Draft Swann opens

draftswann@yahoo.com


SUBJECT: I really want to talk to Mr. Swann

TEXT: Hi, I ran for Mayor, 2001, City of Pgh in a contested GOP Primary. I'm running for public office again in 2005. I really would like to speak to Mr. Swann. Can you have him call me on my cell: 412-298-3432. Mark Rauterkus mark@Rauterkus.com http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

I was visitor 31, 34 and 36 at http://www.geocities.com/draftswann/.

Allegheny Conference spends $.5M on 300 pg plan that calls for more plans.

KQV Radio pointed out that the long awaited sewer study is out. It was sponsored by the Allegheny Conference. The 300 page docuement calls for more study. It cost half a million dollars.

Flush. Out of sight. Out of mind.

I suggest a new logo for the conference: It can incorporate an outline of the statue of "The thinker" -- you know the one with the guy who is sitting on a toilet.

My campaign tune, "Think Again," catches me some kind jabs when others say that the message that fits isn't to ask our present politicians to think again. Ask them if they have "Thought at all."

Theme: Change --- comes up again and again.

Mark Desantis / Politics of reality is path to needed changes Most of my friends in Pittsburgh believe everyone else here hates change. I used to think that too, but now I'm not so sure. I think Pittsburghers view change no differently than anyone else: a large percentage fear and therefore oppose it; an even larger percentage are ambivalent about it; and a very, very small percentage embrace it. What perhaps sets Pitts- burghers apart from the rest of the world is that most of the important, local changes have been bad, in some cases very bad.

Pittsburghers hate boneheaded changes. Pittsburghers hate change for the sake of change. That's called churning. And, Pittsburghers hate boosterism for change, hype about change, falsehoods about change.

The City's Finance Director resigned. Her resignation statement was about how Pittsburgh now has a fair and equitable tax structure is a great example. We hate the lies.

Mark D sees three change areas that begin with a complete restructuring of city government; he's hopeful about the possibilities.

Mark D writes of row office reform; he's an unabashed supporter.

Mark D and city-county consolidation; and he is currently ambivalent.

Personally, I favor a complete change within city governement in terms of the people at the helm and the the priorities of those who are going to lead. But, to call this a change in structure isn't prudent. I'd rather evolve the structural changes. But, let's make a radical switch among the elected leadership.

Personally, as to row office reform, sure. But that isn't a big deal. Ten to four, that is but a yawn to real change agents. But, that's okay too.

With the city-county consolidation -- Mark D and myself are together. I'm ambivalent too. We can't consolidate the city into the county as the city is too sick at present to allow for a great consolidation.

Thanks for asking where I stand. We do need to stare into the eyes of the Herculean task of creating an integrated, clear, and compelling picture of a whole new reality of our community. --- err ---- holistic new reality.

My personal "gut check" comes in the form of a NEW PITTSBURGH Park District. Others are going to be happy to visit that mission too, soon, in earnest. That is a win, win, win situation. Gut-check and volunteerism is bold when it comes to our kids. Plus, the New Pittsburgh Park District isn't about just saving money.

Changes like these are even more than they appear to be. If you advocate a complete restructuring of your government, which is what each of these changes represents, shoving a simplistic cost/benefit calculation in front of the community and expecting them to embrace it is at best naive. Whatever you may think of your local government, these institutions are embedded in the culture of the region; and simply advocating "cutting them out" without replacing them with a new reality of our community opens up a culture and political war that the change agents will lose. And that brings us to the messy piece of business about change.

Some people in positions or formal authority or influence will never get with the (change) program. The staunchest of them must be swept aside. Let's face it: No amount of effort, compromise or bargaining will bring them along.

Speak about a Pittsburgh that is better than anything we've known to date.

Pittsburgh doesn't need a 'populist' mayor - PittsburghLIVE.com

Pittsburgh doesn't need a 'populist' mayor - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Let's elect a 'populist,' by jove!

Not so fast. For we must first take stock of what a 'populist' really is."

On many fronts, I'm a populist. My platform logo, "We, the people" is textbook along these lines.

But, as Colin McN knows, we don't need a lover boy. At another site, there is an expression, "Everyone loves Bill." Right. I don't. And, its a darn good thing I don't love him. But that handle is going to be foreign to the descriptions of myself.

We need and I deliver what is generally called, "Tough love." Perhaps this is my coaching background. Perhaps it is my binary computer background. Perhaps it is my parenting background. Perhaps it is my holistic approach.

I've picked fights with the Trib. When the Pgh Biz Times got it wrong, I visited their office. The later fixed their untruths by zapping history re-writes from the web site. The former still is AWOL. Same too for others in the public light. I give props and give jabs as a loyal, civil player should. You'll get praise and critique from me, honestly. And, we all learn to build respect and live for another day.

... conservatives and libertarians want the government to leave Mr. and Mrs. Public alone. ... Modern-day liberals, socialists, progressives -- "new populists" -- want government to "save" them. My stance is as a Libertarian -- wanting government to leave us alone.

As in a person with a good, if not self-deprecating, personality and good social skills who understands we all have a stake in the future of the city -- sure. But we certainly cannot afford a "populist" in the historical sense. The public molestation in the name of the "public good" has gone on long enough. Many wounds remain open. The scars are deep. The carnage is widespread. The pockets remain turned out; the purse, pilfered.

Thus, we don't need a new mayor who has a degree in "urban design studies," "government dynamics," "progressive public policy" or some other fancy-schmancy elitist degree who thinks he can circumvent the fundamental laws of economics.

Amen Brother Colin!

The line, "PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS" --- like music. Said it often myself.

Homespun Bloggers Question, family vacations

What was your favorite family vacation (when you were a kid), and why? If you have children, have you taken your kids on that same vacation? If so, what did they think of it?

Our best trips were with cousins. As a family we had a drive from Pittsburgh to New York for a wedding of an older cousin. The NY clan moved out of our home town. They talked funny. Yet we all were family.

Another time was to the N.J. beach and a stay for a week at a campground, again with pseudo-cousins. Our family went with another family, and we called their dad Uncle Jack.

We didn't get out much. Hardly at all when contrasted to the travels of my family with our kids. As I type, my wife is in DC for her professional board meeting. We'll be back there in the spring for nearly a week, staying in a suite. My kids have been to China, Canada, Wyoming, California, Maine -- all in the same year. I took my first airplane trip after I graduated from high school.

Hockey's Lockout isn't only for NHL. It stretches to city kids still and again.

One of my nagging pet projects is the now closed, indoor ice rink. It's the only indoor facility in the city. it could be opened without costing the city a dime. So, real hockey isn't being played in the city, still. We've got teams and players too.

Another type of hockey we've played is indoor at the Market House. The season should start NOW. But, we're in the dark again, still.

Here is my letter to my city council member, Gene R., and city council's chair of Parks & Rec, Jim M. Just for added spice, I'm sending the email to Dan O, ACE. He's spoke at an event I hosted and talked about the rec center situation.

Guys -- we're hungry for info on the city REC stuff and the MARKET HOUSE


Hi Gene and Jim,

This is more of a personal plea of help.

The Market House on the South Side is a rec center that isn't slated to open. But, we need to get some answers as to what's what. Are the leases being changed? Are the nights available? Can the activities come under the city's insurance again?

In the fall, a handful of workers busted themselves to open the Market House for recreational use by the kids. We played indoor soccer 3 days a week. Kids 4,5,6, and 7,8,9 and 10,11,12 had a fun season. This was run by PARENT VOLUNTEERS without CITY staffers. We had the keys to the building, clean-up duties, supplied our own toilet paper. We payed a fee per hour of use. The
Association had to have its own insurance.

The kids got shirts and fund raised and our fees went up a significant amount.

But, we want to play INDOOR HOCKEY in the gym (wearing sneakers, masks, etc) in January.

As Ormbsy opens and as Phillips opens, perhaps???, then the kids might go over there. What programs are they running?

The one guy who works as our PRESIDENT is a city policeman. Another works for the city EMS. You know I've been around the block on this too over time.

Plus, we know that there are bigger things to deal with -- like the crazy taxing structure for the $52 fee. But, our kids can't wait.

We just want to do what is right and good for the kids.

The BIG LEAGUE group is gone now too. But, the rub is that the volunteers want and try to make things function, but we can't get the right insight and info from the City and those on Grant Street.

Can we run the hockey program at the Market House? Can the terms be just like they were in the fall?

My cell: 412-298-3432.

This is a GREAT example as to why we need to:

1. Form a NEW Pittsburgh Park District so we can have control of our own facilities and not be wrapped up in all the other headaches you've got to deal with on Grant Street with city government.

2. Force Tom Murphy to resign NOW. (I can still dream.)

3. Jim, if you want to call for a city-wide PARKS summit in the next few weeks, to air out what's what and what is going to happen -- let's do it. I'll organize it. Let's gather at a church or at the Market House itself. Let's get all the boosters to gather. Let's not do the same train wreck as
occurred with an AQUATICS Task Force. Jim, as chair of Parks & Rec, we crave that stand-up leadership and partnering in the community.

I understand that everyone is putting out fires and it has to be busy for you all. Reply as you can and are able. Let me know if and HOW I can help to instigate and agitate.

Idealist.org: Career Fair: Pittsburgh

Nice event always. Nonprofit folks should try to attend. This isn't for community development in terms of how Mayor Murphy looks at it as MAYOR. No worry about building facades here. Rahter as he looks at it with a Peace Corps mission. Perhaps he'll dust off his resume and come to scope out the job market. Idealist.org: Career Fair: at DU
Pittsburgh, Tue Mar 1 2005

The Idealist.org Pittsburgh Nonprofit Career Fair is generously hosted by Duquesne University Career Services and the Duquesne University Nonprofit Leadership Institute.

Students and alumni/ae from 43 colleges and universities in Western Pennsylvania are invited to attend this event as is the general public in Western PA.

The career fair will consist of: An informal networking period for nonprofit recruiters and representatives from local colleges and university Offices of Career Services.

The fair itself, where job seekers can distribute resumes and speak with organizational representatives about current and future employment and internship opportunities.

A series of information sessions offering free career advice to nonprofit job seekers.

Thanks to Maria Lupinacci for photos from gathering. Making points about change.

What was said, is still be be posted. But how I looked as I said it is here. Click the image for a larger view and to get a look of the intent listening on that second photo.

The meeting was upstairs at Marios on the South Side, just a few blocks from our office. There was standing room only -- as I'd say 55 were there.



Photos by Maria Lupinacci.

I wasn't the top bill -- as Bill and Mike were. I just got to close out the presentations with a few minutes to highlight some past questions (one was on land value tax), to introduce myself and the campaign to come, and to call notice that I'd post at my blog more insights.

Statement to County Council at the public hearing on a TIF for Deer Creek

I live in the city and county. I have a home on the internet too.

I'm against the TIF. I'm sure you'll hear a number of good reasons why from some of the others.

But tonight, on a rainy January evening, it would be great if we had this meeting put on governement telivsion. It would be great to have the speakers recorded and put on the internet. I'd love to stay at home and watch what the others say. Or, be out at swim practice with my kids or even going to a Pitt basketball game. The county could do more to open up the meetings for access of information at other times.

FYI: County council didn't support the idea of putting together a deal to save the city's cable tv department in December 2004. The county council meetings are not telivised. They should be. The members on council knew of the point I made.

FYI 2: I worked a bit of guesswork on the line-up for the speakers. I called to get my slot in the middle of the agenda as I knew of the swim practice time crunch. But, when I rushed to Grant Street, the doors to the building were locked. Then after opening, the scanner equipment was shut down. I rused to the meeting and slipped to the podium just two speakers out of order. Thanks John M and Wayne F (chair) for that extra lattitude.

I'm against the TIF as I want to see the Free Market work. And, TIFs are proven to be failures locally. Lord & Taylor and Lazarus are closed.

As a candidate for PA Senate, I'll work to go to Harrisburg and try to amend the TIF laws to prevent such deals from happening. Perhaps we can rewrite state law or just make it more clear as to what should occur.

FYI 3: This TIF isn't legal under state law. The law was made to allow TIFs for the sake of urban areas and blight. This proposed deal isn't urban and it isn't blighted in the slightest. Other speakers at the hearing drove home those points much better than myself.

If we don't change the state law, perhaps it makes good sense to issue a 10-year moratorium on all TIFs in Western Pennsylvania.

When I ran for Mayor of Pittsburgh in 2001, one of my big points that was very well received was the call for the elimination of all TIFs. I expect you'll be hearing more and more of these concepts. The people like that approach.

FYI 4: The speakers are given five minutes in County Council. I took less than two minutes.

FYI 5: I was suprised to see the number of people in the audience who were in favor of the TIF. They had signs. Someone mentioned to me that they were Walmart shoppers. After me the Texas developer of the project spoke. He was vilainized by some others.

FYI 6: Mr. Liller spoke on behalf of the poor people of the region who are getting screwed by this deal. (His words) Mr. L is always colorful. He talked about the lack of any black faces in the entire room, the union busting, the poor. Then a guy in favor of the TIF became a little heckler while Mr. L had the microphone at the podium. Bad idea. Rude too. "Stay on the topic," was shouted. Mr. L turned and said, "I am on the topic." He rattled off the three or four points he made -- all very reasonable to me in terms of the target of the discussion. Then he called anyone else to prove him wrong. Silence.

FYI 7: One other gentleman on my side, really I'm on his side, spoke well of the typical frustrations. The public hearing wasn't called with a public announcement. The public hearing was rushed onto the agenda without the plan being available. Some sections of the plan are still missing as the public hearing unfolded. The ones in power used a lot of the tricks in the book. Council members were even in and out of the meeting, talking in the hallway, working angles and advising supporters throughout.

Southwest flies into town without a nickle from a subsidy

Folks, these ideas work! Give nothing away, and we get the best possible outcomes.

I think we should end all corporate welfare. Once we end corporate welfare locally, and, once we are proven to do so -- then we'll begin to thrive.

These statements are not new to me. I've been harping on these matters since I began making public statements about public matters. These views are part of my bedrock, without doubt.

What is new to the conversation today is the fact that this approach I've been stressing for some time is being proven to work in the real world with real outcomes that we can all visualize. Before, these concepts were foreign, sadly. Now they are taking root. Let me explain in a rather long post.

We must end all TIFs. We must end all corporate welfare. We must end all boondogles. We can't spend money we don't have. We can't miss-spend the money we can muster in prudent ways.

Those who have lived on handouts are going to wilt. But, they are fly-by-night hucksters. Let them wilt. Let them close.

Those who don't want handouts will arrive and thrive. The marketplace gets a comeback to health. We'll get real prosperity and those who know how to make it here in Pittsburgh again. Some know how to judge the landscape and see how Pittsburgh's process has fouled up and even punishes the wealth builders.

We've been in one rut after another. We need to get out and "level the field." But, to do that, we do nothing by design. And, we put our intentions out in the public for all to see, know and understand.

I've been speaking harshly about corporate welfare for years. Those that have been part of the games in the past can't stand up and change their tunes now and have it carry any weight.

Trust the markets. Trust our own willingness and ambitions. Trust our inventiveness in building based on our own values, without the crutches of handouts or the need to get funny money from some development deal. To do it and be clean of extra burdens is so rewarding. And, to compete in the market and not need to bid against others who are living rent free is unjust.

When handouts are made, someone benefits at the expense of the others. And, we all pay for the handout by getting poorer products and higher taxes. That is privildege that nets us lower outcomes.

When the system is full of poisons and give-a-ways and bogus dealings -- those who want to make honest industry and honest services and quality goods pack their bags and go elsewhere. Not only do we pay for the higher taxes, get less in return -- but we drive away the bulk of the masses who want to be straight.

Most people expect the courts, the leadership, the deals from the government sector to be straight, open, honest, transparent, easily understood and accessible. When Pittsburgh's wacky weenies churn, blow smoke, inject fear, and over hype with miss-placed priorities, its noticed. People see what's going on. Note to self, "GET OUT OF TOWN." Humm, ... Austin, St. Paul, Tuscon, Chapel Hill, and other places look good next to our disjointed fussing of the managed decline and downward spirals.

When things are seen to be unfair, then people vote with their feet. People leave.

More people left Pittsburgh since Tom Murphy was Mayor than voted for him to continue being our mayor.

The population decline from the past 4 years isn't about the loss of the steel industry. That slip was news in the 1970s.

People vote with their feet. And, that voting can be away from Pittsburgh. But, what is the upside, that vote can be to Pittsburgh as well.

If we clean up, if we change, if we put new people in place, if we validate new priorities, if we hold honest and robust elections with campaigns among people, if we are open minded, if we don't do bone-headed deals, if we are prudent with governmental funds, if we make sure every person and opinion is valued, if we are inclusive, if we are principled, if we have tough-love and live that talk daily ---- THEN WE'LL FLOURISH.

We gotta want it. We gotta express it. We gotta make it happen. And, we have to go out of our way to mend, heal, and set straight the crooked. We need whistleblowers. We need to challenge ourselves and our friends and our loyal opposition.

This isn't the time to be silent and let the staus quo persist. This is change.

I want a holistic approach. That isn't about doing WHOLE deals (like taking over the entire 10-block area of Fifth and Forbes). We got the WHOLE ball of wax with two stadiums and a convention center. Except, we didn't get the hotel. We didn't get the whole package in the end as we have a big HOLE in the budget to maintain these facilities. They are about HOLES and WHOLES. I'm about being holistic, being organic, being faithful to the marketplace trends and civic duties. I'm about balance and power with the voters and people. They are about development companies, unelected boards, commissions without accountability, corporate welfare, back-room dealings.

When we have US Airways -- we've got to build them the airport they spec. We've got to give them lots of tax breaks. We've got to beg them to stay in town for ticketing, or for the new airport hanger, or whatever -- we are begging. You can't beg and prosper. Why should the taxpayers build a new hangar for US Airways? They need it, they should build it.

When we have US Airways and the capacity to make give-a-ways, we don't get Southwest. Look at what has happened with Jet Blue or others who have tried to enter the marketplace. An upstart arrives and charges much less for tickets to Florida. Bang. US Airways drops its prices and matches the fare. That's fair.

The University of Pittsburgh, meanwhile, and other corporate operations too, should choose to fly with the upstart. But, they didn't. The one's with power here insisted that they keep using the others who are here and contain the power and transactions.

When the new airlines came -- and have since gone -- (voting with feet) -- Pitt and others prohibited their people (ha) from booking tickets with the upstarts.

I'm an upstart too. Do you think the media powers or the Pennsylvania Economy League is going to be willing to put me on the air for a debate on issues? Think Again!

You've read this far -- give it a whirl. Let's have a new TV advertiser -- Southwest -- tell the station managers that it wants to see candidate debates on the air this spring. And, ask the PENNSYLVANIA ECONOMY LEAGUE to moderate the event. Ask the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce when its going to hold a forum for candidates for PA Senate. WQED should be doing more. Are those events being booked for Feb, March, April?

We'll flourish again as Pittsburgh and this region cleans up the market place.

Finally, I spoke to a group in December and the question came from the audience. "Mark, what are you going to do about US Airways and the airport?" Yes, that is part of the PA Senate District. Yes, there has been a great deal of hardship and heart wrentching times for many in this saga. Someone close to me in my family works with the company. As I type this blog entry, my wife is boarding a plane and headed to DC for a few days for meetings. We use the airport often, as travelers. I feel the pain. But, here is the answer to the question, "nothing."

I'll rush to the situations, listen, interact, understand the issues. I'll also be there with a different set of priorities and goals.

How can we make sure that the de-icers don't cause pollution and toxic run-offs?

How can we make sure that our existing capacities and capabilities are understood throughout the industry and with the passengers so the black-eyes of lost bags at Christmas in Phili wouldn't dare happen in Pittsburgh. Our workforce and intra building controls are different. We can't discount our care to serve as neighbors and workers. We'll rest peaceful at night knowing the jobs are being done well with pride -- because we are solid with honesty and a work ethic that isn't easily duplicated elsewhere.

How can we eliminate some of the County Police overtime?

Let's lighten up when you're diving around the circle and knuckle down when you go through security. There is a time and place for everything. I don't want a boot up someone's pants for giving a hug and hand to Aunt Mable as she gets to the car.

Maglev to the airport -- no thanks.

Development of the sprawling land around the airport as a priority, no thanks. Its okay to sell that land. Allow for developers to buy and build. The owners have property rights. But, I'm not going to push TIFs and subsidized development. And, I'd even work to end that bad habit.

Finally, let it be know that we are in a crisis. Let it be known nationally that our mayor and others are leaving their posts because their agenda of give-a-ways has been proven to fail. Let's broadcast our misery and our hunger for change. Old habits die hard. But, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

The the annointed stumble and fall -- there will be a lot of thunder. That's great. Everyone will notice the bumbling, fumbling, un-coordinated, unprincipled contrasts.

As we think again, we'll come to discover great victories -- such as Southwest's arrival. We'll change the philosophy. We'll get a different NORTH STAR as a way to navigate and problem solve.

That's the news and rebirth for our region. That's the kind of place others want to embrace. When we send the signals and messages out that we are not only with fresh faces -- but with different understandings -- those who have left might return. Others will discover Pittsburgh and set up shop here. But, mostly, those that are here now will stay and start with fresh ideas of their own. We've been supressed. We've got new challenges to meet. We'll all do more for ourselves and our neighbors -- because we are able to get things done without red tape and jumping through hoops.

I want self-sufficient solutions.

I want Southwest to come with the understand of $0 in return from government. I want Southwest to know we've got open minded managers who will insist on the option of Southwest tickets for themselves and others in their organizations.

Pull Your Own Weight!

Spoke to two standing room only audiences tonight

Busy night. First double header of the season with double presentations (both short) and two power meetings with supporters as well.

The Democracy Meet Up generated the following feedback from me to the organizers. (Photos in another posting above.)

Good discipline. Good sticking to the agenda. Thanks for having all three speakers. Would not do a TV thing in the future.

I'll post my reactions to what was said in terms of the candidates' talking points at my blog -- http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com -- in the next 24 hours. There were some biggie statements made that won't fly for long if these guys (Bill Peduto and Michael Lamb) want to run with Bob O'Connor. We've got to have public discussion on these ideas and real issues debate. That would help the candidates and the community.

To be progessive is to be able to and welcome the opportunity to "THINK AGAIN."

I want change. I want real change. I hate way the city's elected politicians have let the city spiral downward so far. We'll have to rebound with not only new people, but also with the right ideas. Personally I'm scared by SOME what I heard from Peduto and Lamb. We had better have a great INDEPENDENT option in the GENERAL Election. That's what I hope to deliver, if I'm not hired as State Senator first.

The Common Man presents The Great Pennsylvania Property Tax Calamity

Another site I've got to explore. Are there any platform planks within these pages.

The Common Man presents The Great Pennsylvania Property Tax Calamity... all Pennsylvanians are not treated equally when it comes to property taxes.

Justice matters. Otherwise, people vote with their feet.

First discussion meeting of city council for 2005 spends more money from 2004

City Council has a new budget for 2005. But, it is still spending money from 2004. There has always been funds that have been spent from past years. The tangled web is typical. But, because it has always been done this way can't make it right.

The city's budget for 2005 is not balanced. There is a $6-million hole where there is no legal obilgation to get money from the non-profits.

The mayor's office, the controller's office and now the sticking point comes from the clerk's office on spending of past year's money in 2006.

BTW, Bill Peduto ABSTAINED. Some leadership. Alan and Gene voted no. The others voted yes.

Campiagn Finance Reform Bill held for 12 weeks

Bill Peduto's half-baked bill about campaign finance reform was held for 12 weeks. It seems Bill has hand picked a group of citizens to make a better plan and law. Meanwhile, three on council spoke well to the list that Bill put on the table. The list was weak -- to say the least.

The list didn't include me.

The list has some nice people. Some people I know well and work with including Evans Moore of PIIN, Celeste Taylor (a community star in many ways), the League of Women's Voters leader who gave me props at the public hearing, and Mike English of PUMP.

The list was read and not made public by Bill. I'll make it public as I pry it out into the open.

Sala U., Alan H., and Gene R., each on council, raised serious questions to Bill's move by putting that list together so as to exclude others who are on the inside of this issue and have first hand knowledge.

Bill Peduto makes another fumble on this important issue. Sure, Bill took the ball and ran like the wind -- down field for 30 zig-zaged yards. But then he fumbles. With fumbles along the way, this is no gain. Making a fumble is a worse outcome.

Thomas Jefferson Think Tank to cover Health Savings Accounts

Update: I've been invited to make a brief presentation at the FEB meeting of the Thomas Jefferson Think Tank.

These guys and gals hold fine gatherings. I think I'll be at the public hearing in the Gold Room to speak out against the TIF at Deer Creek. But, perhaps this is your cup of tea? If you go, ask them to invite me to the Feb meeting to speak about the PA Senate race and the special election.

A key feature of President Bush's 'Ownership Society' is the Health Savings Account feature of the 2003 Medicare bill. HSA's give you more choices and allow you greater control over your medical care and expenses. In addition, they also allow you to accumulate any unspent amounts in a 401k like investment vehicle. Learn all about HSA's and how they apply to you and your family. Is this more government control in your life? Or less? Is this another step to socialized medicine? Or a step away?


Come find out!

For a lively, fun, and informative discussion, bring a friend,
your questions and opinions and join us at:

SILVIONI'S RESTAURANT 2125 BABCOCK BLVD

(ONE MILE FROM THE MILLVALE EXIT OF MCKNIGHT ROAD NEXT TO THE EVERGREEN FIRE HALL)

WEDNESDAY, January 5th. 2005
***DINNER (Optional - Please arrive and order before 6:45 PM)*** DISCUSSION WILL START AT 7:15 PM

THE THOMAS JEFFERSON THINK TANK MEETS MONTHLY TO PRESENT AND DISCUSS ISSUES. WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY POLITICAL PARTY. EVERYONE IS WELCOME REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL PERSUASION.

Please feel free to forward this to anyone that believe
would be interested in attending.

RSVP OR QUESTIONS TO RAY HORVATH PHONE 412-630-9292 Badray531 - at - cs.com

Last night's social gathering: Drinking Liberally

Great time. Seems that the event is going to be a weekly gathering, each Tuesday at Finnigan's Wake on the North Side, near to PNC Park.

Well done John!

Got to talk with a half-dozen fellow bloggers. Got to re-meet a slew of others from all around the area.

I'd say the first gathering was a smashing success with 55 or so attending. To fix Pittsburgh, one beer at a time, well -- not since the chart room has there been such a spark. That comparison is mine, not that of the organizers. The connect was to the once popular Ground Zero meetings at the now closed pub, the Chart Room, in the Fifth & Forbes district.

Tonight's meeting: Democracy For Pittsburgh is at Mario's South Side

Perhaps I'll see you at this event. I'll be there, just after I give public comment in the County's Gold Room about my objections to the TIF at Deer Creek. We don't need subsidy retail plans in eco treasures.

I'm on the agenda, and I'll be quick. Next month I'll air out a few more items and issues.

DemocracyForPittsburgh - January 2005 Meetup

Agenda

6:00pm Happy Hour/Dinner
7:00pm Announcements
* Janis Williams, Trip to DC to demand challenge to election results
* David Tessitor, The Pittsburgh Open Government Initiative: http://www.openpgh.org/
* Matt Preston, Pittsburgh VIE: need data entry help
* Ed Dobson, Flood Aid report
* New North Pittsburgh Meetup Group (Baden, PA): http://dfa.meetup.com/731/
* New Organizing Meeting: January 12, location TBA. Please sign up if interested.
* Upcoming Event: Inaugural House Parties: January 20

7:15 pm Watch video from DFA: 'How Democrats and Progressives Can Win: Solutions from George Lakoff'
7:40 pm Discussion and exercise
8:00pm Special Guests about Pittsburgh Mayor's race:
Bill Peduto and Mike Lamb scheduled to speak. Also Mark Rauterkus, time permitting.
9:00pm?
Wrap-up (stick around as late as you like)

Steelers give slumping Pittsburgh a boost - Article in Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com City faces financial woes reminiscent of the 1970s, but resurgent football team offers relief. By Sara B. Miller | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

PITTSBURGH – It was the 1970s, and Pittsburgh's steel industry was on the decline. Mills would begin shutting down one by one along the city's three rivers.

Nice general story.

Sabina Deitrick, associate professor of public and urban affairs at the University of Pittsburgh gets the A+ for the day with this graph.

Already the city has shut down recreation centers and swimming pools and laid off workers. "People are going to notice it. And it's only going to get worse over time."

Exactly. It is going to get worse before it gets better.

Pittsburgh Mayoral Race: Ricciardi Bows Out Of Crowded Field

ThePittsburghChannel.com - News - Pittsburgh Mayoral Race:Councilman Alan Hertzberg won't seek re-election, but is thinking about a run for mayor.

Follow-up.

Traffic update and radio reports from the Wabash Tunnel

Yesterday was the first real rush hour for the Wabash Tunnel in outbound directions. Our drive at 4:45 pm was without another soul -- forward or back -- for the entire distance of the tunnel.

It felt like a ghost tunnel.

Rush hour is brewing all around the city, but not there.

We should be blasting traffic reports on the radio from the Wabash Tunnel.

My suggestions:

1. Drop the HOV (2 or more people needed at certain times) requirement all the time. I love car pools. But, I hate waste. If it becomes used in the future, put the HOV restrictions back into effect.

2. Make the other lane open to bikes, peds, blades and parents pushing stollers.

This makes is a nice short cut if you want to walk or jog from Brashier High School to downtown. Or, if it isn't being used, it might be nice to run in the tunnel at lunch hour if you worked in town.

The Wabssh Tunnel would make a nice TRAIL addition. It always could have been a trail facility. Tom Murphy can't even open up the HOT METAL Bridge for peds. That is another high priority that I saw years ago.

Let's think again. The Wabash Tunnel was last ueed ago some time ago -- like when this TOWN was run by REPUBLICANS. Hey, we can open the Wabash Tunnel -- and perhaps that opens up the ghost of political parties of the past and future as well.

Finally, if I'm elected mayor, or I should type, when I'm elected mayor, we'll hold the block party and gala within the Wabash Tunnel. That's the January venue and place to be for an all-night party in 2006.

We can't allow for big expenses to occur within the city and the county for things like the Wabash Tunnel. We're burning money. We're not able to do the things we need to do and are doing the wrongheadead -- and won't get ahead.