Re: Cutbacks will affect all aspects of city life

Nice post Russ.

c) continue to pay employees with little responsibility

Right. It's called "management" and "supervision." There is little of that going on. Performance evaluations. Honesty is nice to have on hand too. Frankly, there is a good deal of dead weight. Furthermore, the system is so ridgid that the deadness can be covered and protected. Plus, there is no sense of ownership so as to be free to fix things and rock the boat a bit.

People who raise issues are tossed out.

I think we need a whistle-blower achievement attitude. We don't need to do silly kickbacks and bonus money to employees who SAVE money -- up to 10% -- as per Gene R's absurd measure (now tabled). But, we need to set new attitudes.

There is a time to make lemon-aid -- so to speak. That time could be now in terms of Recreation and Aquatics. These are areas I LOVE and understand with professional experiences.

The majority of the swim pools are closed and the others may close forever too. However, we can re-open them when we are good and ready and when we have a real viable plan that includes some being privatized, all being overhauled with programming. We have to pull our own weight. But, we can do so, so, so much better than what was being done.

Get this: The AQUATICS TASK FORCE was a JOKE -- like everything else this administration has tried to do and failed, (Fifth & Forbes Downtown Collaborative, etc.)

Frankly a few others are fired up about this. I hope to get others joining in the cause.

Planning meeting: Monday, August 11 at 6 pm.
Community meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6:30 pm.

Pittsburgh - PA -- holding a community unity event
Mark Rauterkus

Hi Project Rebirth Staffers,

In Pittsburgh, PA, USA -- I'm hosting a 9-11 special event for "community unity." If you had something that was presentable -- I'd love to have it as part of the showcase we are organizing.

Case in point: Do you have a slide show that could be run from various computers throughout the night?

Do you have any give-a-way info on the project that we could make available?

I'd love to get you some extra exposure -- but we don't have any organizational money for a purchase. But, we'd be happy to solicit for you.

I apologize for the delay in responding to your e-mail!

Thank you very much for your interest in Project Rebirth and thank you for your 9/11 presentation. I hope everything is going well.

Unfortunately, we do not have anything to give you right now. Although we have footage from the rebuilding we are not releasing it in any public capacity for a while, most likely, not until the World Trade Center is rebuilt.

We are in the process of upgrading our website and hope to have a short edited piece of time-lapse footage on the website. The new site is due to launch in early 2004.

I'm sorry I cannot be of further assistance. Thank you, again, for your interest and I wish you success in all your endeavors.

Kind regards,

Croi McNamara Line Producer Project Rebirth Inc.

Great article on political courage

Great article today on the political courage to alleviate the crisis. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/news/s_149035.html

Hi Brad,

I'm in the streets. I talk to many and go to lots of meetings. The first thing we need to do in Pittsburgh is rescue the truth. We might need to do a revival of the truth as it has been lost for some years now. But, --- we can't let truth be slashed again and again now that the jobs are being cut as well.

To do this -- truth revival -- we need a lot of heavy lifting in the media as well as in person.

Mostly the PG, but on rare times the Trib too, the real story isn't being told, and it is riddled with holes or fibs. But the call is for HEAVY lifting. This isn't just about great newspaper coverage -- it is much, much more.

If the TRIB's executives and reporters were to take this issue on like a bull by the horns -- I'd be willing to help. Pittsburgh would be much, much better off. And, frankly, it is going to take someone like yourself -- Brad -- to do this. You come into the scene from Harrisburg. You don't have much poitical dead weight around you. You have more of a global view. We need a trusted figure to take on this quagmire for a six-month challenge. And, all the resources of the company would need to enter into the fray -- with a host of other partners.

To start:

We need a week's worth of citizen summits to really vent. We need video cameras. We need lots of coverage every day. We need to get the unions and the rank-and-file there.

Joe King of the Fireman's union is part of the problem. Same too with the FOP brass. A big split in the FOP is present. But mostly, truth is getting hijacked. The citizens don't know 1/10 of what they need to know. And, the citizens are still very aware of what is going on. The citizens are sorta smart and can smell the stench from the Mayor's office.

To continue:

We'd need to have NIGHTLY meetings. We'd go INTO the closed REC Centers around town on a day-by-day basis. We'll need to be engaging, open and tireless.

I would like to partner with you, Brad, and the TRIB so as to hold a business / editorial meeting in Pittsburgh with all of your power brokers.

Pittsburgh has to heal. It's long term health is at the brink. And, we need to take charge and monitor the truth. Lies are not allow. For half-truths to be spoken -- then we need to document them and challenge them. Sadly, the miss-info occurs and occurs and occurs again. Closed door meetings are NOT going to allow for the fixes and the healings.

My vision is for a massive dance with and among the public. All sectors. A real "grass-roots summit." And, it has to go on and on for weeks and months.

If you can get an editorial board meeting and allow me to challenge you all with these ideas for some such venture --- let me know.

Letter to the Wireless Neighborhoods - delivered in person

Wireless Neighborhood Participants and Organizations

Dear Friends of Technology and Neighborhoods,

I'm hosting a few meetings and would love to get your support and help in the promotions.

Monday, August 11, 6 pm, open planning meeting at Armstrong Park on 12th Street, South Side. Bring your own lawn chair.

Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 pm, OPEN Community Meeting at Armstrong Park. Bring your own lawn chair.

Essay contest for 9-11 begins this week. Details to be posted at CLOH.Org

On Thursday, September 11 from 10 to noon, Idea Session 07 concerning the pending YOUTH Technology Summit is slated for the east end in conjunction with a fatherhood event.

A Community Unity event starts at 8 pm on Thursday, September 11 at Club Cafe, 85 South 12th Street. High level offiicals as well as a recent songwriter of the year are expected. See http://S6.CLOH.Org. S6 =3D Sports,

Spirit and Soul Song and Story Summit.

In the months to come, the S6 event series can be constructed to raise money for technology and the co-op. I still want to talk with the finance committee about this.

Cutbacks will affect all aspects of city life

Hi Russ,

> Well Wendell, if you can raise a few million dollars to back my candidacy for mayor of this backward city, I can assure you that MANY things would change around here, all for the better.

But short of those millions, I thikn it'll be the same old sad story around here. :/

I beg to differ. (PUN intended)

You don't need to spend a few million to get a $90+K per year job.

Both Bob O' and Tom M spent about $35 per vote in 2001 -- just in election efforts.

They both spent dearly in terms of stadiums, "neighborhood needs" (WAM, i.e., Walking Around Money), and other city-funded buy-offs for votes as well.

Face it, to get someone to vote for you on election day costs $0. Face it again -- who would vote for someone who leveraged a life's fortune (or many life fortunes) to get a job that pays <$100k?

The next Mayor's race isn't going to be like the last one if I have anything to say about it.

Let's NOT set up a prior assumption that you need a FEW MILLION to run for mayor -- or else it will be the same old story. I have more hope that that and will be even more outspoken when others around here soil our shared well of democracy.

So, do you care to re-state what you think so it can be unraveled in more specific ways?

Another entry into the FAQ of being open

Question: Can we really expect more of them (UUA) than we demand (in terms of openness) of ourselves?

If the ourselves is meant to be me, personally, then I'd say that I demand more openness with myself than I expect from my denomination. But, I'm overboard and an advocate for being more open.

If ourselves is meant to be my local congregation -- then I would say that I demand openness on both fronts equally to the best extent of my power.

Furthermore, I think that the question is a bit of a red herring. Yes, we CAN demand more of our organizations than of our indiduals. A person has rights -- including that of privacy. Meanwhile, an organization, much like a corporation, has no rights unless they are granted from the collective of individuals. I don't put corporations nor organizations onto the same status as an individual human. So, the charter to operate and run the non-profit service organization should be held to a higher level of "openness" than that of an individual. Perhaps it is fair to say that the more the organization is with power in its capacity -- then the more prudent it is to insist upon its openness of operation.

No Great Race -- Thanks to Tom Murphy -- stupid Mayor if there ever was one

Following in my dad's footsteps -- teacher letter from a former student.

To: Mark@Rauterkus.com

Date: Mon, Jun 23, 2003, 5:15 PM

Subject: Re: Hi Mark

Hi Mark:

Nice to hear from you. I take it your working with the school board also?

Hopefully following in your dads steps.

I don't have any real memories that stood out, but your dad, or as we use to call him, "Leo", behind his back of course, was a truly outstanding person and teacher, he a good teacher to have, the teachers of today could take a lesson from him.

Your dad had his hands full, he was a teacher at a volatile time, with many changes, busing just started but he and a select few articulated through it with no problem. I can remember your dad to this day, and I am 47, he use to walk around the class with his pipe, keeping his eye on me and Russell Simon and a few others, but it was just kid stuff. .

One teacher that taught at Swisshelm Park that will stick out in my mind was Mary Kay Ambrose, she was brutal, use to smack kids in the hand with a ruler when she got mad at them, and kids where allways getting sick in her class.

Do you remember Paul Pollack? James Wilson? Jack Eisley the Custodian?

'What about Ms. Purtell? Ms. Malloy? Ms. Lowy? Mr. Aber? Patrick Koch?

Swisshelm School had to be a good duty assignment for the teachers, it was like we were all family, I could not believe when my mom told me that they were tearing it down, I was in the Army at Fort Hood, Texas, it was tnflysad. -

After I got out of the Army, I worked for the school board, I was a Bus Aide, assigned to Washington Vocational, and did a brief tour at Glad Stone. I truly enjoyed the board but not as a Para Professional, they were good to work for.

I am currently working full time for the Port Authority of Allegheny County as a Bus Operator, and have a Private Detectives Business on the side, I am currently residing in West Deer Township (Russellton), which I just moved to last month after living in the city for my whole life.

l hope your dad is enjoying his retirement, he deserved it and that you hav e a good career, and if you should be working for the board now, I wish you luck, I have absolutely no confidence in your administration, your union will have its Work out out for them.

Take Care Mark and tell your dad i said, "Hi" bye hope to hear from you again.

Al Menanko

The letter Mayor Murphy has a duty to send to all area residents

Yes, we have many fine examples of wrong-headed efforts that have blow up in the city's face.

To make an effort as to WHY so many people leave -- well -- would be to call for a brutal self-examination. The people on Grant Street can't even be honest with the passing of a city-budget yet alone introspection. The fluff is going to continue as there isn't much depth.

People vote with their feet. Or, they don't vote. The opportunities for freedom and real self-determination are better elsewhere.

Living in a one-party town is undesirable. Seeing big money subsidies go to the corporate elite is undesirable.

To reverse the trend, develop democratic (small "d") communities again. Put citizens on the same level again among themselves and among the corporations and institutions. When actions are not fair, and when justice is thin -- people see this and depart.

When the Citizen Police Review Board can't meet bacause the Mayor and Council have NOT put enough members onto the body -- something is so wrong that flight becomes the best option.

When council votes to wait and NOT investigate the policies of SWAT -- because the Chief is away -- we have no hope of INTROSPECTION. We can't even look at ourselves in the mirror. We can't assess what we are doing as the power grabbers have trampled common-sense duties.

To get a legitimate tax base again, don't make more TIFs, more back-room deals, more red-tape.

Sure, the failures of the city schools need serious attention. But, for Grant Street to do that -- no way. The Mayor's Commission on Public Education is a classic example of pond scum thinking. The process was a joke and sorry -- I'd have to say that starting there is not prudent. We'd need to get there, but we need a system that is capable of being engaging and straight.

The dismal quality of the public services are in dire need of a benchmark system. Many here don't know what we are missing and should be able to receive.

The city is not a place working families want to live anymore, until that changes nothing will be resolved. -- YES.

Here is a great Tom Murphy Type Excuse:

"White flight to suburbs was/is a problem everywhere and wasn't necessarily caused by any bad policies the City of Pgh made."

The City of Pittsburgh is full of bad policies. The rest of the nation didn't shrink in size by 50% in the past decades. Many, many of our woes are our own doing. If you think otherwise, you must not be in Pittsburgh much.

Here is another flash of falsehood:

"However, the politicians have seemingly little to do with the Board of Ed tax and spend policies."

Board of Ed members -- like previous Board of Ed cronies (Barbara Burns and Valerie McDonald) are politicians. Politicians have nearly EVERYTHING to do with the tax and spend policies. The board makes up the policies.

When a discussion goes so far off the radar of truthfulness -- I sense a MOLE.

Ta.

Philly drowning in city pool

Not sure of the date of this tragic event. 

John Street was mayor from 2000 to 2008. 

Call to action and more

Newsletter from Mark Rauterkus

Following in my father's footsteps at Pittsburgh Public Schools -- email -- Al M.

South Side Market House had a Children's Youth Advisory Committee that planed lots of fun events throughout the year

YOUTH Technology Summit planning begin in earnest

Community Process has Open-Source Style

Immediate Release: April 30, 2003

Contact: Mark Rauterkus

New efforts put forth by Alpha Chimp Studios and instigated by Mark
Rauterkus hope to engage thousands from all sectors.

Technology and local YOUTH can energize our shared civic landscapes and economy.


Mark Rauterkus, an activist and former candidate for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, 2001, is launching a far-reaching community endeavor that needs volunteer participation -- a YOUTH Technology Summit.

Pittsburgh needs a YOUTH Technology Summit so various people can come together under one room. The academics, business leaders, technology firms, teachers, parents and neighborhood players need to celebrate, stimulate and challenge our youth.

Pittsburgh spends too much time, effort and money on trying to recruit high tech workers and firms from other parts of the country. Rather, let's investing in our own. We can grow a brilliant work force that embraces technology here at home. A new priority can be ourselves. As our marketplace becomes vibrant, others will choose to come live over here to mingle with our talented, grounded and healthy neighbors.


Pledge from facilitators, Alpha Chimp Studios

Alpha Chimp Studios is run by a husband and wife team, Managing Director, Diane Durand, and Creative Director, Peter Durand. The principals made a pledge to volunteer their collaborative space, talents and host energies for 20 first round planning sessions, 15 second round meetings for strategies and 10 third round implementation meetings.

The work of each session is transformed into art as ideas are discussed. A transcript is typed and posted on the internet. Final documents and a handbook is being prepared for future rounds.


Simple RSVP

Each brown-bag lunch or breakfast session lasts two hours. Email TechLunch@CLOH.Org to reserve your spot. Up to 15 participants with diverse backgrounds are to attend each session.

Efforts are low cost, easy access and open to anyone. To witness the creative artwork in the collaboration space is worth the investment of time.

Public Domain

Mark Rauterkus, a retired publisher, has worked in the open-source movement. The content and approach put forth is in harmony with Open Source Software -- not propriety. Commercial applications and businesses are going to be involved, but the grand scope is fully open and to be run with democratic votes among any with interest. Technology tools beyond email and web pages, such as eVote, are to be deployed.

Early Adopters

The list of those already expressing an interest stretches from Harrisburg to local school teachers and high tech firms in other parts of the country.

SchoolForge, an international open-source software advocacy group hopes that the Pittsburgh event can evolve into a model that can be replicated elsewhere.

Doctors, coaches, fatherhood advocates, and those who operate the state site, InventPA.Com, are set to attend meetings and offer input. Bankers, journalists, home-schooled kids and neighbors are interested and helping to create a buzz.

Who

Mark Rauterkus is a stay-at-home dad who resides with his family on Pittsburgh's South Side. Rauterkus is on the GOP City Committee, the council at the South Side Market House Childrens' Athletic Association, the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network's Youth and Recreation Task Force.

A prime instigator for planning a Regional YOUTH Technology Summit, ttp://Summit.CLOH.Org. Rauterkus host other sites including eVote at Deliberate.Com, a UU Church site, Sunnyhill.Org and the Community Learning Outreach Hub, CLOH.Org.

The home office for Rauterkus.com is at 108 South 12th Street. Cell: 412-298-3432.

Invent PA -- warm to the YOUTH Tech Summit

Jones, Maureen Jones of maujones @ state.pa.us and INVENT PA, showed plenty of interest in the Youth Technology Summit discussions.

http://www.inventpa.com

Concert with the kids at First Church -- Shadyside

Suzuki would be proud.

FreeTeam.Org -- was a site in the past

http://linuxtoday.com/news/2003042100226PRDTPB

LinuxPR: FreeTeam.Org's Outreach to Candidates Seeking Public Office

Mark Rauterkus, a citizen activist and former candidate for Mayor, City of
Pittsburgh, 2001, is opening a new service in conjunction with FreeTeam.Org
and some of his other web sites.

Candidates for city council, county council, school board and other elected
offices throughout the region can apply for a no-charge, personal computer
on loan from FreeTeam.Org.

Candidates can apply and pick-up the computers on a loaner basis without realizing any costs. Furthermore, the candidates who seek a computer, as well as any other candidates who don't care to receive the in-kind donation, can get access to a slew of other consulting and online services, all without cost.

Candidates for judge and other positions outside of the legislative and executive branches are not eligible. Election law stipulates limitations on judge races.

The application is simple and requires a personal interview. Associates establish a desire and intent to run a campaign and get onto the ballot. Candidates from any party are eligible. Allegheny County candidates get a preference, but others from the region are eligible pending availability. A meeting is also necessary in the South Side office so as to take delivery of the equipment. Assessing technology skills of those involved in the campaign and customization of needs and services unfolds in the application and interviews. Ongoing support is guaranteed via email.

Candidates who have their own computers are still eligible for the consulting assistance. Pointers and tips are delivered to any who seek this info by appointment.

Twenty nine computers are presently in transit to the South Side and are being made ready for pickup. The computers were donated from a private corporation in the D.C. area and were made available via a board member of Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg is the internet's oldest producer of FREE electronic books (eBooks or eTexts).

Project Gutenberg and its cadre of volunteers makes important texts freely available to everyone in the world. A total of 6,267 volumes have been released, mostly into the public domain.

Mark Rauterkus, a retired publisher, has worked in the open-source movement and released various titles into the public domain throughout the past decades. Rauterkus authored Compelling Sense, a work-in-progress, political book with a loose framework that stems from Thomas Paine's Common Sense, 1776. Political books and candidate web sites make splendid opportunities for additional content for Project Gutenberg's efforts.

Dozens of the computers headed to the candidates are loaded with licensed versions of Windows 98 and Microsoft Office. However, as soon as possible, most of the inventory will be converted to free and open source software to give greater performance boosts, reliability and cost/benefits.

A frustration exists as too many candidates don't have web sites and broad access with email. In return, too many elected officials are out of touch with modern communication efforts. Hence, our region's performance suffers as we are less effective and efficient. Citizen and voter frustration is high. People want to see candidates schedules, platforms, news releases, bios, photos, timely reactions to current issues, and even hear audio snips.

Candidates who have their own computers are still eligible for the consulting assistance. Pointers and tips are delivered to any who seek this info by appointment.

FreeTeam.Org is not a corporation. Rather, as a fully-owned hobby endeavor of an individual, donations can be made directly to candidates. Corporations, non-profits and other individuals could make equipment, in-kind or cash donations to FreeTeam.Org and Mark Rauterkus. In turn, supplies can be replenished and additional support extended. Donations would NOT be tax deductible.

Candidates and political action committees that enjoy gifts, services and gratis rentals of computers will reveal the market rate values of the items on candidate financial disclosure forms that are filed with the County's Election Board at specific instances throughout the year. Simple $25 or $50 donations are needed now so as to better outfit the loaner computers with CD-readers and CD-Writers. Interested donors can contact Rauterkus. Supply is limited. As more computers are made available via donations, more computers will be put into the field with willing candidates.

In the past, Rauterkus served as webmaster for the campaign of James Carmine, Ph.D., in the general election in 2001 for the race for Mayor of Pittsburgh.

Many additional services exist on the Internet for candidates and issue campaigns. Part of the consulting efforts is to get candidates aware of some of the better opportunities that exist. Public calendars, groupware, eVote polling, and a wide mix of discussion groups are presented to the candidates and working relationships can be forged.

Poise, sensitivity, polished speaking skills, astute business sense, capable administrator, a commitment to self-improvement, and a sense of humor are the traditional qualities of a person who would make a good candidate for public office. Ask yourself if you are energized by campaigning. At the end of a long day of speech making, strategizing and meeting new people, are you still as ready-to-go as you were the first thing in the morning? Can you build upon the efforts of previous folks and take efforts to the next level?

Good writing skills or else available and trusted proof readers are necessary in today's on-line world. Professional web site hosting makes others take note and more willingly volunteer. Strong reach in getting ideas out to various populations, quickly and in an affordable ways is key to building platform planks and a host of followers willing to make key contributions. All of the online work needs access to a computer, and hours or days can't go past without actions being monitored.

Page of a brochure for Elect.Rauterkus - seeking 42nd Senate seat

Date unsure.

Arts and Literacy Night at the Pgh Gifted Center

Lots of fun. We went, of course.

Storytelling, Sculpture, Book Making, Book Bingo, writer's workshop, art mural, make-a-craft, mask making, stamping, puppet show, raffle, never ending story, refreshments.

Central PERC opens in Connelley

The Central PERC opened at Connelley. I was a volunteer that helped with the steering committee, lending advice and input as to what might be offered and how activities could be organized, marketed and conducted. The PERC is in room 204. 412 338 8125.