a hundred thousand bloggers can't be wrong: when the lights go out in the arena... This was no marketing stunt by the Penguins to show the need for a new arena. We all know that already. This is what happens to an arena built in 1961 that serves as the oldest arena in sports still to have teams play in. It poses some serious issues to the Penguins and the city.
Monday, March 20, 2006
a hundred thousand bloggers can't be wrong: when the lights go out in the arena...
How do we know that this was no marketing stunt by the Pens or someone else? HOW.
First Blind Athlete finishes race
RACHAEL SCDORIS BECOMES FIRST BLIND ATHLETE TO FINISH IDITAROD
(Colorado Springs, Colo.) - USABA athlete Rachael Scdoris (Bend, Ore.) has made history as she has finished the 2006 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and has become the first legally blind athlete to accomplish this quest.
The Iditarod is the world's longest sled dog race and covers some of the most brutal terrain on earth and at 21 years-old, Rachael finished the 1,049 mile race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska in 12 days, 11 hours and 42 minutes. She drove her team into the finishing chute at the famed Burled Arch at 1:42am AKST which clocked her average speed during the race at 3.607 miles per hour. That put her in 57th place overall and 7th among the rookies. Rachael has endured freezing temperatures reaching as low as 52 degrees below zero and sleepless nights along with her visual interpreter, Tim Osmar (Ninilchik, Alaska), a veteran Iditarod racer who communicates
turns and obstacles to her via a two-way radio. Tim gave up his chances of winning the race in order to help Rachael reach the finish line.
Rachael's dream started many years ago as she grew up around mushing with her father, Jerry Scdoris who also raced. At the age of 8, Rachael got the desire to mush and announced to her parents that she was going to win the Iditarod one day. Rachael has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges in order for this day to arrive. She has put in an innumerable amount of hours of hard work and training to reach Nome, she is a true winner and hero to countless individuals.
Rachael's determination to achieve her dream has created new hope and inspiration for athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Her efforts to raise money in conjunction with The Standard, her main sponsor, will benefit the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes and will have a profound impact on changing the lives of numerous blind and visually athletes who are working to achieve their own dreams. There is still time to make a gift, please visit www.gorachaelgo.com for more information.
Outdoor Life Network will broadcast the 2006 Iditarod starting March 18th with additional episodes airing on March 25th and April 1st. Check your local listings for times or visit www.olntv.com.
The mission of the United States Association of Blind Athletes is to increase the number and quality of grassroots-through-competitive, world-class athletic opportunities for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit our website www.usaba.org.
Capitol Ideas Blog
Treasure chest of ideas -- and a cross-link from a podcast.
Mcall.com: Capitol Ideas Blog: "State Democratic Party officials lashed out at Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann yesterday, saying the former Pittsburgh Steelers star showed 'his ignorance of policy' when he criticized Gov. Ed's plan to require lobbyists to register with the executive branch.
On Thursday, Swann said Rendell's proposal was toothless because it included no penalties for lobbyists who fail to disclose how much they spend to influence the executive branch.
That prompted a return salvo from Democratic spinmeister Abe Amoros who said the state constitution forbids Gov. Ed from penalizing people who do not work for him. The same doesn't hold true for the state Senate, which bars lobbyists for five years for failing to dislcose their activities."
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Low Turnover Rate -- no joke
The Times-Tribune - AP News: "HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Like an exclusive club, the Pennsylvania General Assembly caters to its members. And once you're in, you're in.
The 253 lawmakers enjoy one of the nation's highest re-election rates, thanks to a system that makes challenges a daunting task, a high public profile that comes with legislative service and an array of image-enhancement services and other tools to help protect incumbents from losing elections.
In the past decade, no more than five legislators have been ousted in any election year - an outcome that raises questions about whether the democratic process has been undermined in Pennsylvania."
Being Braves -- and "Do more with Les"
I'm not talking about Les Ludwig. Rather, Jim Les, the Bradley University Men's Basketball Coach who guided his team past the Panthers this afternoon and is able to advance to the Sweet 16 in the tournament. The Braves are now America's Cinderella Team.
When I coached swimming in Peoria, and at Bradley, Jim Les was a player on the team.
When I coached swimming in Peoria, and at Bradley, Jim Les was a player on the team.
Bradley Holds Off Pittsburgh, 72-66, In Second Round Of NCAA Tournament - Carl Krauser had 17 points for the Panthers. 'Being part of this program spanning 30 years ... to see the jubilation on the faces of those people, and getting the calls and text messages from people enjoying this run, that gives me tremendous pleasure,' said coach Jim Les, a former BU point guard. 'Bradley basketball is back on the map in a big way.'
Penn State student critically injured in fall
The War On Drugs -- even Underage Drinking -- causes some strange behaviors. Don't do this. Be safe.
Penn State student critically injured in fall A Penn State student was critically injured when he fell about five stories while trying to climb down a makeshift rope as police were busting an underage drinking party in a campus dormitory Friday night, authorities said.
Police said Ryan P. Walton, 19, of Harleysville, tied a bedspread and sheet together and tried to climb down from a sixth-story window while university police officers were questioning partygoers in another room on the State College, Centre County campus.
Mr. Walton fell about 55 feet, landing on grass, dirt and gravel. He suffered severe internal injuries, the university reported.
He was in critical condition last night at Altoona Hospital in Blair County.
We need more fitness. Perhaps this guy can help us deliver it.
Welcome to BillOgden.org My present job description involves: Improving the quality of peoples lives--Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, and sometimes Spiritually.
The kids around Pennsylvania are slated to take the PSEA tests this week and next. Good luck! For me, I'm getting set for two more field trips. One is this week and the other next week. This photo is from a field trip with the kids from a prior year. That's Grant, front and center. Erik is over his shoulder. We all scream for ice cream.
Crossing Guards are fully funded in the new budget. Bob O'Connor released the new city budget the day after the election. Throughout the campaign, I spoke and posted frequently on the needed for the city to fund crossing guards again.
The photo shows a typical crossing guard in Chengdu, China. Crossing guards there are decked out in an orange vest, hat, flag, white gloves and -- perhaps -- and umbrella. I think that there is a badge/name-tag too.
Story of another coach with some political side-jobs
Coaching is big in my life, and that of others. I was a high school swim coach throughout my time as a college undergraduate too. And, I was also a college coach as well.
The Duquesne Duke: Serving Duquesne University Since 1925 Corey's down-to-earth attitude is evident in the way he talks about those who mean the most to him, his family and his team of little leaguers. In fact, one of the main reasons that Corey chose to attend Duquesne was because of his three young nieces and the 15 little league kids that he had coached.If Corey is looking for free things to give out, because folks are asking for them, perhaps I should get him a big stack of my CDs and a pocket full of the artistic Pittsburgh buttons with fold foil, Platform.For-Pgh.org.
'The little league kids were worried about me,' Corey said with a smile.
His desire to become an elementary teacher is shown through his dedication to youngsters. According to Corey, he would frequently pick up his nieces at school. 'When I studied at American, they would call me every Friday,' O'Connor recalled.
O'Connor was recently hired as the new golf coach at Central Catholic in Oakland, his alma mater. He plans to coach there in the fall, and upon completing his student teaching requirement next spring, Corey will graduate in May 2007.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
O'Connor, GOP meet - PittsburghLIVE.com
Good job Bob. Keep it up. You should have invited some city Republicans to the meeting as well. What about the city's GOP chair? What about Bob's loyal opposition -- Joe Weinroth?
Shifting gears a bit, today I was driving and tuned into a KQV radio show, The Global Press Conference, and its sponsor, the World Affairs Council of Pgh. The guest talked about South Africa. Nelson Mandella was President for five years, and Mandella had the ability of making his worst enemy feel welcomed and included in the formation of the new government. Such a great statement and way to be. When a nation is just getting on its feet and into the realm of healing, that outreach is very important.
Perhaps Bob will be calling upon Greens and Libertarians to the office for lunch. Next Bob could host gang-bangers for mid-day tea. (I'm joking!)
O'Connor, GOP meet - PittsburghLIVE.com O'Connor is tending to Pittsburgh's ties to Harrisburg to draw a distinction between his administration and that of his predecessor Tom Murphy, who spurned such political overtures.I wonder what was the dynamic of getting those folks together -- if there was any interesting rub, or not. I don't know. Makes me giggle a bit.
Republican Sens. Jane Claire Orie, of McCandless, and John Pippy, of Moon, and Reps. Michael Diven, of Brookline, Mark Mustio, of Moon, and Tom Stevenson, of Mt. Lebanon, met with O'Connor yesterday.
Shifting gears a bit, today I was driving and tuned into a KQV radio show, The Global Press Conference, and its sponsor, the World Affairs Council of Pgh. The guest talked about South Africa. Nelson Mandella was President for five years, and Mandella had the ability of making his worst enemy feel welcomed and included in the formation of the new government. Such a great statement and way to be. When a nation is just getting on its feet and into the realm of healing, that outreach is very important.
Perhaps Bob will be calling upon Greens and Libertarians to the office for lunch. Next Bob could host gang-bangers for mid-day tea. (I'm joking!)
Bradley University Braves - Home
Bradley University Braves - Home Bradley University
Do the Bradley Braves need to change its school's mascot? Wasn't there some new pressure to get away from Native American Indian names, such as "the Braves?" What's up with that?
varsity records at MSU and Mark Lisenby
varsity records 50 free Mark Lisenby 20.17 1990I was just pondering a few things from my past -- and found this page showing the team record of Michigan State's men swim team. It shows Mark Lisenby's time from 1990, 20.17. He was fast. I coached him when he was a swimmer in Peoria, perhaps his 7th and 8th grade years.
MSU got bounced, I think, from the men's NCAA Basketball tournament.
But -- PEORIA's Bradley University is IN... and playing Pitt.
I was the acting head swim coach at Bradley University in the past too. Those were the days.
Bradley later dropped its swim program. The team was strong back then and full of many strong swimmers and students.
We went against Iowa, Notre Dame (and beat them and a Bradley swimmer even set a new pool record in South Bend), and other top programs from throughout the midwest.
Free Pittsburgh Press Release Centre from PittsburghSource.net
Free Pittsburgh Press Release Centre from PittsburghSource.net Our only requirement is that it is from or about a Pittsburgh based company or organization.
Since this service is FREE, we do ask that you include a link back to our site from yours, or at least tell a friend about us.
Governor calls on youth to help revitalize politics
The Times-Tribune - News - 03/17/2006 - Governor calls on youth to help revitalize politics “Young people, I find, generally ... are less cynical, less beaten down, more optimistic and more idealistic about the world. We need those voters in the system,” he (Gov. Rendell) said.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - one given to the voters of District 3
Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com Lance: To voters. There are more than 24,000 registered voters in Pittsburgh City Council District 3. Fewer than 14 percent bothered to vote in Tuesday's special election to choose a successor to Gene Ricciardi, now a district justice. The winner, with about 1,500 votes, was Jeff Koch, a city public works employee. We wish Mr. Koch the best of luck. Perhaps he can figure out a way to boost voter participation.In other news, the Trib endorsement for District 3 is .... absent with out leave.
Oak Hill housing advocates plan march tomorrow
Oak Hill housing advocates plan march tomorrow: "Some residents of the Hill District's Oak Hill section plan to march tomorrow to demand housing on a piece of land also coveted by the University of Pittsburgh.
'We're going to be demanding what was promised to us - more housing on empty public housing land,' said Oak Hill Residents Council President Eloise McDonald. 'It's now time to take it to the streets.'
The march will start at noon at Allequippa Hall and proceed to Wadsworth Hall. State Rep. Jake Wheatley, Pittsburgh Councilwoman Tonya Payne and Urban League of Pittsburgh President Esther Bush are expected to speak."
'We're going to be demanding what was promised to us - more housing on empty public housing land,' said Oak Hill Residents Council President Eloise McDonald. 'It's now time to take it to the streets.'
The march will start at noon at Allequippa Hall and proceed to Wadsworth Hall. State Rep. Jake Wheatley, Pittsburgh Councilwoman Tonya Payne and Urban League of Pittsburgh President Esther Bush are expected to speak."
Steelers to add more seats to stadium
A $4-million expansion is slated for Heinz Field to get 700 additional club seats. So each seat is to cost $5,714 to build.
That's about the same as a cost of a crossing guard, yes?
That's about the same as a cost of a crossing guard, yes?
PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Steelers plan more club seats PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to add about 700 club seats at Heinz Field.How about if the Steelers just purchased Heinz Field. Buy it outright. Then the Steelers organization can do whatever it wants to its stadium.
'The Steelers are pleased to be in a position to expand the seating capacity at Heinz Field. The demand for club seats has proven to be very strong since moving to Heinz Field,' Steelers president Art Rooney said Thursday.
The team submitted the plans to the Sports and Exhibition Authority, the city-county entity which owns the stadium and leases it to the team.
The additional seats would bring the stadium's capacity to 65,050. The project also includes adding about 20,000 square feet of enclosed club space. Construction is scheduled to begin in April at a cost of approximately $4 million.
The seats will be offered to those on the season ticket waiting list and some season ticket holders who want club seats."
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Mayor reports that his unconventional approach has 'worked so far'
Mayor reports that his unconventional approach has 'worked so far' Keeping the Penguins in town is 'a big priority,' he said. 'An arena is crucial.'Why? Because the Pens say it is so?
Why not invest in a better hockey team rather than the building that the team plays within. The building does not score any goals.
I'd like to see someone prove the facts and figures of the hockey mess and why the arena is cricial.
Philly Locals Want Green Bay Packers-Style Ownership For 2 Papers
Philly Locals Want Green Bay Packers-Style Ownership For 2 Papers Philly Locals Want Green Bay Packers-Style Ownership For 2 PapersWhat about this type of ownership for the Pittsburgh Penguins? We talked about it a couple of months ago -- when I was in the election. Well, now, I've got more time on my hands.
By Mark Fitzgerald
Published: March 15, 2006 1:55 PM ET
CHICAGO A former high-powered Philadelphia advertising executive has received commitments 'well in excess of $100 million' to buy The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News in an ownership structure similar to the community-owned Green Bay Packers pro football team, he told E&P Wednesday.
Brian Tierney said he has lined up 20 'super-successful' Philadelphia businesspeople in an investment group ready to partner with others, including the Newspaper Guild, to buy the papers. The Inquirer and the tabloid Daily News were sold Monday by Knight Ridder to The McClatchy Co., which immediately announced they and 10 other papers were for sale.
In a telephone interview, Tierney said the group was committed to long-term ownership. 'We're looking at this as partly a good economic investment, and partly as good community involvement,' he said. 'It would be a sort of Green Bay Packers kind of ownership.'"
If the Philly papers get the deal with community ownership, perhaps we could get them to start an entry into the Pittsburgh marketplace too.
Poynteronline warns of end of stock pages in newspapers
NYT Stock Pages: Buh-Bye! It makes little -- all right, no -- sense for daily newspapers (with a handful of exceptions) to print pages and pages of stock prices. Statistical research might prove me wrong, but I believe most investors goMy son's gifted program does not even use the newspaper to track their pretend stock investments.
online to check their stocks, bonds, mutual funds and so forth these days. Also, they rely on e-mail or mobile alerts about major price changes or news developments, portfolios that show the value of individual and total investments, and so forth.
War Rally this weekend and other events
A big peace rally is slated for Saturday. I can't attend. But these items caught my attention:
AFTER THE MARCH is a screening of Why We Fight at the Regent Square Theater (1035 S. Braddock Ave, Edgewood) at 9:15 pm. Why We Fight is Eugene Jarecki's new documentary about the military industrial complex.
The Iraqle Debacle Concert to Mark the 3rd Anniversary of the War in Iraq is a concert to benefit the New Orleans Musicians on
Sunday, March 19, from 7 pm to 11 pm at Brillobox, 4104 Penn Avenue (Lawrenceville) with Anne Feeney, Jack Erdie, Mark Dignam, HutchSimonProject, John Marsiglio of the Knobs, Duo Prime of Turn and Gene Collier. Suggested donation: $10.
More at http://www.PittsburghEndTheWar.org.
Tuesday, March 21: “Spy In” on Government Spying
The feds are spying on us. You've heard of sit-ins, sleep-ins and die-ins. Well, you are invited to resist government spying and join us for SPY-IN. On Tuesday, March 21, 12:00 noon at the Federal Building (Grant and Liberty, Downtown). Dress in spy gear (trench coats, black suits/fedoras (a la Abramoff), sunglasses, etc. -- try your local thrift shop). Bring cameras, toy cameras, note pads, binoculars, telescopes.
- What does the federal government know and when did they first know it?
- What are the spooks doing with all of our tax dollars?
- Why aren't the feds investigating their own -- those who lied about going into Iraq, those who say they don't need to get approval from anyone to spy on US citizens, those taking illegal campaign "contributions" from lobbyists?
- Why can't we sit in on THEIR planning meetings, THEIR discussions, take pictures of THEM going in and out of the federal building (afterall, they are paid with OUR tax dollars and are ultimately accountable to US)?
Is this action ridiculous? Sure it is. But so is the Pentagon, the NSA and the FBI spying on US citizens and groups with no history of violence or threats to anyone. Our intent is to spoof the spooks!
For more information visit www.PittsburghEndtheWar.org or email spooks@pittsburghendthewar.org or call 412-361-3022. This action is called by the Thomas Merton Center Anti-War Committee and the Pittsburgh Bill of Rights Defense Campaign.
AFTER THE MARCH is a screening of Why We Fight at the Regent Square Theater (1035 S. Braddock Ave, Edgewood) at 9:15 pm. Why We Fight is Eugene Jarecki's new documentary about the military industrial complex.
The Iraqle Debacle Concert to Mark the 3rd Anniversary of the War in Iraq is a concert to benefit the New Orleans Musicians on
Sunday, March 19, from 7 pm to 11 pm at Brillobox, 4104 Penn Avenue (Lawrenceville) with Anne Feeney, Jack Erdie, Mark Dignam, HutchSimonProject, John Marsiglio of the Knobs, Duo Prime of Turn and Gene Collier. Suggested donation: $10.
More at http://www.PittsburghEndTheWar.org.
Tuesday, March 21: “Spy In” on Government Spying
The feds are spying on us. You've heard of sit-ins, sleep-ins and die-ins. Well, you are invited to resist government spying and join us for SPY-IN. On Tuesday, March 21, 12:00 noon at the Federal Building (Grant and Liberty, Downtown). Dress in spy gear (trench coats, black suits/fedoras (a la Abramoff), sunglasses, etc. -- try your local thrift shop). Bring cameras, toy cameras, note pads, binoculars, telescopes.
- What does the federal government know and when did they first know it?
- What are the spooks doing with all of our tax dollars?
- Why aren't the feds investigating their own -- those who lied about going into Iraq, those who say they don't need to get approval from anyone to spy on US citizens, those taking illegal campaign "contributions" from lobbyists?
- Why can't we sit in on THEIR planning meetings, THEIR discussions, take pictures of THEM going in and out of the federal building (afterall, they are paid with OUR tax dollars and are ultimately accountable to US)?
Is this action ridiculous? Sure it is. But so is the Pentagon, the NSA and the FBI spying on US citizens and groups with no history of violence or threats to anyone. Our intent is to spoof the spooks!
For more information visit www.PittsburghEndtheWar.org or email spooks@pittsburghendthewar.org or call 412-361-3022. This action is called by the Thomas Merton Center Anti-War Committee and the Pittsburgh Bill of Rights Defense Campaign.
Pgh Public Schools -- key communicator meeting for March 30
We are embarking on yet another exciting time in the lives of the Pittsburgh Public School children and you, as a Key Communicator, play a very important role.
As a Key Communicator whether you are affected by a closing school or receiving school, this is an opportunity to utilize the leadership skills you have that brought you to the table. Working collaboratively with other parents will help to make the transition process a lot smoother.
Information will be shared on how you will play a key role in the transition process that the district has been working on to make this experience a smooth and rewarding one for all involved.
The March 30th meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room A. A light dinner will be served for those who register.
Please call Wanda Spencer @ 412-622-3617 no later than March 27th to register.
Parent Wellness Workshop - REMINDER - meeting is MONDAY (tonight)
First posted on March 16, 2006.
Calling All Parents!
You are cordially invited to a special “Health/Wellness” Information Session from 6 to 8 pm, Monday April 3, 2006, Conference Room A, first floor, 341 S. Bellefield Avenue.
Presentations:
* University of Pittsburgh Minority Health Center
* PPS Wellness Policy
* Food Services
* Step 2 Diabetes
* Panel discussions
Sponsored by the Title I DWPAC. Eat well- Stay Healthy-Keep Fit!
RSVP to Toni Corinealdi by March 31, 2006 at 412-622-3615
Light Dinner for those who Register!
Golden Dot goes to Clean Sweep site -- way to go
PACleanSweep Takes 2006 'Golden Dot' Award
ANNVILLE, PA [03.16.06] - The George Washington University's Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet awarded PACleanSweep the Golden Dot Award for excellence in online campaigning at its annual Politics Online Conference at The George Washington University.
Golden Dot Award Winner The 2006 Golden Dot Awards recognize outstanding achievement in the use of the Internet as a political tool between the dates of January 21, 2005 and January 20, 2006.
PACleanSweep was one of five finalists nominated for the Institute's Best PAC or Nonpartisan Internet Campaign award. PACleanSweep and winners in other categories were announced at last weekend's conference.
"The Internet is a printing press without the overhead," said PACleanSweep Chair Russ Diamond. "Like pamphleteers in revolutionary Philadelphia, Internet users have taken advantage of a very inexpensive method of transmitting information to a much wider readership."
PACleanSweep was launched on July 18, 2005. Since then, the website has logged nearly 5.5 million hits from 200,000 unique visitors. Over 675,000 pages and 4.1 million files have been requested by visitors to pacleansweep.com.
Nearly 11,000 posts by 620 members of the PACleanSweep online discussion group have kept individuals across Pennsylvania informed of the group's activities in raising 96 candidates - to date - to run for legislative seats.
"We set out to be a springboard for local grassroots activity," added Diamond, "and this award is a sign that we've accomplished that to some degree. We proudly accept it on behalf of our 5900 subscribers, volunteers and candidates. It belongs to them."
Santorum's primary challenger, ex-L, John Featherman, drops out of race
Let's talk about the flat-tax.
PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Santorum's primary challenger drops out of race Featherman got just under 48,000 votes in a race against Santorum, Democrat Ron Klink and two other candidates as the Libertarian Party's nominee in 2000. He also ran unsuccessfully for Congress in a special election in 1998.Santorum sent a letter to ask for a debate.
Training for 2006 State Candidates and Campaign Staff
Education Issues Workshop, A Non-Partisan One-Day Program for Pennsylvania Legislative Candidates and Staff, Sponsored by The Education Policy and Leadership Center
8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 17 – Valley Forge
Saturday, March 18 – Monroeville
Tuesday, March 21 – Harrisburg
For Voters and Candidates in Pennsylvania, Education Issues will be key topics in the 2006 Campaign.
Are you Ready?
Will you be the candidate best prepared to discuss these issues?
Will your campaign material and your statements highlight these issues?
Will you have the best ideas?
Will you be a leader?
Will you do your best in this campaign?
Learn More About These Important Education Issues:
Workshop Registration Form
Workshop Agenda
7:30 a.m. Registration/Coffee
8:15 a.m. Welcome
Introduction to Resource Book & Materials
8:30 a.m. K-12 Educational Governance in Pennsylvania
Federal-State-Local Roles
State-Level Education Governance
Governor, PDE, Legislature, State Board of Education
State-Level Education Policymaking Process – Statutes & Regulations
Policy Levers Available to State Policymakers
School Districts, School Boards and Superintendents
9:30 a.m. Standards-Based Reforms in Pennsylvania
Background of Standards-Based Reforms in PA
Requirements and Impact of “No Child Left Behind” Act
Assessment Issues
Accountability and Consequences
Key Issues for State Policymakers
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. State Policies to Support Student Achievement
“What Works” and Educational Capacity at the School, District & State Level
Interventions for Failing Schools and Students
Early Care and Education
Pre-School and Kindergarten
Teachers and School Leaders - Quality and Supply
Parents and Community
High School Reform – PA Project 720
SBE Project – PAGE 1
School Choice (Vouchers, Charters, Home Schooling, etc.)
PDE Web Site resources
12:00 p.m. Lunch & Networking
12:45 p.m. Education Finance
Understanding PA Education Funding System
History, What’s Wrong, How We Got This Way
Special Issues: Special Education, Charter Schools, Construction
Principles of a Sound Education Funding System
Review of Rendell Administration Initiatives
Governor’s 2006-07 Education Budget Proposal
Act 72 of 2004
Update on Special Session on Property Tax Relief
Key Issues for State Policymakers
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Higher Education Issues
Governance
Funding
Student Aid
2004 National Report Card on Higher Education
2006 Report on Condition of Higher Education in Pennsylvania
3:30 p.m. Q & A with Panel of State Policy Leaders and Advocates
4:45 p.m. Other Information Resources and Wrap-Up
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
The Education Issues Workshop is sponsored by The Education Policy and Leadership Center, 800 North Third Street, Suite 408, Harrisburg, Pa. 17102 - 717-260-9900 - www.eplc.org
8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 17 – Valley Forge
Saturday, March 18 – Monroeville
Tuesday, March 21 – Harrisburg
For Voters and Candidates in Pennsylvania, Education Issues will be key topics in the 2006 Campaign.
Are you Ready?
Will you be the candidate best prepared to discuss these issues?
Will your campaign material and your statements highlight these issues?
Will you have the best ideas?
Will you be a leader?
Will you do your best in this campaign?
Learn More About These Important Education Issues:
"No Child Left Behind" (NCLB)Only $59 for entire Workshop including lunch and the 2006 Issues Workbook. (Campaign funds may be used for tuition and travel expenses.)
Governor's Proposed 06-07 Education Budget
State Academic Standards PA's Education Funding System
State Assessments for Students
Act 72 of 2004
Governance of Public Education Property Tax Relief Proposals
Local vs. State Control Local Referendum
Early Childhood Education Special Education Funding
Teacher Quality and Supply Issues Charter Schools & Cyber Schools
School Leadership Home Schooling
State Initiatives to Help Struggling Districts & Students
Higher Education Governance
State Takeovers of Districts Higher Education Funding
State Education Policy Levers Community Colleges
Workshop Registration Form
Workshop Agenda
7:30 a.m. Registration/Coffee
8:15 a.m. Welcome
Introduction to Resource Book & Materials
8:30 a.m. K-12 Educational Governance in Pennsylvania
Federal-State-Local Roles
State-Level Education Governance
Governor, PDE, Legislature, State Board of Education
State-Level Education Policymaking Process – Statutes & Regulations
Policy Levers Available to State Policymakers
School Districts, School Boards and Superintendents
9:30 a.m. Standards-Based Reforms in Pennsylvania
Background of Standards-Based Reforms in PA
Requirements and Impact of “No Child Left Behind” Act
Assessment Issues
Accountability and Consequences
Key Issues for State Policymakers
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. State Policies to Support Student Achievement
“What Works” and Educational Capacity at the School, District & State Level
Interventions for Failing Schools and Students
Early Care and Education
Pre-School and Kindergarten
Teachers and School Leaders - Quality and Supply
Parents and Community
High School Reform – PA Project 720
SBE Project – PAGE 1
School Choice (Vouchers, Charters, Home Schooling, etc.)
PDE Web Site resources
12:00 p.m. Lunch & Networking
12:45 p.m. Education Finance
Understanding PA Education Funding System
History, What’s Wrong, How We Got This Way
Special Issues: Special Education, Charter Schools, Construction
Principles of a Sound Education Funding System
Review of Rendell Administration Initiatives
Governor’s 2006-07 Education Budget Proposal
Act 72 of 2004
Update on Special Session on Property Tax Relief
Key Issues for State Policymakers
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Higher Education Issues
Governance
Funding
Student Aid
2004 National Report Card on Higher Education
2006 Report on Condition of Higher Education in Pennsylvania
3:30 p.m. Q & A with Panel of State Policy Leaders and Advocates
4:45 p.m. Other Information Resources and Wrap-Up
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
The Education Issues Workshop is sponsored by The Education Policy and Leadership Center, 800 North Third Street, Suite 408, Harrisburg, Pa. 17102 - 717-260-9900 - www.eplc.org
My next race is expected to be this...
Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race Sunday, August 6, 2006I might do some other races between now and then. You never know.
VICTORY smells like this: Mayor O'Connor reveals his spending plan for Pittsburgh
Mayor O'Connor reveals his spending plan for Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor released a revised city budget yesterday that would boost spending by $28 million over last year, increase police coverage and fully fund school crossing guards and the Fire Bureau.
Read those words.... FULLY FUND SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS.
The loyal readers to this blog and the one's on the campaign trails know that I've been standing on my head to say that we need to bring back the crossing guards.
This is how WE win.
If you want to be SAFE -- then you don't move the police station out of the zone and out of the city. Clueless. That was a suggestion from Kraus at a campaign event.
The way to move in a real effort to being safe is to put the crossing guards back on the streets. And, to re-tool them with additional support.
Furthermore, one of the other candidates in the recent election worked with the OLD city councilman. He was unhappy to hear me blame the past city council for its FUMBLES in funding the crossing guards. Jason Phillips, G, worked with Gene Ricciardi, D, when those cuts came. And, the cuts came at repeated instances.
The city screwed up here. We need to fix another of Tom Murphy's messes.
If we want a safe 1,000 foot zone around the schools -- start by putting CROSSING GUARDS back into the neighborhoods. That is a budget and funding issue first. That is a duty of the city's budget, not the school budget.
Slots group silent
Perfect! Great theme to this article.
What about the PARK's BLUEPRINT or whatever the SSLDC did about a "feasibilty study" of the now closed, lone indoor ice rink and "green space" in the South Side.
These groups put forth by Tom Murphy are "weenie groups" that did little to nothing except pad resumes. And those that used them to pad their resumes are 'do-little takers' from the community too.
Rick B is on that task force -- and that task force is a JOKE.
They always try to "HIRE CONSULTANTS" and make "studies." Then they don't even get the reports printed up. Nor are the reports put online. And, when you try to get your input into the reports, they are ignored.
This is the same old "mode of operation" of dozens and dozens of groups around here. Then when one group really figures out how to kick up smoke, say the WEST PITTSBURGH PARTNERSHIP, they teach the others how to do the same tricks to hoodwink.
And, on top of all of this -- the I.C.A. and Act 47 Task Force -- are absent too. And those OVERLORDS don't meet and work on the problems before us all either.
We don't want 'free rides.' We don't want dead weight.
I put other organizations into the same global category as well.
I got involved with a clean election task force in 2005 under Bill Peduto's leadership. We gathered. Many smart people were involved. But the results and outcome of those meeting is still hidden -- thanks to Bill Peduto. This stinks. I've been a squeeky wheel. Bill needs to call a blasted public hearing and allow for the task force to present its outcomes. He needs to MOVE and do SOMETHING on this issue.
I got involved with City's Aquatics Task Force. What a joke. This was an appointement that was promised under Faith Gallow -- the old Citiparks Director who has been dead for a number of years. The Aquatics Task Force met twice in five years. They all the pools were closed. And then the SOS came into being -- another do nothing group except get a 60-minute special on QED's on Q with Elsie Hillman. What pools should be opened and what pools should be closed should NOT be decided by the rich woman who writes the checks. Elsie Hillman does NOT use the city pools.
Too often we have clueless power grabs -- and spineless players who don't want to make a mention on something crucial.
Jack Shea is right. And, in this area, at least the UNIONS are day-to-day leaders on concerns near-and-dear to them.
Slots group silent - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Slots group silentRight on the mark. Not only is the gaming task force silent -- but what about the blasted GRAFITTI TASK FORCE? Bruce Kraus was so quick to mention all his experience with that group -- and the group is SILENT. What about the Chamber of Commerce? Silent mostly.
By Andrew Conte, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, March 16, 2006
In the three months since Pittsburgh's Gaming Task Force last met, a new mayor has taken office and three bidders for the city's slots casino began marketing details of competitive, multimillion-dollar plans.
But no one has heard from the task force, a group charged with exploring the impact a casino could have on the city.
What about the PARK's BLUEPRINT or whatever the SSLDC did about a "feasibilty study" of the now closed, lone indoor ice rink and "green space" in the South Side.
These groups put forth by Tom Murphy are "weenie groups" that did little to nothing except pad resumes. And those that used them to pad their resumes are 'do-little takers' from the community too.
Rick B is on that task force -- and that task force is a JOKE.
They always try to "HIRE CONSULTANTS" and make "studies." Then they don't even get the reports printed up. Nor are the reports put online. And, when you try to get your input into the reports, they are ignored.
This is the same old "mode of operation" of dozens and dozens of groups around here. Then when one group really figures out how to kick up smoke, say the WEST PITTSBURGH PARTNERSHIP, they teach the others how to do the same tricks to hoodwink.
And, on top of all of this -- the I.C.A. and Act 47 Task Force -- are absent too. And those OVERLORDS don't meet and work on the problems before us all either.
We don't want 'free rides.' We don't want dead weight.
I put other organizations into the same global category as well.
I got involved with a clean election task force in 2005 under Bill Peduto's leadership. We gathered. Many smart people were involved. But the results and outcome of those meeting is still hidden -- thanks to Bill Peduto. This stinks. I've been a squeeky wheel. Bill needs to call a blasted public hearing and allow for the task force to present its outcomes. He needs to MOVE and do SOMETHING on this issue.
I got involved with City's Aquatics Task Force. What a joke. This was an appointement that was promised under Faith Gallow -- the old Citiparks Director who has been dead for a number of years. The Aquatics Task Force met twice in five years. They all the pools were closed. And then the SOS came into being -- another do nothing group except get a 60-minute special on QED's on Q with Elsie Hillman. What pools should be opened and what pools should be closed should NOT be decided by the rich woman who writes the checks. Elsie Hillman does NOT use the city pools.
Too often we have clueless power grabs -- and spineless players who don't want to make a mention on something crucial.
Jack Shea is right. And, in this area, at least the UNIONS are day-to-day leaders on concerns near-and-dear to them.
More TV tonight - Russ Diamond and a star studded cast
PCN is showing the Libertarian Convention from two weeks ago, tonight, Thursday March 16. Please record these for future use.
8:00 – Russ Diamond, Operation Clean Sweep (and more)
9:10 – Matthew Brouillette, Commonwealth Foundation President
9:30 – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre & Mifflin Counties
10:00 – Property Rights
11:10 – Ballot Access
12:15 (am) – Separation of Church and State
12:35 – Young Americans for Freedom
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Watch PCNC's Night Talk tonight!
My wife, Catherine Palmer, Ph.D., is due to be on NightTalk tonight with Ann Devlin. I'll try to get some photos.
Council favors tax break for South Oakland garages
I did go down to city council to raise an objection on this TIF -- a tax break for a garage in a place that does NOT need a tax break, is without demand, without even an open-bid process nor RFP. It is an inside deal that takes money away from the kids in the schools.
My next stop, the Act 47 Coordinators and the I.C.A. Board.
Council favors tax break for South Oakland garages Council favors tax break for South Oakland garagesIf we are going to turn this city around, it can't be with big give-a-ways for all the wrong reasons. This is a legacy project that was rushed to the table because others are not watching. Now that Jim Ferlo is on the URA Board, I wonder if these types of deals are going to get cut?
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh City Council gave its initial, unanimous nod today to a tax plan that would support construction of three parking garages in South Oakland's Pittsburgh Technology Center.
The garages would serve proposed new lab and office buildings, the first of which could be under construction by the end of the year, said Urban Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Jerome Dettore.
'The goal is to really develop that a lot more densely,' said Mr. Dettore, referring to the Technology Center. The three-garage plan 'allows a little more than 1 million square feet of new, additional lab and office space.'
My next stop, the Act 47 Coordinators and the I.C.A. Board.
Koch wins City Council seat, P-G coverage
Well, here are a few other thoughtful (I hope) tidbits on the coverage of the race and reactions. The P-G's article the morning after said, in part, "FEW IDEALOGICAL CONTRASTS." It is not that I object to that statement, but rather that I hope that I injected some of those contrasts into the race. I saw some contrasts -- and I tried to pull them into focus. And, if anything, I hope that I pulled some of the other candidates into my realm of understanding as to what should be done in HOW we fix various problems.
Some of the folks in Oakland were HAPPY with the results of just 139 votes. A tidal wave of other folks, outside of Oakland's college student population, were VERY HAPPY with the disappointment in the turnout among the students. The connect among the campus life and the city life -- in a real community -- is wide, yet.
The turnout prediction of 20-percent by the head of the election department was too high. At 13-percent -- OUCH. And, the word on the stret was that a lot of folks are worried about the electronic machines.
All along I have said, "our democracy is frail." I think that the frail statement holds true -- if it isn't counted as sheer hype to call it just frail.
Koch wins City Council seat After an election that produced few ideological contrasts among the candidates, his victory is not expected to have any dramatic effect on the political dynamics of council, a body whose power, particularly on budget issues, has been somewhat marginalized by the state's fiscal oversight of the city.Yes, this was a LOW BUDGET race.
Mr. Kraus, running as an independent, had the support of City Councilman William Peduto. According to the latest campaign contribution reports available before the balloting, Mr. Kraus also was the spending leader in a relatively low-budget race.
The balloting followed the pattern of low turnouts for city special elections. Overall, just under 14 percent of the district's registered voters cast a ballot.
Luke Ravenstahl, the City Council president, had rescheduled the vote to yesterday instead of March 7, to accommodate college students who would have been on spring break on the earlier date. But anyone who hoped that the college vote would have a significant impact on the outcome would have to be disappointed. The two 4th Ward polling places on the University of Pittsburgh campus, the 8th district and the 14th district, produced a total of just 139 votes.
Some of the folks in Oakland were HAPPY with the results of just 139 votes. A tidal wave of other folks, outside of Oakland's college student population, were VERY HAPPY with the disappointment in the turnout among the students. The connect among the campus life and the city life -- in a real community -- is wide, yet.
The turnout prediction of 20-percent by the head of the election department was too high. At 13-percent -- OUCH. And, the word on the stret was that a lot of folks are worried about the electronic machines.
All along I have said, "our democracy is frail." I think that the frail statement holds true -- if it isn't counted as sheer hype to call it just frail.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Rogues meet on Saturday with Jake Haulk
Rogues Saturday, March 18, 2006, at 9:00 A.M., Holiday Inn Select across from South Hills Village, $13.00 per person. Our Speaker will be Dr. Jake Haulk of the Allegheny Institute.
Please RSVP by Friday March 17th.
So far, Governor Rendell’s only economic development plan seems to be spending $1.24 billion on corporate welfare for such projects as PNC’s new office building. That’s $50 million to PNC out of a total construction cost of $170 million paid to a company that had record profits of $1.3 billion last year.
Of course, this largess was paid for by increasing the state income tax and by rescinding scheduled business taxes, all aided by a compliant Republican controlled legislature.
Pennsylvania is 38th in the country in job growth and 43rd in population growth. However, Pennsylvania’s government has grown to the point that it costs $7, 884 per family of four. That’s $1,153 more than three years ago.
Dr. Jake Haulk of The Allegheny Institute has some other ideas on how to encourage a prosperous economy and he’ll be speaking to the Rogues this Saturday, March 18th at 9AM on Governor Rendell's failed economic development policies and tax reform.
Tonight at the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Assn meeting I gave Bob O'Connor props for his appointment of Jim Ferlo to the U.R.A. Board. Then I asked him if he was going to continue to support the large TIFs and tax breaks to big corporations and institutions -- such as PNC PLAZA's $18-million TIF for a new downtown office tower and the Second Ave. parking garage by the URA for Pgh Technology Center.
In Bob's talk about the TIF, he gave me the wrong answer, and didn't even mention the fact that the $18-million TIF from the city comes at the expense of the kids and schools nor that the city's give-a-way comes after PENNSYLVANIA already put in $50-million as a GRANT to PNC. The subsidization of that office tower is going to exceed $1-million per floor.
Today, at the polls, I invited Jeff Koch to city council chambers for its 10 AM Meeting on WEDNESDAY -- in 11 hours -- to stand with me to speak against the TIF for the parking garages on Second Ave.
I'll invite Jeff Koch to the breakfast meeting with the A.I.'s Jake Haulk too.
'Miracle' water turned into beer -- PROOF enough for ending building codes
'Miracle' water turned into beer 'We had settled down for a cozy Saturday evening, had a nice dinner, and I was just going to clean up a little,' Gundersen, 50, said Monday. 'I turned on the kitchen faucet and beer came out.'Those crazy Norwegians.
Koch -- as in "cook" --- as in "home cooking" for a year and a half if not five-plus
With 41 out of 42 votes, via a phone call update:
Of course this is "unofficial" -- n at.
First reaction = home cooking rules the day! That is short for Bob O'Connor's old campaign slogan, because this is home. And, for Jeff Koch's last name, said like "cook." The mayor's guy won. The endorsed Dem won.
Second reaction: If you sum the total of the two B.K.'s (Bruce K + Bruce K), you'd have defeated the D's machine.
Third reaction: I didn't get last. This is the first election when I didn't get last. Mind you, this in ONLY my third race. I ran for Mayor in the GOP PRIMARY in 2001. I ran for PA Senate in a 3 way race. This time I'm neck and neck with the Green. The good news, is I had a nice night of sleep last night and he's running on fumes.
My goose was cooked when the Rs put in a candidate. N.A. did a nice job too. However, if the Rs would have not run anyone, then I might have been able to engage county-wide opposition, and city-wide oppostion to the machine Dems and the ultra-liberal alternative. And, of course, my goose was re-heated when our date in court had its outcome altered with the finding of the clerk of the judge. If both of those IFs break the other way, then the race takes on a MUCH, MUCH different flavor and challenge. But, those are BIG "ifs."
Fourth reaction: Wonder what would have held if this had been an "instant-run-off-election."
Final reaction.... Combinations of course are going to be the details that say what's what in the end. I consider myself a "free radical" in that I'd be willing to help in a cause with another candidate if I feel warm to that cause. I was open to a merger of efforts with others in the race. But, the merger prospects were bleak.
The three Ms, (Matthew, Michael and Mark) shoud have combined forces about a month ago. I tried. Those vote counts are NOT too much of a total -- but -- the wave of campaign energy is another matter. I think a synergy factor could have been a double the vote impact.
Kraus might have won had he been able to pull any other candidate to his side in the past two months. Kraus might have won had he even pulled the others who also lost the Ds endorsement to his side. Ed Jacob or Pat Sweeney were both at the polls, and Erin C. was in Oakland, all working for the endorsed Dem. Kraus could not get any of them on his side.
Kraus said in a few of his stump talks that it is all about cooperation. Ha, ha. Well, he didn't prove it among the field of candidates who worked against him.
D = 1408
R = 185
L = 69
G = 72
M.W. (indie) = 40
M.B. (indie) = 46
Bruce Krane = 215
Bruce A. Kraus 1257
Of course this is "unofficial" -- n at.
First reaction = home cooking rules the day! That is short for Bob O'Connor's old campaign slogan, because this is home. And, for Jeff Koch's last name, said like "cook." The mayor's guy won. The endorsed Dem won.
Second reaction: If you sum the total of the two B.K.'s (Bruce K + Bruce K), you'd have defeated the D's machine.
Third reaction: I didn't get last. This is the first election when I didn't get last. Mind you, this in ONLY my third race. I ran for Mayor in the GOP PRIMARY in 2001. I ran for PA Senate in a 3 way race. This time I'm neck and neck with the Green. The good news, is I had a nice night of sleep last night and he's running on fumes.
My goose was cooked when the Rs put in a candidate. N.A. did a nice job too. However, if the Rs would have not run anyone, then I might have been able to engage county-wide opposition, and city-wide oppostion to the machine Dems and the ultra-liberal alternative. And, of course, my goose was re-heated when our date in court had its outcome altered with the finding of the clerk of the judge. If both of those IFs break the other way, then the race takes on a MUCH, MUCH different flavor and challenge. But, those are BIG "ifs."
Fourth reaction: Wonder what would have held if this had been an "instant-run-off-election."
Final reaction.... Combinations of course are going to be the details that say what's what in the end. I consider myself a "free radical" in that I'd be willing to help in a cause with another candidate if I feel warm to that cause. I was open to a merger of efforts with others in the race. But, the merger prospects were bleak.
The three Ms, (Matthew, Michael and Mark) shoud have combined forces about a month ago. I tried. Those vote counts are NOT too much of a total -- but -- the wave of campaign energy is another matter. I think a synergy factor could have been a double the vote impact.
Kraus might have won had he been able to pull any other candidate to his side in the past two months. Kraus might have won had he even pulled the others who also lost the Ds endorsement to his side. Ed Jacob or Pat Sweeney were both at the polls, and Erin C. was in Oakland, all working for the endorsed Dem. Kraus could not get any of them on his side.
Kraus said in a few of his stump talks that it is all about cooperation. Ha, ha. Well, he didn't prove it among the field of candidates who worked against him.
Who won? Who lost?
I just got back from the polls and then a meeting with the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association. Mayor Bob O'Connor was the speaker at that meeting, that started at 7 pm. Bob and I got there around 7:30 pm. He spoke to about 8:15 pm and gave a very nice talk. John, the boss of this zone's public works was there too and he got a great round of applause, in part for snow removal of the slopes street this winter.
Now the kids are in bed wondering what about the election results. I wonder too. ....
Now the kids are in bed wondering what about the election results. I wonder too. ....
Pa. seizes paper's computer hard disks
File this for later.... If anyone do any research on this and give me a brief, please do so.
Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/13/2006 | Pa. seizes paper's computer hard disks: "In an unusual and little-known case, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has seized four computer hard drives from a Lancaster newspaper as part of a statewide grand-jury investigation into leaks to reporters.
The dispute pits the government's desire to solve an alleged felony - computer hacking - against the news media's fear that taking the computers circumvents the First Amendment and the state Shield Law."
KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News, Weather and Sports: Ricciardi's Seat To Be Filled By Special Election
KDKA - Ricciardi's Seat To Be Filled By Special Election PITTSBURGH District 3 voters will decide on former Pittsburgh City Councilman Gene Ricciardi�s successor on Tuesday.I gave an interview at 8:30 am.
Murphy's chutzpah
Tampa and St. Pete, don't be suckered into thinking that Murphy was honest. He generally was half honest. The other half was -- how do we say -- less than the truth.
I'm not sure most citizens think it matter that Murphy gets to talk in Tampa, now that we are rid of him. Every dog has its day in the sun and people might not like to see the Trib "HOUND" the ex-Mayor now. However, this does present an opportunity to be truthful with history.
Most of the other front-runners in the race, today's race for city council, were in lock-step with Tom Murphy thourghout his career here. They were in agreement with his practices. They didn't speak out against his ways -- like I did.
I was one of the biggest Murphy nay-sayers. I ran a campaign to become mayor in 2001 -- not to be mayor myself but more to get a new mayor, because we needed to knock him out of that office.
I worry today that the others in the race are really just more of what we used to have in Tom Murphy and Gene Ricciardi. (see comments for more)
I'm not sure most citizens think it matter that Murphy gets to talk in Tampa, now that we are rid of him. Every dog has its day in the sun and people might not like to see the Trib "HOUND" the ex-Mayor now. However, this does present an opportunity to be truthful with history.
Most of the other front-runners in the race, today's race for city council, were in lock-step with Tom Murphy thourghout his career here. They were in agreement with his practices. They didn't speak out against his ways -- like I did.
I was one of the biggest Murphy nay-sayers. I ran a campaign to become mayor in 2001 -- not to be mayor myself but more to get a new mayor, because we needed to knock him out of that office.
I worry today that the others in the race are really just more of what we used to have in Tom Murphy and Gene Ricciardi. (see comments for more)
Murphy's chutzpah - PittsburghLIVE.com Former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy lectured to about 300 people in Florida on Friday at Tampa's 10th annual Downtown Development Forum. It was a delusional presentation.
The fella who spent 12 years at the helm of government drove the city to the precipice of bankruptcy, left a socialist legacy of failed command economics and was lucky to escape Grant Street without being tarred and feathered.
Yet in Tampa, Mr. Murphy offered a big dose of revisionist history and had the chutzpah to blame others for his failings.
The media, politicians and historic preservationists who opposed his ideas made him unpopular locally, not his failures, Murphy said. And he even appeared to take a swipe at late Mayor Richard Caliguiri when he said it's 'always the people who don't make decisions that have statues built for them.'
City Council seat up for grabs
City Council seat up for grabs Libertarian swim coach Mark Rauterkus and Green Party student Jason Phillips, both of the Flats, also are running.
In addition to those neighborhoods, the district includes Allentown, Arlington Heights, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, the Mount Oliver neighborhood, South Side Slopes, St. Clair Village, and parts of Central Oakland, South Oakland and Mount Washington.
Mr. Wolosik said voters should bring identification, which is required of those who are new to the district.
The county will open 42 precincts from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and expects to bill the city $35,000 for the cost, he said. Voters can find their polling place at www.county.allegheny.pa.us/elect.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Upper St. Clair parents sue over canceled program
Perhaps the parents and families from USC could move to the city and take advantage of the I.B. program at Schenley High School?
So, they had better stick around and fight for the USC I.B. program after all.
Upper St. Clair parents sue over canceled program A group of 10 Upper St. Clair families filed suit in federal court this morning claiming five members of the school board improperly voted to terminate the International Baccalaureate program in February.But, then again, Schenley was slated to be moved out of Oakland. That plan has been put "on hold" for now. We don't know for sure what is to come of the school's location nor the programs in the long run.
So, they had better stick around and fight for the USC I.B. program after all.
State oversight board to meet Thursday - PittsburghLIVE.com
Told ya.... The I.C.A. (overlords) is going to meet for the first time this YEAR in MID-MARCH. They are good for nothings who are choosing to fumble their duties and the opportunity to fix Pittsburgh.
Fumble!
Next, I've said that they should NOT be paid for the work they are doing now -- until after the city exits the oversight status. Let's pay them AFTER the work is done -- now while it is NOT being done. Cut off their payments. Follow the money.
The longer that they do nothing, the longer they'll get paid.
The OVERLORDS of the I.C.A. and Act 47 -- we've got two -- should merge. We can't merge the selling of dog licenses between city and county. It too 12 years to merge 911 services. Now we need to merge the Overlords. We've got two bodies that are both doing little. Let's be a good example and get them down to one entity.
Fumble!
State oversight board to meet Thursday - PittsburghLIVE.com State oversight board to meet ThursdayI've said on many instances that we should force them to meet. They need to get to work. They need a 'wake up call.'
By Jeremy Boren, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, March 13, 2006
Pittsburgh's state oversight board is planning to meet for the first time this year to scrutinize changes Mayor Bob O'Connor will make to former Mayor Tom Murphy's 2006 budget.
The board, known as the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, has scheduled a public meeting for 12:30 p.m. Thursday on the 23rd floor of the Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Ave., Downtown.
Designed as a five-member board, the state-run group is still missing two members after resignations in January 2006 and September 2005. State Democrats and Republicans have stalled on naming new members. State law requires that replacements be named within 30 days.
The authority must approve O'Connor's budget changes. It rejected two versions of Murphy's $418 million budget last year.
O'Connor is expected to increase the size of the $418 million 2006 budget, primarily by bolstering the Fire Bureau's allotment so it can handle anticipated overtime costs this year as the under-manned bureau struggles to meet national staffing standards. City Council members have said they expect to see their spending money cut. The most recent budget proposal would have allotted them $88,000 each for administrative assistants, supplies and other office operations.
The move could anger council members, who could get a peek at O'Connor's changes as early as tomorrow and could vote on them next week.
Next, I've said that they should NOT be paid for the work they are doing now -- until after the city exits the oversight status. Let's pay them AFTER the work is done -- now while it is NOT being done. Cut off their payments. Follow the money.
The longer that they do nothing, the longer they'll get paid.
The OVERLORDS of the I.C.A. and Act 47 -- we've got two -- should merge. We can't merge the selling of dog licenses between city and county. It too 12 years to merge 911 services. Now we need to merge the Overlords. We've got two bodies that are both doing little. Let's be a good example and get them down to one entity.
District 3 Special Election Guide By Pitt News Staff
From The Pitt News, March 13, 2006District 3 Special Election Guide By Pitt News Staff
published: Mon, 13 March, 2006
Neal Andrus (R)
Neal Andrus wants to shake things up for Pittsburgh.
"I'd like to be a voice for change on City Council," said Andrus, who is currently running on the Republican ticket for Tuesday's election.
Andrus has made a goal of "restoring fiscal sanity to city government," something that he believes should be voters' top priority when they head to the polls.
Hoping that District 3 residents will cast their votes "with an idea in their heads that they're tired of the same old thing and that they want something new," Andrus has promised to seek creative ideas in tackling the city's financial woes.
A 30-year-old who obtained degrees in political science and economics from Pitt in December 2004, Andrus has lived in the district for eight years. He said he does not seek to become a politician.
"I don't think anyone down there has any idea what needs to be done," he said of the current council.
He wants to bring up new ideas and "do something different." Shunning the idea that City Council's mission should include creating new jobs or "bribing" companies to come to Pittsburgh, Andrus believes in drawing commercial industry by working with the county and state governments to create a more attractive business environment.
He also suggested seeking unconventional moneymakers, like New York City's $166-million deal with Snapple to make the company the official city vendor of iced tea, water and chocolate milk.
-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm
Bruce Krane (I)
Bruce Krane's slogan is "Building a better Pittsburgh," and he wants students involved in the process.
"I want to engage them and work with them," he said.
Krane, an independent candidate, said his administration would recognize the need for a student liaison. He said that if elected, he would hire a student to work with him part-time.
"I think we need the refreshing creativity of university students to pose some alternative ideas and hopefully solutions," he said. "Because we aren't seeing a lot of that on Grant Street right now."
Krane, who has lived in Pittsburgh for 16 years and currently resides in the South Side, is the vice president for the South Side Community Council.
"I would describe myself as a community advocate," he said.
Krane volunteers with Pittsburgh's Community Access Television Channel, where he hosts and produces programs. He credited the station with helping him make the decision to run in the special election because of his experience interviewing office holders on his programs.
Krane said he is in favor of term limits and referendums, or "putting issues on the ballot." He said he could use the pulpit and media exposure of being a councilman to go directly to the people through this process.
But according to Krane, there is no key issue that will determine which candidate people vote for.
"There's no 900-pound gorilla," he said. "It's going to be who can get their supporters out to vote."
-Staff Writer Angela Hayes
Jason Phillips (G)
Jason Phillips wants to bring a student voice to City Council.
"For the last 16 years, we've basically had zero representatives on City Council," Phillips said, adding that this election marks a "very opportune time" for students to claim their voice.
Phillips declined to single out a specific goal for his time on council, explaining that he hopes to tackle many issues. He mentioned that the city is in financial "dire straits," and that he hopes to improve Pittsburgh's transportation system, nightlife and other things that matter to students.
"This is a time when we need to elect people with college educations, people with government experience," Phillips said, noting that he is such a person.
Phillips, a 24-year-old Pitt student who plans to complete his studies of political science next year, said he has worked in the lieutenant governor's office and served as a consultant on a number of candidates' campaigns within Pennsylvania. A resident of the South Side Flats and graduate of Pittsburgh's Art Institute, he has lived in District 3 for more than two years.
"I'm the only candidate who, if elected, could walk right into the office and not need to take time to learn the ropes," Phillips said.
Emphasizing the importance of students' votes, Phillips said it is "immature" of students to not bother to show up on election day.
-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm
Matthew Bartus (I)
Perhaps the city needs a new coat of paint.
Matthew Bartus, a painter for Pittsburgh's General Services department, is a candidate for the vacant District 3 seat that will be filled in Tuesday's special election. He could not be reached for comment.
He said to the Pittsburgh City Paper that he has a chance to beat Democratic candidate Jeff Koch because there are so many other candidates running in the election.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bartus plans on relocating the South Side police station to the Neville Ice Arena. The current location is 1725 Mary St., near 18th Street.
He also said to the Post-Gazette that he wants to reduce the size of city council from nine members to five and have non-profit organizations give more to the city.
The University counts itself among Pittsburgh's non-profit organizations.
Bartus, 50, currently lives in Carrick, a neighborhood south of Downtown that is near the neighborhoods of Brookline and Mt. Oliver.
-Assistant News Editor Andy Medici
Mark Rauterkus (L)
Mark Rauterkus grew up in Penn Hills, moved out of state for a few years, and then moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990.
The South Side resident said that part of his motivation for running for council is that the city is in a big crisis, and he believes children have been ignored.
Rauterkus, who has two children, said that if elected to council, he would like to chair the Committee on Youth Policy and the Citiparks Committee.
One of the things that Rauterkus would like to accomplish is to restart the Pittsburgh Marathon.
He would also like to integrate additional programs into the city's neighborhood parks.
"There's a lot to be done there," Rauterkus said.
Rauterkus is a swim coach for the Carlynton Swim Club.
He said he would like to acquire funding to open more of the city's pools, which have been closed at times because of budget cuts.
Rauterkus added that he is dedicated to his campaign "for the long haul."
If he does not win this election, he plans to build a network of volunteers and issues.
"Whoever does win might only be there for a year and half," Rauterkus said. "They're going to have me to contend with next week."
-Senior Staff Writer Laura Jerpi
Jeffrey Koch (D)
Jeffrey Koch wants to clean up Oakland.
Koch - the Democratic candidate for City Council representing District 3, which includes Oakland - said that if elected, he would work with the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation to pick up trash in South Oakland.
One program he supports, called Adopt-a-Block, involves approximately 50 students cleaning up around South Oakland to make the area more appealing.
Koch also hopes the college vote will make a difference.
"I hope the students show," he said. "They could make a big difference in this election."
He said he would not implement immediate changes or policies but would welcome the chance to sit down with students and talk about issues concerning Oakland and Pitt.
Koch is a landscaping contractor and Department of Public Works employee. He has lived in Arlington, a section of District 3, his entire life. His parents also lived in District 3 their entire lives.
He is endorsed by Mayor Bob O'Connor, the Pittsburgh Firefighters Union and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.
-Staff Writer Jared Trent Stonesifer
Bruce Kraus (I)
Bruce Kraus wants to make Pittsburgh neighborhoods safe, clean and green.
The South Side resident is the chair of Pittsburgh's Graffiti Task Force, which "[assists] city officials and neighborhood groups in their efforts to combat graffiti vandalism," according to http://Bruce4council.com.
Kraus, 51, could not be reached for comment, but his Web site outlines three main tactics for bettering the city: outreach, education and enforcement.
According to Kraus's Web site, he will "work toward curtailing the criminal nuisance activities that his constituents do not want," while maintaining "the green setting" they do want.
Kraus also outlines several plans for paying for his initiatives, which include "an expansion of the tax base with increase property values" and "attention from the state and the county for special grants for beautification."
In response to a questionnaire from the League of Young Voters, Kraus wrote that he wants students to be "engaged in the process of stewarding [their] futures."
"I will advocate for your 'place at the table,'" Kraus said in the questionnaire, "to ensure that you are provided with all the opportunities to work on the solutions to the problems you are facing with regards to job creation, education, creative housing, transportation, recreation, and an active social network including nightlife and the arts."
-News Editor Adam Felming
Michael Waligorski (I)
Independent candidate Michael Waligorski must be a busy man, because he's hard to find.
Waligorski "runs a painting business, sells real estate and has been a perennial candidate," according to a March 6 editorial in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
He's known - among local journalists, at least - for being difficult to contact, despite his frequent campaigns in local politics.
"Waligorski, a frequent candidate for public office, did not return phone calls," reported the Pittsburgh City Paper on March 2.
The 56-year-old handyman, Army Reservist and South Side Flats resident is running on what he calls the Disclosure Party ticket and "wants to see more openness in government," according to the Post-Gazette.
Waligorski's phone number is unlisted, and he did not return phone calls when The Pitt News obtained his number from City Paper.
A Jan. 31 Post-Gazette article noted, "Independent candidate Michael Waligorski of the Flats could not be reached for comment."
Waligorski did not respond to a Sierra Club questionnaire regarding Tuesday's election and environmental issues, reported local activist organization Progress Pittsburgh on Feb. 23.
-Editor in Chief Jessica Lear
Open thread: Making a set of lists of first thingsTO DO after winning the election tomorrow
Okay blog readers.... Help. Here is a new "OPEN THREAD" so as to allow you to post in the comments. I'm going to try to issue a "PRESS RELEASE" later today or early on election day that outlines the top 10 things I'd do right after being elected to city council.
I think I'll make three or four lists. One list each for:
POLITICAL actions
LEGISLATIVE actions
New JOB actions
INTERACTIVE actions
I've got a number of issues buzzing in my head. I'll put them into a list on my website and then issue the press release. If you have any suggestions let me know -- NOW -- or forever hold your peace.
I think I'll make three or four lists. One list each for:
POLITICAL actions
LEGISLATIVE actions
New JOB actions
INTERACTIVE actions
I've got a number of issues buzzing in my head. I'll put them into a list on my website and then issue the press release. If you have any suggestions let me know -- NOW -- or forever hold your peace.
Poynter Online - McClatchy to Sell off Inky, Merc, 10 Other KR Papers
Is there anything to read into this? (pun intended) I didn't get the McClatchy endorsement, so I'm not too worried. :)
Poynter Online - McClatchy to Sell off Inky, Merc, 10 Other KR Papers McClatchy buys Knight Ridder, will sell 12 KR newspapers
Editor & Publisher | McClatchy press release
Knight Ridder has agreed to sell itself to McClatchy for $4.5 billion. McClatchy says in a press release that it will now sell 12 KR papers, including the two Philadelphia papers and the San Jose Mercury News. The company these papers are located in cities that 'do not fit the company's longstanding acquisition criteria, chiefly involving growing markets.' KR CEO Tony Ridder says: 'For the 12 newspapers that will be sold, the uncertainty is not over and I regret that very much.'
Radio interviews
I just gave an interview to KQV. Then I gave her the rest of the candidate's phone numbers, as she had none.
An older interview (from 3 weeks ago or so) ran today on WDUQ. I think that segment ran so as to feature only the four candidates who hail from a "PARTY" -- the D, R, L and G.
An older interview (from 3 weeks ago or so) ran today on WDUQ. I think that segment ran so as to feature only the four candidates who hail from a "PARTY" -- the D, R, L and G.
Council vacancy comes up for vote - PittsburghLIVE.com
Ink in today's TRIB has a line up of candidates too.
The city would have to be hit with either a twister or a tidal wave before the Trib Editorial Section would come alive with a thoughtful endorsement on this race. I don't see them being able to chime in on the candidates, sadly. But, today's weather predictions is calling for some major storms.
This weekend I was at an event and saw a former Trib reporter who had covered me in the past, Violet Law. Five days ago she started working for the Pittsburgh City Paper. She had done a bit of freelance work in the middle as well.
Best of luck to Violet in her new venture.
I talked a lot to her in the past when she covered some city life. I was dealing with citizen efforts with the closed swim pools and recreation centers -- and Save Our Summer swung into town -- kicking up a bit of dust in a temporary way but with an urgent matter.
Council vacancy comes up for vote - PittsburghLIVE.com Rauterkus, a part-time high school swim coach, is running as a Libertarian.This is a nice little article and a bit of a suprise.
The city would have to be hit with either a twister or a tidal wave before the Trib Editorial Section would come alive with a thoughtful endorsement on this race. I don't see them being able to chime in on the candidates, sadly. But, today's weather predictions is calling for some major storms.
This weekend I was at an event and saw a former Trib reporter who had covered me in the past, Violet Law. Five days ago she started working for the Pittsburgh City Paper. She had done a bit of freelance work in the middle as well.
Best of luck to Violet in her new venture.
I talked a lot to her in the past when she covered some city life. I was dealing with citizen efforts with the closed swim pools and recreation centers -- and Save Our Summer swung into town -- kicking up a bit of dust in a temporary way but with an urgent matter.
The Pitt News - District 3 Special Election Guide
Mini articles about all the candidates appear in The Pitt News today.
The Pitt News - District 3 Special Election Guide Mark Rauterkus (L)
Mark Rauterkus grew up in Penn Hills, moved out of state for a few years, and then moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990.
The South Side resident said that part of his motivation for running for council is that the city is in a big crisis, and he believes children have been ignored.
Rauterkus, who has two children, said that if elected to council, he would like to chair the Committee on Youth Policy and the Citiparks Committee.
One of the things that Rauterkus would like to accomplish is to restart the Pittsburgh Marathon.
He would also like to integrate additional programs into the city’s neighborhood parks.
“There’s a lot to be done there,” Rauterkus said.
Rauterkus is a swim coach for the Carlynton Swim Club.
He said he would like to acquire funding to open more of the city’s pools, which have been closed at times because of budget cuts.
Rauterkus added that he is dedicated to his campaign “for the long haul.”
If he does not win this election, he plans to build a network of volunteers and issues.
“Whoever does win might only be there for a year and half,” Rauterkus said. “They’re going to have me to contend with next week.”
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Project Vote Smart - Information For Candidates
Since a city council race isn't a contest covered by Project Vote Smart, I better talk about this NOW.
Project Vote Smart - Information For Candidates Please note that Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or program in any partisan activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.This is a weird request -- can't mention the name of the organization in a speech.
412-public-campaign blast: (follow-up)
After I send out an email to more than 8,000 contacts, I often get some nice interactions from folks. Here are some insights from the recent email (other post).
I don't get it. I would think a true Libertarian would be against ANY government-provided services for kids. Or is the party merely a flag of convenience for your campaign?
I'm a common-sense Libertarian. I'm not a RADICAL L.
But, there is some convenience to having a party as well. There is NO utility in having just ONE PARTY DOMINATION as is the case with Pittsburgh and the Dems.
The kids are important. So too is public education. Our kids are shooting each other on a weekly basis -- and it isn't the fault of the guns, but rather the kids have been ignored.
Even our closed indoor ice rink, the only one in the city, was run by a private operator until he fumbled his duties. The city had many offers to re-open it -- as a public facility with private operators. But the city didn't want to go into the trouble. We all loose.
What are your positions on abortion rights and gay marriage?
I'm fine with gay marriage. I'm a Libertarian. To each his / her own. And, I'm a U.U. (unitarian universalist) and this faith community -- http://www.sunnyhill.org often holds weddings among same sex couples with ministers. That's more of the domain for a church and not government.
As to abortion rights.... That isn't my issue -- on a whole. I'm mostly in the middle of the road. I would work to NOT change the laws.
It is a states right issue however.
To be honest... I didn't like the bubble law as it was a take away of freedom and really was just a problem with enforcement of existing laws. Sure, give a no protest zone near the health clinics -- but it is hard to have that stretch around people like a bubble. But, you'd also hear me harp about responsibilities that go along with freedom too -- so I'd never be in anyone's face -- nor would I want to see that happen to others.
I don't get it. I would think a true Libertarian would be against ANY government-provided services for kids. Or is the party merely a flag of convenience for your campaign?
I'm a common-sense Libertarian. I'm not a RADICAL L.
But, there is some convenience to having a party as well. There is NO utility in having just ONE PARTY DOMINATION as is the case with Pittsburgh and the Dems.
The kids are important. So too is public education. Our kids are shooting each other on a weekly basis -- and it isn't the fault of the guns, but rather the kids have been ignored.
Even our closed indoor ice rink, the only one in the city, was run by a private operator until he fumbled his duties. The city had many offers to re-open it -- as a public facility with private operators. But the city didn't want to go into the trouble. We all loose.
What are your positions on abortion rights and gay marriage?
I'm fine with gay marriage. I'm a Libertarian. To each his / her own. And, I'm a U.U. (unitarian universalist) and this faith community -- http://www.sunnyhill.org often holds weddings among same sex couples with ministers. That's more of the domain for a church and not government.
As to abortion rights.... That isn't my issue -- on a whole. I'm mostly in the middle of the road. I would work to NOT change the laws.
It is a states right issue however.
To be honest... I didn't like the bubble law as it was a take away of freedom and really was just a problem with enforcement of existing laws. Sure, give a no protest zone near the health clinics -- but it is hard to have that stretch around people like a bubble. But, you'd also hear me harp about responsibilities that go along with freedom too -- so I'd never be in anyone's face -- nor would I want to see that happen to others.
Rendell expects hockey arena deal - PittsburghLIVE.com
Rendell expects hockey arena deal - PittsburghLIVE.com 'I think we'll have an offer for the Penguins equivalent to what the Pirates and Steelers got,' Rendell told WTAE television Saturday.Yes, but what did the taxpayers get? What about the Xplosion of the ABA? What about the kids in the neighborhoods who got their 32 outdoor swim pools taken away from them?
We went a year without any recreational sports for the kids in the South Side because the Market House was closed. All the staffers were fired. Yet, we had a facility. It was closed to us -- the owners -- the citizens and taxpayers.
Meanwhile, the Pens went a year and didn't play hockey -- yet they HAD a facility (the CIVIC ARENA) that they didn't own -- WE TAXPAYERS own it. Yet they wouldn't show up for work -- or there was a lockout, whatever.
We used to have 19 functional rec centers around the town -- and now, after a painful re-birth, there are much fewer with fewer programs.
How about if we draw a line in the sand -- or ice -- and say that the Penguins can get a new arena deal -- just like the Pirates and Steelers because we're going to force both the Pirates and Steelers to buy out the public interest and public money from the stadiums that they now use.
The PNC PARK and Heinz Field deals are now for sale. Make this a RENT to OWN deal.
So, Penguins -- you can build a new arena. You can build it. You can own it. Beg for the money any way you want.
The Penguins had an interest in the indoor ice rink on the South Side -- the only one in the city. And, the Penguins closed the door on us. That facility is shut down and the Penguins walked away from it.
My kids would like to go skating today. Can't.
The Penguins walked away from that facility, and the team can walk away from the Civic Arena too. Leave.
Or, fix it. The Penguins had a hand in South Pointe -- in suburban (non Allegheny County) Pittsburgh. Why wasn't that built in the city?
Perhaps the team can strike a deal with Moon Township and build a place out by the airport. Go for it.
Or, the Penguins should be a cornerstone to a deal in Hazelwood. Go talk to the nonprofit holding company that owns that land.
Girls' HS basketball coach suspended --- What a PAIN as team is in PLAYOFFS
Okay, a coach can't tell a kid to come to WESTINGHOUSE. And, if the coach does -- he/she can't coach for a year.
Show me the trascripts to this case.
This is so wrong.
I want the kids in gangs that are a good influence -- like the girls basketball team at Westinghouse High School. Go Bulldogs. Of course, I don't want them in a street gang.
But, we make rules for excellent educators like Phyllis Jones that prevent her from being an excellent educator. I want her to be honest with the kids and do everything she can to have an excellent gang with excellent kids. And, to a teacher and a coach, that means talking, communication, and building relationships.
So now what? The team is in the playoffs and the coach that goes out of her way to interact with kids has a big part of her life and JOB taken away. That sucks for the kids, the team, the person. Once again, 'nobody wins' -- except the street gangs. They don't have rules.
Show me the trascripts to this case.
This is so wrong.
Girls' coach suspended: "Girls' coach suspendedHere is the long and short of it. Kids are in gangs. Gangs work with kids. Gangs recruit. Organizations, companies, colleges and nonprofits and religions recruit too.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
One of the most successful coaches in City League girls' basketball history has been suspended from coaching for a year because of allegedly recruiting a player.
Westinghouse's Phyllis Jones did not coach yesterday in the Bulldogs' 49-39 victory against Kittanning in a PIAA Class AAA first-round game at Allderdice.
The win moves Westinghouse into the second round Wednesday, but Jones cannot coach the Bulldogs the rest of this season and will not be allowed to coach again until March 8, 2007.
A seven-member City League (District 8) athletic committee suspended Jones Wednesday for allegedly recruiting a player. The allegation came to light at some point this season. Recruiting is illegal in Pennsylvania high school athletics.
Jones could not be reached for comment. She can appeal the ruling to the PIAA."
I want the kids in gangs that are a good influence -- like the girls basketball team at Westinghouse High School. Go Bulldogs. Of course, I don't want them in a street gang.
But, we make rules for excellent educators like Phyllis Jones that prevent her from being an excellent educator. I want her to be honest with the kids and do everything she can to have an excellent gang with excellent kids. And, to a teacher and a coach, that means talking, communication, and building relationships.
So now what? The team is in the playoffs and the coach that goes out of her way to interact with kids has a big part of her life and JOB taken away. That sucks for the kids, the team, the person. Once again, 'nobody wins' -- except the street gangs. They don't have rules.
Magnet school program slated for overhaul
Duhhh....
This is exactly what I was talking about for the past number of months. Bring back TINKER BELL. The honesty was gone when Mr. Roosevelt said, "we are going to do this once and be done with it." I said -- NO WAY. That 'right size' effort was not a one-time fix. The schools need continual changes in an on-going, sustained way.
I know that everything needs to be on the table. Mr. Roosevelt knows it. But, he isn't saying it in a direct way. The right-size effort was a struggle and there are many more to come, countless more.
Told you so. Don't tell me that we'll do it once and be done with it.
Yes, there can be additional ARTS schools. I suggested at last months Pgh Public Schools Board Meeting that a second MIDDLE SCHOOL for the ARTS be put in Knoxville. Why only have one "RODGERS?" Duplicate it. Put one in the east and another in the south.
This is exactly what I was talking about for the past number of months. Bring back TINKER BELL. The honesty was gone when Mr. Roosevelt said, "we are going to do this once and be done with it." I said -- NO WAY. That 'right size' effort was not a one-time fix. The schools need continual changes in an on-going, sustained way.
Magnet school program slated for overhaul: "The Pittsburgh Public Schools' popular magnet programs will be getting an overhaul as part of the district's far-reaching efforts to improve academic performance."Everything is going to need to be 'on the table.' And, the only way that this is going to work is that the people need to have the conversations there be open with tinkering expected and WELCOMED.
I know that everything needs to be on the table. Mr. Roosevelt knows it. But, he isn't saying it in a direct way. The right-size effort was a struggle and there are many more to come, countless more.
Told you so. Don't tell me that we'll do it once and be done with it.
Yes, there can be additional ARTS schools. I suggested at last months Pgh Public Schools Board Meeting that a second MIDDLE SCHOOL for the ARTS be put in Knoxville. Why only have one "RODGERS?" Duplicate it. Put one in the east and another in the south.
Reporter fights to air her story
Reporter fights to air her story Canon-McMillan High School officials are facing a constitutional tongue-lashing from a sophomore who's proclaiming violations of her First Amendment rights after her article about a dangerous choking game was blocked from publication in the C-M Times, the high-school newspaper.
Firetruck sale like no other
Firetruck sale like no other More than four dozen firetrucks from the estate of Sullivan D'Amico, founder of Pechin's Shopping Village in Fayette County, will be sold by sealed bids beginning this week. Bids will be opened March 22.
Mr. Lisenby had a firetruck in Peoria, Illinois. It was a big, old one. There was a driver in the back. Each year when I was coaching the PAWW team (Peoria Area Water Wizards) we'd "march" in the Santa Parade on that firetruck. It was a blast. The kids would do cheers and be all dressed in our team sweats. It was a lot of fun and we really impressed the audience. Our team was well known throughout the five county area.
Rumsfeld makes $5-million killing on bird flu drug.
File this under "what color is your parachute." 
Click the photo to see a larger image of the peeps in the basket.
Yep, they were alive. They were being sold on the street outside of a school by this vendor.
Independent Online Edition > Americas Donald Rumsfeld makes $5m killing on bird flu drug
Click the photo to see a larger image of the peeps in the basket.
Yep, they were alive. They were being sold on the street outside of a school by this vendor.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
My 200 word statement as a candidate that ran in local paper
My campaign song, "Lay The Shovel Down," stands for STOPPING wrong-headed, big-ticket spending. Tax breaks make the rich richer and poor poorer. I'll vote NO on TIFs, stadiums and under-river tunnels. I'm prudent, hate debt and want families to thrive here again. Get my free CD with software and music.
My focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not cronies.
I coach swimming. Kids are my priority. I want to chair the YOUTH POLICY and Citiparks committee. My expert background from Market House to publisher of 100+ fitness books will insure functional rinks, pools, gyms. Our kids deserve something to shoot at and for, rather than each other with guns.
All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich). In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.
I'll cut the deed-transfer-tax and encourage home-ownership by unloading URA properties.
Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, a marathon, and community fitness. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solutions. Give your input at 390-page Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
Mark Rauterkus, 46, Libertarian.
Married to Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., since 1990.
Two sons, ages 11 and 8.
South Side
Graduate of Penn Hills High School, 1977; BSJ, 82, Ohio University, graduate teaching assistant at Baylor University, 1982-83 sans degree.
Labor council candidates interviewed
Labor council candidates interviewed Allegheny County Labor Council is scheduling interviews on March 24 and 25 for political candidates seeking endorsement in the May 16 primary election.I won't be going there as I'm not going to be in the May 16 primary, thankfully.
Candidates can call 412-281-7450.
Biggest Maverick Candidates
Mr. Rauterkus and Mr. Krane could be characterized as two of the biggest maverick candidates.
Mr. Rauterkus believes the best way to make the city attractive again is by getting neighborhood youths more involved in activities. He claims the problem with juvenile delinquency makes this part of the city unattractive and unsavory for any one planning to raise a family to want to move to this area.
Mr. Rauterkus is a father who has been actively involved in his children's activities, particularly as a club swim team coach based at the Oliver Bath House on the South Side.
Someone in the audience questioned Mr. Rauterkus about this idea, noting that there are too many un-supervised children who do not get involved in activities anyway because of the bad home environment they live in.
Mr. Rauterkus, a graduate of Ohio University's journalism school, says he comes from a multi-generational family of teachers who have invested in the city. He wants other families with young children to join him in helping to make the city vibrant.
He said he and his wife Catherine Palmer, a professor at Pitt, have stood 'against the wave of young adults leaving the region�.'
Friday, March 10, 2006
Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City
These are my words posted in a comment area of another blog. They call out Harold D. Miller, in a way. He's been silent on this so far. Perhaps he didn't notice or is on spring break in Lauderdale this week.
Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City: "All the king's horses and all the king's men will not be able to fix Pittsburgh again. Can't happen. Won't happen.
However, once the people engage (again) and the king's people and assets are told to become deliberate interactive elements -- and that is the RADICAL shift from how it works here now (and in the recent past) then we'll be able to flourish.
The fluff of the site (in my eyes) is because the interactivity is absent.
The POP thingie will be a sink. It will burning resources, money and careers even. But, the king's court has plenty of deep pockets. Trouble is -- the king is broke and the people are too. The city is going over the brink.
If Harold D. Miller wanted to be part of a real debate -- bring it on.
And, this even goes to the core as to why the other Mark, Mark Cuban, wouldn't be able to cope here again -- as in your other posting.
Think again!
The theme of engagement is real. And, it is critical. It is colaboration -- not cooperation. It is about competition -- not concensus. I don't want to be 'at the table' with everyone in 'snooze mode.' Our city is about to crumble, and we need to light a fire under the seats of the people at the table and get them into life's serious work already.
Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City: "All the king's horses and all the king's men will not be able to fix Pittsburgh again. Can't happen. Won't happen.
However, once the people engage (again) and the king's people and assets are told to become deliberate interactive elements -- and that is the RADICAL shift from how it works here now (and in the recent past) then we'll be able to flourish.
The fluff of the site (in my eyes) is because the interactivity is absent.
The POP thingie will be a sink. It will burning resources, money and careers even. But, the king's court has plenty of deep pockets. Trouble is -- the king is broke and the people are too. The city is going over the brink.
If Harold D. Miller wanted to be part of a real debate -- bring it on.
And, this even goes to the core as to why the other Mark, Mark Cuban, wouldn't be able to cope here again -- as in your other posting.
Think again!
The theme of engagement is real. And, it is critical. It is colaboration -- not cooperation. It is about competition -- not concensus. I don't want to be 'at the table' with everyone in 'snooze mode.' Our city is about to crumble, and we need to light a fire under the seats of the people at the table and get them into life's serious work already.
philly: Why Did Joe Hoeffel Back Out?
philly: Why Did Joe Hoeffel Back Out? He went on and on about how he was going to do his best to keep The Hoagiemeister in the Governor's mansion and that he hoped his supporters would continue to support The Hoagiemeister's run for Governor. It's a lot to chew on."I've not heard of that nickname, "Hoagiemeister."
Today, after swim practice, we all went to Pramanti Brothers. Felt good. The boys did a great job at swimming this week. We attended five swim practices in a row. That hasn't happened in many months with so many conflicts with candidate nights and such. The swimmers hit a groove once they get themselves into the groove.
As a bonus, WPIAL 100 Breast Champ, J.N. of Central at our practice tonight. We got out the video recorder and got him doing some pace work. He's going to states, along with some of the others associated with the program. Next week I'll have time to get into some video work with the kids and the web as well.
In 2006, Joe won the 100 Breast. And in 2005 and 2004, the champ was a Carlynton swimmer who is now at Notre Dame. So, three years in a row -- the BREAST title goes through Carlynton.
We are gearing up for swim lessons to start in a few weeks. I'll have to get out an email blast about when and how to sign up.
Police Chief Talks Teen Gun Violence
ThePittsburghChannel.com - News - Police Chief Talks Teen Gun Violence A string of shootings involving local school-aged kids has left police and politicians searching for answers.Two years mandatory time with a gun. Four years if the gun is fired, mandatory.
Next we need to hold parents accountable for the acts of the kids, so says Chief of Police, Costa.
Parenting is important, very important. But, it isn't going to help to threaten the parent and the kids. I've been engaged in parental advocate work, with some programs from the National Fatherhood groups. In this example (listen to the clip), Costa is barking the wrong tune up the wrong tree.
How can a coordinated attack on the problem occur -- with the community centers too -- when the centers have been closed or are dysfunctional?
Official Proposes School Zone Firearm Safety Act
KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News, Weather and Sports: Official Proposes School Zone Firearm Safety Act: "Diven's proposal would call for a mandatory two-year-jail sentence for anyone over the age of 12 years old who fires a gun while committing a crime within 300-feet of a school.Of course they are armed and dangerous. Brandon Murray and Thomas Beck....
The cost to keep a criminal in a PA prison is $85 per day. The cost for a year is about $35,000. These numbers come from my director of policy research, Dr. Wilburn Hayden.
Okay -- how much do we pay for a crossing guard per day?
How much do we pay a substitute teacher per day?
How many full-time athletic coaches are in town making $35,000 per year?
The prisons are at 110% capacity.
The Rec Centers are not filled to capacity. We used to have 19 Rec Centers in the city. The past mayor closed them all, but didn't touch but one Senior Center.
The Senior Centers, in my not so humble opinion, serve a great purpose too. Senior Centers offer a lot of preventative care as well to our community. But, come on -- this isn't a square deal.
The outcomes for the future are still unknown as to what Bob O'Connor is REALLY going to do with the summer swim pool and rec centers. Time will tell -- more jails, more police, more prisoners seem to be the way of the vast majority.
Strip District beautification projects to get federal funding
Strip District beautification projects to get federal funding: "In addition to improving underpasses, she said, the money could help pay for a tiny park along the Allegheny River."Take that tiny park along the river and put it where the sun doesn't shine.
Lay the shovel down, already.
I'm a park's person. I'm a big-time park's person. But this sucking sound we hear isn't from the real parks and real people that use them. That tiny park downtown is a wrong investment. Rather, fund 20 swimming pools in neighborhoods. Hire conditioning coaches and face the childhood obesity problems in the eye. Rather, make bike lanes that allow for cyclist to use the busways. Rather, re-start the marathon.
Libertarian candidate making Senate run
Bless his heart. Sign his petition too.
Centre Daily Times | 03/10/2006 | Libertarian candidate making Senate run: "Libertarian candidate making Senate run
Tom Martin says ballot access is most important campaign issue
STATE COLLEGE -- Penn State computer engineer Thomas Martin has been nominated by the state Libertarian Party to run for the U.S. Senate, though he'll need more than 66,000 petition signatures of eligible voters to get his name on the November ballot.
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, a Republican, and Democratic Senate candidates Bob Casey Jr., Chuck Pennacchio and Alan Sandals were required to obtain only 2,000 signatures each to get their names on the May 16 primary election ballot.
Huston Township resident Martin, 48, said his most important campaign issue is ballot access, trying to reduce the signature requirements for minor party candidates to a more reasonable level.
'If we cannot call the mismanagers to account at the ballot box, they're freer in Iraq than we are here,' Martin said Thursday.
The 66,000-signature requirement is a statutory requirement enforced by the Department of State. The state arrives at the number by taking 2 percent of the largest vote cast for the last statewide vote -- the 3.3 million votes Casey got in the 2004 race for state treasurer.
The Libertarian Party's political philosophy calls for small government and respect for individuals' rights. The philosophy differs from other minor parties, but most minor parties have gotten behind a lawsuit filed by the Constitution and Green parties asking the federal court to strike down the Pennsylvania statute as unconstitutional.
Martin acknowledged Thursday that it will be a daunting task to obtain enough signatures. He said he will endeavor to surpass the 2,000 signatures required of Republicans and Democrats."
Recruit 2,000 extra police for ...
You're hired.
SI.com - Olympics - China to recruit 2,000 extra police for Olympics - Friday March 10, 2006 12:40PM: "recruit extra police"
URA keeps spending our money in the wrong way!
Here we go again... The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. That seems to be the practice with too many around here.
I'm with Senator Ferlo. Lay the shovel down!
Enough is enough.
Mr. Ferlo cast the lone no vote against the purchases. See, I would NOT be alone. I would give the necessary help to Bob O'Connor. O'Connor picked Ferlo for the job on the URA board. Ferlo and O'Connor need more help -- like the kind that I can deliver.
The URA will pay $1.6 million to buy a vacant six-story building at 236 Fifth Ave. owned by The Maplewood Group Inc. and most recently occupied by a D & K discount store. The building last sold for $1 million in 1992 and is currently assessed at $720,000, according to Allegheny County's real estate Web site.
There again we find another good use of the web site and technology. We need to keep a keen eye upon these transactions and need to leverage the internet as best we can to make sure that things don't get hidden from view of the citizen/taxpayers.
The URA isn't buying buildings like this -- for everyday citizens to reside and live within.
I'm with Senator Ferlo. Lay the shovel down!
URA buys 2 more Downtown properties in Fifth-Forbes corridor The city Urban Redevelopment Authority will spend $2 million to buy two more properties in the Fifth and Forbes corridor over the objections of state Sen. Jim Ferlo, a new board member who claims the agency overpaid for the parcels and should get out of the real estate business Downtown.
Enough is enough.
Mr. Ferlo cast the lone no vote against the purchases. See, I would NOT be alone. I would give the necessary help to Bob O'Connor. O'Connor picked Ferlo for the job on the URA board. Ferlo and O'Connor need more help -- like the kind that I can deliver.
The URA will pay $1.6 million to buy a vacant six-story building at 236 Fifth Ave. owned by The Maplewood Group Inc. and most recently occupied by a D & K discount store. The building last sold for $1 million in 1992 and is currently assessed at $720,000, according to Allegheny County's real estate Web site.
There again we find another good use of the web site and technology. We need to keep a keen eye upon these transactions and need to leverage the internet as best we can to make sure that things don't get hidden from view of the citizen/taxpayers.
The URA isn't buying buildings like this -- for everyday citizens to reside and live within.
Jon Delano -- PSF newsletter in the comments part
Jon gives a run down of those in the primary who are women candidates and challengers to state house and state senate.
Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes
Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes Diven wants mandatory 2 years in jail for offenses within 100 yards of schoolsAnother bubble bill.
What happened to the mayor's proposed 1,000 foot zone? Did it shrink to 300-feet?
I've been blogging about how they want to build bigger jails. Take a kid who is 13, make them face adult time. Wow.
How big is the zone (300 feet, or more???) for the casino? Just wondering.
"If you don't have safe schools, then you can't accomplish any of the things schools are supposed to accomplish," said Diven. What, so far, has Diven ever done to do anything about school accomplishments?
Diven tried to oust a school board member or two and insert some political friends into those jobs. So, Diven tried to accomplish political moves at a school. Remember the 'limo question' and the 'pink pig bulletin board?' That was a pay-back interview in Diven's neighborhood.
In some ways, the legislation would build on the state's "drug-free school zones." Does that work? Is that something to build upon?
And again, we can't touch those that live near schools, can't touch those that are transporting themselves and the guns near a school. So, the roadblock is having the law work in the real world.
There was a shooting downtown. The law won't apply there as the school kids were not near a school. There was a shooting a couple of years ago at another buzy bus stop near the clock in Mt. Oliver too. The kids were getting off a bus from school. Do you extend the law to include school buses and the bus stops too?
Furthermore, Diven was in Harrisburg when the 'bailout' came to the city. The bailout stunk. One of the provisions of the bailout was the firing of all the crossing guards. The city's budget didn't fund the crossing guards and that cost was shifted, wrongly, to the school budget. So, Mr. Diven, why don't you make a law in Harrisburg that makes school crossing guards the responsibility of the municipality -- and NOT the school district. I'd rather have the school district fund reading, writting and other educational needs.
These folks are trying to take guns away from the kid's hands. Fine. Do that all you want. But I'm going to try to find someone -- anyone -- to give the kids decent opportunities and more in their hands other than guns.
Idle hands.... What's that expression????
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