Liberating Fifth & Forbes, Trib op-ed by J. Potts (blogger too)

Liberating Fifth & Forbes - PittsburghLIVE.com
Pittsburgh received what could be good news last month when developer Carl Dranoff dropped out of a plan to redevelop the Fifth and Forbes shopping district Downtown.

The op-ed ran, but just a day or three ago, the URA announced it was to purchase MORE properties.

The call of the mall - PittsburghLIVE.com The call of the mall

New exit on Rt. 28 and bingo -- the hook is there for a new mall. Yet to come, Deer Creek Crossing, with its TIF too.
The churn and sprawl continues. Plus, it gets a good push on new energy from government funding and government screw-ups too.

When I was a kid, we went to the Monroeville Mall -- with its indoor ice rink. I fail to see how bumper cars are a new trend.

Potts writes, "the solution is simple." I generally agree. Potts calls for the sell of of URA property. I think that is wise. But, for years now I've also called for the selling of the Parking Authority properties as well. The Parking Authority is another place that needs to be taken away from the city powers and put into play with the marketplace forces.

Yes, The city needs once and for all to get out of the Downtown real estate business.

However, the two of us turn at this mention, "Free parking for residents would be a good place to start." Parking is a priority -- but the simple solution isn't to just make it free. It is rather to free the authority from itself.

Potts also hits hard upon the eminent domain issue and gets right into the talk of "blight." Right on, again. The simple solution, hinted at but not talked of directly, is to eliminate all blight downtown. Take the designation away. Without "blight" the steep climb to eminent domain is back in the favor of the owners.

My clincher isn't about turning downtown as a hub for youth, student, single, loft, and empty nesters. We don't want -- nor should we strive to do subsidized housing deals for rich folks. Rather, when we figure out that the best way to make disversity is to do housing that urban families can enjoy as well -- then we've turned the corner.

If you are trying to mastermind with the building a global village, anf if that space isn't suited for families -- then you're building a failure.

AntiRust: Tom Murphy Spins History

Point counter-point on the Murphy written op-ed. Well done. Thanks.

AntiRust: Tom Murphy Spins History

Eternal vigilance: Books: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

A running mate, Adam, has his own blog and gives a great peek into Harry Potter. Get in the groove again, as the next book is due out on Friday night -- 12:01.

Just after midnight, I'll be standing in line at the South Side Works -- not to get a beer but to get a new copy of the newest book at the Joseph Beth Bookstore. We've got a copy "on hold."

Adam does such a great job in his posting, that I'll say nothing more -- just go surf there to get back in the groove.

Eternal vigilance: Books: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Books: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I recently finished reading the fifth book in the Harry Potter series and not only am glad for the entertainment, I'm also impressed with the growing sophistication of these stories. The stories provide a rather detailed illustration of the many ways that one can deal with power--both with having power and having power used against one's self....

HEADLINE you've not seen: Murphy to seek re-election as mayor

This story is legit. It is breaking in another market.

Newstimeslive.com Murphy to seek re-election as mayor Murphy to seek re-election as mayor ...

What's going to happen next. Do I stoop so low as to report the old news that O'Connor is to retire from public life -- or speculate with the teased headline of who is going to take the place of O'Connor, in the Supreme Court.

Financial outlook

Questions cloud city's financial outlook - PittsburghLIVE.com Pittsburgh hasn't received any of the $6 million in contributions promised by nonprofit groups. The Pittsburgh Public Service Fund Board, an umbrella group for city charities, has yet to vote on whether to provide the money.

Don't hold your breath. That money was never going to materialize.

The budget process in city hall has always been a total joke. Peduto can buy expensive garbage cans for his district from money that wasn't spent three years ago. The cans, the process, the garbage -- it's all crooked. The harder it is to figure out, the more those in power like it. Confusion gives comfort to the weenies who can't get comfort any other way -- like with 'respect.'

Going after the non-profits for $6-million per year is a dead end opportunity. Pittsburgh might as well start its own space program and use those windfalls too. NASA couldn't get a lift-off yesterday. The Buhl is being talked about as a historic building. Perhaps they'll hook a shortfall in 2006 on some squeezed money there -- to the tune of $10-million. Point is, it's smoke and mirrors. Blame the non-profits for the ills of the city.

Another link on the same news in the PG: Councilman says city revenues are lagging

Think again.

2 Political Junkies report that Howard Dean will visit Pittsburgh next week. I won't be there.

If anyone wants to get some kwel Elect.Rauterkus.com buttons to pass around at the event, let me know.

2 Political Junkies Mean, scary, CRAZY man...savior of the Democratic Party...or just someone who speaks the unvarnished truth? He speaks, you decide:

Please join

Governor Howard Dean
Chairman of the Democratic National Committee

Tuesday, July 19th
5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Church Brew Works
3525 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Only $25

To recoup cost: #1 = Don't delay. #2 Plan, plan, plan

I've called for the use of the new Pittsburgh Convention Center as the first venue for the new gambling casino. Gambling is coming. When is another matter.

The decision has been made. Doing it is another matter. These leaders are fine to do nothing. Now that the gambling commission is set and they all have their cars and expense accounts -- no need to rush things along.

Look at the buildings in Athens. One looks a lot like the Convention Center. They are idle. They are used as much as about 20 outdoor swim pools in various neighborhoods -- not at all.

The convention center can't pull its own weight. We need to take that building and get rid of it. Get it into operation in another capacity and off the backs of the public operators.

SI.com Athens seeks ways to�recoup Olympic's cost Such sights have led to criticism that the government has not acted fast enough to cash in on the legacy of the Games.

'I think there were a lot of serious delays and I cannot find the cause for these delays. I think there is now confusion about the future,' said opposition parliamentarian Nassos Alevras, who was responsible for Olympic works for the previous government ahead of the Games.

Barnestormin - new blog with some new thoughts to spread

Welcome to the blog landscape. Barnestormin Barnestormin
Columns and personal essays by Jonathan Barnes, covering Pittsburgh news, writing and other topics.

Are we going to see a spending spree as the Murphy-ites flee? -- URA set to buy property on Fifth

URA set to buy property on Fifth The URA is proposing to pay $246,000 for a small four-story building at 212 Fifth owned by Candy-Rama Inc. It plans to pay $630,000 for a larger four-story building at 214-218 Fifth owned by Alfred B. Nunan next to G.C. Murphy's that currently houses three businesses, including a hat store that has been at the location for decades.
The acquisitions will add to the 15 properties the URA has purchased Downtown as part of Mayor Tom Murphy's effort to assemble land for the proposed redevelopment of the ragtag Fifth and Forbes retail corridor.

My view is NOT shared by that in the article. Herb Burger said that "anything the URA acquired Downtown is good new." Herb, my advice to you is, Think again!
We are getting a new mayor at the first of the year.
This might be another golden opportunity for those who might want to be the next Pittsburgh mayor to say something in public -- or on the internet.

Mount Washington to host Run for Roch

Another run for the running mates. The notice of this event came to me from a Mt. Washington friend, Tracy.

Mount Washington to host Run for Roch
Race to remember well-known runner who drowned last July...

Email blast: Come out to race with me - or worship instead

Hi Friends and Neighbors,

I hope your summer is going as well as ours. I'm still blogging. http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

Since I've not sent much email since the election, let me say thanks again to all who have helped, voted, or just watched and tolerated -- in any way. Your listening, awareness and occasional critical remarks are huge helping acts from my perspective.

Our 2005 race for PA Senate is behind us. Next up, another type of race, the Pittsburgh Triathlon. http://www.PittsburghTriathlon.com. See my blog to order fan club and running mate t-shirts. =;0

After surviving both the senate race and a swim-bike-run, we'll strongly consider a race for the open seat in my district for Pittsburgh City Council.

If the triathlon isn't your cup of tea, the other Sunday invite is to a more spiritual pursuit. Consider a concert / service from our friend, Mindy Simmons, at First Unitarian in Shadyside on Morewood at 10 am. http://www.first-unitarian-pgh.org/

Mindy provides the splendid song, "One World" for our community and campaign CDs. She is a gem with voice and guitar. Cost is $0.

Shifting gears, here are some ideas I've been spreading around for Pittsburgh's sake.

++ Sell Pittsburgh's new, Convention Center to the pending casino operator as part of the deal. Put the casino within the Convention Center. The Convention Center is a white elephant and is a drain on taxpayers. The casino operators can better deal with market conditions -- not the Stadium and Exhibition Authority. This solution gets income more quickly and with multiple sources (gambling windfall + building's
value).


++ Extend the URA's sale of its excessive land parcels within neighborhoods by allowing not only the "adjacent property owners," but also the "near by property owners" to take ownership from the city / public authority. Vacant lots sell for $500, minimum, but just to the willing who are adjacent. The URA owns more than 10,000 lots and parcels throughout the city. The URA inventory of land -- still in
limbo -- is still absent.


++ In 2001, as a candidate for Mayor, I called for the end of all Eminent Domain -- as a bold, strong, local measure. With the recent Supreme Court ruling, more are tuned into the trend and issue. When property can be taken, investments are sure to occur elsewhere. Beyond the struggle for "rights," their saga leads to dropping property values. That cycle generates storms for cities and individuals in many ways. The call to "end eminent domain" has become more "mainstream" and "urgent."


++ As a recent Libertarian candidate for PA Senate, let me assure you, I'm NOT getting any $10,000+ pay raise -- like both of my opponents. Shamefully, NEITHER raised a negative peep nor objection while on the legislative floor in Harrisburg. I'm not so tight lipped. Being "prudent" I would have never gone for the pay raise. Being "open" and "outspoken" I would have sounded alarms and raised my voice in loud
protest.


++ Allow Kennywood a "free ride" on the collection of the one-percent RAD tax. Kenneywood's gate helps subsidize its competitors. Furthermore, let's "think again" on the entire RAD tax plan.


== Mini recap of my ballot participation in the May 17, 2005, special election includes: ==

I was out-spent 250-to-one by the Republican candidate but out-voted by a five-to-one ratio.

In the 250-polling places, 249 scored votes for me.

I did equally well in the city and the suburbs.

My Democratic opponent generated nearly 20,000 votes from a base of more than 90,000 registered Democrats registered and within the 42nd district. That means that each Dem netted about 1/5th of a vote for Fontana. Meanwhile, my 2,542 total votes flowed from a base of just 250 registered Libertarians in the district. I'm proud to say each Libertarian generated TEN votes for the Libertarian while each Democrat delivered one-fifth of a vote for the Democrat.

My cost per vote was $1.30. Meanwhile, my Dem and Republican opponents spent nearly $2-million for 33,187 total votes giving them an AVERAGE cost per vote at $60. Diven's performance was worse!)

Athe ballot box just two blocks from my front door, in our three-way race, I got 23% of the vote.

Thanks again for everything. I'll be back.

Throw 'em all out - Letters in the Trib go 1, 2, 3 and Brian O of PG tells it best

Throw 'em all out - PittsburghLIVE.com
It is time for all taxpayers to become diligent voters and vote against all incumbent members of the state House and Senate.

See comments for each letter, all strong. The tide is rising.

Pay raises for legislature hooked to raising the minimum wage - reactions from Ls

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3863 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
1-800-774-4487
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release:
Date: 07/12/2005

For more information contact:
Doug Leard at 215-646-1502 or
David Jahn (Chair) at 610-461-7755


Governor Rendell recently told reporters that he would demand a minimum-wage increase from lawmakers in exchange for endorsing a legislative pay raise. Rendell favors boosting Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $7.15 an hour.

Our legislators are already among the highest paid in the country and their performance does not warrant a pay raise. Rendell compounds the damage to Pennsylvanians by using the pay raise as a hammer to pound through a minimum wage increase that will hurt Pennsylvania’s economy and poor.

How does a minimum wage increase damage our economy and hurt the poor?

First, minimum wage increases destroy jobs. Unless a business creates additional revenue to cover the enlarged salary expenses, the business must spread their work among fewer workers. Companies are thus pushed to inhibit hiring and potentially eliminate existing jobs. Teenagers and others seeking initial job experience that will allow them a first step onto the economic ladder are usually the ones impacted.

A study in 2004 by Duke University supports this claim. The study found that increases in the minimum wage decrease job prospects and increase the number of unemployed minimum wage workers.

Second, minimum wages limit businesses and workers economic freedom. As Doug Leard, Media Relations Director of the Libertarian Party explained, “when I first started working, I was willing to work below minimum wage to get established in my field of interest. Once in, I was confident I could work my way up the ladder. Increasing the minimum wage makes it harder to get that first step onto the success ladder.” This sentiment is supported by a study of economists at Florida State University and Miami University of Ohio that found that full-time workers hired at the minimum wage received a median pay increase of 13 percent within their first year.

A minimum wage increase hurts the poor by destroying jobs and providing workers with less employment options. Rendell’s proposal is bad for Pennsylvania!

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States with over 600 officials serving in office throughout the nation. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information on the Libertarian Party.

Positive pressure to support the schools' I.B. program and foreign language studies

A dedicated crew of parents from various schools have been meeting to insure the continued strength of the language programs within magnet schools among varous Pgh Public Schools.

A resource listing that gives research as to why this type of studies is so effective can be sent to you via email if you notify me.

Time will tell what the next boss of the school district plans to do.

Race Uniform

Wear a real fashion statement and make a positive, political, community statement as well. Get your own t-shirt for $15. Simply make a $15 donation with the Pay Pal donation button (found on the left-hand side of this blog) and then send an email saying you want a t-shirt too. We'll get the first five who order their new t-shirt at the Triathlon. Otherwise, we'll get it to you around August 1.

The Elect.Rauterkus.com logo is printed on the front and back, to be better seen as we come and go.

The shoulder logo says Platform.For-Pgh.org.

Dear Registered Athlete, (gulp) That's me. Our t-shirts / uniforms for pick-up soon!

The 8th Annual Seagate Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race is only a couple days away! Friends of the Riverfront is proud to bring you this exciting event on Sunday, July 17th at North Shore Riverfront Park.

Seagate returns as title sponsor. Seagate is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of hard disc drives, providing products for a wide range of Enterprise, Desktop, Mobile Computing and Consumer Electronics applications. The Company is committed to delivering award-winning products, customer support and reliability, to meet the world's growing demand for information storage.

Race packet pickup and expo will be held at the North Shore Riverfront Park on Saturday, July 16th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to be followed by a pasta dinner from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Trizilla , Western Pennsylvania's first and most complete world-class triathlon specialty bike store and training center will be on hand to perform bike inspections and showcase its wide array of products. You can also stop by the Trizilla store at 15 Freeport Road, Aspinwall, PA on Tuesday (7/12) through Friday (7/15) of race week to get your bike inspected.

An athlete information guide (PDF) with everything you need to know about the race, including a race itinerary, course information and maps, race awards and amenities, driving directions and lodging information is online.

PLEASE REVIEW THE ATHLETE INFORMATION GUIDE CAREFULLY, AS IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING PRIOR TO THE RACE.

Working against yourself often Governor?

Rendell Declares Tremendous Victory' As Own Plan is Defeated
In a classic effigy of Jekyll and Hyde, Governor Ed Rendell claimed victory against himself this week by announcing he had negotiated a partial restoration of the cuts to the Medicaid budget he proposed in February.

"Only Gov. Ed Rendell could claim victory against himself," said Republican State Committee Chairman Eileen Melvin.

Led by the voices of the state's hospital and nursing home communities, Gov. Rendell's Medicaid proposal drew a chorus of criticism from medical caregivers and providers.  If the governor's plan would have become law, limits would have been imposed on the number of times eligible women and children could access hospitals for their medical care and the number of monthly prescriptions available to enrolled recipients, most notably scores of Pennsylvania senior citizens.  The Rendell strategy would have created huge fiscal strains on the state's hospital systems through a precipitous rise in uncompensated health care costs.   

Gov. Rendell's proposal to enact the $500 million in cuts to Medicaid was roundly defeated late last month as both Democrats and Republicans in the Pennsylvania House voted down the plan in unanimous fashion.  After negotiations with Republican legislative leaders reached their apex over the July 4th Holiday, Governor Rendell was quick to claim credit for the restorations saying, "This is a tremendous victory"  (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 7/5/05)

"Coming from a governor who vetoed his first state budget, I guess this move should come as no surprise," added Melvin.

Top Minister says that all public sectors need open source solutions

Put this up into the scoreboard as another way we are falling further and further behind.

EUROPA - IDABC - Norwegian Minister says that all public sectors need The Norwegian government is taking large steps in their software policy: everybody in the public sector has to develop a plan for use of open source solutions within 2006. The Norwegian Minister of Modernization, Morton A. Meyer, presented new plan for information technology in Norway called "eNorge -- the digital leap," where one of the points concerned open standards and open source.

You know how the Pittsburgh Pirates are always way behind? That feeling is creeping over the entire country, and mostly our city, in terms of technology. We are behind. We are way behind.

When I ran for mayor in 2001, I had a strong open-source policy. That type of thinking has taken root elsewhere.

Do you think Bob O'Connor is going to be talking about open-source software?

Do you think Ed Rendell is going to be pushing open source either?

Pittsburgh still needs to get its act together, and we've got a long way to go.

Drenched with Dennis

Dennis is blowing around the heartland and might be in Pittsburgh in a day or so. What's your take on the weather?

Our Green Tree Great White Sharks Swim Team had two rain out meets called two or three weeks ago with the Crafton squad. Twice, mother nature rolled in a big thunder storm. This week is a make-up date. Figures.

We've got two evening meets this week. For our league, that is a lot.

Then the other worry is the pending, Sunday morning Triathlon that includes a 1.5 k swim in the Allegheny River. If we get a good bit of rain, the river is going to be fast, high and nasty. If we get a lot of rain close to the event, the swim might be too dangerous.

Predictions welcomed.

Hogs -- Trib and the pay raise for state reps and state senators

In Harrisburg, the hogs slop themselves. See the comments.