Lost in the Parks

A City Parks Public Meeting is slated for 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at the Schenley Park Visitor Center, 101 Panther Hollow Road, Contact: 412-682-7275.

Tell them what kind of signs would help you navigate and enjoy Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley parks. Join park users from around the city in a public forum to discuss how wayfinding, directional and identity signs could improve your park experience.

My list includes:

Directions to the 20 closed swim pools.

Instructions for re-opening the dozen closed recreation centers.

Contact info for various swim teams, coaching opportunities and programs within each park.

Rules for entering your vintage roadster into the Grand Prix.

Drafting Coaches to Politics -- with Chicago & Pittsburgh Roots

I lived and coached in Chicago. I met my wife there as she was getting her Ph.D. at Northwestern.

Furthermore, drafting "running partners" is a theme -- as is there a need to draft good candidates in general.

The Draft Ditka movement, mentioned here a while ago, picked up steam, then turned to State Party Chairmanship -- not US Senata. Ditka went to a House Republican Organization Fundraiser at Navy Pier. House GOP Leader, Tom Cross, HRO Chairman, Skip Saviano, and Deputy House Leader, Brent Hassert, were set to endorse a Ditka Candidacy. For the latest, contact: David Dring 312.505.0256 or Tom Pence 630.215.3017, or visit their site.

Football fans, Pittsburghers, ex-coaches and GOPers take note. Some are hoping to draft former Chicago Bears Coach Mike Dikta into the big leagues of Illinois politics. DraftDikta.com was created by staff members in the Illinois House to gather signatures to nominate Ditka as the chairman of the state's Republican party after the current chairwoman, Judy Baar Topinka, steps down at the end of this election cycle. Within days, the website had generated 6,000 signatures.

With the vacancy left by Jack Ryan for the GOP Nomination for U.S. Senate, Coach Ditka's name came to the surface.

There are some real heart warmers on the "Letters to Ditka" page worth reading. My letter went like this:

Coach,

I too am a Pittsburgh-native, coach, GOPer, and have had the same passion of you and helped here with Pitt Rocks fellows to save Pitt Stadium. That was my entry into serious politics. And, I'm still mad -- and expect to run again for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, in 2005. I'd love to have you visit Pittsburgh and hold a special event for you here in Pittsburgh. And, we'd put it into a TV show. How about a policy address to those beyond the Lincolnland -- from your homeland. Thanks for the consideration. Call my cell: 412-298-3432. We'll be in Chicago and would meet with anyone there in early August.

My efforts are now being put into motion so as to hold an event on September 11, 2004, in Pittsburgh with Coach Mike Ditka. We'd be able to attend the Pitt game vs. Ohio University. Want to help? Send an email ---> Ditka-Rocks@CLOH.Org.

More political spin: Phil Jackson is also free these days and might consider coming back to Chicago, and if it's not for DAAA Bulls it just might be for DAAA Elephants.

News Swells and a recent story that is the Top Story on Yahoo!

Former NFL coach eyes US Senate seat

CHICAGO (AFP) - A former NFL coach is considering a run for a US Senate seat, following a path already blazed by the likes of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (news - web sites), and former Minnesota governor Jesse "The Body" Ventura.

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, better known to his fans as the irascible "Iron Mike," is mulling a run for public office -- one in which his considerable name recognition would be a powerful asset.

"I'm getting excited about it," Ditka said in an interview with a Chicago television network Monday.

The 65-year-old NFL Hall of Famer stressed that he was just evaluating the idea, but that was enough to rev up his many fans in this Midwestern state, some of whom have already established a "Draft Dikta" campaign.

"We need more signatures on the petition. We want to present them to him this week and we need your help," read one entry made Monday on the "DraftDitka.com" website.

"Da Coach will do this if we push him!"

The people behind the website aim to collect 10,000 signatures to encourage Ditka to run, and say they have already passed the 6,000 mark.

Republican Party officials have not formally approached the 65-year-old about joining the race, but they are desperate to find a viable candidate to put on the ticket.

The previous candidate, millionaire banker Jack Ryan, quit the race late last month over a late-breaking sex scandal, and some Republicans who have been touted as possible replacements have reportedly balked at jumping into a campaign at this late stage.

Even before the sex rumpus, Ryan was trailing his Democratic rival Barack Obama by 20 points in the polls.

"Certainly, you wouldn't have to spend five or six million dollars for people to get to know (his) name," said Dennis Hastert, a US representative from Illinois and the most senior member of the state's congressional delegation.

Even this state's Democratic governor said he would welcome a Ditka candidacy because it would add spice to the race. "I love Mike Ditka. He's a straight talking guy who talks from the heart," said Rod Blagojevich.

There are still some hurdles left: Ditka's wife has said she will divorce him if he throws his hat in the ring, and he is not apparently even registered to vote in this state.

The Senate seat is currently held by a Republican, Senator Peter Fitzgerald, but he is stepping down after one term and voters will choose his successor in November.

Ethics -- "Not Engaged Here"

The City of Pittsburgh has an Ethics Commission, but it might not have any meetings in the past four years. There might not be any members to the commission, revealed City Council Member Bill Peduto. He put the blame fully on the current mayor.

We have not taken up campaign finance reform. Peduto also wants to raise that issue in 2004.

Sala Udin said, "The ethics commission does not exist."

Trib's mentions on Mayor's Race

Trib Story and GOP Urban Flight

My home is NOT up for sale. I am not a DEM, yet am a front-runner in the Mayor's race.

If the Trib's EDITORIAL REVIEW Board wishes to talk with me -- I'd be very happy to do so. I've asked for years to meet with them -- but they've not taken up the offer.

I hope you don't do too many articles on who else is NOT going to run for Mayor. Roddey in that race is a non-story. Or, to get the poison out of the discussion, do the article on Paul O'Neill and Glen Meakem before August.

Four years ago the Trib's fumbles were downright shameful.

However, your lead about URBAN FLIGHT was on the mark. This is a top worry in the city, not only for GOPers but also for the general wellness. An entire group of people voted with their feet. Pittsburgh is a one-party town and Pittsburgh is half of what it was. The departures were calculated. Hence, the repairs that need to be made are such a burden to accomplish. And, without functional watchdogs, they are nearly impossible.

We need the Trib's coverage to flourish.

Convention Center, its water course is working but

Don't you find it interesting that the $7-million water course under the new Pittsburgh Convention Center is working again -- but -- our swim pools in the city are not.

Talk about miss-placed priorities.

Newspaper reporter replied:

I do. The best part was when I called the Sports and Exhibition Authority for comment, they laughingly patronized me and tried to make light of the whole debacle. So I said, "if you built something at your house that cost $7 and it leaked or didn't work properly, you'd want to know why, right?"

He didn't have a response for that. It's amazing how these groups spend ,illions of tax-payers' dollars and then get upset when someone asks questions.

Alyson Walls

Fox Chapel Setting

The interesting email from Charlene is but a memory. Then Bob Glancy, RCAC Chairman posted.
"For months, western Pennsylvanians have seen a Fox Chapel mansion used as he staging area for John Kerry's presidential campaign, perhaps on the theory that a presidential candidate cannot have too many home states no matter how dubious his claim to live in any of them.

"Just last week, as hundreds of thousands of Allegheny County homeowners received their bills for school property taxes, that same Fox Chapel mansion was used to introduce Kerry's running mate to the public and the press.

"There, Kerry struck the themes that have shaped his entire political career: support for more government spending and opposition to middle class tax cuts. These, in fact, may be the only issues on which he's held a consistent position over the years.

"I am sure that countless middle-class homeowners disagree with John Kerry's contention that they neither need nor deserve a tax break. Until now, though, they might have imagined that Kerry and the liberal elitists around him were willing to pay their fair share of taxes.

"John Kerry doesn't have to worry about paying the property taxes on mansion in Fox Chapel, thanks in part to a seven-figure assessment reduction described in Sunday's Tribune-Review, a reduction based on the assessment of the Heinz-Kerry property as "farmland."

"This is more than an insult to the voters' intelligence. From a candidate seemingly unable to venture into public without railing about "tax loopholes," it is the rankest hypocrisy. The Heinz-Kerry estate is no more a farm than are the tens of thousands of back yards in Allegheny County in which a few square yards are dedicated to growing tomatoes or zucchini.

"If John Kerry is going to masquerade as a Pittsburgher, he should at least pay his fair share of taxes-or admit that he is a Boston liberal out of touch with the values of western Pennsylvania."

Snips of the POST-Gazette news:

"As a result, he's way off the mark. Mrs. Heinz Kerry does not receive the so-called 'Clean and Green' write-off because she has chosen not to apply for it."

But in a letter Heinz Kerry wrote, dated March 12, 2002, to former county Chief Executive James Roddey, she said she was "not writing to express my anger, but to point out that my property is being undertaxed."

She said two assessment notices sent in 2000 and 2002 both incorrectly reduced her property value and asked that "someone with the authority to do so will make the proper correction and bill me accordingly."

Romash said Heinz Kerry paid the higher amount.

Romash also turned the tables on Glancy and criticized President Bush, saying he saved $23,679 last year because of an agricultural exemption on his ranch in Crawford, Texas. In 2002, she said, Bush accepted an exemption that reduced the property from $2.1 million to $950,000.

Sam Wilson, head of assessment for Allegheny County, also characterized Glancy's criticism as "politics as usual" and said the Heinz estate is not assessed as farmland.

Although the county Web site lists it as a "general farm," Wilson said anything over 10 acres is put in that category, but it has no effect on the actual assessment.

"If it were underassessed, the school board and municipality would be in there beating it to death," he said. "Whatever's there is what a willing buyer and seller would transfer for that property."

He said Teresa Heinz Kerry has never applied for a reduction in taxes based on assessment of her property as a farm.

Mindy's concert was a success -- and lots of musical fun.

Mindy played a concert for us at the Green Tree Swim Pool. She is with her son, Aaron.  


Mindy and Aaron as the concert is about to begin, poolside. Later we'd watch a movie. Prior, we ate burgers and dogs with the members of the Green Tree Rotary. 

[412] Wishing for your presence and toe tapping

Hi Friends and possible "Running Mate(s),"

Let's consider the concept of "Running Mate" for a moment.

When I ran for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh in 2001, I have to admit,
I was a little weak in the "running mate category." In efforts to strengthen
that concern, I'd love to recruit you, and your ideas. So, as of now, the
auditioning for the roles of "running mates" for the pending Grant Street
shake-up is starting.

As we advance to the 2005 elections, I'd love for YOU to seriously
consider the descriptive handle, "probable running mate." You got this
email. You're reading it. Then you know. You HAVE made the short list.

Let's get a clear about this act of "running." If you're moving, you
could be "running" -- especially to those who are hiding. And, when one
runs, the direction could be "to" - "against" - or "with" something.

It is our honor to inform you you've been recruited to attend a
community concert or three (see below). Please consider these "toe tapping"
opportunities. We don't want to push our fellow running mates too far on
such short notice.

This weekend, our out-of-town RUNNING MATE magnet is MINDY SIMMONS. Mindy is
from Florida and visits Pittsburgh to present three concerts. You are
invited to any and all of them.


6 pm, Friday, July 9, Club Cafe (South Side, 12th Street).
Adults only (21 & over)
$5 cover
Theme: This IS America


8 pm, Saturday, July 10, lawn concert on the Green Tree Swim Pool.
This is community movie night, (flick at 9 pm). Thanks Rotary.
Kid's and parents welcome. Swimming, throughout, of course.


10:30 am, Sunday service, intergenerational concert, UU Church of the
South Hills, http://Sunnyhill.Org. Topic: Consider the Source.


Background:
http://S6.CLOH.Org
S6 = Sports, Spirit & Soul Song and Story Summit. The spirits are at the
night club, Club Cafe (over 21). The sports occurs on Saturday at the swim
pool. Sunday service covers the soulful elements.


Mindy Simmons:
Mindy is a church-camp friend, singer, songwriter, recording artist, and
Floridian with wit. Mindy travels, sings, plays guitar. I know you'll be
impressed with her performances.


Closing INVITE:
A blog feature at http://Rauterkus.com allows for your feedback and
comments on various issues. I'd love for you to share your ideas and
perspectives, i.e., We-HAV, Gambling, Act 47, etc. So, hope to see you at a
concert, and at the blog.

Thanks for the consideration.



Ta.

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

412-Public-Remarks

My email blasts have an archive. Thanks for your understanding. The membership list is now 7,479. When the count reaches 10,000 or more, we'll unleash 'eVote' to the participants.

Ricciardi: No more cuts

City Council President, Gene Ricciardi, asked the oversight board to avoid further cuts. "There will be dire implications."

The ironic twist to the letter and pleading is that there were "dire implications" for the years of overspending from City Council. Too much spending went uncheck for most of the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, Jim Roddey is saying that the city could save by merging more services with outside governements. That not only includes merging operations with Allegheny County offices -- as the Act 4 report recommends -- but working with local agencies such as the Port Authority or the Airport Authority.

Hey.... Menion the new Pittsburgh Park District. That idea has merit too. It fits the mold. We need a local governmental agency that merges Citiparks, County Parks and Recreation and afterschool with Pittsburgh Public Schools. But, we need this to be more than an authority. We want true democracy (with a small "d").

John Murry wants a focus on helping business growth not on worrying about providing government jobs. Much growith can occur in recreation. The facilities are empty, robbing the kids. But, there are enterprising coaches and professionals who would be able to operate facilities and make money in the process -- making new business.

The new Pittsburgh Park District is the place for a tight structure, new culture, and hospitable to new and existing businesses.

Version 1 of a position paper
that calls for the formation of a new Pittsburgh Park District is at DSL.CLOH.Org.

Gene R: We can cut Citiparks from the city budget. We can cut some of these recreational facilities from the city's asset list. These elements can be put into stewardship with a new department. We can move permit office -- as of September 2004. We can do this soon. And, for the sake of the kids, we need to do it quickly.

Delano's take on Act 47 and Pittsburgh's Recovery Plan

PSF reply

Delano wrote, in part:

... From a political perspective, it was clear that these unions used every political card in the deck to try to block the plan....


Reply:
The political cards of the union leaders were not all played. The day Joe King gives, say a $3,000 donation, to a political candidate's PAC, such as myself, then -- we'll be getting to the real ace of spades.

The union folks didn't meet with citizens. They didn't build bridges to others. They just passed a lot of hot air.

Delano wrote:

... In the end, five Democrats -- Alan Hertzberg, Bill Peduto, Gene Ricciardi, Doug Shields, and Sala Udin -- voted for the plan. Whether it ends their political careers remains to be seen....

Reply:

In the end, the Act 47 vote is going to be a black eye on the people in coucil who approved it. But, ... the real end to their political career came with the past budget votes. City Council approved two annual budgets that were not legal. Key players on city council stood by for ten years (Udin, Ricciardi, Hertzberg) while the city did its tailspin. Council veterans have been on the crew of this voyage of destruction. The overall legacy, not one Act 47 vote, is going to fuel the real tide that throws the bums out of office.

Alan Hertzberg, who voted against one illegal budgets from Mayor Murphy, will see his career in council end because of WE-HAVE -- and anti democracy efforts. His political career in council could be toast due to the anger of many in the west end. Sure, Alan H. wanted to liquidate the PDF (Pgh Development Fund) and the URA. Sadly, it didn't pass and was too little, too late. Alan was on the URA board.

Jerry Bowyer radio show -- WPTT, 1360 am

Was on the Jerry Bowyer radio show on Thursday, July 1, 2004. Thanks Jerry.

Nice, short interview. Ranted a bit about how the city is so bricks and mortar based. I think they need to be doing much, much more with programs, coaching, instruction, leadership, community. I'm not so much of a hardware person -- more of a software guy.

Stadiums, convention centers, slots parlors -- all are not that important. What goes on in the community is way more telling. Those items are harder to see.

Cooperation is needed. Cooperation is hard to see in terms of bricks and buildings.

Only 74-degrees and pools are closed

On Monday, June 28, 2004, the sun was out. The high was 74-degrees. However, the swim pools closed. A call from downtown came to each pool. They were told to close. It was too cold to keep them open.

Why?

Joe King and Act 47

Joe King, head of the Pgh Firefighter's Union, said he has "done everything human-ly possible" to stop the passage of the Act 47 Recovery Plan with city council. The plan passed in a 5-4 vote on June 29, 2004.

No doubt, a lot of rants did occur. Many hours were invested in going to public hearings. Shoe leather was spent in efforts to meet citizens on the streets and pass around fliers.

However, .... Doug Shields would NOT move his vote. Nor did Gene, Sala, Alan, nor Bill.

The missing link, for those that never forget, was the link from the union to the citizens. And, the history of the firefighters help to Tom Murphy to get a third term in office is classic.

Joe King was called, not once, not five time, not 10 times, not 20 times.... Joe King was called dozens of times to meet in the past. He was closed minded. Union leaders need to go out of their ways to meet with all the candidates who are seeking higher offices in the city. Joe King should have done that three years ago. Joe King could have done that three months ago too.

Finally, Joe King said to the media that he backed the wrong horse. The Firefighters were wrong to back Tom Murphy in the 2001 election. But this is more than that. The error was really wrong as visits with the other candidates, despite repeated attempts, didn't happen. Joe, this isn't a matter of picking the right horse. It is a matter of removal of one's head out of the wrong end of the horse.

The Firefighters had the power to put Tom Murphy into office. I said last summer that they had the power -- the lynch-pin -- to get Tom Murphy out of office.

Furthermore, ranting with bullhorns on the street with Sala on the weekend before the vote is nothing more than a good excuse to blow hot air.

Venting can help, as I have done above. However, venting isn't going to get us anywhere. Pittsburgh is broke. And, we need alternative plans.

Joe King put an offer onto the table in January 2004 to pay for the now out of work Recreation Staff so as to REOPEN the Rec Centers. This was a $800-k offer, or more. Nice move. Didn't work.

Joe, we need to get the Firefighters to meet with me -- and others -- so we can build real solutions in terms of the parks and rec centers. We need some help with "liability insurance" and other technical issues. Your volunteers and your staffers can help.

For more insights, see the position paper at http://DSL.CLOH.Org.

[412] Celebrate our freedom -- July 4 house and park party w badminton

Hi Friends of Freedom,

You are invited to our July 4th party. Hope you can make it this year.

Come at or after 6 pm on July 4.

Details:

We are starting a little earlier this year as we'll play badminton and
other games in the park by our house. We have something for every age and
ability. So come to the house or directly to the park at 6 pm (or any time
after).

Badminton is a popular world-wide, full-medal Olympic sport. We obtained
some equipment from CHINA, where they have OPEN REC CENTERS and coaches.
We'll share. We'll even tell you a little bit about our five week trip if
you ask.

Games are slated for the Armstrong Park, on 12th Street between East
Carson and Sarah Streets. The park is one short block from our house, 108
South 12th Street. We are at the corner of 12th Street and Bradish, a gray,
wood frame. Look for the "Fire Mayor Murphy" sign in the front window.

Games in the park start at 6 pm, crafts at the house, water
balloon toss, regatta fireworks at dark (9:30-ish). We supply lemonaide,
chips, cups, napkins, spoons, forks (sometimes we even manage a fruit
salad). If you want other drinks and snacks please feel free to bring them
along. We have several beds to rest babies if little ones fizzle before
fireworks.

Don't miss the fun. Let's spend an evening smashing "birdies" around the
park -- birdies, not skeet.

FYI, we're inviting V.P., Dick Cheney as well. (His fax: 202-456-2461)
He might be 'game,' as he'll be in Pittsburgh at Soldiers & Sailors' Hall in
Oakland around noon on the 4th.

Confirmed out-of-town guests include our nephew, Cameron (Middleburry
College and his state's top student in 2003 ACT score) and Aunt Debbie
(Florida).

For more insights:
Mark at Rauterkus.com
cell = 412-298-3432
http://Rauterkus.com

- - -
Closing Pointer and Rant:

Today (sunny to 6 pm, high of 74-degrees) the public pools within the
city closed at 2 pm. And, the Post-Gazette story from today, (must read)

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04180/338610.stm

sums up conditions in a part of the city. We (Pgh Interfaith Impact
Network's Youth Task Force) were PROHIBITED from installing a computer lab,
at no charge to the city, at the Warrington Rec Center. Sigh.

A majority on City Council is set to squander their rights and
independence. Council bargained for our city to enter into a "distressed
status." The mayor rejoiced in its arrival. Within hours, our elected
council is set to yield to the unelected of oversight boards and appointed
authorities.

Elected city leaders: "Duty isn't pragmatic!" Pittsburgh's "UN-American"
mode of operation aims for solutions that are one step better than the worst
possible, again. To heal and soar takes much more.

Loyalist (loyal to King George) of 1776 didn't have to face scornful
emails wedged within an invite to cherish and celebrate at a free 4th of
July party. How sad for them. Thanks for reading and do consider a visit to
the South Side on the 4th. And as always, thanks for your dissent.



Ta.

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


PS: - - - Other dates - - -
Invite 2: July 9, Club Cafe, concert with Mindy Simmons
(singer/songwriter). Theme: "This IS America." http://S6.CLOH.Org

Invite 3: July 11, Sunnyhill Sunday Service at 10:30 am --
Intergenerational Service and Music. Theme: "Consider the Source."
http://Sunnyhill.Org

Invite 4: I'm slated for a radio show, 1360 AM, on July 1 at 7:20 am to
talk about the ACT 47, Pittsburgh and a pending edition of the Park District
Proposal. http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/ Email your thoughts now.

Library Fumbles and lack of stewardship

NEWS RELEASE

For release: 2004 June 22
For more information -- Glenn A. Walsh:
Daytime: E-Mail < gawalsh at andrewcarnegie.cc >
Evening: Telephone 412-561-7876
Internet Web Site:

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION OF FIVE
LIBRARIES, BEFORE PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL JUNE 30

Pittsburgh, June 22 ñ Pittsburgh City Council will
hear from the public, regarding the historic value of
five Carnegie Library buildings, on Wednesday
afternoon, June 30, beginning at 1:30 p.m. In July,
City Council will decide whether these five libraries
meet the qualifications to be considered City
Designated Historic Structures.

The subject of the five public hearings is the
nomination of five original Andrew Carnegie-built
library branches, of The Carnegie Library of
Pittsburgh, which have been nominated to be City
Designated Historic Structures by the Pittsburgh
History and Landmarks Foundation. The library branches
nominated include the branches in the Pittsburgh
neighborhoods of Hazelwood (opened 1900 August 15),
Homewood (opened 1911 March 10), Lawrenceville (opened
1898 May 10), Mount Washington (opened 1900 May 31),
and West End (opened 1899 January 31).

TO READ THE ENTIRE NEWS RELEASE, CLICK HERE:
<
http://andrewcarnegie.tripod.com/lawrenceville/NR-CC-HRCdesig-lib.htm >

=====
gaw

Citizens Works (letter)

Letter was passed among many at a public hearing in City Council Chambers concerning the looming vote on Act 47

Citizens Voice

June 22, 2004

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for your interest, care and open remarks concerning our city. It is great to hear perspectives of citizens and public employees. To prosper, all of Pittsburgh must have the opportunity to speak freely. Your comments get noticed among some citizens. Thanks again.

A number of people have been gathering to make "better plans" for Pittsburgh. These plans evolve out of statements such as yours.

Please, you are invited to send a copy of your statement in an email to:
Act47-noise@CLOH.Org

People from Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, South Side and elsewhere are stitching the various remarks into alternative plans.

Parts of the Act 47 plans, and some initial statements from the I.C.A. (Oversight Board), are good. Other parts are NOT. All in all, the plans now on the table are NOT good enough.

We can do better. We must do better. The decline of Pittsburgh has been ugly. Furthermore, a recovery can't occur with lame plans and performances.

Issues and solutions that perk among us can't fit within this short thank you note and invite. However, trust that they are growing stronger, with your help, and many are on the internet now.

Open archives allow others to see postings. Subscribe to the NEW mailing list to stay in the loop or debate the merits of the ideas. Surf to http://CLOH.Org.

Thanks for the consideration.

(Names of some citizens deleted from blog.)

[412] Re-tooling sessions for the ACT 47 PLAN -- after a dip in the swim pool

Hi Neighbors,


Summary -- invites:
1. Today's public comments provided to City Council:
http://op-ed.cloh.org/opinion/june-15-2004.html
2. June 16, TV Show of Community Forum (read position paper)
3. June 17, South Vo Tech High School Community Forum
4. June 18, Green Sanctuary Benefit Concert at Sunnyhill.org
5. Brewing REVIVAL. Reject the Act 47 plan and COUNTEROFFER.


1.
Last month, all had agreement that the 'Save Our Summer' efforts was a
BAND-Aid upon a BAND-Aid. Some of the pools are to open tomorrow. Yeah!
However, opening limited swim pools might have really been just a new
BAND-Aid for a corpse. Is the body dead?


2.
Last chance to catch the TV broadcasting of the community forum on PCTV
21 is from 7 to 8 pm WEDNESDAY, (in about 24 hours), June 16. If you don't
have cable, email me off line and I'll try to share my tape.


3.
While some of the pools open, some of the schools are closing, including
South Vo Tech High School -- and Connelley Tech School for adult education.
Ouch.
Thursday, June 17, we'll gather at South Vo Tech High School Library at
6:30 pm to talk in another community meeting. You're invited. See South
before they NAIL THE DOORS CLOSED.


4.
Green Sanctuary benefit concert:
On Friday June 18, at 7:30 pm, Jim Scott, http://www.jimscottmusic.com,
holds a concert at Sunnyhill.Org. Advance is $8.00/adult and $10/adult at
the door. Kids are $4 and $6, respectively.
Call Amy at the church (voice: 412-561-6277 --- fax: 412-561-6592) to
reserve the ticket, and pay at the door.


5.
Some concerned citizens and leaders are starting to buck for City
Council to REJECT the ACT 47 Plan. A better plan can be crafted and made
into a counter offer. I expect that the counter offer would include elements
from the POSITION PAPER on PARKs.
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/

Version two of the position paper is starting to take shape. New sources
of revenues are getting examination.
For example: PA House Bill 1216 from 2003 gets more than $9-million per
year for the city -- or better yet -- for the NEW Pittsburgh Park District.
Mr. Ludwig predicts and documents $50-million in a SODA (Pepsi / Coke) deal
to happen mostly AT THE PARKS. The Citizens Police Academy, located in a
PARK, can get an upgrade and be made to MAKE money and offers services to
other areas beyond the city.

In a NUTSHELL, the ACT 47 Plan just released Friday, in my humble opinion,
is NOT good enough. It can be made better, much better.

If you'd like to help with input or debate on issues within and without the
ACT 47 Plan -- and be document centric to craft a COUNTER, then we're
meeting with others at 7 pm on FRIDAY at Ritters, a diner, 5221 Baum Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Their phone (for directions only) is 412-682-4852. By
the way, I'm NOT going to CHAIR this meeting -- but will be an active
supporter / participant.

As always, thanks for listening and doing all you do for our shared
community.



Ta.

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

PS: If you want to opt out, you can do so yourself. Or, email, and I'll
help you unsubscribe.

PS2: If you have no idea who I am -- we can fix that at our annual 4th of
July house party -- July 4th after 7 pm. We'll be playing badminton too.

PS3: Photos and more insights from our China trip might take a couple of
weeks, yet.

Before City Council, mid-June, 2004

My Name is Mark Rauterkus.My family and I live at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. Internet hang-outs are Rauterkus.com -- and CLOH.Org.

At 6:30 pm, on Thursday, June 17, 2004, I'll be helping to coordinate another community meeting. Everyone is invited. The meeting is on the South Side -- at South Vo Tech High School. We'll meet in the School LIBRARY. Come early as we'll be finished by 8 pm.

South Vo Tech is closing. Today is the last day of regular school for 450 students. Have a great and safe summer vacation.

A number of concerned citizens made objections concerning the decision to shutter South Vo Tech. This meeting won't be only with a focus of South Vo Tech -- but given the setting, it will be part of the discussion.

I advocated for a staged shut-down of South Vo Tech throughout a three or four year period. I think that the kids that are there now (9th, 10th, 11th graders) should be able to graduate -- even with night and summer school.

Otherwise, the drop out rate are going to be massive. The worst move possibe is what is school board has done. A couple hundred kids are NOT going to terminate their high school educations and NOT graduate.

The shift to CHARTER Schools is expected -- costing district MORE money. The outward migration accelerates. Families get yanked around again. And, the impact upon the other schools that must absorb the displaced South students is going to trouble everyone.

Students in HEATING & Airconditioning,
Plumbing,
Commercial Art,
Small Engine Repair,
Welding

Go to Brashier for academic work and still use the South Vo Tech Annex for trade work. Then the following year they'll need to move to Peabody. Treating High School students to a smorgasboard of four schools in their career within the district is a prime example of why we are in such a serious decline around here.

To phase out the school is a little more trouble for the ADMINISTRATION -- but in the long run it still gives the tax payers the same results -- and for the students it offers a world of difference.

When people see this treatment to other people -- they want no part of it for themselves. They choose to NOT come here.

Furthermore, this same group of kids won't be able to go to Connelley Technical School for adult eduation -- as that too has been closed.

These are Dr. Thompson and Bill Isler CAST-OFFs. A whole group of kids -- within a special category -- get flushed away. These kids are NOT the darlings of the CULTURAL DISTRICT.

The Vo Tech vision in this district is an undisputed failure. That burden goes to Mr. Fondy -- of the Teacher's Union (who has serious ties to South and yet he can turn his back upon them) -- and the TRADE UNIONS of Great Pittsburgh.

The UNOINS have been worthless here -- when it comes to our treasured future.

Another invite

On Wednesday, June 16 from 7 to 8 pm --- people in the city can tune into a TV Show on PCTV 21. Our last meeting held on the North Side at the National Aviary was turned into a show.

We talk about the Save Our Summer -- and beyond.

Looking back I called Save Our Summer a process that put a band-aid upon a band-aid and that it didn't address the real wound. I think I might have been TOO GENEROUS with Elsie Hillman's and Bill Truehart's efforts -- in tandem with Citiparks.

I think we have a new band-aid that has been applied to a system held together by old band-aids ----- but the new wrinkle is something that I've not seen before. Then I read the ACT 47 RECOVERY PLAN.

The band-aids -- are going onto a CORPSE.

They want to put on a big show -- work on this to save face -- but THE BODY is DEAD.

City Council -- you might have expired. The last breath of city life in Pittsburgh might be just a memory. When the ACT 47 Agreement is signed ..... we should all send flowers -- to have the aroma to cover the stench -- even if it is another tempory fix.

We need a Lazarus - like REVIVAL. To come back from the dead is going to take a lot of work. It starts with the understanding of cooperation and serious -- all day all night work in proactive ways. If you want ME to help you with the COUNTER OFFER -- as a REJECTION of the ACT 47 plan --- we can do it.

After swim practice.