WATER PORK BILL FLOATS THROUGH CONGRESS
Volume XII No. 5 - April 30, 2007Lawmakers this week passed a $16.5 billion water project bill (H.R. 1495), containing more than 800 parochial pork barrel projects for virtually every Congressional district in the nation. This bill has it all: from $1.8 billion to build seven unnecessary new navigation locks on the Upper Mississippi River (pdf) (Sec. 8003) to studying the navigation impacts of building the infamous “Don Young’s Way” bridge project in Alaska (Sec. 4005), to $55 million for pumping sand (pdf) to maintain Imperial Beach, CA for the next 50 years (Sec. 1001 (9)).
In a race to get this long stalled bill approved (they've been working on it since 2002), congressional leadership seemed to forget about the fundamental flaws that Hurricane Katrina exposed in the way the Corps of Engineers develops, designs and constructs this country’s water resource projects. In the starkest terms, Katrina showed us (pdf) that the time is long passed to end the political spoils system that has driven water project investment for more than a century. We need a modern, accountable and prioritized system to develop and award projects. It’s a message that Congress has failed to grasp.
Almost as an afterthought, lawmakers passed an amendment by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tom Petri (R-WI), and Peter Welch (D-VT) that directs the Corps of Engineers to update archaic rules (pdf) that govern how water projects are developed and selected. The outdated current rules (Principles & Guidelines), for example, encourage the Corps to build levees that protect undeveloped low-lying areas to spur economic development rather than building higher and stronger levees where there are actually people and property to protect. Disco died, come back to life and died again since 1983, the last time these rules were updated.
The Senate will now consider its own bill, which includes an amendment by Sens. Russ Feingold (D-WI) and John McCain (R-AZ) that would make the Corps more accountable to the public through truly independent peer review for costly, controversial or critical projects. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) is looking to add to the $15 billion price tag by including more projects in the bill for “acute needs.” (pdf)
But there is no acute need for billions more in water projects. The Corps already has a whopping $58 billion backlog of projects they haven’t built yet, and will get only $2 billion in construction funding this year. To add more than $16 billion in new projects will just add more competition for the precious few construction dollars lying around. The acute need is for serious reform. Congress should require the Corps to prioritize projects and funnel money to the projects that will benefit the nation the most. Absent such a system, Congress and the Corps don’t even know which projects should be first on the list. When that happens, decisions are based on politics rather than need.
The Administration, which has rattled the veto saber recently, left it sheathed for this bill. Considering the well deserved public relations hit this Administration took for its Katrina response, you might think reforming the agency that built the New Orleans levees would be a top priority.
Breaking the nearly two-century old iron triangle of water pork in this country (we have a copy of an 1836 House Ways & Means Committee report documenting 25 wasteful Corps projects) is going to take a lot more. Katrina exposed the costly consequences of our existing parochial water project system. Now Congress needs to take the necessary steps make the Corps of Engineers more accountable.
Going on at Taxpayer.net This Week
The Senate this week introduced its own standards regarding how it will handle earmarks in appropriations bill.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Water Pork from Taxpayers for Common Sense
Friday, April 20, 2007
Big Idea Book | Engage Pittsburgh
What happened to the promise of the funding of ideas from the fall of 2006? Spout Fund -- what's up?
Big Idea Book | Engage Pittsburgh
The Big Idea Book is an aggregation of the ideas and projects that were discussed at The Sprout Fund's September 9, 2006 Idea Round Up event and the online discussions that will continue on engagepittsburgh.org throughout the fall 2006.
Ideas are grouped in general topic areas like chapters in a book. Currently, the only features enabled for engagepittsburgh.org users are the abilities to view, comment and rate (vote) the ideas. Additional features to modify and add to the idea pages will be forthcoming.
The Movies of Campus MovieFest
An easy way to kill some time.
The Movies of Campus MovieFest The Campus MovieFest International Grand Finale, showed phenomenal short movies, music, and more. CMF provided Apple laptops, camcorders, and training to over 25,000 students this past year and on June 10th, hundreds experienced the best short movies of 2006 submitted by students at schools throughout Atlanta, Florida, Boston, California, and Scotland, plus a fascinating Q&A session with the top filmmakers.
New arena could displace synagogue in Hill District - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
New arena could displace synagogue in Hill District - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The only synagogue that serves Downtown could be moving again to make way for a new arena, an official said Thursday.This makes me mad. The congregation is going to move. Move out of the city.
The arena could be built around Beth Hamedrash Hagodol-Beth Jacob, but the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority would prefer to relocate the synagogue to make more space, said Executive Director Mary Conturo.
'It would work much better, in terms of the loading dock and access to it, if the synagogue relocated,' Conturo said. 'Possibly we could design around it, but it's not preferable.'
They didn't think about this before? There is far to much that they didn't tell us.
The church buildings are going down now.
Duhh. Why didn't we build the new arena out by the airport. Then, perhaps, there would be a new development there. And, with the new development, new residents. And, furthermore, new places of worship.
We are tearing down and churning. We are not growing the region.
In ONE DAY: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Events Calendar
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Events Calendar: Boot Camp Pittsburgh
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
4/21/2007 9am
This is a free one-day introductory event for internet users comprised of 25 sessions that will cover the basics of blogging, podcasting, and 'social networking' (i.e. making social and business contacts using websites like MySpace).
Presenters include a wide range of experts, including popular podcasting musician Matthew Ebel, online entertainment guru and PodCamp co-founder Chris Brogan of Network2, the creator and cast of local web series 'Something To Be Desired', and Pittsburgh-based internet personality iJustine, runner-up in Yahoo's recent national Talent Search.
For more information and to register for free, go to www.bootcamppgh.org.
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
4/21/2007 9am
This is a free one-day introductory event for internet users comprised of 25 sessions that will cover the basics of blogging, podcasting, and 'social networking' (i.e. making social and business contacts using websites like MySpace).
Presenters include a wide range of experts, including popular podcasting musician Matthew Ebel, online entertainment guru and PodCamp co-founder Chris Brogan of Network2, the creator and cast of local web series 'Something To Be Desired', and Pittsburgh-based internet personality iJustine, runner-up in Yahoo's recent national Talent Search.
For more information and to register for free, go to www.bootcamppgh.org.
More Testimony from the Legislative Reform Hearing in Pittsburgh
Yesterday, I got to speak to the Harrisburg lawmakers about legislative reform. (scroll down). Here are the words from another (running mate).
He speaks of his experiences in California about term limits. My position on terms limits is the same. I'm okay with term limits.
I'd vote in favor of term limits. I even said in the past that I'd term limit myself. You can hear that pledge in my background audio from 2001 at TalkShoe.com. Give us term limits as they'd make for a remedial measure that would serve us well.
Most of all, we need term limits in the mayor's office and with other executive offices. We have it with the PA Governor, and that seems to work well.
I wonder: What do the ones in the Pgh Contoller's race -- and the Allegheny County Controller's race say about term limits?
Testimony on legislative reform in Pennsylvania, hearing in Pittsburgh, April 19, 2007.
My name is Al Bennett. I live in Representative Chelsa Wagner’s district at 956 Pine Avenue in Castle Shannon, located in the south hills of Pittsburgh. I retired here with my wife Linda after working for almost 20 years for the California State Library in Sacramento. My wife is from the south hills and missed Pittsburgh every day she was away. I spent my high school years in Beaver County and am also very glad to be back in this extraordinary area.
While leading the California Literacy Campaign throughout the state of California beginning in 1983, I interacted regularly with the California State legislature. Although reform was an ongoing agenda item during those years, one change that occurred in the 1990s led to positive change in a particularly profound way. That reform was the imposition of term limits on both the State Assembly and the Senate.
I have been surprised since we moved to Castle Shannon in 2001 at the extreme need for reform in the Pennsylvania legislature. It is clear that the present structure has made election to the legislature an opportunity for personal gain that greatly interferes with the objective of serving constituents’ needs. By the time a legislator has been reelected enough times to gain substantial power, the temptation to put his or her personal benefits above those of constituents has become very great.
I saw a similar pattern when I started working with the California state legislature in the early ‘80s. But when an initiative was introduced to limit the number of terms a legislature could serve, I felt the loss of experience and wisdom would make lobbyists’ and staffers’ power even greater and I voted against the measure.
I must report, however, that I was wrong. Within the very first year that legislators became “termed out”, a change for the good occurred. The most powerful member of the Assembly, speaker Willy Brown who would probably never have been voted out by voters in his district, had to step aside. An amazing breeze of fresh air started to blow into the Assembly. I saw the cynical attitudes of old pros replaced by the enthusiasm of new, frequently young and often children of immigrants, newly-elected legislators grab hold of the legislative process. Instead of “that’ll never work”, we began to get “let’s give it a try”, and changes that could never have happened before began to occur. And they are still going on.
There are many reforms that could be introduced in Pennsylvania, and many of them would undoubtedly be beneficial. But one that I believe would have profound benefits quickly is limiting numbers of terms that an individual can serve. I urge the legislature on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania to make term limits its highest reform priority.
Thank you for this opportunity to testify this morning.
He speaks of his experiences in California about term limits. My position on terms limits is the same. I'm okay with term limits.
I'd vote in favor of term limits. I even said in the past that I'd term limit myself. You can hear that pledge in my background audio from 2001 at TalkShoe.com. Give us term limits as they'd make for a remedial measure that would serve us well.
Most of all, we need term limits in the mayor's office and with other executive offices. We have it with the PA Governor, and that seems to work well.
I wonder: What do the ones in the Pgh Contoller's race -- and the Allegheny County Controller's race say about term limits?
Rutgers special event: Journalist David Z to visit campus
The event seems like it is well on its way and won't be nixed due to my blabbing about it. But, I'd love to see David take a few moments and talk about the cutting of men's swimming at Rutgers -- as he is oncampus.
CollegeSwimming.com :: View topic - Rutgers special event: Journalist David Z to visit campus: "A favorite journalist, author, sports-mind, netizen is due to go to Rutgers to speak at an event this week. Can Phil or others from NJ take the lead on this and be sure to get some from the swim community there to hear him -- and raise issues about the team's looming cut.
And, I've emailed David directly asking him to look into this before he steps on campus. A call or email from a swimmer at Rutgers directly to him might go far, before he arrives.
He just did a book on Ali. I love his social and sport insights.
Dave Zirin - edgeofsports@gmail.com
A Ho Ho no no - Homework for Mr. Zober. Well, it is really an in-class assignment. Don't take it home. All work should stay in the office.
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| From china - foods |
A Ho Ho no no: "A Ho Ho no no" Friday's P-G business page article.For Yarone's next homework assignement, tell us how many slices a pizza folks in Pittsburgh eat, on average, a day -- or a year.
Then, we want to know about pretzels.
Then, tell us about pierogies.
Then, do the research and math into the consumption of -- say -- iced tea and super-charged energy drinks.
Then, root bear. I think we've got more root beer drinkers than anywhere else.
We want real reasearch. We want press events, peer reviews, urban website coverage, and national and international talk-show interviews.
Take two or three weeks, if not months, on each topic area. Research a few other competing markets on each product too. Leave the wings, chili, sliders, fish and cones to others to research for now.
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| From china - foods |
This will give you something meaningful to do. I know I'd rest better at night knowing that this mission was your top priority. And pull Mr. Skrinjer into this for three time a day meetings as well.
Finally, find out, again, as a follow-up, how much bottled water they are drinking on the other side of the all within City Council. That's always a very pressing concern.
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| From china - foods |
Upper St. Clair citizen are rocking
We are very excited to be working to elect five members to the USC School Board who will make decisions for the benefit of our children and our community, protect the township's investment in its outstanding schools and Restore Unity, Sense and Civility to the USC School Board!
As you may know, we are publishing a weekly e-newsletter featuring one of our candidates each week, as well as campaign updates and issues. We have added your e-mail address to the list to receive the e-mail, and hope that it will keep you up to date and informed. If you have not received these newsletters, please check whether they are being delivered to your bulk/junk mail folder or being marked as spam. To ensure that you receive emails from RestoreUSC, please add newsletter@restoreusc.org to your address book today .
If you would rather not receive these occasional e-mails, you may unsubscribe at the bottom of any newsletter, or e-mail us via our web site at http://www.restoreusc.org .
We hope you will join us in our effort to Restore Unity, Sense and Civility to the governance of USC's finest asset - our schools.
Sincerely, Amy Billerbeck
May 1, 2007 - Important PUBLIC Hearing to combat Luke's tax give-a-way: City Council Meeting Schedule
Stay tuned. Save the date. Be there to speak. Call the City Clerk's office to get onto the agenda, 412 255 2138. Or, Call to get onto the agenda, either "in favor, AGAINST, or only with "statements." 412 255-2138.
I'm going to be in New Zealand. However, I expect to submit my statement to the city clerk for the record before I depart.
When you look on the city's web site, you notice these scant details.
This is a public hearing. So, folks will be given, if you call in advance, up to three minutes to speak. If you don't call, they still often allow you two minutes after all the speakers have gone.
This provides a benefit to those who have already been able to benefit by being around extensive public infrastructure investments. Those around the new arena are going to get a tax break. Those around the new tunnels under the rivers are going to get a tax break. Those around the new Point State Park are going to get a tax break. Those around the new Market Square are going to get a tax break. Those around the new Convention Center are going to get a tax break. Those around the new slots parlor are going to get a tax break. Those around the new PNC Park are going to get a tax break. Those around the new African American Cultural Center, the Grayhound Bus Station, the Garden Theater, PNC Plaza, etc., -- you get the idea -- get tax breaks. It is backwards thinking and backwards policy.
A massive amount of big-ticket spending has gone on with government money. They've been digging holes in the ground. These development projects are sinks themselves. Plus, these development projects are such that the areas around them need to be subsidized too -- so they think on Grant Street.
They are tossing good money after bad. They need to "Lay The Shovel Down." They need to stop digging the holes in the ground. Rather, they need to be finished with the hole digging and let everyone have a chance at a more level marketplace.
The great big sucking sound that Ross Perot talked about with Mexico is also known as this downtown area.
The new housing that will be squeezed into downtown spaces where it doesn't really belong needs to be subsidized for rich people to move there. That means that other neighborhoods will see valued residents depart for downtown. Other neigbhorhood see their taxes rise so tax breaks can be given to the rich that move to downtown. The poor get poorer and the rich get richer. The rest of the city gets punished for its years of hard work trying to sustain itself and the downtown cronies get rewarded for their political connections and sway.
Furthermore, this policy of putting upscale condos and rich people into homes in commercial spaces means it is going to be harder for commercial operations to come back into areas where they have the most chance of success. Downtown is our business brain center and our finance and law and government and board-room hub. Pittsburgh's rebound into a prosperous, vibrant, center of commerce and innovation is going to be more difficult to achieve in the years to come. Small business is getting elbowed out of places where they should be able to move to and sprout.
We don't want our business upstarts to need to move to Green Tree nor Hayes nor Troy Hill nor Betlzhoover. Green Tree is too finished and too expensive. That's a decent place for US Air expansion but not "Joe's High-Tech Widget Marvels" an early stage company. I want them in flex office space near downtown, on public transportation where the region's best and brightest can mingle. I don't want them to need to recuit the first 20 employees into a space that fits their needs in Hayes, Troy Hill or Betlzhoover -- but employees can't and won't want to work there as buses are impossible.
Summary: I want to have workers work downtown where access to services and capital is a stone's throw away. And, I want to have residents and workers live in Troy Hill, Betzhoover and Hayes.
Summary: I want to see tax breaks given to everyone, especially those who have lived a hard life keeping frail neighborhoods alive despite the shifting tides against them.
Summary: If downtown is such a hip place and is about to boom -- let it do so on its own. Don't subsidize what is already about to bloosom. Let them pull their own weight.
I'm going to be in New Zealand. However, I expect to submit my statement to the city clerk for the record before I depart.
When you look on the city's web site, you notice these scant details.
This is a public hearing. So, folks will be given, if you call in advance, up to three minutes to speak. If you don't call, they still often allow you two minutes after all the speakers have gone.
City Council Meeting Schedule Tuesday, May 1, 2007This amounts to a tax give-a-way for ten years. People who speculate on property will benefit and the rest of the city will pay more.
1:30 PM - Public Hearing - Bill No. 2007-1285
Ordinance amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh Code, Title Two, Fiscal; Article & IX, Property Taxes; Chapter 265, Exemptions for Residential Improvements: Section 265.01, Definitions; Section 265.03, Exemption for Improvements; and Section 265.04, Exemption for Residential Construction, so as to create a new ten-year exemption covering residential improvements and construction in areas defined as the Uptown District, the Downtown District and Targeted Growth Zones for exemption applications filed on or after July 1, 2007 and through June 30, 2012.
Also:
Public Hearing - Bill No. 2007-1286
Ordinance amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh Zoning Code, Title Two, Fiscal; Article IX, Property Taxes; Chapter 267, Exemptions for Industrial and Commercial Improvements; Section 267.01, Definitions; Section 267.03, Exemption Schedule; Section 267.04, Exemption Conditions; and Section 267.09, Participation by Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Board of Education, so as to create a new tax exemption for the conversion of industrial, commercial or other business property into owner-occupied residential use in deteriorated underutilized transition areas and also to increase the exemption for improvements constituting a qualified conversion to commercial residential use as to properties which are located in deteriorated underutilized transition areas for applications filed on or after July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2012.
This provides a benefit to those who have already been able to benefit by being around extensive public infrastructure investments. Those around the new arena are going to get a tax break. Those around the new tunnels under the rivers are going to get a tax break. Those around the new Point State Park are going to get a tax break. Those around the new Market Square are going to get a tax break. Those around the new Convention Center are going to get a tax break. Those around the new slots parlor are going to get a tax break. Those around the new PNC Park are going to get a tax break. Those around the new African American Cultural Center, the Grayhound Bus Station, the Garden Theater, PNC Plaza, etc., -- you get the idea -- get tax breaks. It is backwards thinking and backwards policy.
A massive amount of big-ticket spending has gone on with government money. They've been digging holes in the ground. These development projects are sinks themselves. Plus, these development projects are such that the areas around them need to be subsidized too -- so they think on Grant Street.
They are tossing good money after bad. They need to "Lay The Shovel Down." They need to stop digging the holes in the ground. Rather, they need to be finished with the hole digging and let everyone have a chance at a more level marketplace.
The great big sucking sound that Ross Perot talked about with Mexico is also known as this downtown area.
The new housing that will be squeezed into downtown spaces where it doesn't really belong needs to be subsidized for rich people to move there. That means that other neighborhoods will see valued residents depart for downtown. Other neigbhorhood see their taxes rise so tax breaks can be given to the rich that move to downtown. The poor get poorer and the rich get richer. The rest of the city gets punished for its years of hard work trying to sustain itself and the downtown cronies get rewarded for their political connections and sway.
Furthermore, this policy of putting upscale condos and rich people into homes in commercial spaces means it is going to be harder for commercial operations to come back into areas where they have the most chance of success. Downtown is our business brain center and our finance and law and government and board-room hub. Pittsburgh's rebound into a prosperous, vibrant, center of commerce and innovation is going to be more difficult to achieve in the years to come. Small business is getting elbowed out of places where they should be able to move to and sprout.
We don't want our business upstarts to need to move to Green Tree nor Hayes nor Troy Hill nor Betlzhoover. Green Tree is too finished and too expensive. That's a decent place for US Air expansion but not "Joe's High-Tech Widget Marvels" an early stage company. I want them in flex office space near downtown, on public transportation where the region's best and brightest can mingle. I don't want them to need to recuit the first 20 employees into a space that fits their needs in Hayes, Troy Hill or Betlzhoover -- but employees can't and won't want to work there as buses are impossible.
Summary: I want to have workers work downtown where access to services and capital is a stone's throw away. And, I want to have residents and workers live in Troy Hill, Betzhoover and Hayes.
Summary: I want to see tax breaks given to everyone, especially those who have lived a hard life keeping frail neighborhoods alive despite the shifting tides against them.
Summary: If downtown is such a hip place and is about to boom -- let it do so on its own. Don't subsidize what is already about to bloosom. Let them pull their own weight.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Legislative Reform: Talking about Transparent PAC Accounts and the Scarlet Letter provisions
 | Transparent PAC accounts and the scarlet letter. Idea from Mark Rauterkus about legislative reform. |
| From ads - political |
First, show us the money. Lets abolish campaign financial disclosure deadlines in favor of transparent PAC accounts. Second, if you cheat, we'll never do business with you again. Cheaters get cut off until the ones that benefited is out of office and off the the public payroll.
In banking, 'trust funds' can be established that provide unlimited, real-time witness to every deposit and withdrawal. This real world, marketplace solution could be applied to all political action committees (PACs). This solution comes without any cost to the government. It saves money by putting all the reporting of political money transactions off of the backs of the election departments.
Let's use on-line banking to a wider degree when it comes to public money. All candidates and political action committees would have a bank account at any state-sanctioned commercial bank with a public account number so all transactions could be witnessed over the internet. Campaign disclosure forms would be a thing of the past as everything would always be out in the open.
These new TRANSPARENT PAC ACCOUNTS could be used beyond campaign efforts too. Let's plug them in for governmental line items. The Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission has a fund. How much money is in it? When was the last deposit? Where did that money come from? Where was the last payment? How much? What is the balance? How does that compare to past years? How come the donuts for staffers cost so much?
But let's not stop at shade trees. Let's consider real-time reporting for all sorts of governmental income and expense streams. Today's deposit of lottery funds, gambling incomes, dog licenses, parking tickets and everything else can be made open to anyone to anywhere with the internet and the right type of banking transactions – if there is a political will to make things transparent to citizens. That's our money. I want to shine a light on it all and watch it. Banks do this all the time.
Should campaign finance reform come to pass, the new laws may put a cap on the amount of money any one citizen can contribute to a candidate. But how do you address those that choose to not play by the rules. I think a scarlet letter sanctions on rule breakers would help. Those that break the law and are unethical in our political process should wear this scarlet letter. That designation would eliminate all eligibility for that company and individual for any government money from any governmental agency for as the duration of the tenure for the rule-breaker.
This goes to pay to play antics.
Let's say a new rule comes into being and that no citizen can give more than $1,000 to any candidate. But, a developer or a bridge contractor really wants to build a tunnel under the river for half-a-billion dollars. Buying off four or five city council members and paying a $10,000 fine for each is worth it. Even with the fines,
it is a good investment.
We should choose to not do business with the people and companies that break the rules of the political process.
The way to get rid of the scarlet letter designation is to have the person who benefited, i.e., the candidate / politician, to resign and get out of public office.
But, a rich uncle wants to spend $200,000 on a candidate's campaign, and that guy doesn't ever deal with government contracts, no problem. You can't prohibit individual wealth from entering the process. But you can block it from pay to play folly.
Busy week.
 | This week I made three different Public Statements: April 17, 18 and 19, 2007. Hear what was said with this raw footage from my camera. I'll make a nicer package when time permits. The first two parts were given to to Pgh city council. The third statement was delivered to PA lawmakers considering legislative reform. |
Messages from Mark Rauterkus at three public comment periods.
Copy to your browser:
Tonight's Meeting about the closed indoor rink -- online at TalkShoe - to start at 9:30 pm
I've got to adjust, slightly, the time for the meeting tonight, online, via TalkShoe.com. I advertised it as a 9 pm meeting. We'll start, in earnest, at 9:30 pm.
Pittsburgh - Carlisle hitting campaign trail following criminal charges - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper
Call backs are nice.
Pittsburgh - Carlisle hitting campaign trail following criminal charges - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper 'I have been very dissatisfied with the job she has been doing for a very long time,' says Point Breeze resident Joni Rabinowitz of Just Harvest, who is supporting challenger Ricky Burgess. Carlisle, Rabinowitz says, 'is never available to talk to you when you call, and she's never sponsored any legislation.'
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
More on Rutgers
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| From china - sculp... |
CollegeSwimming.com::More on Rutgers a living, breathing portrait of an institution run by individuals who have risen to their level of incompetence.
The Busman's Holiday: Oh, The Places You'll Go: The Reporter-Free Zone
The Busman's Holiday: Oh, The Places You'll Go: The Reporter-Free Zone For one, it's a window into what reporters sometimes face in gathering the most simple information from public officials.Public life should not be closed like this.
If I'm the mayor, and anyone behaves like this to you or to others in the public realm -- they'd be put on probation.
This is "OUR HOUSE" -- this is the house of government. This is where the people's business occurs.
All restricted hallways of City Hall should be made un-restricted. If folks want to lock up an office, fine. But hallways don't need to be closed to the people and the media.
Rant: It is too hard for me to not be insulting to council when they dare talk about aquatics and swim pools
The political will for swimming and aquatics shown by city council and the mayor in recent times has not been strong enough to float a turd in a toilet.
The vision for aquatics and swim pools from those in elected office on Grant Street has been worse than the vision of that turd as it swirls down the drain.
And to sustain the insulting metaphor, I don't blame the staff and directors, such as Dwayne Ashley and Mike Radley, as it is impossible to make chicken soup when your only given chicken poop.
It is insulting to see what could have been done, and it could have been fixed.
For me, this goes back to 1999 when the city pulled the permit for the age group competitive swim team that used to practice at the Oliver Bath House. We went to council, and nobody lifted a finger.
When SAVE-OUR-SUMMER '04 came, I was clear as to what could and should be done. Zippo came from the mayor's office and council.
If I was in charge, there would be drastic changes. Volunteers would be accepted. Interns from around the world would come to Pittsburgh as coaches. Cooperation with the private sector would flourish.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying we should give more or even any money to Citiparks. The plan I put forth years ago called for the formation of a Pittsburgh Park District, http://Play.CLOH.Org. The treatment of our kids is too important to leave to the folly of those on Grant Street.
What is unlike the city vs. the suburban areas is the coordination among public schools. There is NONE in the city.
The County Parks system should merge with Citiparks. Then we'd have a Park District. There is much to talk about with ring of services and facilities that are not in the city. Let's start by talking about the city owned ice rinks, outdoors at Schenley and indoors on the South Side.
Some topic's I'd advance from drawing board to programs would include:
swim lessons (yes, some)
Water polo (boys, girls, men, women, co-ed)
Swim teams
swim meets
Syncro
springboard diving
platform diving
syncro diving
distance swimming
snorkel swimming
fin swimming
open water swimming
underwater hockey
scuba
Lifesaving competitions
Jr. Lifesaving
Lifeguard camps
EMS training
boating
toy boating
canoe water polo
science day at the pool
water carnivals
intergernerational programs
water running
jump training
hydro training, strength (tiny)
water aerobics (yes)
coaching training – teach the teacher
stroke analysis – video taping -
baby swimming
baby video tapes (very popular in Austria)
Re-opening of YWCA downtown
Re-opening of Gladstone Middle School's pool
Re-opening of swim pool at South Vo Tech, and many other pools in closed schools. And, they'd have purpose.
The vision for aquatics and swim pools from those in elected office on Grant Street has been worse than the vision of that turd as it swirls down the drain.
And to sustain the insulting metaphor, I don't blame the staff and directors, such as Dwayne Ashley and Mike Radley, as it is impossible to make chicken soup when your only given chicken poop.
It is insulting to see what could have been done, and it could have been fixed.
For me, this goes back to 1999 when the city pulled the permit for the age group competitive swim team that used to practice at the Oliver Bath House. We went to council, and nobody lifted a finger.
When SAVE-OUR-SUMMER '04 came, I was clear as to what could and should be done. Zippo came from the mayor's office and council.
If I was in charge, there would be drastic changes. Volunteers would be accepted. Interns from around the world would come to Pittsburgh as coaches. Cooperation with the private sector would flourish.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying we should give more or even any money to Citiparks. The plan I put forth years ago called for the formation of a Pittsburgh Park District, http://Play.CLOH.Org. The treatment of our kids is too important to leave to the folly of those on Grant Street.
What is unlike the city vs. the suburban areas is the coordination among public schools. There is NONE in the city.
The County Parks system should merge with Citiparks. Then we'd have a Park District. There is much to talk about with ring of services and facilities that are not in the city. Let's start by talking about the city owned ice rinks, outdoors at Schenley and indoors on the South Side.
Some topic's I'd advance from drawing board to programs would include:
swim lessons (yes, some)
Water polo (boys, girls, men, women, co-ed)
Swim teams
swim meets
Syncro
springboard diving
platform diving
syncro diving
distance swimming
snorkel swimming
fin swimming
open water swimming
underwater hockey
scuba
Lifesaving competitions
Jr. Lifesaving
Lifeguard camps
EMS training
boating
toy boating
canoe water polo
science day at the pool
water carnivals
intergernerational programs
water running
jump training
hydro training, strength (tiny)
water aerobics (yes)
coaching training – teach the teacher
stroke analysis – video taping -
baby swimming
baby video tapes (very popular in Austria)
Re-opening of YWCA downtown
Re-opening of Gladstone Middle School's pool
Re-opening of swim pool at South Vo Tech, and many other pools in closed schools. And, they'd have purpose.
State panel hammers out vital ethics reforms. I'll be there
I'm speaking at 11:20 am, Thursday, in the Gold Room, Allegheny County Courthouse. The topics: Term limits, open government/records, campaign finance reform, and size of legislature.
State panel hammers out vital ethics reforms The Pittsburgh hearing is planned for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant St., Downtown. Speakers will be limited to 10 minutes and must sign up by sending e-mail messages to reform@speakerobrien.com or by calling Bill Patton at 1-717-787-4610.
Carbolic Smoke Ball talks of access to the Mayor
Carbolic Smoke Ball MAYOR: ABSENCE OF MEANINGFUL ELECTION WON'T CHANGE ACCESSIBILITY TO VOTERS, PRESS
He’s inviting all of them to stand behind the barricades along his coronation route next January.
Recent Discussions: Insights into BootCamp Pgh (today's noon conversation) + last night's meeting with classmates from Penn Hills '77.
Click for the iTunes selection in the iTunes store (still free) for my TalkShoe.com TalkCast called Take Your Mark.
More than 20 people joined into a TalkCast at noon today, Wed, April 18, to further organize and prepare for the Saturday technology event called BootCampPgh.org. The event begins at 9 am and ends after 4 pm. Free Food. Free Information!
Listen to the one hour show as organizers fine tune the schedule and the sessions are talked about, class by class.
This is a day you don't want to miss.
Last night a dozen or so used a TalkCast to gather energy for a 30th class reunion. Penn Hills Class of 1977 is getting its act together so we can toss a party in November -- for up to 500 people.
You can listen into either show as you desire.
More than 20 people joined into a TalkCast at noon today, Wed, April 18, to further organize and prepare for the Saturday technology event called BootCampPgh.org. The event begins at 9 am and ends after 4 pm. Free Food. Free Information!Listen to the one hour show as organizers fine tune the schedule and the sessions are talked about, class by class.
This is a day you don't want to miss.
Last night a dozen or so used a TalkCast to gather energy for a 30th class reunion. Penn Hills Class of 1977 is getting its act together so we can toss a party in November -- for up to 500 people.
You can listen into either show as you desire.
Ismail Ax: The Shooter Was Another 'Son of Sacrifice'
Jerry Bowyer gives his insights.
TCS Daily - Ismail Ax: The Shooter Was Another 'Son of Sacrifice' This morning I read that the Virginia Tech shooter died with the name Ismail Ax written in red ink on his arm. The mainstream press doesn't seem to have a clue as to what this might mean. To quote Indiana Jones, 'Didn't any of you guys go to Sunday School?'
Signature requirements for 3rd party candidates for Allegheny County Council
County Council District # + Number of Signatures Required
District 2 = 362
District 5 = 356
District 6 = 266
District 7 = 261
District 9 = 250
District 10 = 273
District 11 = 341
District 12 = 250
District 13 * (District of Mark Rauterkus) = 270
District 2 = 362
District 5 = 356
District 6 = 266
District 7 = 261
District 9 = 250
District 10 = 273
District 11 = 341
District 12 = 250
District 13 * (District of Mark Rauterkus) = 270
Today the kids in Beechview don't swim like they used to.
Yesterday, Pgh's City Council hosted a post-agenda about swimming pools. A post-agenda is a meeting where onlyl invited guests can speak and the public can't. And, it is a meeting where no votes are taken. They huddle without a care about any specific legislation.
The meeting was on TV, and that might have been the reason why they met at all. The meeting started 30-minutes late and went 30-minutes too long. Most of the other members of council had already left before some of the long-winded folks even came up for air.
A few bits of information was interesting and worth repeating.
A candid observation was made by Jim Motzink. He said that the kids in Beechview don't swim like they used to. They can't because they don't have a swim pool to go to any more.
The city has about 20 swim pools that are empty. There isn't any hope of putting them back in use. These are vacant properties on vital points in our neighborhoods. They are generally in prime locations. They have become maintance headaches where the grass needs to be cut, fences need to be mended and so on.
Nobody knows the conditions of these empty pools. It might take $40,000 to re-open some and $500,000 to re-open others. Right now little is known. Nothing seems to be documented. Assets are not detailed. No plan is being presented.
I'll be talking about this lack of plan today in city council chambers when I have three minutes to offer public comment.
Audio of Important Blast From the Past from 2001
The meeting was on TV, and that might have been the reason why they met at all. The meeting started 30-minutes late and went 30-minutes too long. Most of the other members of council had already left before some of the long-winded folks even came up for air.
A few bits of information was interesting and worth repeating.
A candid observation was made by Jim Motzink. He said that the kids in Beechview don't swim like they used to. They can't because they don't have a swim pool to go to any more.
The city has about 20 swim pools that are empty. There isn't any hope of putting them back in use. These are vacant properties on vital points in our neighborhoods. They are generally in prime locations. They have become maintance headaches where the grass needs to be cut, fences need to be mended and so on.
Nobody knows the conditions of these empty pools. It might take $40,000 to re-open some and $500,000 to re-open others. Right now little is known. Nothing seems to be documented. Assets are not detailed. No plan is being presented.
I'll be talking about this lack of plan today in city council chambers when I have three minutes to offer public comment.
Audio of Important Blast From the Past from 2001
Slashdot | Daylight Savings Time Puts Kid in Jail for 12 Days
Slashdot | Daylight Savings Time Puts Kid in Jail for 12 Days 'Cody Webb was jailed for calling in a bomb threat to his Hempstead Area high school (near Pittsburgh). He spent 12 days in lockup until the authorities realized that their caller-id log was off an hour because of the new Daylight Savings Time rules and that Cody had only called one hour prior to the actual bomb threat. Perhaps it took so long because of the principal's Catch-22 attitude about Cody's guilt — she said, 'Well, why should we believe you? You're a criminal. Criminals lie all the time.''Say what? Where's Hempstead Area? What jail?
In tragedy, digital media came into its own
In tragedy, digital media came into its own In what media blogger Jeff Jarvis calls the 'new architecture of news' in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, there is this question: Who gets to own the story? The professional journalist from a traditional media organization, or the 'citizen journalist' posting on YouTube.com and elsewhere?Interesting article. But, I beg to differ as to ownership. Nobody owns the story. Nobody should care about ownership. Things unfold in public and the public owns it. We all have a stake in the story, the dealings, the lives.
Mr. Steele adamantly believes the answer is the former, not the latter.
'CNN used [the cell phone video] as part of its story, but to call [Mr. Albarghouti] a citizen journalist is a misnomer and a mistake,' he said, noting that journalists have used witness accounts in their stories for decades, even centuries.
Of course there is a place for journalists. But, the journalist that want to own stuff will own nothing of value.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Workshop on APRIL 27 & 28: Understanding White Privilege
You are cordially invited to join members of the First Unitarian Church’s Anti-Racism Working Group to explore the issue of white privilege in our everyday lives and our society.Wilburn is a great and will do a wonderful job in this role.
Join us for a respectful, probing examination of white privilege and its consequences for all of us—black, white, brown, yellow, red or in-between.
Led by Wilburn Hayden, Jr., PA's Social Worker of the year for 2006, PhD, ACSW, CMSW and SCWM, an accomplished facilitator workshop leader, this session will take place
FRIDAY, April 27 6 to 8 p.m.—Panel: Up Close and Personal—Shared experiences
SATURDAY, April 28 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Sessions covering: History, Definition of white privilege, discussion of racial, social and economic injustice and the often invisible role of white privilege, dismantling white privilege—taking action as a community
First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, corner of Ellsworth and Morewood in Shadyside, Friday 4/27 6 p.m. (light supper included), Saturday 4/28 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (breakfast and lunch included). Fees: $10 to cover food and materials ($5 for students)
ALL WELCOME! Please RSVP for planning materials and meals. EMAIL: jjwmlr@earthlink.net or call 412-441-3586
 |
| Mark Rauterkus and Wilburn Hayden, Ph.D. from people & vips. |
The Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh announces its endorsement of Richard Swartz for County Executive.
The Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh announces its endorsement of Richard Swartz for County Executive. A longtime neighborhood activist, the members were very impressed with both his knowledge of and commitment to our issues.
At the Club’s endorsement meeting of April 12, 2007, the member considered questionnaires from 26 candidates. For County Council we endorsed two good friends of the G / L / B / T community, incumbents Rich Fitzgerald and Brenda Frazier. Brenda Frazier, a primary supported of the County needle exchange program, is opposed by a party endorsed candidate. Losing either of these County Council members would be a real loss for our community. For Sheriff we endorsed Damon Brown.
For County Court Cathleen Bubash, Mike McCarthy, Jack McVay and Wrenna Watson were endorsed for the four open seats. We endorsed Ms. Watson two years ago. We were also very impressed with the questionnaires of Kelly Bigley, Arnold Klein and Joe Williams.
In the City of Pittsburgh the Club endorsed Michael Lamb for City Controller. He was our candidate for Mayor two years ago. Our second choice for City Controller would be Douglas Shields, who we did endorse for City Council. We were also very impressed with DaMon Macklin. For City Council, in addition to Mr. Shields the club endorsed Patrick Dowd and Bruce Kraus. All three candidates were endorsed by the Club last time they ran, Mr. Shields and Mr. Kraus for City Council and Mr. Dowd for School Board. Mr. Dowd’s opponent Leonard Bodack is a strong supporter of L / G / B / T rights. Club members wish he was a stronger supporter of a woman’s right to choose and civil marriage. For School Board we endorsed Sherry Hazuda and Heather Arnet. In the Downtown Pittsburgh Area the club endorsed Justin Lewis for District Justice.
In Wilkinsburg, we endorsed Paige Trice, Vanessa McCarthy-Johnson and Michael Lefebvre for Borough Council.
For Pennsylvania Supreme Court the members endorsed Debra Todd and Seamus McCaffery, both currently Superior Court Judges. The Club has supported Justice Todd before, but this is the first time we endorsed Justice McCaffery.
It is the policy of the club not to endorse candidate who will not commit themselves to support our issues in writing through the questionnaire. For Superior Court we endorsed Anne Lazarus and Christine Donohue for two seats. In addition we will also endorse Ronald Folino if we receive an acceptable questionnaire from him. The Club has endorsed him in the past.
Everyone was very pleased not only with the number of responses the club received, but also to the extent the candidates understand our issues. We urge you to vote on May 15th. For more information contact: Richard Meritzer – Chair, 412-404-7609, rmeritzer@yahoo.com
Invite: Scarlet Letter at Open Stage
Hawthorne’s classic tale in a heralded new adaptation by Phyllis Nagy is directed by David M. Maslow.A 'running mate' is in the show. It looks great. Makes you want to 'think again.'
What determines right from wrong? Who and what determine morality?
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story of lust, adultery, hypocrisy and personal transformation comes excitingly to life in this highly acclaimed new adaptation daringly re-focused through the eyes of Hester Prynne’s bastard daughter, Pearl. While carefully preserving the familiar story of Hester, Roger Chillingworth, Arthur Dimmesdale, and the Puritan times in which they live, this decidedly contemporary deconstruction of the novel will surely be eye-opening and thought-provoking for all.
Performs Fri. April 27 through Sun. May 13 at Open Stage Theatre in the Strip District in the round.
Fridays & Saturdays at 8PM; Sundays at 2PM
Info at (412) 281-9700
Get Tkts via ProARTS at (412) 394-3353
KidsVoice presents Kites for Kids, April 21 at Station Square, To recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: King Communications, 412-661-5411
Pittsburgh, PA (April 2007) – KidsVoice, a local non-profit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and beyond, is presenting Kites for Kids at Station Square on April 21, 2007 as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Many organizations work hard to prevent and treat child abuse. What makes KidsVoice different is its mission and unique model of advocacy. KidsVoice advocates in court and in the community to ensure a safe and permanent home for abused, neglected and at-risk children through collaborative teams including attorneys and other child experts.
A startling number of children are abused in our community. Each year, KidsVoice represents 5,000 children who come from every zip code in Allegheny County. KidsVoice vigilantly guides each child through the court process and coordinates every agency involved to meet the full range of the child’s needs, ensuring that the most appropriate services are in place to protect children from future harm, with the ultimate goal of providing a safe and permanent home for every child.
KidsVoice teams attorneys with in-house experts trained in such areas as mental health, education, child development, case management, and substance abuse. These professionals can recognize the signs of abuse and neglect among children and coordinate assistance to the family.
According to Scott Hollander, Executive Director of KidsVoice “Kites for Kids is an opportunity for KidsVoice to communicate a message of hope and advocacy and familiarize people with our role in protecting our most precious resource, our children. The kites symbolize hope, a happy childhood, and a chance to soar, which unfortunately many local children do not experience. We hope that thousands of people will join us and help send the message to our clients that the community supports and believes in them.
Kites for Kids will be held at Station Square as part of its Spring Fling on April 21, 2007 from Noon – 4pm. The event, which will feature demonstrations, crafts, games, kites and much more, is free and open to the public.
For more information on KidsVoice.
About KidsVoice
Founded in 1908 as the Legal Aid Society of Pittsburgh, KidsVoice is team of diverse professionals committed to creating possibilities for abused, neglected and at-risk children to achieve their fullest potential. KidsVoice advocates for the rights and well being of children in the courtroom, classroom or wherever their voices must be heard.
KidsVoice is a leader among child advocacy organizations, providing a voice of hope, a voice for rights and a voice of experience for children who otherwise who cannot speak for themselves.
[412] Saturday's tech event at the Art Institute of Pgh is open and worthy for all
[412] Saturday's tech event at the Art Institute of Pgh is open and worthy for all:
Hi All,
You are invited to a few comunity events this week.
1. The PDF attachment covers the schedule of a grass-roots technology
event hosted at the Art Institute of Pgh all day on Saturday. Anyone that
surfs the net will be interested. More than 100 are signed up. We'll be
talking podcasting, video, photos and a little politics. Political
discussions are being shaped online now. After you attend a few of
these seminars, you'll be able to host your own blog and more.
I'm presenting about media and politics at 3 pm with a spokesperson
from the League of Young Voters. At 2 pm I'm talking about 'building
your brand.'
http://www.BootCampPgh.org
2. We're meeting tonight at 7 pm at Phillips Elem School to talk about
the RFP (request for proposals) from the city of Pgh about the closed
indoor ice rink on the South Side. Additionally, we'll meet on
Thursday night at 9 pm via http://TalkShoe.com to cover the same
topic.
3. I have running mates and more are welcome. A slate of citizen
candidates running under the "Libertarian" banner is now collecting
signatures from any voter in Allegheny County. Your assistance is
requested. My aim is to get 10,000 signatures just to insure we can
get on the ballot. If you can lend me your autograph on the nomination
papers (form) -- please reply to me at Mark at Rauterkus.com, or call.
4. Visit my blog and various sites for more insights and to see some new videos.
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark at Rauterkus.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://Elect.Rauterkus.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Attached PDF of News Release
Hi All,
You are invited to a few comunity events this week.
1. The PDF attachment covers the schedule of a grass-roots technology
event hosted at the Art Institute of Pgh all day on Saturday. Anyone that
surfs the net will be interested. More than 100 are signed up. We'll be
talking podcasting, video, photos and a little politics. Political
discussions are being shaped online now. After you attend a few of
these seminars, you'll be able to host your own blog and more.
I'm presenting about media and politics at 3 pm with a spokesperson
from the League of Young Voters. At 2 pm I'm talking about 'building
your brand.'
http://www.BootCampPgh.org
2. We're meeting tonight at 7 pm at Phillips Elem School to talk about
the RFP (request for proposals) from the city of Pgh about the closed
indoor ice rink on the South Side. Additionally, we'll meet on
Thursday night at 9 pm via http://TalkShoe.com to cover the same
topic.
3. I have running mates and more are welcome. A slate of citizen
candidates running under the "Libertarian" banner is now collecting
signatures from any voter in Allegheny County. Your assistance is
requested. My aim is to get 10,000 signatures just to insure we can
get on the ballot. If you can lend me your autograph on the nomination
papers (form) -- please reply to me at Mark at Rauterkus.com, or call.
4. Visit my blog and various sites for more insights and to see some new videos.
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark at Rauterkus.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://Elect.Rauterkus.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Attached PDF of News Release
Penn Hills Class of 77 Classmates
Classmates - My Announcements: Tonight there will be an online meeting that Mark Rauterkus is hosting on Talk Cast.
There is a talkcast meeting tonight if you can make it at 11PM EST. I know it's late but this is to accomodate people not on the east coast.
Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Talkcast ID: 3177
Your PIN needs to be obtained by going to TalkShoe. com. You'll need your PIN to enter the discussions for speaking and listening. Get that in advance of the meeting. It might take a few minutes.
Mark Rauterkus will play host and helper. The show is simply called, 'On your mark.' We've got to get started.
Jumpcut - Get $1K for winning a concest with a 2-minute video
Jumpcut - Group: If you had just two minutes to show someone what to see, feel and imagine about the future of our world and its resources, what would you do?
Get your message out by participating in the GreenWorld Contest and get discovered as a powerful new talent. Go to www.sffs.org for inspiration provided by leading green activists and organizations on burning issues.
The GRAND PRIZE is $1,000; your work featured at our May 9 GreenWorld Celebration during the 50th San Francisco Int'l Film Festival
2007 Endorsements from the 14th ward dem club
2007_Endorsements: "City of Pittsburgh Mayor = No Endorsement"
Monday, April 16, 2007
Bruce Kraus and Jeff Koch at a community meeting, South Side Slopes
I've got some uncut video to share. I'm not with a bunch of time to make it more, just yet. But, I want to share it before it is not able to sway any votes.
This bit starts when I arrived. I had swim practice that night, as usual. So, Bruce Kraus is giving a rant about St. Pats Day on South Side. The first question comes from the audience and deals with an issue near and dear to me, the closed indoor ice rink. By the way, the meeting I called to talk about that facility is slated for tomorrow, Tuesday, at 7 pm at Phillips Elem School on Sarah Street. Plus, we'll have a TalkCast (web and phone) meeting on Thursday at 9 pm via http://TalkShoe.com.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.rauterkus/Debates/photo#5054069263876508642
To share the video with your friends, use the mail-to button on the top of the page.
In November, for the city council district 3 race, I expect to be a candidate -- or have another serve in that role from the Libertarian ticket. So, if your guy does NOT win, there will be a way to work together for the general election.
A guy on the street told me that he sees 2-1 signs in favor of Kraus over Koch. But, signs don't mean much. To me, the signs are nothing but a waste. I'm glad most of the signs here are window sings. They, at least, don't look like litter on a stick, as Jim Ferlo used to say.
As always, reactions welcome.
The Busman's Holiday: Mayor's Ethics Nominee
The Busman's Holiday: Mayor's Ethics Nominee Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has picked his nominee to fill the vacancy on Pittsburgh's Ethics Hearing Board.
She's attorney Penny E. Zacharias, an associate at Buchanan Ingersol and Rooney.
This is how a revolution in local politics happens
Blast from the past:
Watch the Video. We want technology.
In the video, presenting with Kelly Ware and David Dunn at a public event hosted by the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network. David was in Boston today, running the marathon. I hope he survived.
Watch the Video. We want technology.
In the video, presenting with Kelly Ware and David Dunn at a public event hosted by the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network. David was in Boston today, running the marathon. I hope he survived.
PA Amber Alert: Alexis Roadside, a 4 year old white female child, approximately 3 feet tall and thirty five pounds
AMBER ALERT 04-16-07, SUSPECT: WHT FEM 41 YRS, BLNDE HAIR, 5 FT 100 LBS; CHILD: WHT FEM 4 YRS, SHORT DYED BLACK HAIR, VEHICLE: WHITE 1993 BUICK SDN PA TAG GKK-4359, IF SEEN CALL 911.
The Pennsylvania State Police has issued an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Pennsylvania State Police, Embreeville Station, Chester County.
The Pennsylvania State Police is searching for Alexis Roadside, a 4 year old white female child, approximately 3 feet tall and thirty five pounds. Her hair was recently cropped and dyed black. She was reported abducted by Veronica Roadside, a 41 year old white female with blonde hair, approximately five feet tall and 100 lbs. The vehicle used in the abduction is described as a 1993 white Buick sedan bearing Pennsylvania Registration GKK-4359.
Anyone with information about the abduction should immediately contact the police by calling 911.
This has been an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Pennsylvania State Police, Embreeville Station, Chester County.
Affected Counties: Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Berks, Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton
New Crime Prevention Program To Be Announced - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh
This sounds like "Reverse 9-1-1." Yes?
Have you ever see the page in the Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki that is dedicated to this topic? http://69.36.175.17/wiki/index.php/911-plank Last edit 24 October 2006. Began 13 November 2005.
Often, the measure of success isn't counted in dollars and cents.
Have you ever see the page in the Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki that is dedicated to this topic? http://69.36.175.17/wiki/index.php/911-plank Last edit 24 October 2006. Began 13 November 2005.
New Crime Prevention Program To Be Announced - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Police Chief Nate Harper will unveil a new crime prevention program Monday.On the South Side, we've had good progress in the past years with NAN, (Neighborhood Awareness Network).
Citizens can sign up to get alerts about crime in their area.
The program was already tested on the North Side.
Now it is being expanded throughout the city.
The introductory meeting is from 6 to 9 p.m Monday at the Greek Orthodox Church on West North Avenue.
Often, the measure of success isn't counted in dollars and cents.
Blacksburg, Va Tech, -- on our minds
 |
| Bill Gupton, wearing the t-shirt. He wrote the note posted below. From people & vips |
The photo above was taken in a dorm at Va Tech in Blacksburg. Our family, for the past six or seven years, has gone to a 'church camp' on the Virginia Tech campus.
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board and the entire SUUSI community, I want to express my profound sorrow, sadness, and sympathy for the terrible tragedy that has unfolded this morning at the campus we all love, Virginia Tech. For many of you, this email will be the first you hear of what has been a shooting spree there, which has left more than a dozen dead, and an entire community in shock. As an extended part of that Virginia Tech community, we, too, feel the pain and loss they are suffering.
I have already reached out to our official contacts at Tech, expressing our solidarity with them in this day of mourning, and beyond. Our SUUSI Board meets this coming weekend, and we will be discussing possible ways in which the SUUSI community, can reach out as well -- perhaps through a collection earmarked to a memorial fund, perhaps something else. We will keep you posted and please, if you have any suggestions, send them along.
May this SUUSI Friends List serve as a community sounding board where we can grieve, console, and support one another, just as our full SUUSI community does (in person, one week a year; in spirit, 51 other weeks a year).
In sorrow and in hope -- Namaste
Rev. Bill Gupton, SUUSI Board President
Cutting Men's Swimming Hurts WOMEN too
The Post Online: "The move was made in order to ensure the school’s compliance with Title IX and to help the school’s mounting athletic debt, but it may have also made it harder for Ohio’s women’s program to succeed.
Racism-plank-Paul - PittsburghPlatform
Racism-plank-Paul - PittsburghPlatform It's disconcerting to see third parties become involved and presume to speak collectively for minority groups. It is precisely this collectivist mindset that is at the heart of racism.Humm.
The women basketball players on the court don't have a radio show. They don't have the juice, such as that of Don Imus. They are college kids. They can try, but would not be successful in speaking out on their own.
We saw a bunch of people rally around the kids. The players need to battle Univ. of Tenn. They need to play ball, study, and be well-rounded student athletes.
I didn't like Imus picking on the players because they are kids. A pro player in the NBA would have the juice to duke it out with Imus.
Still, I agree that government doesn't need to get involved. But, people do. People did. Advertisers spoke too. That's great. That's part of the success of this saga.
Duquesne School District -- target with Marty Griffin
The voice of Pittsburgh, news-radio KDKA, was giving some coverage to the educational mess that is known now as the Duquesne School District. This isn't Duquesne University -- but a river town down the Mon, Duquesne.
More than a year ago, as the outrage was in a boil about the 'right sizing plans' that closed two dozen schools, I gave comment to the Pgh Public Schools. I spoke about Duquesne's schools.
This is a regional issue. But it is a city issue too.
One lady in the audience, a resident in my city council district, wasn't impressed with my willingness to talk on behalf of the students at Duquesne. She was worried about Knoxville School's closing. I too worry about Knoxville -- it should be turned into a second CAPA Middle School. But, we need to have wider perspectives from time to time. We talked, 1-on-1, later that night. I was glad she shared her opinions with me.
But, I have gone out of my way to raise the bigger issues.
The Pittsburgh Public Schools plan to rightsize was WRONG in that it closed buildings in the eastern/south edge of the city. Hazelwood and building over in that edge of the city, nearest to Duquesne, need to be open, strong, and with available space to accept students from Duquesne.
The Pgh Board of Education, and Mark Roosevelt, did the wrong things. We need to evolve the district to that area because of the on-going tragedy there.
Now, the kids in Hazelwood don't have a school in their own neighborhood. So, they are going farther away. And, the schools that they are headed to, elsewhere in Pgh, are full past capacity. But, there was a good school in Hazelwood.
We should be looking to re-open Burgwin and the closed middle school in Hazelwood.
Pittsburgh is too small to have a pocket of dispair. The schools in Hazelwood pull all schools down.
More than a year ago, as the outrage was in a boil about the 'right sizing plans' that closed two dozen schools, I gave comment to the Pgh Public Schools. I spoke about Duquesne's schools.
This is a regional issue. But it is a city issue too.
One lady in the audience, a resident in my city council district, wasn't impressed with my willingness to talk on behalf of the students at Duquesne. She was worried about Knoxville School's closing. I too worry about Knoxville -- it should be turned into a second CAPA Middle School. But, we need to have wider perspectives from time to time. We talked, 1-on-1, later that night. I was glad she shared her opinions with me.
But, I have gone out of my way to raise the bigger issues.
The Pittsburgh Public Schools plan to rightsize was WRONG in that it closed buildings in the eastern/south edge of the city. Hazelwood and building over in that edge of the city, nearest to Duquesne, need to be open, strong, and with available space to accept students from Duquesne.
The Pgh Board of Education, and Mark Roosevelt, did the wrong things. We need to evolve the district to that area because of the on-going tragedy there.
Now, the kids in Hazelwood don't have a school in their own neighborhood. So, they are going farther away. And, the schools that they are headed to, elsewhere in Pgh, are full past capacity. But, there was a good school in Hazelwood.
We should be looking to re-open Burgwin and the closed middle school in Hazelwood.
Pittsburgh is too small to have a pocket of dispair. The schools in Hazelwood pull all schools down.
Passing an election day deadline. The gallop continues ....
Another way to look at The Burgh Report "More on Peduto's Withdrawal" is to ask, "Do you want to play DEFENSE or OFFENSE?"
In football, on third down, when the game (our city's general health) is on the line, with backs to the wall, I want to stay on offense. I'll choose to throw a 'hail mary.'
Otherwise, take a knee and punt. Or worse, don't punt -- just go home and quit.
Should you believe ("belive") Peduto punted. Then, Peduto is now on defense. Even when on defense, snap the chin strap on and blitz! Rush! Try to grab the ball. Don't huddle. Don't go to the sidelines. Don't go home.
The first play from a defensive Peduto, (in my not so humble opinion), to be called should be campaign finance reform. There is no time to wait.
In football, on third down, when the game (our city's general health) is on the line, with backs to the wall, I want to stay on offense. I'll choose to throw a 'hail mary.'
Otherwise, take a knee and punt. Or worse, don't punt -- just go home and quit.
Should you believe ("belive") Peduto punted. Then, Peduto is now on defense. Even when on defense, snap the chin strap on and blitz! Rush! Try to grab the ball. Don't huddle. Don't go to the sidelines. Don't go home.
The first play from a defensive Peduto, (in my not so humble opinion), to be called should be campaign finance reform. There is no time to wait.
Boston Marathon -- Weather -- Qualification Idea from my blog
If I was in charge of the Boston Marathon, I'd make a special rule in 2007. The wind and weather in Boston is bad. But, this is sports. The race must go on, of course.
So, here is the rule suggestion:
All runners in today's Boston Marathon who finish the race within two hours of his or her entry time get a special entry into the Boston Marathon in years 2008, 2009 or 2010.
Boston Marathon finishers in 2007 would qualify for a future Boston Marathon, for up to three years, by completion of the race within the seed time plus 120 minutes.
I'm not firm on the need of a 2-hour time range. It might be better to have a 3-hour time range to get the bonus qualifier entry. I'm not able to witness the conditions. And, it might need to be adjusted by age as well. Those in the race with sub 2:30 times might need a 2 hour window. Those in the race with a sub 3-hour time might need a 100-minute window. Those with entry times over 3 hours might need 200-minutes. Whatever.
The main motivation is to encourage the completion of the race. So, I'd really want to give a wide window. And, the idea isn't to complete the race and kill anyone. The weather is going to be brutal. Time is less of a factor.
So, here is the rule suggestion:
All runners in today's Boston Marathon who finish the race within two hours of his or her entry time get a special entry into the Boston Marathon in years 2008, 2009 or 2010.
Boston Marathon finishers in 2007 would qualify for a future Boston Marathon, for up to three years, by completion of the race within the seed time plus 120 minutes.
I'm not firm on the need of a 2-hour time range. It might be better to have a 3-hour time range to get the bonus qualifier entry. I'm not able to witness the conditions. And, it might need to be adjusted by age as well. Those in the race with sub 2:30 times might need a 2 hour window. Those in the race with a sub 3-hour time might need a 100-minute window. Those with entry times over 3 hours might need 200-minutes. Whatever.
The main motivation is to encourage the completion of the race. So, I'd really want to give a wide window. And, the idea isn't to complete the race and kill anyone. The weather is going to be brutal. Time is less of a factor.
Onorato thanked the king
Letter to the editor in Beaver Times from Oren M. Spiegler, Upper Saint Clair:
Beaver County Times Allegheny Times - Moving toward '1984' The latest indication that George Orwell's '1984' has come to fruition occurred at the recent Downtown rally for the Pittsburgh Penguins at which Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato thanked 'King' Mario Lemieux for working to keep the team in Pittsburgh.With his presence, let's see. What would we do. Live with more freedom. Live with more propserity. Live with more people. Live with better neighborhoods. Live with minor league hockey.
What a guy, that Mario. He was 'gracious' enough to be willing to take the $450 million in public money that was showered upon him to support his violence-based sport, the 'regional asset' that trumps arts and culture.
We are not able to get the General Assembly to come together for a plan to provide long-promised property tax reform/relief after decades of exhaustive study and debate, but let a professional sports team's presence in this state become endangered, and state, county and local governments will mobilize to ask the team owner how high they (and we, those who pay the freight) need to jump.
I join Onorato in saying, 'Thank you and bless you, King Mario, for gracing southwestern Pennsylvania with your presence for at least another 30 years and for taking our money.' What would we do without you?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Patriots Day -- Rest Fast, Run Swift, Recover Fully
To Running Mates everywhere, now checkout out for a long night of pasta and slumber in advance of the 2007 Boston Marathon -- rest fast, run swiftly and may you recover fully.
The Boston Marathon happens tomorrow. I've got a few friends in the race. Hope everyone does well.
Pittsburgh should have a marathon in the future. I've got strong ideas on how that can occur in a prudent way. Let's make it happen in 2009.
The Boston Marathon happens tomorrow. I've got a few friends in the race. Hope everyone does well.
Pittsburgh should have a marathon in the future. I've got strong ideas on how that can occur in a prudent way. Let's make it happen in 2009.
Toastmaters Invite
From Rick H:
Speaking of feedback, I also invite you and your blog folks to http://edgewood.freetoasthost.com/ or any upcoming Edgewood Toastmasters. Heck, I'd like to have a FORMER WHISKEY REBELLION TOASTMASTERS reunion at the Edgewood Club. It meets not too far from where WHISKEY REBELLION did. Log on, check out the web page and let me know your thoughts too. Talk to and email you soon.
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| From Mark Rauterkus |
Tax Day letter to editor from Mark C
Mark C wrote:
I had a "tax day" LTE in the Trib today (4/13/2007). I emailed it early Thursday morning and they printed it on Friday. It was based on some information in the 2006 1040 Instruction Forms. It's bizarre what you find in these stupid forms and what it actually means if you just think about it.
Mark
PS -- LP member Tom Gillooly here in Pittsburgh suggested a military comparison at the end and that seemed much better than what I had originally.
www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/letters/send/s_502433.html
Taxing stuff Friday, April 13, 2007
Consider two obscure claims in the 1040 instructions for filing the 2006 federal income tax:
** Almost 200 million taxpayers file a return ("Message from the Commissioner," Page 2).
** The 2006 estimated average total time burden to file for an individual is 24.2 hours ("Estimated Average Taxpayer Burden for Individuals by Activity," Page 81).
How many people working 2,000 hours per year would it take to file these 2006 tax returns? (Assume, for laughs, that each corporate and organizational filer in that 200 million needs only 24.2 hours, too.) About 2.42 million people.
Consider also that the number of 2006 active-duty U.S. military personnel was 1.38 million.
Unbelievably, it takes about 1 million more people just to file 2006 federal taxes than to serve as America's 2006 active duty defenders.
Conscription and insanity are alive and well, thanks to Congress and its IRS.
Mark Crowley, Plum
Flux was fun
Braddock, wow.I got a private tour and was able to get a peek at the old swimming pool within the Carnegie Library of Braddock. The pool seemed to be 23 yards long?? And, best of all, it was 4-feet deep in the shallow end. The pool at the Carnegie Library of Homestead is only 2.5 feet deep in the shallow end.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Chatter with, to and about Bill Peduto
Hi Bill,
Remember the open letter I sent you about campaign finance reform's yet unfinished work?
Other issues.
It would be good to talk to you.
What about the closed Neville Ice Rink? Care to help?
There are dozens of issues we should have a conversation about.
Please call.
You're decompressing. But, I'm gearing up. However, on April 28, my family and I head to New Zealand until June 9. Then I'm into summer swimming season at Crafton.
Plus, none of your supporters are running for County Executive & Mayor.
And, my slate of candidates is now up to 12! I think (... snip ... blog cut... ). He is a great candidate, and we'll see how Twanda does -- if she emerges.
This week: On Tuesday, 7 pm at Phillips School on the South Side, Sarah Street, I'm hosting a meeting among any interested community members to talk about the city's RFP about Neville Ice Rink. Can you send some supporters over there? Any hockey friends?
Furthermore, another meeting is slated for TalkShoe.com on Thursday night at 9 pm on the same topic. Sign up with TalkShoe.com to get a PIN.
Second Open Web / Phone Conference: 9 pm on Thursday, April 19 at http://www.TalkShoe.com.
To join the live phone call conference, call: (724) 444-7444 - Talkcast ID: 3177
Surf to http://www.TalkShoe.com and "sign up" for a TalkShoe "PIN" (personal identification number) before the session. It is easy and free. Then you can join the conversation with only a telephone call.
Questions, insights and tips about getting onto the agenda, please call or email Mark Rauterkus, Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412 298 3432 = cell.
Finally, my $.02 tip for tonight. I think you should gear to a switch to Indie on Jan 1, 2009. But, you've got to have a pit bull in the race in the D primary in 2009.
I've been put off before. I'm patient. But, I really don't like it when those on Grant Street don't return phone calls. And, I'm sorta relentless.
There has been a bit of chatter at some of the other blogs about Peduto, again, about the final decision for the 2007 general election. All in all, there is now a wedge problem. In a nutshell, some need to get wedgies.
My neighbor's pet name for one of my kids is 'Wedge.' He calls the other 'Spike.' Simple tools. Effective. Efficient. Other simple tools: ballots, votes, word-of-mouth.
Remember the open letter I sent you about campaign finance reform's yet unfinished work?
Other issues.
It would be good to talk to you.
What about the closed Neville Ice Rink? Care to help?
There are dozens of issues we should have a conversation about.
Please call.
I will mark - please give me time to first meet with my supporters - I owe it... (... snip ... blog cut... )Bill did write back to me, again. That's good. My reply:
You're decompressing. But, I'm gearing up. However, on April 28, my family and I head to New Zealand until June 9. Then I'm into summer swimming season at Crafton.
Plus, none of your supporters are running for County Executive & Mayor.
And, my slate of candidates is now up to 12! I think (... snip ... blog cut... ). He is a great candidate, and we'll see how Twanda does -- if she emerges.
This week: On Tuesday, 7 pm at Phillips School on the South Side, Sarah Street, I'm hosting a meeting among any interested community members to talk about the city's RFP about Neville Ice Rink. Can you send some supporters over there? Any hockey friends?
Furthermore, another meeting is slated for TalkShoe.com on Thursday night at 9 pm on the same topic. Sign up with TalkShoe.com to get a PIN.
Second Open Web / Phone Conference: 9 pm on Thursday, April 19 at http://www.TalkShoe.com.
To join the live phone call conference, call: (724) 444-7444 - Talkcast ID: 3177
Surf to http://www.TalkShoe.com and "sign up" for a TalkShoe "PIN" (personal identification number) before the session. It is easy and free. Then you can join the conversation with only a telephone call.
Questions, insights and tips about getting onto the agenda, please call or email Mark Rauterkus, Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412 298 3432 = cell.
Finally, my $.02 tip for tonight. I think you should gear to a switch to Indie on Jan 1, 2009. But, you've got to have a pit bull in the race in the D primary in 2009.
I've been put off before. I'm patient. But, I really don't like it when those on Grant Street don't return phone calls. And, I'm sorta relentless.
There has been a bit of chatter at some of the other blogs about Peduto, again, about the final decision for the 2007 general election. All in all, there is now a wedge problem. In a nutshell, some need to get wedgies.
My neighbor's pet name for one of my kids is 'Wedge.' He calls the other 'Spike.' Simple tools. Effective. Efficient. Other simple tools: ballots, votes, word-of-mouth.
Official: No Slots Money For Schools In 2007-08
No slots for tots, yet. We are still holding our breath. We are turning blue.
Other sites are making money. Other sites have paid for their license too. I'm not even sure if Barden's $50-million was given to the state yet since there are legal challenges.
kdka.com - Official: No Slots Money For Schools In 2007-08 Slot-machine gambling in Pennsylvania will not provide enough revenue to allow school districts to cut property taxes for the 2007-08 school year, Gov. Ed Rendell's top budget official said Friday.What about money for the budget for the City of Pgh? Wasn't there money expected in 2007? Didn't the OVERLORDS insist that money be put into the mix? Will some of the windfall come just for the sale of the license, even though the slots parlor isn't earning a nickle yet.
The state budget secretary, Mike Masch, made the legally required certification in a letter to Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak, disappointing some state gambling regulators who had hoped that the reductions would be possible in the coming school year.
Masch also used the opportunity to press the case for an increase in the state sales tax, as Rendell proposed in February as a way to offset further cuts in rapidly rising school taxes.
Other sites are making money. Other sites have paid for their license too. I'm not even sure if Barden's $50-million was given to the state yet since there are legal challenges.
Rivers Club - Saturday, April 21
Ron Morris is doing his radio show next Saturday morning at the Rivers Club. It is by invite only. Call 412-249-8662 to leave a message or speak with Angela Sceziorka.
From chatter on TalkShoe.com today while Ron's show was in progress.
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| From Logos |
From chatter on TalkShoe.com today while Ron's show was in progress.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Maori Relics. Are there any in the Carnegie in Pittsburgh?
My family and I are starting the long process of packing for our pending trip to New Zealand. So, you start with the big stuff.
Are there any artifacts, relics or historical tribal trinkets that are on loan (or stolen) from the Maori people of New Zealand in Pittsburgh that should be returned?
I'm willing to take them with us, but I'll need to know soon, before we too far along in our packing.
Are there any artifacts, relics or historical tribal trinkets that are on loan (or stolen) from the Maori people of New Zealand in Pittsburgh that should be returned?
I'm willing to take them with us, but I'll need to know soon, before we too far along in our packing.
Candidate: Patrick Dowd at forum last night
His opponent didn't show. Even Twanda showed up that night.
Dowd didn't stay.
Told ya: Peduto won't run as independent - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Told ya.
I'm very thankful to Bill for talking about the November 2007 election. General elections do occur in Pittsburgh. They are a part of the process.
Peduto won't run as independent - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto announced today that he won't run in the November general election against Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.Next, the editors and reporters of the Trib are going to run a LONG LIST of other people who won't and can't run for mayor in 2007.
I'm very thankful to Bill for talking about the November 2007 election. General elections do occur in Pittsburgh. They are a part of the process.
CollegeSwimming.com::Slippery Rock Settles Title IX Suit -
The trend here is to NOT make 2nd class citizens. Meanwhile, don't end up with 3rd class citizens either.
The other trend is to do the option that is one step better than the worst possible option. I hate those types of decisions. I really hate them when it comes to education. Education needs to be about being right on. Education should be about excellence.
The other trend is to do the option that is one step better than the worst possible option. I hate those types of decisions. I really hate them when it comes to education. Education needs to be about being right on. Education should be about excellence.
CollegeSwimming.com::Slippery Rock Settles Title IX Suit - In Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University, agreed to set aside $300,000 to enhance women's sports and be monitored for three years to ensure compliance with Title IX. The suit followed a July ruling by the U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose that the school must reinstate women's water polo and swimming.
The Women's Law Project's Susan Frietsche explained, 'The school has agreed not to treat their women athletes as second-class citizens and they deserve credit for this settlement as well.
'A banner day for college swimming!' proclaimed CSCAA Executive Director Phillip Whitten, who also added, “Presumably Ms Fietsche was not comparing them to the male swimmers who, if the women swimmers were second-class citizens, surely must be reckoned as third-class citizens.'
Mayors are bird-brains!
edmontonsun.com - Hockey - Mayors are bird-brains! OTTAWA -- Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien took his friendly NHL playoff rivalry with the mayor of Pittsburgh to a new level yesterday when he declared the nation's capital a penguin-free zone. As part of the shenanigans, O'Brien had arranged for a person in a penguin costume to interrupt the meeting and accost him.I'm not going to pick on the Kiwi in this blog. That would be bad form as we're headed to New Zealand in two weeks.
After a brief struggle, two police officers arrested and handcuffed the over sized bird.
Word soon reached the office of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. After receiving photos of the penguin's arrest, Ravenstahl's office forwarded the pictures to a zoologist at the Pittsburgh Zoo - one of the most respected zoos in the U.S.
'In the zoologist's professional opinion, this was not a penguin,' said Dick Skrinjar, Ravenstahl's director of communications. 'It's a kiwi. So your mayor has made a mistake.'
But, let's review. Here is a Penguin. He lives on the North Side.
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| From Logos |
Here is a Penguin mascot taken from a fan's blog. They crap on the neighborhoods called The Hill District.
Here is a photo of a building that the Penguins had covered and then abandoned. It has since gone bust. This is in the South Side.
Here are some kwel Kiwi designs. There they play a team game, rugby, and have a world famous squad called the All Blacks.
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Flux returns this weekend on Saturday night
Should be great. I used to help with some of these events, way back. I hope to attend on Saturday.
She's a big donor to politicians, but it's news to her
You win some and you lose some with politics and media coverage. This is a win. And, the photos of the politicians are respectable.
She is a big donor to GOP politicians, and it is news to her.
This is another great reason to talk about campaign finance reform.
All politicians steal -- ouch. Except those who have no money. Being poor is a virtue. That's the way I want to be. I'm not interested in being a good theft. I'm not interested in being good at money laundering.
Politicians advance themselves by taking government money. Or, they take government services and put their names and photos on the public image elements. Or, they take now, it seems, from seniors who are wealthy and not at the top of their mental game.
Update: Politicians to return woman's trust fund donations
She's a big donor to politicians, but it's news to her She's a big donor to politicians, but it's news to herThe headline, however, doesn't say anything about the ploy being from the Republicans.
Allegheny County's biggest contributions come from 90-year-old widow
She is a big donor to GOP politicians, and it is news to her.
This is another great reason to talk about campaign finance reform.
All politicians steal -- ouch. Except those who have no money. Being poor is a virtue. That's the way I want to be. I'm not interested in being a good theft. I'm not interested in being good at money laundering.
Politicians advance themselves by taking government money. Or, they take government services and put their names and photos on the public image elements. Or, they take now, it seems, from seniors who are wealthy and not at the top of their mental game.
Update: Politicians to return woman's trust fund donations
We heard from Twanda last night. Dowd gave an opening. David Adams won the night.
I was there. I've got some video too.
Last night's candidate debate among candidates for city council's seat in district 9 and 7 and city controller Democrats included a mention of my presence. It was nice to be recognized from the podium after the controller candidates gave their answers to the various rounds of questions.
I would have loved to have been a part of the presentations and would have done much like Patrick Dowd did. He gave his opening statement of 3-minutes. Then he departed.
Patrick could have stayed. He might have had another appointment. But, he should have ranted all night about the no-show opponent, Len Bodack, Jr.
There are five folks that are running for the Dem primary in the city controller race. Only one will emerge from the May 15 primary and advance to the general election. Then another election occurs. The winner of the general election in November gets to be sworn into office in January 2008.
KDKA Radio Host, Marty Griffin, is playing a bit from Twanda from last night's presentation. She talked a lot about 'accountability.' Nobody called her on the charges or the spending issues from her office. Well, there are a lot of reasons that perk into this story. It is fair to say that Marty Griffin has no grip on any of various issues.
It was amazing that Twanda showed up. I didn't expect the issue of her charges to come to a head there. Nothing was said, other than the words from Twanda that called for accountability, because there are far more important dragons to slay. The issue didn't hang like a lead balloon among those in that venue last night because the people there are smarter than the media that hosts radio talk shows.
The people there know Twanda. Last night wasn't about Twanda. People understand that the debate is more about a decision on May 15, 2007, and less about checks and spending from a member on city council.
Politics is about the future. The meeting hosted by B-PEP was about the future.
The corruption parts of the discussions for the D.A., investigators, and fact finders -- and they'll be all about the past.
A few callers to the show told Marty that the issues didn't correlate with Imus and Twanda.
In the community -- or should I type, "hood," the stand-off among the "authorities" and the "people" of color can't be ignored. When a gun of a police officer is pointed into the face of a young (less than 10-years old) girl of color in the back seat of a car, it isn't much of a stretch to think again about charges against a council women from others in power.
Bad things are happening on the streets. Really bad things. Kids are being shot. From time to time, the police are doing the shooting. School performance is bad. Economic hope is bad. This is ugly. Drugs, you name it. When things are so bad, a few pass-through checks is like a pimple on a donkey.
The corruption can't be excused. It is wrong. But, it is what it is. And, I have a thought that the people in District 9 won't vote for Tawanda unless they have a personal relationship with her.
Most of the people at the forum last night were looking past Twanda. Some were there to support Twanda. And those friends and family might allow her to win the Dem primary.
A large field of candidates makes it more difficult to unseat an incumbent. Twanda can win the primary. But, that won't guarantee another term. The general election is, thankfully, still a part of the political process.
My prediction: If Twanda wins the Dem Primary, David Adams will beat her in the general election. David Adams will end Twanda's career.
Interesting side note. At the end of the meeting last night, a benadiction was offered. The prayer asked for a DAVID to arrive, as in the Biblical David who took down the giant. David Adams was standing at his seat, next to the microphone and speaker. The spirit found in the message of that prayer was a serious endorsement for David Adams. It was just an interesting blogger's reflection.
My aggravation with the coverage from the likes of Marty Griffin goes to the show's content. He must have mentioned Twanda's name 100 times in the last hour. Meanwhile, he didn't mention the name of any others in the race. Zippo.
To take down those in power takes a one-two punch. One is the take down of those in power and their silly ways. The second act needs to be a build-up of the challengers. The limelight needs to go to others with alternative ways.
When the only tool you have is a hammer -- everything looks like a nail. The media and D.A. swing hammers -- but they don't do anything for a build up.
Paradise and another in studio guest were asked, "Are you disappointed in Twanda?" Neither were. I was not disappointed in Twanda as she showed up. I was disappointed that she didn't show up to the last debate at the library. I was HAPPY that she had the courage to show up.
The second fine remark from the guest said you let the charges run its course. You be patient.
All politicians steal. Twanda just joins the ranks of others. So, in a twisted way, Twanda's thefts, alleged, are not "show stoppers" to a candidate debate. Twanda has been beat upon in the media. Among neighbors, there was no need or desire to to see more bare-knuckle smack downs.
Footnotes:
Missing from the line-up of city council candidates: Ora Lee Carroll and Randall Taylor. Where where they?
In the controller's race, I talked to one guy who thought Mike Dawida won. His 2nd was a tie between Doug Shilds and Tony Pokora. I didn't see it the way he did. But, I don't generally agree with the political understandings of this friend.
The journalist in the audience were not the ones who were asking the questions. The TV 11 crew seemed to be getting interviews from spectators, not even talking to the candidates. So, it is no wonder that a hard-hitting question wasn't put up to Twanda. The MSM was not good for its watchdog role nor for the education of the other candidates.
Finally, when I ran for city council in a nine-person race, I didn't let any weirdness occur without a reply. When another candidate says something goofy, and I'm in the race, I went out of my way to challenge the double-speak and falsehoods. That helps to sustain a positive conversation. But those types of re-directed remarks take candidates off message. Plus, the put-down to the silliness of statements by others isn't the best way to earn votes for the speaker. Being brutally honest is valued in the conversation but it is discounted at ballot box.
If I had been a candidate in the city council district 9 race and on that panel last night, I would have repeated, word-for-word, a few of the statements Twanda just made, moments before.
Perhaps my script would have included: "I just heard something of keen insight. A speaker here displayed a tight grasp on the issues at hand. These words can't be ignored. I think it is worth my time at the microphone to repeat the words here in my notes. ... (blah, blah, blah) ... Right On Sister! Right On.
When I get the video opened, I'll fill in the blah, blah, blah part. The accountability line is on the radio.
Last night's candidate debate among candidates for city council's seat in district 9 and 7 and city controller Democrats included a mention of my presence. It was nice to be recognized from the podium after the controller candidates gave their answers to the various rounds of questions.
I would have loved to have been a part of the presentations and would have done much like Patrick Dowd did. He gave his opening statement of 3-minutes. Then he departed.
Patrick could have stayed. He might have had another appointment. But, he should have ranted all night about the no-show opponent, Len Bodack, Jr.
There are five folks that are running for the Dem primary in the city controller race. Only one will emerge from the May 15 primary and advance to the general election. Then another election occurs. The winner of the general election in November gets to be sworn into office in January 2008.
KDKA Radio Host, Marty Griffin, is playing a bit from Twanda from last night's presentation. She talked a lot about 'accountability.' Nobody called her on the charges or the spending issues from her office. Well, there are a lot of reasons that perk into this story. It is fair to say that Marty Griffin has no grip on any of various issues.
It was amazing that Twanda showed up. I didn't expect the issue of her charges to come to a head there. Nothing was said, other than the words from Twanda that called for accountability, because there are far more important dragons to slay. The issue didn't hang like a lead balloon among those in that venue last night because the people there are smarter than the media that hosts radio talk shows.
The people there know Twanda. Last night wasn't about Twanda. People understand that the debate is more about a decision on May 15, 2007, and less about checks and spending from a member on city council.
Politics is about the future. The meeting hosted by B-PEP was about the future.
The corruption parts of the discussions for the D.A., investigators, and fact finders -- and they'll be all about the past.
A few callers to the show told Marty that the issues didn't correlate with Imus and Twanda.
In the community -- or should I type, "hood," the stand-off among the "authorities" and the "people" of color can't be ignored. When a gun of a police officer is pointed into the face of a young (less than 10-years old) girl of color in the back seat of a car, it isn't much of a stretch to think again about charges against a council women from others in power.
Bad things are happening on the streets. Really bad things. Kids are being shot. From time to time, the police are doing the shooting. School performance is bad. Economic hope is bad. This is ugly. Drugs, you name it. When things are so bad, a few pass-through checks is like a pimple on a donkey.
The corruption can't be excused. It is wrong. But, it is what it is. And, I have a thought that the people in District 9 won't vote for Tawanda unless they have a personal relationship with her.
Most of the people at the forum last night were looking past Twanda. Some were there to support Twanda. And those friends and family might allow her to win the Dem primary.
A large field of candidates makes it more difficult to unseat an incumbent. Twanda can win the primary. But, that won't guarantee another term. The general election is, thankfully, still a part of the political process.
My prediction: If Twanda wins the Dem Primary, David Adams will beat her in the general election. David Adams will end Twanda's career.
Interesting side note. At the end of the meeting last night, a benadiction was offered. The prayer asked for a DAVID to arrive, as in the Biblical David who took down the giant. David Adams was standing at his seat, next to the microphone and speaker. The spirit found in the message of that prayer was a serious endorsement for David Adams. It was just an interesting blogger's reflection.
My aggravation with the coverage from the likes of Marty Griffin goes to the show's content. He must have mentioned Twanda's name 100 times in the last hour. Meanwhile, he didn't mention the name of any others in the race. Zippo.
To take down those in power takes a one-two punch. One is the take down of those in power and their silly ways. The second act needs to be a build-up of the challengers. The limelight needs to go to others with alternative ways.
When the only tool you have is a hammer -- everything looks like a nail. The media and D.A. swing hammers -- but they don't do anything for a build up.
Paradise and another in studio guest were asked, "Are you disappointed in Twanda?" Neither were. I was not disappointed in Twanda as she showed up. I was disappointed that she didn't show up to the last debate at the library. I was HAPPY that she had the courage to show up.
The second fine remark from the guest said you let the charges run its course. You be patient.
All politicians steal. Twanda just joins the ranks of others. So, in a twisted way, Twanda's thefts, alleged, are not "show stoppers" to a candidate debate. Twanda has been beat upon in the media. Among neighbors, there was no need or desire to to see more bare-knuckle smack downs.
Footnotes:
Missing from the line-up of city council candidates: Ora Lee Carroll and Randall Taylor. Where where they?
In the controller's race, I talked to one guy who thought Mike Dawida won. His 2nd was a tie between Doug Shilds and Tony Pokora. I didn't see it the way he did. But, I don't generally agree with the political understandings of this friend.
The journalist in the audience were not the ones who were asking the questions. The TV 11 crew seemed to be getting interviews from spectators, not even talking to the candidates. So, it is no wonder that a hard-hitting question wasn't put up to Twanda. The MSM was not good for its watchdog role nor for the education of the other candidates.
Finally, when I ran for city council in a nine-person race, I didn't let any weirdness occur without a reply. When another candidate says something goofy, and I'm in the race, I went out of my way to challenge the double-speak and falsehoods. That helps to sustain a positive conversation. But those types of re-directed remarks take candidates off message. Plus, the put-down to the silliness of statements by others isn't the best way to earn votes for the speaker. Being brutally honest is valued in the conversation but it is discounted at ballot box.
If I had been a candidate in the city council district 9 race and on that panel last night, I would have repeated, word-for-word, a few of the statements Twanda just made, moments before.
Perhaps my script would have included: "I just heard something of keen insight. A speaker here displayed a tight grasp on the issues at hand. These words can't be ignored. I think it is worth my time at the microphone to repeat the words here in my notes. ... (blah, blah, blah) ... Right On Sister! Right On.
When I get the video opened, I'll fill in the blah, blah, blah part. The accountability line is on the radio.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter
Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter YING AND YANG IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA POLITICS Mark RauterKus
Frequent TAE contributor Mark Rauterkus takes a look at what citizens can do to make an impact on the political scene beyond casting a vote on Election Day. Mark's website is http://rauterkus.blogspot.com .
Frequent TAE contributor Mark Rauterkus takes a look at what citizens can do to make an impact on the political scene beyond casting a vote on Election Day. Mark's website is http://rauterkus.blogspot.com .
Feel invited. Feel welcomed. Feel Free. Show up!
My political presentation includes another, a from the League of Young Voters:
http://www.BootCampPgh.org
http://www.BootCampPgh.org
Blast from the past
Citizens get shaken by both the Elephant and Donkey (i.e., GOP and Dem party mascots). The money spills from his pockets. Libertarians don't treat fellow citizens and taxpayers like this.
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