P.G.'s Editorial Review Meeting, recap by new press secretary

Tim's recap of the PG Meeting. On his first hours on the new job, Tim and I went to the Blvd and into the PG's main conference room.

On Tuesday, April 19, 2005, State Senate hopeful, Mark Rauterkus, 45, Libertarian, participated in the Pittsurgh Post-Gazette's Editorial Board meeting with competing candidates, Republican Michael Diven and Democratic Wayne Fontana.

The meeting was the first instance that all three up for PA Senate joined in the same meeting. Jack Wagner vacated the seat to serve in another office, PA Auditor General, so a special election is slated on May 17, 2005, the same day as the primary election.

In the one-hour meeting, covered by a news reporter and photographer as well as attended by more than five from the PG, every candidate was given an opportunity to present his background, his reasons for being qualified for the job and describe two important issues that would be addressed during service to the state as a senator.

Rauterkus spoke on his dedication to community issues and the leadership he has gained from diverse experiences such as coaching swimming and publishing books.

Rauterkus distinguished himself on two different issues: the elimination of authorities and merging the city and county with parks as the next logical area for effective govermental and citizen actions.

Rauterkus noted that authorities are undemocratic institutions often governed by those who may not be most suited for the job, but are there due to some political favor. “Across Pennsylvania, government authorities try to solve problems, but usually make things wrose and serve the well-connected. Those that can’t be eliminated must be made more open and accountable to those they serve and to the taxpayer.”

Rauterkus also spoke on his progressive idea of merging the city and county park system, plus dealing with afterschool activities in facilities owned by school districts. This merger would be patterned on the state of Illinois’ acclaimed system which includes citizen service in the management of the parks. Such a merger would “put democracy at the forefront” and help the system improve. The state of Illinois currently has more than 2,100 elected citizens serving without compensation on governing boards.

Fontana began and discussed his background as a county council member and his focus on property taxes, mass transit and medical costs. All of the candidates gave comments on each topic.

Diven spoke on his experience in Harrisburg and his ideas about a downtown office building that would consolidate city, county and school district administration offices. Diven's program calls for the creation of another authority, and a $300-million finance deal ($50-M for Pittsburgh). Rauterkus raised strong objection to the new Diven plan calling it a potential final nail in the coffin for Pittsburgh. Diven's program for blighted properties within the city caught the distain from Rauterkus with the clincher that properties would be sold for $1 each to insiders based on highest and best use -- not competitive bidding.

Allegheny County Libertarian Meeting

Tim, the new media relations campaign worker, wrote the following. He'll be posting to the blog shortly.

On Wednesday, April 20, 42nd State Senate Candidate Mark Rauterkus spoke to the Allegheny County Libertarians at Carnegie Mellon University.

Rauterkus gave a joint interview with Libertarian Party Chair, Tim Crowley, on third party politics. Rauterkus agreed with Mr. Crowley’s assertion that new parties are important for citizens, particularly because they expand the opportunities and choices of voters. Strengthening democracy is a priority for Rauterkus, demonstrated by his position on the elimination of the undemocratic institution of authorities and the merger of the city and county park system to ultimately allow for more citizen participation in their management.

Rauterkus presented an update on the campaign for the open seat in the PA Senate. Coro Fellow, Tim Aldinger, 29, joined the campaign this past week on a fulltime basis. Coro fellows are working on various electoral elements within the fellowship curriculum. Tim’s first campaign experience presents interesting insights for learning the unique pressures of third party candidates. Furthermore, joining Rauterkus given his past professional background as a journalist and publisher of a small-press imprint, gives other rich advantages for real-world learning and experiences. Aldinger is to focus on media outreach.

Rauterkus also spoke on the material development of the campaign, in the form of buttons, sticker-signs and CDs (both audio and multimedia). Hands to help create of these materials is greatly appreciated. Mark's slogan to invite others is, "Some assembly required."

New flyers for the campaign were distributed by campaign supporters and Libertarian party members. Both four-panel and a six-panel handouts are hitting the streets. Rauterkus departed early to attend a community meeting in East Carnegie.

Campaign Manager Katrina Brabham was in attendance at the event and briefly spoke on the finances of the campaign and the need for financial contributions. The meeting members then decided to donate some party money to the PAC in order to further help Libertarian candidates in the area.

Inner Harbor developer shows interest in North Shore - PittsburghLIVE.com

Inner Harbor developer shows interest in North Shore - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Inner Harbor developer shows interest in North Shore

By Sam Spatter, Thursday, April 21, 2005

A Baltimore-based company that helped to turn the Inner Harbor in that city into a tourist attraction may bring nightclubs, restaurants and other entertainment businesses to Pittsburgh's North Shore.

Workshop presention blurb for Pgh Public Schools event

Mark Rauterkus was a stay-at-home dad and has been an advocate with other dads in similar roles around the country. The founder of a group, Proud Dads, Hogan Hilling, visited Pittsburgh to speak at Lamaz International's Convention. Dad's are wired in different ways and Mark's presentation, with an AUDIO CD to all who attend, highlight some of these distinctions. Wellness factors throughout the development cycle are pointed out from a dad's perspective too.

Workshop presention blurb for Pgh Public Schools event

Mark Rauterkus was a stay-at-home dad and has been an advocate with other dads in similar roles around the country. The founder of a group, Proud Dads, Hogan Hilling, visited Pittsburgh to speak at Lamaz International's Convention. Dad's are wired in different ways and Mark's presentation, with an AUDIO CD to all who attend, highlight some of these distinctions. Wellness factors throughout the development cycle are pointed out from a dad's perspective too.

Move afoot to amend state's slot machine law

They now want to "think again."

Great. I'm all in favor of this.

Move afoot to amend state's slot machine law Rep. Paul Clymer, R-Bucks, is proposing an amendment to the slots law that would require those monthly statements. He is one of the House Republicans who fought against the gambling law that finally passed last summer, after a decade of starts and stops.

Measures can be made to "buffer" actions so that they are less harmful. Other actions can occur to build in more accountability and open ways.

Candidates Night.pdf at South Side Slopes

2005 Candidates Night.pdf

Tuesday, April 19, come out to hear candidates for the State Senate and Mayor's race. Meeting starts at 7 pm at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center.

We have a busy week with lots of meetings.

The PG editorial review meeting was today. I'll recap later.

The President of Ohio University is in Pittsburgh today. I'll be at a reception with fellow Bobcats early this evening.

When we see each other, ask for a button.

Voter Guide Bio of Mark Rauterkus

Education:
BS-Journalism, '82, Ohio Univ.
Grad school, Baylor Univ (TX). 82-83,

Current occupation: community activist, swim coach.

Qualifications:
GOP candidate for Mayor of Pittsburgh, 2001.
May, 2004, released 150-page parks merger position paper.
Coached 30-years, proving leadership and teamwork.
Published 100 how-to books proving abilities of handling technical content, similar to skills necessary for the crafting of legislation.

I'm a common-sense Libertarian who operates with straight, respectful insights in every setting. I care. I'm serious, confident and the best choice for filling this unexpired term of Jack Wagner.

Reside on South Side. Sons, 7 and 10, attend Pgh Public Schools and my wife is Director of Audiology at UPMC's Eye and Ear Institute and Prof at Pitt's School of Health & Rehab Sciences.

Voter Guide question (part 2)

What changes in state law would you support to provide incentives for more efficient and cost effective local government operations?

I'd launch a youth technology summit. I'd establish a regional Park District. I'd end TIFs, lower deed-transfer tax, fund transportation, and squash horrid big-ticket spending.

I'd halt sprawl to boost our urban fabric. Supporting schools and neighborhoods makes common sense. Career politicians put the region in a tailspin. My opponents' display experienced leadership of folly. Serious opposition must counter their give-a-ways.

Elect.Rauterkus.com is about performance, kids, wellness, accountability, communication, openness, open-source technology, freedoms, personal responsibility, taxing land, prudent spending, real democracy, and respect of the marketplace.

My Platform.For-Pgh.org comes on CD and exceeds 125 pages. Sensible short-term goals, especially as a Libertarian, gives everyone opportunities. Step beyond and vote for the citizen candidate with a tighter grip on issues, superior communication skills, clever solutions, and methods for achievement.

May 10 -- 2RA.ORG "Defending progressive ideals through non-violent, civic action."

This May 10th event is out of my district. My mention of an event being out of my district is an insiders joke in this case. One purpose of the event is to esablish a corner of the world anew and take it OUT OF the United States, yet alone be out of my 42nd district.

[2RA.ORG] "Defending progressive ideals through non-violent, civic action." Wightman School Community Building [Directions]
Conference Room, Second Floor (Room 206)
5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

At the May Gathering, we will be drafting a Declaration of Independence for Free America. We encourage all who wish to participate in the formation of this new nation to attend and contribute to the process.

So join the Revolution and help change the hearts and minds of those who would see this country's clock turned backwards instead of moving forward.

Refreshments provided. Socialize, network, get involved!

RSVP (or ask questions) by emailing info@2ra.org (RSVP not required, but it does help us get an idea of who's coming).

Perhaps if the 2RA gets moving in 2006, then Tom Murphy could visit that nation as a PEACE CORPS volunteer? Sorry. I shouldn't wish that curse on others.

The Race for Mayor: Get regional, or die -- BUT -- Michael LAMB's camp IS doing just that.

The Race for Mayor: Get regional, or die The city generates $6.6 billion in earnings for suburban workers who commute into the city. While the city's population has been shrinking, these earnings still account for more than one-third of all commuter earnings in Allegheny County. It is time, now or never, to not only think like a region, but to act like a region.

There is an iron curtin around the city on many different levels. I hate the one that keeps the school sports teams in an isolated league and not within the W.P.I.A.L. But, there are others.

Generally, there is a huge gulf -- not golf (but that's a different difference) -- between city resident as a voter and the suburban voter. People in the burbs need to care more about politics in the city. People in general need to care more about politics as well.

However, in this primary, I've been most impressed by Mike Lamb's ability to galvanize a group of supporters to help him in the city in the mayor's race. When I encounter a Lamb for Mayor supporter, I always ask, "Where do you live?"

Lamb friends turned out at the Dem Party Endorsment Sunday at the IBEW Hall, at the St. Pat's Parade, at some of the debates / forum, and elsewhere.

They live in Plum, Mt. Lebo, Dormont, Ross, etc. Some are from the city too. Generally, four out of five Lamb supporters are from the suburban sectors. That number is my guess. I've not done REAL data collection. More as a hunch. But, the upside is that I have been most impressed by the LAMB suburban outreach.

Lamb's county wide play, I guess, comes from his row office past. Those campaigns have been wider than the city's borders. Perhaps Lamb's reach comes from his father's past political career that stretched into the burbs too. Plus, Lamb has Catholic school buddies and law connections too.

Perhaps some of the reach generates from the people that cruise GRANDVIEW Ave, Lamb's street in Mt. Washington. Who knows? How do you explain it?

Years ago I pondered a "way-out-there formula" that would have changed the city's charter. It called for some type of representation from those who don't live in the city. Many who don't live and vote in the city pay dearly to the city. Fines, fees (parking tax, tickets, property taxes, wage taxes), RAD tax and other streams come to the city, despite what Mayor Murphy harps about. Taxation without representation is wrong. But we got it throughout the city.

I don't think it is wise to give everyone in the county a vote in the city's mayor election. But, it might make some sense to allow the suburban folks to have a vote for an at-large member of city council.

How about if a suburban interest candidate would be elected county wide to sit on city council?

Too bad the County Controller didn't do more to monitor the city's condition over the years. The County Controller could help a great deal in these efforts in the city. Too bad the city's own controller was not forceful and effective enough to keep the city away from its crisis state.

Nonetheless, there are many ways those in the burbs can help with the city's political landscape. And, those efforts are generally new efforts, not done already.

One of the big reasons I'm running for the PA Senate, 42nd district, is to answer the call to take down the iron curtin that splits the city and the burbs. The state senate race has given me opportunities to bridge connections with those in Green Tree, Carnegie, and Castle Shannon -- among other venues.

People listen -- new site for Tom, a school board candidate.

A few months ago I was able to present to the League of Women Voters meeting on how to run for public office. Yesterday I had the opporutnity to meet one of the folks in the class and get some nice feedback. He followed my advice.

http://sumpterforschoolboard.blogspot.com

I didn't say get a L-O-N-G URL. But I did say, open an blog at blogspot. The price is right.

Tom seems like a nice guy. He is in a race for an open seat on the board. He has lots of family who have worked in the district. He has good experiences being in the public sector in West Virginia. He is level headed. And, I've not gone to read the content of his blog -- yet. But I said I'd give him some feedback.

Introducing: Pennsylvania BALLOT ACCESS COALITION

Pennyslvania BALLOT ACCESS COALITION
PO Box 309
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081
Voice: (610) 543-8427
Fax: (215) 572-9248
PBAC@PaBallotAccess.org
www.PaBallotAccess.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2005

For more information contact:
Ken Krawchuk at 267-496-3332 or John Murphy at 610-384-4460

THIRD PARTIES FORM NEW COALITION TO TESTIFY BEFORE GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION

Leaders of Pennsylvania's largest third parties announced the
formation of the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition. Members of the
Coalition include the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, the Constitutional Party, the Ralph Nader Campaign, the Reform Party, and the America First Party, with other political parties expected to join. The goal of the Coalition is to work for reform of Pennsylvania's draconian ballot access laws to help encourage greater participation in the electoral process. Details about the Coalition can be found on their website at www.PaBallotAccess.org.

Members of the Coalition went before the Governor's Election Reform Task Force on April 14, 2005. The details of their testimony are at www.PaBallotAccess.org/Presentation_Final.pdf.

"To get on the ballot, third party candidates and independents currently must collect more than twelve times as many signatures as the two old parties, and that number is poised to go even higher", explained David Jahn, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. "It can only hurt the electoral process when the voters' chosen candidates face such enormous hurdles to get their names on the ballot. It's long past time to bring fairness to Pennsylvania's antiquated ballot laws, and the formation of this historic coalition is the first step. Our next step will be to
present our case to the Governor's Task Force this Thursday, and they've
already demonstrated that they are more than willing to listen."

The members of the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition believe that the right of citizens to run for political office is supreme in a free society, as is their right to support and vote for the candidates of their choice. Toward that end, the mission of the Coalition is threefold:

1) To equalize the number of signatures required by any citizen to stand
for election, regardless of political affiliation;

2) To define minor party status in terms of voter registrations (0.05%),
also known as the "Delaware Model", rather than by current electoral
formulas (2% of the winner's vote total) and;

3) To otherwise reform Pennsylvania's laws to make the ballot more
equitable and accessible to all citizens.

The goal of the PBAC is to implement these changes effective with the
2006 gubernatorial election.

Never again

Four years ago, as I was a candidate for Mayor in a contested GOP Primary. I was invited to speak at a candidate function at the Jewish Community Center. Both of the Republican candidates were invited. However, everyone on the the Dem's slate wasn't so fortunate. Josh Pollock, a 17 year old candidate who had grown up in the neighborhood and spent countless hours at the JCC was excluded. He could not give his presentation. Josh and I raised the questions in advance and then began to make a fuss.

Last year's event wasn't televised. This year's event is to be on TV.

At the event in 2001, I stood up and devoted more than half of my alloted time at the podium to the facts of the discrimination at hand with the organization and the operation of this event. I scolded in no uncertain terms.

I remember the event clearly. Sophie was there. Johnathan R was there. As were about 60 others, including my parents. Josh didn't picket. Josh didn't come as my guest. Josh got a serious blow-back after making a good amount of waves with his Temple's youth director and others.

By the way, Josh would then move OUT of the city into some suburban location. Then he has since moved out of state to school. Josh voted with his feet.

The stance I made then was clear. Today is is just as strong and clear. The lessons were not learned. The evil deeds of history are being repeated.

You'd think that certain minority groups and cultures would appreciate the overall situation with a more soulful response and associated actions.

On Sunday morning, April 17, 2005, the same mistakes are to happen again. But, this time, the stage is being set for TV coverage fo the event. It will replay in the evening and then "on demand" with Comcast.

Jeff Cohen is now head of the UJF. He knows me from his time at the Post-Gazette. We talked a couple of weeks ago as I heard of this folly. The UJF called me seeking Joe Weinroth's phone number. Weinroth is also Jewish. He is the lone Republican in the Mayor's race this year. He was invited to the candidate forum -- but the organizers could not reach him without some help from me.

Weinroth should NOT appear at the forum without being escorted by Les Ludwig.

Mr. Ludwig, a former men's club president at a nearby Temple, has been excluded from the forum on Sunday.

Jeff Cohen of the UJF gave me some whopper ideas as to why his organization was justified to put the cart before the horse and exclude people from the event. One reason was because the PDP did it. Yes, the Pgh Downtown Partnership also ran a country club event a few weeks prior. The PDP even excluded a black women from the Hill District who wanted to go to the event as a spector. The PDP invited who they wanted to speak -- and who they wanted to be in the audience. And the UJF feels justified in its actions by following them. Shame has seldom been more clear.

The UJF boss didn't want to turn his event into a campaign event for everyone -- only for the front runners.

The UJF doesn't think that being on the ballot is worthy of any extra merit. He said he doesn't need to invite EVERYONE in to speak. Everyone shouldn't speak -- but only those on the ballot should.

The UJF won't do a similar event leading up the the November election, so the Republican was included. But any Indie, Libertarian, Green and others still not needing to get onto the old-party ballot are to be excluded then.

I'm not certain as to the list of the other excluded candidates. Hop K, a black man, is NOT invited.

Four years ago, Leroy Hodge, the only black man in the Dem primary, was excluded from the UJF event, and many other forum and debates. I protested that exclusion too.

Then came an opportunity for me to appear on the evening interview show at TV 11 with David Johnson. An extra news camera man was on the set that night as a sting was on. A trap was set. One line from a protest email was taken out of context and twisted from here to the moon and made into a gottcha question. It didn't work.

Democracy is messy. Those who are absurd are obvious. Those who want fairness can join in the outcry. This is a collective treasure worthy of a few well placed mentions and letters.

United Jewish Federation = 412 681 8000

Anti-Defamation League of a specific temple = 412 521 0661

H. = 412 421 8919

National Council Jewish Women = 412 421 6118

Women ?? = 412 244 8660

Naa Matt (sp?) = 412 521 5252

American Jewish Committee = 412 421 7027

Extra, Extra, Read all about it -- Pittsburgh City Paper - Main Feature - WILD WEST

Carl Sutter thrust a copy of the City Paper to Bob O'Connor as the candidates exited the debate stage at CCAC. Carl asked Bob what he had to say about the cover story in the newspaper. This is a passion for Carl. This is Carl's neighborhood. Carl's concerns were dealt with.

Bob O'Connor's people said that the city paper is full of lies. Bob didn't have the time to read the article.

Pittsburgh City Paper - Main Feature 4/14/2005 How the West Wasn?t Won

A West Pittsburgh development group?s closed-door dealings have cost it the trust of some needy neighbors

The debate was a paid entry invite. On the stage was Hop, Bob, Michael Lamb and Bill Peduto. I asked Les, another candidate for mayor but who was in the audience and not on stage, who won? He said "Hop."

I agree. Hop did a fine job. Hop put a lot of the responsibility upon us all -- the community -- the parents.

Allegheny County reports $140,000 surplus in 2004 - Outlandish reporting calls that an erase of debt

This reporting raises red flags. In 2003 -- the County's annual budget was down $29.7 Million. In 2004 -- the County's budget was $140,000 up.

So, the PG reports an ERASED $29.7 million deficit.

Why not report that the county ERASED a $100-billion deficit?

Another example. Say a family has a year, 2003, where it must go into new debt to the tune of $29K (not $29M.) Then in 2004, the family gets over the hump and is able to earn enough to get by and end the year with $100 left over. It seems to me that the family's debt of $29K from 2003 is still going to be rather large. By breaking even, perhaps payments were maintained, but the debt isn't ERASED.

Did I miss read the facts of the matter. Did Allegheny County really ERASE $29M by making up the debt from the prior year and paying that and still ending up with an extra $140K?

Sure, the finances came back to where they should be. Perhaps that can be called a great turnaround. But, let's not forget that debt from the prior years.

From the front page of the PG: Allegheny County erased $29.7 million deficit in '04 -- Allegheny County's finances saw a significant turnaround in 2004, finishing the year with a $140,000 surplus after a $29.7 million deficit the previous year, Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty said yesterday. The elimination of the shortfall was done through jobs cuts, attrition and a $16.2 million increase in revenue.

Allegheny County reports $140,000 surplus in 2004: "Layoffs, rise in revenue help erase $29.7 million in red ink.

Words to a new song by Dan Sullivan about Bob O'Connor

Dan is crafting the release of a parody to the tune of "I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say No," from *Oklahoma!* The words capture O'Connor's irresponsible behavior. He writes that he expects to record it and put it online. Maybe he'll sing it at public events.

If you want to help, he is looking for O'Connor images (photos, etc.) and he is gathering data to substantiate O'Connor's giveaway mentality. It's common knowledge, but it is more powerful if documented.

I pointed Dan to the recent article in the City Paper about Keith T's efforts to gather various "commercials" and air them in a show of some sort. Keith and I were workers in the PCTV show, The Art of News.

I too hope to get an ad to Keith shortly.

FYI, the "POL" in this case is politician.

I'm Just a Pol Who Cain't Say No
© 2005 Dan Sullivan
(412) OUR-LAND (412) 687-5263

It ain't so much a question of not knowing what to do.
I know'd what's right and wrong since I been ten.
I heard a lot of stories and I reckon they are true
About how city councils overspend.
I know I mustn't fall into the pit,
But when I'm in campaign mode I fergit.

I'm just a pol who cain't say no,
Spendin's my favorite game.
When I control some public dough,
I hand it out without shame.
When a big shot wants a subsidy,
I know I orta tell him, "that's to bad."
But whenever someone pressures me,
I always get afraid to make him mad.

I'm just a tool when lights are low.
I cain't be frugal and tight.
I ain't the type that can fight.
I cain't insist on what's right.
I cain't say no.

What'cha gonna do when a feller wants money
And starts to talk funny, what'cha gonna do?
Supposin' 'at he says he's so good for your city,
Appeals to your pity, what'cha gonna do?
Supposin' 'at he says things you shouldn't believe,
Like if his team leaves you'll die?
I know what to do when he talks that way,
Slice up the pie!

I'm just a pol who cain't say no.
Cain't seem to say it at all.
Lobbyists get me all aglow,
When they are payin' a call.

For the press I talk of budget bloat,
A-blaiming all our problems on the mayor.
But when it comes time to cast my vote,
Good sense evaporates into thin air.

I shouldn't cave right in I know,
Our city's plight is no joke,
But saying no makes me choke,
That's why the treasury's broke,
I cain't say no.

Queens -- or Princess Population Promises -- plus slimeballs at the UJF and elsewhere

PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Pennsylvania business news in brief PITTSBURGH (AP) — The city's mayoral candidates pledged to a group of women business leaders that at least half of the people they appoint to city board and commissions will be women.

The candidates spoke Thursday to members of the Executive Women's Council.

'It's very important to the economic future of this region that we are able to point to the leaders and chairwomen of various organizations and tell our daughters and women who want to move here from other regions that, 'Yes, there is a possibility of success for you,'' said Sara Davis Buss, an attorney and former member of the county's Sports & Exhibition Authority.

The promises came from Democrats Bob O'Connor, Michael Lamb, Bill Peduto and Hop Kendrick and Republican Joseph Weinroth.

We could get more women into the mix, no doubt. I wish a women was running for Mayor. I wish a woman was running for PA Senate. But,the field is without.

We need more women on City Council. When was the last women governor from Pennsylvania?

But, really, we need better people everywhere in public office. We need better men and women.

And futhermore, we need better actions out of everyone in leadership roles -- from every man and woman.

The next logical step on this pathway -- and a mandatory hurdle that we need to review at this moment -- is a long-standing pet peev of mine. In my not so humble opinion, the best way to get better people into our public life is to insure that ALL the people on the ballot get to speak at ALL the candidate events. Everyone on the ballot is qualified to speak at all the events where two or more are gathered. This is something we need to insist upon.

Otherwise, we play favorites. Otherwise, we tell women, they are not welcomed. We tell men that they are not welcomed -- so the message is loud, clear and repeated too frequently.

The UJF (United Jewish Federation) is hosting a debate on Sunday morning. They are holding the event without inclusion. All the candidates are NOT able to participate. All the would-be women candidates see the lock out. All the would-be superstar candidates see the lock out. And the city and county loose another 8,000 residents who vote with their feet -- yet alone stand up to be a candidate.

The UJF is putting a turd into our shared well of democracy. Foul. Shame on them.

Comcast is helping.

And equally guilty are the other candidates: Peduto, Lamb, O'Connor, Weinroth -- shame on you.

They promise women in service roles. But, they don't act with equality in their steps. They think it is okay to exclude. They think it is their right to be hand-picked and be favorites.

I'll make a better promise than what those fellows have done. I'll never allow a women candidate to be excluded from a debate opportunity without pitching a fit. And, to prove it, I'll not let a man be excluded either. This goes to races I'm in and races I'm not in. This is my town too. This town is shrinking due to the egos of guys and the departure of the senisble, just and community-minded.

I'll make another promise. Rather than appoint more females to authority positions -- I'll eliminate authorities. One women doesn't feel better because another women is her overlord. Let's end the overlords. Let's end the authorities. Let's be democratic. Let's vote for our leaders. Let's give the power in the ballot box and then take it away if needed. But, let's be certain that the choices are not made for us in advance -- by some guys at the TV stations who set up the debate stage or at the UJF, or the Pgh Downtown Partnership, or even Just Harvest.

Holding closed door debates creates an artificial ceiling. Those who are keen to the ways of the world can see it. Hence, they don't get themselves in those kind of situations.

I have a mother, wife, mother-in-law, and four younger sisters. All are talented and exceptional women in many ways. All of them would rather suffer years of torture than run for public office -- such as what I've done and am doing. Running for mayor or state senate would be the last thing in the world for each of them. I'm certain that the same holds true for another 100,000 women who live in Pittsburgh.

If we as a community decided to respect all candidates, give all candidates full entry into forums, debates, and media, we'd be on the right track.

Bob O'Connor is NOT our mayor today because he didn't follow my advice in 2001.

Bill Peduto won't be our mayor in 2006 because he didn't follow my advice in 2005.

Our city's worst days are still ahead of us because of these fundamental flaws in our ethos.

Pittsburgh can't flourish when we hold onto the rich getting richer mentality.

Pittsburgh can flourish when everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Putting more women onto the boards of authorities isn't good enough. Rather, we need to rid our landscape of authorities.

We need to go to the roots of the problems. Then we need to dig and contend with the challenges.

Washington goes down with a parking authority choke hold

PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Pennsylvania business news in brief WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) — City officials voted to sell a downtown parking garage that is in need of about $2 million worth of repairs.

The garage has lost money because two businesses who leased a lot of spaces in the garage have left the city and there is no money to fix it, officials said. Of the 480 parking spaces in the building, only about 130 are now leased.

'It's really been an albatross,' said Mayor Kenneth J. Westcott.

To save money, the city two years ago dissolved the Washington Parking Authority and took over operation of the garage. Plans are currently under way for a new parking garage.

Officials expect to establish a new parking authority to oversee the new garage.

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, we created a new parking garage and T-shot for PNC Firstside....

Mayoral hopefuls reveal their wackiest ideas for the city

What's wacky about volunteerism?

Mayoral hopefuls reveal their wackiest ideas for the city Michael Lamb, the county's prothonotary, said he would urge firefighters in the 29 stations citywide to get more involved in neighborhood groups.

Could it be that Lamb isn't capable of being wacky? No creativity?

More than a year ago, I went to the Firefighters and asked them for some help in terms of being an advisor and clearing house for sports organizations in their quest for insurance coverage. Insurance is always one of the early hurdles that need to be navigated by organizers.

No help from the firefighters was ever forthcoming.