My digital camera is out of the shop -- thankfully. Weekend trip to Xian.

Good day today running all around the city with my boys. Got badmitton set -- played at a badmitton staduim. Went to swim lessons.

Catherine and the two Pitt Grad students really had a lot of hard work teaching today. China is getting their value out of them. The class with 13 -- all sharp as a whip -- often is filled with 20+ students.

Re: July 11 -- suggested service blurb

Thanks for taking care of the loose end on the service on July 11. It will be great. Mindy is a gas and very very talented.

China is something else. We are very happy to be here -- but a bit out of step with the ways that are all around us. But, we are flexible and trying.

The boys are both great and bad -- each day -- each in his own right. You know parenting. Man, if only they could get at bit more at ease with each other and stay that way. Now they are in a nap and doing well for 2 hours. But this AM -- Erik was under my skin. They it was Grant yesterday.

Catherine's class is going well. The students are smart as can be and very dedicated.

Our e-toys -- my digital camera, etc., are not doing that well. So, my web log is not where I expected it to be.

I'm not getting many high-level interactions -- yet -- but perhaps that is to be expected. I'm just with the boys and we feel more like tourists. I had hoped to interact more at the swim pool with the other coaches. Oh, well.

Each day is full of new eye - opening observations.

Got to go.

Thanks again. Full slide shows and details upon our return.

Re: have you had a chance to visit this position paper?

Hi Mr. Craig,

My replies to your email (below) follow:

The HELP CENTER is a "big tent concept." It can begin ASAP -- by July/August 2004. It gathers offices under one roof. Recreation departments, school athletics, WPIAL, volunteers, race coordinators, permit offices --- all under one roof. The HELP CENTER gives citizens a one-stop vantage point to volunteer / engage. The old ALCOA building (Regional Enterprise Tower) is a big-tent for the non-profit sector. We need this hub building for kids, recreation, play, sports, parks. So, let's craft a HELP CENTER.

In due time, the HELP CENTER evolves into a new, free-standing entity -- a new branch of government -- a Pittsburgh PARK DISTRICT.

So, the HELP CENTER is a catalist in early months. But, in later years, after referendums, the HELP CENTER is part of the mission and an on-going outcome for service to citizens, coaches, players, staffers and volunteer leaders.

The physical building that is the HELP CENTER is within part of South Vo Tech High School -- and perhaps expanding to more than the first floor in due time. The HELP CENTER could exist with the existing school in a phase out mode.

As the HELP CENTER as part of the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT -- the final outcome -- think of a new governmental entity. Illinois has this model. PARK DISTRICTS are their own taxing bodies, with own elected leaders, with their own jurisdictions. The PITTSBURGH PARK District would start after a chain reaction of mergers and then a spin-out.

Various steps include:
Citiparks flows into the County Parks Dept.
Pgh Public Schools (for after-school and sports facility use) blends, plus CCAC facilities, Point State Park, Pgh Parks Conservancy, Riverlife Task Force (parts), some of the RAD Funds, and then the County Recreation Department all blend with the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTICT.

Accountability rests with the people -- as there are elected leaders and votes throughout. Democracy and self-determination is a HUGE part of this endeavor. Its constitution is something to talk about in future rounds of discussions.

On your #2 below.
No. We agree.
The County's major parks should be part of the same system with all the parks. I want to merge all park efforts and recreational efforts within the city and county. We will need stages and phases, perhaps.
So we agree. There would be a single office. But, I dare not call this an "authority" -- with appointed leaders. Rather a unit of government with elected leaders. But, this PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT would have the authority to manage, direct, own, etc.

I don't call for a total "ELMINATION of the RAD TAX." A total re-think, yes. And, the position paper calls for some of the RAD Districts responsibilities now serve a new master, i.e., the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT. So, some RAD efforts, such as libraries, would still go to and flow via the RAD BOARD. Libraries are not parks. We still need RAD efforts to continue for NON-PARKs elements.

But, we'd need to unravel some of the RAD duties and incomes and re-tool it with the formation of the new entity.

Furthermore, with the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT, the region gets a NEW TAXING GOVERMENT. We get an overlay that can assert taxes upon residents in a regional manner. So, your benefit of RAD -- the only regional entity -- is now expanded upon as we'd keep RAD (altered some) and insert a NEW regional entity. Our regional toolkit is greatly enhanced in the concepts within the Position Paper.

As to the other counties that are beyond Allegheny -- and the RAD and their right to self-determine their interplay or not -- this too becomes an issue -- in the long term views. I think that the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT starts quickly and with four to six principal partners in the mergers. However, the scope of the Pittsburgh Park District would be able to expand to include other municipalities (i.e. Wilkinsburg) and other school districts (i.e., Quaker Valley and Sto Rocks). Then, as the quilt expands and is made more of a benefit -- sponsorships will help to drive this -- I see no reason why the Park District can't become an entity with multi-county jurisdictions.

Furthermore this vision is already in place in ILLINOIS. The Peoria Park District serves an area that expands beyond the home county. Some places are incorporated into the Park District -- and others choose to remain outside of it. So, the city of Washington might not want to be part of this entity -- but -- the rest of Washington County could opt in.

But, first we have to crawl, then walk and take it step by step. The kids in the city need to get this flowing more quickly.

Thanks for your comments and time.
I read your summary, which in itself is quite a piece of work, and can report the following:


1. I am not familiar with what you regularly refer to as "the fledgling help center"; What is it? That said, you seem to put a great many eggs it the center basket and it is difficult to assess the efficacy of the suggestions until I have a better understanding of the center, its makeup, its authority, its budget, to whom it is accountable, etc.

2. There is a second theme to what you write that I do not embrace, if I understand things properly: That is that Pittsburgh's major parks should be operated separately from major county parks. I think major parks (city and county) should be under a single authority and if possible other major parks outside Allegheny County should be included in what would be one regional system.

3. Far from getting rid of the RAD tax, which as a matter of law is required to support parks, I would assign it even more responsibility for regional assets like our major parks as well as the programs in those major parks. The RAD is the only regional tax we have and we would be out of our minds if we eliminated it. I do not have any problem with a slightly different method of putting people on the RAD board, most particularly people from outside the county, if their attractions are to get support. The problem is that when the enabling legislation for RAD was passed the contiguous counties did not vote to participate, which was their mistake. If they change their minds and embrace a truly regional approach to major park and recreation programs I would put them on the board

---------

From: Mark Rauterkus [mailto:Mark at Rauterkus.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:59 AM
To: Craig, John
Subject: have you had a chance to visit this position paper?


Hi Mr. Craig,

I released a postion paper that deals with many issues including the formation of a new, democratic, PARK DISTRICT.

I'd love for you to read it and react.

I'm not too fond of the Riverlife Task Force, however. Sorry in advance.

http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/

change for goodness sake -- not for change's sake

Hi Alison,

The change we need and crave in Pittsburgh is not how it seems in your recent PG article. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04136/316574.stm

For starters, the real change is the move to tadpole status. Not so long ago, Pittsburgh was a major city, 4th largest in the USA. We are now a fraction of what we used to be. Those who have been forcing change are forcing the shrinkage. Those who are asking for a traditional view and legacy viewpoint are the one's who are most upset at our failures in the recent decades.

To stay a tadpole -- not quite. Naysayers know that not only are the days of being a tadpole here -- but -- the pond is shrinking too. The fast forward to the present was horrid and full of folly, shrinkage, management of decline, lost attitudes and missed priorities. The face of change in Pittsburgh has been full of robust acceleration to nothingness. The ones who are with pause are capable of really seeing the decline.

The tag of tadpole is the handiwork of the rulers. The power elite has starved the people and the real Pittsburgh.

The beginning of something new around here has always been more shrinkage. With changes for the worse, Pittsburgh's people grew and advanced elsewhere. Too many have left. Too many changed and chose pathways elsewhere. The precise stagnation we are now experiencing isn't a will against change. Rather it is a will against foolishness and hurtful changes.

The largest remaining primitive creature in our landscape is hype. The swamp is full of one-way thinkers. Back-patting won't fix Pittsburgh.

Encouraging changes, mergers and revisions in our budgets, our governments and our attitudes, may or may not be signs of dragging fiscal feet. Quicksand of our own making, to me, it seems, is to offer little but feel-good chatter.

Tonight was my birthday, and I enjoyed a meal with ethnic food never tasted. Yesterday I visited an art marketplace. Our recent walk along a riverfront park was next to the Fube River. So, I follow your logic, to a degree. I've told someone about something new and exciting in Pittsburgh. But, to get the ball rolling, as you say, it will take more than hype and conventioneers' talk. It would be great for our region if the PG really covered some new ideas and didn't scold for those who are NOT in the goose-step mode. To herald change, advance discussions and insist upon making changes for the better.

And, if interested in real changes --- I'd love to hear your feedback on the position paper I released at http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/ .

Oversight Board phone # as per Brian O'N's PG coverage.

Now you can call 412-288-3803
Ask them if they read the POSITION PAPER.

Consolidation worries with Tom at the HELM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04136/316927.stm


Mayor Tom Murphy's public support for consolidation is a joke. It has taken him 11 years in office to finally get 911 services to merge and make sense. There is little else more basic for people's welfare to pick up a phone in a time of dire emergency and call for help by dialing 911. That is a root service that needs attention. We can build stadiums and department stores in the Murphy Administration, but we can't fix roads, bridges and offer true public service.

The city's imminent budget problems, Murphy said, is the oversight board's job. The shame in that quote goes to how Murphy has given up on himself and his duty as Mayor. He MUST leave the office.

In an interview Thursday, Murphy said the Pittsburgh region would save the most money by focusing on dissolving school districts and police departments, rather than the city's government. WRONG. What Pittsburgh needs is a set of moves into the other direction from where Murphy would have us follow. I'd rather see MORE school districts with a horizontal split of Pgh Public Schools so as to make more, smaller, districts. Todays PPS District is too big and could be effective as a 9-12 district and a start-up of three to five smaller K-8 districts, each with their own elected boards.

James C. Roddey said that Pittsburgh won't solve the [consolidation] problems this year. So sad and so true. However, the biggest road block to progress is none other than Tom Murphy. We do need to start now, with discussions.

[via China] Fw: lazarus is empty and its best use

Hi,

I'm writting from Chengdu, western China, about the empty, subsidized Lazarus. The economy in China is overheating. One report credited China for 25% of the world's volume for economic transactions.

Rather than one store, (Walmart or Target), or even two, (Circuit City), let's convert the space into a home for 200 shops.

Chengdu's computer row has a number of larger buildings with seemingly countless vendors, dealers, reps, agents, and very brisk business. Hundreds of places sell digital cameras. Within blocks, computer desk makers, paper suppliers, printers, copy centers and more mp3 players than you can imagine.

The small business marketplace is Pittsburgh's weakness. More organic, diverse, cutting-ege, creative, companies with local owners are needed. I think all subsidized development is lame, but handouts to ONE corporate neighbor and not 200, is 200-times worse.

Ta.

Mark Rauterkus
China at Rauterkus.com

Working on PPS Athletic Reform since 2004, at least

[Parks] Fw: Sinking or Swimming?

From: rnbphoto7

From: Charles J McCollester
To: Gene Ricciardi ; Sala Udin

Dear Gene and Sala:
I'd appreciate it if you would share this with your colleagues. It was submitted to the P-G. It is in both text and attachment forms.
Charles McCollester


The issue of the pools, recreation and senior citizen centers is finally coming to a boil. The manifest unfairness and brutality of their closings last summer struck at the heart of the city's relationship to its resident workers and their neighborhoods. The very services that impact most directly the ability of the neighborhoods to
provide viable places to raise a new generation of Pittsburghers were not simply cut back proportionately, they were eradicated. This is a family survival issue.

Insult was then added to injury when duly elected officials were supplanted by not one, but two state-appointed commissions descending on Pittsburgh accompanied by the audible sharpening of knives as they informed the long-suffering residents that they need to tighten their belt and trim the fat. One of the commissions in a noble gesture of solidarity with the pain of our fair city will be reimbursed close to
a million dollars to tell us about our need to make further sacrifices. That million could fund all the pools for this summer. With governmental responsibility divided, the stage is set for a vigorous round of finger pointing instead of action while the Burgh sinks.

The central issue is how to adequately fund the city services of the City of Pittsburgh by developing funding streams that are not cut out of the hide of the resident and small to medium-sized local businessperson who presently bears the bulk of the burden. This can be done in three ways: extending the business privilege tax to the large presently-exempt corporations, banks and utilities; negotiating
reimbursement from the large ?non-profits? like hospitals and universities for services provided (while continuing exemption for churches and small non-profits); getting some fair sharing of the burden by the two-thirds of Pittsburgh's workers who live outside the city and pay very little for its wear and tear. Reform should neither be at the cost of our police and fire protection, nor decent union contracts for city workers who are nearly all residents. Reform should not be done on the backs of the children and elderly, nor should it undermine the health and safety of our citizens.

Much hope is being expended on the efforts of private generosity to mitigate the situation for the coming summer. The Elsie Hillman-Salah Udin initiative is one such worthy effort; the more apparently grassroots effort, Save Our Summer, is another. While these initiatives should be recognized and encouraged, they in no way should
be seen as a vehicle for the abrogation of either public input or responsibility. These pools, recreation centers, and senior centers are extremely valuable taxpayer-owned properties. They represent, with our great public parks, greenways and libraries, an important part of our historic legacy as Pittsburghers. There is a real danger that these building blocks of our common wealth as residents will be grabbed by private interests.

What is most distressing is the lack of public input. Unfortunately, this follows a longstanding Pittsburgh tradition that has ill-served us in the past. What we need is a public - private - community partnership to keep all the pools, recreation centers and senior centers open; every one of them for at least one year. We don't need another unelected group to make strategic decisions about what recreation the city of Pittsburgh is offering and where. Why ten pools? Why these ten? Who decided the winners and losers? The southern third of the city looks especially hard hit. What public process decided this? It is past time for City Council to exhibit some serious
interest in their responsibility as our elected representatives and fight for the preservation of these critical family and neighborhood assets.

We should invite all concerned citizens and neighborhood organizations interested in setting up Pool and Centers Committees to assist in the operation and promotion of the facilities in close coordination with city workers and their elected representatives. We need to honor union contracts as well as demonstrate respect for the knowledge and skill of city workers especially in the areas of safety, sanitation and maintenance.

In Philadelphia, when about twenty percent of the pools were deemed no longer viable, they were offered to neighborhood groups with assistance to take them over.

The critical failing of the former Pittsburgh pools system were the unreasonable barriers to access erected by a ridiculously bureaucratic and centralized system of passes and metal tokens. To operate efficiently each pool must control its own access and collect day fees from users - both resident and non-resident. Each pool must be allowed to retain the bulk of revenue it earns for its own maintenance and renovation. The pools should be understood as regional assets that can attract people from surrounding towns. We need maps to show people where the pools are and what parking or public transportation is available to access them.

Last summer's punishing of city families for the mismanagement of the city's affairs by the rich and the powerful was reprehensible. As the second summer approaches with our youth on the streets and old folks without a place to go, the whole mess is compounded by the proliferation of new imposed, unelected governmental structures that dilute both authority and responsibility. We need more participation,
democracy and accountability -- not less.

Pittsburghers unite! It is time to fight for our city.


Charles McCollester is a resident of Mt. Washington, professor of
employment relations and the director of the Labor Center at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania.

[via China] We are all doing well

Hi Mom,

Happy Mothers Day....
We are doing well. I'm having a bit of trouble with the internet and the computer.... plus with the digital camera, but things are fine otherwise.

Upon our arrival Erik had a bunch of nose-bleeds. They have ended.

Yesterday I had a bit of an explosion in my digestive system --- but that was just messy in the bathroom.

If that is the worst of it -- we are doing well.

Catherine is now teaching her third class. Yesterday the size of the class rose from 13 to 21.

Of interest, since 2000, they have had a 7-day holiday starting May 1. Then on the 8th and 9th -- sat and sun -- they get right back to work. So, there wasn't a typical weekend. Sat and Sun were work days.

Beijing was nice.

Bikes are everywhere - no helmets.

Our boys are a bit of a eye opener for the locals. We get a lot of stares -- but not too much. Lots of people don't understand English.

This is a huge city. First day the sky was milky -- no clouds, nothing but a white blur above. Hardly able to see the shine of the sun behind the cover. Then the second day the real smog came and has been with us since. Hardly able to see the buildings 3 or 4 blocks away. There is a smell in the air of car fumes, gas/deisel.

Our apartment is nice. It is on the 5th floor of a complex with 5 larger (24 stories) buildings. Guards at the gate, small playground, more exclusive than most other places I'm sure.

We are taking a lot of urban hikes.

More homework for the boys. Today in the afternoon we'll drop by the American Consolate office just for good measure. Then tomorrow we hope to start our looking for violins. Saw some in Beijing's department store for $50 with case and bow.

Love to all.

Mark, Erik, Grant and Catherine

Blunders - cut from the plan on parks

Heinz Field is on prime property and is used 15 times a year. Extra
escalators built in 2004 cost an amount equal to the entire Citiparks
budget.

PNC Park, built on prime property, is used by a team that isn¹t able to win. The new, glorious field attract fewer fans than Three Rivers Stadium. Opening day at PNC Park in 2004 came with 1,000 unsold tickets. Closing day at Three Rivers Stadium came despite a $30-million pubic debt.

Do not build a horse race track in the city. Fish in Pittsburgh have a better place to swim (new Zoo and Aquarium ) than the kids. Next we¹ll give horses a better place to race than our kids.

Close Pitt Stadium and say it was used only a few times a year -- if you overlook its offices, state of art strength and conditioning facilities, medical support for all sports, daily band practices, intramural venue, walking track, Track & Field venue, WPIAL, City and PIAA playoffs, graduations.

Do not rush to build a merry-go-round in Oakland and vacate 170 parking spaces in Schenley Plaza. Push for bike lanes and pedestrian bridges, not more cars parking on the street.

Don¹t close the Civic Arena. People don¹t go to the Circus and Disney On Ice wishing for luxury boxes.

[412] NEWS -- Parks Position Paper + Five Week China Peace Tour

Hi Friends and Reds, (Yep, "Reds," .... please read on)

Contents:
#1) Version 1
#2) Paper editions
#3) Public domain
#4) Parks-Positions-Noise at CLOH.Org
#5) PCTV 21 show airs in May

#6) 6:30 pm, June 17 at South Vo Tech High School library
#7) http://play.cloh.org/hot/sos-june.pdf
#8) 6 pm, July 9, concert --> This IS America!
#9) Hire Tom Murphy, letter to editor, http://op-ed.CLOH.Org
#10) Best news, essay wins $500. PG link to Erik's photo.

#11) China trip
#12) Playing well with others. Father to father.
#13) Thanks
#14) Opt out if you must, on your own.
- - - -


#1)
Version 1 of a 100-plus page document, Pittsburgh's Parks, Recreation
and Pools -- a position paper, is now online in PDF format:
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/


#2)
To save the pain of reading from a computer screen, or taxing your
printer, feel free to pay for photo copies and get a paper version yourself.
Two source are available for duplication.
One is with Mary Beth at the City Clerk's office, 5th floor, City-County
Building, 412-255-2138, very near to City Council and Mayor's office.
Another copy is at Copies On Carson, 1315 East Carson Street, South
Side, voice = 412-481-4875, fax = 412-481-4890.


#3)
The position paper can be freely copied, reused, or whatever as its
release is with a "copyleft license" -- not a copyright. Consider it a
contribution to the public domain.


#4)
Let's not debate if the document is ready for "prime time" -- yet. But,
do debate the ideas. Act 47 Coordinators, I.C.A./Oversight Board and many
others from the School Board and beyond, are thirsty for solutions.
Your edits and input is welcomed:
Parks-Positions-Noise at CLOH.Org


#5)
Our past community gathering at the National Aviary will be replayed on
PCTV 21. Stay tuned.


#6)
The next open community meeting is slated for the last day of school, at
6:30 pm, Thursday, June 17, at the library of South Vo Tech High School.
Within the position paper, the South Vo Tech site is a keystone for a new
HELP CENTER.
Sign-up now at http://Play.CLOH.Org.


#7)
Save Our Summer reaction with 1-page PDF, 44k, handout is:
http://play.cloh.org/hot/sos-june.pdf


#8)
At 6 pm on Friday, July 9, 2004, we're going to host a Benefit CONCERT
at Club Cafe, http://S6.CLOH.Org. Theme: "This IS America!"


#9)
My recent letter to the editor in City Paper, re-posted at:
http://Op-Ed.CLOH.Org


The best news of all, a proud dad moment!


#10)
Erik, my son, won an essay contest for Black History Month and got a
$500 prize frm National City. His photo was in the PG last week:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04114/305173.stm


#11)
We are headed to CHINA for five weeks. My two boys, 6 and 9, two
graduate students, my wife and I are going to Beijing (home of the 2008
Olympics), Chengdu, and Hong Kong.


#12)
Global Coalition for Peace, a non-profit peace organization has been
getting parents from distant parts of the world together to support each
other in the goal of raising peaceful world citizens. Mother-to-Mother for
Peace and Nonviolence began with an overseas partnering of American and
Muslim mothers. As the program spread, others from around the world became
included.

Dads, take note. Two fathers, Dave Blackman, of San Diego, and Mark
Rauterkus, of Pittsburgh, PA, aim to launch an initiative geared to fathers.
Our family travels are going to kick-off the program.

While my wife is teaching a course to M.D.s, we'll be tourists with a
goal of playing well with others.

Rose Lord, organizer of Global Coalition For Peace network, said, "We
hope the Rauterkus trip to will be the first of many Peaceful Parenting
Tours. Others taking a family vacation, whether in our own country or
abroad, can become a grass-roots ambassadors for peace.

The Dad's message is simple: Thanks for playing. Peaceful partenting
tour promotes playing well with others. See our journal and learn of the
parent-to-parent efforts for peace and nonviolence:
http://Rauterkus.com/china/

The boys (ages 6 and 9) and I are tourists. Meanwhile my wife is
traveling to teach a four-week course to Medical Doctors in Western China.
We'll hit the road with some games under our arms, a digital camera, and an
attitude of fun involvment. We'll take the time to visit parks and swim
pools. We'll share treats, such as pins and stickers. A note of thanks for
playing together gives the journal and trip more purpose.

The real press release is due upon our return and the completion of the
online journal. Journalists can reach Rose Lord for information at
412-655-3063 or rose at globalcoalitionforpeace.net.


#13)
Thanks for taking an interest. Thanks for the dozens who have helped so
far with the release of the document. Thanks for the help in the future as
well.


#14)
This infrequent email blast is full of open community invites for you to
consider. The server allows you to opt-out on your own, if you must. Or,
change your own email contact too.
http://Rauterkus.com/mailman/listinfo/412-public-remarks




Ta.

Mark Rauterkus http://Play.CLOH.Org http://DSL.CLOH.Org
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell
412-481-2497 = voice mail

Would you hire this man? Please? (Pittsburgh City Paper)

Would you hire this man?

Please?

Re “A Case of the Runs” [Potter, April 15] :

When one can’t move an agenda, it is time

to resign. Tom,Murphy needs to not only

not run, but he needs to step aside, now.

Pittsburgh hired Tom Murphy to be a

steward and operate our programs, places

and public services. When he chooses to not

do his job by closing swim pools, rec centers

and such, Murphy is choosing to get in

the way. His abandonment of stewardship

means he must go now.

However, the real wild card is the corporate

community. One top executive at

PNC, Mellon, Federated or even

FreeMarkets should do the right thing: Go

to Tom Murphy and offer him a corner

office, secretary, parking spot, hefty salary,

long-term contract, travel budget and some

nifty job title. And the deal might need

shorter gigs for Tom Cox and a few others

[in the Murphy administration] . Murphy

needs to be yanked off of Grant Street

before the tar and feathers arrive. And the

yanking must stem from some in the

Allegheny Conference circle. It might take

$200,000 per year for a decade.

Upon Murphy’s departure, I’ll be the

first to float a petition to rename both the

Liberty Bridge and Liberty Tunnel after

him. Motivating a move takes more carrot

and sticks to sway his ego.

– MARK RAUTERKUS,

South Side

 

[412] FRIENDS of a feather, gathering on Sunday at National Aviary

Media Release and Invitation


Hi Neighbors, Friends and Flock-mates,

You're invited to an open community meeting at 2 pm on Sunday, April 18
under the tent in the Rose Garden at the North Side's National Aviary,
http://www.Aviary.Org.

Pittsburgh's Community Cable Station, PCTV 21, http://PCTV21.Org, is slated
to record the presentation, speakers and free-flying discussions as we
ponder our community and issues of:

Closed (or opening?) outdoor swim pools;
Closed (or opening?) Recreation Centers;
Closed but should open indoor ice rink;
Summertime opportunities for kids of all ages;
Citiparks, County Parks and Rec Department, and more.

At 2 pm, some volunteer activist will join me to conduct a briefing and make
a public delivery of a 100-plus-page POSITION PAPER. Media, press and guest
are welcome, of course.

At 3 pm, an open community discussion takes flight. We'd love for you to
attend and offer your opinions and observations.

Help!

If you are interested in helping with editorial refinements and content
contributions for the position paper prior to its release (and beyond)
please email:
Hawk at CLOH.Org

If you are interested in speaking and assisting at the meeting (and beyond)
please email a brief bio of yourself to:
Crow at CLOH.Org

Anyone can attend the event, but please try to register in advance. See the
links at http://Play.CLOH.Org.


Moving Target and Recent Victories:
Corporate, foundation and civic communities of Pittsburgh have been
buzzing and chirping to 'Save Our Summer.' The goal of $850K is targeted,
but all involved understand this is a short-term, one-time fix. My approach
and role is to call for solutions beyond a "new band-aid upon an old
band-aid."

So, friends of a feather, even if you consider yourself more of a buzzard,
hummingbird, pigeon, flamingo, eagle or free-ranging skeet that slipped away
from the NRA event, .... thanks for your attention and feedback hoots.

FYI:
Admission to The Aviary is NOT gratis on the Sunday the 18th. However, a
three day weekend of no-charge admission to the Aviary is coming in the
weeks ahead. In the past, the Aviary hosted a weekend of no charge
admissions, but that was during the NOW CANCELLED Childrens' Festival. More
details on Sunday from the Aviary's spokespeople.


Feel free to forward this message or leverage the one-page PDF, 72kb,
handout for your friends and contacts.
http://Play.CLOH.Org/hot/2aviary.pdf



Ta.

Mark Rauterkus http://Play.CLOH.Org
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell


Our Mailman has been upgraded. To change your contact, or to get off this
wire, please email. Hatching jokes are optional. =;0
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Resignation Chatter

Mayor's offer of RESIGNATION accepted from one of harshest critics Front page headlines on April 3, 2004: Mayor says he'll resign if critics do Trib story by Dave Brown PG story by Timothy McNulty by Mark Rauterkus posted to Op-Ed.CLOH.Org on April 3, 2004 I am one of Mayor Murphy's harshest critics. On many occasions in the past seasons I've suggested to Tom Murphy, in person and in public, that his best course of action should be his resignation, for the good of the city. My Post-Gazette letter to the editor ran in August 18, 2003. I didn't think Mayor Murphy would be able to hold onto his job into the start of 2004. I was wrong. I'm often optimistic. Mayor, I'll take you up on your offer. If Tom Murphy resigns from the office of mayor, City of Pittsburgh, I too will resign. I will not chase him to his Butler County home and hurl insults. Nor will I try to yank the plug to his swim pool nor shutter his local gym space. As a sign of good faith on my part, and with splendid anticipation of a looming Tom Murphy resignation, I will resign for the month of May, 2004. I will resign my role as critic by NOT going to City Council Chambers and injecting public comment, nor will I rant to the Oversight Board, nor County Council, nor any neighborhood agency meeting, nor stand outside PNC Park with pickets, nor display the red-lettered, "FIRE MAYOR MURPHY" sign in my office window. Furthermore, I won't call radio talk shows nor push petitions at the UPMC City of Pittsburgh Marathon, nor hound veterans and officials before and after the Memorial Day gun salutes at monuments around the South Side. I won't do any of those activities, for the month of May. I promise. My websites, Rauterkus.com and CLOH.Org, and email blasts to more than 6,000 contacts, won't wane however. Furthermore, should Tom Murphy resign from office, I promise to craft a petition calling for some significant structures to be renamed. Tom Murphy should leave with a statue and a place on the map so as to never forget the legacy and persona. I think a fitting remembrance would be a name change for the Liberty Bridge to the Mayor Tom Murphy Bridge. This tribute to Tom Murphy could be a continual reminder as his administration made great strides in removing true liberty in Pittsburgh. Let's also support the notion of renaming the Liberty Tunnel as the Mayor Tom Murphy Tunnel. The name switch highlights Murphy's vision and hard-decision attitude. It is time for Pittsburgh to turn its directions. The light at the end of the tunnel is coming closer. New intersections await. Fitting too are the stoplights at both ends of the both the Liberty Tunnels and Bridge. They represent Murphy's multiple terms. We are waiting for the light to change. I'm thirsty and long for the future. I want to resign my critic's role and instead, foster civic healing. In other news: Mark Rauterkus, his wife, Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., and their two children are traveling to China for five weeks starting May 1, 2004. Palmer, the Director of Audiology at UPMC's Eye and Ear Institute, is to teach a four-week course to MDs in western China.

Was doing groupware before its time

We used Groupware, a utility to keep track of friends and events. Others were invited to join in by just picking a username and password and then they were added to the server too.

perspectives on Dr. T -- PPS & Rec

When asked about Dr. John T of Pgh Public Schools and this Cooperation Crisis and Recreation.

Are his intentions are good?

I believe he does care about the children and he certainly would be on the side of getting the pools open and perhaps utilizing the current pools within PPS more wisely. Agree?

He is without follow through in terms of sports team oversight and athletics. I think he fumbles all afterschool efforts. He has other things to do and this isn't getting done.

He isn't going to buck the unions and make more work for himself, the staffers nor perhaps cost the district any money.

But, I tried to tell him that the foundation folks might put $2, $3, $4 million on the table. He should snap up some of that for these efforts. A band-aid on a band-aid is no fix at all. The Citiparks pools are held together by a band-aid. And the only thing worse is the plan behind the
band-aid.

Schools would not be sun-bathing centers -- but places for teams, coaching, conditioning, and real learning to occur.

WQED show, Mark Rauterkus on ChrisFire

WQED Multimedia: Television ChrisFire: The guest tonight is Mark Rauterkus, a community activist, swim coach and former candidate for mayor of Pittsburgh. Rauterkus says that the Pittsburgh financial crunch is really going to hurt children this summer. Thirty two swimming pools will close and nineteen recreation centers. Yet, he says there is no need to be discouraged, and that there is still time to build quality fun for the city's youth. He tell us what he proposes during ChrisFire.

Dear Neighbors -- pondering losses, firefighters, community spaces

Today was a hard day for all in Pittsburgh with a double funeral. The losses and time to mourn and pay respects are about giving and receiving care and love. The families, the firefighters, and the grief was open and honest.

Our messages of "thanks for the duty, and thanks for the jobs done well" are sent to all of the men and women who serve others in unselfish ways.

Thanks too for the vigilance and the kindness paid to our public lives. As we mourn, we think and reflect. Let's allow the concept of "duty" to linger long in many corners of our shared spaces.

Our personal lives are to be private. But it seems that the quality of life for each individual is made from a foundation that has one foot firmly upon the ground that is "common."

The public heros rushed to a church, of all places. The embers and tears meet and blend. Perhaps a different spirit is to come with the next dawn?

- - - -

There are many issues to yap about these days - but for the sake of respect let me just say:

1. Thanks for reading my messages.

2. Thanks for ongoing feedback and the sharing of your thoughts and concerns with me. Mark04@Rauterkus.com

3. Thanks for furnishing me with your valid email contact(s).

4. You're invited to these three functions if you are willing and able:


6 pm, Wed., March 24, Mt. Washington's Duquense Heights Community Center:
http://Play.CLOH.Org.
http://Play.CLOH.Org/hot/Get-Involved-2.pdf
A candidate for PRESIDENT of the United States is expected!
No charge - open discussions.


6 pm, Sat., March 20, Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network's banquet
http://piin.cloh.org


10 am, Sat., March 20, East Liberty Branch of Carnegie Library to talk about
sports opportunities in Pgh Public Schools.
http://dorm.CLOH.Org

in other news: Ripped from the recent Pgh Business Times

Headline: GOP sets sights on mayor's post

Sub-Head: Lawyer John Pierce among possible candidates

Reporters: Patty Tascarella and Suzanne Elliott

DOWNTOWN -- Wanted: Republicans to lead Pittsburgh. Seriously.

Even though the city's next mayoral election isn't until 2005 and the GOP hasn't fielded a candidate since 1993 or won in more than 60 years, Pittsburgh's staggering fiscal problems have party officials eagerly talking about opportunity.

There were TWO GOP candidates for Mayor in 2001! And, we both predicted this pathway to bankrupt status. Furthermore, the wrongheaded actions of the city continue, such as yesterday's announced closings of all 32 outdoor swim pools, 19 recreation centers and our only indoor ice rink.

To close, let's talk again about the firefighters. Did you know that Joe King, union boss of Pgh Breau of Firefighters, worked with his rank-and-file and went to the Mayor and a city council member a few months ago with a plan? Their offer was to put two-percent of their pay into a trust fund so as to allow for the re-opening of Recreation Centers for the kids and the
layed off employees. Their solution included an offer that exceeded $800 K per year to help in this crisis.

Mayor Murphy sent them away and chooses to maintain the crisis. The fruit of this is a "financial crisis." But the roots of our problems are really a "cooperation crisis."

I said tonight on WTAT TV News -- 'We teach our kids how to play well with others at the parks, pools and rec centers.'

Thanks for the offer Joe King and Firefighters of Pittsburgh. Sorry it was snatched from the 'jaws of victory.' We'll fix ourselves and all our problems after we get serious about cooperation.

PS:
Pgh Business Times = 412-481-6397 x 203 Fax: 412-481-9956
Editor, LLawley@bizjournals.com
http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2004/03/15/story1.html

Go Penguins

Ticket stubs