment looks interesting.
I was a stay-at-home dad ten years ago. I taught my kid sign language as a baby. Same happened with our second child. We talked a good deal about this among our friends in the "communications field" -- i.e., speech, language, hearing, communications disorders, therapy, rehab sciences.
Janice L, a dear friend and former co-worker of my wife, she sang at our wedding, who works in LA at a famous medical center, gave us the first tips into what she did with her baby.
We spread the successes with other care providers we'd come in contact with. And, we shared the stories on the internet within the stay-at-home dad's network.
Plus, the kicker for us, some interns from WPSD. I hired a few different students from WPSD (Western PA School for the Deaf) years ago when our oldest was a baby. I got to sign with them. And, we got to teach and play with the baby around as well.
Kids are smart. Kids absorb plenty. Plus, babies can't make the verbal elements of the physical words. Baby talk happens because the development capability of the child. But the baby wants to make expressions and communicate. Sign language works as the child can communicate with hands before the lips can.
Finally, I always tried to sway other parents away from pet names, signs and shortcuts. This is language development. There is a sign for "cookie." Use it. Then when the baby is with the other caretaker, the same signs work.
We had about 50 signs.
Finally, I had a great experience back in 1980 as a swim coach giving private lessons to two boys, both deaf, age 8. I learned to sign with them and give them lessons. After a while, the boys and I would be able to do a swim lesson / practice, and be 50 meters away from each other. We'd be able to communicate and not need to be near each other.
A preview on the AM show highlighted an evening network news feature on the trend of teaching sign language to babies. The segment looks interesting.
I was a stay-at-home dad ten years ago. I taught my kid sign language as a baby. Same happened with our second child. We talked a good deal about this among our friends in the "communications field" -- i.e., speech, language, hearing, communications disorders, therapy, rehab sciences.
Janice L, a dear friend and former co-worker of my wife, she sang at our wedding, who works in LA at a famous medical center, gave us the first tips into what she did with her baby.
We spread the successes with other care providers we'd come in contact with. And, we shared the stories on the internet within the stay-at-home dad's network.
Plus, the kicker for us, some interns from WPSD. I hired a few different students from WPSD (Western PA School for the Deaf) years ago when our oldest was a baby. I got to sign with them. And, we got to teach and play with the baby around as well.
Kids are smart. Kids absorb plenty. Plus, babies can't make the verbal elements of the physical words. Baby talk happens because the development capability of the child. But the baby wants to make expressions and communicate. Sign language works as the child can communicate with hands before the lips can.
Finally, I always tried to sway other parents away from pet names, signs and shortcuts. This is language development. There is a sign for "cookie." Use it. Then when the baby is with the other caretaker, the same signs work.
We had about 50 signs.
Finally, I had a great experience back in 1980 as a swim coach giving private lessons to two boys, both deaf, age 8. I learned to sign with them and give them lessons. After a while, the boys and I would be able to do a swim lesson / practice, and be 50 meters away from each other. We'd be able to communicate and not need to be near each other.
A.A.R.P. and Debate Exclusion
I'm still simmering after Friday's debate exclusion from the AARP and the heavyweights candidates from the old parties.
The quote fits for the moment.
Yesterday's hate mail from Fontana cast a negative light upon President Bush and PA's Junior US Senator.
Via tipsters, Diven's folks are now looking into the facts of Fontana's history of work within the Republican row office from the 60s to 80s within the Controller's office and with former Pirate hurler, Bob Friend, R. Friend was an elected official in Allegheny County.
The quote fits for the moment.
Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in the book "Democracy in America":
"After having successfully taken each member of the community in its powerful grasp, and fashioned him at will, the supreme power then extends its arm over the whole community. It covers the surface of society with a network of small complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and most energetic characters cannot penetrate to rise above the crowd. The will of man is not shattered but softened, bent, and guided; men are seldom forced by it to act, but they are constantly restrained from acting. Such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrial animals, of which government is shepherd."
Yesterday's hate mail from Fontana cast a negative light upon President Bush and PA's Junior US Senator.
Via tipsters, Diven's folks are now looking into the facts of Fontana's history of work within the Republican row office from the 60s to 80s within the Controller's office and with former Pirate hurler, Bob Friend, R. Friend was an elected official in Allegheny County.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
PCTV call in and schedule for Mayor's Race Noise
"So You Wanna Be Mayor" sponsored by Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management will be telecast and simulcast on WRCT radio (88.3 FM) live on Friday, May 13 from 6 - 8pm.
Replay broadcast times:
Saturday, May 14 11pm-1am
Sunday, May 15 10pm - Midnight
Monday, May 16 Noon - 2pm)
Tuesday, May 17 1pm - 3pm
The Community Development Mayoral Forum will continue to air on:
Tuesday, May 10 7pm - 9pm
Wednesday, May 11 9am - 11am
Thursday, May 12 1pm - 3pm
Please help get the word out and e-mail or contact others who would be interested in these broadcasts.
Remember the May 13th broadcast will be the only telecast with a live call-in component. The people of the City of Pittsburgh will have an opportunity to have access to the candidates from their living room. Get people to call-in, the number is (412) 231-2288.
Voter Testimonial -- Tide is turning to our favor! Get your handouts and spread some love too!
Do you ever sleep? You must have come to our house late last night because my wife was watching TV pretty late and missed you.
Just listened to your CD: wonderful! At last a guy who presents good ideas POSITIVELY, without name-calling. Good job with Jerry Bowyer: He's a tough guy! (And the only conservative talk show host I really like!)
I've already sent my support to a couple of email lists, and cc'd you on one so you'll see what I'm saying. Any suggestions for improvement?
I'll be handing out flyers (and CDs and buttons more selectively) all day.
Do you want me to be at the (NAME DELETED by WEBMASTER) polling place on Tuesday?
Many of us are so disgusted with the mainstream campaigns that you could get a lot of votes from members of both parties. I supported Diven against Nerone in the last primary because I hated the dirt in Nerone's campaign. I started out with a "Democrats for Diven" lawn sign for Michael this time, but the "party hack" flyer he sent out pushed me over the edge to pull up the sign and find out more about you. It all looks good so far, Mark. Go for it!
Al
Linux Users Group meets on special topic
A Western PA Linux Users Group meets from 7 to 9 pm, Tuesday, at Carnegie Mellon University, Wean Hall 5409. The talk covers "'Infectious' Open Source Software: Spreading Incentives or Promoting Resistance" with Greg Vetter Assistant Professor of Law, University of Houston Law Center.
This meeting is free and open to the general public.
Directions to 5409 at http://www.wplug.org/pages/wplugmap/
The door marked "DW" is the 1st floor entrance to Wean Hall. You may park in the "Park Here Free" area as listed on the map.
Abstract:
Some free or open source software infects other software with its licensing terms. Popularly, this is called a viral license, but the software is not a computer virus. Free or open source software is a copyright-based licensing system. It typically allows modification and distribution on conditions such as source code availability, royalty free use and other requirements. Some licenses require distribution of modifications under the same terms. A license is infectious when it has a strong scope for the modifications provision. The scope arises from a broad conception of software derivative works. A strong infectious ambit would apply itself to modified software, and to software intermixed or coupled with non-open-source software. Popular open source software, including the GNU/Linux operating system, uses a license with this feature. This talk assesses the efficacy of broad infectious license terms to determine their incentive effects for open source and proprietary software. The analysis doubts beneficial effects. Rather, on balance, such terms may produce incentives detrimental to interoperability and coexistence between open and proprietary code. As a result, open source licensing should precisely define infectious terms in order to support open source development without countervailing effects and misaligned incentives.
Professor Vetter received his B.S. summa cum laude from the University of Missouri in Electrical Engineering in 1987. He then worked in software for nine years as a project manager, product manager, and then as director of marketing, which included a variety of intellectual property and contractual responsibilities. During these years, attending evening courses, he received his M.S. summa cum laude in Computer Science from the University of Missouri and his MBA summa cum laude from Rockhurst University. He left full-time employment in 1996 to attend law school. He received his J.D. magna cum laude from Northwestern, serving on the Northwestern Law Review as associate articles editor. Upon graduation from Northwestern, Professor Vetter practiced at Kilpatrick Stockton's Raleigh, North Carolina office for two years in the firm's technology law group. During this time he obtained registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a patent attorney. Next, he clerked for one year for the Honorable Arthur J. Gajarsa on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. Professor Vetter then joined the University of Houston Law Center faculty in 2002. Professor Vetter's research interests include intellectual property, patents, the role of intellectual property in commercial law, and information technology law.
Doors open at 7pm, light refreshments served. Talk 7:15 8:15 pm. Adjournment at 9pm
Upcoming Schedule
May 21 Installfest 10 am to 5 pm
May 18 GUM - Subversion 10 am to 2 pm
June 7 GUM - Myth TV 10 am to 4 pm
June 11 Special Event - Regular Expressions 10 am to 2 pm
July 9 GUM - TBD - 10 am to 2 pm
August 7 - Annual Picnic
Monday, May 09, 2005
Victory Party Scratched for Private Time and Looming Travels
This blog's sidebar had mention of a "victory party" until now. We scratched the room reservation. The party is not going to be held. On May 18, the day after the special election, our family has out of town travels. As such, we'll only have a small family party and pack.
By the way, we have house-sitters whenever we travel.
By the way, we have house-sitters whenever we travel.
CAMPAIGN REFORM ACT getting back into the public limelight again
Yes. Finally. We are able to take the lid off of a plan for new rules in the realm of campaigns in Pittsburgh. This isn't perfect. And, some of this isn't to my liking -- but -- some of it is.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2005, a public hearing is slated for city council chambers at 1:30 pm. I'll be there to testify.
I served on the task force. In 2004 I called for a public hearing about this bill as it was first introduced to council. The first draft was way out of bounds and it got sidetracked, thankfully.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2005, a public hearing is slated for city council chambers at 1:30 pm. I'll be there to testify.
I served on the task force. In 2004 I called for a public hearing about this bill as it was first introduced to council. The first draft was way out of bounds and it got sidetracked, thankfully.
Task Force Draft 3/10/05
Sponsored By: William Peduto
WHEREAS, the integrity of the political process and the trust of the people is essential to a representative government; and
WHEREAS, the cost of running a successful political campaign has become so exorbitant as to dissuade people from running for office; and
WHEREAS, because campaign contributions have risen in recent years, public perception is that special interest groups and wealthy individuals may have unjustified influence in the political process; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government and most state and local governments have successfully enacted legislation that prevents a “pay as you play” cycle of politics; and
WHEREAS, regulating campaign contributions would promote participation and confidence in and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby amends the City Code by adding, Title I, Article I, Chapter 109 Campaign Financing.
AN ORDINANCE
A. Definitions
(1) Election Cycle. A four-year period that begins on January 1st of the year following the last general election and ends on December 31st of the year of the general election for the office the candidate is seeking.
(2) Contribution. Money, gifts, forgiveness of debts, loans, paid labor, or things having a monetary value incurred or received by a candidate or his/her agent for use in advocating or influencing the election of the candidate.
(3) Expenditure. The payment, distribution, loan or advancement of money or any valuable thing by a candidate, political committee or other person for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a covered election.
(4) Person. Any actual individual, any business partnership, sole proprietorship, or other form of business organization permitted under the laws of the Commonwealth to make political contributions.
(5) Political Committee. Any committee, club, association, political party, or other group of persons, including the campaign committee of a candidate for office in a covered election, which receives contributions or makes expenditures for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a covered election.
B. Campaign Contribution Limits
(1) No person shall make total contributions per election, including contributions made to or through one or more political committees, of more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) to a candidate for Mayor or City Controller, and one thousand dollars ($1,000) to a candidate for City Council per election cycle.
(2) No political committee shall make total contributions per election of more than four thousand dollars ($4,000) to a candidate for Mayor or City Controller, and two thousand dollars ($2,000) to a candidate for City Council per election cycle.
(3) The limitations imposed by this Chapter shall not apply to contributions from a candidate’s personal resources to the candidate’s own campaign.
(4) The limitations imposed by this subsection shall not apply to volunteer labor.
C. Campaign Accounts
A candidate for Mayor, City Controller, or City Council shall have no more than one campaign committee and one checking account for each city office being sought, into which all contributions for such office shall be made, and out of which all campaign expenditures for that office shall be made. If the candidate for office maintains other political or non-political accounts for which contributions are solicited, such funds collected in these accounts shall not be used for any campaign for municipal office.
D. Eligibility for City Contracts and Grants
Any entity which is owned by or employs a person found to be in violation of this ordinance may not be awarded a competitive or non-competitive city contract or grant for four (4) years from the date on which the person is found to be in violation.
E. Enforcement
1. Any person residing in the City of Pittsburgh, including the City Solicitor, may bring an action for injunctive relief in any Court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin any violations of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions of this Ordinance.
2. If it is determined that a person makes, or a candidate accepts a political contribution in violation of the limits set forth in section 2 of this Ordinance, and is found by the Court to have violated this ordinance, the Court may award treble damages, a penalty equal to three times the amount over the limits set forth in section 2.
3. If it is determined that a person makes, or a candidate accepts a political contribution in violation of the limits set forth in section 2 of this Ordinance, and is found by the Court to have violated this ordinance, the Court may award to prevailing plaintiff in any such action, his or her costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney fees.
F. Severability
If any provision of this Ordinance shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Ordinance which shall be in full force and effect.
G. Conflicting Provisions
Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Ordinance.
This bill will take effect January 1, 2006
Diven, Fontana trade jabs. Numbing jabs
Fontana makes a mountain out of a mole hill. I gave an interview on KQV about this today.
Frank G of KQV and I were talking on the phone today. He started the conversation saying he thought he saw two TV commercials for me this past weekend, one after another.
Say what?
He explained that he saw an ad by Fontana that was against Diven. Then he saw another ad by Diven against Fontana. All in all, it adds up to two ads for me.
Yep. He's right.
Then later a call (among others) came from a fellow in the burbs. He was so happy to see an alternative to Diven. He was very angry about Diven's negativity. He asked for lawn signs, fliers, poll info and whatever I had.
When I told him I didn't invest in "lawn signs" -- he was even happier still. I dropped off some literature (our new brochures are hitting the streets and neighborhoods) and a dozen CDs.
Do you want a batch? Let us know.
Diven, Fontana trade jabs in 42nd District race: "His opponent, Democrat Wayne Fontana, accused him this past weekend of failing to pay his Allegheny County property taxes in a timely manner and lying about why.
Frank G of KQV and I were talking on the phone today. He started the conversation saying he thought he saw two TV commercials for me this past weekend, one after another.
Say what?
He explained that he saw an ad by Fontana that was against Diven. Then he saw another ad by Diven against Fontana. All in all, it adds up to two ads for me.
Yep. He's right.
Then later a call (among others) came from a fellow in the burbs. He was so happy to see an alternative to Diven. He was very angry about Diven's negativity. He asked for lawn signs, fliers, poll info and whatever I had.
When I told him I didn't invest in "lawn signs" -- he was even happier still. I dropped off some literature (our new brochures are hitting the streets and neighborhoods) and a dozen CDs.
Do you want a batch? Let us know.
More Q & A via PoliticsPA web board
More Qs and my replies via another web board, found at PoliticsPA.
Visualization. Furthermore, I'm good at predictions, forecasting, as I've got plenty of perspectives. Seeing into the future is fun work. Plus, I like to use my imagination too. One day I'll have a business card -- and it will have my fifth favorite job title: Futurist.
Being a stay-at-home dad, coach, and publisher are still better.
If the voter turnout is 48,000, I can see myself with 40,000 and each of the others with 4,000. I see myself as a slightly better candidate, but most of all, a much better senator. Ten times better than both opponents.
I could see myself getting second as well.
Or, I can see myself getting third.
There is a candidate-speak, trite, "fire in the belly" thing that I learned about in 2000 and 2001. So, I'll say little more other than I want to win and I'm working hard to do as best I can to win votes and win on issues.
I have far more trust for fellow citizens and voters than I do with the media. But, that's not really saying much as I have thin expectations on informed decisions from the watchdogs. Voter education matters greatly.
I feel confident that if a voter was able to sit with each of the candidates for one hour, plus some debate time, for example, then I'd get the most votes -- in a landslide.
The question is based on a false belief. I've not talked about pool schedules, but in a brief passing to show how the priorities are out of touch. I've talked about trash pick-up in terms of making a service for the citizens without holidays. These are brief mentions out of hundreds of postings.
I do talk about corporate welfare. Corporate welfare caused a system melt-down in Pittsburgh. The system is broken. The treasury is broke. After we ended corporate welfare, we'd begin to thrive again. Corporate welfare is one of the root problems here.
I've spoken frequently and continually about property taxes. PA needs statewide assessment buffering. We need to drop the deed-transfer tax (property tax matter). We need to move back to the land-value tax in the city and throughout the county. These solutions hit upon the number one issue.
I spoke out about the unified tax plan in 2000. It makes the downtown towers drop in value and in turn gets more of a burden onto the neighborhoods.
These are root problems and I've offered solutions that are wonderful fixes to the overall situations.
If I win on May 17, 2005 -- the signal would be clear. Negative mud-slinging doesn't work. Old-party politics and same-old-same-old folly isn't welcomed. My victory would set the stage for great people to actually run again. My message has depth and scope and is rooted in the community.
Serious solutions count.
Community efforts are noticed.
Party labels don't matter as they used to around here.
Pittsburgh and the region is willing to "Think Again!"
In my first, 19-month term, I would push hard to focus upon self-determination, self-reliance, self-discovery. The Youth Technology Summit can begin in earnest. The Park District model can take root in planning stages and wide discussions.
These are community endeavors.
I've told the story of Humpty Dumpty many times. All the king's horses and all the king's men can't put Humpty (or in this case the region called Pittsburgh) together again. But, with the people's help -- we can. Humpty won't look the same -- but it will be fun and it will be ours.
I won't write a law for her. I'd suggest she talk to her family, her city council member and her support people.
Perhaps Michael Diven will be a better aid to her. He could tell her how to dodge the tax payment with much better insight than I could muster.
As a Senator, I could tell her to talk to her State Rep -- perhaps Michael Diven.
If we lowered the deed-transfer-tax -- or got rid of it in our crisis region for a 10-year period -- we'd not TRAP people in their houses. We'd like to have people in a house that fits. Things fit that shouldn't when there is a massive tax bill as the deed-transfers. Those POINTS are costly in many ways -- both for the seniors and the youthful who don't have much savings.
The tax break can't be given to the seniors because we gave away so much to the likes of Lazarus and Lord & Taylor. Downtown property values are dropping fast. People with homes in the city and county are going to be punished again. It is going to get worse, until TIFs and corporate welfare end.
Let’s say the voter turnout is 48,000. What portion of that vote do you see yourself getting, and why?
Visualization. Furthermore, I'm good at predictions, forecasting, as I've got plenty of perspectives. Seeing into the future is fun work. Plus, I like to use my imagination too. One day I'll have a business card -- and it will have my fifth favorite job title: Futurist.
Being a stay-at-home dad, coach, and publisher are still better.
If the voter turnout is 48,000, I can see myself with 40,000 and each of the others with 4,000. I see myself as a slightly better candidate, but most of all, a much better senator. Ten times better than both opponents.
I could see myself getting second as well.
Or, I can see myself getting third.
There is a candidate-speak, trite, "fire in the belly" thing that I learned about in 2000 and 2001. So, I'll say little more other than I want to win and I'm working hard to do as best I can to win votes and win on issues.
Do you trust the voters of the 42nd district will make an informed decision when electing their next Senator?
I have far more trust for fellow citizens and voters than I do with the media. But, that's not really saying much as I have thin expectations on informed decisions from the watchdogs. Voter education matters greatly.
I feel confident that if a voter was able to sit with each of the candidates for one hour, plus some debate time, for example, then I'd get the most votes -- in a landslide.
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?
The question is based on a false belief. I've not talked about pool schedules, but in a brief passing to show how the priorities are out of touch. I've talked about trash pick-up in terms of making a service for the citizens without holidays. These are brief mentions out of hundreds of postings.
I do talk about corporate welfare. Corporate welfare caused a system melt-down in Pittsburgh. The system is broken. The treasury is broke. After we ended corporate welfare, we'd begin to thrive again. Corporate welfare is one of the root problems here.
I've spoken frequently and continually about property taxes. PA needs statewide assessment buffering. We need to drop the deed-transfer tax (property tax matter). We need to move back to the land-value tax in the city and throughout the county. These solutions hit upon the number one issue.
I spoke out about the unified tax plan in 2000. It makes the downtown towers drop in value and in turn gets more of a burden onto the neighborhoods.
These are root problems and I've offered solutions that are wonderful fixes to the overall situations.
Name what you see your number 1 accomplishment is that defines your term/terms as senator.
If I win on May 17, 2005 -- the signal would be clear. Negative mud-slinging doesn't work. Old-party politics and same-old-same-old folly isn't welcomed. My victory would set the stage for great people to actually run again. My message has depth and scope and is rooted in the community.
Serious solutions count.
Community efforts are noticed.
Party labels don't matter as they used to around here.
Pittsburgh and the region is willing to "Think Again!"
In my first, 19-month term, I would push hard to focus upon self-determination, self-reliance, self-discovery. The Youth Technology Summit can begin in earnest. The Park District model can take root in planning stages and wide discussions.
These are community endeavors.
I've told the story of Humpty Dumpty many times. All the king's horses and all the king's men can't put Humpty (or in this case the region called Pittsburgh) together again. But, with the people's help -- we can. Humpty won't look the same -- but it will be fun and it will be ours.
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 won't write a law for her. I'd suggest she talk to her family, her city council member and her support people.
Perhaps Michael Diven will be a better aid to her. He could tell her how to dodge the tax payment with much better insight than I could muster.
As a Senator, I could tell her to talk to her State Rep -- perhaps Michael Diven.
If we lowered the deed-transfer-tax -- or got rid of it in our crisis region for a 10-year period -- we'd not TRAP people in their houses. We'd like to have people in a house that fits. Things fit that shouldn't when there is a massive tax bill as the deed-transfers. Those POINTS are costly in many ways -- both for the seniors and the youthful who don't have much savings.
The tax break can't be given to the seniors because we gave away so much to the likes of Lazarus and Lord & Taylor. Downtown property values are dropping fast. People with homes in the city and county are going to be punished again. It is going to get worse, until TIFs and corporate welfare end.
I think the top three issues in the 42nd PA Senate District are as follows:
A number of great questions came from the renewed message board at PoliticsPA.com. They were directed to me there -- but here goes some of my replies.
The top issues, as I see it, are more global. They can be organized as:
1. Status quo nonsense:
City's downward spiral.
Same old, same old.
Band-aid mentality.
2. Uncertainty in properties:
Rising taxes.
Flat or declines in home values.
Overall condition of neighborhoods, infrastructure, services, protections (in both perception and certainty)
3. Economy:
Budgets (state, county municipals and schools)
Expanding government in size and weight
Small business hostilities
Bleek job prospects and outlooks
False hope in gambling's windfall (suckers' bets)
Of course there are some other pressing issues, depending upon who you talk to. Some are interested in national and internation matters. Social Secuity, War and its funding, Abortion, Corporate agendas, Cronies', Transporation (roads, PAT, getting to and from work), Violence (among kids, distressed neighborhoods, drug dealings, home invasions, hitting elderly), Corporate Welfare, Schools (costs, accountability, NCLB, true learning).
Within the campaign, I have a voice that is dedicated to certain issues. As a state senator, I'm not going to have much sway within the debates on Social Security, military conduct and mission in Iraq, nor southern border patrole.
I need to make mentions that resonate with the people, that I'm confident in speaking about, and are able to be done while a state senator.
I understand that parks are not the most pressing issue today among the people of the 42nd. But, it is one of my main talking points. I try to connect the dots and illustrate that our kids are shooting guns at each other, dying on the streets. The kids are not being challenged in extra activities and are being ignored. However, this means we have vandalism with the spray painting of the city, with idle violence and intimidation of seniors.
We can build more prisons. Or, we can build up our engagements among our kids, coaches, parents, seniors. We need serious challenges for the kids. The young people need to learn how to play well with others. They need friends and excuses to stay locally -- not leave when they need a job because they have no real network of friends and opportunities.
So, my talk of the parks also deals with the issues of democracy, outward migration, crime, better school usage afterhours, more volunteerism, city-county consolidation and better quality of life. Plus, it talks about making investments into our health, wellness and human side of life -- not corporate welfare for new shopping malls.
Same too with the esablishment of the Youth Technology Summit. This goes to workforce development, academic cooperation, effective governmental services with better technology utilizations and helping small business while using the white elephant convention center.
The top issues, as I see it, are more global. They can be organized as:
1. Status quo nonsense:
City's downward spiral.
Same old, same old.
Band-aid mentality.
2. Uncertainty in properties:
Rising taxes.
Flat or declines in home values.
Overall condition of neighborhoods, infrastructure, services, protections (in both perception and certainty)
3. Economy:
Budgets (state, county municipals and schools)
Expanding government in size and weight
Small business hostilities
Bleek job prospects and outlooks
False hope in gambling's windfall (suckers' bets)
Of course there are some other pressing issues, depending upon who you talk to. Some are interested in national and internation matters. Social Secuity, War and its funding, Abortion, Corporate agendas, Cronies', Transporation (roads, PAT, getting to and from work), Violence (among kids, distressed neighborhoods, drug dealings, home invasions, hitting elderly), Corporate Welfare, Schools (costs, accountability, NCLB, true learning).
Within the campaign, I have a voice that is dedicated to certain issues. As a state senator, I'm not going to have much sway within the debates on Social Security, military conduct and mission in Iraq, nor southern border patrole.
I need to make mentions that resonate with the people, that I'm confident in speaking about, and are able to be done while a state senator.
I understand that parks are not the most pressing issue today among the people of the 42nd. But, it is one of my main talking points. I try to connect the dots and illustrate that our kids are shooting guns at each other, dying on the streets. The kids are not being challenged in extra activities and are being ignored. However, this means we have vandalism with the spray painting of the city, with idle violence and intimidation of seniors.
We can build more prisons. Or, we can build up our engagements among our kids, coaches, parents, seniors. We need serious challenges for the kids. The young people need to learn how to play well with others. They need friends and excuses to stay locally -- not leave when they need a job because they have no real network of friends and opportunities.
So, my talk of the parks also deals with the issues of democracy, outward migration, crime, better school usage afterhours, more volunteerism, city-county consolidation and better quality of life. Plus, it talks about making investments into our health, wellness and human side of life -- not corporate welfare for new shopping malls.
Same too with the esablishment of the Youth Technology Summit. This goes to workforce development, academic cooperation, effective governmental services with better technology utilizations and helping small business while using the white elephant convention center.
Nanny 911 -- TV show tonight
This has nothing to do with my past life as a stay-at-home dad.
Our friend, musician, songwritter, Dave Nachmanoff, is going to be on the TV show, Nanny 911, tonight.
Dave was the guest performer at a 9-11 concert I hosted on the South Side. We have that event on tape and it will, one day, be a TV special. Speakers included Jim Roddey and Dan Onorato.
But tonight -- it is a friend on national TV. Break a leg Dave.
Our friend, musician, songwritter, Dave Nachmanoff, is going to be on the TV show, Nanny 911, tonight.
Dave was the guest performer at a 9-11 concert I hosted on the South Side. We have that event on tape and it will, one day, be a TV special. Speakers included Jim Roddey and Dan Onorato.
But tonight -- it is a friend on national TV. Break a leg Dave.
Corporate Welfare is Killing Pittsburgh
Dan's letter below is an plug for the D's race for mayor for Lamb. However, it is built on the same concept I'm always stressing. We have too much corporate welfare. We need to turn away from that avenue.
In the debate that was on TV last night, Fontana stood up to the charge I've been making about corporate welfare, TIFs and the vivid, recent example from his time on County Council as he voted to give a TIF to "DEER CREEK CROSSING." Fontana's reply was comical. He said he believed in "property rights."
Duhh.
Property rights have little to do with corporate welfare. I'm much stronger on property rights than any of these others as I've been on the line to end EMINENT DOMAIN. That's a property right matter, not TIFs.
If the property owners of Deer Creek Crossing want to build a mall, fine. But, don't give them a TIF. Don't get out the county checkbook and make it easy for them to do the development with public money.
The two pages of text of a correctred handbill that Dan is passing out:
In the debate that was on TV last night, Fontana stood up to the charge I've been making about corporate welfare, TIFs and the vivid, recent example from his time on County Council as he voted to give a TIF to "DEER CREEK CROSSING." Fontana's reply was comical. He said he believed in "property rights."
Duhh.
Property rights have little to do with corporate welfare. I'm much stronger on property rights than any of these others as I've been on the line to end EMINENT DOMAIN. That's a property right matter, not TIFs.
If the property owners of Deer Creek Crossing want to build a mall, fine. But, don't give them a TIF. Don't get out the county checkbook and make it easy for them to do the development with public money.
The two pages of text of a correctred handbill that Dan is passing out:
Corporate Welfare makes you pay to subsidize politically connected businesses.
Corporate Welfare drives out businesses who don’t want to play the subsidy game.
Corporate Welfare destroys more jobs than it creates.
Corporate Welfare has brought Pittsburgh to near bankruptcy.
Corporate Welfare corrupts politics, with corporate welfare recipients making huge campaign contributions.
Michael Lamb is our best defense against Corporate Welfare.
Michael Lamb is the only viable candidate who is not up to his eyeballs in corporate welfare.
Michael Lamb has openly criticized corporate welfare.
Michael Lamb is the only candidate who would change our tax system to promote development without corporate welfare.
A vote for Michael Lamb is a vote against Corporate Welfare.
Dear Fellow Citizen,
I have been fighting corporate welfare in Pittsburgh since 1978, and I believe Michael Lamb is the candidate who can turn Pittsburgh back in the right direction, not Bob O’Connor or Bill Peduto.
O’Connor complained about Murphy but rarely stood up to him. He voted to fund stadiums after we defeated the stadium-tax referendum. He voted to buy the site of the new Heinz plant at four times its value and to give Heinz millions in tax breaks to build what they had already agreed to build. He voted to subsidize PNC, Mellon, Giant Eagle and a host of other politically connected corporations at your expense. He voted to subsidize Home Depot, which led to the closing of dozens of local competitors.
O’Connor also drove up property taxes for most home owners. Before he changed us back to conventional property tax, homeowner property tax bills were lower in the city than in most suburbs, but the cost of holding land while waiting for subsidies was much higher. This tax reform promoted development without subsidies. O’Connor destroyed the work we had done with Bill Coyne and other council members to make our property tax cost home owners less and land speculators more.
Bill Peduto also indulges in corporate welfare. He got subsidies for a Giant Eagle store in "blighted" Shandyside, even though Giant Eagle has closed stores in neighborhood that ARE blighted, and he got subsidies for an upscale mall on Baum Blvd. that will compete with existing businesses.
For all these reasons, I ask you to support Michael Lamb for mayor.
Sincerely, Dan Sullivan, director, Saving Communities
627 Melwood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) OUR-LAND (412) 687-5263
The Political Graveyard: Politicians: Lamb -- State Senate years are unknown
I'm doing a bit of research. Who can tell me the years of service in the PA Senate for Michael Lamb's father, Thomas Lamb?
Lamb was the Senate majority leader in his time. When did that time end?
i ask because in the debate, showed on TV last night, Michael Diven made a false claim in his opening statement. Diven though it was more than 70 years ago since the Pittsburgh area had a member in the senate in the majority party. Thomas Lamb, PA Senator, was the majority leader in his time.
Diven is 40-years off the mark -- at least.
Diven is wrong too as there have been others in the area who have represented parts of Pittsburgh in PA's Legislature and Senate from the GOP who were much more recent than 70 years.
The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Lamb: "Lamb, Thomas F. (b. 1922) — of Pennsylvania. Born in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pa., October 22, 1922. Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II; member of Pennsylvania state house of representatives, 1959-66; member of Pennsylvania state senate, 1966-. Catholic. Member, Knights of Columbus. Still living as of 1971.
Lamb was the Senate majority leader in his time. When did that time end?
i ask because in the debate, showed on TV last night, Michael Diven made a false claim in his opening statement. Diven though it was more than 70 years ago since the Pittsburgh area had a member in the senate in the majority party. Thomas Lamb, PA Senator, was the majority leader in his time.
Diven is 40-years off the mark -- at least.
Diven is wrong too as there have been others in the area who have represented parts of Pittsburgh in PA's Legislature and Senate from the GOP who were much more recent than 70 years.
Ohligarchy: A Head In the Clouds Versus the Man In the Moon
Ohligarchy: A Head In the Clouds Versus the Man In the MoonA Head In the Clouds Versus the Man In the Moon
Some buzz brews about last night's TV (tape delayed) debate in the comments section.
Pondering my (Mark Rauterkus) reply to the PG's Voters Guide
This is what I wrote:
State Senator, 42nd District Mark Rauterkus, 46, South Side
Education: B.S. journalism, Ohio University, 1982; graduate school, Baylor University, Texas, 1982-83.
Occupation: Community activist, swim coach.
Qualifications: GOP candidate for mayor of Pittsburgh, 2001; May 2004, released 150-page parks merger position paper; coached 30 years, proving leadership and teamwork; published 100 how-to books proving abilities of handling technical content, similar to skills necessary for the crafting of legislation.
Answer: I'd launch a youth technology summit. I'd establish a regional park district. I'd end tax increment financing, lower deed transfer tax, fund transportation and squash horrid big-ticket spending. I'd halt sprawl to boost our urban fabric. Supporting schools and neighborhoods makes common sense. Career politicians put the region in a tailspin. My opponents display experienced leadership of folly. Serious opposition must counter their giveaways. Elect.Rauterkus.com is about performance, kids, wellness, accountability, communication, openness, open-source technology, freedoms, personal responsibility, taxing land, prudent spending, real democracy and respect of the marketplace.
Pondering Diven's statement in the PG's voter guide
State Senator, 42nd District: "Michael Diven, 35, Brookline
Education: B.A., history, minor philosophy, Duquesne University, 1993.
Occupation: State representative, 22nd District.
Qualifications: Pittsburgh City Council, three years; state representative, 22nd District, elected 1997.
Answer: I will introduce a bill in the Pennsylvania Senate which will be a vehicle to consolidate administrative office space in Downtown Pittsburgh. A study that I commissioned showed that we now have 1.1 million square feet of office space, and we can easily consolidate this into 350,000 square feet. This would increase efficiency, create construction jobs, revitalize the Downtown business corridor, and save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars that could be used to relieve the unfair burden of property taxes.
Let's start with the vehicle mention -- as in state car. Transportation issues are huge. PAT is running today with a 2-year band-aid. Let's hear something about THAT from our Harrisburg politician.
The bill to consolidate office space downtown creates a NEW AUTHORITY. I hate authorities. I hate debt. This Diven idea is a TIF on STEROIDS that jacks up debt by $50-million for Pgh and $300-million for the state. It is just about as big as 'growing greener 2' -- but it makes loft apartments. All in all, the Diven plan would KILL the city. It goes in the wrong direction on many fronts.
I have heard Diven's plan -- in depth. I wish everyone had the opportunity to hear all about it. It is a deal breaker plan.
Diven wants the state of PA with its new authority to take over the public office buildings owned by the city, county and schools. He ignores the STATE building and the FEDERAL buildings. If all the buildings were in the mix, that would be different.
Then Diven wants to build up Fifth & Forbes with parking, retail and a RIDC like office park for city, county and school buildings -- but not state or feds. This is a mega building.
Then all of the other buildings now in use by the government turn into loft apartments.
Who wants to live in the Gold Room? Who wants the Mayor's office?
I just wonder, do we get to keep the jail as it is or is that part of the mix as well?
My approach is more organic. Let us evolve in continual steps.
Do get rid of the governmental buildings -- like the PARKING AUTHORITY ASSETS. We should liquidate the parking authority, over some years. then we can lower the parking tax to 15%. There is no reason why the government needs to be building parking garages. Make the parking authority a department.
Our parking authoriy is just opening its own court room now. Overboard public project are sure to zap out all energy from the marketplace and end any type of investments from regular owners.
PNC Bank expanded to Firstside and the city was suckered (forced) into building them a new T-stop and new parking garage. That's a bad deal and it costs everyone. PNC Bank does not need to build its own parking garage for its employees because it can have the city build it for them.
Hence, no private builder is ever going to build another parking garage in downtown. There is poison in the marketplace. Investment stops. Real efforts go to other markets where the 900-pound gorilla isn't a public authority with an endless supply of money.
I have better ideas for some big projects downtown. Downtown does have serious weaknesses.
Pondering Fontana's statement in the PG's voter guide
State Senator, 42nd District: "Wayne D. Fontana, 55, Brookline
Education: Community College of Allegheny County, 1971.
Occupation: Sales manager and associate broker, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (on leave while running for Senate).
Qualifications: 19th Ward Democratic committeeman, 11 years; Allegheny County Council, five years, served as vice chair, also committee chair of Property Assessment, Economic Development, Executive, Redistricting, Budget and Finance and Property Assessment Oversight.
Answer: I would support and facilitate attempts made by local governments to merge services and departments such as public works. I am a proponent for row office consolidation in Allegheny County that would save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. I also support a joint purchasing program similar to the state program that purchases in bulk at a lower cost. We need to explore tax collection at the regional or county level vs. local tax collection.
Fontana is a proponent for row office consolidation in Allegheny County -- but when he was on the council he didn't support Onorato's plan to drop the row offices to two. Fontana doubled the number to put onto the ballot. Onorato's legislation said two. Fontana and the others on council established a bundle to four.
The claim of saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars is another empty promise. Perhaps that is over the course of two decades. Perhaps the number could be a little less foggy.
Row office consolidation isn't really about saving money. It we really wanted to save money, we'd be voting to elminate the authories, not the row office.
An elected official in the row office has a salary that is established by the charter. An appointed row office official is going to have an increased salary and it won't be subject to the lower limits now in place.
If we really wanted to save taxpayer money -- we would NOT be doing any TIFs. Fontana voted just recently (within the last 3 monts) to give a tax break to the developer for Deer Creek Crossing. That is a tax give-away. That move hurts the taxpayers.
Fontana wants to explore regional tax collectors. That is sure to fix all our problems -- not.
Joint purchases are sure to be a massive windfall too -- hardly.
Would-a, could-a, should-a! Why didn't you do these things while on county council? The city and county don't do joint purchases now. Should-a! Didn't!
State Senator, 42nd District -- PG has its VOTERS Guide out today -- Monday, May 9
State Senator, 42nd District State Senator, 42nd District
VOTE FOR ONE
Term: 19 months Salary: $69,648
Duties: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of the state government. It is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is necessary to pass a law. The Senate approves executive appointments while it is in session.
Question: What changes in state law would you support to provide incentives for more efficient and cost effective local government operations?
The voters guide is out within the PG. See section D.
The voters guide is called a "primary" -- but -- there is more than the primary to occur on May 17, election day.
The state senate race is a special election. The term is 19 months. It is brief. It is okay to send a Libertarian to the senate for 19 months. Think of the ful we'll have.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
CTCNet - Want to car pool to Cleveland? Consider the event as this is the type of community development I'm interested in promoting.
Our community development efforts in Pittsburgh are too much about bricks and mortar projects. Little is done to teach people to read or how to use the net for effective living.
CTCNet: "CTCNet's 14th Annual Community Technology Conference will be held June 17-19 in Cleveland!
Register Online Now!
Exhibit or Sponsor!
Current Initiatives
Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods
Engages youth in local community-building and decision-making, incorporating the tools and training commonly offered by community technology centers. Learn about the 2005 Youth Visions grantees.
Connections for Tomorrow Project
Supports organizations that serve youth and homeless people by providing grants towards organizational capacity-building and best practices development. Learn about the 2005 Connections for Tomorrow grantees.
CTC VISTA Project
The CTC VISTA Project has provided coordination, recruitment, training and support for more than 100 AmeriCorps*VISTAs who have been working in CTCs and organizations across the country.
America Connects Consortium
ACC is a partnership of Education Development Center, CTCNet, and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time at Wellesley College . Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, CTCNet has been a partner of ACC since its inception in 2000.
Access 2 Action
Explores ways to help bridge gaps between the fields of community technology and community development and increase the capacity of CTCs to become a force for positive social change at the community level
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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."
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.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Friday, May 06, 2005
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
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.
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