Gregg Behr nicks Ronald Reagan, saying it is morning in Pgh. The story we tell -- it is time to morn

Pop City, flush after an fine wine and cheese party at the North Side's New Hazlet Theater two nights ago, is talking whine and cheese like few others.

Pop City - Gregg Behr: The Stories We Tell OurselvesRemember when President Reagan declared it to be morning in America? Well, it's morning in Pittsburgh.

Gregg is a well heeled foundation type.

I morn for a few reasons.

America's political system depends upon debate and competition. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's mayor has no time for debate. He fills his schedule with quickies in the community that is hardly an opening statement and uses the chief of police, director of parks, staffers and public works supervisors as pawns.

The mayor, like the boss of the political party of the Dems, have a lot of work to do. It is morning alright. They need to wake up. They need to do the right things at the right time.

We are just a month before election day and I want 30 debates, not three -- or NONE.

Morning in the city could come in January 2008 after Luke Ravenstahl departs Grant Street.

Morning could come after Pittsburgh's voters elect people from outside the Democratic party for Mayor, Controller, and with three different districts in city council.

Pittsburgh is hell with the lid off -- because we have a lot of smoke. We have people who want to be cloaked by smoke. We have people who want to breeze in and sail out of meetings without accountability and go forward, depending upon the way the wind blows.

The myth lives on because the political players of this town are not trustworthy.

It is demoralizing to have NO DEBATES. Ours is a placed marked by economic downtrun, dislocation and discouragement because our political landscape carries the same traits. The political elite want it that way. By design, they aim to fool and sustain their folly.

From people & vips

Pittsburgh is roboburgh as too many of the voters act like robots and only pull the party line. Pittsburgh is "green" in its buildings and bricks and hardware -- but not software nor politics nor actions against corporate welfare, a central green party plank. Pittsburgh's knowledge town works if you look at the ivory tower, the flood of studies and analysis, and the sterile operating rooms. Too bad they can't perform some type of magical organ transplants for our culture of community engagement.

Pittsburgh citizens lack the knowledge of where our city stands in terms of its finances. The people are not told. The tools for self monitoring are absent. The story is not being told because those in power want to inject self-doubt to everyday citizens -- keeping the power and upper hand for themselves.

The stories that we tell ourselves do frame who we are and where we are going. Sadly, guys like Michael Lamb and Bruce Kraus want to be controller and on council, yet they do NOT want to say anything or do anything. So, we are not going to go anywhere. They want to get the job. They want to coast. They want to have dislocation.

I don't think all of us need to be those 'great communicators.' But, the leaders need to be that way in times of crisis.

PhoneyFred.org site hits Thompson campaign and comes from realm of Mitt Romney.

Thompson aide: Romney will 'do anything, say anything, flip-flop on any position' to win - On Politics - USATODAY.com The statement from Todd Harris, communications director for Fred Thompson, accuses Mitt Romney's campaign of a 'half-baked cover-up' of what he alleges is the association between a Romney consultant and a hastily pulled website that said nasty things about Thompson.

Harris concluded with the kind of rhetoric that tends to warm Democratic hearts: 'This latest episode only serves to prove what many voters are already figuring out: Mitt Romney will do anything, say anything, smear any opponent and flip flop on any position in order to win. The American people in general and the Republican Party in particular deserve better than this.'

Bang, bang.

Have you opened any new web sites?

Surrender Should not be an Option

Surrender Should not be an Option ... We have achieved the goals specified in the initial authorization.

Another shell game - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

This is what a lie looks like. This is what a liar does. Meet Dan Onorato, the guy who said no local tax money would go for the new arena.

Another shell game - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pennsylvania's taxpayers already have spent millions on the new Penguins arena despite assurances they would be held harmless.

'Loans' of $19.7 million for site preparation from a state capital fund have morphed into grants. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato have said no local tax money would be devoted to the project.

But speaking in such highly technical terms belies the fact that all Pennsylvania taxpayers -- of which 'local' taxpayers are a significant subset -- are helping to pay for the hockey arena.

Money to buy the land under the Civic Arena, land that is owned by the public, is going to be purchased back from Penguins in 10 years. So, $15-million needs to be put aside now. \

Large sums of money is being put in reserve today to purchase land in the future to the benefit of the Penguins ownership. The team ownership would have a new areana and would have fumbled on the development of the area around the new digs.

Go figure.

Any way you size it up -- Onorato lied.

Half the money is from the city. The other half is from the county. In total, all of it, $15-million, is from city residents as we live in both the city and the county.

I don't want the public authority to buy back land that is already owned by the public.

Furthermore, I want the new arena to be owned by the Penguins. That's going to be public land too.

This is a deal that is as bent as a hockey stick.

By the way, we'll get a free skate in two sessions at the Civic Arena for RAD Days. Oh my gosh. How wonderful. See the Google Calendar along the side of this blog for September 25.

Meanwhile, the only other indoor ice rink, on the South Side, is still closed. And, there is little hope of it opening as the city rejected all the proposals that arrived in May 2007.

They are putting away $15-million for the Penguins and can't release the land where another hockey rink sits, that can be used by city and county residents. We don't need $300,000. Nope. We need the city to grant permission for a developer to make that opportunity real.

Rumble: Hampton & Deer Lakes bad boys

What's up with that?

KDKA radio news is making sure everyone knows that this was NOT a school sanctioned event. A few went to the hospital.

City Council OKs TIF for Bakery Square

No TIFs.

City Council OKs TIF for Bakery Square City Council OKs TIF for Bakery Square Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Last night, City Council approved $10 million in tax increment financing for Bakery Square in Larimer.

The financing plan for the Walnut Capital Inc. development at the site of the former Nabisco plant at Penn Avenue and East Liberty Boulevard was proposed by the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority and is still awaiting action by the city and the Pittsburgh school board.

Half of the money will help with the cost of the garage. The other half will help pay for the traffic lights and construction costs of turning Penn Circle into a two-way roadway all around the circle.

This was a "County Council" matter, not as reported, by City Council.

There was a County Council meeting last night at 5 pm. And, the meeting was NOT on the internet, as it should have been.

Regulation, Free Trade and Mexican Trucks

Regulation, Free Trade and Mexican Trucks ... Within the next few days our borders will be opened to the Mexican trucking industry in an unprecedented way. A 'pilot' program is starting which will allow trucks from Mexico to haul goods beyond the 25 mile buffer zone to any point in the United States . Officials claim this is being done with utmost oversight, but Americans still have their legitimate concerns. Rather than securing our borders, we seem to be providing more pores for illegal aliens, drug dealers, and terrorists to permeate. ...

Happy New Year!

Enjoy!

Let's blend cultures with this post, as it seems to be the year to bash China.

From hex

One bomb away from losing rights by Robyn Blumner

From ads - political

Source: http://tampabay.com/

Published September 9, 2007

For months, Democrats in Congress had resisted White House demands that they pass a bill to approve warrantless domestic wiretapping. Democratic leaders were willing to make small technical fixes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, but not give the president a swath of new, unchecked powers to eavesdrop on Americans.

Then a funny thing happened. Just before Congress took its August recess, President Bush and Republican leaders in Congress started suggesting that an al-Qaida attack was imminent in the nation's capital.

Bush told the nation in his weekly radio address on July 28 that "America is in a heightened threat environment," and "our national security depends on" passage of his version of the wiretap bill.

At about the same time, Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott, R-Miss., shared that he had been warned that "disaster could be on our doorstep." He said people should leave Washington until Sept. 12 to be safe.

The Democrats, nervous that any domestic attack would be blamed on their failure to let the president ignore the Constitution, predictably caved. At least temporarily, they handed Bush the power to intercept Americans' international communications without court oversight, swatting away the explicit protections of the Fourth Amendment like an annoying gnat.

Then, with mission accomplished, the imminent threat disappeared. We didn't hear another thing about it.

Accusing opponents of inviting the next attack on American soil if they don't acquiesce is one of the administration's favorite tactics. That is how it passed the USA Patriot Act and later its reauthorization, as well as the disgraceful Military Commissions Act of 2006. It is also how the administration beats down those on its own team who deign to raise civil liberties concerns.

A fascinating piece in today's New York Times Magazine features extended interviews with Harvard law professor Jack Goldsmith, a conservative lawyer who for nine months headed the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. In vivid detail, Goldsmith describes how the administration used the specter of terrorism as a means to expand the power of the presidency.

This was especially true, according to Goldsmith, of Dick Cheney's top aide, David Addington, who once told Goldsmith that if the OLC ruled against an administration policy, "the blood of the hundred thousand people who die in the next attack will be on your hands."

Addington seemed to relish the coming of another big one and what powers loyal Bushies could arrogate in the aftermath. Goldsmith recalls him saying: "We're one bomb away from getting rid of that obnoxious (FISA) court."

In other words, after one more terrorist attack, the administration could get Congress to wipe away any kind of warrant requirement for domestic spying.

These fly-on-the-wall insights are contained in Goldsmith's soon-to-be-released book, The Terror Presidency. He is donating the profits to charity, Goldsmith told the New York Times, so no one will think that he is doing this for the money.

Goldsmith came on board at the OLC in October 2003 as a true believer in broad executive power and the need for exigencies in the face of dire threats, he told the New York Times. But he couldn't countenance the many constitutional excesses of the White House, particularly its open contempt for the other branches of government.

Goldsmith said he regularly clashed with White House insiders, Addington especially, who was always the "biggest presence in the room" and Cheney's proxy.

Goldsmith said he infuriated Addington by determining that the Fourth Geneva Convention applied to all Iraqi civilians, including terrorists and insurgents. The administration was used to picking and choosing to whom the Conventions applied.

And Addington was again enraged, Goldsmith said, when the OLC head withdrew two legal opinions that came to be known as the torture memos. One had been used to give the CIA legal cover to engage in abusive prisoner interrogations.

Goldsmith - flashing his right-wing stripes - expressed in the New York Times interviews lingering regard for some of his former colleagues. But with the same breath he explained how they demonstrated an almost pathological disregard for the law.

In his book, according to the New York Times, Goldsmith wrote that they did to FISA what they did to other objectionable laws: "They blew through them in secret based on flimsy legal opinions that they guarded closely so no one could question the legal basis for the operations."

Team Bush and its "one bomb away" agenda would use the next attack to finish the job of consolidating the nation's power in one man. And since Congress is demonstrably cowed into submission by the mere prospect of the next bomb, imagine how it will fold when the next one actually falls.

The resiliency of our constitutional system is only as strong as the will of the leaders we have defending it. Which is to say, not very - not very, at all.

St. Petersburg Times

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mike Ference 412.648.1066

mference@katz.pitt.edu

IEE seeking innovative, incisive entrepreneurs for 2008 Entrepreneurial Fellows Center Class

Pittsburgh, PA – September 14, 2007 – The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business is looking for a few good entrepreneurs. Now recruiting for the Entrepreneurial Fellows Center Class of 2008, the organization is calling all leaders of high-growth businesses interested in unmatched educational seminars, mentoring and networking opportunities.

“High-growth entrepreneurs need immediate and practical suggestions for dealing with organizational growth, complexity, transitions and performance so that they can meet increased demand and successfully compete on a larger scale,” said Ann Dugan, assistant dean and IEE executive director. “Our program offers a unique balance of the many different things an entrepreneur needs to succeed.”

The course consists of a comprehensive, 10-month Katz certificate program that includes monthly presentations by Pitt’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business faculty and respected business leaders, one-on-one mentoring with an experienced entrepreneur, and access to an interactive, private online service offering an exclusive forum for students, mentors and Katz faculty to share ideas. After graduation, alumni continue learning with Alumni Association programs and discounts on future Katz educational programs.

“Our students have put their learning to work and as a result have outperformed their industry counterparts,” Dugan said. “According to a recent survey of alumni, participating businesses have seen tremendous growth since becoming involved in the program, including a 69 percent increase in assets, a 56 percent increase in annual sales, a 31 percent increase in number of employees, and a 32 percent increase in average wages per month. These are the tangible results of the Entrepreneurial Fellows Center program.”

Alumni of the program are today’s dynamic leaders, successfully navigating the challenges of a complex entrepreneurial environment. All business leaders interested in applying for the Entrepreneurial Fellows Center Class of 2008, which will run from January through December 2008, can learn more by contacting Mike Ference at 412.648.1066 or mference@katz.pitt.edu.

######

The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business helps businesses grow and prosper in all stages of their lifecycle. From conceiving an idea to creating a legacy for future generations, the IEE provides education, advice, and innovative services to entrepreneurs through FirstLink, PantherlabWorks, Small Business Development Center, Entrepreneurial Fellows Center, and Family Enterprise Center.

Our mission is to be the innovative leader of economic renewal and growth serving enterprising people and businesses in the Region.

www.pittentrepreneur.com

David Adams speaks again

Click To Play

Video from today's city council meeting.

Are they going to turn this into a drive in instead?

Waterworks Cinemas to close after tonight's shows: The Waterworks Cinemas will close at the end of business tonight. The 10-screen complex on Freeport Road behind the Waterworks Mall opened in 1990.

9/11 A time to remember

Libertarian Party pays tribute to victims of 9/11 and renews commitment to our country's founding principles

Press Release from the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania today pays tribute to the 30 Pennsylvanians who died in the 9/11 tragedy. The LPPa also pays tribute to more than 170 Pennsylvanians who lost their lives since then in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the government’s war on terror.

"Our hearts go out to those who have lost family members as a direct or indirect consequence of the 9/11 attacks," stated Doug Leard, LPPa Chair of Media Relations.

The LPPa also asks Pennsylvanians to today reflect on the individual liberties on which our country and Commonwealth were based. The party pledges to continue its efforts to preserve and where necessary restore these liberties.

Unfortunately, the government has used 9/11 as a pretext to attack many of these liberties. The Patriot Act has damaged our fourth-amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure and our fifth-amendment right to due process. The Military Commissions Act has effectively eliminated hapeas corpus for foreigners and U.S. citizens traveling outside the country. The Real ID Act establishes national identity cards.

In the name of the war on terror, Washington has embroiled our troops in the Iraq war. In the name of security, the government has nationalized 43,000 transportation security jobs. Since 9/11, government bureaucrats have increased their spending by more than 40%. On this day, the LPPa renews our commitment to small, limited government dedicated to peaceful international relationships.

Michael Robertson, LPPa Chair, commented “Our nation was founded on the ideal of Liberty, which so many people have fought and died for. It makes our country a beacon of hope to all people, and if we lose our Liberty, then surely the terrorists have won."

Interesting crash course on PFAs, DV and public life

City Council got an ear full of valued info today at a post agenda concerning our shared public life, jobs, hires, anger, protection from abuse, and -- of course -- domestic violence.

More to come.

Tonight there is an event on the North Side. See my calendar.

Petition for the voters of Allegheny County - don't raise taxes -- put it to a vote

KDKA radio host, Marty Griffin, is talking on the air about a new petition so a question can be put before the voters. Interesting.

I called the show to ask about the nexus of the petition.

I was engaged in talks about two weeks ago about another petition effort. I also talked at the Labor Day parade with this individual. He was working on the form and and its associated electronic version / PDF.

Are these petition efforts the same? I hope there is some coordination among the two.

Marty said that many were working on the question including those at the Allegheny Institute.

Update: I did swing by the KDKA Radio Station reception desk and got a copy of the form from Marty Griffin. I've been checking matters out with the election department, county clerk, Allegheny Institute and other interested players.

Voters should have a voice. Furthermore, Dan Onorato is NOT going to be happy with the call for a vote. He wants to raise the taxes. He wants to be king and not be subject to the will of the people. Heck, Dan Onorato can't even pick the proper voting machines despite getting excellent advice on what to get from experts.

We need, and I advocate for, more questions on the ballot in the city and Allegheny County.

Once 500 signatures are gathered on the petition, the matter goes before Allegheny County Council. They can then put the matter onto the ballot -- or not.

Getting 500 signatures, with the help of KDKA radio host, would be a slam dunk. Putting the word out that this petition is buzzing in the neighborhoods with Marty's help would kick start someone on County Council.

I don't think they should dream up new taxes. The Democrats in Pennsylvania and Allegheny and the city are great at the creation of new taxes -- and fail in efforts of getting new jobs and residents.

Russ Diamond and PA Clean Sweep, working election magic again

PACleanSweep to Announce Intentions on Retentions

PACleanSweep, a non-partisan organization aimed at reforming state government in Pennsylvania, will hold a news conference Thursday, September 13 in the Capitol rotunda in Harrisburg to announce its intentions regarding November's judicial retention elections.

PACleanSweep was instrumental in the ouster of Supreme Court Justice Russell Nigro in 2005, marking the first time a member of the Commonwealth's highest court was not retained by voters. The organization followed that effort by recruiting or aligning with over 110 candidates for legislative seats, accounting for over one-third of all challengers in the 2006 primary election.

35 PACleanSweep candidates won their primary races, seven of whom defeated the sitting incumbent head-to-head. Eleven PACleanSweep candidates eventually won legislative seats in the 2006 general election, accounting for 20 percent of the total 55-seat turnover in the General Assembly during that historic election year.

The group's efforts for the 2007 judicial retention elections will be based on the results of an informal survey offered to visitors to the PACleanSweep.com website and its 5500 email list subscribers.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Divers know dangers, take plunge anyway - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Divers know dangers, take plunge anyway - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review take plunge anyway

The rivers are scary... so the urban lore sustains itself. Nice 'feature article.'

Hardy won't seek Fayette commissioner seat - Tribune-Review

Wow. Mr. Hardy is out of the race.

Hardy won't seek Fayette commissioner seat - Tribune-Review Fayette County Commissioner and 84 Lumber founder Joseph Hardy announced during a campaign rally Sunday that he is withdrawing from the commissioners race. About 1,200 Hardy volunteers and supporters attended the rally, which doubled as a Steelers game day party, at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

During halftime, Hardy's campaign manager and spokesman, Jeff Nobers, stood at the podium with Hardy and broke the news. Nobers said the crowd was saddened by the unexpected announcement, but supportive and understanding.

Hardy, 84, a Republican, is serving his first four-year term as commissioner. Nobers said Hardy went on with the rally as a way to thank his supporters.

Broken hearts are brutal.

Domestic abuse by police gets city hearing

Domestic abuse by police gets city hearing

Big time article. We'll see what the hearing brings.

Ron Paul slated for TV at 8 pm on Monday

Ron Paul will be on the O'Reilly Factor on Fox News tomorrow. The show is on at 8 pm.

Pitt A.D. Long finalist for Arkansas job

Pitt A.D. Long finalist for Arkansas job Pitt A.D. Long finalist for Arkansas job

Now Pitt will be able to make another change to its logo and mascott, for another $100K or more.

The next guy or gal should bring back the Script Pitt -- or be asked about it.

And, what is the trend in colors? Isn't the mustard gold the new pink?

Where the presidential candidates line up on war in Iraq

Where the presidential candidates line up on war in Iraq Mr. Paul, the most passionate opponent of the war among the GOP candidates, unsuccessfully proposed legislation that would have removed all troops from Iraq by the spring of this year.

If you care about peace, you'll hang a Ron Paul sign in your window. Make one yourself.

'Reforming' pensions, US Airways & the Chinese - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

'Reforming' pensions, US Airways & the Chinese - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'Reform' is one of those words that politics has rendered meaningless."

Exactly.

Reform has become 'deformed.' Once reform of this and that happens, it is a short step before all is deformed.

Rather than talk of reform here -- I often want to do other things.

First, we need to replace.

Second, redirect.

Third, reform.

The worst thing would be serious reforms implemented by the jerks and clueless politicians that are in office these days.

For example, Dan Onorato can't choose the right voting machines. He can't even manage our democracy despite being told by experts and advocates for democracy what we needed and what to choose. Onorato picked the wrong voting machines -- against strong advice otherwise. I don't want him to lead reform efforts.

The Row Office Reform effort was goofy as well.

Rather than putting forth a package deal where all the various row offices were considered with one yes or no vote -- the citizens should have been able to vote on the future of each row office as an individual decision.

Elect a sheriff? Yes - or - No.

Elect a treasurer? Yes - or - No.

Elect a clerk of courts? Yes - or No.

Look at how hard it is for Luke Ravenstahl to see what is ethical or not. He is the worst person to help make up new rules for the ethics code. He can't do it. He can't even understand that letters to the mayor from ethics hearing board chairs are not private correspondence.

This is why we can't have LUKE reform the rules that govern the ethics hearing board. Rather, we need to replace, re-direct, then reform.

All the talk about reform needs to take a back seat to more urgent talk -- REPLACING the politicians that are in office now.

South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association

South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association: "StepTrek 2007 Oct.14 - Register Now!"

Oasis Project - shelter and domestic violence with IT company

Oasis Project | TeachMac: "We'll Give a Million—Can You Spare $10?"

This might be a nice cause for the next round of giving for bloggers.

Or, perhaps this would be a good effort to establish in Pittsburgh.

IT background insights.

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?