Subsidized housing for the rich is backdrop for Growing Greener 2 rally

Growing Greener II Rally with Secretary Yablonsky is slated for Friday, May 13, 2 pm at Summerset at Frick Park.

http://www.summersetatfrickpark.com/directions.asp

Contact: 717-787-5825

You're invited to a rally with Secretary Dennis Yablonsky this Friday to celebrate the Commonwealth's continued commitment to both economic development and our environment.

Smart Growth Conference, May 20

I will not be attending this event. Consider it. Be there with an open mind and challenge some of the content as you see fit.

Smart Growth Conference: Regional Participation for Sustainable Development, a gratis event is slated for Friday, May 20, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown Pittsburgh.

Keynote Address: John Norquist, President and CEO, Congress for the New Urbanism (former Mayor of Milwaukee)

John Norquist is a national figure and proven leader on issues ranging from transportation reform and urban design to school choice. Under his leadership, Milwaukee transformed its downtown, revitalized its neighborhoods, and built world-class cultural facilities. He is author of "The Wealth of Cities: Revitalizing the Centers of American Life.”

Featured Speakers: Esther Bush, Jane Downing, Royce Lorentz, R. Damian Soffer, Linda Gwinn, Allen Kukovich, Steven Nesmith, Dennis Yoblonsky, Allen D. Biehler, Ron Painter, James Hassinger, Lew Villotti, F. Michael Langley

The conference will address the role of regional planning and public investments to revitalize Southwestern Pennsylvania’s communities.

Hear about proven strategies for sustainable development and targeted growth. Provide input to update the region’s official long-range plan through a special session by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. Contribute to a policy guidance document that will be shared with public agencies responsible for the region’s planning processes – state, region and local.

Co-Chairs: Esther Bush, Urban League of Pittsburgh; Ron Painter, Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board; Kevin Silson, Oxford Development Company

To register, email: info@sustainablepittsburgh.org or call 412-258-6642.

Another endorsement slips through the cracks

I was taught to not say anything is if I couldn't say something good. At least, I didn't get a LANCE in today's edition for making a huff. It might come to me sooner -- or -- it could come to me just after the election. But, I'll chime in on the Trib's ways. Until then, here are two postings from the Trib:

Endorsements 2005: Diven in the 42nd - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Endorsements 2005: Diven in the 42nd

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

When Democrat state Rep. Mike Diven became Republican state Rep. Mike Diven, House Minority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene County, fumed that it was not unusual for him to 'abandon organized labor or Gov. Ed Rendell.'

Mr. DeWeese, fond of $50 words, got downright down-home when he said of Diven, 'He forgot where he came from.'

Rep. Diven, a former Pittsburgh councilman from Brookline, knows exactly where he came from. He was elected on a good government platform to the House seat formerly held by Frank Gigliotti, a veteran Democrat officeholder who pleaded guilty to extortion, mail fraud and filing a false tax return.

Diven faces former Allegheny County Councilman Wayne Fontana in next Tuesday's special election for the 42nd District state Senate seat. The district opened when Jack Wagner became state auditor general.


We have little to say about Mr. Fontana. He remains a machine Democrat in a city whose finances were destroyed by machine Democrats, and that says enough.

In Harrisburg, Mr. Diven found a party that in his estimation is run by left-wing thugs. We won't argue with that.

Declaring his emancipation from the ruinous policies of the Democratic Party puts Diven head-and-shoulders above his opponent and has made DeWeese and company furious.

So, in the 42nd, Mike Diven clearly is the right choice.

The Trib (5/13) has a Laurel and Lance blurb:

Lance: To Wayne Fontana. The Democrats' nominee for the 42nd Senatorial District seat complains that the Trib endorses Republican Michael Diven in Tuesday's special election only because Mr. Diven "is a Republican." Sorry, Mr. Fontana, but Diven clearly is the better guy. Oh, Fontana conveniently omits that the Toledo, Ohio, Block Bugler's main reason for endorsing him is that he's (drumroll, please) a Democrat. But that's OK, right, Wayne?

Sadly, Pittsburgh's worst days are still to come.

Wiki quote from Government 2.0 book

In the past weeks, I've done very little with the wiki, Platform.For-Pgh.org. We do have it on disk now. We do have buttons for the platform as well. That effort is a long-term project. Enjoy this snip.

Tomorrow's creative, flexible lawmakers will be tech-savvy politicians who use a variety of electronic means to help their constituents become better citizens and themselves be better representatives. In time, politicians who fail to embrace e-democracy tools are likely to see their bills defeated by sophisticated online issue advocacy campaigns - or see themselves pushed out of office altogether by tech-savvy newcomers.

William Eggers is Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and Global Director, Public Sector for Deloitte Research. An edited extract from his book Government 2.0, published by Rowman and Littlefield, ISBN 0-7425-4175-4, is at the wiki now via another e-newsletter.

PCTV Mayor's Forum Line-up

Your Last Chance to ask the mayoral candidates questions open forum on non-profit development comes on May 13, 2005, 6 pm.

The only live call-in show on Comcast Public Access Television Channel 21 "So you Wanna Be Mayor" with live call in phone number, 412-231-2288.

All candidates will be present.

PCTV's repeated live broadcast time and dates of the live forum May 13, 2005:
Saturday, May 14, 11 pm to 1 am

Sunday, May 15, 10 pm to midnight

Monday, May 16, noon to 2 pm

Tuesday, May 17, 1 pm to 3

Darlene Terry, is the Outreach Director of Pittsburgh Community Television, 1300 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. 15233. Phone: (412) 322-7570. Fax: (412) 231-2292. www.pctv21.org

Sadly, the PA Senate Race didn't have a bleep with PCTV. Furthermore, few among city council races were present there too.

Next Pittsburgh Mayor Faces Budget Cuts

Next Pittsburgh Mayor Faces Budget Cuts The city has $1 billion worth of debt, it has been reduced to no-frills budgets _ this year's did not even include money to fix potholes _ and it has two quasi-governmental boards that have a tight hold on the city's purse strings.

Seven Democrats and one Republican are running to succeed Mayor Tom Murphy, who is not seeking a fourth term.

'Right now I'd be happier with anything but what we've had,' said Jim Mannella, 48, lifelong Pittsburgh resident. 'I'm not sure how much better it can be.'

Email blast to 412 list: Final days before the May 17 election

Hi All,

Tuesday, May 17, 2005, is election day. It's a DUAL election, and I'm a candidate in the special election for PA Senate. Every registered voter (in the 42nd), regardless of party affiliation, can go to the polls and vote for me. The winner of this one-time, special election gets to be a state senator for 19 months. This is NO PRIMARY. Rather, May 17 presents a general election to fill an unexpired term.

In addition, two ballot questions (one is row-office reform and the second is on growing greener) give YES or NO choices for everyone to vote upon. Vote in the special election for state senate -- and -- vote for these ballot questions too.

The Post-Gazette's voters guide was published on Monday.

The Pgh City Paper printed an article and photo of me. See page 10 and 12.

HELP: We printed 40,000 fliers (black & white, positive) five days ago. More are still on hand in the office. We've been passing out the fliers around the district and downtown corners (also part of the district).

If you can help -- come over and pick up a bundle of literature. I'd LOVE to motivate another two dozen workers and provide you with your own materials for your own, self-paced LITERATURE DROPS. Give out the fliers to your neighbors, co-workers, fellow parents, church friends and transit riders.

Call me at 412 298 3432 = cell.

Materials (handouts, buttons, CDs) are at our office, 108 South 12th Street, South Side, just two blocks off of East Carson Street.

Most of the people we approach are very happy to vote for a POSITIVE CANDIDATE with real solutions. Lots of people in this district of nearly 200,000 are still undecided. Most of them are coming to our side as they become more aware of the options and choices.

Call me if you can help "spread some love."

Carol Rubley slammed over Growing Greener II scam

News release from James Babb, 2006 Libertarian Candidate for Representative in the General Assembly, District 157

Lower Providence Twp. - Libertarian candidate, James Babb is calling on Pennsylvania voters to reject the $625,000,000 bond scheme at the polls on May 17th. Citing the massive cost and ineffectiveness of similar coercive government programs, Babb joins other environmentalists and taxpayer advocates in opposing this new debt burden.

"I'm not surprised that career politicians like Carol Rubley co-sponsored HB 2, the deceptive bill that authorizes the bond referendum. "Formerly regarded as the 'party of small government', our Republican representatives in Harrisburg are helping Ed Rendell expand government at an alarming rate. Growing Greener 2 is just the latest example. Tax hikes alone can no longer satisfy their thirst, so politicians like Rubley are reaching for the taxpayer's Visa card again" noted Babb. "Even if you have no interest in the D & R primary races, concerned voters need to show up at the poll on May 17 to rejecting this bond scheme."

"HB 2 is so broad, that we can only guess where the money will end up, however, all sorts of goodies are promised in the state's own advertising materials, including industrial bailouts, farm subsidies, housing subsidies, and a wave of other socialist programs. Virtually every special interest group is represented in the proposed loot distribution. Sadly, the interest group not represented in this scheme, is that off our children and grandchildren, who will inherit this legacy of high taxes and debt."

"Voters need to know why the politicians are asking voters to authorize an additional $625,000,000 of tax-payer funded debt. Under the guise of environmental protection, the GG2 bond scheme rewards polluters in Pennsylvania, by shifting their cost of environmental cleanup on to the backs of overburdened tax payers. In addition to polluters, the GG2 scheme is a boon for some other groups. Bankers and investors will earn some handsome interest on $625,000,000. Perhaps as much as another $625,000,000. Politically connected lawyers and real estate firms will also profit handsomely at taxpayers expense."

"In a time when Pennsylvania is facing job losses and reduced revenues, its time to reduce government spending, not increase it. Pennsylvanians want to preserve the environment. Lets let them do it by reducing their tax burden and protecting private property from polluters." The Libertarian added, "Instead of paying for another failed industrial bailout or agricultural welfare scheme, Pennsylvanians should be free to invest in the parks or conservation projects of their choosing. We don't need to filter our efforts through Harrisburg bureaucrats. By holding polluters responsible instead of taxpayers, we can attract more nonpolluting businesses to the Commonwealth, increase prosperity, increase jobs AND protect the environment."

"Pennsylvania is the home of hundreds of thousands of environmentalists that have voluntarily contributed valuable time and resources to make our state beautiful. I hope you will join me in preserving the natural beauty of Pennsylvania by volunteering at your local park, contributing to a worthy conservation charity and voting NO to this bond referendum on May 17th!"
- -
James Babb is a business owner, musician and father. In 2004, his
campaign for State Rep. earned 18% of the votes in his home county.

Illegal: Onorato and Fontana's plan of 0-1-2-3-4 is Toast

The Judge proved what many, myself included, said for a number of months. The plan put forth, in large measure by my opponent for PA Senate in the special election, Wayne Fontana, Dem, and the County Executive, Dan Onorato, is ILLEGAL. It isn't able to be applied to property taxes for county residents. Their plan was not fair.

The plan was bogus from the outset.

The property tax mess in the county is massive. Fontana has been the chair of this failed effort and committee.

The 0-1-2-3-4 plan was a short-term fix. I hate short term fixes.

To soar, to thrive, to prosper again, we need leaders and concerned citizens who are going to work at getting to the roots of the problems. Too many around here are just batting at the leaves on the tree of suffering. Some of us care about the system wide problems.

We are not back to square one. Wrong. We are now behind the 8-ball again. We are now in deeper crisis mode. We are again putting matters before the judge to decide.

I want elections to decide. I want judges to come to the forefront when problems exist. I don't want to make problems at every turn and run to judges. The way to fix the mess -- elect candidate with solutions and a desire to get to those solutions.

The top solution for this challenge: ASSESSMENT BUFFERING.

We need a state senator who can take a state-wide fix, assessment buffering, and champion a new model, like is done in Maryland. When an assessment arrives, the increases in property values are buffered. Taxpayers have an opportunity to know what the taxes are going to be in the years ahead. Increases are much more gradual.

The assessment buffering utility is universal for all property owners. Hence, assessment buffering fixes the snag with the state constitution and the "uniformity clause."

Fontana's law about 0-1-2-3-4 was broken because it didn't have any fairness. Fontana's law wasn't uniform. It was clearly junk legislation. That is the best they can muster, sadly.

We can do better.

Another solution to this whole mess, and another idea that gets to the roots of the problem -- LAND VALUE TAX. As soon as we put more of a value upon the land, and less upon the building, then the system has stability and even greater fairness. This shift back to the land-value tax would send the region into a new round of building and growth.

Today, property owners are rewarded for letting their buildings decline. Turn you house into a shack and get a property tax break. That's wrong. Turn your house into a beautiful home and get penalized. That is wrong.

We want people to grow the value in their homes. We want people to be good neighbors and fix up their buildings.

Today the land speculators are getting rewarded for doing nothing with their weed covered plots of land. That isn't good economics. That isn't good for the neighborhodds. That isn't good for our region.

Once we tax the land to a higher degree than the property -- the land speculators will sell off the holdings because the taxes are too great. Or, the land speculators will try to do a fix up and make the property one of the best in the neighborhoods to maximize the investment and long term return.

Furthermore, our downtown office towers are becoming empty. The values to those buildings are dropping faster than ever. We need to keep the value in downtown and keep the taxes off of the backs of the smaller property owners in the neighborhoods. The taxes situation in the city is shifting away from downtown office building owners and onto the backs of the little guys.

Smart people who think again can appreciate the situations and we can make changes. We can fix the decline with some different policies.

Judge rules county can't cap property assessments Onorato convinced County Council to change the county administrative code to allow the six categories because without them, he said, many taxpayers would face huge increases in their property taxes.

In a 20-page opinion and order, Wettick acknowledged the county had some problems after its last reassessment in 2003. But the cap system enacted by the county 'works to exacerbate rather than to correct these problems' because the caps would not allow properties to be assessed at their actual values.

Text of News Brief from City Paper

The article is in news boxes, and now live on the website.

State senate race: Third-Party Third Candidate Gives Office Second Try
Writer: MARTY LEVINE

Mark Rauterkus is hoping for an astounding voter turnout in the 42nd District state Senate race on May 17, one of the only spring contests that’s not a primary. Rauterkus, the Libertarian candidate, figures all he needs are several hundred Republican votes, maybe a fifth of the Democrats -- and all 8,000 people in the district registered with third parties, or as Independents.

Rauterkus, a 45-year-old South Side resident and Carlynton Swim Club coach, styles himself "a citizens' candidate. Let the idea reign supreme, no matter who it came from," he says.

It's the sort of thing you say when you’re fighting for attention amid ugly television ads from Democrat Wayne Fontana, until recently a County Councilor, and Democrat-turned-Republican Michael Diven, hoping to move up from his state House seat. All want to replace Jack Wagner, elected as auditor general in November. Rauterkus ran for Pittsburgh mayor in 2001.

Rauterkus is one of the few candidates this season without a major-party endorsement who nonetheless is mounting a full-scale campaign, albeit without money for television ads. He says his first legislative priority is the kids: He wants to create a "Pittsburgh Parks District," which would require the city, county and school district to pool their parks under new oversight.

County-wide property reassessment is at the center of the other two candidates’ campaigns, despite the state's less-than-central role in the process. Rauterkus’ solution is assessment buffering: splitting each new assessment increase into three parts and adding one per year for three years to ease the pain.

Like many third-party candidates, he sports the most specific -- or unusual -- ideas on other issues as well: The region should use heavy rail instead of light rail, and not under the Port Authority’s control. In fact, we should get rid of the various city authorities, or at least make their members stand for retention votes a while after they’ve been appointed. Rauterkus has also proposed the formation of transparent political action committee (PAC) accounts, in which citizens can track political contributions with the same ease as they can get a bank balance via ATM.

"Some of these items require senator-type leadership," he notes. "I'm trying to step out of the party game, as far as being a D or an R." Of course, the letter L has some implications as well. But Rauterkus isn’t worried. He points to the lack of polling in this campaign as a positive sign -- the other fellows must be afraid of his candidacy.

"It sends a message to me that I’m doing pretty well," he says.

See Rauterkus.blogspot.com, Rauterkus.com or Platform.For-Pgh.org.

Dave's promise

Dave Copeland, new and improved. Dave Copeland 2.0
New blog, new content, new stuff debuts summer 2005

Electronic medical records the goal of Murphy's bill

A Doctor friend at UPMC, Dr. E for now, is busy working on a few book chapters and papers. He and I have spoken about this record keeping nightmare that faces the nation. He took a year to do extensive research on the issues. Much of his work is about the human interface and the work habits of the doctors.

In the past the records were a tool to help doctors better care. Now a great deal of time is spent on the patient record so as to stay out of the courtroom. Seemginly more and more time is devoted to the paper trail and less and less to the sick, injured and unknowing.

Electronic medical records the goal of Murphy's bill WASHINGTON -- Rep. Tim Murphy introduced legislation yesterday with a bipartisan group of House and Senate colleagues that would provide new grants and loans to develop electronic medical records systems in an attempt to reduce medical errors and health care costs.

Wellness is important.

This theme would be a great course of action, or track, for the proposed Youth Technology Summit.

I was at another event last night, and heard of a new concept -- a mini medical school. Humm. It sounded a bit like the citizens police academy, but for another major topic area.

Lifelong learning is so important.

A campaign in the neck

Whine.

A campaign in the neck Republicans are attempting to make a beachhead in the city with Diven, who has been a Republican for about a half-hour. He was elected to City Council as a Democrat, and then to the Pennsylvania House, but Diven jumped to the other party when he saw this opening, prompting a most uncivil war.

The level of innuendo and half-truths from both sides is exceptional even by the low standards of politics. These two have done everything but accuse each other of persuading Ben Roethlisberger to ride his motorcycle without a helmet, but then there are still five days until the election.

Both sides is not all sides, here, and in most places in life.

Growing Greener 2 Ballot Question

Ballot question:

Do you favor authorizing the Commonwealth to borrow up to $625,000,000, for the maintenance and protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation and other environmental initiatives?

Clean Campaign for Mayor while a SEA of Harrisburg Mud flows in from the South & West

I went to this press event. There is a clean election campaign. So, it is more than just the League of Women Voters. And, the campaigns are somehow not to use the news as any "endorsement" -- but just report upon the grade.
Recap: Bob O'Connor and Mike Lamb both got graded as "B" and Peduto got a grade of A-minus. The others didn't get a grade, sadly. But, they were mentioned.

PRESS RELEASEContact: PJ Lavelle - 412.583.0206 -- pj@billpeduto.com

Peduto for Pittsburgh Campaign Rated "Cleanest Campaign" by League of Women Voters

PITTSBURGH -- The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh's 'Clean Campaign Committee' rated City Councilman Bill Peduto?s mayoral campaign the most positive campaign of the Democratic Mayoral Primary today.

The committee awarded Peduto an A- for 'exceptional performance.'

Peduto for Pittsburgh Campaign Manager PJ Lavelle said Peduto directed his campaign to stay positive.

"Bringing other candidates down, won't bring Pittsburgh up. We're focused on communicating Bill's plan to revitalize Pittsburgh, and Bill Peduto's positive vision is resonating with city residents," Lavelle said.

Lavelle said the campaign will continue to stay positive during the final week.

"Bill Peduto has proven his ability to make the tough choices and move Pittsburgh forward, so we have the luxury of being able to run on a solid record of reform," he said.

The pointer to the press release, politicspa.com.

Of course Republicans count too. Get out and vote -- for me!

A Republican voter left a comment among the threads below about going to the polls on PRIMARY day, May 17, 2005. This is a primary and special election. I'm pressing the need for others, beyond the Ds and Rs to vote. But, I've seemed to overlook the ones with the best mascot, the elephant, in my rants about voting and voter eligibility.

Four years ago I was in the Republican Primary in a contested race for mayor. I got nearly 2,000 votes, as did my opponent. Our race, Rauterkus vs. Carmine, was the first contested primary in decades for the mayor's race. I had hoped we'd have set a trend. Oh well.

This time, in 2005, sadly, there isn't a contested primary. However, as a show of support, the lone Republican for Mayor, Joe Weinroth, does need to score some votes. He'll be doing well if he gets 4,000 to vote for him. Only Registered Republican voters can go to the polls and vote for Weinroth. He is just in the primary, unlike me who is in the special election.

It is a DUAL election!

In general, Republican voters often don't need to VOTE on primary days around here. Often the Republicans don't even need to go out and vote in the elections in the spring.

I want Republicans in the city and suburbs to vote for me, Mark Rauterkus, in the special election for PA Senate. There are many reasons why a vote for me, even as a Libertarian, is better than a registered Republican voting for a Republican.

Republicans can and will vote for me -- to some extent because:

I'm a positive message.

I'm calling for less government, not more.

I'm calling for an end to authorities, not more.

I'm calling for real efforts for our kids and parks.

I'm not happy with Act 72, nor gambling. I'd be a tireless watchdogs on those fronts.

I'm not a hunter, nor a gun collector -- but -- I'm the one with the best grip on the Constitution and understand rights, responsibilies, lawfulness, freedom and liberty.

I'm against corportate welfare, and for some Republicans that is a turn off while it is a turn on for others. Many Pittsburgh Republicans are more like "Roddey Republicans." "Roddey Republicans" are corporate Republicans and want "government money" to flow in their directions. The urban, grass-roots Republicans don't care for my frugal financial stances.

In the 42nd district, I think it is safe to say that few Republicans would describe themeselves as "Harrisburg Republicans." Some think Harrisburg knows best. They are in a tight minority and have a new leader now, Michael Diven.

I value the marketplace, free trade, and free travel among law-abiding citizens.

If you are a die-hard in terms of two, make or break issues, such as being 100% for right to life AND one that thinks the death penalty is okay -- vote for Diven, the new Republican.

If you think one-party rule in the city makes poor sense, it makes great sense to vote for me. I am the one candidate who ran for Mayor in 2001 as a Republican and did so without a nickle from Republicans in Harrisburg. I feel that the Republicans in Harrisburg don't know what's best for this urban center.

Note that the Republicans in Harrisburg have given Joe Weinroth, R, candidate for Mayor, 2005, the exact same support that I got -- zippo. Joe W is on the state GOP committee. Joe W gets squat. Joe has raised $250 in the mayor's race so far. He is already in debt by $1,500. When I ran for mayor, I ended the race with a little money in the bank and raised nearly three times as Joe has done.

I'm the one who really wants to build a team for opposition resons in these neighborhoods.

The clincher, IMHO (in my humble opinion), is Diven's present role. Keep him there. Diven is a member of the state house -- as a Republican now. Let Diven stay in the state house as a Republican. Diven can work with the GOPers in 2005 and 2006. If Diven is elected to the state senate on May 17, there is no (or little) net gain. Diven's departure from the state house makes an opening that is sure to be filled by a Dem -- and perhaps that Dem is Jim Motznik.

Let's see what Diven, the Republican, can do as a State Rep. He isn't on the back bench now.

Diven, R, can run for state senate (hopefully still as a R) in another year, as this special election is to fill a short term. This term expires in 19 months.

If I'm elected as a Libertarian, in the state senate, this sends a powerful signal to the world that the region is willing to make changes, willing to buck the system, willing to reward good ideas, willing to put the needs of our children at the top of the priority list, willing to heal itself with self-reliance and dodge envy.

Big donors favor O'Connor -- so reports City Paper

See the comments for the article.

Can you find my article in the City Paper's web site?

Last week, the link to the article with my mention sent surfers to a different article.

This week, there is no link, to my finding, within the City Paper's site to my article. None. Can you find it?

Will it go live later, after calling?

Bike Pittsburgh -- Q & A with Mayor's Race Candidates

Bike PGH! – Questions for Mayoral Candidates

*note: In no way does Bike PGH endorse any political candidate. These questions are meant to introduce Bike PGH to the candidates for Democratic Mayoral Nominee, get them thinking about bicycling issues in Pittsburgh, and provide our constituents with insights into the three major campaigns. The answers are listed in alphabetical order based on last name. The Democratic primary is Tuesday, May 17, 2005. If you are a registered Democrat make sure you get out and vote!

1. How do you envision the City of Pittsburgh adapting its infrastructure to make the streets & neighborhoods safer and more accommodating for all forms of transportation including bicycles?

Lamb: Traditionally, Pittsburgh has not been a bike-friendly city. Over the last 10 years, the city, many volunteers and non-profits have invested money and time developing a world-class system of trails. I will continue this investment, completing the Hot Metal Bridge pedestrian/bikeway and will work to complete the Pittsburgh section of the Great Allegheny Passage. I commend the Port Authority’s Rack’n Roll program, and encourage increased participation. Pittsburgh also has some bike lanes on city streets, but not enough. As mayor, I will work to increase bike lanes, and will stress to our drivers the need to safely share our roads.

O’Connor: Multi-modal transportation is vital to a thriving City. I will dedicate myself to working aggressively in Harrisburg for dedicated sources of transit funding. Existing bridge and road maintenance will be my first objective, followed closely by linking our economic centers of Oakland and Downtown. Getting people to and from work safely and efficiently is critical and transit is vital to that end. True Multi-modal transportation is an expansive undertaking. I will actively serve on the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), where I will use my previous experience as Governor Rendell's SPC representative, to fight for funding necessary to create, maintain, and upgrade a multi-modal transportation system.

Peduto: There is a limited amount of money coming into the region for transportation, roughly $33 billion over the next 20 years. We as a City, and more importantly as a region, must prioritize these funds. First we must fix the current transit problem; we need to create a dedicated funding source for public transportation in the region. Second, we need to focus on a multi-modal transportation network. With proper prioritization of funds, there exists a great opportunity to connect Hazelwood, the Second Avenue Tech Corridor, Oakland, Baum-Centre, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and downtown, by a transit system using existing rail lines. I support funding transportation systems that solve today’s problems.

In terms of accommodating bicycles in the City, some areas have the potential for "European" sidewalks with painted areas for bikes. Additionally, there needs to be an effort to create bicycle only lanes in certain areas that tie into the existing biking infrastructure (i.e. trails) to create greater connectivity throughout the City. I have been the most dedicated local elected official in terms of supporting bicyclists in the City of Pittsburgh, and will continue to do so as Mayor.

In addition, smart urban growth is dependant on the support of pedestrian traffic, smart transportation, and connectivity. I would create more prominent pedestrian “way finding” signs to promote and ease pedestrian traffic throughout the downtown quadrangle.


2. As mayor, would you consider appointing a full-time bicycle planner to work on bike transportation issues?

Lamb: I will consider such an appointment. Pittsburgh will remain under Act 47 and the Oversight Committee for the next few years, and our Planning Department staffing has been sharply reduced. If our fiscal situation does not permit a full-time bicycle planner immediately, that function should be a shared one.

O’Connor: I know that any good organization begins and ends with quality people. My Administration will be comprised of professionals, not political hires. Effective, efficient and modern management will be applied to City Government and its personnel. Not all of these items will be achievable overnight; however, they must all be placed upon the table for discussion and will receive my full attention.

Peduto: Given the City’s current financial difficulties, we would not be able to hire a person solely responsible for bicycle planning. However, our City has excellent transportation planners and I would work with them to make sure that bicycle planning took a more prominent role in our general transportation plan.

3. What connections do you see between economic opportunity, urban revitalization, and incorporating the bicycle as a viable form of transportation?

Lamb: As Richard Florida notes in the “Rise of the Creative Class,” Pittsburgh must develop more opportunity for young, creative entrepreneurs, and this includes more recreational opportunity. Developing Pittsburgh as a great bike city is a great economic tool that we can use to market Pittsburgh.

O’Connor: People not only work in great cities, they also live there. Pittsburgh must once again be a destination where people not only want to work, but live. Residential development is critical to our long-term success. I will work tirelessly in our 88 neighborhoods to bring about a revolution in our housing stock. I will work to ensure we have a clean, safe and attractive community. The City must work with the Allegheny County Department of Development, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development to ensure that all our activities are coordinated and complimentary, especially regarding multi-modal transportation projects.

Peduto: Pittsburgh is fortunate to have breathtaking views and natural beauty. The City must take new steps to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation within downtown. We need to create easier access to downtown’s 8.5 miles of riverfront, to allow for greater opportunities along the water. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist for new outdoor activities including climbing walls on abandoned bridge piers. The City must partner with organizations like Venture Outdoors and Bike Pittsburgh to provide recreational programs on a daily basis. Additionally, the City must complete the extension of the Eliza Furnace Trail to Point State Park, and the extension of bike/walking paths from Point State Park up the Allegheny River. Pittsburgh must embrace all of its’ natural assets in the revitalization of downtown.


4. Have you supported any initiatives or bills that address bicycle and pedestrian issues in the City? If so can you tell us a bit about them?

Lamb: The Office of the Prothonotary does not lend itself to introducing legislation. As mayor I will be an advocate for bikes, public transit and pedestrians.

O’Connor: As council president, I supported putting more beat cops on the street, worked to improve pedestrian crosswalks with help from PennDot, and fought to enact the Clean Streets Program. I will continue efforts already underway to build new housing units in our 88 neighborhoods to bring about a revolution in our housing stock. Blighted properties and slum landlords must be confronted aggressively and resolved expediently. I will work to ensure we have clean, safe, and attractive communities. Good transportation is vital to the city's present and future greatness. Without clean, safe streets our residential development opportunities are limited.

Peduto: Since taking office, I have been a vocal advocate for the installation of bike racks throughout the City, and I have supported the continuation of the Eliza Furnace trail, and bike/walking paths along the riverfronts. Furthermore, I supported “Bike to Work Week”, and sponsored both “Venture Outdoors Week” and Pedal Pittsburgh.


5. How would you characterize the overall health of Pittsburghers and our environment? As mayor, what would you do to help improve the health of the people and our environment?

Lamb: Pittsburgh has come a long way from the smoky days of the 1950’s but still has a way to go to gain full attainment of national air quality standards. I will work with environmental organizations and our corporate community to tackle our air quality. Pittsburgh’s water and green space are great assets, and we must vigilantly protect them.

O’Connor: Health care organizations in Pittsburgh are among the best in the world. The best medicine is preventive so we must educate our citizens about the quality of life issues associated with a healthy lifestyle. The health issue that Pittsburgh faces is that of our financial health. Pittsburgh faces no greater challenge than solving our fiscal crisis. Years of City mismanagement have created this fiscal crisis. We need the city, the Act 47 team, and the Oversight Committee to work cooperatively together. The financial health of Pittsburgh is similar to health of an individual; reduce fat with a better-managed operation and increase activity in the workforce.

Peduto: I believe that Pittsburghers should become more active in outdoor recreational activity. Enjoying Pittsburgh’s great natural assets and spending time outdoors has a positive impact on a person’s physical and mental health. I previously outlined several steps I would take as Mayor, to promote recreational activity as part of downtown’s redevelopment. In addition to those steps, I would create more prominent pedestrian “way finding” signs to promote and ease pedestrian traffic throughout the downtown quadrangle. Smart urban growth is dependant on the support of pedestrian traffic and connectivity.


6. Do you support Bike PGH's initiative of installing pedestrian-friendly bike racks along sidewalks in business districts around the city? The process to install these racks is very lengthy with much red tape to cut through. As mayor, would you pledge to review the bike rack installation process and work with Bike PGH, City Council and the Department of Public Works to streamline it?

Lamb: I fully support Bike PGH’s bike racks. They are a great asset to Pittsburgh, both functionally and esthetically. These efforts should be encouraged, and as mayor, I will work to streamline installation.

O’Connor: Yes, I support the installation of bike racks throughout the business district and pledge to work with Bike PGH, Council, and the city departments to streamline the installation process. As mayor, I will work aggressively to streamline the many agencies so they can and will work collectively and in concert.

Peduto: I have been involved with this project from the start and will continue to be an ardent supporter of the bike rack program. I believe that these racks are a positive addition to downtown and all neighborhood business districts. As Mayor, I would work with Bike Pittsburgh, City Council, and Public Works to improve the current approval process.

7. If you are elected, do you pledge to work with bicycle advocates in order to make Pittsburgh continuously safer, more accessible and friendly to bicycle transportation?

Lamb: Absolutely. Pittsburgh will be a bike-friendly city under my administration.

O’Connor: I will work with bicycle advocates and discuss any transportation issues put on the table. Pittsburgh needs more transportation options, multi-modal transportation including bicycles, pedestrian, wheelchairs, and other forms of wheeled vehicles. The Mayor must be a relationship builder and work cooperatively and successfully with others to turn this City around. Pittsburgh needs a Mayor who can pull this City together -- business, labor, non-profits; and work cooperatively with the County and Region. We must not be divided. Everyone has a role to play. I have the necessary experience and a viable working plan to put Pittsburgh on the right track. I have spent nearly 20 years successfully managing a $20 million company with over 1,000 employees. With foresight and hard work, we grew our business and with it we created jobs. That's what we must do in the City of Pittsburgh. We must grow our economy, create jobs and make the City a destination for people to live and work. That's the greatest challenge the next Mayor will face.

Peduto: During my term on City Council I have been an advocate for creating a safe, accessible, and friendly environment for bicyclists in Pittsburgh. As Mayor, I will continue to work with Bike Pittsburgh and other transportation advocacy groups to continue to promote that vision.

Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/11/2005 | Short on bucks, but long on blogs

Carrier Pigeon?

Speaking of that, my son, Grant, 7, has a neighborhood buddie bird -- named Mailman. He's a local pigeon who hops up on Grant's hand.

Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/11/2005 | Short on bucks, but long on blogs: "Though it seems modest, a national Democratic political consultant who specializes in Internet organizing sees the Philadelphia effort as a beginning. Bloggers in Pittsburgh have been talking up a candidate in the mayoral primary there.

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