Joe Nameth, Tony Dorsett, and Swin Cash (US Olympic / US Post Office) all gathered at the Macey's Thanksgiving Parade.
I've started a VIP page at Platform.For-Pgh.Org to chart celeb endorsements and efforts to secure those statements. This has gotta be fun.
Bob The Builder held up the Lincoln Tunnel on his trip to the city last night as he had to be folded to fit. Seems he had left his ''Easy Pass Card'' in his pocket. (Matt L's (Ohio U) joke).
Musical tunes were generally fitting and well done.
The spirit of America is alive indeed. This great country, great land.
Another tune: Free to dream, million hues of color.
Don't like the recorded music however. It is interesting to watch to see what is "live" and what is not. That's tension I could deal without. Early songs were more about America and later about Christmas. <;/
Floats: Clifford, the big red dog, follows the city's leash laws. Nice political statement.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Maps matter from a Go Blue state big M state.
University of Michigan site on maps of election: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mejn/election/
In addition to that traditional red-blue map of states, these political scientists give you a more realistic way to look at the election based on population vote, along
with some other options.
In addition to that traditional red-blue map of states, these political scientists give you a more realistic way to look at the election based on population vote, along
with some other options.
Sprawl's Ugly Side on a day to feast
Farmer harvested corn; neighbor sowed anger. Interesting story in the PG. Plus, the reporter covered it as a story. Even the headline does not give away the outcome.
Hats off again to great law enforcement efforts. Fantasic! Good news on prevention.
The story behind the story is about sprawl. Live in the city. Stay away from the pesky, loud farmers. Nothing like the din of growing corn to drive you up the wall.
In other matters, the story of the Shaler couple in an apparent murder-suicide shows how things unfolded without the necessary protections. We need to have a watch list that works. This is part of the state's role and duties -- protection. One's home needs to be safe from intrusion.
Hats off again to great law enforcement efforts. Fantasic! Good news on prevention.
The story behind the story is about sprawl. Live in the city. Stay away from the pesky, loud farmers. Nothing like the din of growing corn to drive you up the wall.
In other matters, the story of the Shaler couple in an apparent murder-suicide shows how things unfolded without the necessary protections. We need to have a watch list that works. This is part of the state's role and duties -- protection. One's home needs to be safe from intrusion.
Shaler couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide When police arrived, they discovered the front door had been kicked in, and found the body of Sheryl Burkhart, 33, and her husband, Barry Burkhart, 46, in an upstairs bedroom. Both had been killed by gunshots.
Except for forced entry at the front door, Morton said there didn't appear to be a struggle.
Chauncy's closing
Eight indicted in drug scheme at Chauncy's: "
'It is apparent that the operators of Chauncy's bar-nightclub cannot and will not control the patrons and the persons attracted to the vicinity of the bar to the extent that they terrorize, ruin its peace and safety and good order, making it a miserable, fearful and dangerous place to visit,' wrote Zappala's staff."
A Station Square night club, ripe with fights, weapon violations, LCB complaints, and other headaches, was with a pad-lock. Closed.
I don't have any problems with taking people to jail. If there is an unsafe area, that should be closed, of course. But, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things.
The flip side of the coin to the closure is the thugs, drunk drivers, drug pushers are now in the neighborhood bars. Having the rowdies in Station Square is fine with me.
I live on the South Side, just 12 blocks from Station Square. Now I'm a half block away from those itching for a fight, flashing weapons, pushing drugs and causing other headaches.
I tried to illustrate the right way to handle matters in Pittsburgh a few years ago with another matter. Recall the wake of a fire in R.I. when indoor fireworks caught a stage curtin with a band's show. That caused many deaths at an over-crowded venue. You don't have BBI (Breau of Building Inspection) storm the place with the police and close the place, kicking everyone out in one swoop.
Rather, no others get to enter. Plus, you turn off the music, turn up the lights, stop the sale of alchohol. Keep the joint stay open the rest of the night, selling coffee. Don't dump a mob of drunks needing bathrooms, yanked off about a spoiled night trashing the entire vacinity.
Plus, a big shake down takes a dozen or more officers and empties the streets of the force.
Chauncy's should have to stay open, selling nothing but soda and coffee. Punish them, not us. Well, seems that two of the managers are in jail too. That doesn't mean that the place can't keep its doors open. Perhaps 10 or 30 others lost their jobs with this total shut down. I hope some were clean.
Furthermore, hat's off for being proactive. Let's choose to run with preventative measures. We need more undercover cops in these places. Take the drug pushers to jail. If we have bullies, any given night, pick em up and have them cool off in a jail cell for 12 hours.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Citiline Apartments on DU's campus
Duquesne Univ. wants to purchase Citiline Apartments. The mayor stood up to the sale. Coverage in the PG.
I got into politics years ago as the sale of 35 acres of the South Side Works site was about to be sold to UPMC for a sports performance complex that had 4-new jobs, $100k bargain basement price per acre, and smaller-than regulation football fields that broke the NCAA rulebook about shared facilities among college and professional teams.
The plans for the South Side called for flex office space.
The mayor pushed for the UPMC site and its rental agreement to the Steelers. Then he goes around and cries the blues that the non-profits are taking so much land. That's two-faced, at best.
The biggest problem with the non-profit land grab isn't our fine educational institutions. The big problem is the URA.
Should DU buy that property. Sure. Should it be taken off the tax rolls. No. Do DU folks care about 10 new city police officers? Heck no. They've got their own police force.
The big nut to watch about Citiline is the deed transfer tax.
Mayor Tom Murphy testified that a Duquesne University apartment building should stay on the tax rolls and not be ruled exempt from Pittsburgh ...
I got into politics years ago as the sale of 35 acres of the South Side Works site was about to be sold to UPMC for a sports performance complex that had 4-new jobs, $100k bargain basement price per acre, and smaller-than regulation football fields that broke the NCAA rulebook about shared facilities among college and professional teams.
The plans for the South Side called for flex office space.
The mayor pushed for the UPMC site and its rental agreement to the Steelers. Then he goes around and cries the blues that the non-profits are taking so much land. That's two-faced, at best.
The biggest problem with the non-profit land grab isn't our fine educational institutions. The big problem is the URA.
Should DU buy that property. Sure. Should it be taken off the tax rolls. No. Do DU folks care about 10 new city police officers? Heck no. They've got their own police force.
The big nut to watch about Citiline is the deed transfer tax.
Turnpike Tolls and a travel story with toll workers.
My sister and her family from the eastern part of the state are in their mini-van heading over the hills to Grandmothers house for our Thanksgiving. When I see her I'll ask for the $12.00 saved in tolls.
The toll takers are on strike today. Everyone gets a free pass. Another free skate is expected again on Sunday for her trip home. Might as well hit her up for $24. I'll keep four quarters in my pocket just to be prepared to make change from her $25 bill.
Would be nice to see our nine members on city council working the toll gates today. Think of today as a way to replenish the 'rainy-day fund' as the PA Turnpike Commission is out $1-million that would have been generated.
How long does the strike need to last before new employees are hired. Or, before we start to slide into the hole regardless of the pay raise? Feel free to do the math and post it here. Or, post it elsewhere and give a pointer here.
Speaking of grandmothers, when mine died about 15 years ago, her childhood neighbors from Dunkirk, NY, came to town for the funeral. Margaret Rauterkus was in her late 80s. She lived as a child in NY and my dad as a boy would often go there in summers. The nice family in NY had heard of her passing, got into the car and drove to Pittsburgh. They drove up to the PA turnpike gate in Monroeville and said, "We're here for the funeral of Margaret Rauterkus."
The PA toll worker knew exactly what to say. She gave the visitors turn by turn instructions of how to get to the funeral home. The toll worker, my little sisters friend, had been to the funeral home the prior night.
The toll takers are on strike today. Everyone gets a free pass. Another free skate is expected again on Sunday for her trip home. Might as well hit her up for $24. I'll keep four quarters in my pocket just to be prepared to make change from her $25 bill.
Would be nice to see our nine members on city council working the toll gates today. Think of today as a way to replenish the 'rainy-day fund' as the PA Turnpike Commission is out $1-million that would have been generated.
How long does the strike need to last before new employees are hired. Or, before we start to slide into the hole regardless of the pay raise? Feel free to do the math and post it here. Or, post it elsewhere and give a pointer here.
Speaking of grandmothers, when mine died about 15 years ago, her childhood neighbors from Dunkirk, NY, came to town for the funeral. Margaret Rauterkus was in her late 80s. She lived as a child in NY and my dad as a boy would often go there in summers. The nice family in NY had heard of her passing, got into the car and drove to Pittsburgh. They drove up to the PA turnpike gate in Monroeville and said, "We're here for the funeral of Margaret Rauterkus."
The PA toll worker knew exactly what to say. She gave the visitors turn by turn instructions of how to get to the funeral home. The toll worker, my little sisters friend, had been to the funeral home the prior night.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
What ever became of Pitt's Enviromental Law Center?
At one time, say 5 years ago, a lawyer with a connection to Pitt opened up an enviornmental law clinic. One of their first issues was to help with the citizens' defence in the fight to halt the Mon Valley Expressway (Tollway).
What happened to that clinic / center?
Didn't someone get into some hot water about those conditions?
Web URL, names, email pointers, phone numbers ware welcomed, either in the comments or directly: Mark.Rauterkus at Gmail dot Com.
I need to learn more about trespass laws and environmental cases with the Platform.For-Pgh.Org.
What happened to that clinic / center?
Didn't someone get into some hot water about those conditions?
Web URL, names, email pointers, phone numbers ware welcomed, either in the comments or directly: Mark.Rauterkus at Gmail dot Com.
I need to learn more about trespass laws and environmental cases with the Platform.For-Pgh.Org.
Building Neighborhoods By Bulldozing Blight
As a licensed Realtor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, "building neighborhoods" is one of my responsibilities. And as a city Realtor with great pride for my adopted hometown, I try to do whatever I can to improve the "quality of life" in and around our fair city.
That said, I was interviewed by a prominent TV Reporter, KDKA's Paul Martino, for a piece concerning the demolition of some blighted properties, so people can invest in nice homes in improving neighborhoods.
With assistance from city Councilman Gene Ricciardi's office, one long-vacated home in the Allentown neighborhood was razed. Another, next door to the first, is slated for demolition in the first quarter of 2005.
With luck and more than a little diligence, those active in their communities can help improve their neighborhoods by communication and good will.
Look for the report on Channel 2, KDKA TV, sometime soon. There's a chance that they may want to return to film a "speed boat full of garbage" near another of my listings.
That said, I was interviewed by a prominent TV Reporter, KDKA's Paul Martino, for a piece concerning the demolition of some blighted properties, so people can invest in nice homes in improving neighborhoods.
With assistance from city Councilman Gene Ricciardi's office, one long-vacated home in the Allentown neighborhood was razed. Another, next door to the first, is slated for demolition in the first quarter of 2005.
With luck and more than a little diligence, those active in their communities can help improve their neighborhoods by communication and good will.
Look for the report on Channel 2, KDKA TV, sometime soon. There's a chance that they may want to return to film a "speed boat full of garbage" near another of my listings.
Monday, November 22, 2004
My comments before City Council in OPPOSITION to Act 47's wrath of ordinance changes
Today, Nov. 22, City Council hosted a public hearing at 3 pm that was NOT put onto the city's cable television station, for some unknown reason. The meeting should have been on the government station as it was very important.
Jack Shea spoke just prior to my statement. He finished his statement with a comment about wanting a 9-0 vote, against the Act 47 package.
I have to take exception to Jack Shea's mention of wanting to see a 9-0 vote. The lock-step boosterism is a mentality that got us into this situation. These guys are all of the same party. We need someone around here to break ranks. We need to value dissent.
We need people like Jack and Tom Flaherty, our city controller and leader of the county's Democratic Party, to say Tom Murphy is a big part of the problem and that he should resign.
We don't need a 9-0 vote. Rather, we need to value some disent.
Today I speak more from a parent's perspective. We, the people, are baffled, confused, betrayed and angry. Our public sector is a heavy burden, an anchor, that is pulling us down. We are sinking in our hopes, faith, dreams, and aspirations. We must tell another generation of our kids, and mine are here with me today, that they can't get to where they want to go in life by living here.
We, the people, want to see and need self reliance.
As a parent, an at-home parent, I'm going to take care of my kids. I'm not going to farm out my children's welfare. As an engaged parent, I am not going to choose to stay in a city with absentee elected leaders. I want you to step to do the job and be self-reliant too.
I spoke here a number of months ago and gave away four badminton shuttlecocks as a prop to encourage the ones to vote "no" then and "ruffle feathers."
I spoke four years ago and said "All the king's men and all the king's horses won't be able to put our city together again." We've had a massive fall. Those others have proven that they can't do it on their own. The city needs all the people working together. This plan stinks.
The crossing guards -- they need to write tickets.
The RAD Tax shift -- that antiquated RAD Tax (sarcastic point) is wrong.
The mix tax shift away from schools is bad.
The worst is the deed transfer tax hike.
Ten minutes ago we stepped out of the chambers and I took my son to the bathroom. I told him something that applies here too. You're old enough now. I don't need to wipe. Clean up after yourself.
We teach our kids this. City council is expected to do the same for itself.
We, the people, need to see our city council become more self reliant.
Jack Shea spoke just prior to my statement. He finished his statement with a comment about wanting a 9-0 vote, against the Act 47 package.
My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 South 12th Street. Pittsburgh's South Side. My home on the internet is at Rauterkus.com.
I have to take exception to Jack Shea's mention of wanting to see a 9-0 vote. The lock-step boosterism is a mentality that got us into this situation. These guys are all of the same party. We need someone around here to break ranks. We need to value dissent.
We need people like Jack and Tom Flaherty, our city controller and leader of the county's Democratic Party, to say Tom Murphy is a big part of the problem and that he should resign.
We don't need a 9-0 vote. Rather, we need to value some disent.
Today I speak more from a parent's perspective. We, the people, are baffled, confused, betrayed and angry. Our public sector is a heavy burden, an anchor, that is pulling us down. We are sinking in our hopes, faith, dreams, and aspirations. We must tell another generation of our kids, and mine are here with me today, that they can't get to where they want to go in life by living here.
We, the people, want to see and need self reliance.
As a parent, an at-home parent, I'm going to take care of my kids. I'm not going to farm out my children's welfare. As an engaged parent, I am not going to choose to stay in a city with absentee elected leaders. I want you to step to do the job and be self-reliant too.
I spoke here a number of months ago and gave away four badminton shuttlecocks as a prop to encourage the ones to vote "no" then and "ruffle feathers."
I spoke four years ago and said "All the king's men and all the king's horses won't be able to put our city together again." We've had a massive fall. Those others have proven that they can't do it on their own. The city needs all the people working together. This plan stinks.
The crossing guards -- they need to write tickets.
The RAD Tax shift -- that antiquated RAD Tax (sarcastic point) is wrong.
The mix tax shift away from schools is bad.
The worst is the deed transfer tax hike.
Ten minutes ago we stepped out of the chambers and I took my son to the bathroom. I told him something that applies here too. You're old enough now. I don't need to wipe. Clean up after yourself.
We teach our kids this. City council is expected to do the same for itself.
We, the people, need to see our city council become more self reliant.
24% of businesses in the state can't find enough qualified workers.
Insights from a friend's email and associated article in mainstream media.
Labor Pains: Closing the 'Skills Gap'
November 22, 2004; Page A2
PITTSBURGH -- One conundrum that continues to vex the U.S. job market is this: Workers can't find jobs, and companies can't find workers.
A Labor Department report released Friday on employment trends by state showed that .... (see the comments) ....
Among the 50 states, Pennsylvania ranks 46th in the percentage of its
labor force with education levels beyond high school. Currently, only 3% of working-age Pennsylvanians are enrolled in part-time, postsecondary education, compared with 6% for the country as a whole.
What are the 47th, and 48th states? Obvious MS, and AR are at the bottom.
Labor Pains: Closing the 'Skills Gap'
November 22, 2004; Page A2
PITTSBURGH -- One conundrum that continues to vex the U.S. job market is this: Workers can't find jobs, and companies can't find workers.
A Labor Department report released Friday on employment trends by state showed that .... (see the comments) ....
Oversight with or without malice?
This blog, Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events, is one of the most vibrant in the blog-landscape. It was part of the PghBloggers.Org site, until this weekend.
Wonder why the blog got zapped?
Another area where the light needs to shine, but the switch is to "off" is the city's cable television department. I was looking forward to seeing the public hearing, on cable. It didn't get done. Funny business. Non-open ways.
Wonder why the public hearing wasn't on the city's government tv station?
So, I had to go there and testify with my kids in tow.
Wonder why the blog got zapped?
Another area where the light needs to shine, but the switch is to "off" is the city's cable television department. I was looking forward to seeing the public hearing, on cable. It didn't get done. Funny business. Non-open ways.
Wonder why the public hearing wasn't on the city's government tv station?
So, I had to go there and testify with my kids in tow.
Toss the poor fellow something, but don't make eye contact
An opinion cartoon has the above caption being stated by an older white guy in a suit with briefcase and "non-profits" -- talking with a pear wearing older white women. Then is the City County Bldg in the background with a wire leading to a two crate desk and the mayor sitting there reading budget and a big bucket with "GIVE" sign. The city skyline is in the background.
BTW, a web search on the PG site by Tim Menees doesn't lead quickly to this image. ??
The only problem with the cartoon is that Mayor Murphy is sitting on the sidewalk. Rather, Murphy isn't in the public eye. He isn't on the front lines. He isn't doing 'retail politics.' The Mayor is in a hole. He is accessible.
BTW, a web search on the PG site by Tim Menees doesn't lead quickly to this image. ??
The only problem with the cartoon is that Mayor Murphy is sitting on the sidewalk. Rather, Murphy isn't in the public eye. He isn't on the front lines. He isn't doing 'retail politics.' The Mayor is in a hole. He is accessible.
Editorial: Pgh children left behind by Marian Wright Edelman
No child should have to worry about surviving the walk to and from school each day, but ...
The efforts on the part of bus companies and escorts are laudable, but they are not a long-term solution for Homewood, and they do nothing to address the hundred of other Homewoods scatter across the country.
We must insist on making the safety and needs of children America's supreme moral value and demand investment in the most vulnerable instead of the wealthiest among us.
We have to look more deeply at why so many of our neighborhoods have become like Homewood and devolved into place of drug dealing, brutality and lost purpose.
We've got a bully problem in the city. The biggest bully has an office on Grant Street.
Folks, called a, " Dismal failure"
Ferlo and Wagner voted no.
Schools got raped.
Not reform.
Oversight impotent and lightweight.
Today, the city is in worse condition compared to a year ago, due to Mayor Murphy and the oversight boards.
Those are the words of Gene Ricciardi, City Council President, on KQV on Monday AM. Gene voted for the Act 47 plan. Gene has never called for the resignation of Tom Murphy.
Schools got raped.
Not reform.
Oversight impotent and lightweight.
Today, the city is in worse condition compared to a year ago, due to Mayor Murphy and the oversight boards.
Those are the words of Gene Ricciardi, City Council President, on KQV on Monday AM. Gene voted for the Act 47 plan. Gene has never called for the resignation of Tom Murphy.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Jeopardy, the shows from Pgh to air shortly
My son went to see the Jeopardy show from Pitt's campus on October 10. He's been waiting to see those segments. He figures that they'll begin to air on Monday.
Fourth HIGHEST Paid LEGISLATURE (PA) CONSIDERING PAY INCREASE
From another source, Chris L, of YC of PA.
Imagine if your State Representative or State Senator walked into your house, opened up your strongbox, removed some money, and placed it directly into his own wallet. Well, disturbingly, state legislators are going to attempt to vote themselves a huge pay increase, which achieves the same effect. Unless you and other concerned taxpayers act now, this week state legislators will vote themselves a 20% pay increase that they don't need or deserve, especially when we're the ones paying for it. Consider the following:
State legislators are paid $66,203 -- each. A few big shots get more, with the House speaker and Senate president pro tem hauling home $103,347.
As reported by the Harrisburg Patriot-News, state legislators get an extra $126 per day stipend just to show up for work. We also give them a car and insurance -- up to $650 a month -- plus mileage. We pay for their health insurance and provide an annual cost-of-living increase, which there salary automatically goes up with inflation.
State lawmakers increased their pensions by 50 percent three years ago. They already make 51 percent more than the median household income in Pennsylvania. And unlike many state residents, pay nothing toward their health insurance.
If their salary is increased to $80,000 or more, Pennsylvanialawmakers would zoom up from having the fourth-highest legislative salaries to the No. 2 spot, behind California's $99,000, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Unlike members of Congress, state legislators are not forbidden from earning outside sources of income in addition to their legislative pay, and many do.
Pennsylvanians were just socked with a higher income tax rate, and we are paying increasingly higher property taxes--thanks to the very politicians who want to take still more of our money to line their own pockets. Working families cannot afford this outrage!
PLEASE CALL AND EMAIL THE FOLLOWING HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERS AND DEMAND THAT THERE BE NO PAY INCREASE.
EVERY PHONE CALL AND EMAIL TRANSMISSION IS VITAL.
Speaker of the House John Perzel
jperzel@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-2016
House Majority Whip Dave Argall
dargall@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-9024
House Appropriations Chairman Brett Feese
bfeese@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-5270
Rep. Sam Smith
ssmith@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-3845
Senator Robert Jubelirer
rjubelirer@pasen.gov
(717) 787-5490
Senator David Brightbill
dbrightbill@pasen.gov
(717) 787-5708
Senator Jeff Piccola
jpiccola@pasen.gov
(717) 787-6801
Friday, November 19, 2004
Allegheny County Libertarian Party Elects 2005 Board Officers
Press Release
Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh
www.lppgh.org
info@lppgh.org
412-553-6464
November 20, 2004
Pittsburgh, PA - The Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh (which serves Allegheny County) announced the results of its internal election for its 2005 Board of Directors. The 2005 board, a healthy mix of senior and newer members, will officially take office at the end of final 2004 regular meeting on December 15, 2004. The 2005 board member are:
* Timothy Crowley - Chair
* David Powell - Vice-Chair
* Henry Haller - Secretary
* Richard Loether - Treasurer
* Mark Rauterkus - Member at-large
* Thomas Gillooly - Member at-large
* Jerold Gloekler - Member at-large
Tim Crowley, Henry Haller and Rich Loether are the most senior board members. Each has served the Libertarian Party in various administrative and activist capacities for many years. Henry Haller was the 2002 Libertarian Party Lt. Governor candidate. Tim Crowley also serves as the Western Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania.
Dave Powell and Mark Rauterkus are the newest Libertarian Party members to serve on the board. As a 2004 at-large board member, Dave Powell played a key role in starting a Libertarian Club at the University of Pittsburgh. Mark Rauterkus is a welcome and recent convert from the Republican Party. Before his recent efforts to seek private solutions to closed Pittsburgh recreation facilities, Mark was a candidate for the 2001 Republican nomination for Mayor of Pittsburgh.
In 2005 the LPPGH board will focus efforts on increasing party membership, adding to Libertarian voter registrations, running candidates for local offices, assisting local university libertarian groups and general party building activities.
Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh
P.O. Box 71333
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-553-6464
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, in Pennsylvania and Allegheny County. It runs more candidates than all other third parties combined.
Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh
www.lppgh.org
info@lppgh.org
412-553-6464
November 20, 2004
Pittsburgh, PA - The Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh (which serves Allegheny County) announced the results of its internal election for its 2005 Board of Directors. The 2005 board, a healthy mix of senior and newer members, will officially take office at the end of final 2004 regular meeting on December 15, 2004. The 2005 board member are:
* Timothy Crowley - Chair
* David Powell - Vice-Chair
* Henry Haller - Secretary
* Richard Loether - Treasurer
* Mark Rauterkus - Member at-large
* Thomas Gillooly - Member at-large
* Jerold Gloekler - Member at-large
Tim Crowley, Henry Haller and Rich Loether are the most senior board members. Each has served the Libertarian Party in various administrative and activist capacities for many years. Henry Haller was the 2002 Libertarian Party Lt. Governor candidate. Tim Crowley also serves as the Western Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania.
Dave Powell and Mark Rauterkus are the newest Libertarian Party members to serve on the board. As a 2004 at-large board member, Dave Powell played a key role in starting a Libertarian Club at the University of Pittsburgh. Mark Rauterkus is a welcome and recent convert from the Republican Party. Before his recent efforts to seek private solutions to closed Pittsburgh recreation facilities, Mark was a candidate for the 2001 Republican nomination for Mayor of Pittsburgh.
In 2005 the LPPGH board will focus efforts on increasing party membership, adding to Libertarian voter registrations, running candidates for local offices, assisting local university libertarian groups and general party building activities.
Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh
P.O. Box 71333
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-553-6464
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, in Pennsylvania and Allegheny County. It runs more candidates than all other third parties combined.
Nearly two dozen
By one count, there are nearly two dozen candidates seeking elected office for the bench. Seems like there is about to be a mad rush with people hoping to be judges.
Glad I'm only going for the Mayor's office as the field is more thin.
Four years ago in this time, I was beating the bushes to try to recruit opponents for the Mayor's race. Now my strong personal advice to others to toss their hat into the judge races -- or that of city or county council.
Glad I'm only going for the Mayor's office as the field is more thin.
Four years ago in this time, I was beating the bushes to try to recruit opponents for the Mayor's race. Now my strong personal advice to others to toss their hat into the judge races -- or that of city or county council.
Come Live Over Here -- two lists of urban top spots
This list is nice, but not mine. Not that I have a list, yet. But, it is mind food for travelers.
One of my sites at CLOH.Org is "Come Live Over Here" -- and it is getting rusty around the edges. No much effort has been given there in some time, sadly. Oh well.
Project for Public Spaces (PPS) - Placemaking for Communities - The 20 Best Neighborhoods in North America
1. Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia
2. East Village, New York, NY
3. North Beach, San Francisco, CA
4. Camden, ME
5. Coyoacan, Mexico City
6. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
7. The Plateau, Montreal, Quebec
8. Kensington Market, Toronto, Ontario
9. Center City, Ponce, Puerto Rico
10. Fells Point, Baltimore, MD
11. Lower Garden District, New Orleans, LA
12. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL
13. Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
14. 23rd Street, Portland, OR
15. South Beach, Miami, FL
16. Federal Hill, Providence, RI
17. Downtown Northfield, MN
18. Chautauqua, NY
19. Venice Beach, CA:
20. Adams Morgan, Washington, DC
Around the world in 20 places:
A few of our favorite neighborhoods abroad
* Arbat Street, Moscow
* Asafra Beach, Alexandria, Egypt
* Downtown Christchurch, New Zealand
* Fez Souk, Fez, Morocco
* Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
* Le Marais, Paris, France
* Miraflores, Lima, Peru
* Muslim Quarter, Kunming, China
* Neal's Yard, London, England
* Old City, Dubrovnik, Croatia
* Old City, Krakow, Poland
* Old Delhi, India
* Old Havana, Cuba
* Otavalo, Ecuador
* Pedestrian Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
* Pedestrian Center, Freiberg, Germany
* Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
* Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
* Yemenite Quarter and the Carmel Market, Tel Aviv, Israel
* Weekend Women's Market, La Paz, Bolivia
One of my sites at CLOH.Org is "Come Live Over Here" -- and it is getting rusty around the edges. No much effort has been given there in some time, sadly. Oh well.
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