Open Letter to Bill Peduto, as a result of radio conversation

Dear Councilman Peduto,

On a local radio show hosted by Ron Morris, The American Entrepreneur, we talked about Pittsburgh's political landscape.

Ron Morris asked me, on the air, if I knew who was behind (supporting) Mark DeSantis?

I said, "Mr. Roddey."

He said, "Bill Peduto."

Humm... "If Bill Peduto is behind or supporting Mark DeSantis in the race for mayor in November 6, 2007, then it must be below the radar."

Bill, what's up?

The entire conversation is saved and available for review. LINK will be posted here after the show get uploaded to TalkShoe.com. Play audio of the entire show. Navigate.

For the sake of the bloggers reading this post, let's review a few important predictions from the past. Early in 2007, as you, Councilman Peduto, toyed with the idea of running for mayor in this year's primary against the appointed, Luke Ravenstahl, I said that you'd not run a campaign that "rocked the boat." Well, no race happened in the Dem primary as the feeling of "give Luke a chance" was too much to counter.

Back then I posted that there was no way that lifelong politician and loyal Democrat, Bill Peduto, would dare to rock the boat in the 2007 campaign because, in part, the term up for grabs was only for two year. We'll have another election for mayor in 2009. Well, you bailed back then. You lived to fight another day.

Now it is time to renew a challenge to you, Councilman Peduto.

The best opportunity that knocks for Bill Peduto to get into the mayor's office in January 2010 comes about as follows:

1. Bill, you need to become an INDEPENDENT voter (urgently). Renounce your Democratic Party allegiance from now until December 2007.

Sure, you can rejoin the ranks of the Ds or Rs to vote in the 2008 presidential primary, if you like. By the way, political leaders don't sit on the fence when elections unfold. Take sides in the 2008 race for the White House. As an Indie, you'll be able to plug both Ds and Rs in the national race -- for good and bad. Put skin in the game with the various races now. The races are on.

2. Bill, support, with vigor and volunteers, Mark DeSantis for mayor in the 2007 general election. Don't support DeSantis behind the scenes. Be bold. Be honest. Be open. Break ranks when you must. Don't be beholden and expect to lead the city later. We need leadership now.

3. Bill, ramp up all your efforts for the 2009 general election race for Mayor.

4. As you step out as a real supporter for DeSantis until early November and then for yourself after that, you should 'cool your jets' on the Reform Pittsburgh Now site. (link) It is a mockery. It isn't going to be the 'revolutionary site' you boasted about. It can't go far while your intentions are cloaked. You don't really want to reform Pittsburgh now. You really want to get elected later. If you wanted to reform Pittsburgh now, you'd be doing all you can to help DeSantis today.

Do blog and be active on the net henceforth. But, "NOW" isn't really "NOW." You need to win elections in the future to make real reforms, so says conventional wisdom.

5. Bill, skip the primary in 2009 as a ballot candidate. However, work like crazy to get thousands of signatures to get onto the general election ballot before the primary is held. On election day in May 2009, get you poll workers out there and get another couple thousand signatures too.

6. Bill, work hard to get as many write-in votes as possible in both the D and R primary in the spring of 2009. Strive to win one or both of the old-party primary elections in 2009 -- as a write in.

Notice Dan Onorato. Onorato heads into the fall 2007 election with a victory in the D primary (beat D, Rich Swartz), and Onorato was also a write-in victor in the R primary too. Onorato is on the November 06 ballot twice. Bill, you should aim to do one better than what Onorato has done this year. Imagine Peduto on the ballot three times: Get on the ballot as an Indie. Plus, win both the D and R primary races. That's a mandate!

7. Push the concept that the general election in Pittsburgh is an important and critical step for our revival. Pittsburgh can't flourish again if it only thinks with half of its brain. The city will continue to bleed resident. If the primary is the end all and be all -- then the city will stay in its rut. Those who want more from our politicians and political landscape are sure to continue to vote with their feet, as they have done for the past decades.

We need meaningful general elections. We need to break the status quo. We need flexibility. We need freedom. And, we need a leader such as yourself who is free to chart his own course. Otherwise, there is oppression. Otherwise, citizens can't be free -- except to depart.

8. All good plans have an exit strategy. Bill, your exit strategy, should the mayor's race of 2009 not bring you that office then, is to be hired as a city council's aid by the new city councilman in your district, Dan Gilman. That's an easy downside. Finish out the rest of your term and then you and Dan switch jobs.

---

Update: See the comments to read the quick reply from Bill.

TalkShoe and Ron Morris open thread

Let me know what you'd like to pass along to political players in the region.

I'll merge the ideas into the 'open letter' to them I'm crafting.

David Adams, candidate for Pgh City Council, district 9

In case you missed the kick-off, David Adams made a mini-movie.

Same video, but hosted on YouTube.

From signs

TCS Daily - Shakespeare vs. Larry Craig

Splendid article -- must read -- about Idaho Senator and Liberal Judgements.

TCS Daily - Shakespeare vs. Larry Craig You can't build a political coalition of lasting viability on leaders who trash by their actions the standards they profess with their mouths. The Prophet and the playwright tells us that it just won't work.

Progress.

Or, perhaps it is time for the old football cheer that goes, "Push em back, push em back, -- way back."

kdka.com - Downtown Pittsburgh Grocery Store To Open In Oct.

kdka.com - Downtown Pittsburgh Grocery Store To Open In Oct.

We are in the Cultural District on the other side of the 7th Street Bridge.

Humm...

The new store's location is about 10 blocks from The Strip District. Cheese is sold in the strip.

Growth of downtown residents has gone from 2,700 to 4,000 today. This store is going to allow for how many new residents, exactly?

The Parkway East, Inbound, will be closed this weekend. Ho humm.

Yawn.

A major roadway has to be shut down, again, so repairs can be made.

What's wrong with this situation? And, why is this called 'great news' with the MSM?

Lights went out last night 3 or 4 times

Water was out yesterday. Lights were out last night.

A telephone pole is fried in the neighborhood.

From RonPaul

[412] This is NOT too much about me -- yet. Do you want to opt into the media list as well?

I sent out an email blast:

[412] This is NOT too much about me -- yet. Do you want to opt into the media list as well?

---

Hi All,

The political campaigns of 2007 and 2008 are starting.

I am on the ballot for the November 6, 2007, election, twice. Voters in the city of Pittsburgh will be able to vote for me for CONTROLLER. Furthermore, voters in Pittsburgh's city council district 3 can vote for me for CITY COUNCIL.

But today's email is more for others:
+ Ron Paul, R;
++ David Adams, Indie;
+++ David Schulenberg, Indie; and
++++ Tony Oliva, Libertarian.


+ Debates for the 2008 election are being held and Pittsburgh-born Doctor Ron Paul, http://www.RonPaul2008, is doing well. He is my favorite by far. This is the time to get to know Ron Paul because the primary election period is going to be here sooner than expected. Study Ron Paul and learn more about LIBERTARIAN solutions.

I worry about local elections slated for 2007 as debates are NOT being scheduled. NONE. Zippo. I'm blogging, of course, http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com. My campaign planks, web sites, CDs, phone calls, press releases, book and podcasts are going to replace the need for debates and media -- if you care to listen and engage. Expect more news from me soon.


++ On Friday (tomorrow), I'll stand with David Adams, candidate for city council, district 9.

Pgh City Paper article on David:
http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A34679

Independent Candidate David Adams will formally announce his candidacy for the 9th district City Council seat on Friday September 7, 2007, at the Frick Park Entrance on Homewood Avenue, and Reynolds in the North Point Breeze community. The time of the event will be 12:30 P.M.

Adams will highlight the points of difference between what Ricky Burgess has presented as his plan, and the strategies Adams has envisioned, and is currently developing for the district, which Adams says will "change the way the 9th district does business as a community!"

The event will also include special guests, who are running for various positions in the November 6th election.

This event is open to the district residents, television, press and radio.

Adams sends a special invitation to candidate Ricky Burgess, in order to clarify any stated errors concerning his plan.


+++ David Schuilenberg is another independent candidate running for Pgh city council (district 1). I support him as he is much better than who is in office now.
http://206.130.100.156/wiki/index.php/David_Schuilenburg

A third David, David T, is running for Allegheny County Council's at large seat.


++++ Tony Oliva, Libertarian, is on the ballot for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh. He and I worked together to secure that ballot spot with my 'placeholder efforts.'

http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/search?q=tony+oliva


= = = = Opt In for More News = = = =

News and content about Pittsburgh and our issues is expected to snowball for the next couple of months. I've got a new media helper, Travis. I'm not going to flood this email list, http://Rauterkus.com/mailman/listinfo/412-public-campaign, with too much noise. I'm going to make another list.

If you'd like to get more news and insights about campaigns for public office, please send me an email: Mark@Rauterkus.com.

Thanks for listening and your ongoing comments.


Mark Rauterkus Mark@Rauterkus.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://Elect.Rauterkus.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Libertarian Candidate for Pittsburgh Controller &
Libertarian Candidate for Pittsburgh City Council, district 3
Vote November 6, 2007

Water is OFF on our street

No water this afternoon. UPDATE: Water came back about one hour later. All is well, except a hole in the nearby sidewalk.

A neighbor had been hearing the sounds of running water while in her house. But, the water wasn't running in her house -- but outside, under the street or sidewalk.

The crew came by yesterday. Today we've got the hole in the road.

Our city's infrastructure has crumbled. We have plenty to do in these areas. We need to get to work by turning attention to infrastructure. And, we can't do other things as there isn't enough money.

We can't go to war and have money for sewer and water pipes.

We can't go to war and keep our bridges in good shape.

We can't expect gambling windfalls from slots to pay for it all -- yet alone pay for property tax relief and unfunded pensions.

And, I'm not interested in expanding the slots parlor operations to table games until after the discussion about video poker machines. They've got their head in the sand.

Guarding Angels invited to Pgh by KDKA

Kevin Miller, KDKA Radio host, wants the Guarding Angels to come to Pittsburgh.

The Guarding Angles are a very libertarian organization. The concept is to fix it oursevels, with the help of other freelance citizens.

I'm in favor of this effort.

The idea is to bring in some leadership to model the program. Learn from their experiences. But the goal and real effort is to train our own and do it ourselves.

School of Hard Knocks - News - Pittsburgh City Paper

Great article. Ugly story.

School of Hard Knocks - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh: "'I think the double standard has gotten worse. We live in a different city.' Their frequent calls to police rarely result in citations, she says, and they're often told, 'It's Oakland, it's where the students are, what do you expect?'

University of Pittsburgh officials, while refusing to comment on a specific incident, say that any community member can file a complaint against a student, on or off campus, through the Office of Student Affairs.

'If they just tell us about a situation, we'll address it with a student,' says Kathy Humphrey, vice provost and dean of students at Pitt. Humphrey adds that students are expected to be familiar with Pitt's code of conduct. 'Everybody understands it, we know what our expectations are -- inside and outside our community -- the respect of others is just a value that we have,' she says."

Delano's Den: Campaign 2007 -- Does Anyone Care?

Jon Delano tells the truth.

Delano's Den: Campaign 2007 -- Does Anyone Care? Truth be told, it's not easy to blog every day -- which has only increased my tremendous admiration for those bloggers who manage to find time every single day to write something.

It is sad that he has to do a 'truth alert' when something honest get posted.

Humm. Perhaps that's why the blog was idle from June 30 to September 6. (snark, snark)

But the point of the post -- does anyone care? This question comes from a guy who is in the media and who isn't helping to set the debate stage. And, he'll be behind the microphone. So, he's got skin in the game but only for the paycheck.

KDKA cares about selling soap. That's advertising. The money is important to KDKA -- not the discussion and solutions. They want to make a race so they get advertising dollars. They don't care, sadly, if another 50,000 move out of the city. The KDKA signal goes beyond the city limits. KDKA does not even care much if the people move to Butler, Westmorland and Beaver County locations. KDKA still works there as well.

I care Jon.

Get to work. Host debates. Make em happen. Prove to us that you care a little.

Yes, both Michael Lamb and Bill Peduto supported Bob O'Connor in the fall. They are Ds and they know how to take marching orders -- boosterism, lockstep, don't break ranks.

Jon thinks that both the news media (MSM) and the blogosphere will enjoy reporting of a good old-fashioned slugfest between these two. WRONG. The MSM would enjoy that. But, I won't. I don't think that the bloggers are going to get their jollies by being so shallow. "Old-fashioned slugfest" ... humm... why not post "dog fight?" Is that too Vick-ish?

The race isn't a TWO WAY race for starters. There are FOUR on the ballot. Number five is 'stay-at-home.' Number six option is NONE OF THE ABOVE. What I'm looking to enjoy is a whole view -- introductions included. That's what didn't happen yet on KDKA, should have happened by mid August.

Fumbled opportunities KDKA.

Furthermore, old-fashioned isn't ideal. We are 'knowledge town.' We have old-fashioned water pipes. We have old-fashioned, back-room dealings. I don't want old-fashioned status quo behaviors.

Screw the idea of a slugfest. Rather, I crave a sustained conversation. I give and take. I want understandings to be shared. I don't want people to get beat up and pile on.

I want hopes to soar. I want solutions that work. I want community involvement. I want effective parenting.

What I enjoy and what Jon seems to rant about are not the same, just as I live in the city and he lives in the burbs.

I'll keep my own list of things I enjoy -- and mowing the lawn is not one of them. Old-fashioned slugfests between two are another.

Welcome back.

Debate recap - and who was that rude jagoff who shared the stage?

Thanks to FOX for hosting the debate. We need more debates where every candidate is involved. The bulk of the GOP candidates know how to "stick to their guns." But, they have no clue as to how to 'win' and what 'victory' means. Dr. Ron Paul won the debate and he has the only positions that can win the White House -- and win for humanity and peace.

Here is what others are saying:

FOXNews.com - Who Won the New Hampshire Republican Debate on the FOX News Channel? - FOX Fan 'Ron Paul wins all the time because he is the only one who upholds the United States Constitution 100 percent.' — Gerrit (Ephrata, PA)

I had some pressing questions after watching. They are put forth by others from the Ron Paul site:

Ron Paul FOX 9/5/2007 Footage | Ron Paul 2008 Revolution - Ron Paul for President - Daily Paul: "Dr. Paul did an amazing, excellent job. He keeps getting better and sharper with each debate. This was his best performance to date. Each time he picks up new supporters who cannot believe their ears - they are actually hearing some truth coming out of the TV for once! This time is certainly no exception. The loud cheers for Dr. Paul show clearly that we are not alone.

Obviously FOX is threatened by this and attempted to use every dirty trick in the book to belittle the message. It was nearly half an hour before Dr. Paul got his first question, after other candidates had already answered three.

Furthermore, you can hear snickering every time Dr. Paul is asked a question, or begins to reply. It sounds like Giulianni to me. Why did FOX news encourage and permit that? In spite of this, Ron Paul stole the night! This post from the RonPaulForums.com makes it clear:"

Who was the rude person with groans among the other candidates on the stage? Jagoff. Was is Rudy? And, it wasn't once -- but many times.

Video is 12 minutes. Covers questions and remarks from Ron Paul. Giggles from Rudy remain, sadly.

Convention center audit to include firm with Onorato ties - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

From Convention Ce...

Talk about tail wagging the dog follows:

Convention center audit to include firm with Onorato ties - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review An engineering firm with ties to Allegheny County's top elected official will be among companies scrutinized by county Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty in a forensic audit of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center's construction and collapses.

Flaherty is forming a team of experts to review the center's design and structural failures, spokeswoman Pam Goldsmith said Wednesday. The audit will be completed in nine months, she said.

The audit is taking place as the insurer for the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority prepares to notify certain companies that they will be blamed for the Feb. 5 collapse of a beam supporting the second-floor loading dock.

This is smoke. This is typical Pittsburgh.

The noise of this audit comes after the news of the past audit that has NOT been released or even completed.

We've got nothing but a house of cards and a massive white elephant.

The Convention Center is not being used to its potential. It can't be used to its capacity. The overall project was stretch that the taxpayers must pay to build and upkeep for decades to come -- if not a century.

However, I had a way to get us out of the quagmire.

The Convention Center should be sold. The Convention Center would be fine place for a slots parlor. Mr. Barden should own it, manage it, upkeep it, and pay taxes on it as well.

The city, county and its authorities need to sell off public ownership of various assets such as the stadiums and the convention center.

RAD tax incomes to these facilities should stop. The RAD tax needs a major overhaul.

As City Controller, I'll do a performance audit on the entire RAD tax legacy and account for our priorities. And, I'd offer solutions.

This audit from the county controller about building specs, subcontractors and donors to politicians is a joke. It is not going to uncover anything of substance.

The fix is to cut our losses and end all public subsidization of these boondoggles.

From Convention Ce...

Update at 10:15 am:
Onorato is on KDKA Radio with Marty G. Onorato said that the article is much about nothing. Dan is right this time. The audit and efforts are nothing much.

"My county manager has a masters degree from CMU. These are the kind of people you want in county government."

The donations are going to everyone, because they are allowed.

Onorato has nearly $2-million in his campaign bank account now.

Onorato said, "When you raise $3-million, no one person dominates your fundraising... No one sticks out. If they get mad and leave, it doesn't stick out. I don't have an appearance problem.

Political influence is given out by Dan Onorato. He is in the process with the governing issues and political issues.

Job posting: Assistant Counsel Pennsylvania Department of Education in Harrisburg

See comments for more.

Was going to live blog the debate -- but my keyboard would have been shattered

The GOP candidates for President gathered on stage tonight. There was so much said that was so ugly that I couldn't blog as it unfolded.

Go Ron Paul. He has to win as the others were too bad to deal with.

Dave Zirin: After a rough summer, let's rediscover joy of�sports - Wednesday September 5, 2007 11:09AM

SI.com - Writers - Dave Zirin: After a rough summer, let's rediscover joy of sports All of us who love sports should drop to our knees and thank the sporting gods for Appalachian State.

I love the entire article. This part is worth repeating.

We also need to channel our disgust onto far greater sporting crimes. It's a crime that the bridge in Minneapolis fell away two days before the groundbreaking on a $500 million dollar stadium. It's a crime that the good people of the Twin Cities were subsidizing the dreams for Twins owner Carl Pohlad, the richest owner in baseball.

Carbolic Smoke Ball ponders the recent Michigan football game

Carbolic Smoke Ball: "ANN ARBOR -- In what is being called college football's 'upset of the century', 5th ranked University of Michigan lost their opening game 34-32 to the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute 'Fighting Chefs' on Saturday. No one would have guessed that a school of culinary education steeped in the history and methods of the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu program could beat a Big 10 football powerhouse.

'You've got to give them credit,' said Wolverine coach Lloyd Carr. 'They were well prepared. And that souffl�they sent over after the game was out of this world!' In the photo above, U-M players are stunned to learn that soy sauce makes a terrific marinade."

Taking another step in the long climb to the White House

From RonPaul

Ron Paul is on with another debate tonight. Watch it.

The advancement of primary elections in places like Michigan and Florida is going to make this into more of a sprint and less of a marathon.

From RonPaul

The Pittsburgh City Paper is running an article on Dr. Ron Paul next week. I just provided them with and interview and some good quotes. For example:

The purpose of government has been blurred greatly around here. The city folks decide to build a tunnel under the river with federal money and say it can't be changed. Federal Housing people decide to buy up houses in certain neighborhoods to warehouse people and city government can't be leveraged so better decisions and outcomes can be found. Those in power are fine with the creation of confusion, doubt and uncertainty. They want to avoid accountability.

I want clear talk with a common sense purpose based upon the actual intent of government at the various levels from municipal to county to state to federal.

News For The Left: Lobbyist Fred to (finally) announce

Let the flood gates open.

News For The Left: Lobbyist Fred to (finally) announce Michael Shear has the info over at the Washington Post's The Trail. Lobbyist Fred has hurriedly put together a 4pm conference call to announce to folks what we've known all along: He's running for President.

Once you get over the shock of the surprising news, you should be aware that this does not make his gross violations of Federal Election Law disappear. As Cenk Uygur of the Young Turks pointed out last week, 'Just because Lindsey Lohan is driving sober today doesn't make her DUI charge go away.'

We should all continue to hold Lobbyist Fred accountable for his intentional disrespect for the rule of law. This man is not Presidential material.

City-council plan reserves cash for Penguins

Look away from the goofy spending. We own what?!?

This is wrong. This is why I want to be controller. I won't let this slide. I won't let this go without notice. I'll be a watchdog for the people against this sillyness with taxpayer funds.

City-council plan reserves cash for Penguins City and Allegheny County redevelopment authorities are working to ensure that cash will be available to the Penguins for any portion of $15 million in credits the team doesn't use in redeveloping the Mellon Arena site.

Under the agreement reached in March to keep the team in Pittsburgh, the Penguins get $15 million in credits that can be used to buy Mellon Arena property for redevelopment. If they do not use all $15 million after 10 years, they are entitled to cash for whatever amount remains.

West End police station to reopen - victory looks like this

I'm jumping for joy.

West End police station to reopen - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pittsburgh's old Zone 4 police station in the West End, which closed more than four years ago to save money, will reopen Jan. 1, officials said Tuesday. 'We're thrilled about it,' said Elmer Clark, president of the West End/Elliott Citizen's Council, which pressed city officials to reopen the station on South Main Street. 'People here are just jumping for joy.'

This is what victory feels like.

I was a protester when the city closed the police station in Zone 4.

Meanwhile, Bruce Kraus was a part of the protest to keep Zone 3 open. Zone 3 was never going to close. Meanwhile, it would be good to move the Zone 3 police station out of its tiny space without parking.

In the past I advocated a move of the Zone 3 police station to the now vacant, public owned, huge, South Vo Tech High School.

After the police move out, the EMS crew can move back into the Zone 3 station. EMS is now NOT on the South Side. That's what is needed more.

Moon Mold

Oh no. Green Cheese?

Rec Center Proposal Fires Up USC Residents

Ambitious, wishful speaking, costly, medicine balls.

kdka.com - Rec Center Proposal Fires Up USC Residents A proposal for a recreation center in Upper Saint Clair has some residents fired up. Dozens of citizens crammed a commissioners meeting to speak out on the center, which includes swimming pools and a gym.

Concerned residents say they can't afford a tax increase or the proposed membership fees.

Others at the meeting did speak in favor of it.

Letter to Editor from Rick Hays

Running Mate, Rick Hays reports his thoughts, on Sept. 1. I posted this letter for about 10 minutes and then took it down until was placed in ink in the P-G.

To the Editor:

Pittsburgh is truly at a crossroads in this 21st Century with the upcoming Mayoral Race. We have been doing things way too long in a 19th and 20th Century mindset. In these days of the Internet, mobile phones, 24 hour news and information sources plus a global economy, dire change is needed and NOW!!!! Otherwise our city cannot ever hope to utilize its awesome potential.

The best way to describe this is by using the dictionary. "Democrat" is found in your dictionary between DECEASED and DINOSAUR, while "Republican" is located between RENAISSANCE and RESURRECTION. In other words, the difference is between OLD and NEW.

Therefore, to make sure Pittsburgh becomes NEW again, we must not continue being ruled by the OLD. I urge all my fellow Pittsburghers to make everything NEW again by selecting Mark DeSantis as our next Mayor. On November 6, 2007 we can bring Pittsburgh instantly into the 21st Century. Join me at your polling place and vote for Mark DeSantis. You'll be glad you did!!!!!!!

Rick Hays (Richard M. Hays, Jr. aka 'Rick from Mt. Washington')

http://edgewood.freetoasthost.com/ Edgewood Toastmasters web site
http://www.d13tm.com/ District 13 Toastmasters online
http://www.metro-cities.com/ Metro Cities Communications worldwide radio/podcasting

"Doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way will assure you of an extraordinary future." Zig Ziglar

"The purpose of our lives is to add value to the people of this generation and those that follow." Buckminster Fuller

More from Rick.

Thanks for the above event on your blog. However, one thing as a correction.
I'm NOT A MARK DESANTIS associate. My letter recommending Mr. Desantis as
Pittsburgh Mayor was sent after many of your blog articles, plus those of
John McIntyre(http://www.macyapper.blogspot.com/ ), and P-G/Trib Review
Mayoral Race coverage as well. I wrote it as a concerned PRIVATE CITIZEN in
the City of Pittsburgh.

I'll keep you posted about if that letter gets published. You can also check
daily online at http://www.post-gazette.com/ .

---

Letters to the editor Pittsburgh is truly at a crossroads in this 21st century with the upcoming mayoral race.

Promises, promises: The Pittsburgh college tuition plan needs help

I spoke out against the Pittsburgh Promise the day it was announced. I went to the news event at the PFT. I was in shock. Meanwhile, the press was smitten with young Luke.

Promises, promises: The Pittsburgh college tuition plan needs help Promises, promises. Eight months later, at the start of a new school year, the Pittsburgh Promise remains full of potential and empty of achievement. As Post-Gazette reporter Rich Lord reported last week, nothing much has happened. While an initial estimate puts the cost at $3 million in the first year, the only commitment is $10,000 from the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.

Duquesne U. basketball player suspended

Duquesne U. basketball player suspended Duquesne University junior power forward Stuard Baldonado, who was one of five basketball players shot last year, was suspended from the school yesterday after his arrest Friday on drug charges.

From ads - political

This is a story with blowback to the 'drug wars.' The black college basketball player was found guilty of being in a taxi. Guilty of having a cell phone. Guilty of being in a city neighborhood. Guilty of being on academic probation. He plays a team sport and another claim to fame, is his ability to catch a bullet.

Two bags of grass were found on the other guy. How much? Were they as big bags, like carrying bags of school books? Or, were they tiny bags?

What became of the other guy, the 'dealer?'

The Duquesne University standard of accountability seems to apply to accompaniment. Share a cab and get the boot.

From Come Live Ove...

Photo shows weeds on the street and what isn't here any more. Photo shows were we want our kids to hangout.

Meeting lessons. Wisdom without charge

When you have a problem with a certain theme, generally, the way to fix the problem is to do something different. Don't do the same thing by choosing to replay that same theme. Don't do what makes the problem worse.

So, let's say an organization has a problem with stability. Things in an organizational life do go up and down from time to time. In the example, let's just say that matters are 'out of control.' Going moment to moment with a community institution is hard work. Healthy organizations have storms, fine. Storms are a part of nature. We cope. We deal. They blow past.

However, good leadership of an organization isn't going to call for a re-do and cause a repeat of the storm and insure that troubled conditions linger.

So, with the example, don't fix the problem of 'stability' by offering workers a super short term contract. Go long.

A problem with stability needs to be countered by offering contracts to key people that extend for 2, 3, 4 or 5 years, not months.

Lesson two of tonights, gratis words of advice.

In life, most moves are either that of playing offense or playing defense. The acts are to either move the ball forward. Or, to play defense and protect what one already has.

When hard times have come and assets are at very low levels -- don't play defense. Get on offense. When you are down and out, use the nimble, hungry and flexible nature that comes with the crisis and act. There is a time to plant and scatter seeds.

The Steelers have the option of 'punting.' Generally, life does not give that option. So, when you have the ball and it is 3rd down and 12 yards to go, but you have 98 yeards until a touchdown, go for it. Run a play with the offense. Don't bring out the defense. Punting can't work.

PennDot: Nearly one-third of local bridges structurally deficient - NewsFlash - PennLive.com

PennDot: Nearly one-third of local bridges structurally deficient - NewsFlash - PennLive.com

So, let's NOT dig a tunnel under the river. Rather, let's repair what we already have.

From Convention Ce...

Chicago is 2016 Olympic bid city for United States

SI.com - Olympics - It's official: Chicago is 2016 Olympic bid city from US

From planning-urban

We love Chicago. I fell in love in Chicago, and, we are still married.

True Chicago Family Trivia: Once while in Chicago, my wife went to vote, and she was handed two ballots. As a bonus, she wasn't even dead.

From family - travels

Metroblogging Pittsburgh: Bob O'Connor's Vision

Metroblogging Pittsburgh: Bob O'Connor's Vision Bob O'Connor's Vision

My comment there and here:

Bob already had supported the building of the mega projects -- the stadiums, the convention center, the Mon Valley Toll Way, the tunnel under the river, the downtown NORDSTROM department store, with its $50-million seed money, Lord & Taylor, Lazarus, etc.

Bob also got a finger in the eye on day one of his final campaign when he floated another HUGE spending spree on the return to streetcars. That went over like a lead balloon.

Bob then turned to the little things -- because that was the only dream he could sell. "Would you like an order of fries with that fixed pothole?"

When he talked about the big deal developments -- like the streetcar thingie, it exploded in his face. Other bid deal developments had blown up in his past as well.

Pgh City Council district 9, campaign kick off for David Adams.

Press Release: September 4, 2007

Independent Candidate David Adams will formally announce his candidacy for the 9^th district City Council seat on Friday September 7, 2007 at the Frick Park Entrance on Homewood Avenue, and Reynolds in the North Point Breeze community. The time of the event will be 12:30 P.M.

Adams will highlight the points of difference between what Ricky Burgess has presented as his plan, and the strategies Adams has envisioned, and is currently developing for the district, which Adams says will “change the way the 9^th district does business as a community!”

The event will also include special guests, who are running for various positions in the November 6^th election.

This event is open to the district residents, television, press and radio.

Adams sends a special invitation to candidate Ricky Burgess, in order to clarify any stated errors concerning his plan.

David's press release is above. I consider him a 'running mate.'

I will be attending the press conference to lend him my support and encouragement. I too am a candidate for the voters in the 9th city council district as I'm on the ballot for a city-wide race, controller. So, I want the voters in the district to elect David Adams for city council and to cast another vote in another race on the same day for me for the office of Pittsburgh Controller.

Czech capital Prague officially enters bid for 2016 Summer Olympics - Tuesday September 4, 2007 10:54AM

SI.com - More Sports - Czech capital Prague officially enters bid for 2016 Summer Olympics - Tuesday September 4, 2007 10:54AM PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) -- Prague officially entered the race Tuesday to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, joining a strong field that includes candidates from the United States, Japan and Brazil.

I love Prague. Been there. It would be a GREAT place for the summer games.

But, the city isn't really named "PRAGUE."

Call it what they call it: Praha.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague

Infrastructure Matters

Pittsburgh Tuesday takes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Coming back to bite: Pittsburgh's failure to maintain its aging infrastructure keeps coming back to bite it. The latest example came Thursday when a major feeder line ruptured under Dithridge Street in Oakland. Tens of thousands of gallons of water flooded a widespread area causing hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage. A city that can't maintain its infrastructure is a city in decline.

Two hour delay for Plum High School (Tues)

A threat was made, so it was reported (WTAE TV) at Plum. The high school has a two-hour delay today.

I'll be in Plum for a 10 am funeral at Our Lady of Joy Church. Hard times.

Another visitation and funeral continues for the Hill family. Tomorrow is the burial. That is in Wilkinsburg. One twin boy is still in Children's Hospital.

Oh brother.

The third reason for heartache is the sophomore Pitt student from eastern PA who was killed this weekend as a Parkway East pedestrian.

Enough.

County looking to consolidate four row offices

This is proof positive of exactly what is wrong with the Dem Party Leadership and the process that only elects Ds. They promise. Then they promise again. And, they often promise some more when it comes to jobs. Political life of Pittsburgh Democrats is about jobs.

County looking to consolidate four row offices County Chief Executive Dan Onorato has promised the workers in those offices that no one, except for the elected officials and the individual solicitors, will lose their jobs.

So, the promise isn't being made about 'good government.' The promise isn't about being effective. The promise isn't to the taxpayers. The promise isn't to do the right thing.

Nope.

The promise is that jobs will not be lost.

The priority is jobs -- and that priority is exactly what I don't want. They've got the wrong goals. They've got the wrong targets and benchmarks.

Hindsight is 20/20. That vision thing.

O'Connor left behind one-page 'vision' for city through 2010 The vision was summarized in 33 words. 'By 2010, Pittsburgh is one of the safest, cleanest cities in the country. It is a vibrant, developing city that is financially sound. All of us as Pittsburghers are proud of our city.' Mr. O'Connor made sure that the vision and the strategies with which he would achieve it were concise.

I don't know if it is safe to talk (and blog) about Bob O'Connor and his vision yet. I have a hunch that it isn't a wise thing to do.

I miss Bob. We all miss Bob.

The 10th Street Bridge is no more, Yeah, right.

We got a new bridge that leads to and from the South Side -- sorta.

Pedestrian killed on Parkway East ID'd as Pitt student

Pedestrian killed on Parkway East ID'd as Pitt studentPedestrian killed on Parkway East ID'd as Pitt student

So sad.

Labor Day Parade

Here we come.
View Larger Map

Go fast. Work hard. Coaching wisdom.

Fellow Bloggers -- I want you phone number. Call me

If you run or help with a blog -- I want you to send me an email with your phone number. Or, just call me. I want to talk to you in the next days.

I'm cooking something new. I'd love to have you as part of the process.

Send your email to me at Mark @ Rauterkus. com.

My cell phone is 412 298 3432.

Hope to hear from you -- now.

t-shirt

From signs

Rick's letter now back to the pipeline

Woops.

Running Mate Rick Hays is supporting Mark DeSantis. He has sent a letter to the P-G giving props. As I get the 'green light' to publish it -- it will appear here.

http://edgewood.freetoasthost.com/
Edgewood Toastmasters web site http://www.d13tm.com/ District 13 Toastmasters
online http://www.metro-cities.com/
Metro Cities Communications worldwide radio/podcasting "Doing ordinary things in
an extraordinary way will assure you of an extraordinary future." Zig Ziglar
"The purpose of our lives is to add value to the people of this generation and
those that follow." Buckminster Fuller

Reviews Mixed For Ravenstahl's Year In Office

kdka.com - Reviews Mixed For Ravenstahl's Year In Office Reviews Mixed For Ravenstahl's Year In Office (KDKA) PITTSBURGH He never expected to be mayor so soon, but from his first hours in office, Luke Ravenstahl was determined to demonstrate he was up to the job.

Luke has stepped to the plate.

That must be the only highlight, other than time with stars and celebs.

Determination. Keep on plugging.

Humm...

Budget and safer streets are the only props even Luke can claim for himself.

If Luke is going to get rewarded for determination and keeping on keeping on -- then this is good news for me. There are few that 'plug along' as I do. I've been running for office since 2001. I've been calling for public hearing in city council chambers, fighting the growth of UPMC, since 1999.

Fund bridge repairs, not sprawl and speculation

David Tessitor, Reform Party candidate for Allegheny County Council's at-large seat had an article printed in this week's P-G. He has started a new website for the campaign as well at www.tessitor.com.

Fund bridge repairs, not sprawl and speculation Fund bridge repairs, not sprawl and speculation To prevent calamities like the Minneapolis bridge collapse, we need to spend our money more wisely Wednesday, August 29, 2007 By David Tessitor

Did you read the article?

What do you think about its message.

What do you think about his campaign?

Pittsburgh’s New Arena: Back to the Future? | News | Architectural Record

Pittsburgh’s New Arena: Back to the Future? | News | Architectural Record “The Penguins have never been a friend of the Hill District, as far as I’m concerned,” Lois M. Cain, a long-time Hill resident and activist, said at a public meeting in June. As to any agreements about community benefits and accommodations from a new stadium, she warned, “You better make sure it’s legal and it’s in writing.”

Don't get me started, again.

The demand of, "Your papers, please." must be stopped now in PA

The "Real ID Act" Rebellion is hitting full stride in Pennsylvania -- now. Your help is needed.

In 2005, Congress passed the "Real ID Act" in attempt to make a SINGLE form of identification linked to all sorts of personal information. Across America, states are in OPEN REBELLION against this infringement of both personal and state's rights!

Now the Bush Administration has unveiled plans to tie the United States, Mexico and Canada into an information-sharing "North American Union." Hey folks – let's share all our personal information with Mexico!

Pennsylvania is not amused. Our state is NOW CONSIDERING H.B. 1351 by Rep. Sam Rohrer that would REJECT the implementation of Real ID in the Keystone State. If passed, we would be the 5th State to outlaw the outrage, while another 16 have passed some form of resolution against it.

WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO GET HB 1351 PASSED IMMEDIATELY!

Call your state legislator and ask him/her to CO-SPONSOR HB 1351. (The numbers below get you into the clerk's offices of the House and Senate.) Ask for your representative/senator, or go to www.legis.state.pa.us to look up your member by name, district, or zip code.

The message is simple: VOTE YES ON H.B. 1351!

House Clerk #: 717-787-2372
Senate Clerk #: 717-787-7163

Ron Paul Grabs Attention of Alienated Voters

Web Helps to Amplify Presidential Campaign Of Iconoclastic Texan
By JACKIE CALMES

Computer engineer Jonathan Morey says, "I have never voted for a Republican, ever." Nathan Hansen, a lawyer, says, "I've been a Republican all my life." Yet a political meeting in St. Paul, Minn., brought the 31-year-old friends together for the first time -- in support of presidential candidate Ron Paul.
QUESTION OF THE DAY

Officially, Mr. Paul is a Republican, elected to Congress 10 times and now running for the party's presidential nomination. But the party label hardly describes the obstetrician from south of Houston. And it certainly doesn't explain his appeal to a growing, if still small, number of voters across the political spectrum, many of them much younger than their spry 72-year-old idol.

The iconoclastic "Dr. Paul" is a libertarian advocate of minimalist government, a foe of the Federal Reserve and anything else not explicitly allowed by the Constitution, and perhaps the most antiwar candidate in the race. Thanks to the unprecedented number of early debates, he has been able to share the stage with his better-funded Republican establishment rivals.

But it is the Internet that has amplified his message and introduced Mr. Paul to voters alienated from both parties. His rise, though modest, is testament as well to the power of his noninterventionist message, even in a party led by President Bush.
[Jonathan Morey]

As polls track the public's disaffection, political strategists are on alert for a third-party movement. Paulites insist their man can win the Republican nomination, though he has gone from zero to just 2% in polls. If he can't, their fervor suggests they would push him to run independently. But having run as a Libertarian in 1988, when he took just 0.47% of the vote, Mr. Paul has discouraged such speculation.

The Web "is redefining what a grass-roots campaign looks like," says Mr. Morey, the computer engineer. More than other candidates' fans, Paul supporters take matters into their own hands, planning events and raising money in a decentralized process that parallels Mr. Paul's vision of what government should be. Aside from his own Web site, there are free-lancers' DailyPaul.com and RonPaulLibrary.org ("the world's largest collection of writings by Ron Paul"), among others, MySpace "friends" groups and YouTube video-sharing.

It has meant $3 million to Mr. Paul, making him fourth among eight Republicans in fund raising and first among the five dark horses in cash on hand. But the netroots' bottom-up energy poses challenges, too, for a campaign trying to channel if not control it. "We're running a campaign, and we'd like to think we know what we're doing," says deputy campaign manager Joe Seehusen. "And then there's this thing called the Internet, and that has a life of its own."

Messrs. Morey and Hansen met late last spring at a local Paul gathering they had learned of through Meetup.com. Such social-networking Web sites have become an organizing and fund-raising tool for other campaigns, but they are particularly valuable for shoe-string operations such as Mr. Paul's.

RIDE A DARK HORSE

• The Man: Rep. Ron Paul barely registers in presidential polls, but the Republican's libertarian, iconoclastic positions draw growing support from across the political spectrum.

• The Plan: Through the Internet, fervent 'Paulites' have built the candidate's modest warchest and helped raise his profile in straw polls.

• The Upshot: Paul remains among the longest of longshots in his party, but supporters insist the Internet has empowered grass-roots efforts such as theirs.

The men recall about 30 people at that meeting, a number that grew at subsequent gatherings to more than 200 before members began breaking into subchapters. The pair still occasionally attend Minneapolis-area gatherings, but mostly they have taken to acting independently. Though from different parties, they got behind Mr. Paul for similar reasons: They share his stands against what they see as an illegal war, erosion of individual rights and a government that is too big, secretive and corrupt.

Mr. Morey, who bikes to work in T-shirts he emblazoned "Who is Ron Paul?," drove alone to Iowa in June, after learning online that Mr. Paul was being excluded from a Republican debate co-sponsored by the Iowa Christian Alliance and Iowans for Tax Relief. Organizers said Mr. Paul didn't have enough support. In Des Moines, Mr. Morey joined about 1,000 others responding to online alerts. Outnumbering the debate audience, they marched past shouting "Ron Paul! Freedom!" and drew sympathetic media attention statewide.
[Nathan Hansen]

In early August, on a lark, Messrs. Morey and Hansen drove south to Iowa State University for state Republicans' straw poll, a traditional barometer of candidate strength in the state with the first nominating contest. The decisions of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson not to actively campaign for the poll raised the stakes for underdogs like Mr. Paul.

Rivals, especially wealthy former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, bought thousands of the $35 tickets that supporters need to vote. Paulites launched "Adopt an Iowan" online and raised more than $19,000 for tickets. While Mr. Romney had buses, hotel rooms and meals for his supporters, Messrs. Hansen and Morey came at their own expense, as did hundreds of others from as far as New York, Nashville, Tenn., and Seattle, even though only Iowans could vote.

Arriving on the Friday before the straw poll, the two headed to a live-music club on the campus for "Ronstock" -- Paulites' Woodstock of local bands, though the men were too late to catch Mr. Paul's brief appearance. Mr. Paul punctuated his stump speech -- "Regardless of what happens, the fight continues" for "national sovereignty and to defend our Constitution" -- by urging supporters to have fun.

On Saturday, Messrs. Morey and Hansen pulled into a parking lot alongside Romney buses. As mostly older passengers marched off in line behind Romney aides holding "Follow Me" signs, the two men chuckled at the contrast with the free-thinking, free-lancing Paulites.

The Iowa Republican Party rented space to candidates. Mr. Paul had one of the smaller, most isolated locations, but his tent was among the most crowded despite scorching heat.

Unsure how to help, the friends drove to a Sam's Club and spent $100 on bottled water. They walked around with a cooler in their "Who is Ron Paul?" T-shirts, doling out bottles to parched Republicans. That night, long after most people left, scores of Paulites stayed for the straw-poll results: Mr. Paul was fifth of 11 candidates, with 9.1% -- nearly twice the tally of absentees McCain, Giuliani and Thompson combined.

On Aug. 23, the men learned from a Meetup group of a Minnesota straw poll, sponsored by Republican state legislators for $100 a ticket, to be held that night. "I was a little hesitant to go and spend a hundred bucks," Mr. Morey said, "but I'd driven all the way to Iowa for a straw poll, so..."

They joined roughly 150 voters, he said, and Mr. Paul came in third with 16%, behind Mr. Thompson's 21% and Mr. Romney's 20%. Mr. Paul has placed high at a series of local party straw polls this summer, given such self-motivated fans, and has high hopes for tomorrow's Republican straw poll in his home state.

Messrs. Morey and Hansen insist Mr. Paul "absolutely" has a shot at election. Mr. Morey says he used to lose sleep thinking of the country's problems. "Now I sleep fine at night," he says, "because I'm taking action."

Ravenstahl hush-hush on findings by Pittsburgh ethics panel - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Be open. Be honest.

Ravenstahl hush-hush on findings by Pittsburgh ethics panel - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review The mayor received those recommendations in the form of a letter from the board Tuesday, but he has kept it secret.

Rule #1 in public life: "Don't keep secrets."

I hate secrets. Everyone in Pittsburgh hates them too. We are nebby.

Luke, it isn't going to work. It looks bad. It is bad policy. It is not what public officials are to do.

Here are the four cornerstones of my ideal and what I want to be and project:

I care. I think it is important to have care and concern for others and our shared spaces. And, I want to be able so say I offered care too. I care for my kids as a stay-at-home-dad.

I want to be loving. Love is what makes the world go around -- beyond the science of it all. I love the city. The love I have for family and friends should not be questioned. I offer tough love advice -- but they come from a love of coaching and a love for the hope of improvements. I'd love to make this world better. I love to talk about and advance solutions, mine and from elsewhere.

I am open. There is nothing to hide when you do you best and give your all. When things are open, things can improve. Issues can be talked about, in the open. The best solutions can be found -- when things are open. Be open for business, remarks, attacks and contributions.

I want to be honest. Facts, data, research and objective observations are necessary. We can't fool ourselves and others. We can't ignore issues, problems and people for any reason. Lies stink. So do half-truths.

Update: The letter was released by the Ethics Hearing Board today.

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review On the 'Watch List': The Mark DeSantis campaign. Pittsburgh's Republican mayoral nominee has named a seven-member policy team. And with it, a bunch of catch slogans. But two months before the Nov. 6 election, there remain no specific policy proposals. The time for those proposals to be unveiled was weeks ago. Time is running short. Specifics, Mr. DeSantis, specifics.

Watch, watch, watch how much coverage the Trib gives to specifics I've put forth for the city controller's race.

Hey Buco! What are you doing for Labor Day? It isn't half as cool as what Ken is up to. And, he needs Pittsburgh's help.

Hear recent podcasts, On Your Mark. Click the top segment in the blue TalkShoe box in the left column.

The Sports & Exhibition Authority is doing too little and it is too late.

With Friends Like These ... - Even Ravenstahl's backers may be having doubts - Views - Vox Pop - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh

With Friends Like These ... - Even Ravenstahl's backers may be having doubts - Views - Vox Pop - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh... This town is full of high-minded, well-intentioned wimps.

I'm not a wimp. But, I'm not in the majority either. Jon is right. There are a lot of wimps. And, many wimps are 'smart.'

My question then is, are the wimps wimpy because they are smart. And, because I am NOT a wimp, does that make me not smart?

Perhaps the wimps are smart enough to know that blow back, backlashes, and other repercussions exist. Payback is a bitch, buddy, weenie-wimp.

Jon thinks, perhaps, that the wimp behavior is from a sense of civility and politeness.

Kenneth Foster Lives

He was due for his execution in Texas. The Governor said he can live.

Kenneth Foster, Jr. (born October 22, 1976) is a prisoner formerly on death row in Texas. He was convicted of murdering Michael LaHood in August 1996. His conviction and execution were contested because he was convicted under a law of parties, not for physically committing the crime. He got a reprieve from the Governor of Texas only a couple hours before the execution, which was supposed to take place on August 30, 2007.

Tony for Mayor Blog

Tony Oliva, L, candidate for mayor, has opened a web site and blog.

Tony for Mayor The Time is Now"

The site is a free one hosted at GoDaddy.com.

http://tonyforpittsburgh.com/

Republic Magazine - features Ron Paul. Get bulk copies for $1 each.

This is a good deal.

Republic Magazine - Home On September 10th, the Patriot community will get it's second installment of the REPUBLIC MAGAZINE. This special issue features the cover story on Ron Paul. While Dr. Paul is continually being downplayed and ignored by the mainstream media, patriotic Americans and even Canadians are rallying behind this Texas Congressman.

Learn why you should also listen to what this presidential hopeful has to say and why we feel that he is the only candidate worth voting for in this election. Could he be the savior of this great nation? Find out in the coming issue.

Also featuring: 60 Second Activism, Activist Profile- “Ron Paul MeetUp Austin”, Learn how to live 'Off the Grid' with this feature on Organic Gardening, 9/11 Six Years Later, Constitutional RE-Education and The End of the IRS Pt 2.

Find patriot owned businesses with products and services that could help you live out the dream of our forefathers in our patriot pages.

PRE-ORDER YOUR BULK ACTIVIST COPIES NOW. We have opened the doors for you to pre-order 25, 50, 100 copes or more of this special issue. Republic Magazine is the perfect tool to wake up the American people to the evil acts that are methodically eroding our freedoms. Order now before we sell out!

Camp Wellstone to come to Pittsburgh

Wellstone Action is a non-partisan non-profit based out of St. Paul, Minnesota. Based on the late Senator Paul Wellstone's model, we integrate grassroots organizing, electoral organizing, progressive public policy and ethical leadership.

Video and hype:



Camp Wellstone runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, September 14-16 in Pittsburgh.

Many people in power today - regardless of political party or ideology - could do a better job of improving our communities. We need new leaders who understand what it means to send a loved one off to war, teach in a classroom without textbooks, or have to choose between paying for healthcare or buying diapers.

We can't sit around and wait for those leaders. It's up to us to make a change. Join Wellstone Action for a training in Pittsburgh!

Camp Wellstone is a weekend-long training that develops grassroots organizing skills for people interested in making change on issues, electing progressive candidates, or running for office themselves.

Get the skills you need, to make the change you want to see in your communities.

There are skills for everyone’s needs. Check out the different tracks:

* Candidate track. This is for people who have made the decision to run for office.
* Campaign track. This track focuses on how to be an effective staff or volunteer member of a winning progressive campaign.
* Citizen activist track. For people interested in citizen lobbying, issue advocacy, and community organizing, this track provides skills in how to win on issues.

To register.

The cost is $100 or just $50 for students, low-income, or unemployed participants. Camp participants are responsible for their own accommodations. The training location will be announced to registered participants.

If you have questions about Camp Wellstone training, contact Jen Haut at or call 651-645-3939 or www.wellstone.org.

Water Main Break Turns Centre Ave. Into River - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

Water Main Break Turns Centre Ave. Into River - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH -- A water main broke Thursday along Centre Avenue and N. Craig Street in Oakland. A witness told Channel 11 that water was up to the wheels of vehicles along Centre Avenue.

Hope that the Steelers were not taking a shower at the time and the water pressure for the team went low.

Perhaps we could train Steely McBeam to fix water main breaks -- like a modern John Henry or Joe Magarac.

The "infrastructure" of the city looks bad -- and is bad -- next to what UPMC is doing with its finances and investments. UPMC's CFO (Chief Financial Officer) was on Grant Street today, in city council chambers, talking to PA Senators, about investments in capital that the "health empire" (so says Jim Ferlo) is and has made in recent years.

Meanwhile, the city of Pittsburgh has had recent years with $0 in its capital budget. ZERO.

Make last splash best of the season - CNN.com

Orange is the new pink, just as Libertarians are the new reformers!

Make last splash best of the season - CNN.com Tutera, host of 'Party Planner with David Tutera' on the Discovery Home Channel, has created Gatsby-esque pool parties in white and patriotic tributes in red, but he says, orange is the shade of the moment.

Handout at today's Act 55 hearing with PA Senate

Statement and Advance Notes to the PA House Finance Committee

Pittsburgh Public Hearing , August 30, 2007

From Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian

candidate for Pgh Controller & Pgh City Council, district 3.

Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party

Mark@Rauterkus.com http://Elect.Rauterkus.com http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

The full statement will be sent to the committee via email.

1. Welcome to Pittsburgh.

2. I protest the fact that I was NOT able to speak at a PUBLIC HEARING.

   1. Advance notice was given.

   2. Only 4 minutes was requested.

3. I have experience in professional life with nonprofits:

   1. Work settings include: Gov, nonprofit sports/athletics, public schools, private schools, private clubs, public universities, private universities, religious universities

4. As an advocate, I worked to fight against UPMC's expansion on the South Side, 1999

5. Our Libertarian Party, the party of principle, has different perspectives and they need to be told as the solutions of Geo-Libertarians provide common sense.

6. I've called for the Pgh Service Fund (nonprofit co-op) to issue a self-imposed moratorium on land expansion.

7. Problem is not the tax free status, rather the swelling of the nonprofit footprint. The expansion of un-taxed land needs to be reversed. The way to 'tighten the belt' or 'get a grip' is to have the nonprofits inventory of land be understood, documented with strong, clear inventory.

   1. That is the work of the City Controller.

   2. That is an open source process and solution.

8. The nonprofits need to reduce total land holdings by 1% each year for 15 years.

9. Messing with Act 55, without getting to the root of the problem would cause more serious problems.

10. Politicians in Pennsylvania are great at the creation of new taxes, not new wealth nor opportunities.

    1. Tax anything that moves

    2. Tax most things that are not moving that are valued – like parking

11. As taxes increase and conditions change, people vote with their feet and depart the region and state.

12. Many institutions have departed the city:

    1. Shady Side Academy, a prep school, is not in Shadyside. (see comments)
       

    2. North Catholic, Luke's old school, is moving out of Allegheny County.

    3. Alcoa moved its corporate headquarters to NYC.

    4. MN's Mayo Clinic, like UPMC, has branches in Florida, East Coast, etc. OUTSIDE home state.

    5. UPMC can open other non PA sites. UPMC can move. UPMC moved it admin to USX Tower, downtown. Moved Children's Hospital out of Oakland. Purchased hospitals in Braddock, and elsewhere.

13. Nonprofits should build UP – not out. Curtail land expansion. Make urban density.

---

News coverage from the event, as per the Post-Gazette.

State Senate reviews nonprofit law State Senate reviews nonprofit law Thursday, August 30, 2007 By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette State senators faced off with hospitals today in an early round of what could be a lengthy debate on how much nonprofit organizations pay to local governments. The occasion was a senate fact-finding hearing in Pittsburgh Council Chambers on Act 55, the 1997 law defining nonprofit groups and their payments to governments. 'The act has worked very well,' said Thomas Boyle, a lawyer for Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney who represents hospitals including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Pitt News covers Tony Oliva and his race for mayor. Front page coverage

Pitt student in race for mayor - News: "Tony Oliva is a straight-shooter - a self-proclaimed non-politician. And he's running for mayor."

The news of the Libertarian was on the front page of The Pitt News today. The article gives some nice insights to Tony Oliva. He has plenty of good connections with Pitt.

The article includes a photo of Tony and a mention of myself.

Who among us have heard of ultimate frisbee?

The rest of the story:

Oliva, a 27-year-old Pitt student, is running on the Libertarian ballot on Nov. 6 against current Democratic mayor, Luke Ravenstahl, Republican candidate Mark DeSantis and Ryan Scott of the Socialist Worker's party. He replaced Libertarian Mark Rauterkus on the ticket.

In 1997, Oliva came to Pitt as a freshman football player. After a devastating car accident during his sophomore year, his injuries forced him to quit football and take time to heal. Now, he is back. He has replaced football with Ultimate Frisbee and is working on his second degree at Pitt.

"[The accident] really taught me the lesson that you can't just go through life thinking everything's going to be great," Oliva said. "You have to be ready to deal with and overcome adversity in any form."

In the wake of his injury, another tragedy struck. Sept. 11 inspired Oliva to join the army and become an airborne paratrooper.

But in 2003, Oliva made his way back to Pitt.

"I'm originally from New York, but something about Pittsburgh latched onto me, and I had no other desire to go anywhere else," he said.

This loyalty to Pittsburgh, coupled with Oliva's fatigue with the current status of the city, made him decide to run for mayor.

"We need some new ideas and new thinking because things are broken," Oliva said.

His Libertarian viewpoint gives tax cuts a significant position in his agenda - but Oliva is very specific about where he thinks Pittsburgh's money should be saved and where it should be spent.

"It's a party that wants to stay out of your pocketbook and out of your social life," said Oliva, who cites his inability to understand why the government keeps "needing money, but not changing anything."

"I like low taxes," he said. "I think that people can use their money in more productive ways than government can oftentimes."

Though an advocate for people controlling their own money, Oliva says he is opposed to cutting social programs - to an extent.

"A person may stumble or trip, and it's always good to have someone there," he said. "I just don't think we should carry someone for their whole life."

If elected mayor, Oliva pledges to make his priorities known. For example, he said that one of the ideas that had been run through Pittsburgh legislatures involved cutting funding for police and firefighting forces.

"Yes, the city could gain money," he said. "But it could also burn to the ground."

As a Pitt student, Oliva says he understands the post-graduation predicament that many face: stay or leave?

"Pittsburgh has become an old town," he said. "A large number of kids are forced to leave because it's not financially viable to stay in Pittsburgh."

His plan? To draw businesses back to Pittsburgh and jumpstart the flow of both jobs and money, thereby appealing to a younger generation. And again, this leads back to lowering taxes.

"We have driven small businesses out with high taxes," he said. "I want to draw them back so people can have opportunities to work in good, well-paying jobs."

And on the other end of the spectrum, Oliva also wants to appeal to the younger demographic by proposing an ordinance to keep bars open until 4 a.m. on weekend nights.

Oliva sees his age and his student status as a way of relating to the voters.

"I want people to see in me what they would always hope to see in their political leaders - not what they do see, what they hope to see," he said.

And if students see something they like in Oliva, he hopes they won't conform to the apathetic stereotype of a college student that "the old parties," as he calls the Democrats and Republicans brand them with.

"This isn't a national election," Oliva said. "Students have the power to change the face of the city, the face of politics. Hope comes with change."

iCommons.org: The iSummits. Next road trip is to Japan

To sustain the conversation I helped to guide at a Pittsburgh PodCamp session on the contrasts of the free and open source movement to the closed world, perhaps we should pack our bags for Japan!

iCommons.org: The iSummits Once a year, about 300 people from over 50 countries come together at the iCommons Summit, to celebrate and strategise around a free Internet for all.Here, leaders of the Creative Commons, free software, open education and access to knowledge communities talk about their vision for the future and discuss strategies for building a free global culture that is rich - both in terms of economic viability and geographic diversity.

In other podcast buzz, seems that some are turning negative to iJustine.

I would never stand up and tell another to 'get a life.' So, I'll just hit the 'publish' button on this blog and send its counter to 6,707 postings here.

Ms. Adventures on the Mon - giggles

Ms. Adventures on the Mon NO COVERAGE WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A NOD TO OUR FAVORITE UNDERDOG, MARK 'SPITZ' RAUTERKUS, ...

Road Trip in April 2008 to DC for techie confab

PodcampDC - April 18-20, 2008 / Registration Podcamp DC - April 18 - 20, 2008

Cost To Repair Pa. Bridges Adds Up To $11 Billion

kdka.com - Cost To Repair Pa. Bridges Adds Up To $11 Billion(KDKA) There is now a price tag for the repairs that need to be completed on the thousands of Pennsylvania's bridges in bad condition. Officials say new figures show the cost to repair our state's bridges is $11 billion.

How about if we repair and rehab what we have BEFORE building new roads, infrastructure and tunnels that all are going to require upkeep as well.

Don't build the tunnel under the river.

Don't build the Mon Valley Toll Road.

Take care of the existing bridges.

Fix McArdle Road and its bridges.

From planning-urban

Troy Hill is on the loose

Go figure. He is from Penn Hills too.

kdka.com - Police Search For Penn Hills Stabbing Suspect Police Search For Penn Hills Stabbing Suspect Police believe Troy Hill, 18, fatally stabbed his brother Tyron Hill, 11, and injured another brother. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Troy Hill is urged to call police immediately.

Penn Hills Reunion -- PHHS Class of 77

Calling all classmates:

The Penn Hills Class of 77, 30th Reunion will be held on November 23, 2007, at the Radisson Hotel at the Monroeville Expo Mart. There will be a buffet dinner and dancing and the chance to catch up with old friends!

Advance tickets are $60/person if received by October 1, 2007. After October 1, tickets are $75. Please make checks payable to PH Class of 77 Reunion and mail to PH Class of 77 Reunion, c/o Gina Calabro, 7 Joshua Valley Road, East Lyme, CT 06333

We have also setup a block of 50 rooms (to begin with) at the Radisson for $89, or $109 (suite). Please call (888) 201-1718 or (412) 373-7300 and request the "Penn Hills Class of 1977 Reunion" rate by November 1, 2007. If the block of 50 rooms goes we will have the opportunity to block more rooms if they are available so act quickly!

If you are planning to attend please mail in your check and information. Advance counts will help us in the planning.

See you at the reunion!
Gina Costa Calabro

Carnegie Library & RAD

Message from Glen Walsh:

The following are excerpts from the grant application, requesting funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District for The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, for Fiscal Year 2008. I have divided these excerpts into two categories: "Good News" and "Bad News."

BEGINNING OF EXCERPTS

GOOD NEWS

Library Capital Improvements $5,382,000

4. ADA Compliance $850,000

Several older and non-renovated branches have ADA compliance issues specific to entrance access points, restrooms, handrails, door hardware, circulation desks, signage, etc. While there are several more branches with ADA compliance issues, Beechview, Mt. Washington, and West End are targeted here since these facilities are unlikely to be fully renovated through the capital improvements program in the near future.

4. HVAC Upgrades $1,500,000 [Note: whoever wrote this grant proposal made the mistake of using the number 4 twice; henee, there are two "number 4" items.]

Several branches are not air-conditioned and other branches have aged systems. The mechanical and electrical infrastructure supporting these upgrades would also need to be upgraded to accomodate the new systems. Work would include but not be limited to electrical service upgrade, roof support, new/existing duct considerations along with the procurement and installation of the systems. Branches considered for this project [GAW Note: Note they use the word "considered"] are Beechview, Lawrenceville, Mt. Washington, South Side, and West End. This investment is considered at this time since these facilities are unlikely to be fully renovated in the near future.

[GAW Note: Note the Carnegie Library news release of Aug. 8, temporaily closing the four historic branches due to lack of air-conditioning, during the very hot
weather:

http://www.carnegielibrary.org/about/pressroom/2007/CLP_Closing_extremeheat.pdf

5. New windows $135,000

Windows are original in several branches. To ensure energy efficiency once the HVAC upgrades are completed, new windows are a logical investment. Branches considered for this project are Beechview, Lawrenceville, Mt. Washington, South Side, and West
End.

6. New Overhead Lighting $225,000

New energy efficient lighting is needed to replace 50 year old ceiling mount strip fixtures. Electrical service would need to be upgraded also to accomodate lighting. Branches considered for this project are Beechview, Knoxville, Lawrenceville, and South Side.

7. New Roofs $50,000

Roofs at the Knoxville and Lawrenceville branches are in need of replacement as they are at least 40 years old. Roof replacement will eliminate leaks and related damage.

8. Exterior Repair $90,000

The exterior of the Mt. Washington facility has age-related missing mortar joints and repointing issues which result in water seepage into the building. Power washing and repainting of the library's exterior are needed.

9. Interior Painting $85,000

Interior painting of several branches is overdue. Project anticipates patching, prep work and painting of Beechview, Knoxville, Mt. Washington, South Side, and West End.

10. Restore Ceiling $32,000

Remove dropped acoustical ceiling and restore the West End branch's original ceiling, which has historical and aesthetic value.

BAD NEWS

Service Points/Facilities

Initiative 2.1
Conduct rightsizing plan to evaluate number and location of library, administrative, shipping and storage facilities.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will launch a Commission on Libraries in 2008 that will explore the factors that influence the success of libraries in urban regions which will be critical to understanding various future scenarios for CLP in the Pittsburgh region. The outcomes from the Commission will assist the Library in evaluating dedicated funding strategies and best practices for libraries and how they might impact the future structure of our Library system.

Initiative 2.2
Complete neighborhood revitalization program to renovate/relocate all eligible CLP facilities, based on rightsizing plan.

Neighborhood Libraries Revitalization

The next renovation project of CLP's capital improvement program is the Hill District Library. Carnegie Library consolidated the two locations in the Hill District (MLK and Dinwiddie Street) and will build its first new Library since the early 1980s at the corner of Centre and Kirkpatrick Street. The official groundbreaking occurred on April 19, 2007 and is likely to reopen late Spring 2008. Another new library on Pittsburgh's North Side will begin construction in early 2008 to replace the Allegheny Regional branch which was permanently closed due to a lightning strike in 2006. Renovations also will begin in late 2008 to CLP's East Liberty branch. As was done with all recent library renovations, a community process is part of the planning. Several public meetings are held to help determine the elements and configuration of each library. The process in the Hill District is complete. The process for both the North Side and East Liberty is underway.

>>>>>>>END OF EXCERPTS

The Good News seems good for some of the historic branches Carnegie Library still operates. However, the word "considered" in several of the proposals is a definite concern. This means that they may or may not institute the proposed improvement for the specified library branches.

Concerns are further amplified by the beginning of some type of Commission on Libraries process that will result in a rightsizing plan, and improvements may then only be "considered" for "eligible" library branches.

Originally, Carnegie Library had planned on a groundbreaking for a new North Side library building [to replace the very historic Allegheny Regional Branch--first *publicly-funded* Carnegie Library in the country, in the neighborhood where Andrew Carnegie grew-up] this Autumn. Now, they say that construction of a new North Side library will begin next Spring.

From everything I have heard [including the Library Director's public comments before City Council in December and the RAD Board last March], Carnegie Library STILL does not have enough private funds to match the State funds they have, in order to build a new library on the North Side. Carnegie Library received a "cardboard check" from the Governor last year, during his re-election campaign, for $7.5 million for the Library system. However, Carnegie Library has to match every penny of that State grant, dollar-for-dollar, to be able to use the State money. As of July, a Carnegie Library staff person told me that the Library has still not raised enough private money to build the new library building.

In the meantime, I have heard that planning meetings "with the community" are ongoing for this new North Side library. However, it seems that these planning meetings, if they exist, are "invitation-only" possibly coordinated by the North Side Leadership
Conference. The general public is not invited to these meetings as several people [including me] might complain that they should reopen the original Allegheny Regional Branch Library--as I and several others did complain at the one public meeting they did have several months ago.

Athletes not sure how to train for Olympic sized pollution problem - Tuesday August 28, 2007 5:39PM

SI.com - Athletes not sure how to train for Olympic sized pollution problem ...Others are concerned the dirty air might cost them a legitimate shot at a medal.

The dirty air will not cost anyone a medal. All the medals will be given at every event. Some are going to medal. Some -- and most -- won't.

And the air is the same for everyone.

At the start of the race, everyone will (or should) have an even start.

The one's who go the fastest, highest and score more points are going to win.

My $.02, if anyone cares to listen. Don't stay far away when staying away. Get into China. Get close enough so the jump to Beijing is a two hour drive. Visit the city for a day. See the venue. Set up camp. Depart. Train for another week elsewhere. Adjust to the food and heat. Get cozy with the team. Then waltz into Beijing and perform the next day.

So, anyone know of a nice bed and breakfast about 2 hours on the upwind side of Beijing?

If Pittsburgh was Beijing, I'd take the team to Seven Springs. If Chicago was Beijing, go to Rockford. If using L.A. for the example, go to Big Sur.

Pack a lot of peanut butter. Bring a bread maker and flour. Well, the white powder stuff might not work through customs. Nix that. Ship in Ritz crackers.

Frankly, the air won't be nearly as big of a problem and worry as the food.

Food issues with the IOC drug testing are also of high concern.

Bring camel backs so you can easily lug your own water throughout the day and evenings. If you have a camel back and the presence of mind to make good choices, the water is a snap to deal with.

School Days Arrive -- as does new heights for spending. Mostly on buildings. Bad for brains and budgets.

Public schools are important to me and my family. My dad is a retired teacher with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Likewise plenty of others in my family. I come from a teaching family, to say the least.

Everyone is in the back to school swing. Our kids resume school on Thursday. Other districts have already begun.

Where has all the money gone?

Libertarian Party of PA responds to Policy Report on Education

For more information contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) or Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Harrisburg, PA – A recent policy report by the Commonwealth Foundation has provided additional support to the Libertarian Party’s spring analysis of government school spending.

In an April media release, the LPPa reported that “According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Report Card on the Schools, school districts in the five-county southeast Pennsylvania region increased spending per student by an average of 32%, or $3372 from 2003 to 2007. During the same period, average SAT scores dropped 32 points.”

According to the Commonwealth report, over the past two decades, per student spending for public education has increased 72% after adjusting for inflation while student SAT scores have declined. The report attributed some of this increase to an increased percentage of school budgets being diverted from instruction to construction of facilities.

Michael Robertson, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPa) Chair, commented "While Governor Rendell may believe more money is the answer to solve the problems of the current system of public education, the evidence is clearly to the contrary."

While Pennsylvanians seek tax relief and particularly property tax relief (the primary funding mechanism for our schools), Rendell has just signed a budget that increases education spending by $760 million, over half of the $1.4 billion increase in general fund expenditures.

Concludes Doug Leard, LPPa Media Relations Chair, “government run education is crumbling before our eyes. While costs spiral out of control, quality remains stagnant. The only way to improve quality and reduce costs is to provide parents with more educational options. Government has failed. It’s time to dis-empower politicians and empower parents with responsibility for their children’s education.”

kdka.com - Millvale Flood Victims Voice Frustrations In Ross

kdka.com - Millvale Flood Victims Voice Frustrations In Ross: Millvale Flood Victims Voice Frustrations In Ross (KDKA) ROSS TOWNSHIP Flood victims from Millvale gave officials in Ross Township an earful Monday. They believe development in communities upstream of Girty�s Run is responsible for causing the devastion to their homes and businesses. According to residents, more development means more trees are cut down, which in turn causes more runoff. Therefore, when it rains, towns downstream, such as Millvale, become flooded.

Yep. Sprawl in suburban areas hurts the urban areas in many ways.