Mr. Chuck Nogal is an veteran of the US Army and served in Japan for five years, from 1952 to 1956. Then he served as a citizen for an additional two years. Upon his return, he worked for Gimble's in management for 18 years. His stint included the role of operational manager at the South Hills Village store.
On a lark, he opened a store on the South Side when the South Side looked like death warmed over. From the day he opened, with his partner, in 1972, the could not contain all the classes. They have classes in ceramics every Monday to Friday from 7 to 9 pm.
The Glazing Pot has always had an interesting storefront. Now it shows a message about the campaign, and flags of course.
Chuck once had five letters to the editor published in the same day: They ran in the Press, PG, PG sports, Pgh Catholic and one was read on TV.
For a stretch, everthing he wrote was published in the South Pittsburgh Reporter. Once when he didn't submit a letter, the publisher got a few calls asking what was wrong with Chuck's column.
Photos and testimonial to come.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Bill 999 has not been updated for the public view
The citizens of Pittsburgh, led in part by me, have called for a public hearing on bill 999 about new limits to be put on public comment before city council.
The law has had some changes, but the changes are not yet with the city's clerk.
Frustration boiled at council chambers on many fronts today. The bickering and disgust is spilling in all areas of our life on Grant Street. Now the fighting is not about money, as the money had gone away. However, the fighting among people and positions is still going on hot and heavy.
Mark Brentley unloaded about Dr. Thompson's early departure. Dr. T was let go without an evaluation from the board.
Mr. Liller annouced he'll be running for mayor. His passion is noted.
A mom spoke about the Sunshine Law and the treatment of council members and let it be known that her 11th grade daughter who works part time at the Martin Luther King Library was brought to tears when she got her recent pay check and noticed the loss of $52.
A mayor veto was sustained in another 5-4 vote. Rats.
Rats and rodents were talked of again.
This afternoon they huddle about the contracts with the police and firefighters.
The law has had some changes, but the changes are not yet with the city's clerk.
Frustration boiled at council chambers on many fronts today. The bickering and disgust is spilling in all areas of our life on Grant Street. Now the fighting is not about money, as the money had gone away. However, the fighting among people and positions is still going on hot and heavy.
Mark Brentley unloaded about Dr. Thompson's early departure. Dr. T was let go without an evaluation from the board.
Mr. Liller annouced he'll be running for mayor. His passion is noted.
A mom spoke about the Sunshine Law and the treatment of council members and let it be known that her 11th grade daughter who works part time at the Martin Luther King Library was brought to tears when she got her recent pay check and noticed the loss of $52.
A mayor veto was sustained in another 5-4 vote. Rats.
Rats and rodents were talked of again.
This afternoon they huddle about the contracts with the police and firefighters.
Meet candidate and loyal opposition: Joe Scioscia
Flipped out of the race: David Jayson.
Flopped into the race: Joe Scioscia, Republican, Bellevue Boro Councilman.
I've just sent him a copy of my open letter.
Since I published Diven's cell phone in the past, here is Scioscia's info too: Ravensight@comcast.net, cell = 412 812 1354.
The cell for myself, Mark Rauterkus, is 412-298-3432. My email, of course, is Mark@Rauterkus.com.
Flopped into the race: Joe Scioscia, Republican, Bellevue Boro Councilman.
I've just sent him a copy of my open letter.
Since I published Diven's cell phone in the past, here is Scioscia's info too: Ravensight@comcast.net, cell = 412 812 1354.
The cell for myself, Mark Rauterkus, is 412-298-3432. My email, of course, is Mark@Rauterkus.com.
An Open Letter to the voters in Allegheny County, and more
To:
Voters in Allegheny County,
Politicians in Harrisburg, and
Loyal Opponents in the race for Pennsylvania Senate (42nd District)
From:
Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian,
Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412 298 3432
Tuesday, February 8, 2005
The party switch of state rep, Michael Diven, from Democrat to Republican provided glee for some party hacks. Before David Jayson, (*) Republican from Scott Township, is elbowed out of the race, allow some time to think again.
* See comments as this is a fluid story.
I'm biased. I'm a participant in the race for the senator's office. I'd love to be the one to replace Jack Wagner, D., who is now PA's Auditor General. My perspectives are not rooted in selfishness. Already, a victory came by requesting the special election date as May 17, 2005. My hopes in a “dual election” (same day for both primary as special election) are curtailed. Nonetheless, this schedule saves $200,000 and nets thousands of hours of productivity for citizens of the region.
I aim to trumpet the best interests of the region's, not my own. So please, Republican friends, consider these points:
Diven, pushed away from the Democrats, figured he couldn't win as an Independent. Diven's attraction to Republican ideals and being a Republican is only an afterthought.
I watched Diven while he was on city council. Diven was my state rep. Plus, I have been a city Republican and experienced races for office from the R's camp. The new party for Diven comes because of his past campaign debt, his ambitions and a risk-free position. If Diven tanks in the state senate race, he still has his job and is flush with state Republican money in his campaign chest.
Diven's party switch gives city Republicans, as reported, a “toehold” in the legislature. Keep the gain. Don't dance away from the new responsibility with a senate campaign.
A Diven campaign in the spring takes him out of the power loop in Harrisburg. The gain is worthless. Diven has been on the back-bench among the Democrats in the house. He shouldn't be ejected from the realm of state affairs now. Lost time is gone forever.
Should Diven get lucky and win the senate seat for himself, that's good for Diven. He'd benefit and depart the House. But, no other Republican has much of an opportunity to reclaim the house seat.
Democrats are determined to drive Diven out of office and fill the races in the future with capable candidates. Diven can't lead as he bounces among offices and parties. Consider the void Diven could create. Diven might switch back after learning he can't play well with others in the senate.
Diven needs to do his part to hold the seat for his new party. Diven can educate other Republicans that aspire to that role. Diven's time to produce, not campaign, comes now. Diven's been a back-bench player in Harrisburg and in city council.
Perhaps Diven could lead a flawless race for senate if he was afforded two years to prepare. Extra time is needed to allow Diven to split from Tom Murphy and the backlash that brews in 2005. Diven and Murphy have been hand-in-hand throughout the past decade. Both are abrasive and with a list of detractors in Harrisburg. A Diven race in 2005 is sure to cement Diven connection to Murphy and land Diven in the private sector. The Diven and Murphy public records and issues are similar.
Diven's party change is but a fluke and not the tip of a romanticize red-state shift for Pittsburgh. The next politician won't run as a Democrat, win, and then switch to Republican too.
If locals choose to keep Diven in the house as a Republican, greatness could emerge. Diven, the R, could win the PA senate seat in two years as it comes open again if Diven does a great job in the house throughout 2005 and 2006. In two years, the Rs could have a great candidate ready to run and fill Diven's present seat. Diven needs local Rs on his house staff.
From his house position, Diven needs to be a player in the 2005 Mayor's race -- on behalf of Independent challengers sure to emerge.
My hope is that the local republicans give the nomination for the special election to David Jayson so he can learn, build contacts, and be an asset in the future. I'll teach Jayson about the city while campaigning. Jayson brings new money and energy to the landscape while Diven was just in debt.
The guarantee of support of Diven's Democratic voters of the past for a Republican Diven is a false assumption. Many Democrats in Diven's district were already against him. The expected clan war between the old-party candidates could get ugly rather quickly. Reform minded voters looking for depth and scope are going to break with me and newer, positive Libertarian perspectives.
Diven is not going to energize new supporters on the R side. Dismay could turn to outrage as Diven's record comes to light.
No glee would occur within the city's Republican ranks if Tom Murphy switched from Democrat to Republican and ran for the state senate. Murphy's high name identification can't overcome his acts in public office. Likewise with Diven.
As a Libertarian candidate, my chances of victory are much better if I face Diven. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Diven brings attention to the race. Diven's unmistakable past, his stance on downtown development and his buddy-buddy ways with Tom Murphy are golden opportunities for cast him as Goliath. However, for the sake of the greater community, I'd rather have David Jayson as the GOP contestant.
Harrisburg gave Pittsburgh two oversight boards, a bogus bailout, gambling, fleeting transit funding and budget madness. Harrisburg's half-baked plan with Diven's switch and senate run is sure to terminate Diven's new toehold. Michael Diven, please serve in the the house on the R's side and work for those who elected you.
Meanwhile, another wrinkle in the race comes from the other old party. Wayne Fontana, Democrat, is seeking his party's endorsement. However, a county council rule calls for its members to resign as one becomes a candidate for another office. That section of the charter was validated twice in recent years at the polls. When is Fontana going to step down?
I'm not in favor of restrictions on freedom for citizens. But, in the case of a public official, I think rules that limit powers are necessary.
Voters in Allegheny County,
Politicians in Harrisburg, and
Loyal Opponents in the race for Pennsylvania Senate (42nd District)
From:
Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian,
Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412 298 3432
Tuesday, February 8, 2005
The party switch of state rep, Michael Diven, from Democrat to Republican provided glee for some party hacks. Before David Jayson, (*) Republican from Scott Township, is elbowed out of the race, allow some time to think again.
* See comments as this is a fluid story.
I'm biased. I'm a participant in the race for the senator's office. I'd love to be the one to replace Jack Wagner, D., who is now PA's Auditor General. My perspectives are not rooted in selfishness. Already, a victory came by requesting the special election date as May 17, 2005. My hopes in a “dual election” (same day for both primary as special election) are curtailed. Nonetheless, this schedule saves $200,000 and nets thousands of hours of productivity for citizens of the region.
I aim to trumpet the best interests of the region's, not my own. So please, Republican friends, consider these points:
Diven, pushed away from the Democrats, figured he couldn't win as an Independent. Diven's attraction to Republican ideals and being a Republican is only an afterthought.
I watched Diven while he was on city council. Diven was my state rep. Plus, I have been a city Republican and experienced races for office from the R's camp. The new party for Diven comes because of his past campaign debt, his ambitions and a risk-free position. If Diven tanks in the state senate race, he still has his job and is flush with state Republican money in his campaign chest.
Diven's party switch gives city Republicans, as reported, a “toehold” in the legislature. Keep the gain. Don't dance away from the new responsibility with a senate campaign.
A Diven campaign in the spring takes him out of the power loop in Harrisburg. The gain is worthless. Diven has been on the back-bench among the Democrats in the house. He shouldn't be ejected from the realm of state affairs now. Lost time is gone forever.
Should Diven get lucky and win the senate seat for himself, that's good for Diven. He'd benefit and depart the House. But, no other Republican has much of an opportunity to reclaim the house seat.
Democrats are determined to drive Diven out of office and fill the races in the future with capable candidates. Diven can't lead as he bounces among offices and parties. Consider the void Diven could create. Diven might switch back after learning he can't play well with others in the senate.
Diven needs to do his part to hold the seat for his new party. Diven can educate other Republicans that aspire to that role. Diven's time to produce, not campaign, comes now. Diven's been a back-bench player in Harrisburg and in city council.
Perhaps Diven could lead a flawless race for senate if he was afforded two years to prepare. Extra time is needed to allow Diven to split from Tom Murphy and the backlash that brews in 2005. Diven and Murphy have been hand-in-hand throughout the past decade. Both are abrasive and with a list of detractors in Harrisburg. A Diven race in 2005 is sure to cement Diven connection to Murphy and land Diven in the private sector. The Diven and Murphy public records and issues are similar.
Diven's party change is but a fluke and not the tip of a romanticize red-state shift for Pittsburgh. The next politician won't run as a Democrat, win, and then switch to Republican too.
If locals choose to keep Diven in the house as a Republican, greatness could emerge. Diven, the R, could win the PA senate seat in two years as it comes open again if Diven does a great job in the house throughout 2005 and 2006. In two years, the Rs could have a great candidate ready to run and fill Diven's present seat. Diven needs local Rs on his house staff.
From his house position, Diven needs to be a player in the 2005 Mayor's race -- on behalf of Independent challengers sure to emerge.
My hope is that the local republicans give the nomination for the special election to David Jayson so he can learn, build contacts, and be an asset in the future. I'll teach Jayson about the city while campaigning. Jayson brings new money and energy to the landscape while Diven was just in debt.
The guarantee of support of Diven's Democratic voters of the past for a Republican Diven is a false assumption. Many Democrats in Diven's district were already against him. The expected clan war between the old-party candidates could get ugly rather quickly. Reform minded voters looking for depth and scope are going to break with me and newer, positive Libertarian perspectives.
Diven is not going to energize new supporters on the R side. Dismay could turn to outrage as Diven's record comes to light.
No glee would occur within the city's Republican ranks if Tom Murphy switched from Democrat to Republican and ran for the state senate. Murphy's high name identification can't overcome his acts in public office. Likewise with Diven.
As a Libertarian candidate, my chances of victory are much better if I face Diven. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Diven brings attention to the race. Diven's unmistakable past, his stance on downtown development and his buddy-buddy ways with Tom Murphy are golden opportunities for cast him as Goliath. However, for the sake of the greater community, I'd rather have David Jayson as the GOP contestant.
Harrisburg gave Pittsburgh two oversight boards, a bogus bailout, gambling, fleeting transit funding and budget madness. Harrisburg's half-baked plan with Diven's switch and senate run is sure to terminate Diven's new toehold. Michael Diven, please serve in the the house on the R's side and work for those who elected you.
Meanwhile, another wrinkle in the race comes from the other old party. Wayne Fontana, Democrat, is seeking his party's endorsement. However, a county council rule calls for its members to resign as one becomes a candidate for another office. That section of the charter was validated twice in recent years at the polls. When is Fontana going to step down?
I'm not in favor of restrictions on freedom for citizens. But, in the case of a public official, I think rules that limit powers are necessary.
Veto political
Councilman: Plan veto political - PittsburghLIVE.com: "the mayor's decision was unduly influenced by his longtime supporter, Paul Renne, who announced plans to run for Hertzberg's District 2 seat.
This issue has been a monumental pain.
On the brink.... Brink of what?
O'Connor on brink of announcing another run for mayor Lamb, who announced his mayoral run Jan. 10, has said many of the same things.
He has also painted himself as a progressive who supports making local government smaller, including merging the prothonotary's office into other court-related county row offices, and has said he supports the cost cuts in the city's Act 47 recovery plan.
Peduto, if he runs, largely supports the same cost-cutting initiatives.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Pennsylvania business news in brief
AP WireWarner Centre, site of failed downtown revitalization efforts, was sold Monday at the Allegheny County sheriff's sale for $2.7 million to a Washington, D.C., investment company.
Allied Capital will do 'the normal things any developer would do' to attract new tenants, including renovations if necessary, said Alex J. Guggenheim, company vice president.
Allied hadn't spoken with Mayor Tom Murphy's office regarding Warner Centre's role in Murphy's most recent proposal for downtown redevelopment, Guggenheim said.
Perhaps Allied Capital didn't speak to Tom Murphy's office about the investment and the pending plan because it would have been a waste of time? Those who are working with Murphy are on the way out. Those plans that have the Murphy seal of approval are about to end in the trash can.
The center is at the location of the Warner Theatre, which was built as an opera house in 1871 and was later renovated as a movie theater.
---"
We-Hav's new wrinkle from Paul
Paul S who has worked with a network of citizens to fight the We-Hav program notes that the Councilman wants to give people less, and use it refund money to those who bought the appraisal.
Send your opinions in an e-mail to Council members at the City website, call or do both. He wrote, "The other members are probably the ones to communicate to, as our Rep
seems to live in another mind-zone."
www.pauljsentner.com/no_wehav
By the way, Paul Sentner, D., is on the Elect.Rauterkus.com committee as a Member-At-Large. Paul is interested in community interactions.
Send your opinions in an e-mail to Council members at the City website, call or do both. He wrote, "The other members are probably the ones to communicate to, as our Rep
seems to live in another mind-zone."
www.pauljsentner.com/no_wehav
By the way, Paul Sentner, D., is on the Elect.Rauterkus.com committee as a Member-At-Large. Paul is interested in community interactions.
GASP and those heavy-duty diesel vehicles that are on idle
GASP has been working with the Allegheny County Health Department to develop anti-idling regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The school bus idling regulation GASP pushed for is now an enforceable law, so now we must push forward to prohibit the needless idling of other heavy duty diesel vehicles, including delivery trucks, garbage trucks, tractor trailer trucks, PAT buses, and tour buses.
Diesel exhaust consists of the black smoke that we see and also particulate matter(PM), invisible specks of solid or liquid matter, including dust, ash and soot. Particulate matter, especially with particles of 2.5 microns or smaller, has been linked to such health problems as asthma attacks, coughing and difficulty in breathing, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung capacity, lowered resistance to infection, and premature death. Children, the elderly and people with existing respiratory ailments are especially sensitive to particulate matter.
Please review the proposed regulation and sign up to speak at the public hearing Feb. 14. If you can't attend, please send in comments to help make the regulation even stronger or just to voice your support for the regulation. If needless diesel or gasoline powered vehicle idling is of concern to you, GASP can use your help.
To learn more or become involved in anti-idling efforts, send a message to gasp@gasp-pgh.org
WHAT: Notice of Public Hearing for proposed amendments to Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article XXI, Air Pollution Control. To add section 2105.92 "Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling." The proposed addition is to prevent unnecessary idling by heavy-duty diesel powered motor vehicles.
WHEN: Monday, February 14th, 2005 at 10 am
WHERE: Building #7, First Floor Conference Room, Clack Health Center, 301 39th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Copies of the proposed amendment may be examined beginning January 14, 2005, at the Allegheny County Law Library, Room 921 City-County Building, Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; at the Allegheny County Health Department Library, Building 7, Clack Health Center, from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday; on the Allegheny County Health Department web site: www.achd.net; or by calling 412-578-8120 to request a mailed printed copy. It can also be viewed at GASP's website
http://www.gasp-pgh.org/action/dieselreg.pdf
Oral testimony must be pre-scheduled by calling 412-578-8008 no less than 24 hours in advance of the public hearing. Speakers will be limited to five minutes and should bring a written copy of their comments.
The Board will accept written testimony beginning Friday, January 14, 2005, and concluding Monday February 14, 2005, by mail to:
Board of Health
3333 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
By email to BOH@achd.net
By Fax to 412-578-8325
More words and insights into Dave Hines
Dave and I have been talking. Here is more from him. If you want to help filter what can and should be included within the platform, please lend your remarks.
David Hines column Born in a mill town, David Hines has seen work as a furniture mover, computer programmer/analyst, and professional musician. Observation of politics began as a toddler, since the polls were in his parents' store. He developed a keen interest in history when permitted some independent study time in junior high school.
With a wide range of interests, he is accused by friends of possessing more useless information than any other of their acquaintance. He has officially studied music and psychology, and unofficially nearly everything else. Like many a Mensa member, he can usually be found hip deep in books. Detractors can blame the thin air of the Rockies, where he once lived, for the dearth of brain cells.
Song: Quantum Uncertainty by Dave Hines
Quarks are runnin' round my brain.
Their politics are quite insane.
I need a dose of Ritalin
So I won't be a kid again.
A dropout has explained to me
the shape of relativity.
He's in need of close restraint
'Cause normalcy's not his complaint.
Quantum Uncertainty...
A pigeonhole, a cookie there
we standardize our children's care.
Assimilate and don't be deaf
or answer to the ATF.
(Resistance is futile!)
Two million plus in prison camps
pushing papers, licking stamps
working for the master race
selling stuff in cyberspace
Checkers spell 'cause humans don't.
If it takes effort, then we won't.
The best is what they say it is
in magazines about the Biz.
Tonal centers shift around
to make a most obnoxious sound.
But sometimes chaos has a place
in speaking to the human race.
Quantum Uncertainty...
Song: Libertarian Blues by Dave Hines
An elephant's your daddy.
He tells you what you must and mustn't do.
Make your son a caddy.
Some day he might join the chosen few.
A donkey is your mammy.
She wipes your butt and fills your face with snacks.
Whatever makes you happy
is cause enough to raise another tax.
Libertarian Blues
There's no candidate for me to choose.
No matter how the vote I'm bound to lose.
They say Bill screwed an intern.
The TV pundits made it such a fuss.
Screwing is illegal
unless they're doin' all of us.
Libertarian Blues...
Choke the smokers, eat no fat.
(Mmm... rack o' ribs!)
Lifestyle police is where it's at.
(Come out with your hands up, barbecue breath!)
Bureaucracy will fight your fights
(gunshots)
And eat away your civil rights.
(He won't be worryin' 'bout no cholesterol.)
So give away your freedom
until there's nothing left to save.
Sing the lawful anthem
to the home of the slave.
Chorus two times
Song: KARATE LESSON by Dave Hines
You're busy casting out your demons, I'm told
Just please be careful. Yes please be careful.
Don't demolish what is best in your soul
As Mr. Nietzsche said a while ago.
When you find something to believe in
You're inclined to carry the word
to the heathen living all around you
and you cry to make yourself heard
Hold to your center.
Keep balance true.
You may discover
the truths inside of you.
When living isn't still the reason for life
we've lost our balance.
We've lost our balance
Restless yearnings are the causes of strife
Wiser men than me have said it before:
There's a time to think about the future.
There's a time to cherish the past.
It's a gift living in the present.
Only now is a moment to last.
(CHORUS two times.)
FAQ & A: Running as ...
More outreach brings more questions. Great. FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions. I try to write the question and the answer, hence, FAQ & A.
I'm running for PA Senate in the special election on May 17, 2005 as a LIBERTARIAN.
I joined the Libertarian Party the day I read the news covered on the front page of both daily papers about an 18-page letter written by five Republicans outside the city (Jane Orie, Mike T, etc). They wrote a letter that gave advice to the oversight board (I.C.A.) about the city. Meanwhile, I had called those Rs in the county and with positions in Harrisburg on MULTIPLE instances. Dozens of calls were placed to some of those who had the time to craft an 18-page letter but qouldn't field any of our concerns.
If they had the time to write that letter -- and the letter had some good and some bad within it -- but not sit with us in the city who know what's what -- then they are hardly friends of mine nor are they friends of the city. I had had enough. I was and still am - a little "down" on what came out of Harrisburg. I care about the city and the county. I'm a volunteer. My understandings of what's been going on around here have proven to be on the mark for a number of years.
Now I'm a LIBERTARIAN. I was elected to the county Libertarian Party Board since then.
Then I accepted the nomination to run for the PA Senate in the 42nd in December at the holiday party / monthly meeting.
Should I run for Mayor, I stand by my words expressed in October on the KDKA radio show with Chris Moore. I'd run as an INDIE.
I hope to be a State Senator. I'm working hard in this quest. I have a lot to offer in that role, for the region, the city, our kids and our freedoms. We need to climb out of the ruts we find ourselves in -- and this effort for a state office as a Libertarian just makes good sense. It makes brilliant sense when you begin to explore and consider what the two old parties are doing.
Actually, I have checked out your blogs more. I have to ask this: are you running as an independent or a Republican?
I'm running for PA Senate in the special election on May 17, 2005 as a LIBERTARIAN.
I joined the Libertarian Party the day I read the news covered on the front page of both daily papers about an 18-page letter written by five Republicans outside the city (Jane Orie, Mike T, etc). They wrote a letter that gave advice to the oversight board (I.C.A.) about the city. Meanwhile, I had called those Rs in the county and with positions in Harrisburg on MULTIPLE instances. Dozens of calls were placed to some of those who had the time to craft an 18-page letter but qouldn't field any of our concerns.
If they had the time to write that letter -- and the letter had some good and some bad within it -- but not sit with us in the city who know what's what -- then they are hardly friends of mine nor are they friends of the city. I had had enough. I was and still am - a little "down" on what came out of Harrisburg. I care about the city and the county. I'm a volunteer. My understandings of what's been going on around here have proven to be on the mark for a number of years.
Now I'm a LIBERTARIAN. I was elected to the county Libertarian Party Board since then.
Then I accepted the nomination to run for the PA Senate in the 42nd in December at the holiday party / monthly meeting.
Should I run for Mayor, I stand by my words expressed in October on the KDKA radio show with Chris Moore. I'd run as an INDIE.
I hope to be a State Senator. I'm working hard in this quest. I have a lot to offer in that role, for the region, the city, our kids and our freedoms. We need to climb out of the ruts we find ourselves in -- and this effort for a state office as a Libertarian just makes good sense. It makes brilliant sense when you begin to explore and consider what the two old parties are doing.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
My measured reply for the call to help at PghBloggers.org
Yesterday, I was honored to be a presenter at the League of Women Voters annual seminar on how to run for office. I spoke about some third party perspectives and about the media. Within the context of my talk, I gave serious praise and endorsements to the sites and services of PghBloggers.org as well as Blogger.com.
No candidate should be without a blog these days. If you don't have a blog, you shouldn't be on the ballot. The cost is $0. The impact is huge. Blogs are more functional and easier to create than ever. Blogs should be a higher priority for a candidate than the building of a static web page.
One avenue beats blogging, but I'll save the details for another entry.
Furthermore, I'm nominating the organizers of PghBloggers.org for a civic leadership award from by The League of Women Voters. I announced my intentions from the podium to an audience of more than 50 people.
The mostly faceless organizers at the hub site, PghBloggers.org, put out a call to help a week or so ago. They have some heavy lifting to keep the site going and growing. Here is my reply to them, sent in just a moment ago.
Hi Mike and others:
I'd be happy to help you with the site, but I'm only interested in itching my own itches. That is the way of the world in open-source, collaborative projects. Perhaps you've realized this fact of life by now.
I'm interested in putting an eVote interface onto this venture. True democracy. It is going to be a wild ride, if you choose to step out of the box.
We could meet and talk about this. We could meet at my office on the South Side or at an associate's office in Carrick -- as he has a high-tech firm. You'll be impressed either way. Or, you can give me the green-light and I'll just dive in with gusto. That calls for "trust."
Mike and I talked a bit about the ideas at the second blog fest. I was there when there were about ten others.
No candidate should be without a blog these days. If you don't have a blog, you shouldn't be on the ballot. The cost is $0. The impact is huge. Blogs are more functional and easier to create than ever. Blogs should be a higher priority for a candidate than the building of a static web page.
One avenue beats blogging, but I'll save the details for another entry.
Furthermore, I'm nominating the organizers of PghBloggers.org for a civic leadership award from by The League of Women Voters. I announced my intentions from the podium to an audience of more than 50 people.
The mostly faceless organizers at the hub site, PghBloggers.org, put out a call to help a week or so ago. They have some heavy lifting to keep the site going and growing. Here is my reply to them, sent in just a moment ago.
Hi Mike and others:
I'd be happy to help you with the site, but I'm only interested in itching my own itches. That is the way of the world in open-source, collaborative projects. Perhaps you've realized this fact of life by now.
I'm interested in putting an eVote interface onto this venture. True democracy. It is going to be a wild ride, if you choose to step out of the box.
We could meet and talk about this. We could meet at my office on the South Side or at an associate's office in Carrick -- as he has a high-tech firm. You'll be impressed either way. Or, you can give me the green-light and I'll just dive in with gusto. That calls for "trust."
Mike and I talked a bit about the ideas at the second blog fest. I was there when there were about ten others.
Letter to the Editor - welcome in the GOP
Beaver County Times Allegheny Times
Democratic Allegheny County state Rep. Mike Diven announced he was switching his voter registration to the Republican Party last week.
Diven stated that state House Democrats have consistently chosen to pursue political soap operas and personal agendas over the concerns of hard-working, law-abiding citizens.
Diven went on to say that he has learned how the legislative process works, and, sadly, how out of touch the leaders of the Democratic Party have become with the very real needs of workers, small businesses, retirees and young people.
House Democrats departing their own caucus have become quite commonplace under the leadership of House Minority Leader DeWeese and House Minority Whip Mike Veon.
Diven joins a long list of departing Democrats to the GOP in recent years. These include former representatives Pat Carone (Butler), Ed Krebs (Lebanon), John Lawless (Montgomery) Thomas Stish (Luzerne), and now-state Sen. John Gordner (Columbia).
As a Republican, I welcome Diven to the Republican Party and embrace his call for putting people above politics. Perhaps following the sixth departure under their caucus leadership, DeWeese and Veon finally get the message.
Dennis Pittser Jr., Bridgewater
Democratic Allegheny County state Rep. Mike Diven announced he was switching his voter registration to the Republican Party last week.
Diven stated that state House Democrats have consistently chosen to pursue political soap operas and personal agendas over the concerns of hard-working, law-abiding citizens.
Diven went on to say that he has learned how the legislative process works, and, sadly, how out of touch the leaders of the Democratic Party have become with the very real needs of workers, small businesses, retirees and young people.
House Democrats departing their own caucus have become quite commonplace under the leadership of House Minority Leader DeWeese and House Minority Whip Mike Veon.
Diven joins a long list of departing Democrats to the GOP in recent years. These include former representatives Pat Carone (Butler), Ed Krebs (Lebanon), John Lawless (Montgomery) Thomas Stish (Luzerne), and now-state Sen. John Gordner (Columbia).
As a Republican, I welcome Diven to the Republican Party and embrace his call for putting people above politics. Perhaps following the sixth departure under their caucus leadership, DeWeese and Veon finally get the message.
Dennis Pittser Jr., Bridgewater
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southhillssports.com - Your Homefield Advantage!: "What is SouthHillsSports.Com?"
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