Primary 2005: Will voters pull plug on Allegheny County row offices?

Bad headline -- great article. This is MUCH MORE than a PRIMARY 2005. Oh well, you all know that. But, does everyone else know it too?

Primary 2005: Will voters pull plug on Allegheny County row offices?: "all voters living in the state Senate's 42nd District, which covers parts of the South Hills, North Side, Downtown and western suburbs, can participate in the hotly contested special election to fill the seat vacated by Auditor General Jack Wagner. Republican Michael Diven, a state representative from Brookline, Democrat Wayne Fontana, a former county councilman from Brookline, and Libertarian Mark Rauterkus of the South Side are running.

'Independents should not stay home,' said Pat Clark, head organizer for the nonpartisan group Everybody Vote. 'This is your electoral process, too.'

Forest Grove at opening of polls -- Burkett Elem for baseball game

I'll be watching a baseball game, a WPIAL playoff game, today in mid-day at Burkett Elem School. Brentwood is playing the Wildcats of Carlynton.

While there, I'll be seeking to start to advance the revolution for a new Pittsburgh Park District.

Burkett Elem is part of the Montour School District.

Muse You Can Use -- City Paper Cover Story

City Paper's cover story was called, Muse You Can Use. Why the arts must make the case for their continued existence by Bill O'Driscoll.

My son, Grant, 7, had his photo within the story. it is in the print edition, not online. He is the one holding the book at the center of attention. I had taken our boys to a class to learn about the OPERA. They both went to the opera a week or so later.

Erik, my oldest son, loves the opera. Grant fell asleep at the opera. Erik did too, for a spell.

We support the arts.

Another Letter to the Editor that won't get seen in Pgh Papers.

Send to: letters@post-gazette.com
Subject: Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Growing Greener -- or Growing Greedier

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/opinion/letters/s_331385.html

Growing greedier, Friday, May 6, 2005

Just a reminder. The May 17 primary includes the following Growing Greener bond 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?"

Is it just me, or does anyone else get suspicious when such nonspecific words as "maintenance," "protection," "open space," "preservation" and "initiatives" appear in the same sentence with "$625,000,000"?

Here's my specific answer to that bond question: "No!"

Mark Crowley
Plum

Letter to editor you'll never see -- except here about endorsement of PG

Dear Editor -

A few notes on the PA 42nd Senatorial election:

* Thank you for noting that there is a third candidate in this Special Election. (Fontana, Diven trading punches, May 7, 2005). This is more than some organizations, such as the AARP, are willing to acknowledge. Elaboration below.

* Michael Diven denies that a mailer's front-page photograph of his fiancee and nephews is misleading? Please. Then he further justifies this deceit by comparing this photo of his unidentified "family" to seniors with whom he has posed and brings in his deceased grandparents? What am I missing here?

Mr. Diven's denial of deceit should ring alarm bells as to his representation.

*The Post-Gazette's endorsement of Mr. Fontana (Fontana for Senate, May 1, 2005) notes that "In this case, picking between two dedicated public officials, and one quixotic candidate, almost demands a judgment on which party will best serve the district.."

Really? Does it demand that? Based on the publications, advertising and attitudes of the "two dedicated public officials" who are "trading punches," and by your own admission that, "two things are certain about the state Senate race featuring Republican Michael Diven and Democrat Wayne Fontana -- it's expensive and it's nasty" - I would feel compelled to demand an alternate candidate, not a "judgement" on which *party* will serve the district. That simply serves to continue a broken system.

But that's right, we *DO* have a third candidate - Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian.

Would that the voters had the opportunity to know this. But the money stream does not drip into any non-celebrity, third tributary. And money drives recognition. Unless the public has the opportunity to see all of the candidates. Such as in public debates.

But organizations sponsoring these debates, such as the AARP noted above, rely on out-of-date, discriminatory rules which define participation in electoral debates by the past performance of party affiliation.

Perhaps that makes sense in a 16-horse race. By why impose it on a three-horse race if not to perpetuate a two-party system?

The voters of the Western PA region need to accept the fact that our electoral system is broken ... and that campaign finance reform is simply the first step.

Why should third party candidates (a definition in-and-unto itself) be penalized by past performance of affiliated party members?

Big week -- and today's my birthday!

Big week.

Today, Monday, May 16 -- its my birthday. Born in the Year of the Rooster. And this year is also the Year of the Rooster!

Tomorrow, May 17 -- Election Day! Vote for the third option in the Senate Special Election.

May 18 -- My wife, kids and I get on a plane with passports! Housesitters move in -- by the way.

May 19 -- The new Star Wars Movie!

FYI, my blogging is going to slow a great deal in the next four weeks. Feel free to chat among yourselves. Drop me a note if to alert me of important happenings.

On Q sends good messages my way

The OnQ show had a call in segment with Chris Moore, Jim Roddey and a Dem. They talked about my "clean campaign" in a very positive way -- so I hear from a loyal caller to me. I'll tape it tonight after midnight. It runs again at 12:30 -- mid-day election day as well.

Predictions: Go ahead and leave a comment. Any race, any vote total, any percentage.

Okay wise guys. Time to leave a prediction or three. Use the comment form. And, don't do it namelessly.

Victory Parties!

I just called to wish "good luck" to my opponents, Fontana and Diven.

Diven's victory party is on The Boardwalk in the strip. Fontana's is at the Dormont Recreation Center.

My victory party -- 108 South 12th Street, South Side. My home office is where I'm gathering with others.

I hope to bounce to some other events on election night. Something is cooking with the media too. Gene R is having a party at Goodwill on the South Side. Sam is meeting at his home in Sheridan.

It's never too late. Never give up. Nice note from a citizen -- Encouragement like this is priceless.

Tonight's email included this gem. Thanks!

Hello Mr. Rauterkus, my name is Clement Ferguson and I wanted to thank you for running for Senate. I'm a young voter disenfrachised with the two-party system. I voted for Badnarik last year but my disillusionment had become so great since then that I unfortunately stopped following up on politics. Lately I noticed the various signs in people's yards and didn't think that there'd be a Libertarian candidate (although I did search lp.org and I don't recall finding anything about you). A friend of mine is working for Diven's campaign, so I decided to look into the elections a bit more. I had read through Fontana's and Diven's web sites and they had nothing to say but the usual vague, empty promises designed to secure their careers. I don't watch television often, but the ads that I saw on there were absurd. I really felt that I had no real person to vote for.

However, at work I saw a flyer that a student had received from you earlier today. I was blown away by your wiki and the huge platform that you had made available (with more real content on a single page than on the whole websites of the other guys), along with your blog -- and equally impressed by your use and advocation of open source software. While there are probably some points that I don't agree with you on, I have tremendous respect for you as a person of integrity who really cares about the future of Pittsburgh, and as someone who seems to be very open to discussion in the political process.

There's a great amount of people discontent with the situation in Pittsburgh, and many of them either 1) simply aren't going to vote or 2) are voting for one guy because they don't realize that there is a third who has something authentic and important to say. I know that there's probably not much that I can do at this point, but including myself I may have gotten you seven or more votes from talking with my friends and family tonight. I really wish that I could do more for you, and I regret not getting involved earlier in the process. I guess the best tool of those in power to stay in power is to make those beneath them think that there's no viable alternative, and I'm ashamed that I bought into that. I wish you the best of luck in the special election! I myself am going to reconsider my involvement in the political process and see if I can help out with local Libertarians. Reading about your accomplishments and initiatives has inspired me to do what I can for our community. If ever you need volunteers in the future, please let me know and I will assist you as best as I can.

Respectfully yours,
Clement

KDKA's Delano, a staunch Dem, gives tingling endorsmen to the "L"

Diven v. Fontana v. Rauterkus:

I never knew that Michael Diven and Wayne Fontana were such horrible human beings until the Harrisburg aparatchiks for both political parties descended on this region to tell us all their faults. Voters in the 42nd senatorial district have been flooded with reams of ugly literature and all of us have been subjected to negative TV ads that depict these two nice guys (yes, they are both nice gentlemen) as the devil incarnate. It's the battle for a Senate seat between Diven, the Republican, and Fontana, the Democrat (and Mark Rauterkus, the Libertarian), and both political parties are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to win.

Fontana should win tomorrow, but Diven is the kind of Republican who can pull an upset. The Rs think their man is up by two points, while the Dems think Fontana is ahead by double digits. Sadly, the race has come down to trivial accusations that sometimes border on the laughable. Diven shows a picture with his fiancee and some kids (not his own), and somehow he's committed some campaign fraud. Fontana, one of 15 members of county council and the most outspoken against reassessments and former Allegheny County chief executive Jim Roddey (R), is somehow the author of every action in the county that raised property assessments. It's almost enough to make you vote Libertarian!

Behind the scenes, the battle is between Republican and Democratic state operatives. Having won a special state senate election back in Allentown on April 5, the GOP would like nothing better than to pick up another one, especially in a city-suburban district like this one. The Dems are throwing everything at it to keep that from happening. And one guy who has a lot riding on this race is Allegheny County chief executive Dan Onorato, the Democrat who does not need a political loss in his own neighborhood. Onorato has raised more than a $100,000 for the Fontana camp and tossed in some dollars of his own. If nothing else, after the rather bland mayor's race, this battle has been entertaining.

Jon Delano, always the gentlemen, tip toes around the race coverage in his email blast today. I could never hope for anything better than the above posting from Delano. To me, that is like hitting a grand-slam in the bottom of the ninth, with the other team ahead.

The entire posting, PSF, is in the comment section.

Yes, Delano is right in that there has been a lot of "operative" action in the race with Diven and Fontana. The opponents are close to puppet status, sadly. There are a lot of issues that I still don't understand, (like why the Ds would put so much money into a guy like Fontana who is so anti-choice), but I'm not going to air them out on the eve of the election. I'll get to the head-scratching elements later.

Finally, to the last word of his post, "entertaining." I wish that this race of ours was entertaining. We had ONE debate that was put on TV. One. I needed five, then the race would have been entertaining, really.

I was the clear victor in the lone TV debate. If we had a handful of public opportunities, such as should have happened with PUMP, AIA, Urban League, PIIN, within the Trib, Courier, The Front, CMU/Pitt/Carlow/Point Park/RMU, UJF, and on with WPTT, KDKA, TV 11, QED, DUQ, WTAE, PCTV and KQV -- then -- we'd ALL would be buying advertising. Furthermore, the race would be a three-way deadlock.

I know. I know. I shouldn't pick battles with those who buy ink by the barrel, nor with those who have big bandwidth, like Comcast. But, the journalist in me is again frustrated with the global efforts of voter education and media play in certain times in certain races.

This time, globally, I have little but praise for the Mayor's race coverage. Les, Hop, and Dan got enough buzz and got their message out. People and instituions went out of their way to be much more inclusive than in 2001 when I saw Josh, Leroy and Earl get skunked.

In the PA Senate race, I didn't get skunked everwhere. But, our race (and coverage from all three of us) did get zippo in certain quarters.

Finally, it is not like I'd never be satisfied. I am easy to please. I live in the city afterall. My driving theme, I want things to be better. They have improved in some sectors. More improvement is welcomed.

BALLOT ACCESS COALITION LAUDS RECOMMENDATIONS OF ELECTION TASK FORCE

3863 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
1-800-774-4487
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release:
Date: 5/15/2005
For more information contact:
Ken Krawchuk (Past Chair) at 267-496-3332
David Jahn (Chair) at 610-461-7755

BALLOT ACCESS COALITION LAUDS RECOMMENDATIONS OF ELECTION TASK FORCE

The Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition praised the Governor's Election Reform Task Force for their final report which was released today. Among the recommendations made by the 13-member Task Force was the proposal that the election laws "should be amended to provide greater access to the ballot for minor political parties and political bodies." The final vote on the recommendation was twelve in favor and none against, with one abstention.

"The members of the Governor's Election Reform Task Force are to be commended for their fine work", said Ken Krawchuk, a Libertarian member of the Coalition. "Their recommendations validate a sad fact that we Libertarians have known for many years: that our current ballot access laws are horrendous. But with their final report now in hand, we can immediately begin to focus on the next phase of our historic Coalition's mission, which is to line up sponsors in the Legislature and follow
through to finally enact fair and honest ballot access laws in Pennsylvania which are equitable to all citizens."

"The Green Party applauds the Governor's Election Reform Task Force for voting 12-0 to recommend making it easier for independent and minor party candidates to get on the ballot in Pennsylvania", said Kevin Murphy, a Green Party member of the Coalition. "The Green Party agrees with this balanced panel of experts from across the political spectrum that the current ballot access laws do injury to the voters by depriving them of choice on Election Day and reducing the electoral competition
that is crucial to a healthy democracy. When the Pennsylvania Legislature puts this recommendation into action, it will benefit all voters by giving independent and minor party candidates the same fair and equal access to the ballot that only major party candidates currently enjoy."

"Governor Rendell's Task Force on Election Reform is to be congratulated for its swift and decisive action in voting overwhelmingly to amend the ballot access laws in Pennsylvania", said John Murphy, a Coalition member representing the Ralph Nader campaign. "Their recommendation will make running for office more equitable for independent and minor party candidates and expand the democratic process for the citizens of the commonwealth."

The members of the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition believe that the right of citizens to run for political office is supreme in a free society, as is their right to support and vote for the candidates of their choice. Toward that end, the mission of the PBAC is fourfold:

1) To define a minor political party based upon statewide voter registrations (0.05%) rather than based upon the current district-by-district electoral formula (2% of the winner's vote total);

2) To allow minor political parties to nominate candidates for all offices directly according to their party rules, and at their own expense, rather than by the existing nomination papers process;

3) To allow independents and political bodies to nominate candidates for all offices via the current nomination papers process, but using the signature requirements outlined in 25 C.S. 2872.1 rather than the current district-by-district electoral formula (2% of the winner's vote total); and;

4) To otherwise reform Pennsylvania's laws to make the ballot more equitable and accessible to all citizens.

The goal of the PBAC is to implement these changes effective with the 2006 gubernatorial election. More information about the PBAC can be found on the Web at www.PaBallotAccess.org.

Another Endorsement: This in from Paul Sentner from his blast list.

Paul sends out his email blasts and it includes a plug on me in the middle. He displays his logic on various matters voters are to face at the polls.

Within the Platform.For-Pgh.org there is mention and support of the creation of ombudsman positions in local, county and state government. That role is one that is absent in our political landscape. I think we'll hear more about the ombudsman in the seasons to come and it would make for a great voter driven ballot question, perhaps as soon as this fall.

15 May 2005
My personal perspective on the upcoming elections.

I expect there may be confusion regarding the District 2 City Council elections, because there are two elections, and all the mailings I've seen have made no clear effort to inform voters of the distinctions:

A. The Special Election to complete the term until November 2005, for the seat vacated by Mr. Hertzberg when he was appointed a judge by Gov.Rendell.

There are only two candidates, each selected by the committees of the recognized political parties:

Samuel Berninger of Sheraden = the Republican committee candidate

Daniel Deasy of Westwood = the Democratic committee candidate

---

B. The Primary Election to select candidates for the November General Election
6 Democratic candidates
1 Republican candidate (Samuel Berninger)

---

Samuel Berninger of Sheraden is the only one of the six City Council District 2 Candidates and the three District 42 State Senate Candidate who responded to my request for written commitments for the few simple concrete actions noted on the website at www.pauljsentner.com/no_wehav

Additionally, Samuel Berninger of Sheraden also indicated YES to all three commitments should he be elected in the Special Election.

Thererfore he is my choice in Tuesday's City Council Special Election.

In no way do I support the national Republican agenda, nor the gang of nazis in Washington, but if ethical behavior is to ever become inherent in our political parties, those individuals who seem to be so, should be given the chance to participate, and perhaps change the Parties from within, while others may work to establish additional national USA political parties as alternatives to the two major parties which now seem to be far too often mirror-images of each other.

My reasoning is to give Samuel the chance to keep to his stated intentions, if he's elected and does so, then I will vote for him again in November.

---

The others had the same opportunity to accept the challenge to go on the public record with these few specific actions; there has been much braying of generalities, none of which a candidate can be held to. Because of their non-response and absence of specific accountable-for commitments, I'm not going for anyone in the Democratic Primary. Too bad we don't have open primaries.

---

Incidentally, I do not support cutting Council members to 5 - heck, why not 3? -- or how about none, and then we can designate the Mayor to be Feudal Lord?

I'm for MORE representation, not less;
-- guess who would be under-represented if there were only 5 Council members?
-- there's too much of a buddy-system going on among the present members of Council, let alone cutting the club down to 5;
-- and that's too much power to concentrate, rather than expand.

I do think that some Districts might be re-configured, decided by referendum of the residents.

For instance, -- it seems to me that Mt.Washington (with the possible exception of Duquesne Heights?), Arlington and Mt. Oliver might have more in common than Mt. Washington has with the present southwestern neighborhoods;

-- and that Banksville might have more in common with Beechview?

I believe the area encompassed by Mt. Washington-Banksville-East Carnegie-Esplen-Temperanceville is -- too vast an area to be responsibly and knowledgeably represented by one person,
-- too easy for one representative to be unaccountable to the residents,
-- too vast to permit residents to exert their cohesive influence upon a
representative.

I have friends and relatives in Mt. Washington, but local community-wise, Mt. Washington may as well be on the Northside.

---

Given the deluge of bad-mouthing political junk-mail from the Parties, the absence of any assistance with the WE-HAV scheme, and conversations with Mark Ruterkus, I am going for Rauterkus for State Senator, I'd like to give him a chance and see how he does for two years.

---

As for the Mayoral Primary, their WE-HAV actions render it impossible for me to accept O'Connor or Peduto, and so I am going for Lamb; to see how he might do, given the chance.

---

I prefer to have some public control via election of officials, rather than patronage-ridden appointed officials, and thus I do not support the Row-Office reform question.

I do accept the "Greening" question for State funding of environmental matters, etc.

Best Regards,

PG calls it vicious

Editorial: A mayor and more State Senate Special Election

Jack Wagner's election last year to auditor general created a vacancy for his Senate seat in the 42nd District, which includes Downtown, Oakland, the Strip District, North Side, South Side, plus southern and western neighborhoods in the city and a large swath of suburbs to the south and west.

Since this is no primary but an election to fill the seat immediately, it's been a vicious contest into which both parties have poured barrels of money.

Since!

Say what?

Watchdogs that give a free pass are not really watchdogs at all.

In the lead of the article, the PG editors wrote:

... some kind of Senate race in Allegheny County where two guys are saying the most nasty things about each other. ...

That's officially some kind of description for some kind of senate race. It all makes sense now.

PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Election action in Tuesday's primary mainly local

AP ink:

PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Election action in Tuesday's primary mainly local In Wagner's former Pittsburgh district, former Allegheny County councilman Wayne Fontana, a Democrat, is competing with Democrat-turned-Republican Rep. Michael Diven and Libertarian Mark Rauterkus.

NY Times gives ink for mayor's race

The NY Times gave some coverage to the Pittsburgh mayor's race.

Same too with Boston Globe. See comments.

Rauterkus got some ink in the latest Diven Mailer

If you look close, my name is on the latest Diven mailer, twice. The mailer zooms in onto the voting machine levers.

1-SP = Wayne D. Fontana, Democratic
2-SP = Michael Diven, Republican
3-SP = Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian

Then the middle of the mailer says, The Choice is Clear. But, the presentation isn't so clear as the contrast is only between Diven and Fontana.

The text talks of Diven's reputation for being independent. Diven's I-like behaviors should have materialized in an INDIE race for PA Senate. He thought about that option but went to the Republicans. Diven knew he could not win as an Indie. The third party folks are sure to look close and see my name within the same mailer and get more excited than picking a "R".

If Diven spent his career doing what is in the best interest of the community -- why is he so blasted negative now? Why are we seeing Jack Wagner come to the defense of his buddie, Fontana, while Diven says he is putting people above politics. The claim doesn't fit.

But to voters, May 17 is a SPECIAL ELECTION -- AND -- a primary election.

Then the line, "The winner will represent us n Harrisburg immediately." But Michael is already a representative in Harrisburg now. Poor word choice, again. Diven is a state rep. If he gets second or third in this race, Diven stays a state rep. And, Diven stays as a Republican.

But, if Diven wins -- then a new special election chain of events is to unfold. We'll have to live through this again with another special election. The date will be set in 60-days after Diven drops out of his present office.

OMG = Oh my gosh. That alone is reason to not vote for Diven. Who would the Republican's run? I doubt a new switching Dem be found?

The flip side of the mailer has "Attention Independent Voters" with uncle same pointing and one eye closed.

To bad Diven didn't do what I would have done -- make mention of the special election in City Council District 2. I've talked at city council on that race and that special election on twice already.

Yes, May 17 isn't just a primary. It is a 'dual election."

The ballot questions also give others beyond the old parties additional reasons to vote.

The Diven braintrust gets additional thanks, today, again, for increased help with the lastest mailer.

Ghost voting and ghost calling

So far, we've seen slams from Fontana about Diven's ghost voting. But, we've also seen the ghost of Ronald Reagan, J.F.K,, 1960 Pirates, Magician, and Uncle Sam come into our mailboxes.

If Diven's win becomes as exciting as the '60 Pirates World Championship, then what would my victory match?

But the headline on the front of Diven's mailer is wrong too. It reads, "For the first time since the Pirates played at Forbes Field, we have the chance to elect a Republican State Senator." It seems to me that Diven is saying that the Republicans never even ran a candidate for State Senator. Perhaps the real story is the fact that we've had lots of opportunities to elect Republicans for State Senate since the closure of Forbes Field -- but they never won!

Now I wonder if we ever had the chance to elect a LIBERTARIAN State Senator?

That could be factually correct. Did a Libertarian ever run for State Senate in the city or in the county?

So, Diven's headline is not truthful. And, Diven's headline fits me like a glove -- if you swap out the Republican word and insert Libertarian.

Council race really hits close to home - with more negativity

Council race really hits close to home - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Printed next to the photo, fliers mock Payne's campaign slogan -- 'Let's get our house in order' -- with the slogan, 'On May 17 tell her, 'No Tonya, you get your house in order!'

See the comments for the entire article.

Internal polls -- reported in other sites

The skinny from elesewhere:

Fontana, the negative D, 44%
Diven, the new and negative R, 31%
Rauterkus, L, 25%

The internal poll numbers from the Fontana camp -- mentioned on the front page of PoliticsPA and GrassrootsPa, were reportedly from mid-weed, this week.

This is why neither Diven nor Fontana wanted the participation from a charging, popular, citizen candidate in the AARP debate.

Furthermore, the old-party candidates with negative campaign operations knew that I was the clear victor in the lone debate of the campaign, hosted in Mt. Washington on April 21.

The numbers above leave a lot to be desired.

What isn't being shown in the numbers above is the voter apathy to both Diven and Fontana. They are sapping out any energy from the race with their constant, negative mudslinging. Turnout is going to be much less than expected on this election because loyalist Dems and loyalist Republicans won't vote. They'll hold their noses and move onto another part of the voting machine, such as row-office reform or a local friend in a municipal race, school race or judge race.

Up to 90% of the voters who are still undecided are the ones who don't read junk mailers and don't watch TV. The final wave of undecided voters are breaking for the third party option. These are active and engaged citizens. These are the "do-ers" in the communities, and they have little faith in the status quo. Those who appreciate real grassroots campaigns have no confidence in what is being promised by Diven and Fontana.

This weekend's schedule is geared to connect with the busy community people who might still be undecided: Brighton Heights road race, a house tour, Pedal Pittsburgh on Sunday morning, a number of church visits in between, and a science presentation with elementary school kids in a local library (South Side), plus musical lessons (Carnegie) and a swim team function (Green Tree). Yesterday we watched a high school baseball game in Crafton with Langley.

I would love to stand next to one or both of the other candidates at Pedal Pittsburgh on Sunday morning. The contrast is dramatic.

The polling numbers also help to explain by a Diven operative approched us with enticements for pulling out of the race.

The Diven base crumbled. The personal friends that are clearly part of the Diven camp do not stretch to a district with more than 200,000 voters. Furthermore, the Diven approach does not work well with traditional Republicans. These people are principled voters who care about the big picture details such as message, freedom, and integrity. Diven's name ID is a factor. But, to the GOP core, the Diven name hinders. Diven has been part of Pittsburgh's city council and tied with close relationships with Mayor Tom Murphy. Diven has been a "self-proclaimed back bencher" and that does not build a viable resume to seek senate status.

Both Diven and Fontana have made a habit of putting up lawn signs in public right of ways and at empty / for-sale properties. Often two of the largest signs go at either end of the property line -- one for Diven and the other for Fontana. The foolishness is evident to the locals, some who even had signs appear in their yards without consent. At least the two heavyweights give themselves shelter from the folly.

Think again.

The Elect.Rauterkus.com campaign is doing much better than expected, in part because the heavyweights are doing their best to repeatedly harm themselves. Thankfully this is only a 19-month term.

Onorato's PAC (political action committee) gave $80,000 to Fontana recently. It was Fontana who co-sponsored the 0-1-2-3-4 property tax plan, pushed by Onorato. That bogus plan for taxing Allegheny County residents got tossed out by the judge for not being constitutional, and rightly so. That $80K can do plenty to whitewash the bill's memory from voters, but not so near to the election day.

Base Closures - hold on. Let's not fight among ourselves in expensive ways.

Pennsylvania survived with less damage than was widely anticipated. Facilities widely considered at risk are slated for expansion. Carlisle Army War College is to stay open and Dickinson Law School stay operational in Carlisle for 20 more years.

The Naval Air Station in Willow Grove, Montgomery County, is slated for closure, with a potential loss of 1,200 jobs.

The Air Reserve Support Unit in Pittsburgh is to close.

Pennsylvania will lose 429 civilian jobs out of the 18,223 civilian positions being cut - 2 percent of the total. We're losing 1,435 military positions of the total 10,728 cut or about 13 percent of the military jobs lost.

Rendell is doubling efforts to defend the jobs with a fund in excess of $1 million dedicate to fund local defense groups and Chambers of Commerce to persuade the DEFENSE from the removal of Pennsylvania installations from the closure list.

I don't want EXPENSIVE fights between two entities both funded with taxpayer money -- because then we all loose. A spending match between the two hands of the same body is a sure way to stay poor if not become poorer.

We need to present ideas. We need to think it through. Wise solutions are not held with the thickest wallets.

CMU scores a Robo Cup victory

CMU team wins Robocup U.S. Open

Carnegie Mellon's team of Sony Aibo legged robots and its Search and Rescue team took first place at the International RoboCup Federation's U.S. Open competition, May 7 - 10, at Georgia Tech.

The team of autonomous soccer playing legged robots -- CMDash'05 -- beat the University of Pennsylvania in a closely contested championship game, winning 2-1 in overtime.

The Search and Rescue team placed first in the Advanced Mobility Class and in the Advanced Autonomy Class, and placed third in the RoboRescue League.

Carnegie Mellon teams will compete in the International RoboCup July 13 -17 in Osaka, Japan.

Venture Outdoors Festival needs helpers

Venture Outdoors, a one day festival with activities for the family is seeking volunteers and participants. It is at Pittsburgh’s North Shore Riverfront Park– near Heinz Field from 10 am to 5 on Saturday, May 21.

(412) 255-0564 or www.ventureoutdoors.org

The Venture Outdoors Festival is a free event where individuals and families can sample the many outdoor activities available in our region. The event features canoeing, kayaking, biking, dragon boating, rock climbing, inline skating, fishing and more. Participants can hone their skills or try these activities for the first time — with experienced instructors to provide guidance — and learn where to enjoy these activities all season long.

More than 80 different clubs and organizations with exhibits and information about outdoor recreational opportunities in the region. Local outdoor shops will also be on hand selling the latest gear. In addition to the physical activities, there will be an arts and craft section sponsored by the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and tours of the river discovery vessel, the Pittsburgh Voyager. Free parking for Venture Outdoors will be available at Gold Lot #1 (you must enter the lot before 3:00 PM) Membership is not a requirement for participation – everyone is welcome.

If you or your high school or college-aged children or friends would like to volunteer for the Venture Outdoors Festival, please call Donna Bour at (412) 412-780-7802.

Subsidized housing for the rich is backdrop for Growing Greener 2 rally

Growing Greener II Rally with Secretary Yablonsky is slated for Friday, May 13, 2 pm at Summerset at Frick Park.

http://www.summersetatfrickpark.com/directions.asp

Contact: 717-787-5825

You're invited to a rally with Secretary Dennis Yablonsky this Friday to celebrate the Commonwealth's continued commitment to both economic development and our environment.

Smart Growth Conference, May 20

I will not be attending this event. Consider it. Be there with an open mind and challenge some of the content as you see fit.

Smart Growth Conference: Regional Participation for Sustainable Development, a gratis event is slated for Friday, May 20, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown Pittsburgh.

Keynote Address: John Norquist, President and CEO, Congress for the New Urbanism (former Mayor of Milwaukee)

John Norquist is a national figure and proven leader on issues ranging from transportation reform and urban design to school choice. Under his leadership, Milwaukee transformed its downtown, revitalized its neighborhoods, and built world-class cultural facilities. He is author of "The Wealth of Cities: Revitalizing the Centers of American Life.”

Featured Speakers: Esther Bush, Jane Downing, Royce Lorentz, R. Damian Soffer, Linda Gwinn, Allen Kukovich, Steven Nesmith, Dennis Yoblonsky, Allen D. Biehler, Ron Painter, James Hassinger, Lew Villotti, F. Michael Langley

The conference will address the role of regional planning and public investments to revitalize Southwestern Pennsylvania’s communities.

Hear about proven strategies for sustainable development and targeted growth. Provide input to update the region’s official long-range plan through a special session by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. Contribute to a policy guidance document that will be shared with public agencies responsible for the region’s planning processes – state, region and local.

Co-Chairs: Esther Bush, Urban League of Pittsburgh; Ron Painter, Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board; Kevin Silson, Oxford Development Company

To register, email: info@sustainablepittsburgh.org or call 412-258-6642.

Another endorsement slips through the cracks

I was taught to not say anything is if I couldn't say something good. At least, I didn't get a LANCE in today's edition for making a huff. It might come to me sooner -- or -- it could come to me just after the election. But, I'll chime in on the Trib's ways. Until then, here are two postings from the Trib:

Endorsements 2005: Diven in the 42nd - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Endorsements 2005: Diven in the 42nd

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

When Democrat state Rep. Mike Diven became Republican state Rep. Mike Diven, House Minority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene County, fumed that it was not unusual for him to 'abandon organized labor or Gov. Ed Rendell.'

Mr. DeWeese, fond of $50 words, got downright down-home when he said of Diven, 'He forgot where he came from.'

Rep. Diven, a former Pittsburgh councilman from Brookline, knows exactly where he came from. He was elected on a good government platform to the House seat formerly held by Frank Gigliotti, a veteran Democrat officeholder who pleaded guilty to extortion, mail fraud and filing a false tax return.

Diven faces former Allegheny County Councilman Wayne Fontana in next Tuesday's special election for the 42nd District state Senate seat. The district opened when Jack Wagner became state auditor general.


We have little to say about Mr. Fontana. He remains a machine Democrat in a city whose finances were destroyed by machine Democrats, and that says enough.

In Harrisburg, Mr. Diven found a party that in his estimation is run by left-wing thugs. We won't argue with that.

Declaring his emancipation from the ruinous policies of the Democratic Party puts Diven head-and-shoulders above his opponent and has made DeWeese and company furious.

So, in the 42nd, Mike Diven clearly is the right choice.

The Trib (5/13) has a Laurel and Lance blurb:

Lance: To Wayne Fontana. The Democrats' nominee for the 42nd Senatorial District seat complains that the Trib endorses Republican Michael Diven in Tuesday's special election only because Mr. Diven "is a Republican." Sorry, Mr. Fontana, but Diven clearly is the better guy. Oh, Fontana conveniently omits that the Toledo, Ohio, Block Bugler's main reason for endorsing him is that he's (drumroll, please) a Democrat. But that's OK, right, Wayne?

Sadly, Pittsburgh's worst days are still to come.

Wiki quote from Government 2.0 book

In the past weeks, I've done very little with the wiki, Platform.For-Pgh.org. We do have it on disk now. We do have buttons for the platform as well. That effort is a long-term project. Enjoy this snip.

Tomorrow's creative, flexible lawmakers will be tech-savvy politicians who use a variety of electronic means to help their constituents become better citizens and themselves be better representatives. In time, politicians who fail to embrace e-democracy tools are likely to see their bills defeated by sophisticated online issue advocacy campaigns - or see themselves pushed out of office altogether by tech-savvy newcomers.

William Eggers is Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and Global Director, Public Sector for Deloitte Research. An edited extract from his book Government 2.0, published by Rowman and Littlefield, ISBN 0-7425-4175-4, is at the wiki now via another e-newsletter.

PCTV Mayor's Forum Line-up

Your Last Chance to ask the mayoral candidates questions open forum on non-profit development comes on May 13, 2005, 6 pm.

The only live call-in show on Comcast Public Access Television Channel 21 "So you Wanna Be Mayor" with live call in phone number, 412-231-2288.

All candidates will be present.

PCTV's repeated live broadcast time and dates of the live forum May 13, 2005:
Saturday, May 14, 11 pm to 1 am

Sunday, May 15, 10 pm to midnight

Monday, May 16, noon to 2 pm

Tuesday, May 17, 1 pm to 3

Darlene Terry, is the Outreach Director of Pittsburgh Community Television, 1300 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. 15233. Phone: (412) 322-7570. Fax: (412) 231-2292. www.pctv21.org

Sadly, the PA Senate Race didn't have a bleep with PCTV. Furthermore, few among city council races were present there too.

Next Pittsburgh Mayor Faces Budget Cuts

Next Pittsburgh Mayor Faces Budget Cuts The city has $1 billion worth of debt, it has been reduced to no-frills budgets _ this year's did not even include money to fix potholes _ and it has two quasi-governmental boards that have a tight hold on the city's purse strings.

Seven Democrats and one Republican are running to succeed Mayor Tom Murphy, who is not seeking a fourth term.

'Right now I'd be happier with anything but what we've had,' said Jim Mannella, 48, lifelong Pittsburgh resident. 'I'm not sure how much better it can be.'

Email blast to 412 list: Final days before the May 17 election

Hi All,

Tuesday, May 17, 2005, is election day. It's a DUAL election, and I'm a candidate in the special election for PA Senate. Every registered voter (in the 42nd), regardless of party affiliation, can go to the polls and vote for me. The winner of this one-time, special election gets to be a state senator for 19 months. This is NO PRIMARY. Rather, May 17 presents a general election to fill an unexpired term.

In addition, two ballot questions (one is row-office reform and the second is on growing greener) give YES or NO choices for everyone to vote upon. Vote in the special election for state senate -- and -- vote for these ballot questions too.

The Post-Gazette's voters guide was published on Monday.

The Pgh City Paper printed an article and photo of me. See page 10 and 12.

HELP: We printed 40,000 fliers (black & white, positive) five days ago. More are still on hand in the office. We've been passing out the fliers around the district and downtown corners (also part of the district).

If you can help -- come over and pick up a bundle of literature. I'd LOVE to motivate another two dozen workers and provide you with your own materials for your own, self-paced LITERATURE DROPS. Give out the fliers to your neighbors, co-workers, fellow parents, church friends and transit riders.

Call me at 412 298 3432 = cell.

Materials (handouts, buttons, CDs) are at our office, 108 South 12th Street, South Side, just two blocks off of East Carson Street.

Most of the people we approach are very happy to vote for a POSITIVE CANDIDATE with real solutions. Lots of people in this district of nearly 200,000 are still undecided. Most of them are coming to our side as they become more aware of the options and choices.

Call me if you can help "spread some love."

Carol Rubley slammed over Growing Greener II scam

News release from James Babb, 2006 Libertarian Candidate for Representative in the General Assembly, District 157

Lower Providence Twp. - Libertarian candidate, James Babb is calling on Pennsylvania voters to reject the $625,000,000 bond scheme at the polls on May 17th. Citing the massive cost and ineffectiveness of similar coercive government programs, Babb joins other environmentalists and taxpayer advocates in opposing this new debt burden.

"I'm not surprised that career politicians like Carol Rubley co-sponsored HB 2, the deceptive bill that authorizes the bond referendum. "Formerly regarded as the 'party of small government', our Republican representatives in Harrisburg are helping Ed Rendell expand government at an alarming rate. Growing Greener 2 is just the latest example. Tax hikes alone can no longer satisfy their thirst, so politicians like Rubley are reaching for the taxpayer's Visa card again" noted Babb. "Even if you have no interest in the D & R primary races, concerned voters need to show up at the poll on May 17 to rejecting this bond scheme."

"HB 2 is so broad, that we can only guess where the money will end up, however, all sorts of goodies are promised in the state's own advertising materials, including industrial bailouts, farm subsidies, housing subsidies, and a wave of other socialist programs. Virtually every special interest group is represented in the proposed loot distribution. Sadly, the interest group not represented in this scheme, is that off our children and grandchildren, who will inherit this legacy of high taxes and debt."

"Voters need to know why the politicians are asking voters to authorize an additional $625,000,000 of tax-payer funded debt. Under the guise of environmental protection, the GG2 bond scheme rewards polluters in Pennsylvania, by shifting their cost of environmental cleanup on to the backs of overburdened tax payers. In addition to polluters, the GG2 scheme is a boon for some other groups. Bankers and investors will earn some handsome interest on $625,000,000. Perhaps as much as another $625,000,000. Politically connected lawyers and real estate firms will also profit handsomely at taxpayers expense."

"In a time when Pennsylvania is facing job losses and reduced revenues, its time to reduce government spending, not increase it. Pennsylvanians want to preserve the environment. Lets let them do it by reducing their tax burden and protecting private property from polluters." The Libertarian added, "Instead of paying for another failed industrial bailout or agricultural welfare scheme, Pennsylvanians should be free to invest in the parks or conservation projects of their choosing. We don't need to filter our efforts through Harrisburg bureaucrats. By holding polluters responsible instead of taxpayers, we can attract more nonpolluting businesses to the Commonwealth, increase prosperity, increase jobs AND protect the environment."

"Pennsylvania is the home of hundreds of thousands of environmentalists that have voluntarily contributed valuable time and resources to make our state beautiful. I hope you will join me in preserving the natural beauty of Pennsylvania by volunteering at your local park, contributing to a worthy conservation charity and voting NO to this bond referendum on May 17th!"
- -
James Babb is a business owner, musician and father. In 2004, his
campaign for State Rep. earned 18% of the votes in his home county.

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.