O'Connor widens contribution gap - PittsburghLIVE.com

Trib quote is on the money. They got it right with the reporting. Yes, I agee. The numbers don't reflect the total amount of money coming into the campaign. The numbers are reported -- but they are less than the whole truth. The real big spending is coming from other sources.

O'Connor widens contribution gap - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Mark Rauterkus, a swim coach from the South Side who is running as a Libertarian, has raised $3,300 in cash and $4,000 in in-kind contributions. He has $100 left in the bank.

The numbers don't reflect the total amount of money coming into the Senate campaign, said John Verbanac, chairman of Neri-Verbanac, a political communications firm based in Harrisburg. He estimates Diven and Fontana each have at least $1 million in support, with state campaign committees paying for most of the TV ads and direct mailings.

Fontana, Diven trading punches (again squared) -- This is about Choice

Fontana, Diven trading punches Diven said he'd 'originally hoped the race could be run in a positive manner, but they went negative on me three weeks ago with a mailer and a TV ad. They threw the first punch and I had no choice but to respond.''

These guys are the ones who are all about a LACK OF CHOICE.

Both of my opponents are staunch PRO-LIFERS. They are not freinds to choice.

Both of my old-party opponents don't want the public to see a choice in terms of the full spectrum on the ballot. Both of my opponents have a willingness to debate without me.

These guys are not fit to be a state senator.

I would never go to a debate knowing that my ballot certified opponent was excluded. I can't stand for discrimination, intentional discrimination, institutional discrimination.

I say, "Think again." We need choices. We don't need senators who are slaves to the wrong masters.

Fontana, Diven trading punches - another problem that comes with a new fix in my campaign

Fontana, Diven trading punches: "Final campaign fund-raising and spending reports don't have to be filed until a month after the election."

I went door knocking, made calls, sent letters to a number of area bankers in recent times. I have a solution, talked about among other places, at city council's public comment period.

The press and Business Times have not picked up on the story, yet. They should. It would help them greatly in these matters. And, most of all, the solution gives the citizens a lot of power. So, the watchdogs might not like this solution.

Transparent PAC accounts would fix a ton of problems. It would make the public campaign process open. We'd not make more work for government offices.

The record keeping of expenses, incomes and assets is in a bank account. Open those bank records with a new style of account, the TRANSPARENT PAC ACCOUNT, and allow for bank by phone and bank by internet views of those accounts by everyone.

The general public should be able to call up, on the internet, my bank account, Elect.Rauterkus.com, and see how much money I have on hand, how much I'm depositing, and the checks, and how I'm spending my money. The checks and credit card expenses are all there -- hidden -- and waiting for a report that happens only four times a year.

The candidate expense and asset report would be much more simple.

The banks already do these type of accounts within their TRUSTs. There can be dozens of trustees who can VIEW the trust transactions -- but who can't do anything else, other than watch.

The public should be able to watch these PAC accounts, real time.

As soon as any bank comes forward, I'll move Elect.Rauterkus.com to that account and publish the access codes for others to witness -- with bank by phone and bank by internet viewing.

Fontana, Diven trading punches - Fontana's vowed -- an opposite direction of mine and where it should be

Fontana, Diven trading punches: "Fontana vowed, 'We won't be outspent.'' He said he's getting financial help from state Senate Democrats and other party officials.

Fontana thinks it is important to win a spitting match.

I vow that I will be outspent.

I vow that I won't overspend. And, I won't overspend when I get into public office as well.

The problem with these old-party candidates and the old-party ways is that they feel more important when the spend more. They burn, churn, waste, abuse. They are not prudent. They are not responsible. They are not frugal. They are not serving the best interest of the taxpayers. They try to out-spend each other and think that that is real measure that counts.

Think again.

Fontana should say, "I'm getting my message out to the people." He can't say that.

Meanwhile, I can't blog much longer. I've got to get my message, now in 40,000 fliers, out to the people. I've got to delver boxes to some volunteers.

Want to help, give a call, or send an email.

If you want to pick-up 100 handouts and take them door-to-door in your neighborhood, come on down.

Fontana, Diven trading punches - ROTFL - Jubelirer's freshness = toxic stentch

Fontana, Diven trading punches: "'We think people are disgusted with the Democratic politics of the past and will vote for Mike Diven, who is a breath of fresh air,'' Jubelirer said.

ROTFL = Roll On The Floor Laughing

Anyone who thinks Diven is a breath of fresh air must always be surrounded by toxic stentch.

Here is a statement without any creditability from the same source via Harrisburg. "We like this matchup," Jubelirer said. "Wayne Fontana has been the godfather of the reassessment process. He's part of the old Democratic establishment. Polls show the two within a few percentage points of each other. It's going to be very, very close.''

The race isn't close. It is costly. It isn't close. The move is a classic to try to close ranks. It isn't the truth. The poll results prove otherwise.

Fontana, Diven trading punches and Fontana's far from the truth on own personal history

The PG reported the following:

Fontana, Diven trading punches 'Mike Diven has been sucking on the public payroll udder his whole life,'' said Fontana campaign director Marty Marks, whereas Fontana was a full-time real estate agent until he got involved in politics five years ago.

Tom Barnes, the PG reporter, set a wonderful trap with this question and statement from the Fontana camp.

Fontana didn't become a full-time real estate agent until recently. One of Fontana's bits of literature, early, when they were NOT so negative, put a much more recent date on the obtaining of Fontana's real estate license.

Text mentions within the new brochure include:

Voters of any party affiliation, including INDEPENDENTS, can vote for Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian.

Polls open to all from 7 am to 8 pm on May 17.

Choose Rauterkus (lever 3-SP) to serve a brief, unexpired term of Jack Wagner because the other two (D & R) have been grossly negative in $1-million campaigns.

Holding the special election with the primary was pushed by Rauterkus in 2004. Rauterkus’ voice already helped to save PA taxpayers $200,000.

Good questions from PoliticsPA's renewed message board

Sadly, I'm to spent to dig into these questions right now. Good ones to ponder -- or allow others here to reply.

What do you think the top three issues are in your district?
 
Let’s say the voter turnout is 48,000.  What portion of that vote do you see yourself getting, and why?
 
Do you trust the voters of the 42nd district will make an informed decision when electing their next Senator?
 
When the number one issue in the 42nd district is property taxes, why do you choose to deal with other items like corporate welfare, pool schedules, trash pick-up and so on?
 
Name what you see your number 1 accomplishment is that defines your term/terms as senator.
 
An old woman comes into your State Senate office and tells you that she can no longer afford her property taxes and unless she pays $2500 in back taxes by month’s end, her house will be sold at sheriff’s sale.  What would you do for her, or what would you tell her?
 
I hope to hear from you, and only ask these questions because it will help me make a better informed decision.
 
Thanks.

Harold's call to action -- with good weather this weekend for lit drops

The Western PA Liberty PAC cut the "Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian for
State Senate" campaign a check for $500 yesterday, and Mark already has 10,000 of a final total of 40,000 fliers in hand (he'd already made arrangements with a printer friend of his). He needs help distributing them, needless to say. He said they look good. FYI, he designed them so any leftovers -- and I think there will be plenty -- can have the time-sensitive part cut off, to make a shorter, more general handout for
later use this summer (if and when he runs for mayor of Pittsburgh in the General Election).

The weather this weekend is supposed to be pretty decent, I've been told. So, you can kill three birds with one stone if you'd be willing to distribute some of this literature for Mark -- get some sun and fresh air, exercise, and help the libertarian cause.

To contact Mark about how to get fliers from him, and where you can fruitfully distribute them, call him on his cell phone at: 412-298-3432.

We're coming down the home stretch.

Thanks!

Harold Kyriazi

Campaign Finance Reports due -- news shortly from the others

Today is a deadline for putting in the campaign finance reports.

The Elect.Rauterkus.com committee raised about $3,300 in cash donations. The in-kind ia about the same. The money on hand is around $100. But, I've got a source for another $1,000 or so to land the campaign.

Four years ago, I ran for Mayor in a contested Republican primary. Both me an my opponent raised about $600 each. We got about 2,000 votes each. I got votes for about $.30 each.

Four years ago, in the Dem primary for mayor, Tom Murphy and Bob O'Connor each raised about $1-million and got just more than 30,000 votes. They got votes for about $30 each.

I expect I'll get votes for $.50 each -- and get between 3,000 and 15,000 votes.

Meanwhile, we'll see how much money is being spent by the other camps. But, a bulk of that money is from Harrisburg, not local. To unravel the source of the money, as it comes from the state committees is a bit more trickey. Hope we have good reporters. The other camps might get votes for $100 to $50 each.

Time will tell.

To vote for me, Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian, it cost $0. After the curtin closes in the voting booth, look to the top row, white background, lever 3-SP.

Tossing a lifeline of good news to Diven and Fontana in a few minutes

This memo has been sent days ago to the other two camps. Showdown came. Both of the old party cronies did the wrong thing. These guys can't make the local landscape better. They have no standing to become senators.

Open Memo to the Citizens and Community Groups within the Greater Pittsburgh Community and the 42nd State Senatorial District

Subject: Debate Inclusion and A.A.R.P. Event

Date: Friday, May 6, 2005

From: Candidates on the ballot in the special election for PA Senate (42nd District)

Wayne Fontana

Michael Diven

Mark Rauterkus


Part 1: I, Wayne Fontana, insist upon the inclusion of all the candidates on the debate stage. I'll do everything I can to see that this occurs.

_______________________________________
(FONTANA did NOT agree to this request.)

Part 2: I, Michael Diven, insist upon the inclusion of all the candidates on the debate stage. I'll do everything I can to see that this occurs.

_______________________________________
(Diven did NOT agree to this request.)

Part 3: I, Mark Rauterkus, want to be included and invited to all the debates and candidate events, along with my loyal opponents. I've stood for others in this regard in other races. I feel certain that our shared democracy requires positive action on these matters.

_______________________________________

+ + + +

Thanks for your consideration and all you do for our public life and community, both in the past and in the present.

Both Diven and Fontana are unfit for service as PA Senators

Statement from Mark Rauterkus, May 6, 2005

First of all, I am ashamed to be in a race for public office with Michael Diven and Wayne Fontana. Today they had an opportunity to stand up for diversity, inclusion, democracy and justice -- and these two acted poorly. Neither Diven nor Fontana supported my inclusion in today's debate hosted at Station Square by the AARP.

Needless to say, I’m extremely disappointed that the AARP deemed it necessary to exclude me. In my opinion, the national and state AARP organization should allow the local affiliations the latitude to make their own decisions in regard to local matters. But, this is simply a microcosmic version of how Federal and State Governments’ use bully-tactics when dealing with local government. Protection of the status quo is more important than the voters’ issues. And that’s something near and dear to my heart … and an issue with which I take very strong exception.

I am not a member of AARP. I acknowledge its right to run its organization as it sees fit. I simply disagree that an organization should be able to promote a legitimate view of the candidates without including all of the candidates.

Given the crisis mode and the band-aid mentality throughout the city, region and state, we also need to address the larger issue of one-party and two-party government. Neither one party rule nor two-party government provides the options needed by a diverse electorate.

Organizations, such as AARP, and events such as today's candidate function, provide the opportunity to bring more representation to government. Today's event provided an opportunity to bring representation to the multitudes of disaffected voters throughout this region, not to mention the country. All parties (AARP, Diven and Fontana) failed.

--- The AARP has chosen to pass on this opportunity.
Today's debate is an example of how those in power allow, condone and support an imbalance of power.

--- The disaffected voters of this region demand balance.
Today's debate provided an excellent chance to see two-thirds of the options.

--- This District’s constituency knows that 67% is a failing grade – and this District’s constituency is clamoring for 100%.

Many democracies involve a multitude of parties. Iraq, with more than 120 parties, this past January 2005, makes just one example. But our present system is designed to eliminate all but the two old parties. Today's frail democracy is a conundrum specifically designed to be an endless, impenetrable loop.

You cannot participate without a 5% minimum past representation, yet you cannot get a 5% minimum representation without prior participation. And please note that celebrity candidates don’t qualify in quite the same manner as those of us with serious issues to address.

The AARP was unable to prove to me that any independent poll was held that had me at less than the 5% benchmark. Polls are being taken. Polls are not being reported because they show a large and growing number of voters who are going to vote for neither the D nor the R -- but for Mark Rauterkus, Libertaian.

To close, let me reiterating my disgust to Mike Diven and Wayne Fontana for their lacking. They don't have the capacity to do the right thing. They don't have the capacity to be my senator.

All future debates must take serious candidates seriously.

Both the heavyweight candidates, Diven and Fontana, were asked to wait before taking the debate stage until after an invitation was extended to all on the ballot. The other camps know what was unfolding. The other camps knew in advance what would occur. My advance statements were handed to them directly.

Failures from AARP, Diven and Fontana. My stand for inclusion, diversity and reson got me kicked out of the Station Square Ballroom -- News on WTAE TV

I didn't get arrested.

I did get kicked out of the AARP event after I raised a "point of order" to be included in the debate and statements today at Station Square.

The AARP moderator had only total denial to offer as an excuse. He said he didn't know I was on the ballot -- but -- he lied. He knew. I told him on a number of occasions. He knew, as the Elect.Rauterkus.com campaign manager had told him and the others with the AARP for the past two weeks.

News coverage is expected from WTAE TV 4.

I got a nice ovation at the event as I made the statement. The expected negative reply came from the stage. Then came my exit -- under protest.

Diven and Fontana are failures at making the situation as it should. They agree with me in principle. But, they fail to stand up for their principles. Neither are suited for the state senate.

This would NEVER happen if the tables were turned. I didn't let it happen in the past. I told my opponent when there were candidate events.

You can't have a valid meet the candidates program when you don't meet all the candidates -- despite the candidates being there and wanting to present.

We send our men and women around the world to fight -- give their lives -- for the sake of democracy and freedoms. Those efforts are valid but turn in vain when our democracy at home is worthless.

Letter from school

This came, and when it did, I didn't tell anyone. And, I don't think we changed any behaviors. There was nothing to bark at. Same old, same old. 

 

Tension -- like the morning Rosa Park's decided to ride the bus.

My wife is in Chicago. I dare not get arrested. I've got my mother-in-law to get in Oakland after her LAST day of work, FOREVER. She is 71. She is to retired for good. Today the office folks are taking her to lunch.

I've got my kids to get after school too.

This was an advanced copy of a prepared statement that is NOT valid. Diven and Fontana fumbled. The most recent statement is now on the blog in another posting.

Proposed Prepared Statement – Mark Rauterkus – 6 May 2005

First of all, I would like to thank Michael Diven and Wayne Fontana for supporting
my inclusion in today's debate.

Needless to say, I’m extremely disappointed that the AARP deemed it necessary to exclude me. In my opinion, the national and state AARP organizations should allow the local affiliations the latitude to make their own decisions in regard to local matters. But, this is simply a microcosmic version of how Federal and State Governments’ use bully-tactics when dealing with local government. Protection of the status quo is more important than the voters’ issues. And that’s something near and dear to my heart … and an issue with which I take very strong exception.

I am not a member of AARP, I acknowledge its right to run its organization as it sees fit. I simply disagree that an organization should be able to promote a legitimate view of the candidates without including all of the candidates.

Given the crisis mode and the band-aid mentality throughout the city, region and state, we also need to address the larger issue of one-party and two-party government. Neither one party rule nor two-party government provides the options needed by a diverse electorate.

Organizations, such as AARP, and events such as today's candidate forum, provide the opportunity to bring more representation to government.
Today's event provides an opportunity to bring representation to the multitudes of disaffected voters throughout this region, not to mention the country.

--- The AARP has chosen to pass on this opportunity.
Today's debate is an example of how those in power allow, condone and support an imbalance of power.

--- The disaffected voters of this region demand balance.
Today's debate will provide an excellent chance to see two-thirds of the options.

--- This District’s constituency knows that 67% is a failing grade – and this District’s constituency is clamoring for 100%.

Many democracies involve a multitude of parties – Iraq with more than 120 parties this past January, is just one example. But our present system is designed to eliminate all but the two old parties. Today's frail democracy is a conundrum specifically designed to be an endless, impenetrable loop.

You cannot participate without a 5% minimum past representation, yet you cannot get a 5% minimum representation without prior participation. And please note that celebrity candidates don’t qualify in quite the same manner as those of us with serious issues to address.

To close, let me reiterating my thanks to Mike Diven and Wayne Fontana for their support. All future debates must take serious candidates seriously. Thank you for your time!

Diven and Conquer -- City Paper Ink -- a few notes and CDs about a "RECORD"

Whether they vote on little things like issues and records is another question. As is often the case, the one candidate without a record, Libertarian Mark Rauterkus, seems to have the most specific ideas, pushed in Web sites and blogs (Rauterkus.blogspot.com, Rauterkus.com, Platform.For-Pgh.org).

I don't have a record. No criminal past here.

I don't have a record -- because I've got a CD.

Really, by now, I've got five CDs that I've used on the campaign and community trails.

One was for the relief concert in advance of Mindy Simmons' last visit. That had public domain art from last years travels.

Two was in advance of Johnsmith's concert.

Three is the present Elect.Rauterkus.com offering with the theme song, "Think Again."

Four and Five is a two-CD offering called Dad's Perspectives with Pround Dad's founder, Hogan Hilling. That CD appeared for the first time on May 3, 2005, at a Parent Engagement Conference hosted by Pgh Public Schools at my presentation.

Another insight on "records" -- I do have one. I've been on the record on a large range of issues. I'm here to make history, not be a slave of it. My record is out there in many ways.

And a final "record insight." As a swim coach, I've coached swimmers who have broken STATE-RECORDS in four states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New England). The New England swim association includes a few "states." So, I'm no stranger to records, record breaking feats, and overall performance.

Next week's City Paper is going to have more from my perspective, so I'm led to understand. The article by Marty Levine was good. It showed some of the character of the heavyweight opposition.

AARP showdown

The AARP, the biggest political lobby group in the nation, is holding a candidate forum on Friday, May 6, 2005 at the Sheraton Station Square. Mayoral candidates are on from 9 to 10 am. The heavyweight candidates in the 42nd State Senate special election have been invited for 10:30 am.

I am not yet invited.

I am not able to participate. The stupid, national AARP guidelines require that an independant candidate must register at least five percent in voter support in official polls conducted by news media or other independent polling organizations OR if the candidate belongs to a political party, the party must have received at least five percent of the last general election vote, if the party ran a candidate.

KDKA TV didn't do a poll. Or, they didn't release the numbers.

In states where third parties are not strong, this last two points can be large hurdles.

The other two candidates in the race support my participation in back-channel conversations and in theory. We'll see what happens.

I can attend and have campaign literature available. But, I'm going to say something. If any of you can come to support the efforts of inclusion, of thinking with your entire brian, of not putting the cart before the horse, of democracy, of fighting for the right to make an educated vote -- that will be greatly appreciated.

I'll be the one with the American flag in my hands.

'Super-voters' to cast ballots - PittsburghLIVE.com

'Super-voters' to cast ballots - PittsburghLIVE.com The 2001 election was the lowest turnout among the five most recent Pittsburgh mayoral primaries, Wolosik said.

The predictions are wrong. The facts are right.

In 2001, everyone was in a tizzy about the race between Bob and Tom. Both burt $1-Million. Street money was at an all time high too.

The buzz before the election was NOT carried to the polls on election day. When it came time to vote -- the masses of people didn't. The people were turned off.

Bob and Tom earned votes at a rate of $30 per vote.

G.W. Bush got 39,000 votes in the general election in the city. He would have crushed Murphy. He would have crushed O'Connor. Both of those got just a few more than 30K votes -- from Democrats.

People VOTE for candidates, against candidates -- or -- not at all. More often than not, people vote with their feet.

In 2001, more people left Pittsburgh while Tom Murphy was mayor than voted for him to continue being our mayor. The same holds for Bob O'Connor, who then was city council president.

Bob has his base. Bob's base has shrunk since 2001.

The prediction that 25,000 votes could win the city's mayor's race in the Dem's primary is what I expect.

Meanwhile, in the PA Senate 42nd race -- there are two NEGATIVE candidates and myself. The negative race being waged by both Diven and Fontana is epic. Yesterday negative mailers arrived from both camps.

The negative messages are a turn off to the sensible citizens. The question of the month is about the turn off. Does off mean votes for the other alternative who is positive? Does off mean that no vote is cast?

I expect that a lot of people won't vote for either Diven or Fontana. Our race could be won by much less than what it takes to win the Mayor's Primary on the Ds side.

Meanwhile, Diven and Fontana might earn votes at a rate of $100, $90, or $80 per vote.

Montour Record - and Coverage in Baldwin Township -- getting this profile

Gageway Newspapers did an article on the race for PA Senate. Here is what came out about myself.

Montour Record

Mark Rauterkus

The third candidate in one of the most expensive races in Pennsylvania history is Mark Rauterkus, but he's not putting out the $1 million plus like his two opponents.

The representative of the Libertarian party is as a community activist who feels there are a number of issues not being presented to the state Senate.

'I think I would help Pennsylvanians in the area of quality of life,' Rauterkus said. One of his ideas is assessment buffering, which would avoid municipal-wide windfalls. Assessment would change over three years, similar to Maryland.

He proposes a tax on the land (land-value tax) as opposed to homes, based on a square footage factor.

'People are rewarded for letting their building go to pieces. There's no reason to be penalized for taking care of your home.'

Parks, volunteering, education and treatment of children are also major issues for the South Side resident. He wants to create a park district in the city as a governmental overlay after consolidating several county and city entities and form a new group that would oversee that kids don't get the short end of the stick.

'Our parks have been, for a long time, held together by a band-aid. The swimming pools have been grossly neglected.'

In the suburbs according to Rauterkus, voters need to know that the issues that effect the city also hit the taxpayers on the outside. The huge parking tax, having too many authorities and limiting corporate welfare deals are some things he would want to look at changing to benefit all residents.

Rauterkus works as a swim club coach in Carlynton and considers himself a community activist.

He also publishes a blog on his website. His political career includes a run for mayor four years ago, when he was defeated by Tom Murphy.

After graduating from Penn Hills in 1977, he earned a journalism degree from Ohio University. He is married and has two sons.

'I'd be a lightning rod for every other independent person,' said Rauterkus.

'I'm an advocate for citizens. I would offer a strong voice of alternative thinking in Harrisburg.'

Click the comments to see the entire article.

Technical blunders elsewhere are at every turn. The frustration mounts on lack of quality throughout.

The lack of effective and efficient governmental services drove me to run for public office. The lack of efforts to support quality of life elements is depressing. But, same too with the efforts at hand with the campaign.

Allow me to rant on this 5-5-05 occasion.

On the PCNC TV show with David Johnson -- neither my ear monitor nor my microphone worked. There was a terrible sound buzzing through the show's broadcast.

On the City Paper article, now at newstands, lacks a working link to the article from within the City Paper's own web site.

Our purchase of hardware brought the excuse, "new firmware." Now the third unit is entering the office.

The web content's migration to disk hasn't been smooth sailing.

With a race, you expect to find a few hurdles. They are out there.