Illegal: Onorato and Fontana's plan of 0-1-2-3-4 is Toast

The Judge proved what many, myself included, said for a number of months. The plan put forth, in large measure by my opponent for PA Senate in the special election, Wayne Fontana, Dem, and the County Executive, Dan Onorato, is ILLEGAL. It isn't able to be applied to property taxes for county residents. Their plan was not fair.

The plan was bogus from the outset.

The property tax mess in the county is massive. Fontana has been the chair of this failed effort and committee.

The 0-1-2-3-4 plan was a short-term fix. I hate short term fixes.

To soar, to thrive, to prosper again, we need leaders and concerned citizens who are going to work at getting to the roots of the problems. Too many around here are just batting at the leaves on the tree of suffering. Some of us care about the system wide problems.

We are not back to square one. Wrong. We are now behind the 8-ball again. We are now in deeper crisis mode. We are again putting matters before the judge to decide.

I want elections to decide. I want judges to come to the forefront when problems exist. I don't want to make problems at every turn and run to judges. The way to fix the mess -- elect candidate with solutions and a desire to get to those solutions.

The top solution for this challenge: ASSESSMENT BUFFERING.

We need a state senator who can take a state-wide fix, assessment buffering, and champion a new model, like is done in Maryland. When an assessment arrives, the increases in property values are buffered. Taxpayers have an opportunity to know what the taxes are going to be in the years ahead. Increases are much more gradual.

The assessment buffering utility is universal for all property owners. Hence, assessment buffering fixes the snag with the state constitution and the "uniformity clause."

Fontana's law about 0-1-2-3-4 was broken because it didn't have any fairness. Fontana's law wasn't uniform. It was clearly junk legislation. That is the best they can muster, sadly.

We can do better.

Another solution to this whole mess, and another idea that gets to the roots of the problem -- LAND VALUE TAX. As soon as we put more of a value upon the land, and less upon the building, then the system has stability and even greater fairness. This shift back to the land-value tax would send the region into a new round of building and growth.

Today, property owners are rewarded for letting their buildings decline. Turn you house into a shack and get a property tax break. That's wrong. Turn your house into a beautiful home and get penalized. That is wrong.

We want people to grow the value in their homes. We want people to be good neighbors and fix up their buildings.

Today the land speculators are getting rewarded for doing nothing with their weed covered plots of land. That isn't good economics. That isn't good for the neighborhodds. That isn't good for our region.

Once we tax the land to a higher degree than the property -- the land speculators will sell off the holdings because the taxes are too great. Or, the land speculators will try to do a fix up and make the property one of the best in the neighborhoods to maximize the investment and long term return.

Furthermore, our downtown office towers are becoming empty. The values to those buildings are dropping faster than ever. We need to keep the value in downtown and keep the taxes off of the backs of the smaller property owners in the neighborhoods. The taxes situation in the city is shifting away from downtown office building owners and onto the backs of the little guys.

Smart people who think again can appreciate the situations and we can make changes. We can fix the decline with some different policies.

Judge rules county can't cap property assessments Onorato convinced County Council to change the county administrative code to allow the six categories because without them, he said, many taxpayers would face huge increases in their property taxes.

In a 20-page opinion and order, Wettick acknowledged the county had some problems after its last reassessment in 2003. But the cap system enacted by the county 'works to exacerbate rather than to correct these problems' because the caps would not allow properties to be assessed at their actual values.

Text of News Brief from City Paper

The article is in news boxes, and now live on the website.

State senate race: Third-Party Third Candidate Gives Office Second Try
Writer: MARTY LEVINE

Mark Rauterkus is hoping for an astounding voter turnout in the 42nd District state Senate race on May 17, one of the only spring contests that’s not a primary. Rauterkus, the Libertarian candidate, figures all he needs are several hundred Republican votes, maybe a fifth of the Democrats -- and all 8,000 people in the district registered with third parties, or as Independents.

Rauterkus, a 45-year-old South Side resident and Carlynton Swim Club coach, styles himself "a citizens' candidate. Let the idea reign supreme, no matter who it came from," he says.

It's the sort of thing you say when you’re fighting for attention amid ugly television ads from Democrat Wayne Fontana, until recently a County Councilor, and Democrat-turned-Republican Michael Diven, hoping to move up from his state House seat. All want to replace Jack Wagner, elected as auditor general in November. Rauterkus ran for Pittsburgh mayor in 2001.

Rauterkus is one of the few candidates this season without a major-party endorsement who nonetheless is mounting a full-scale campaign, albeit without money for television ads. He says his first legislative priority is the kids: He wants to create a "Pittsburgh Parks District," which would require the city, county and school district to pool their parks under new oversight.

County-wide property reassessment is at the center of the other two candidates’ campaigns, despite the state's less-than-central role in the process. Rauterkus’ solution is assessment buffering: splitting each new assessment increase into three parts and adding one per year for three years to ease the pain.

Like many third-party candidates, he sports the most specific -- or unusual -- ideas on other issues as well: The region should use heavy rail instead of light rail, and not under the Port Authority’s control. In fact, we should get rid of the various city authorities, or at least make their members stand for retention votes a while after they’ve been appointed. Rauterkus has also proposed the formation of transparent political action committee (PAC) accounts, in which citizens can track political contributions with the same ease as they can get a bank balance via ATM.

"Some of these items require senator-type leadership," he notes. "I'm trying to step out of the party game, as far as being a D or an R." Of course, the letter L has some implications as well. But Rauterkus isn’t worried. He points to the lack of polling in this campaign as a positive sign -- the other fellows must be afraid of his candidacy.

"It sends a message to me that I’m doing pretty well," he says.

See Rauterkus.blogspot.com, Rauterkus.com or Platform.For-Pgh.org.

Dave's promise

Dave Copeland, new and improved. Dave Copeland 2.0
New blog, new content, new stuff debuts summer 2005

Electronic medical records the goal of Murphy's bill

A Doctor friend at UPMC, Dr. E for now, is busy working on a few book chapters and papers. He and I have spoken about this record keeping nightmare that faces the nation. He took a year to do extensive research on the issues. Much of his work is about the human interface and the work habits of the doctors.

In the past the records were a tool to help doctors better care. Now a great deal of time is spent on the patient record so as to stay out of the courtroom. Seemginly more and more time is devoted to the paper trail and less and less to the sick, injured and unknowing.

Electronic medical records the goal of Murphy's bill WASHINGTON -- Rep. Tim Murphy introduced legislation yesterday with a bipartisan group of House and Senate colleagues that would provide new grants and loans to develop electronic medical records systems in an attempt to reduce medical errors and health care costs.

Wellness is important.

This theme would be a great course of action, or track, for the proposed Youth Technology Summit.

I was at another event last night, and heard of a new concept -- a mini medical school. Humm. It sounded a bit like the citizens police academy, but for another major topic area.

Lifelong learning is so important.

A campaign in the neck

Whine.

A campaign in the neck Republicans are attempting to make a beachhead in the city with Diven, who has been a Republican for about a half-hour. He was elected to City Council as a Democrat, and then to the Pennsylvania House, but Diven jumped to the other party when he saw this opening, prompting a most uncivil war.

The level of innuendo and half-truths from both sides is exceptional even by the low standards of politics. These two have done everything but accuse each other of persuading Ben Roethlisberger to ride his motorcycle without a helmet, but then there are still five days until the election.

Both sides is not all sides, here, and in most places in life.

Growing Greener 2 Ballot Question

Ballot question:

Do you favor authorizing the Commonwealth to borrow up to $625,000,000, for the maintenance and protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation and other environmental initiatives?

Clean Campaign for Mayor while a SEA of Harrisburg Mud flows in from the South & West

I went to this press event. There is a clean election campaign. So, it is more than just the League of Women Voters. And, the campaigns are somehow not to use the news as any "endorsement" -- but just report upon the grade.
Recap: Bob O'Connor and Mike Lamb both got graded as "B" and Peduto got a grade of A-minus. The others didn't get a grade, sadly. But, they were mentioned.

PRESS RELEASEContact: PJ Lavelle - 412.583.0206 -- pj@billpeduto.com

Peduto for Pittsburgh Campaign Rated "Cleanest Campaign" by League of Women Voters

PITTSBURGH -- The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh's 'Clean Campaign Committee' rated City Councilman Bill Peduto?s mayoral campaign the most positive campaign of the Democratic Mayoral Primary today.

The committee awarded Peduto an A- for 'exceptional performance.'

Peduto for Pittsburgh Campaign Manager PJ Lavelle said Peduto directed his campaign to stay positive.

"Bringing other candidates down, won't bring Pittsburgh up. We're focused on communicating Bill's plan to revitalize Pittsburgh, and Bill Peduto's positive vision is resonating with city residents," Lavelle said.

Lavelle said the campaign will continue to stay positive during the final week.

"Bill Peduto has proven his ability to make the tough choices and move Pittsburgh forward, so we have the luxury of being able to run on a solid record of reform," he said.

The pointer to the press release, politicspa.com.

Of course Republicans count too. Get out and vote -- for me!

A Republican voter left a comment among the threads below about going to the polls on PRIMARY day, May 17, 2005. This is a primary and special election. I'm pressing the need for others, beyond the Ds and Rs to vote. But, I've seemed to overlook the ones with the best mascot, the elephant, in my rants about voting and voter eligibility.

Four years ago I was in the Republican Primary in a contested race for mayor. I got nearly 2,000 votes, as did my opponent. Our race, Rauterkus vs. Carmine, was the first contested primary in decades for the mayor's race. I had hoped we'd have set a trend. Oh well.

This time, in 2005, sadly, there isn't a contested primary. However, as a show of support, the lone Republican for Mayor, Joe Weinroth, does need to score some votes. He'll be doing well if he gets 4,000 to vote for him. Only Registered Republican voters can go to the polls and vote for Weinroth. He is just in the primary, unlike me who is in the special election.

It is a DUAL election!

In general, Republican voters often don't need to VOTE on primary days around here. Often the Republicans don't even need to go out and vote in the elections in the spring.

I want Republicans in the city and suburbs to vote for me, Mark Rauterkus, in the special election for PA Senate. There are many reasons why a vote for me, even as a Libertarian, is better than a registered Republican voting for a Republican.

Republicans can and will vote for me -- to some extent because:

I'm a positive message.

I'm calling for less government, not more.

I'm calling for an end to authorities, not more.

I'm calling for real efforts for our kids and parks.

I'm not happy with Act 72, nor gambling. I'd be a tireless watchdogs on those fronts.

I'm not a hunter, nor a gun collector -- but -- I'm the one with the best grip on the Constitution and understand rights, responsibilies, lawfulness, freedom and liberty.

I'm against corportate welfare, and for some Republicans that is a turn off while it is a turn on for others. Many Pittsburgh Republicans are more like "Roddey Republicans." "Roddey Republicans" are corporate Republicans and want "government money" to flow in their directions. The urban, grass-roots Republicans don't care for my frugal financial stances.

In the 42nd district, I think it is safe to say that few Republicans would describe themeselves as "Harrisburg Republicans." Some think Harrisburg knows best. They are in a tight minority and have a new leader now, Michael Diven.

I value the marketplace, free trade, and free travel among law-abiding citizens.

If you are a die-hard in terms of two, make or break issues, such as being 100% for right to life AND one that thinks the death penalty is okay -- vote for Diven, the new Republican.

If you think one-party rule in the city makes poor sense, it makes great sense to vote for me. I am the one candidate who ran for Mayor in 2001 as a Republican and did so without a nickle from Republicans in Harrisburg. I feel that the Republicans in Harrisburg don't know what's best for this urban center.

Note that the Republicans in Harrisburg have given Joe Weinroth, R, candidate for Mayor, 2005, the exact same support that I got -- zippo. Joe W is on the state GOP committee. Joe W gets squat. Joe has raised $250 in the mayor's race so far. He is already in debt by $1,500. When I ran for mayor, I ended the race with a little money in the bank and raised nearly three times as Joe has done.

I'm the one who really wants to build a team for opposition resons in these neighborhoods.

The clincher, IMHO (in my humble opinion), is Diven's present role. Keep him there. Diven is a member of the state house -- as a Republican now. Let Diven stay in the state house as a Republican. Diven can work with the GOPers in 2005 and 2006. If Diven is elected to the state senate on May 17, there is no (or little) net gain. Diven's departure from the state house makes an opening that is sure to be filled by a Dem -- and perhaps that Dem is Jim Motznik.

Let's see what Diven, the Republican, can do as a State Rep. He isn't on the back bench now.

Diven, R, can run for state senate (hopefully still as a R) in another year, as this special election is to fill a short term. This term expires in 19 months.

If I'm elected as a Libertarian, in the state senate, this sends a powerful signal to the world that the region is willing to make changes, willing to buck the system, willing to reward good ideas, willing to put the needs of our children at the top of the priority list, willing to heal itself with self-reliance and dodge envy.

Big donors favor O'Connor -- so reports City Paper

See the comments for the article.

Can you find my article in the City Paper's web site?

Last week, the link to the article with my mention sent surfers to a different article.

This week, there is no link, to my finding, within the City Paper's site to my article. None. Can you find it?

Will it go live later, after calling?

Bike Pittsburgh -- Q & A with Mayor's Race Candidates

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.

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.

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.

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.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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOT-ABLE, as in not able?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recap from my perspectives:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These questions would continue for all ten row offices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are barking up the wrong tree.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stanford and Deliberate -- was at CMU 2 years ago

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

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

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

Hi eVote Fiddlers,

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

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

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

Check it out:

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

Marilyn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you tune into the debate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A hint of GOP spunk - PittsburghLIVE.com

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

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

Wise. Humm.

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

My main point, nevermind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tune in, judge for yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where is the QED debate for State Senate?

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

When have those interviews taken place?

It is hard to point to something that is absent.

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

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

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

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

Brochure text, continued:

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

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

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

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

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

Disaster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others devote ther lives to making no mess at all.

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

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

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

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