Fw: LibertarianList Returns

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-----Original Message-----
From: LibertarianList <info@libertarianlists.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2010 03:24:45
To: <mark04@rauterkus.com>
Subject: LibertarianList Returns



LibertarianLists is Back! We have a new website that is finally taking
shape and we will be gaining new features in days to come. Though we
are registered on "white lists" it is always a good idea to recognize
our emails as such in your email client.

For our inaugural allert, we would like to discuss a campaign shaping
up down in Texas.

Tip O'Neill once said that "all politics is local."

Let's look at an example: Everyone knows the 14th Congressional
District of Texas - Ron Paul's district. Are you aware that many
high ranking GOP members within this district actually work against
Dr. Paul? While Dr. Paul carries a message of liberty to not only his
constituents, but to the whole nation, there are those who would
prefer that this icon of freedom was silenced. Indeed, a portion of
his district hosts many within the neoconservative ranks. They control
virtually every portion of government except for Dr. Paul's seat. In
doing so, they utilize tax dollars as a revenue basis to fund his
opponents time and time again.

These 'neoconservatives' are absolutely opposed to free markets and
competition. They establish political "machines" which serve to
insure their interests are served in government above all others and
at the expense of the taxpayers. They obtain government "no bid"
contracts, receive special tax breaks and use their ill-gotten gains
to perpetuate ever more oppressive burdens on the communities they
afflict. Perhaps calling them corporatists, crony capitalists or
corporate welfare queens would be more fitting.

So if the 'local' folks are working against someone like Dr. Paul, how
can anyone else outside of that area try to make a difference and
help?

There is hope.

Former Texas LP Vice-Chairman Kevin Tunstall has battled these same
forces for years. Running for City Council in Missouri City
(population 70000) in 2007, Tunstall garnered 46% of the vote on a
very modest budget, despite an opponent who received significant
financial backing from these nefarious political interests.

During his campaign, he discovered many activities by the local
government that were deemed illegal by the state, but carried no
enforcement provisions or criminal penalties. Additionally, he
uncovered a cottage industry of lawyers and property managers
contracted with certain neighborhood associations whose purpose was to
prey on elderly homeowners by initiating foreclosures for trivial
purposes. Even when homeowners decided against such practices and
voted out their association boards, they fall victim to the very same
lawyers who then support the board members who refuse to vacate their
positions upon removal. This is of course illegal, but again there is
no enforcement of the law.

We've been informed that Tunstall is running once more. At the
urging of two sitting council persons and a former council
representative, he has tossed his hat into the ring and caused a stir.

When we spoke with Tunstall, he stated: "Missouri City is a
"closed" city for general development. There is a monopoly of
developers and vendors who receive all permits and outsiders are not
welcome. This cartel of businesses then drain the government coffers
by obtaining all of the contracts outside of the bidding process and
virtually all of the contracts available for bidding while inflating
the costs of projects. They will then fund their candidates,
regardless of whether they are Democrat or Republican, who will help
protect their monopoly. It is a 'pay to play' system."

"Whenever we see a grass-roots movement to unseat or defeat one of the
vendor network candidates, the political operatives crawl out of the
shadows and begin denigrating and marginalizing the concerns of
sincere and honest citizens while they attempt to destroy the
candidates who promote open and honest government."

What is the strategy?

"How does this affect the Liberty Movement, Kevin? Why should folks
from around the country help your local campaign?" we asked. Tunstall
replied "We all have to focus on one city at a time. One race at a
time. You can choose where to give your pro-liberty support, and
hopefully you'll spend them locally, at the town and city levels, if
there is a worthwhile race there. But what if there isn't? Where
should you give then?"

Being specific, he added "Missouri City has a 5 to 2 split on the
council right now. Should we be successful , we will
have a majority and the city will be lost to the cartel. We can then
refocus our efforts on Sugar Land, Richmond and Rosenberg, and
continue our campaign to rid our government institutions from those
who oppose the interests of the taxpayers, and stop them from spending
our money against our interests."

"We need successful races. We must start at the local level and work
our way up to the county, state and national levels. As we build a
cadre of representatives who promote our interests, we will be force
to be reckoned with" he concluded.

It sounds pretty ambitious until you realize that the liberty
candidates running in the Missouri City race not only look viable, but
the Mayoral challenger is currently a sitting council person. Kevin's
picked a race that he can win and he isn't running a paper candidacy
like so many other races that ask for your funds. Considering that
Tunstall has not only lead a good race in the past, he's served the LP
at the county and state levels, and managed other high-profile
campaigns, we believe he knows what he is talking about here.

We can think of no better candidate to lead our efforts to revitalize
the Libertarian List. Our primary goal: reach pro-liberty folks all
over, and ask them to help where and when it really counts, where
their dollars might make a real difference this time. We know it's
tight all over, but if everyone who gets this email gave just a few
dollars, Kevin's campaign chest will be filled and ready for action.

We know his opponents are funded by the very people who oppose Dr.
Paul. Let us show them that we too, the Pro-Liberty forces can mount
viable campaigns.

We ask that you give, and give generously, to Tunstall's campaign
efforts. Click the link below and let's get this guy elected and get
that ball rolling.

Additionally, forward this email and get every liberty minded person
you know to sign up for Libertarian Lists. As we grow, so does the
power of our message.

As an added bonus, The "Liberty Campaign for Texas PAC" has just
endorsed Tunstall. If you contribute as a result of this email,
Liberty Campaign for Texas PAC will match your contribution. This is
an exciting way to bring local (Texas) dollars into play while
assisting a high profile, pro-liberty candidate.

Donate to the Tunstall Campaign at
http://libertarianlists.com/lists/lt.php?id=NxpWVQBVWE9cS1UDBwY%3D

If you wish to leave our list, we understand, and we'll be sorry to
see you go.

Best Regards,

Seth Cohn

Director

LibertarianList.com



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Fw: [Carlynton Happenings] The Feasibility Study and the Future ofCarlynton

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Aria <fmodugno@gmail.com>

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2010 05:03:26 -0700 (PDT)

To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>

Subject: [Carlynton Happenings] The Feasibility Study and the Future of Carlynton

The informatin below is posted at the request of a member of the community. I do not personally agree with this movement nor with building new facilities at this time.

In my opinion, the first step before taking either of those paths should be to conduct a study on whether it would be more beneficial for the education of the students to consider merger with another school district or to consider disbanding Carlynton and merging the 3 communities into different school districts. The school board has chosen to ignore this possibility, although their own data show declining enrollment in the district.

There are several adjoining school districts with declining enrollment, just like Carlynton. Rather than undertake new construction or an update of existing structures, both of which will put the district back into debt and likely lead to an increase in taxes, merger with another district or districts will likely lead to a decrease in taxes and and possibly an increase in student performance. As well, ALL the adjacent districts provide more academic and enrichment programs than Carlynton. There will be more opportunities for our children.

The school district and parents should first assess the feasibility of the long term viability of Carlynton, one of the smallest school district in the county but with one of the highest tax rates. Only after that is done should the district determine its next move.

The following is information that I was asked to post:

IMPORTANT INFO:

If you are a current Carlynton resident and you do not want Crafton and Carnegie Elementary schools closed, Please use one of the links below (or all) to make your voice heard!

Carlynton SOS Website
Sign the Petition
Facebook page

--
Posted By Aria to Carlynton Happenings at 4/08/2010 07:53:00 AM

Thanks for the post agenda still to come in April.

Dear Council President,

Thanks for setting up the post agenda to listen to the visitors from Bangladesh. Wow. This will be a fun challenge and could be a magical moment for us in Pittsburgh and for many around the world in a human rights battle.

Thanks again.

Mark Rauterkus
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Fw: MSNBC & NTU discover property tax issue

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---

From: "Bob Logue" <ucblogue@verizon.net>

Date: Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:05:56 -0400

To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;><Invalid address>

Subject: MSNBC & NTU discover property tax issue

MSNBC and the National Taxpayers Union have discovered just one small aspect of how corrupt and inaccurate the property tax on residences is.  It's great that more people are demanding the values of their homes be reduced because of the current economic problems in our country. 

   In Pennsylvania you have the right to file an appeal every year.  You need not wait for a reassessment.  Problem is they county may increase instead of decrease your property assessment.

    In reading this story you will note there is now an industry forming of lawyers filing property tax appeals for 50% of the savings for the first year. 

     Lastly, note the wealthy home owner and how much he got his taxes reduced.  He could afford to hire an attorney and an appraiser...but unless one can find an attorney willing to take the 50% deal mentioned above, the cost for most attorneys is around $350.  Appraiser perhaps $500.  Most lower and fixed income citizens can't take the risk of spending that kind of money and perhaps not getting a tax reduction at all.  An appeal of an unfavorable decision at the county level can be filed in common pleas court.  Filing fee $63.  Attorney representation at the court hearing, maybe $500.  Appraiser testifying...who knows...let's say $300.  It's worth the crap shoot for wealthy homeowners...but the lower income folks can't afford all of that. 

   NOTE:  We have sent a wealth of information to the National Taxpayers Union and they did not appear interested in the corrupt property tax issue.  So, it is encouraging to see them starting to show interest.  Bob Logue, STOP     Primary Residence Protection Plan.  Learn more at

www.undercoverclub.net and www.grandoldusa.com  

 

By Kristina Dell

msnbc.com

updated 7:32 a.m. ET, Wed., April 7, 2010

Now that the housing bubble has burst, up to 60 percent of the nation's taxable property may be overassessed, meaning owners are paying thousands of dollars more in taxes than they need to, experts say.

That is leading to a flood of appeals in many markets from homeowners eager to cut their taxes and speed the process of aligning tax valuations with reality.

While home prices have fallen by 30 percent on average since their 2007 peak, according to the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, many counties only reassess every three to five years and have little incentive to move faster considering how important property taxes are to funding local government operations.

 So homeowners are increasingly appealing the valuations, although the number is still a tiny fraction of the total — 2 to 4 percent, according to the National Taxpayers Union.

"People forget they need to appeal," said Barbara Payne, executive director of the Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation in Georgia. "Everyone should have appealed more than once in the last five years or you're paying too much."

Those who appeal are getting mixed results. Only 20 to 40 percent of those who challenge their assessment walk away with a victory, the NTU said.

"Appeals have become more difficult in the last two years now that municipalities are fighting tooth and nail for everything," said Anthony Sarro, president of eTaxReductions.com, a company that represents people on property tax appeals.

A success story
Stuart Sendell, a retired mortgage banker living in Morristown, N.J., was ultimately successful but said the process took 14 months to complete.

After reading a report that found the average assessed value of real estate in his town had increased by 5 percent, Sendell paid a visit to his local assessor's office to examine the calculations.

"Everyone knew housing values were dropping like a brick," he said, remembering that he thought the report "couldn't be right."

Stuart Sendell's home was estimated by the township to be worth $1.6 million, but his appraiser concluded his home was worth only $970,000. After appealing his property assessment, he accepted a 25 percent reduction after a lawyer for the township asked to strike a deal.

Sendell was onto something. He found that the local government included in its calculation a sample of lower-priced homes that dropped in price less severely than his house, which the office estimated was worth $1.6 million. He decided to appeal after hiring an appraiser who concluded his home was only worth $970,000.

Two months before his court date the lawyer for the township asked to strike a deal. Since New Jersey law gives assessors a 15 percent margin of error for assessments, Sendell accepted a 25 percent reduction, which showed up in his taxes. He was awarded a $5,400 tax refund — a savings he now banks each year.

Sendell's experience isn't unique. "There has been a ramp-up in requests that began well over a year ago," said Peter Sepp, vice president for policy and communications at the NTU. "People are getting sticker shock over assessments that have yet to be adjusted to the realities of the depressed real estate market."

Filing an appeal
Attorney Arthur Semetis, a resident of Westchester County, N.Y., used a law firm to file his tax grievance two years ago. "They know what the courts are looking for," he said, referring to the law firm, "and work with the judges all the time."

His lawyer was initially unsuccessful in negotiating with the tax authority but knew to stick with the process. The firm ended up winning him a tax reduction of 12 percent on the second go around in the judicial hearing.

An industry has cropped up around the process, with companies filing appeals on behalf of residents in exchange for a cut of the winnings. Most firms work on a contingency basis, taking about 50 percent of the savings for the first year.

Linux in Community

WPLUG is hosting a general user meeting on Saturday, April 10th from
10:30a until 12:30p to be held at the Wilkins School Community Center.

Kristopher "Piki" Gamrat will be speaking on the topic of The
Advantages of Linux in the Community. Do you think free software
would be a good choice at work? Would the people at your favorite
non-profit use Linux? How about the members of your family? This
presentation will challenge you to consider Linux beyond the typical.
The result would be the people you care about using the best software
available!

Further details available at: http://www.wplug.org/wiki/Meeting-20100410

Dave

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

False gods peeked into PPS Meeting tonight.

Some of Title IX is like a plague that has caused and continues to cause much anguish. You never win by subtraction. Put that as part of the law. Judges and Legislators seldom make elegant solutions. Getting to the "sweet spot" isn't through them.

I was far more interested in the risk management statements from the consultant / AD.

Video in a day or two.
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Fw: DR News: Orie Sisters Charged

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---

From: Tim Potts Democracy Rising PA <tim@democracyrisingpa.com>

Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2010 17:55:48 -0400 (EDT)

To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>

Subject: DR News: Orie Sisters Charged

Democracy Rising Pennsylvania

UNSUBSCRIBE HERE Orie Sisters Charged Senate Republican Whip Jane Orie, R-Allegheny, and her sister Janine Orie, an aide to another sister Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, have been arraigned on charges of orchestrating illegal campaign work using tax-funded resources in the senator's district office. The accusation covers election campaigns from 2001 through 2009, including last year's election of Justice Melvin, who was not charged today. Sen. Orie has resigned from her leadership position. Click here for today's story by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dennis Roddy. Click here for the grand jury's presentment. The 66-page presentment involves the same kind of illegal campaigning at taxpayer expense that has resulted in the conviction of 10 House Democrats and the pending trials of 10 House Republicans, whose preliminary hearing is now scheduled for April 21. The presentment accuses Orie of 10 counts of theft of services, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, criminal conspiracy and ethics violations. Specifically, Orie is charged with directing tax-funded Senate staff, using tax-funded time and equipment to: Draft letters, make phone calls and keep a database of past and future campaign contributors Create campaign-related materials Drive Orie to politic al events Delivering campaign-related materials Get campaign contributions from a campaign-related post office box and record campaign contributions According to the presentment, political activity in Orie's office, on behalf of Justice Melvin, was such a focus that staff were reprimanded for failing to complete their official duties timely. The case has had an interesting provenance. Last October 30 an intern in Orie's district office, Jennifer Rioja, resigned her internship, explaining to Orie's chief of staff, Jamie Pavlot, that Rioja was uncomfortable with the political work occurring in the state office and on state time. The next day, Rioja called Attorney General Tom Corbett's office, which referred her to Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, Jr. From the beginning, Orie's attorneys have cast the investigation as a political vendetta of the Zappala family against the Orie family. However, Zappala became involved only after Corbett's office directed Rioja to Zappala. When Rioja resigned her internship, Pavlot testified, Orie immediately began a cover-up that included creating phony documents to serve as a cover for campaign documents and posting a sign to indicate that Orie's campaign office was somewhere else, even though there was no other campaign office. Orie also tried to discredit Rioja with the University of Pittsburgh. In a letter to Rioja, with copies to the faculty supervising internships and to Chancellor Mark Nordenberg, Orie accused Rioja of having a political agenda. Pavlot also telephoned the internship faculty, at Orie's direction, and threatened to discontinue placing interns from Pitt. Rioja was not the only staffer who testified against Orie. As the investigation proceeded, 15 staffers testified to their knowledge of illegal campaigning or their participation in it, at the direction of Orie, Pavlot and sister Janine during the 2009 campaign and before. One former intern described working, during tax-funded time, at a phone bank on behalf of former President George W. Bush's 2004 re-election campaign. He testified that he was instructed how to block the source of the call and to use the fictitious name "Austin." Others testified that campaign work would consume as much as 50% of the work day and include making as many as 1,000 copies at a time on tax-funded copiers. Questions: How much of the cost for the most staff-heavy and nearly the most expensive legislature in America is the result of having the capacity for political work, such as making 1,000 copies at a time? Why does the Supreme Court continue to permit nepotism anywhere in the court system, much less in the Supreme Court itself? A New Reality We don't have to settle for whatever government lawmakers, judges and governors want to give us. 1. Click here to sign the petition for a referendum on a Constitution convention. 2. Forward this edition of DR News to others and ask them to sign the petition. 3. Donate to keep the pressure on. A new reality is up to us, because only we can keep democracy rising! Democracy Rising Pennsylvania abides by strict NO-SPAM rules. Please read our Privacy Policy for more details. We can be reached at: P.O. Box 618, Carlisle, PA 17013  © Democracy Rising Pennsylvania 2001-2010. All Rights Reserved. Powered by the Action Potential Nonprofit Web Toolkit

Title IX report: Hold onto your hat and sox too

We might be blown away by the Title IX report, due today. Part of it was read to me on the phone. Good golly Miss Molly.

I can't wait.

Stay tuned.

Constitutional experts seem all the rage

Wrong!

Constitutional experts seem all the rage Constitutional experts seem all the rage
By Reg Henry, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
One of my colleagues -- herself both an editor and a member of the bar (the legal bar and not the type of bar other journalists have been known to prop up) -- remarked the other day that suddenly every Joe in the country has become an authority on the Constitution.
It is true. Oddly, the people who now care passionately about the Constitution didn't seem to think much about it previously, excepting, of course, the Second Amendment, which they considered the whole constitutional shooting match.

This is such BS.
Many of us have cared a great deal about the Constitution for a long, long time.

Meanwhile, Tonya Payne doesn't care for the Constitution. She said so. Bruce Kraus didn't even know that candidates who win elected office are there to uphold the constitutions (Federal, State and City Charter). So, there are plenty out there who are NOT fans of the constitution too. Sadly, those in the dark about the importance of the constitution and justice have been winning too many elections in Pittsburgh for far too long.

To say everyone, as Reg does, is prue BS.

And to say those who care about the bedrock law of the land only care about the 2nd amendment is a joke too.

We Libertarians didn't slept the sleep of the innocent in the Bush times. Far from it.

Watchdogs have been in a slumber for many years, locally, Reg. I've stated that countless times, Reg.

I hate eminent domain -- but the PG digs it. We don't need to go over all the times you got it wrong.

Okay, let me hold your hand. The Constitution, of course, does not specifically mention a federal role in health care. How could it? With another amendment. If health care should become a "right" -- then it should be put into the Constitution. The Constitution is a living document. If it needs to be changed, let's bring on that discussion. That's how, Reg.

Reg, even the logic in your article misses the mark. Congress is given the power "to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes." But big business is not a foreign nation, nor several states nor a Indian tribe. Reg, think again.

Kraus seeks audit on delayed Pittsburgh anti-gang program

Kraus seeks audit on delayed Pittsburgh anti-gang program: "Kraus seeks audit on delayed Pittsburgh anti-gang program"

Finally!

He seeks an audit. Meanwhile, I was against it ever getting any money. The other on council, Theresa Smith, spoke today too. She said she was sad to have voted for the curfew center at the outset. Too late now. I wanted her and the others to never fund it from the get go. I am glad that they are coming around to my side on this -- finally.

Pittsburgh City Council does the right thing!

Great news. Thanks President Burns.

When a visitor to Pittsburgh from Bangladesh arrives later this month to share insights of work in the apparel factories, Pittsburgh City Council will host a post-agenda meeting to receive the testomony. This is wonderful and just what was hoped for as the next step.

In Pittsburgh, we've pushed to have our purchasing departments go out of its way to obtain items with public dollars that are sure to be supplied from factories where the workers have human rights upheld. We don't want to buy from sweatshops.

But, this isn't happening as promised.

Humm.....

Grand jury accuses state Sen. Jane Orie

Busted.

Grand jury accuses state Sen. Jane Orie: "Grand jury accuses state Sen. Jane Orie
Says Republican state senator misused office, staff

My adivce to Jane Orie: Resign from public office and move to the private sector. Then spend what you must ot fight the charges so you don't go to jail for too long of a stay.

Libertarian Party of PA has candidates in 2010

At the Libertarian Party Convention on March 27, 2010, the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPA) approved the following statewide candidates to run in the 2010 election:

All of Pennsylvania:

Marakay Rogers, Governor, Attorney from York, York County

Douglas M. Jamison, U.S. Senate, Engineer from Nottingham Township, Washington County

While most Libertarian Party district candidates are nominated at the county level and the nomination process has not been completed, the following candidates have been confirmed:

U.S. Congress:

Bill Beeman, 3rd District

Eric Wisener, 8th District

Demo Agoris, 12th District (Western PA)

Scott Pigeon, 18th District (Western PA)

Senator in the General Assembly:

Betsy Summers, 14th District

Representative in the General Assembly:

Michael J. Robertson, 63rd District

Erik Viker, 85th District

Brian Bergman, 119th District

Tim Mullen, 120th District

Commenting on the election:
Candidate for Governor Marakay Rogers said, "Pennsylvanians are angry, and they're not going to take it any more. For many people, the legislature's hijacking of the state budget for half a year was the last straw. They want an alternative to what's been happening in Harrisburg, and that's what the Libertarian Party is offering them."

United States Senate nominee Douglas Jamison observed "James Madison said 'The powers delegated … to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.' Liberty was founded in this state, and I plan to begin restoring the people’s liberties by adhering to the constitution as their Senator."

LPPA Election Committee Chair Susan Haythornthwaite noted "In order for Libertarian Party candidates to appear on the November ballot, Pennsylvania election law requires that Libertarian statewide candidates obtain about ten times the number of signatures on nomination papers from registered voters in Pennsylvania than Democratic or Republican candidates need for their publicly funded nomination. I encourage citizens to support democracy in Pennsylvania and America by signing nomination petitions for Libertarian Party candidates who are willing and able to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania."

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.lp.org or www.lppa.org for more information.

So sad. Really sad. The cloud of Title IX used as a delay tactic.

The Women's Law Project sent this out via email:

The results are in! This Wednesday, April 7, at 5:30 PM, the auditor who conducted the Title IX audit of the Pittsburgh Public Schools' high school athletics programs will present her findings and recommendations to the board's Education Committee members. After her presentation, the school district will present their plan for implementing her recommendations and ensuring gender equity in their sports programs.
History of the Title IX Audit

This audit was undertaken by PPS after the Women's Law Project met with school board members and counsel to advocate on behalf of female athletes in the school district. At that meeting, the WLP also discussed preliminary findings from Right to Know requests of several PPS high schools, which indicated that girls were not receiving equitable athletic opportunities in their school athletics programs.
Title IX Audit, Recommendations, and Implementation

At this Wednesday's Education Committee meeting, the athletic director and consultant who conducted the audit, Peg Pennepacker, will present her findings. After her presentation, the school district will reveal their plan to implement her recommendations throughout the district.

This meeting is open to the public. We hope you will join us to hear the results of this important audit and hold the school district accountable for providing equal athletic opportunities to all students, regardless of sex.

Education Committee Meeting Details

Where: Board Committee Room, Administration Building, 341 S. Bellefield Avenue (Oakland)
When: 5:30 PM
For further information: Contact the WLP at infopitt@womenslawproject.org

Police asked to look at questionable petitions

Police asked to look at questionable petitions The Allegheny County Elections Division has referred to police questions about ballot petitions circulated on behalf of state Rep. Jake Wheatley.
The referral by Elections Division Manager Mark Wolosik comes after Democratic primary challenger Tonya Payne alleged forgeries on petitions circulated for Mr. Wheatley by city Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle, of the Hill District.
Ms. Payne wrote to Mr. Wolosik calling for an investigation, as did Carla Duncan, a Hill District resident whose name appears on the petitions, and who said she never signed them. The Post-Gazette contacted several other people whose names appeared on the petitions, and some of them, too, claimed they had not signed.
'We referred it to the county police,' said Mr. Wolosik, who has no investigators on his staff. Neither police nor Mr. Wheatley could be immediately reached for comment.

This is why we need "NONE OF THE ABOVE" as an option on every ballot in the city and county -- if not the state too.

Parking wars - reactions

Bill Peduto used Facebook to link to this article in the Trib. Now it is a 'war.' OMG. Well, the first injury in war is often the truth. So, let's read and react.

Parking wars - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:If Pittsburgh sells its parking system as Ravenstahl has proposed, you can forget about free parking on Sundays or after hours, since any profit-making entity will maximize its revenue from our garages, lots and street meters. It will be a 24/7 operation that will ignore the interests of residents and local and central business districts in the name of profit.

To be certain, Pittsburgh's mayor is not affering to sell the parking system. He wants to lease it, not sell it. I want to sell certain assets. The system is nothing that can be sold unless one wants to sell the whole Parking Authority. That would be well worth the discussion. However, in the plans put forth by the Pittsburgh politicians, the Parking Authority and its system still remains.

As to the 24/7 statement, think again.

I have suggested that the parking meters on East Carson Street be enforced in the evening and night hours. That would be a blessing for the residents and neighborhood too. Cars that are parked in illegal ways would get a ticket and towed, perhaps. As it is now, the city collects NO money from those that park along the busy streets when the bars are booming. Zippo. The meters are not enforced beyond 5 pm. And there are some parking lots where there is some late night enforcement -- but we should do the enforcement at all times. The extra money could go to clean up, for example.

I think that the free parking in 'sparkle season' or on nights or whenever the politicians pass the ordinance to make it free for some political favors that need to be returned -- has done plenty to prevent private developers from building parking in their buildings. Don't put parking in a new department store (i.e. Lazarus) -- let the city build it for you. Don't put parking next to a new office development (PNC First Side) -- rather insist that the city build it for you. Private money never wants to enter the marketplace and compete with government money. That's a risk that won't happen. So, government keeps its monopoly. Hence, Pittsburgh does not fix the problem of downtown parking.

The interests of the residents would include parking enforcement on East Carson Street on the South Side with around the clock enforcement of the meters.

What you don't want to do is create a situation where it's too expensive for people to park. You can actually price people out of coming into the city," Hairston says.

When it is too expensive to park, the people are priced out of their cars -- and put into mass transit. They might not be taken out of the city -- but just out of their car as a way to get to the city. People can walk, bike, bus, or not come if parking is too expensive.

Thousands of unwarranted tickets can be really bad. Who passes out the tickets? Is the government agent there to collect fees for the private operators?

This is one reason why it is important to NOT lease the city streets to anyone other than the city owner / operators. I think it makes sense to keep the city streets and parking on the streets and enforcement of the parking on the streets and at the meters in the hands of the public sector. Sell the garages. Don't sell the street parking. City control of the city streets makes good sense and better government. Priavte parking is a much different matter and should be done within the realm of private ownership and enforcement.

It is always good government to keep local what is local. The local pension funds should be controlled locally. I don't want the state to take over things that the state had no business starting. The folly of the locals needs to stay where it began and where it must end. As a state citizen, I don't want to see the state pick up the city's debt from the pension fund and make a take over.

Behind Ravenstahl's pitch to sell off this valuable asset is his misguided desire to keep the commonwealth from taking over Pittsburgh's defunct pension fund.

Wrong.

The state will find a solution. It will jack up our taxes. The state needs to deal with state matters -- like doing a budget on time for once in a decade.

The pinstripe patronage is not only a matter of local concern, but also of state and federal concern. Just to shift the burden to another segment does not elminate pinstripe patronage. Pinstripers contribue to many campaigns -- locally and beyond. Think again.

And the pension fund is something that he wants to keep so as not to lose all the pinstripe patronage that comes with the appointment of bankers and lawyers to service that fund. Those pinstripers, in turn, contribute heavily to the campaigns of those who feather their nests.

It is really that simple, since previous city administrations would have thrown a party for the Legislature if it had offered to take over the city's pension fund. By turning his back on good management, such as cutting and consolidating and downsizing, Ravenstahl has had to follow one bad decision with another: keep the pension fund and propose a divisive tuition tax or keep the pension fund and sell the parking facilities.

Selling the parking facilities puts an end to the folly. To lease them, as is the real plan, only sustains the folly into the future for generations to come.

Tax-exempt garages and lots will suddenly become taxable and parkers will be required to absorb the taxes on facilities that they have already paid to construct. And the ability of government to use the development of a parking facility to spark neighborhood development or partner with a library or community center to make those projects affordable will be gone forever.

Why in the world do we want to pay more taxes on our homes and less taxes or no taxes on land that is devoted to a surface parking lot. Foolishness in this article is HUGE.

The garages of the Parking Authority are not taxable. We have too many properties in the city that are tax exempt. We want to increase the burden of taxes on all the non taxable locations so that those who do pay taxes, such as home owners, can pay less. So, if the Parking Authority garages are sold, the land will be taxed. We win. That is great. This is exactly what should occur.

What will be gone forever is the need for homeowners to pay more taxes to the city treasury so that suburban parking garage users don't have to pay.

Not only should the tax exempt status for parking garages go away, but as the property changes hands a deed-tranfer tax can be collected too. We win again.

Building a parking garage with pubic funds has sparked neighborhood development -- like with Lazarus Department Store. It had a public parking garage right under the store. Some spark. That was a melt down.

Once the parking garages are sold, private developers can spark neighborhood development. That is where the real spark comes -- from private money, not governement money. Governement money is taken from the taxpayers and presented to others for their profits. That's wrong. Then they leave anyway.

But, regardless, if the city leaders want to build a parking garage in 2012 to spark development, say in Hazelwood, (yeah right), then there is NOTHING stopping them even if the parking garages were sold to private owners in 2010. Under Luke's plan, there would be a moratorium that prevented the building of any new parking structures in the city. That's just stupid to the Nth degree. Scrap that. The city should be free to enter into any deal it wants in the future without being sold down the river by Luke's plan of 2010 and a dumb lease contract.

I don't want to diminish the freedom of the city's residents, the city governement, nor the city's business sector either. Sell the garages. Be done with them. Let the new owners do what they wish. And, let the next administration do what it wishes. And likewise for the next generation.

As for the $200 million Ravenstahl hopes to raise, Chicago provides a cautionary note there as well. The Chicago inspector general said that the 75-year lease of parking facilities there, which netted $1.15 billion, was a lousy deal for the city since Chicago could have netted at least $2.13 billion by keeping and operating the parking over that same term.

So what. The job of city governement is to protect the freedom of its citizens, operate the courts, curb mass outbreaks of disease, maintain the roads.

And the stakes could not be higher.

BS again.

Planning in Pittsburgh

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100405153917/fixpa/images/6/67/PRESERVEPGH_Flyer.pdf

Post-Gazette.com

Post-Gazette.com South Africa's white supremacist leader Eugene Terreblanche was bludgeoned to death by two of his farm workers Saturday in an apparent dispute over wages, police said, amid growing racial tensions in the once white-led country.
Terreblanche, 69, was leader of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging movement, better known as the AWB, that wanted to create three all-white republics within South Africa in which blacks would be allowed only as guest workers.
The opposition Democratic Alliance party blamed increasing racial tensions for the killing.

Leonard Pitts Jr.: Den of anonymity

Leonard Pitts Jr.: Den of anonymity: "It must have seemed like a great idea at the time.
There was this new medium, the Internet, and newspapers were posting stories on it, and someone decided to create a forum where readers could discuss and debate what they just read. It must have seemed an inspiration kissed by the spirit of Jefferson: a free public space where each of us could have his or her say.

There is a big crock of crap in the den of the watch dog. No joke.

Fw: PMA Newsflash!

------Original Message------
From: pma1996@aol.com
To: pma1996@aol.com
Subject: PMA Newsflash!
Sent: Apr 3, 2010 8:54 AM

FREE MUSIC TOGETHER CLASSES THIS WEEK!

If you have a child age birth to 5 years old, or if you know someone in
that age group who would enjoy 45 minutes of musical fun, please come
to one of our free classes this coming week at our school in Carnegie.

Monday, April 5, 6:30 - 7:15pm

Wednesday, April 7, 11 - 11:45am

The classes are a prelude to the new Music Together session which
begins on April 12.



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squad of AMS.jpg

You have a Picture Mail from cpalmer245@pm.sprint.com

Message: View Entire Message Send and receive Pictures and Videos through Picture MailSM. For more information go to www.sprint.com/picturemail.

Please be aware your friends can forward your picture, video, and album share invitations to others or post the unique Web link to your share invitation on any number of sources (e.g. blogs), through which others could also gain access to your online photos. If you have private or sensitive photos you are sharing, please share them only with those you trust.

© 2010 Sprint. All rights reserved.

Polling and school leadership in Rocheser, NY

Okay to publish as letter to editor.

Mayor control of the public schools does not happen with board appointments by the mayor. A board still has the policy role. That board still gives the mayor cover. If the mayor wants to control schools, ask about all the past policy suggestions already offered. Pressure and especially solution suggestions are never silenced even from "outsiders."

To be a real school leader then resign as mayor and get hired as superintendent. Or, win a seat on the elected school board by being voted into that position.

Our democracy is fragile. We need more voting and less hand picked authority appointments without accountability.

And the bickering about the polling is trash. Real polling in the USA happens at the ballot box. Do a couple of non-binding referendums on the next election day.

The mayor could put questions to the voters if he really cared about teaching a civics lesson.

Mark Rauterkus
Rochester visitor from Pittsburgh.

412 298 3432

PS. We enjoyed the Webster Aquatic Center and all the locals.
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52.47 for 100 by Erik

Nice.
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Quiz - Sweepstakes - smart sportsfolks??

Here in Rochester, the buzz is about the Final Four. Why? I bet you can't guess. Enen on the front page of todays paper that I picked up at hotel before we headed back for last day of Zone Swim Meet. Hint: Trivia answer has nothing to do with swimming. Final Four???

The first one to reply with the correct answer does not get an iPad.
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Envy over Dippy puts Big Boy in Schenley Plaza. Carnegie Library to turn into parking lot for cook and wait staff.

A 14 foot tall statue of Big Boy is going to grace the historic Schenley Plaza in Oakland so as to be on scale with Dippy the Dino statue that has sat outside the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

In other news, in a bold cost saving measure and to provide the necessary number og parking places for the short order cooks, smile cookie bakers and waitress staffers -- yet alone customers seeking the early bird senior discounts -- the existing Library will be made into a parking lot. Books will be put in many of the booths and at the counters rather than the wooden triangle golf tee game now sold exclusively at Perkins.
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Day 1 with one best time and another to not talk about.

Erik finished day 1 of swimming at Zones. His 100 breast was 1:11. That is way better that seed of 1:17 or his HS best of 1:14. The 200 was 15 min later and he was dead from the prior event. sorta stunk in last 100. On Fri is his 50 and then much later the 500.
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PPS and new afterschool efforts -- FAQ w As

At each of the regional meetings, there were questions, ideas and concerns raised by staff and board members of after school programs. Below is a summary of these questions, ideas and concerns grouped by topic.
APPLICATION

Q: Is the application form on the PPS website?
A: No, it is not on the website right now, but it will be posted when it is released.

Q: Is there a deadline for applications?
A: Yes, but it has not been determined. It depends on the release of the application. Groups will have approximately 3 weeks to complete the application.

Q: Is there an application for each site or each agency?
A: There is an application for each agency, but the agency will need to indicate all the sites.

Q: Where is the SPARC database?
A: http://www.swpaafterschool.org/

Q: What about programs that serve PPS students in the same group at non-PPS students?
A: If the program is serving PPS students, the organization should apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Q: How long will the partnership last?
A: The partnership will be one year – approximately August 2010 to July 2011.

Q: Are you trying to create a shopping list of programs?
A: PPS is creating a "shopping list of programs" that are willing to go to any school in the city for principals to select from (examples could include groups like Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts), but programs that are neighborhood based or work with one school will not be included in the "shopping list."

Q: How many groups do you see applying?
A: Turn out at the meetings has been very high. There are between 45-50 organizations that operate in PPS building that are required to apply and there are about 150+ off-site organizations that could apply as well.

Q: Is this only for organizations providing services in schools?
A: No, it includes organizations that operate off-site as well.

Q: If I have a new program that wants to target specific schools or students, should I apply?
A: Yes. If you expect the program to launch in School Year 2010-11, you should apply even if it doesn't start at the beginning of the school year.

Q: Do we need to provide after school programs daily to be partner?
A: No.

Q: Can the MOU process include a letter of support from the Superintendent for organizations that receive EITC funding?
A: This is something that PPS will look into.

Q: What could cause a group to be declined?
A: There is a rubric and applications will be evaluated based on the rubric. Specific examples could be groups that do not do clearances for staff; groups that do not have annual audits, groups that do not evaluate their program with rigor or groups that do not use curricula.

Q: What about programs that do not provide direct service, but that partner with organizations?
A: This is an important issue and there will be another meeting with these "non-traditional" after school programs think through how the application process applies to them.

Q: Can we partner with another organization?
A: Yes, but details on who would be the approved provider will need to be discussed further.

Q: Can you differentiate how this is different from what we are already doing?
A: We want to formalize the partnerships with after school programs through an MOU. Currently there are some programs have MOU's based on funding (i.e. SES or 21st Century), some have building permits and PPS wants to incorporate the entire agency. Also, groups that don't receive funding from SES or 21st Century do not have a way of officially partnering with PPS.

FUNDING

Q: Will there be funds to support this initiative?
A: No, not initially. This is a non-monetary partnership.

RELATIONSHIP WITH SCHOOLS & PARENTS

Q: Will principals be the group to approve the programs?
A: No. The applications will be reviewed by an internal team and then will be matched with the schools where the principals indicate that they want the program and/or a service (e.g. an arts program).

Q: Does this benefit after school programs for elementary aged students in any specific ways?
A: This is targeted for students attending after school programs at all grade levels. One of the goals of this process is to make sure that more students, including elementary aged students, have more after school opportunities.

Q: What if the principal says "no" to a program?
A: The principals will be able to decide what programs they want to operate in their school buildings. There are a lot of factors that a principal will consider such as the needs of the student population, transportation, number of PPS programs such as sports, EAP and school clubs. By having a "menu" of programs willing to operate in any school for principals to select from, PPS is hopeful that the matching process will ensure that programs are located in schools with supportive principals.

Q: Will this process help with the buy-in from principals?
A: Yes. There are a lot of principals that want additional after school resources for their schools and this will definitely help. As for an overall understanding about the importance of after school, it will be a lot easier to talk about after school and its importance when we have numbers of students enrolled, opportunities available, needs to fill, etc.

Q: Are you embracing the teachers in this process?
A: Teachers are very important, but at this stage we are working with principals and counselors, as we want teachers to focus on classroom instruction and their other obligations through the end of the school year. Teachers will be a part of this process over the long term.

Q: What type of initiatives are planned to reach parents?
A: There are a lot of plans to reach parents with this information. The "menu" of options will be available on the PPS website on the community resources link for each school. It will also be a part of the community resources guide. Mark Conner, Director of Family Engagement, has already heard the after school needs from parents and is developing a strategy to inform them about the after school options once the partnerships are in place.

Q: Is PPS addressing the issues with teachers and principals about homework?
A: Yes. PPS has a new homework policy that was approved by the Board in September 2009. The policy outlines the requirements for each grade level. PPS knows that there is a lot of work to improve homework assignments and it's a key part of the Pathways work.

CLEARANCES

Q: Which clearances are required?
A: All providers and any employees of providers who will have direct contact with children must complete three required clearances:  the Act 34 (Criminal Record Check), the Act 151 (Child Abuse History), and the Act 114 of 2006 (FBI Federal Criminal History). The fees to complete the clearances are to be paid by the provider.  

Q: How often will clearances need to be submitted? How long are clearances "fresh"?
A: This question has been sent to the legal department for an answer.

Q: There are two FBI clearances – DPW and Dept. of Education. Which one does PPS accept?
A: At this point PPS accepts both.

DATA COLLECTION & DATA SHARING

Q: In terms of data sharing, is there going to be a form that needs to be signed by the program or parents?
A: The parents will need to sign a FERPA form created by PPS. The organizations will be held to confidentiality standards that will be outlined in the MOU.

Q: Would there be anyway that we could have a FERPA release form that we could insert into our application, rather than a separate form?
A: No, we will need the PPS FERPA form. We will try to get it to organizations as soon as applications are approved so they can be distributed with registration information.

Q: Will assessment information be included in the data exchange, not just the scores?
A: We are still working on the details on information and format of the data-sharing. Please attend any of the data committee meetings held by APOST/United Way if you have specific ideas and needs.

Q: Will you have small working groups to help develop data sharing reports?
A: Yes. There is a question on the application that allows groups to volunteer for a committee.

Q: Will you be tracking if students are in more than one program?
A: Yes, we will have a program code for every program so that students can be matched with the program(s) they are participating in.

Q: Will parents need to fill out a FERPA Form for each program?
A: Yes.

Q: How will organizations feed data to PPS?
A: This has not been determined yet because we do not want to add a burdensome process. Until we have an IT system, everyone will need to be patient and flexible.

Q: Will there be a standard format to report attendance?
A: Yes.

Q: Will PPS require that programs submit names of participants at the beginning of the year?
A: Yes.

PATHWAYS TO THE PROMISE

Q: When does "getting ready" for college start?
A: PPS is focused on 4 primary check points for Pathways to the Promise – K, 3rd, 6th and 9th Grades. PPS is striving to create a robust "college-going" culture and needs the support of the entire community in this effort.

Q: Are the principles of Pathways to the Promise built into the application? Will there be professional development on these principles?
A: Yes, there is an opportunity in the application for groups to indicate in general terms the ways that their organization / program supports Pathways. For example, there are questions about homework and college preparation. In terms of professional development, PPS will assess the needs of the CBO's/FBO's. PPS is in the beginning stages of developing Pathways and we expect to have professional development opportunities in the future.

FUTURE PLANS

Q: Are you looking at partners with MOU's to give them training or access to software?
A: There is no doubt that a city-wide software system and / or a PPS software system for after school would have a lot of benefits. PPS is in the early stages of overhauling its IT system and there is discussion about how to incorporate sports, after school programs into the type of system that is developed. This will not happen in year 1, but it is expected soon.

Q: Will there be some dialogue around CBO's capacity? For example, they only serve X students, but with X valued added, they could increased by Y.
A: Yes, and this application process is the first step in understanding capacity.

Q: Will PPS share citywide best practices on recruiting students and serving schools?
A: Yes, this is a great idea and we will do this. There will be quarterly meetings where we can start to gather this information.

Q: Could this become a volunteer clearing house for programs?
A: Need more information, but yes, it could be a recruitment tool.

Q: Do you expect over time to help programs find where their particular program would be more impactful?
A: Yes. This is a first step in that process.

Ideas, Comments & Concerns:

▪ This seems like a great opportunity so that principals will know what is happening and what is available.

▪ All providers face the same issues – transportation, getting data, etc. – hopefully, this process will be a stepping stone to a better partnership with PPS.

▪ Providers need 3-4 weeks to complete the application.

▪ Many programs need approval from their boards to proceed. A one-pager, a copy of the application and an outline of the requirements would be enough information to approach boards.

▪ Submitting monthly attendance without providing funds will be an extra burden

▪ There are a lot of deliverables (attendance reports, meetings) and benefits are not as clear.

▪ The county requires that programs submit attendance.

▪ Let's hope this helps with transportation.

▪ Autonomy as a cultural institution with academic requirements (NOTE: at this point there are not any academic requirements)

▪ Concern that PPS is trying to make all programs into the same type of program, which has happened in Pittsburgh before, not with PPS, however. (RESPONSE: PPS is not trying to make all programs the same. PPS does want a level of quality across all partner organizations.)

▪ Some programs have relationships with schools, but need permission slips from parents, which are difficult to obtain. (RESPONSE: A lot of programs have an application that parents fill out at the beginning of the year that has blanket parent permission.)

▪ SPARC database is difficult and it doesn't allow partners to remove information that is outdated or incorrect. (RESPONSE: 3rc has made the form easier. 3rc will delete or correct any information that is outdated, but programs need to contact 3rc directly.)

▪ Once we get families engaged, there needs to be additional incentives for parent involvement.

▪ There is a need for after school "booster" groups to interface with the community. Perhaps via conference calls.

▪ PPS needs to visit programs. There is a huge variety of quality and it's a concern – especially for parents.

▪ The formal partnership gives parents confidence about programs that are approved.

▪ Career exploration and employment programs can provide valuable data to help PPS improve its goals around 11th grade PA Academic Standards for Career Education and Work

▪ We need to figure out a way to incorporate a feedback loop for students' interests beyond principals' input and decisions.

▪ There is not a plan for student voice and choice

▪ This is anther data report and multiple are already being filled out.

▪ Link approved programs in PPS parent handbooks

▪ Create an on-line survey to get input on program they want or want to learn more about.

▪ This is exciting and we are glad that after school is being addressed by PPS

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Fw: Follow up from PPS Meetings re: After School Process and Application

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---

From: "O'Donnell, Holland" <hodonnell1@pghboe.net>

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:57:13 -0400

To: Rawlings, Dione A<dir10@pitt.edu>; Damon Bethea<damon@winnets.com>; <jonluc@gmail.com>; <rking@urbanyouthaction.org>; <moturnerjr@aol.com>; Larry Berger<larry@slbradio.org>; <jeff@slbradio.org>; <bnovak@gswpa.org>; <tmoss@thesca.org>; <nshaefer@thesca.org>; <myochum@swsg.org>; <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>; <nlozear@andrew.cmu.edu>; <radzilowiczj@carnegiesciencecenter.org>; Karen Dreyer<kdreyer@pittsburghproject.org>

Subject: Follow up from PPS Meetings re: After School Process and Application

Hi After School Providers,

 

As you know, the Pittsburgh Public Schools recently hosted four regional meetings with community-based and faith-based after school programs to present and to receive feedback on the proposed centralized after school partnership process starting in School Year 2010-2011.  The meetings were held on March 17^th at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, March 23^rd at Northshore Community Alliance, March 24^th at the Hill House and March 26^th at Brashear Association.  A special thanks to all of those organizations for hosting the meetings.  Ninety-nine people from seventy-five organizations participated in these regional meetings.  This was an amazing turn out and it indicates the importance of and possibilities for building a city-wide after school network for youth.  Thank you for attending the meetings, as your input and feedback was extremely helpful.

 

A one-page overview of the process, the powerpoint presentation and a summary of the questions / ideas / issues raised are attached to this E-mail.  I expect the application to be released in early April.

 

Please contact me if you have any further questions, ideas or concerns, 412-622-3926 or hodonnell1@pghboe.net.

 

I thank you for participating in the meetings and I look forward to working with you. 

 

Best, Holly

 

 

Holly O'Donnell

After School Manager

Office of Student Services

Pittsburgh Public Schools

341 S. Bellefield Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

P: 412-622-3926

F: 412-622-3916

E: hodonnell1@pghboe.net

 

Thomas Merton Center - history

Changes at TMC April 16 is the last day of work for the Thomas Merton Center's current staff. This calls for changes in some of our activities.• We will no longer be accepting interns or volunteers at the Center.• An April-May 2010 issue of The NewPeople will be published April 16. After that, publication of The NewPeople will be suspended until further notice.• The TMC Weekly E-News and the Peace and Justice Calendar will continue, as will plans for the New Person Awards program on May 18. Watch the TMC website and Weekly E-News for more details. In addition, staff e-mail addresses will no longer be valid after April 16. For information or questions regarding TMC administration, projects  and TMC events, e-mail info@thomasmertoncenter.org. To send information for the TMC Calendar or E-News, e-mail news@thomasmertoncenter.org
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One in nine are neither R nor D in PA

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, one in nine Pennsylvania voters are registered with neither the Republican or Democratic Party. The numbers are growing elsewhere.

I am one of those elsewhere voters. I left the old parties to join the Libertarian Party.

Why did I leave?

After decades of the Republican/Democratic Incumbent Party in power, I finally asked myself "How's this working out?"

Despite their rhetoric, both old parties have expanded the size and scope of government at all levels. Both parties have participated in the creation of massive entitlement and spending programs leading to massive deficits (currently over $30,000 per citizen) that will haunt our children and grand-children. Both parties have allowed special interests to take precedence over the interests of the people. Both parties have supported nation-building around the world and have cooperated to restrict the freedoms our founders and others fought and died for.

Why did I join the Libertarian Party?

I believe in personal responsibility and individual liberty. I want a government that is limited to protecting the rule of contract, protecting us from criminals who would steal my property or harm me or my family, and that will defend our country from foreign aggression. The Libertarian Party shares this view of the role of government.

I am not alone in my libertarian beliefs. A 2009 Gallup poll found that 23 percent held libertarian views. A Zogby poll found that 59 percent considered themselves "fiscally conservative and socially liberal," and 44 percent agreed that they were "fiscally conservative and socially liberal, also known as libertarian."

Since the days of our country's Founding Fathers, Americans have had a distrust of government. Wall Street bailouts, government's takeover of healthcare and this latest severe economic downturn has brought this distrust into the limelight.

It is no wonder that over the past year the number of registered Libertarian voters is up while the number of registered Democratic and Republican voters is down in Pennsylvania.

If you believe in individual liberty and personal responsibility, I urge you to find out more about the Libertarian Party at http://www.lppa.org/ or http://www.lp.org/.

S. Douglas Leard, Media Relations Chair, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

Pirates to put pitcher in batting line-up in 8th position. Traditions shatter all around town.

From Grant

Sports Briefing - Baseball - Pirates to Bat Pitcher Eighth - NYTimes.com Pittsburgh Pirates Manager John Russell plans to begin the season with his pitcher hitting eighth and shortstop Ronny Cedeno batting ninth, a move that will shift Andrew McCutchen from leadoff to second in the batting order. Russell said second baseman Akinori Iwamura would now bat leadoff. The Pirates had a 13-20 record in 2008 and a 2-4 mark last season when Russell batted his pitcher eighth.

In other news of change, the Libertarian Party Candidate is the front runner for the special election for the PA House seat that covers the North Side and other parts of Pittsburgh -- a spot once held by Don Walko.

Yes we can!

What other cow jump over the moon instances are now in full view?

How about, Pittsburgh Public Schools sees enrollment increases at Brashear High School.

Comments welcome.

NCAA:Career Center - posting for Duquesne University

NCAA:Career Center: "Duquesne University Athletics seeks qualified applicants for a 10-month Graduate Assistant position in the area of NCAA Compliance. This"

Why not have a men's swim team at Duquesne?

Why not give that post to the now fired members of the baseball coaching staff?

Boston Public Schools -- Coaching positions to fill, 185 openings

NCAA:Career Center: "Job Summary
Boston Public Schools' Coaching Position 2010-2011"

So, in Boston, they are hiring scholastic sports coaches and place an ad on the NCAA Marketplace for 185 positions.

Full ad reposted, FWIW:

Boston Public Schools' Coaching Position 2010-2011 POSTED: Mar 08 Salary: Open Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Employer: Boston Public Schools Type: Contract - Entry Level
Category: Other Sports


Employer Information: About Boston Public Schools

Welcome to the Boston Public School system's posting for athletic coaches! Become a coach to lead Boston student-athletes to a successful, enjoyable, and growth-inspiring high school career.

Job Description

Fall Sports Job Posting:
Football Head Coach and Assistants Job# 337645

Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brighton High, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), J. E. Burke High, Charlestown High, Community Academy of Science and Health (Hyde Park High), Dorchester Academy, East Boston High, English High, Madison Park Vocational High, Monument High, J. D. O’Bryant School

Soccer Head Coaches Boy’s Job# 337683

Boston International, Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brighton High, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), J. E. Burke High, Charlestown High, Community Academy of Science and Health (Hyde Park High), Dorchester Academy, East Boston High, English High, Madison Park Vocational High, Monument High, J. D. O’Bryant School, Snowden International

Soccer Head Coaches Girl’s Job# 337690

Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brighton High, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), J. E. Burke High, East Boston High, English High, Madison Park Vocational High, J. D. O’Bryant School, Snowden International

Volleyball Head Coaches Girl’s Job# 337632

Boston International, Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brighton High, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), J. E. Burke High, Charlestown High, Community Academy of Science and Health (Hyde Park High), Dorchester Academy, East Boston High, English High, Madison Park Vocational High, Monument High, J. D. O’Bryant School, Snowden International

Basketball Head Coaches Boy’s Job# 337682

Boston Latin , Boston Latin Academy, Brighton High, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), J. E. Burke High, Charlestown High, Community Academy of Science and Health (Hyde Park High), Dorchester Academy, East Boston High, English High, Fenway High, Madison Park Vocational High, Monument High, New Mission High, J. D. O’Bryant School, Snowden International

Basketball Girl’s Head Coach Job# 337636

Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brighton High, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), J. E. Burke High, Charlestown High, Community Academy of Science and Health (Hyde Park High), Dorchester Academy, East Boston High, English High, Fenway High, Madison Park Vocational High, Monument High, New Mission High, J. D. O’Bryant School, Snowden International,

Indoor Track Head Coach Job# 337644

Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brighton High, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), J. E. Burke High, Charlestown High, Community Academy of Science and Health (Hyde Park High), Dorchester Academy, East Boston High, English High, Fenway High, Madison Park Vocational High, Monument High, New Mission High, J. D. O’Bryant School, Snowden International

Swimming Co-Ed Head Coach Job# 337641

Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), East Boston High, Madison Park Vocational High

Hockey Head Coach Job# 337637

Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), East Boston High, Snowden International

Wrestling Head Coach Job# 337643

J. E. Burke, Upper Quincy

Cheerleading Head Coach Job# 337692

Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, Brighton, J. E. Burke, Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, English, Fenway, Hyde Park, Madison Park, J. D. O'Bryant, South Boston, Snowden, West Roxbury, New Mission

Baseball Head Coach Job# 337629

Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, Boston International (no assistant coach), Brighton, J. E. Burke (no assistant coach), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, English, Fenway (no assistant coach), Horace Mann, Hyde Park, Madison Park, New Mission (no assistant coach), J. D. O'Bryant, South Boston, Snowden (no assistant coach), West Roxbury

City-Wide Cross Country Coach Job# 337691

Cross Country Track Head Coach Job# 337688

Boston Latin School

Freshman Basketball Coach Boys’ Job# 337635

Boston Latin School

Freshman Basketball Coach Girls’ Job# 337634

Boston Latin School

Golf Head Coach Job# 337689

Boston Latin School

Hockey Head Coach Girls’ Job# 337640

Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School

Sailing Head Coach Job# 337633

Softball Head Coach Job# 337630

Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, Boston International (no assistant coach), Brighton, J. E. Burke (no assistant coach), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, English, Fenway (no assistant coach), Horace Mann, Hyde Park, Madison Park, New Mission (no assistant coach), J. D. O'Bryant, South Boston, Snowden, West Roxbury

Swimming Coach Job# 337687

Boston Latin School

Swimming Coach Boys’ Job# 337642

Boston Latin School

Swimming Co-Ed Head Coach Job# 337641

Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, Brook Farm Business and Service Career Academy (West Roxbury), East Boston High, Madison Park Vocational High,

Tennis Head Coach Job# 337631

Boston Latin Academy (City -Wide Co-op Team), O'Bryant (City-Wide Co-op Team), Boston Latin School

Track Head Coach Job# 337628


Job Details

Application Deadline: April 16, 2010

REQUIRED Certifications: - Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Certification Courses (applies to all new coaching candidates and those hired after July 1, 2007) •The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Coaches Principles Course; •The NFHS Sports First Aid course; and •The NFHS Sport Specific Technical and tactical Skills Course in the sport in which they are coaching - Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the sport - Organizational skills to encourage the maximum level of participation - Demonstrated ability to command team discipline, develop pride and good sportsmanship, and generate enthusiasm - Demonstrated professional experience working with urban youth and staff of varied ethnic backgrounds - Demonstrated concern for academic achievement and the personal development of the participants - First Aid certification - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification - Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training Coaches chosen for the spring 2010 sport season that do not have an active AED, First Aid-CPR certification will have ninety (90) calendar days from the appointment date to complete those certifications.

Description REPORTS TO: Headmaster/Principal The Athletic Program provides opportunities for all interested students to improve their athletic skills and to develop their character by competing at a level that challenges each to reach his or her potential. The filling of these positions is subject to student participation. Be responsible for the overall administration and management of their specific program, and the supervision of their student-athletes. This also requires the supervision by at least one coach on the transportation vehicle to and from all away contests. 1. Ensure the safety of the participants and the security of the existing playing area. 2. Fulfill the following administrative requirements: - Schedule, organize and supervise daily practices - Arrange transportation electronically for practice sessions and games - Maintain inventory, distribution, upkeep and collection of equipment as required by the Inventory Control Plan in the Boston Public School Coach s manual.(see page 7 of manual) - Complete Site Official Sheets for Home Games 3. Assure the Headmaster that all eligibility requirements are met by participating student-athletes in accordance with the MIAA, Boston Public Schools and individual school rules. 4. Participate in professional development by attending at least one clinic, workshop and/or seminar annually. 5. Establish and maintain contact with parents of all participants throughout the season. 6. Work cooperatively with the Director of Athletics of the Boston Public Schools and follow the organizational and administrative guidelines established for the athletic program. 7. Mandatory attendance at Coaches Organizational Meeting. 8. Assure that all student physical examination requirements are met prior to engagement in activity of any kind. 9. Engage in continuous learning and on-going professional development with other Headmaster/Principal colleagues.

An Assistant Coach shall: 1. Follow the directives of the head coach in all matters pertaining to the sport, including the supervision on bus transportation to and from all away contests. 2. Develop with the head coach seasonal, weekly and daily practice schedules. 3. Conduct planned daily practice sessions.

REQUIRED Certifications: - Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Certification Courses (applies to all new coaching candidates and those hired after July 1, 2007) •The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Coaches Principles Course; •The NFHS Sports First Aid course; and •The NFHS Sport Specific Technical and tactical Skills Course in the sport in which they are coaching - Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the sport - Organizational skills to encourage the maximum level of participation - Demonstrated ability to command team discipline, develop pride and good sportsmanship, and generate enthusiasm - Demonstrated professional experience working with urban youth and staff of varied ethnic backgrounds - Demonstrated concern for academic achievement and the personal development of the participants - First Aid certification - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification - Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training Coaches chosen for the spring 2010 sport season that do not have an active AED, First Aid-CPR certification will have ninety (90) calendar days from the appointment date to complete those certifications.

SPECIAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In one document include a resume, cover letter and all certifications. Make sure your name is on the top of each page. 2. Provide the school (s) where you would like to coach. 3. Include Job Title and Number. 4. Please apply at the following link: Apply Here

NOTES: 185 openings

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