First day of school

The kids are back to school, starting today. But, today also marks the first day South Vo Tech is empty. There was summer school.

Fifty percentage of all eleventh grade students score below proficiency in math in Pittsburgh Public Schools. For eleventh graders who scored below the proficient level of reading, there has been small improvement as the percentage decreased from 41 percent in 2002 to 39 percent in 2004.

The percentage of African Americans that scored below proficient in math is a staggering 82.5 percent in 2004 (virtually the same as the 82.7 percent in 2002 (but an improvement over the 84 percent in 2003)). The results are slightly better on the reading part of the test: 72.1 percent scored below proficiency in 2004. The group scored better than those who took the test in 2002 (74.1 percent), but not as well as those who took the test in 2003 (71.8 percent).

The students who are closest to graduating and entering the workforce and higher education are doing the worse.
Policy Brief in PDF formatted version from the Allegheny Institute

My suggestions: Split up the Pgh Public School District with one HORIZONTAL slice and a number of vertical ones for the K-8 levels. I'd love to see three to five new school districts come into formation. Each district with its own elected school board, superintendent and geographical area would be constructed for students from K to 8th grade. Then the existing PPS District would be city-wide and only need to focus on the education of the high school aged students.

I coached at New Trier High School, named at the time by Town and Country magazine, the very best public high school in America. It was. The New Trier school district is a 9-12 district. It has a number of other districts that feed into the high school. Each of the other districts, smaller, are able to focus upon the education of the younger kids, grades K-8.

Pittsburgh's Public Schools, as a district, is too big. It is too hard to get volunteers, focused attention on learning, and other challenges into solutions.

My kids are excited about the new school year. My hope is that everyone feels the same and that the desires to learn never fade. And, as a parent I know that I can best impact the kids in their youngest ages. And, when it comes to teaching higher level lessons, like those found in high schools, great teachers are necessary. We need to overhaul our approach to education in Pittsburgh, and a split in the district would be a great solution.

To hedge his adventure, our oldest boy did ask last night if it was still possible to take Semester at Sea. Not this year Erik.

Wearing blame IS productive

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04246/372097.stm

Ed Rendell, PA's Governor, doesn't yet understand our situations.

PG article (link above) quote: "I know people think this city is crying wolf, but there's no question this city is out of money by December," Rendell said.

We are crying "wolf" and pointing fingers at Mayor Murphy. The city is out of money because the wolves ate it all! The city has been chewed into nothingness. The link between the call of wolf and the lack of funds might be lost with the Governor's understanding.

"We've been trying to point the finger of blame for over a year now. That's not productive. Regardless of who's to blame it's up to us [in Harrisburg] to solve this and give Pittsburgh the opportunity to get back on its feet financially."

Wrong. Going to the root of the problem is productive. Wearing blame and putting blame where blame needs to reside is critical to fixing our future. To be productive is to learn from history. To make the same mistakes again is what we all fear.

Harrisburg has a role in the solution, now that Pittsburgh is so far gone. However, it is NOT up to Harrisburg to solve this. Why give Pittsburgh an opportunity to get back on its feet financially when it will not come face-to-face with the necessary blame and will repeat the same tragic outcomes?

Summary:
It is one thing to be a big spender. However, it is another matter when the spending is illegal. And, when the plan to overspend breaks the city's charter, our law, not once, but for two years -- then we have a real problem and case of repeated mistakes. Mayor Murphy and the City Council passed budgets that were not legal -- TWICE in a row. This is sure to happen again.

The mayor and the city's leaders have yet to realize what they did is wrong the first time yet alone the second time. The third time is upon us.

Rendell repeated yesterday that some kind of state-approved tax reform is "absolutely essential" for the city.

What is really essential for the city, is the understanding that we can't sidestep blame. When Ed Rendell gives cover to Tom Murphy, again and again, we won't be able to heal. The healing begins as soon as Tom Murphy and his cronies go to the private sector.

Murphy's next spending plan is due to the board Sept. 22. Expect that the city won't be able to live within its means. We expect the wolf to bear its ugly head again to devour some more.

Great debate news in PA, finally

Debates for US Senate to be inclusive - PG article

PA will be treated to U.S. Senate debates with all the candidates. Great news.

Democratic challenger Joe Hoeffel has persuaded debate organizers to allow the Constitution Party's Jim Clymer to take part in the candidate forums set for Oct. 2 and 9. The debates' co-sponsors, which include the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania said Clymer and Libertarian Party candidate Betsy Summers will receive invitations to participate. Thanks Joe!

Originally, the debates, included only Specter and Hoeffel. Both the League of Women Voters and the PA Association of Broadcasters are known to often exclude candidates. Both got pulled out of another shameful moment by a candidate leader.

The talk of debate criteria is bunk. The only criteria that should be used at this point is the ballot itself. If a name is on the ballot, then the true criteria has been established. All debates should be opened to all candidates in a fair and even manner. The state's arcane election laws take a second seat to the state's bigots who host debates and don't include everyone from the outset.

From PG, link above: "We consented to the Hoeffel campaign: 'If you want Clymer in there, we'll stick him in there,'" said Richard Wyckoff, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.

I prefer that the president and the association consented to a sense of fairness, not to the Hoeffel compaign. Moment to moment justice is needed, especially with the watchdogs.

The story here isn't about any campaign trying to pull votes away from another. Rather, our shared well of democracy counts most of all. And, those who would choose to spoil our American landscape with lame journalism needs to be discounted by their peers, or in this case, just given a scolding for showing their true UN-Democratic colors at the outset.

Gag Orders for Men and Women in Blue

Being 'open' is a value that matters greatly. I hate to witness "closed society" methods.

The ACLU has threatened to sue Pittsburgh's police chief if he doesn't lift rules restricting the free speech rights of city officers. Officers can't speak to the media after disciplinary action, even after an internal investigation is finished. Only police management can address discipline.

The rules also bar officers or other employees from publicly criticizing superior officers or fellow employees and require officers or other employees to clear any critical comments through the chief's office.

The policy is vague, confusing and has a chilling effect on speech. Meanwhile, this blog is open to postings, even unsigned ones.

Phili set to clean our clocks

Phili, the city of brotherly love, home to fast Eddie, our urban counterpart to the east -- home region of two of my sisters is doing thing that sizzle past what we can muster in Pittsburgh.

Olympics to Phili in 2024

Wireless Society

Pittsburgh should and could take the leader's role in wireless access, if we get a mayor who cares in these matters. Our present mayor can't even get what is due to us as part of the Comcast Cable agreement.

Pittsburgh shouldn't put together a bid package for the Olympics. However, we should be a region that trains an Olympian or five. Plus, we do need to get that cooperative spirit flowing around here. We can't even host a marathon, yet Akron has two.

GOP Convention Schedule

Sent from a friend: Tonight's GOP Convention Schedule

Back from the beach

We did a lot of surfing at the beach, but didn't encounter anything like this. However, the Green Tree Great White Sharks ruled the summer swim league again in 2004. We'll need to update the final standings, but all went well with the team, our young swimmers, the coaching and such.

National Taxpayers Union smashes Tom Murphy

Politicians Increasingly Use Property Grabs to Pad Government's Bottom Line

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- Using subsidies and city-financed loans adding up to more than $50 million -- $150 for every person living in Pittsburgh -- Mayor Tom Murphy lured Lazarus and Lord & Taylor to relocate in the city. However, both upscale department stores closed before they even reached the sales target that would require them to start payments on their taxpayer- financed loans.

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=35180

ntu.org

September 24 workshop @ school, family and community

Joyce Epstein, Director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships at John Hopkins University, will be facilitating a workshop in Pittsburgh on September 24, 2004 at the PFT (Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Building) on the South Side. The workshop will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is no cost for attendance.
More at PPS.CLOH.Org.

Fat Lady Sings at North Side Amphitheater Plan

Trib coverage of A.I. policy.
PDF version of policy brief.
Comments in the Trib PM from 4 faces in the crowd

Is this another "done deal?" The design is bad. The plan is bad. This should not occur with PUBLIC funds. The land is already secured with public muscle. Do it on your own.

All the Kng's Men Could NOT put Humpty together again

Just as Humpty fell, so too went our city. Pittsburgh has stumbled. To fall is bad. But, dealing with that tumble is more telling. Pittsburgh can't get back up. Pittsburgh won't be able to fix itself with the help of all the king's horses and all the king's men. The present leaders, i.e., the king's horses and men, can't work together. Do they have the creativity needed in these times.

I've said, for years, that the king's resources joined with those of the people would make for much better solutions.

Mayor Murphy's veto on the City Council agreement with the I.C.A. (Intergov. Cooperative Agency) (one of the oversight boards) is telling. The Murphy VETO came at the final hour, just before the agreement would have been law. Murphy should have spoken sooner in the process about the amendments. And, furthermore, as soon as the legislation passed City Council in an 8-1 vote, Mayor Murphy should have made his veto known.

"Time is of the essence," said Councilman Alan Hertzberg, one of the five who voted to sustain Murphy's veto.

To Tom Murphy, who has had time pass him by, the rush to fix Pittsburgh is secondary to the rush to stand his ground.

Gov. Ed Rendell stepped into the dispute, pledging in a letter to lobby the Legislature to diversify the board.

Dear Gov. Rendell. Send the letter to lobby for diversity to YOURSELF. I've been harping that the ICA overvsight board mistakes would be repeated with the GAMBLING Panel for PA. Paid $145,000 per year, we see that diversity is expected with the appointment by Gov. Rendell of a women for the last slot, Mary DiGiacomo Colins, a former associate in the Phili D.A.'s office.

McCabe, the sixth member of the gambling board, has been called, Rendell made the final appointment in early September. Legislative leaders of both parties appointed four members. Rendell gets to pick three. Each of the legislative appointees has veto power over board actions. One of the seven appointees is a women. One is an African American. Five are white males.

"It's a moral issue," said Carlisle, who voted to override the veto. "I do want to see a woman on that board."

Take aim at the Gambling Board too. And, don't fuss after the train leaves the station. Don't take a lead from Tom Murphy, as he is always way behind the curve on everything.

Arguing to sustain the veto, Councilman Sala Udin warned his colleagues that they would alienate the governor if they insisted on keeping the amendments in the agreement. "I don't want to get in a fight with the primary friend we have in Harrisburg," Udin said. "We will need Gov. Rendell's support."

With friends like this, who needs enemies? Gov. Rendell is no friend to "democracy" nor "the people." If Gov. Rendell wanted to change the diversity on the oversight board, he could and would.

Shields punts on second down

Councilman Doug Shields, building on Udin's argument, cautioned that state legislators will refuse to give the city new taxation authority if council continues to squabble with the oversight board over the amendments. "We're not in the driver's seat anymore," he said. "We don't hold the cards to bargain."
Of course you don't hold the cards. Of course City Council is a short step away from meaningless. Of course Tom Murphy is powerless. However, to punt, or to give up, is hopelessness personified. Doing nothing insures nothing gets better. Will the downward spiral ever even slow when elected leaders not only squander the power that is their duty but prohibit others from doing somethig about this king and his court?

Swiftly, .... ROTFL

In a prepared statement, Murphy said, "It is my hope that council will move swiftly to adopt the new cooperation agreement, which will allow us to move forward in a cooperative spirit with the [oversight board]."

ROTFL = Roll On The Floor Laughing.

UN-democratic Democrats

Trib article
Tom Murphy is fighting to keep a question off of the ballot. He and his type don't want the citizens to make choices. The opinions and methods of self-determination -- yet alone the voice of the people -- seem to be meaningless to him.

On Monday, the city's leaders formally appealed a Common Pleas Court decision that allowed a union referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot. Murphy administration lawyers contended the referendum would violate the Act 47 plan, but Judge Eugene Strassburger ruled the city can only challenge the response times if and when voters approve the ballot question.

Firefighters' union attorney, Josh Bloom, said Murphy is trying "to find a loophole to gag the people's right to be heard on the matter of public safety."

The firefighters put their muscle behind efforts with signature collection. They have the "RIGHT" to get a ballot question before the people on election day. The move by the mayor to go to the courts is classic. He and the others who are in leadership roles don't want to be democratic. They don't act like Americans.

As for the question and the issue --- I'm not sure yet what to say. Research is needed. But, an appeal is still looming. In a certain way it makes sense to follow the story of supression now while there is still an a hope to foil the election day choices for the voters. But, once the appeal is resolved -- then it is due time to see the article on all the sides of the question and cover the issue as watchdogs should.

In other news, county executive, Dan O, (Dem) is locking horns with another Dem, County Council's Rich F. This is a power grab. They struggle for authority. Various roles from the different branches of government have been established for a reason. I don't need to see uncooperativeness going to the courts.

The county executive has a role. The county council has a role. The roles are not alike. The rules are clearly written and esablished. If there is some wiggle room -- work it out like leaders should. Don't sue each other. Fix the problem.

Leaders who can't lead -- should leave. Or, bicker. Go to court. Then welcome to the private sector on the next election day.

When Dems are undemocratic and when Dems are running to the courts at such frequent intervals -- then it is time for all the Dems in this city to "think again."

We can't reach our potential as a region when our dems in the executive office can't get along with the other dems in the other branch. Tom Murphy vetoed an 8-1 vote yesterday concerning the ICA agreement. Lead -- don't lurk and just suprise and bring suits. He is hopeless, and he can't lead -- rather -- LEAVE.

Highland Park's grandeur reborn as blood sucking worm

If the fountain at center of renovated entry to Highland Park is the best we can do, other than the merry-go-round slated for Schenley Park outside the main Oakland Libraries, then hell is at our doorstep.

In Highland Park, the past is present -- and I don't want to go there. The major projects at the RAD parks are jokes.

In the early 1900s, a grand Victorian entryway greeted visitors with imposing bronze sculptures, clustered Ionic columns, a fountain, reflecting pool and lush formal gardens. At that time, and for decades after, Highland Park also had segregated swimming pools. One pool for whites. One pool for colored. Fact. History.

Do these bone-headed leaders want to turn back the clock to that time as well?

Pittsburgh used to be the 4th largest city in the US. Did the garden party attitude make us flourish or is it what has pushed us to our decline?

The best we can do in our parks these days is to crave the 1930s with bricks and stone. On the North Side, the Riverview Park was slated to get and upgrade -- running water. That is right. A sink with a pipe to flow water and a real toilet that flushes. Such advancements in 2004.

If this is the most refreshing sign is a gush of sparkling water 15 feet in the air, then shame on us.

The water seen spouting comes from crews testing new pipes that have been laid. Union crews? Over the next few weeks, the fountain may be on or off, depending on the testing schedule.

Meanwhile, over the next few weeks, kids will be growing, all the time, never switching to off. We can freeze our city budgets, but we can't freeze our kids and tell them to wait.

According to city workers, no official opening has been scheduled yet. Furthermore, this is a project that has taken more than six years to come to testing stages. it has taken forever in terms of the live of a six-year old. Wait some more.

Can walkers, residents and passers-by in 2004 catch an early peek at a fountain that went to hell in 1930s?

So, we've driven our parks into the ground for say about 70 years. Hold the phone. We have had one-party rule in Pittsburgh for 70 years. So, the Dems have been in charge of the city for all this time and yet we LONG for a return to that era.

"It's beautiful," beamed Annette Marks, 67, a lifelong resident of the East End neighborhood that was laid out over 300 acres in 1778. "It's going to be just like it was."

The parks will be beautiful as soon as we break the rule of one party politics. And, as soon as we set new priorities that go beyond the brick top layer. As soon as we figure out that our kids can't be raised and made whole by only UNION workers -- and we engage all of the community -- then we've got hope for the future.

Some remember, goldfish in the pond. Now, one only needs to walk a quarter mile to the Highland Park Zoo and Aquarium and find sharks. We spent millions on places for our fish to swim, yet put $0 in the city budget for places for our kids to swim.

Anyone who wants to see goldfish -- go to the pet store and get some yourself. If you want more a more exotic fish experience, go to the zoo.

What gurgles again might speak with forked tounge.

"They're bringing it all back, reverting to what we had originally. It's going to do a lot for this neighborhood." --- what about the segregated swim pools? is that next on the to-do list?

Or, really, what could happen -- Oxford Development can build a sports complex in the burbs -- such as in Monroeville and Cranberry. Coaching shouldn't happen in Highland Park -- as the local swim team needs to have its rates doubled, (really).

The reflecting pool did get mentioned in the Park's Master Plans -- and the swim pool got ignored, other than as a place for selling refreshments.

Financial assistance also came from Allegheny Regional Asset District funding earmarked to aid the city's parks. We need to "think again" about the RAD funds for the city parks. Those funds have been a major waste. The RAD tax should be eliminated.

The project will cost about $700,000 -- and it cost about that much to run the swim pools in 2004.

"...It seems a little impractical to use funds when the city could be doing other things."

Phase two of the project, more horticultural work, won't happen if I'm elected. The rainbow of seasonal color, will be seen in our kids and the opportunities presented to them to work upon -- not in the dirt. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, a group working with the city and Highland Park community groups to rebuild the park, should be NUKED and folded into the new Pittsburgh Park District.

As the temperature steamed toward 86 degrees, the fountain was one of the coolest spots at the park yesterday -- if you don't count the swim pool.

"It is certainly tranquil," said Marette Simpson, a minister from Monroeville, jogging past the babbling fountain on her 3-mile run. "I'm ready to take a dip in it." My point exactly.

Original article by edyer@post-gazette.com.

Heart breakers and silver liners

Lauryn Williams, you go girl. The silver medal was a fantastic. The heart breaking part of the story is that she will return to Miami -- the city she now calls home.

Do get that degree in finance. By all means, graduate. Sadly, here it is again. Our most talented youth must leave Pittsburgh to flourish. Our regional brain and talent drain is still a big monkey on our backs.

This issue, the youthful exit from the Pittsburgh region, ranks high among all issues. Our debt is high too. And, the fact that our latest fixes are lame (tunnel under the Allegheny River for light-rail service to the lower North Side) compounds the steepness of the climb ahead.

but the linkage can't be ignored. The youth are going to leave when the debt soars. Debt is but a burden on today's youth. And, let's fix matters today by giving the shaft to the kids of today -- by closing recreation centers and swim pools.

The kids are getting more than zilch. They are getting the debt and the closed door treatments.

L.W. speaking about the 2005 World Championships is quoted to have said, "It's going to be great," she said. "I can't wait." All in due time. Great athletes excel in the management of time, space and relationships.

Bush Olympic Ad

Bush Olympic Ad
The ad is okay. It is a stretch to say that democracy is spreading like a sunrise. We do have two other nations in the Olympic Family who are what they are. But, look at things a little bit further into history.

In 1976 South Africa was not permitted to send its athletes to the Olympics. Meanwhile, a young swimmer, Jonty Skinner, held the world record in the 100-free -- establishing the new mark in Phili of all place. Since I'm name dropping on the blog, Skinner's book, Tide Teamwork, was the first book I published. Now, South Africa's conditions are different. Plus, the men's 400 freestyle relay from South Africa is second to none. And, South Africa might be hosting the Olympics in the near future.

I think it is fair to celebrate the arrival of athletes into the Olympic Games -- from all the corners of the world where there are some serious hurdles for participation.

Should that celebration be part of a political advertisement is a good topic for debate among those with little else to worry about -- or -- for those of those nations mentioned. So, it is fair ground to ask the athletes from Iraq and Afganastan what they think about the add. But, humanity and sports questions should come first.

Local slant

Not many words would need to change to get that ad positioned for Pittsburgh. In 1972 there were 40 democracies in the world. Well, we could turn back the clock in Pittsburgh and say there were 600,000 residents. Today we are half of what we were.

Then you could say, in 2003, Pitsburgh had 19 recreation centers. Today there are none. (whatever the number is as this is a moving target) And, in 2003 there were 32 swim pools in Pittsburgh, in the summer of 2004 we had 15. Mayor Murphy, we hired you to operate our facilites and manage our shared spaces. You shuttered them. Our chance for hope isn't re-opening Lord & Tayor nor Lazarus -- but working with communities, parks, parents, coaches and kids --- to make better lives for us all.

Water Polo -- shooting at the keeper

The Russian goalie seemed to be a target of the US men's squad in Saturday's action at the Olympic aquatic venue. The shots from the US side were not crisp. Aim for the back of the net!

I was able to work with Coach Monte Nitzkowski as he authored a book text book, US Tactical Water Polo, published in 1994 by my indie, small press. I gave away more books on water polo in PA than we sold here.

From the bio link above, you can get two sections of the book in PDFs: the first 24 pages, 158k, and chapter 5, (pages 119 to 180), 365k.

Notice the work with fonts and the technical delivery with the publishing elements within the book. Polo has plenty of Xs and Os to describe, (i.e., hole defender, etc.). Every graphic and every statement in that 375 page book was reworked in these efforts. Even as publisher I've had some amazing fan mail from readers of that book from around the world. One coach read the book three times, start to finish, and took his team from last to first place in one season. This book was and is the best ever for the sport of polo.

We do need to get more and more into water polo in western PA. This winter the kids at Fox C. played some polo and we injected it into one AM practice per week in November and December. Plus, we had a join polo practice around Christmas with Carrlington HS. Back in the early 90s as I was working on the book and coaching at Plum HS, we started polo and played 2 nights per week. One night was for older folks and was co-ed. Great fun.

WPIAL or city HS swim coaches wishing to have a dedicated session or three on water polo, any time of the year, give me a call and I'll come out with the balls, caps, and understanding of the game to lead a mini-clinic.

The NA HS coach, Mr. C.S., credits water polo for great advancements to the overall swim program's performance. The NA girls team went to states last fall.

Highland Park Pool is a great place for water polo. The deep end is perfect.

Pittsburghers of the year

Our sprinter, L. Williams sped into the 100-meter final today behind Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus. Perfect so far. Both two-time winner, Gail Devers, and gold-medal favorite, Christine Arron, of France were eliminated.

Perhaps Williams will get 30-under-30 awards this year. She is a mover and shaker.

The Pittsburgher of the year -- in the running -- the gent who donated to get dad to Greece to she his daughter in her finest hour.

USA Basketball Team -- shoots a brick in first game

The first game, and the first basketball competition -- the Dream Team -- shot a brick. It was an upset as historic as it was inevitable, reported Sports Illustrated. Beaten soundly, dominated. Now it is time to "bounce back."

Puerto Rico, homeland of a Pittsburgh hero, Roberto Clemente, is much like a 52nd state. So, the sting of loss might be easier to shrug away.

Great PG article about the Clemente Sports City Dream is a great read.

What will be reported in Pittsburgh and around the nation when the mayor's office goes to someone who is not of the old-school democrats' clan? Historic, inevitable?

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Does Tom Murphy have the swagger in political circles that matches that of the NBA stars in an Olympic Games?

Trivia quiz: the mason artwork appears on the side of the building. What one? Where?

Update:

The USA squad was 2-2 in pool play and US players still expected to win the gold medal. Meanwhile, parties broke out in the streets in Lithuania. The US squad (if you can call them a team) departed Athens in the semi-final round. Argentina deserved to win.

Elephant mascots, death, tour, uploads

Wondering minds need to know about this recently uploaded image. The GOP mascot is an elephant. Tomb mention too???





Grant, 6, Erik, 9, and I are pictured above. This is one of the 125 slides in Erik's presentation given at his school this year upon our return from China.

Enjoy the PDF or HTML version.

Old news for clarity - bio notes for Mark Rauterkus

Old article: "Mark Rauterkus, a South Side resident and former swimming coach, also has stated he will run for mayor.

Since the record has been wrong before, here is a refresher on some facts that the journalists often miss.

Correct:
stay-at-home father, registered Republican, not sure about running as a Republican (again), but certain to not run as a Dem, two sons.

'We need new direction from Grant Street. We don't have a holistic approach to our leadership,' Rauterkus said.

Grad of Ohio University (not OSU) with a degree in journalism and went to grad school (no master's degree earned) in physical education at Baylor University.

Rauterkus has worked several years as a swimming coach and instructor. He has coached at Green Tree, Canon-McMillan High School, Plum High School, Fox Chapel Area High School, and New Trier Swim Club in Illinois.

My birth: May, 1959, year of the rooster!