Monday, February 28, 2005
Ink in the Trib
O'Connor gets Democratic endorsement - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Mark Rauterkus, of the South Side, is running as a Libertarian."
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Bio on the Party Site
Welcome to the Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh: "Mark Rauterkus, 45, an activist from Pittsburgh's South Side, at-large board member of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party, accepted the nomination for Pennsylvania Senate for the special election for the 42nd District expected in the spring of 2005.
The bio there is extensive.
We can turn Pittsburgh around
Turn Pittsburgh around In the coming weeks and months, you will hear me talk a lot about my plan to turn Pittsburgh around. It's a real plan, not political promises. It's a plan based on what we need to do to turn things around.
BoB is a great turn-around name as it is the same from front to back as back to front. Forward and backwards, round and round, blowing in the wind. How many times must Bob run around, before he is ....
Missing in action among Dem's options: Row-Office Reform Ballot Question
Allegheny County voters are going to vote to chang the county charter on May 17, 2005. The option before the voters deals with the reduction of row offices from today's ten to four.
This important question, however, was missing from the endorsement vote, so I assume.
Do the Democrats either endorse or reject the vote for Row-Office Reform?
I don't think that the question was put before the committee people of the party. This isn't my party, so I don't have much to gripe about. But, what's up with that? This goes to the theme of Dems not being -- oh hum -- democratic.
Another question is in limbo, so I understand from Joe King, president of the firefighters union. A petition was submitted to put a question on the ballot that concerns the national standards in terms of response times for emergency crews to arrive.
Again, for or against isn't the question. To be or not to be on the ballot for the committee people is the real question.
The firefighters' issue is going to come down to a decision on Monday, so I was told. The ICA and the city are in negotiations. The change to the city's charter might be injected within the new contract -- somehow, perhaps.
If the firefighters get their way with the contract, they'll pull the question off of the ballot. Humm. No need to get the voters opinion, again.
I'm sorta confused. How can a new union contract force a change to the city's charter?
I love democracy. I hate how the votes around here are so confusing. I think there is great insight within the ranks of the voters and from within the process of public campaigns. It is my hope and ambition to push for the inclusion of five ballot questions each election.
This important question, however, was missing from the endorsement vote, so I assume.
Do the Democrats either endorse or reject the vote for Row-Office Reform?
I don't think that the question was put before the committee people of the party. This isn't my party, so I don't have much to gripe about. But, what's up with that? This goes to the theme of Dems not being -- oh hum -- democratic.
Another question is in limbo, so I understand from Joe King, president of the firefighters union. A petition was submitted to put a question on the ballot that concerns the national standards in terms of response times for emergency crews to arrive.
Again, for or against isn't the question. To be or not to be on the ballot for the committee people is the real question.
The firefighters' issue is going to come down to a decision on Monday, so I was told. The ICA and the city are in negotiations. The change to the city's charter might be injected within the new contract -- somehow, perhaps.
If the firefighters get their way with the contract, they'll pull the question off of the ballot. Humm. No need to get the voters opinion, again.
I'm sorta confused. How can a new union contract force a change to the city's charter?
I love democracy. I hate how the votes around here are so confusing. I think there is great insight within the ranks of the voters and from within the process of public campaigns. It is my hope and ambition to push for the inclusion of five ballot questions each election.
Dems Endorsement
A Native American proverb says, "Tell me and I'll forget,Today was a day of involement as the Democrats from throughout the county gathered to make their endorsements. I was there most of the day.
show me and I may not remember, involve me and I'll understand."
As I walked onto the scene, I overheard a couple of gentlemen slightly ahead of me talking as we approached. "This is a real circus."
The two were in disgust. Parking was scares. Hey, welcome to the South Side. But the point was well taken. Poll workers had arrived in the early hours hand had taken parking spaces near to the IBEW Hall. Voters, and a fair share of seniors too, had to walk through a block or two parked cars to get to the line to stand befor voting. No doubt, this was an ordeal for the frail. The crowd was large.
The results, thanks to a poster, are within the comments.
Email Blast: Hi Friends with and without spell checkers!
Two volunteers who share my overall concerns about Pittsburgh and the region, (webmaster, Jeff H., and wiki operator, Adam R) have established interesting interactive services that I'd love for you to explore.
You are invited to an online chat to occur from 11 to 11:30 pm on Monday, Feb 28, and Tuesday, March 1.
http://Rauterkus.com/rauterkuschat/
The focus of the online chat is to complete the Platform.For-Pgh.org found at:
http://Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki/
Work on the Platform.For-Pgh.org has progressed for a few months. It has plenty of content (more than 100 pages), but I dare say, its not quite ready for prime time. We need to fill in some of the holes. And, what's there needs to be given more focus and editing help.
A face-to-face meeting is slated for the Ceramics Hobby Shop at 1302 East Carson Street on the South Side for a discussion at 9 pm on Tuesday, March 1. We'll talk about messages for the campaign and the various participants.
In my last email, I mentioned I was a candidate for PA Senate in the special election on May 17, 2005. I'm on the ballot as a LIBERTARIAN.
Today the Dem's pick their candidate for the PA Senate race. If Wayne Fontana is selected, as per the county charter, he SHOULD resign his seat there. A special election for County Council might be necessary. Want to run? I could always use some additional running mates.
On Monday, tune into 1360 AM at 4 pm as I'll be on the air with Jerry Bowyer.
Thanks for your concideration.
Mark Rauterkus
Mark@Rauterkus.com
http://Elect.Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell
You are invited to an online chat to occur from 11 to 11:30 pm on Monday, Feb 28, and Tuesday, March 1.
http://Rauterkus.com/rauterkuschat/
The focus of the online chat is to complete the Platform.For-Pgh.org found at:
http://Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki/
Work on the Platform.For-Pgh.org has progressed for a few months. It has plenty of content (more than 100 pages), but I dare say, its not quite ready for prime time. We need to fill in some of the holes. And, what's there needs to be given more focus and editing help.
A face-to-face meeting is slated for the Ceramics Hobby Shop at 1302 East Carson Street on the South Side for a discussion at 9 pm on Tuesday, March 1. We'll talk about messages for the campaign and the various participants.
In my last email, I mentioned I was a candidate for PA Senate in the special election on May 17, 2005. I'm on the ballot as a LIBERTARIAN.
Today the Dem's pick their candidate for the PA Senate race. If Wayne Fontana is selected, as per the county charter, he SHOULD resign his seat there. A special election for County Council might be necessary. Want to run? I could always use some additional running mates.
On Monday, tune into 1360 AM at 4 pm as I'll be on the air with Jerry Bowyer.
Thanks for your concideration.
Mark Rauterkus
Mark@Rauterkus.com
http://Elect.Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell
Campaign cash, a cause of concern. You betcha!
Andy C did a nice job with the article and I'd love to build upon its conent. Here is the story behind the story.
I'm on the same campaign finance task force that Bill chiars. Our work is not yet complete, but it has been interesting. We'll see if the outcome is worthy of a mention or not. I am certain that the task force was necessary -- and it gave cover to the sponsor of the legislation, Bill Peduto of City Council.
The original legislation called for a $2,000 limit to donors and any donor who gave the limit was not eligible for no-bid contract. Godshall, the chairman, rightly points out that $1,999 donations would skirt the restriction that applies to $2,000 donors. A $1,999 donation would allow for the letting of no-bid contacts.
The no-bid contracts are a big problem within city business operations. This is often called, "pay to play." If you want a contract, or if you get a contract, you have to give back to the ones who gave the contract to the firm.
The way to fix no-bid contracts isn't with campaign finance reform, however. Don't do no bid contracts. End that habit. Bid everything.
Sure, putting all the work of the city out in a bid process is more work. But, that is why these folks get the jobs they have. They need to work hard. They need to be "fair."
If only one firm is capable of doing the work described in the bid, then only one firm will make a bid. Still, it is okay to bid the work. Unless, the office holders are beholden to the firms.
Two important elements of this story are not being linked to the overall saga in our election process. I stand for elements that are not easily rewarded. For example, I'm against the same-old style of leadership and their donors who crave eminent domain. For me, its no TIFs; no contract give-a-ways without a bid process; no gambling casinos; no Mon Valley toll road; no debt and the need for heavy bonds to be floated. Certain project generate the campaign donations.
Meanwhile, good governement, transparent operations, higher levels of democracy and prudent fiscal policies that invest in humans, not bricks and mortar, are not going to generate money. Kids that swim in the city's pools had a hard time paying for their summer passes, yet alone giving money to campiagns. Same too for parents who are taking their kids to the rec centers.
Face it, those in the city that have the financial means to leave the city have gone elsewhere, by and large. A crew of us die-hards remain, hunkered down. Resistance in an occupied land is best done by those who survive and don't peg themselves as part of the opposition.
I don't think the un-named analysis is "on the money" with this hunch. In 2001, Bob O'Connor and Tom Murphy each spent more than $1-million. They earned votes for $30 each. My votes were earned at a rate of $.30. Yes, that's 30-cents vs. 30-dollars.
The next mayor faces a city without any money. The public kitty is bare. There won't be extras for pay-backs. The donors know this. And, they won't be giving like in the past.
Peduto was looking to raise $200k, not $1-million. The lesser amount is more on target for what it is going to take to win.
In the fall, I talked quickly with Michael Lamb. He had the goal and aspirations of raising $1-million for his campaign for mayor. He's nuts and wrong.
Why should anyone spend $1-million to get a chance in a crap-shoot for a job that pays $90k a year?
Furthermore, why should the voters select a candidate that runs a high-stakes, high-spending, high-debt campaign to run Pittsburgh? We've been crushed by high-flying, over-spending, debt-ridden public officials on Grant Street.
Up until six months ago, Bob O'Connor, the 2nd place vote getter in 2001's Dem Primary, again, was $30,000 in debt. Debt is killing this city.
Pittsburgh has to get itself out of debt.
Michael Diven went into big debt in 2004 as he had to keep his state house seat. Some said that was the reason for his party switch from D to R. Diven took his re-election tab to the House Ds to settle as he beat the candidate funded by the House Ds. But the debt was not forgiven there and would be settled by the Senate Rs. He switched because of debt. Diven has been bought and paid for by others.
It is fun to be free. I can say and do as I please. Imagine this, I can choose to do what's right without worries of my gravy-train going away.
To vote for me cost nothing.
Finally, the money needed to prop up these candidates is to make sure that their message gets out. They have to craft a message. They need to have consultants and specialist fundraisers to cover the cost of the consultants, printers and tv ads.
My message gets to you from my head -- with my friends -- to my keyboard -- to this blog and elsewhere on the internet -- at bargain prices with depth and scope.
Some of us have messages to share, plus the necessary creativity to craft and deliver those message and a desire to run without debt in a prudent lifestyle.
In closing: All the king's men and all the king's horses couldn't put Humpty together again. We've had a great fall. And the fix for our future is not with the royalty and the few with self-interest money concerns. The future of our region can be that of prosperity as soon as we rely upon the self-reliance of the people. We need creative, new leadership for the region that can grip the problems, attack at their roots and lead a diverse commuity where interaction among people is valued and trusted.
As for campaign finance reform legislation, stay tuned. Much more is in the pipeline.
Campaign cash rolls in from outside city - PittsburghLIVE.com 'It's a cause for concern,' said Bill Godshall, chairman of the Pittsburgh Campaign Finance Task Force. 'Mayors are elected by the city residents to serve the residents of the city. If outside money is coming in, I question whose interests the next mayor is representing.'
I'm on the same campaign finance task force that Bill chiars. Our work is not yet complete, but it has been interesting. We'll see if the outcome is worthy of a mention or not. I am certain that the task force was necessary -- and it gave cover to the sponsor of the legislation, Bill Peduto of City Council.
The original legislation called for a $2,000 limit to donors and any donor who gave the limit was not eligible for no-bid contract. Godshall, the chairman, rightly points out that $1,999 donations would skirt the restriction that applies to $2,000 donors. A $1,999 donation would allow for the letting of no-bid contacts.
The no-bid contracts are a big problem within city business operations. This is often called, "pay to play." If you want a contract, or if you get a contract, you have to give back to the ones who gave the contract to the firm.
The way to fix no-bid contracts isn't with campaign finance reform, however. Don't do no bid contracts. End that habit. Bid everything.
Sure, putting all the work of the city out in a bid process is more work. But, that is why these folks get the jobs they have. They need to work hard. They need to be "fair."
If only one firm is capable of doing the work described in the bid, then only one firm will make a bid. Still, it is okay to bid the work. Unless, the office holders are beholden to the firms.
Two important elements of this story are not being linked to the overall saga in our election process. I stand for elements that are not easily rewarded. For example, I'm against the same-old style of leadership and their donors who crave eminent domain. For me, its no TIFs; no contract give-a-ways without a bid process; no gambling casinos; no Mon Valley toll road; no debt and the need for heavy bonds to be floated. Certain project generate the campaign donations.
Meanwhile, good governement, transparent operations, higher levels of democracy and prudent fiscal policies that invest in humans, not bricks and mortar, are not going to generate money. Kids that swim in the city's pools had a hard time paying for their summer passes, yet alone giving money to campiagns. Same too for parents who are taking their kids to the rec centers.
Face it, those in the city that have the financial means to leave the city have gone elsewhere, by and large. A crew of us die-hards remain, hunkered down. Resistance in an occupied land is best done by those who survive and don't peg themselves as part of the opposition.
In the 2001 race, Mayor Tom Murphy and O'Connor combined to raise a record $2.3 million. Without a sitting mayor, this year's race might not top that amount, but it should come close, analysts said.
I don't think the un-named analysis is "on the money" with this hunch. In 2001, Bob O'Connor and Tom Murphy each spent more than $1-million. They earned votes for $30 each. My votes were earned at a rate of $.30. Yes, that's 30-cents vs. 30-dollars.
The next mayor faces a city without any money. The public kitty is bare. There won't be extras for pay-backs. The donors know this. And, they won't be giving like in the past.
Peduto was looking to raise $200k, not $1-million. The lesser amount is more on target for what it is going to take to win.
In the fall, I talked quickly with Michael Lamb. He had the goal and aspirations of raising $1-million for his campaign for mayor. He's nuts and wrong.
Why should anyone spend $1-million to get a chance in a crap-shoot for a job that pays $90k a year?
Furthermore, why should the voters select a candidate that runs a high-stakes, high-spending, high-debt campaign to run Pittsburgh? We've been crushed by high-flying, over-spending, debt-ridden public officials on Grant Street.
Up until six months ago, Bob O'Connor, the 2nd place vote getter in 2001's Dem Primary, again, was $30,000 in debt. Debt is killing this city.
Pittsburgh has to get itself out of debt.
Michael Diven went into big debt in 2004 as he had to keep his state house seat. Some said that was the reason for his party switch from D to R. Diven took his re-election tab to the House Ds to settle as he beat the candidate funded by the House Ds. But the debt was not forgiven there and would be settled by the Senate Rs. He switched because of debt. Diven has been bought and paid for by others.
It is fun to be free. I can say and do as I please. Imagine this, I can choose to do what's right without worries of my gravy-train going away.
To vote for me cost nothing.
Finally, the money needed to prop up these candidates is to make sure that their message gets out. They have to craft a message. They need to have consultants and specialist fundraisers to cover the cost of the consultants, printers and tv ads.
My message gets to you from my head -- with my friends -- to my keyboard -- to this blog and elsewhere on the internet -- at bargain prices with depth and scope.
Some of us have messages to share, plus the necessary creativity to craft and deliver those message and a desire to run without debt in a prudent lifestyle.
In closing: All the king's men and all the king's horses couldn't put Humpty together again. We've had a great fall. And the fix for our future is not with the royalty and the few with self-interest money concerns. The future of our region can be that of prosperity as soon as we rely upon the self-reliance of the people. We need creative, new leadership for the region that can grip the problems, attack at their roots and lead a diverse commuity where interaction among people is valued and trusted.
As for campaign finance reform legislation, stay tuned. Much more is in the pipeline.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Emal blast: [412] Announcing: I'm in the PA Senate Race.
Hi Neighbors and "Generous Pace Setters,"
The Pittsburgh region needs a different representation in Harrisburg.
I'm running for Pennsylvania Senate in the special election for the
42nd district to be held on May 17, 2005.
I would welcome your donations.
Please make check payable to: Elect.Rauterkus.com
Send to: Elect.Rauterkus.com
108 South 12th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412 298 3432 = my cell
My heart is here in the community with you. Together, we can make a
difference. In the past you've heard from me because of my blog and
other efforts. Now I'm appealing for you to help me in this state
senate race.
Thanks for the consideration.
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark@Rauterkus.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell
Candidate for Pennsylvania Senate, 42nd District. Vote on May 17, 2005.
http://Platform.For-Pgh.org
- - - - - -
http://Rauterkus.com/mailman/listinfo/412-public-campaign/
Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com can help with additions, subtractions and
changes for your email.
The Pittsburgh region needs a different representation in Harrisburg.
I'm running for Pennsylvania Senate in the special election for the
42nd district to be held on May 17, 2005.
I would welcome your donations.
Please make check payable to: Elect.Rauterkus.com
Send to: Elect.Rauterkus.com
108 South 12th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412 298 3432 = my cell
My heart is here in the community with you. Together, we can make a
difference. In the past you've heard from me because of my blog and
other efforts. Now I'm appealing for you to help me in this state
senate race.
Thanks for the consideration.
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark@Rauterkus.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell
Candidate for Pennsylvania Senate, 42nd District. Vote on May 17, 2005.
http://Platform.For-Pgh.org
- - - - - -
http://Rauterkus.com/mailman/listinfo/412-public-campaign/
Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com can help with additions, subtractions and
changes for your email.
Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances gives a mention
Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com On the 'Watch List' I: The 42nd District state Senate race. Democrat-turned-Republican state Rep. Mike Diven has won the GOP committee's nomination to fill now-state Auditor General Jack Wagner's vacant seat. Democrats will choose from among four candidates on Sunday to face Diven in May's special election. Given the relative impuissance of the Dems' candidate kitty (and Libertarian challenger Mark Rauterkus), this race is Mr. Diven's to lose.
How does one read that statement? It's Diven's race to lose and my being in the race helps to insure his victory? How do you take that statement? And, what about the race overall.
We'll know in less than 24 hours who the Dems are putting onto the ballot.
Friday, February 25, 2005
School Sell Off puts "Z" at the front of the class.
PPS is starting the process for the eventual selling of four of its now empty schools. My reaction to this news is that they are taking the easy road. They want to sell of the best schools at first bush. That is exactly the wrong way to proceed. The hardest schools to sell should be the first to be put onto the market.
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
I hate to see our neighborhood groups do "slam dunk projects." Rather, the non-profits around here should be doing the heavy lifting to help in our hardest challenges.
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
I hate to see our neighborhood groups do "slam dunk projects." Rather, the non-profits around here should be doing the heavy lifting to help in our hardest challenges.
Invited to a radio interview on Monday at 4 pm at 1360 AM
I've been invited, and I'm expecting to be on the air for an interview on Monday at 4 pm, 1360 AM radio, with Jerry Bowyer.
Note the time change.
Note the time change.
Nonprofits joining to make payments to city
Here comes the formation of another hand-picked, non-elected board for oversight. Charters and consitutions -- not needed. Rules of operation only get in the way to those who are with power. Elections are not welcomed either.
When the city is in the role of begger -- the city can't expect anything else other than crumbs from the willing. This is not a healthy position for the city. The downward spiral continues.
I'd love to be proven wrong, but it's my opinion that the formation of a board is but one step in a journey that would span 10,000 miles. Most people can get into the airplane, some can fly a plane, and few can land it in a safe way. The journey's destination is a long way into the future.
However, I feel that the journey picks up speed after the present mayor departs and again after the next mayor is in office.
This fine group of people have their own jobs to do with their own institutions. Fixing the city isn't their prime motivations in life. They may plod along and suprise us -- but I'm not expecting greatness nor leadership for the city's mess. They'll lend a hand. But, the best way for them to help is to have new city leadership. Then the next mayor can pull them along quickly.
When the city is in the role of begger -- the city can't expect anything else other than crumbs from the willing. This is not a healthy position for the city. The downward spiral continues.
Nonprofits joining to make payments to city The city's nonprofits stepped closer to collecting the $6 million in voluntary payments included in Pittsburgh's 2005 city budget today with the naming of a 12-member board to oversee the funding.
I'd love to be proven wrong, but it's my opinion that the formation of a board is but one step in a journey that would span 10,000 miles. Most people can get into the airplane, some can fly a plane, and few can land it in a safe way. The journey's destination is a long way into the future.
However, I feel that the journey picks up speed after the present mayor departs and again after the next mayor is in office.
This fine group of people have their own jobs to do with their own institutions. Fixing the city isn't their prime motivations in life. They may plod along and suprise us -- but I'm not expecting greatness nor leadership for the city's mess. They'll lend a hand. But, the best way for them to help is to have new city leadership. Then the next mayor can pull them along quickly.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Schenley, 73 - 50 and winners on girls side too
The Schenley hoops teams won the city league basketball games tonight at The Pete.
Last night I was part of a meeting that concerned our students at Schenley and the other schools that are part of the International Studies program. My children are in the Spanish Magnet at Phillips on the South Side. We walk to school. Phillips is part neighborhood school and part Spanish Magnet.
There are a number of other elem. schools around the Pgh Public Schools District that are devoted to foreign languages.
I'm not happy to see a 23-point spread in a championship game. Nor am I happy to learn of the gap in the perceptions of the programs from the present to the past. And, some schools are working hard at the languages in their daily lessons. Others don't.
When the kids merge at the Middle School, Frick, the wide range of knowledge and preperations make a strain.
The common theme: We need to raise standards. We need to have higher expectations. We are not satisfied. We want the kids to graduate and be bi-lingual.
Last night I was part of a meeting that concerned our students at Schenley and the other schools that are part of the International Studies program. My children are in the Spanish Magnet at Phillips on the South Side. We walk to school. Phillips is part neighborhood school and part Spanish Magnet.
There are a number of other elem. schools around the Pgh Public Schools District that are devoted to foreign languages.
I'm not happy to see a 23-point spread in a championship game. Nor am I happy to learn of the gap in the perceptions of the programs from the present to the past. And, some schools are working hard at the languages in their daily lessons. Others don't.
When the kids merge at the Middle School, Frick, the wide range of knowledge and preperations make a strain.
The common theme: We need to raise standards. We need to have higher expectations. We are not satisfied. We want the kids to graduate and be bi-lingual.
Porkers on the Federal Level
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) has named New York Senators Hillary Clinton (D) and Charles Schumer (D) Co-Porkers of the Month for pledging to fight the President's reforms of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Sens. Clinton and Schumer lashed out at the President, with Sen. Clinton describing the federal economic development grants as "a lifeline" for New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet. Yet past grants in New York have included $25,000 for construction of the Music Conservatory of Westchester (one of the wealthiest counties in the nation) and $500,000 for "streetscape improvements," also in Westchester. For resisting much-need reforms in a wasteful program, for exaggerating the supposed benefits of CDBGs, and for leaning on federal grants to cover up local problems, CAGW names New York Sens. Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer its February Porkers of the Month.
Public transit: No more band-aids.
State funding dedicated to public transportation obviously is a problem. I (and for those who depend on public transit) hope we see our State Senate and Governor, act responsibly. Pass permanent legislation to provide permanent, dedicated funding to public transit. Public transportation is vital to a thriving, growing area.
Given the population demise in Pittsburgh, along with the rising tax structures in Allegheny County, related municipalities and school district, why did the management of the Port Authority of Allegheny County not take earlier steps to tighten its own belt?
Several years ago after a rate increase, as an employee of a downtown company, I took the personal steps on my own. My former bus commute became a 3o minute walk. I made the decision to walk from home to work and back. I was lucky that I had the choice, the good health and the modest distance for a daily hike. Unfortunately, many others are dependent on public transporation and can't take the same simple steps.
The importance of public transportation is noted at www.publictransportation.org. Summary: "Public transportation provides greater freedom, access, opportunity and choice for Americans. It also strengthens America's communities by stimulating the economy, reducing traffic congestion, decreasing dependency on foreign oil, preserving a healthy, safe environment and creating jobs…"
Given the population demise in Pittsburgh, along with the rising tax structures in Allegheny County, related municipalities and school district, why did the management of the Port Authority of Allegheny County not take earlier steps to tighten its own belt?
Several years ago after a rate increase, as an employee of a downtown company, I took the personal steps on my own. My former bus commute became a 3o minute walk. I made the decision to walk from home to work and back. I was lucky that I had the choice, the good health and the modest distance for a daily hike. Unfortunately, many others are dependent on public transporation and can't take the same simple steps.
The importance of public transportation is noted at www.publictransportation.org. Summary: "Public transportation provides greater freedom, access, opportunity and choice for Americans. It also strengthens America's communities by stimulating the economy, reducing traffic congestion, decreasing dependency on foreign oil, preserving a healthy, safe environment and creating jobs…"
Slopes Town Meeting on Monday night
A TOWN MEETING TO DISCUSS DRUG ACTIVITY SURROUNDING THE VICINITY OF
ST. PAUL MONASTERY is slated for St. Paul Retreat Center, Main Lounge Area, 148 Monastery Avenue at 7 pm on Monday, February 28, 2005.
Expect Commander William Joyce, Zone 3 and Commander William Valenta, Narcotics and Vice Unit. Come with your questions and concerns.
Peduto a hockey player
Peduto officially enters mayoral race Peduto, a hockey player, noted that the United States Olympic hockey team won a gold medal 25 years ago today, two days after beating the favored Soviet Union team in the so-called 'Miracle on Ice.'
Pittsburgh has a marathon runner in the mayor's office now and the city doesn't even have a marathon any longer. The marathon ended on Murphy's watch. But, he's on the way out.
Peduto, a hockey player, has been on city council while the lone indoor ice rink in the city has stayed closed. So our next mayor could be like our last. A hockey guy with no hockey venue just as a marathon runner without a home-town race.
If Bill wants to run as a miracle hockey player -- he'd better think a bit about the now closed indoor ice rink. I've done everything I can do. But, I'm not holding elected office.
Furthermore, Bill comes over to the South Side to announce his campaign's start. Welcome to the neighborhood. He wanted to stand on the roof of an old building and look out over the city's skyline. Sounds like my house. But, he went to Terminal Way, a building that's crawling with a lot of non-profits now. That site used to be for commerce and wealth creation.
Bill's arrival into the race is welcomed. His winning the office, that is another matter to be sure. Time will tell.
Last night Bill came over to a meeting I was attending, "Drinking Liberally." Good to hear from him there. He said that a number of his views in the last three years had changed. I've noticed. I expect that the transformation will continue in the next three years as well.
Bill and I agree in most places as to the problems. So, as he talks, he is about 75% right on with my perspectives too. However, that last bit as to how to fix things -- he turns to a solution of a super authority, an authority over all other authories, as in transit. Ouch.
But, there is something to be said for talking it out.
In an email his office needs lamps, folders, computer monitors, furnature. Send that to him if you have it. I don't need any of that for my office. We're covered. However, I'm in the market for 6,000 blank CDs, jewel cases optional.
My wish list: CDs. Pointers and blank media welcomed.
Heads up for St. Louis, the other gateway city
I submitted a letter to the editor for publishing in the St. Louis newspaper as Dr. John Thompson is a finalist for the Superintendent's job there. See the comment area.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Vendors, Shade, Advertisements
The citizens are pushing at City Council on a few matters.
I stand for the free markets! If I was in charge, we'd expand and loosen the vendor restrictions.
Meanwhile, the city is going in the wrong directions. The city is kicking out the vendors in Oakland. The vendors provide valued services.
The shade tree commission is about to see its stream of income diverted into the general fund. The income to the city from the bus shelter ads is to go directly to the commission now. However, some on council want to change the existing policy.
The best solution would be the creation of a Pittsburgh Park District that would include the revenue stream and the responsibility of the existing shade tree commission. We need to work on quality of life matters and not be bogged down with other city business matters such as roads and police.
A new Pittsburgh Park District, using the model that operates in Illinois, would be a perfect setting for these discussions and deliberations and decisions.
As to the ads in the ballfields --- same solution different problem. The parks people should make park decisions. And all the citizens should be part of the public park process. An open entity, operating with the sunshine laws, devote to the green, healthy, web of life elements is so important to our mission as a region.
We need a Pittsburgh Park District. As a state senator, I'd insure its arrival. Then all these matters can flow into that body for us to discuss and act upon.
I stand for the free markets! If I was in charge, we'd expand and loosen the vendor restrictions.
Meanwhile, the city is going in the wrong directions. The city is kicking out the vendors in Oakland. The vendors provide valued services.
The shade tree commission is about to see its stream of income diverted into the general fund. The income to the city from the bus shelter ads is to go directly to the commission now. However, some on council want to change the existing policy.
The best solution would be the creation of a Pittsburgh Park District that would include the revenue stream and the responsibility of the existing shade tree commission. We need to work on quality of life matters and not be bogged down with other city business matters such as roads and police.
A new Pittsburgh Park District, using the model that operates in Illinois, would be a perfect setting for these discussions and deliberations and decisions.
As to the ads in the ballfields --- same solution different problem. The parks people should make park decisions. And all the citizens should be part of the public park process. An open entity, operating with the sunshine laws, devote to the green, healthy, web of life elements is so important to our mission as a region.
We need a Pittsburgh Park District. As a state senator, I'd insure its arrival. Then all these matters can flow into that body for us to discuss and act upon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
