This Post-Gazette editorial nicely sums up the cronyism and incompetence of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.
Editorial: Dreary Democrats / Are Woods and Flaherty the cream of the party?
The more I learn about Pittsburgh politics, the more I believe that the Democratic establishment is an obstacle to democracy in this town.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
League will keep tabs - PittsburghLIVE.com
League will keep tabs - PittsburghLIVE.com The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh will referee this year's mayoral primary to see if candidates run a clean campaign.
Think-a-thon = my cup of tea.
The Eighth Annual Pittsburgh Public Schools Think-A-Thon will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2005 at John A. Brashear High School.
More than fifty teams of 4th through 12th grade students will compete in seven different creative events designed to test their creativity, teamwork, artistic expression, higher level thinking skills, and dramatic and communication ability.
We need judges for each event! If you like kids and love to see them think creatively and solve problems together, you will love this! We need your time (8 am - 12 noon); in exchange we'll give you a chance to work with some great kids. We will train you that day so don't worry about having to know anything in advance…. and you'll get a free breakfast, lunch and a………..
FABULOUS Think-A-Thon T-shirt.
If you want to know more, please call: Joyce Clark, Think-A-Thon Chair, at (412) 323-3958 or email me at jclark1 @ pghboe.net. I really need your help!!!!
Bigger better for Pennsylvania schools?
Bigger better for Pennsylvania schools? - PittsburghLIVE.com
'Other states have had this progressive countywide system including North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia,' Chapaloney said. 'The representative also feels we can't have true education funding reform until we actually change the source of funding and find another system. You can't keep doing what you're doing and expect change.'
Public Comment to City Council by Mark Rauterkus
Exact date uncertain.
From Mark Rauterkus
Today I come to council with good news —— and there is some good n
news in the air.
This is the time.
Good News for Modern Man —— that's the name of the New Testament.
Easter is about to be with us.
This is the time for-rebirth. This is the time for spring.
This is the time
To be biblical —— the guy on council with the other gospel-writer's name —— Luke (Ravenstahl), had good news. ‘
Mathew, Mark, Luke and John -—
I'm Mark —— He's Luke.
Luke had good news yesterday.
He took a stop watch into the neighborhoods.
Stopwatch. Time.
That is my tool. I use a stop watch all the time.
No so much as to time my talks to fit into 3 minute segments ——
But as a swim coach. ‘
Luke figured that the 4-minutes to get the fire equipment into reaches of Troy Hill was okay.
That is good news.
That's a good test.
But I wonder about the timing of this....
It is 2005. We all knew that fire houses needed to close to save money.
It took how long to close them?
Mark's good news is about music.
I'm holding a community concert.
I'm also passing around CDs. One of the songs is "Don't Put me in a Box."
If you are in a box - you won't be able to attend.
If you are in a box of party conformity, you'll be punished if you attend.
If you can't step out of the box -- we can't fix Pittsburgh.
The other song deals with CHANGE in the AIR. This is a time for rebirth and change in Pittsburgh.
But this is NOT a time for change for the sake of change.
I expect that city council will change greatly in the years to come.
But change to what?
We need changes -- but we need serious, calculated, time-honored, changes of accountability.
Modern, efficient, leadership.
Michael Diven (formerly of Pittsburgh's City Council and at the time in the PA House) changed his party. His change is for change's sake -- and not for any real benefit.
Wayne Fontana (formerly of Allegheny County Council -- then to PA Senate) changes from one job to another. But that isn't real change for Pittsburgh,
It is for Fontana —— but not for Pittsburgh.
Find out what I'm about -- at the concert. At the web site.
Hope to make my points of change known to you all.
- ASSESSMENT BUFFERING
- TRANSPORTATION
- HUMAN Development -- not corporate welfare and wrongheaded investments that are not helping.
Fontana resigning County Council seat for Senate run
The date on this resignation is still unsure. It seems as if he is going to announce the date of his intention to resign. This isn't clear to me.
Fontana's seat on County Council is to be filled within 30 days of his resignation. Those on council get to select the replacement and that person needs to be in the same party as the one who has departed.
The hand-picked replacement would serve the remainder of the terms, until early January, 2006. No special election would be held, perhaps. I've heard conflicting advice on the need for the special election, or not.
Only one person filed papers for the Dem Party endorsement for the seat.
Wayne Fontana is not expected to file papers for re-election to his seat, today, at the Elections Department. The term expires this year.
We'll know shortly if there is going to be any other Dem (beyond Rich N.) or Republicans seeking that seet as well. Libertarians and other third party candidates can still seek the seat by starting to get signatures tomorrow. Those papers (not petitions) are due by August 1, 2005, and would get the candidate onto the November general election ballot.
So, my question, what date will Wayne Fontana choose to resign?
Fontana resigning County Council seat for Senate run: "Fontana resigning County Council seat for Senate run
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Wayne Fontana, the Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 42nd District, will announce today his plans to resign his Allegheny County Council seat.
Fontana said yesterday he would leave the seat before April 1, but he was still selecting a specific date.
He is running against state Rep. Michael Diven, a Republican, and Mark Rauterkus, a Libertarian, in the May 17 special election to replace Jack Wagner, who was elected state auditor general.
Fontana's seat on County Council is to be filled within 30 days of his resignation. Those on council get to select the replacement and that person needs to be in the same party as the one who has departed.
The hand-picked replacement would serve the remainder of the terms, until early January, 2006. No special election would be held, perhaps. I've heard conflicting advice on the need for the special election, or not.
Only one person filed papers for the Dem Party endorsement for the seat.
Wayne Fontana is not expected to file papers for re-election to his seat, today, at the Elections Department. The term expires this year.
We'll know shortly if there is going to be any other Dem (beyond Rich N.) or Republicans seeking that seet as well. Libertarians and other third party candidates can still seek the seat by starting to get signatures tomorrow. Those papers (not petitions) are due by August 1, 2005, and would get the candidate onto the November general election ballot.
So, my question, what date will Wayne Fontana choose to resign?
Monday, March 07, 2005
Bill Green Running For DJ
Bill Green, political gadfly, has announced that he is running for District Magistrate (formerly District Justice) in a trendy suburban district.
Green, 59, operates Bill Green and Associates, a political campaign firm that's best known for running...um, no. That was Kent Gates' campaign. Green ran...no, that was the other guy's.
Ah buggers, I don't know what Bill Green and Associates REALLY did. Bill was best known for pontificating on Jerry Bowyer's radio show, in print, and in other outlets.
If Green wins, he reportedly will be able to continue opining on races countywide, throughout the state, and around the country.
Don't think that's actually right...but best of luck to Mr. Green.
Don't know if his company will continue, as the Magistrate job is supposed to be full-time.
If he wins, Green will hold the seat for a 6-year term.
Green, 59, operates Bill Green and Associates, a political campaign firm that's best known for running...um, no. That was Kent Gates' campaign. Green ran...no, that was the other guy's.
Ah buggers, I don't know what Bill Green and Associates REALLY did. Bill was best known for pontificating on Jerry Bowyer's radio show, in print, and in other outlets.
If Green wins, he reportedly will be able to continue opining on races countywide, throughout the state, and around the country.
Don't think that's actually right...but best of luck to Mr. Green.
Don't know if his company will continue, as the Magistrate job is supposed to be full-time.
If he wins, Green will hold the seat for a 6-year term.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
THE RACE FOR MAYOR: Bill Peduto / Building a new Pittsburgh for the 21st century
THE RACE FOR MAYOR: Bill Peduto / Building a new Pittsburgh for the 21st century Building a new Pittsburgh for the 21st century
What do you think? I am busy at the moment, and can't reply in an earnest way.
Get on the bus Gus. Making no plans Stan.
Have you ever seen classic concept maps? Have you developed any?
This map is posted to the Platform.For-Pgh.org wiki. Click the map to go to the wiki's transportation page.
The example is a bit large in terms of pixels. It might jam up the blog with its size. Hope not.
The map is also general. It isn't packed with cutting edge insight. Rather it is more of a lay of the land overview of what I mean by transportation for people. This map does not deal with the transportation of freight (coal, produce) and trucks.
This map is posted to the Platform.For-Pgh.org wiki. Click the map to go to the wiki's transportation page.
The example is a bit large in terms of pixels. It might jam up the blog with its size. Hope not.
The map is also general. It isn't packed with cutting edge insight. Rather it is more of a lay of the land overview of what I mean by transportation for people. This map does not deal with the transportation of freight (coal, produce) and trucks.
Giggle at the WHISPERS, as it hits close to home
This article snip in the Trib is funny. And, it hits close to home as well:
I too could use a campaign helper on communications, media releations, press releases and PR. Or, just pick one.
To reach my campiagn manager, email Katrinia at Manager@Rautekrus.com.
Fast Eddie flunks finance - PittsburghLIVE.com: "MAN OF MANY HATS. We received a perplexing news release this week from Pittsburgh City Councilman William Peduto regarding the staffing for his mayoral campaign.
Peduto announced that his campaign communications director would be someone he's very close to: Pittsburgh City Councilman William Peduto.
'Unlike some other candidates, Bill has chosen to speak for himself during this campaign,' Peduto the candidate said in the release undoubtedly approved by Peduto the communications director. 'Bill has a reputation for thoughtfully speaking out on many issues. In addition, Bill has a lifetime of experience speaking for himself.'
But if you wanted additional information on the release, you were instructed not to turn to the candidate or his communications director. No, any follow-up questions were directed to campaign manager P.J. Lavelle.
Probably just an internal campaign miscommunication.
I too could use a campaign helper on communications, media releations, press releases and PR. Or, just pick one.
To reach my campiagn manager, email Katrinia at Manager@Rautekrus.com.
Playing music with new friends -- and doing it oh so well.
Teacher, I know the answer.
This was more than a concert. It was also an experience and educational opportunity. The teacher from New York engaged with the students from Pittsburgh.
Violin players from New York performed in Pittsburgh
Leader and his charges -- a musical gang of young people.
Editorial: Dan's world / A fantasy land of assessment caps won't last
Our ACE, Dan O, is told to get real in an editorial from the PG: Editorial: Dan's world / A fantasy land of assessment caps won't last
In Dan Onorato's world, the men are strong, the women are handsome, all children are above average and property assessments rise by no more than 4 percent. Even over three years.
The stage is being set for a three way showdown. At one point is the plan from Dan with a 4% cap. The other players are homeowners and public opinion. And the last comes the county council.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
LancasterOnline.com: Bush to visit family support center in Pittsburgh
LancasterOnline.com: Bush to visit family support center in Pittsburgh President Bush and Laura Bush will visit a family support center on Monday as the first lady promotes a White House plan to steer at-risk youth away from gangs, the leader of the center said.
The Bushes will tour preschool classrooms and meet with teen program participants at the Providence Family Support Center on Pittsburgh's North Side, said Sister Maria Fest, a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also the executive director of Providence Connections Inc., which operates the center.
The center, which started in 1995, provides early childhood development, day care, after-school programs and parenting classes.
It also has a connection to the White House.
H. James Towey, the head of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, spoke at the October 2002 dedication of the center's new building. Fest also sat with Laura Bush during the president's 2003 State of the Union address.
Before she heard the news of the Bushes' visit, the office of faith-based initiatives called and asked Fest about her programs catering to teenagers, she said.
The president has budgeted $150 million over three years in Justice Department funding for anti-gang efforts.
Tonight, our family is hosting two teens from Ithica, New York. Both boys are in high school, one a junior and the other a freshmen. They are here with a group from their music school. They teemed with young musicans from the Pittsburgh Music Academy in Carnegie. Tonight we were treated to a fantastic string concert at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie. They were amazing, and joined with some of the Pittsburgh kids.
My boys, ages 10 and 7, are just thrilled to have the house guests.
This is one way to have an anti-gang efforts, music. Great music.
The touring musicans from Ithica play again on Sunday at the 11 am service at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (corner of Moorwood and Elseworth). A one hour concert is set for 1 pm. The Suzuiki schools are doing some expert teacher classes. The visiting music teachers give a master's class where they teach the Pittsburgh kids and the Pittsburgh teachers watch and witness.
Another great way to keep teenagers out of gangs is to put them into a gang we want them in -- like a swim team. I think 5:45 AM swim practices three times a week makes a great gang intervention program.
Rendell, Comcast and Cable Modems still undelivered in Pittsburgh
Post Gazette: GOP turns up heat on Rendell 'Ed Rendell is on the payroll of Comcast and the state delivers a large grant for Comcast. People have a right to know who made that decision,' he said.
The city of Pittsburgh has a cable franchise agreement that has bounced around and now resides with Comcast. Used to be TCI and others. In the contract, clearly visible on the web, it says the city is to get some 80+ cable modems for use in city rec centers and senior centers. These provisions were made years ago.
Phili deals hatch skyscrapers and mega tax breaks. We in Pittsburgh, despite my attempts, can't even get some stinking cable modems to advance technology literacy.
Perhaps this will be next week's new release on the heels of the Bush visit and since a few of the Rec Centers opened again.
Tuesday -- two events on Transit
Peduto's campaign workers put this call out:
The regular city council meeting is at 10 am. So, the rally must be the public comment period before the meeting. People get to speak for 3 minutes each. No need to sign up in advance. A real rally at 9:30 am on the steps of the city county building, then the 10 am meeting might have worked better. But, people might not show up to the rally at this date and time.
I'll be sure to have my transit statement at 10 am too.
At 7 pm, at an event on the North Side at Finnegan's Wake, (Drinking Liberally, no charge to enter), I'll give more details as to what to do for transit and how I plan on helping as a State Senator. Please attend if you can.
On Tuesday at 10:00 AM, Councilman Bill Peduto will be introducing a resolution calling on the SPC to support the use of flex funds to avoid PAT Transit service cuts and fare increases. We want to fill the room to show the region how important this issue is to Southwestern Pennsylvania. Please join us in support of public transportation.
RALLY TO SAVE PUBLIC TRANSIT, 10:00 AM in City Council Chambers, 5th Floor, City County Building, 414 Grant Street
The regular city council meeting is at 10 am. So, the rally must be the public comment period before the meeting. People get to speak for 3 minutes each. No need to sign up in advance. A real rally at 9:30 am on the steps of the city county building, then the 10 am meeting might have worked better. But, people might not show up to the rally at this date and time.
I'll be sure to have my transit statement at 10 am too.
At 7 pm, at an event on the North Side at Finnegan's Wake, (Drinking Liberally, no charge to enter), I'll give more details as to what to do for transit and how I plan on helping as a State Senator. Please attend if you can.
PG coverage: Fontana resigning county council seat -- soon
Fontana resigning county council seat -- soon Fontana resigning county council seat -- soon
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Wayne Fontana, the Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 42nd District, says he plans to resign his Allegheny County Council seat, just not yet.
Fontana rebuffed a call yesterday by Libertarian candidate Mark Rauterkus that he immediately resign the seat now that he has been nominated by the Democrats for the May 17 special election.
Rauterkus said the county's home-rule charter requires members of council to resign as soon as they become candidates for another office.
However, Fontana said he has opinions from the county solicitor and council's solicitor stating that he has 30 days from the time he is nominated to step down.
He also said he has been told by officials with the state Democratic Committee that he is not officially a candidate until he files formal paperwork with them. Fontana said he has until March 28 to do that.
Fontana is running against Rauterkus and state Rep. Michael Diven, a longtime Democrat who recently switched to the Republican Party, in the special election to replace Jack Wagner, who was elected state auditor general.
Another mention was made to this story on Rob Pratt's KDKA radio show. Pratt was on the air with an interview of the council chair, Rich Fitzgerald, D, about the assessments.
Council benefits from cap. That's the point: The TRUST has been broken!
Council benefits from cap - PittsburghLIVE.com Fontana, who chairs council's assessments committee, said it is unfair to think personal interest will sway the vote on Onorato's plan. 'You have to trust that your elected officials are looking after the interests of the taxpayers,' he said.
You have to, he says, That is the point! We don't. The trust is broken. The connection between the right course of action and what really gets done is absent. The "gotta trust" song has departed the political landscape of Pittsburgh.
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