Just Say No to Newman and Nigro

The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania strongly urges voters to vote NO to the retention of State Supreme Court Justices Sandra Schultz Newman and Russell Nigro.

November 8th, presents the first election opportunity for Pennsylvanians to express their outrage over the pay raises passed in the midnight hours by the General Assembly. Voters will have an opportunity to send a clear message by supporting the grass root efforts of Pennsylvania Clean Sweep (www.PaCleanSweep.com).

Justice Newman and Nigro both ignored the pay raises’ violations to the State Constitution and then opted to take their pay raises immediately. Article III, Section 4. states that “every bill shall be considered on three different days in each House.” Yet, the Supreme Court did not challenge the constitutionality of the pay raise which began as a 24-line proposal to limit salaries, then morphed in minutes into a 22-page law to increase salaries that was passed in late hour voting. Nor, did they question the use of “unvouchered expenses” to bypass Article II of the Constitution which states “No member of either House shall during the term for which he may have been elected, receive any increase of salary, or mileage, under any law passed during such term.”

"Pennsylvanians have a tremendous opportunity this election to demand accountability from all branches of our government,” states David Jahn, Chair of the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party. "It is time to make Harrisburg realize they have lost touch with voters."

LP spokesman John Haley adds "It really has come down to Us versus Them. It is time for us, the good people of Pennsylvania, to start getting rid of them, the arrogant and out-of-touch politicians in Harrisburg. On November 8th, we need to just say NO to Newman and Nigro!"

For more information contact:
Doug Leard (Media Relations) or David Jahn (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS

Mayor says 'fix' is on - PittsburghLIVE.com

Mayor says 'fix' is on - PittsburghLIVE.com Besides the casino operator, he said, three suppliers of slots machines already have the inside track as well -- and none of them are owned by minorities or women. I think he said three vendors to the casino were already picked, not necessarily suppliers of the slot machines. It's a minor point. But, it goes to the overall trickle down with the economy. And, it plays a mighty force for reminders to the minority contractor saga.

When the construction of the stadiums and convention center was happening -- there were pass-through contracts. The minority contractor elements were a joke. And, the whistleblowers had a hard time.

Back when the entire stadium and convention center deals were being sold to the public in political circles, the black communities were promised lots of 'jobs' and 'opportunities' if they would only give support to 'the vision.' Well, the promises were broken.

Now the promise comes crashing down on those who work as ticket scalpers.

Meanwhile, ground is being cleared in downtown for the new African American Cultural Center. A picket was there yesterday. The union guys were upset as the demolition company was off contract.

'Ban hurts profits' -- Scalped by City Council's ordinance

City council passed an ordinance in the spring that is now before the judges. The public is taken to the courts again. The legal bills mount.

The same saga is sure to play out again with the issue of 'aggressive panhandling.' The folks are council will tighten the noose of freedom around a group of 'little people' so as to help the 'bigger people.' The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

The scalper smack down was to benefit the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. The more recent smack down aids those who own curbside cafes, symphony goers, and the cultural district.

'Ban hurts profits' - PittsburghLIVE.com 'From a public safety standpoint, we need to make sure it's a controlled environment out there,' DaPra said.

Solution: We need to craft city ordinances that make everyone happy. And, this does not mean we'll get everyone "at the table" to be happy as I understand that everyone is never able to get to the table.

Furthermore, and most of all, the laws need to made so as to extend freedoms, not curtail them.

Finally, we have real troubles with the understandings and enforcements of freedoms. With freedom comes responsibility in equal measures.

So, we'll have guys on the street with 40-plus citations racked up for bad behaviors. The law enforcement is lax to a point of hopelessness.

Draper Triangle Ventures gets $5M from PA to invest in start-ups. We do the math: $30-million+ stays in deep freeze. Slanders "jump starts" everywhere

Two years ago, a $60-million fund was created by state government. Our tax money was put into that fund so as to "jump-start" the local (i.e., Pennsylvania) economy. In October, $29.5 million of that money, a little less than half, was given out to seven venture capital firms. One firm was in the Pittsburgh area.

The aim is to make more money available. However, it seems as if $30.5-million is still frozen and sitting idle. It took two years to handle the first round and that only went to venture capital firms.

What part of 'jump start' is not being understood?

I'd say that Harrisburg and the business incubator weenies have made another great illustration of failure and folly.

Draper Triangle Ventures gets $5M from Pa. to invest in start-ups - 2005-10-19 The Commonwealth Financing Authority divided $29.5 million among seven venture capital firms to invest in young Pennsylvania research and development companies.

The money is part of a $60 million package created two years ago to jump-start start-ups by making more capital available.

The remainder of the money will be assigned at a later date, said Kevin Ortiz, a spokesman for the Department of Community and Economic Development.

The sole Pittsburgh recipient was Draper Triangle Ventures, one of the most active investors in companies in Southwestern Pennsylvania, which drew $5 million.

Worthy

My blog is worth $129,279.66.
How much is your blog worth?

Channel 4 News - Mayor Murphy: Issue Of Slot Licenses May Be Corrupt

This was a great exchange. Classic Murphy.

Furthermore, there was a moment when my jaw hit the floor. This one time I was in complete agreement with Tom Murphy. Oh my gosh. I was in full agreement with Tom Murphy. I started to smile. This heartfelt appreciation came over me like a glow -- and it lasted about 45-seconds.

Tom Murphy said, "You're not doing your jobs." At first I thought he was talking to the citizens and voters. But quickly I came to understand the "YOU" Tom meant was the media. You in the media are not doing your jobs, mentioned Murphy. Okay now. I was grooving. But Murphy would go on and speak some more. And then it was very clear. Tom Murphy wasn't doing his job. Tom Murphy was going to do nothing. Tom Murphy was going to bit his lip and say nothing so as to cover himself. Tom Murphy was going to float through a leadership void and let the city suffer.

ThePittsburghChannel.com - Channel 4 Action News - Mayor Murphy: Issue Of Slot Licenses May Be Corrupt: "PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Mayor Tom Murphy raised eyebrows Thursday at a luncheon for the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania after insinuating that the process of issuing slot machine licenses may be corrupt.

He chastised Pittsburgh journalists for not digging hard enough to find out what backroom deals are being made with the state gaming commission.

He was then challenged by Pittsburgh Tribune Review reporter Andy Conti to disclose what he knows publicly.

'You and I have had conversations about it, Andy,' Murphy said.

Conti asked him to talk on the record.

'Who's going to say on the record that the fix is in, and somebody already won the license?' Conti said. 'What evidence is out there?'

'And get sued?' Murphy said."

For the record, I played a bit of a role in that -- from the sidelines. Murphy was saying that this dealings with the gambling should be "TRANSPARENT." Then he got into this bit about corruption. Meanwhile, Murphy wasn't being transparent himself. He wanted to have others be transparent, but not him. So, I spoke up when there was a silence, "Be transparent."

Then Murphy said, "And get sued?"

Then under my breath -- at my table -- I said yes. Say only what you know to be true and defend it. Be a leader. Be right. Don't just cover your backside and let the city slide into corruption, afraid to talk.

If Mayor Murphy has something to say about corruption in the gambling process, he needs to say it, in public, like the public official he was elected to be. Otherwise, he should resign. I've said that before. But this is different. This is a new month. I have not said it in October 2005. There. It feels good too. Resign Tom.

Here is the rest of the story from WTAE TV 4's site.

Murphy never said what he believes is evidence of backroom deals being made for casino licenses in Pittsburgh. However, he warns the public that the state is attempting to strip the city of local zoning authority of where gambling establishments should go up.

"Who gets the license? Where does the license go?" Murphy said. "If that power is stripped, then there will be no local control at all. It'll be forced on us by a gaming commission that may or may not be connected to the values of this community."

Murphy also cautioned the public about the perceived windfall of revenue. He said the challenge is to determine where revenues will be placed.

"Is it an arena? Is it more money for the arts or community organizations? What does it do to the basic values of Pittsburgh?" Murphy said.

The state has pushed back its deadline for issuing gaming licenses. The time frame now is summer 2006.

News at 11. We'll see what the papers bring in the morning.

Gambling discussions at The Press Club of Western PA

Lots of interesting things happened with a lunch discussion today hosted by the Press Club. Great event with lots of information for the typical citizen. I'm was keen to discover a few things that are 'in the margins' of the story that might come today from the standard outlets.

The Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Vistors Breau, a group that is funded by tax money, holds CLOSED Board Meetings. And, the Chair of that organization didn't even know it.

B.J. Leber (Chair of the Vistors & Convention Breau) and Senior Vice President and Station Manager of WQED Multimedia, also didn't know that WQED isn't going to host a Mayor's debate.

Through all the discussions, I still have yet to hear a valid objection as to why the Convention Center should not be home to the new gambling casino that is sure to come to Pittsburgh in the future. Mayor Murphy said, "We can't do that." But I think he is really saying, "I don't want to do that."

Murphy also put his abrasive personality into high gear as he scolded the locals for not doing their job. I think he was speaking to the media for its less than full-monty coverage of the associated gambling stories. Murphy wants more "transparent" elements -- for everyone else but not him. Murphy would NOT talk about some of the back-room deals that are rumored to be cut. Murphy would not name names. Murphy said some matters are 'no secret' -- but he just did so with a tease and wink and a shrug.

The state put in $150-million for the building of the Convention Center. That is money out of our (PA taxpayers) back pocket. Plus, there was to be another $150-million put in from other, local sources. But, they over-runs ran an extra $70-million or so. So, it is safe to say we paid nearly $400-million on the convention center. Or, we've paid more than $300-million and we still owe that amount.

Annually, the convention center's operation runs into the red and costs the S&A (our authority) about $3.4 million. The annual operation deficit for this one year that was not able to be covered by the annual budget was $1-million. So, annually, if this year is any proof, the convention center is a drain on the local public budgets of about $4 to $5-million.

The Vistors & Convention Breau got a good bit of money from the state at start-up, decades ago. Plus, it runs on the hotel tax.

Remember, the Vistors and Convention Center has closed board meetings. That sucks.

Furthermore, at the next board meeting, all the big hitters who are expected to put in a bid for the Pittsburgh Gambling License have been invited to present to the board. This is to consider how the gambling might impact on the convention center.

The Convention Center has a lot of religious groups. There are certain populations that are NOT interested in going to a convention city and needing to deal with gambling. They'll not want to use Pittsburgh as a destination for their events in the future.

The value of the Convention Center, according to my way of thinking, is going to go lower and lower. The Convention Center is a white elephant now that costs a lot of money from various public sources. In the future, after gambling arrives, it is going to be less viable than it is today. The Convention Center's expenses might double from their highs of today.

In his statements and presentation, Mayor Murphy talked about the 'footprint' of the new gambling casino. It is going to be huge, he said. It will take up all of Point State Park -- as a reference. It will be as big as the footprint of PNC Park -- as another point of reference. Jeepers. That fits within the existing Convention Center. Mayor Murphy supports the thinking and logic of putting the casino within the vast, under-utilized Convention Center.

Mayor Murphy also expressed some finance needs. The new casino operator is going to pay $50-million for the license (that does not expire). About another $40-$60-million for the slot machines. And, about $300-million for the building. Jeepers. We'll sell them the Convention Center for $300-million.

There are many other points and counter-points to make about this gambling saga. All points lead to a logical conclusion when you 'think again.' Put the casino into the existing, well-designed, river-front, non-neighborhood, parking rich, hotel accessible, green, CONVENTION CENTER. Then the public can profit in many ways -- to cover some of the sins of the past and get out from many of the anchors for future budgets.

If we make a push for this -- the gambling casino could open as soon as the departure of the All Star Game -- in the Convention Center -- July 2006. That's the challenge. Do it now. Do it quickly. Do it with the best property we have that is not performing well. Turn the weakness into an asset for the private operator.

United Press International - Student told to write essay as punishment -- NO HE DIDN'T. Big error in the article.

This seems to be getting national news, and perhaps it should. But, the story isn't accurate as posted below. I heard the young man, (the DU student), on a radio interview with KQV today. He did not call anyone 'subhuman.' However, he did use that word as a description for certain actions.

United Press International - NewsTrack - Student told to write essay as punishment: "Student told to write essay as punishment

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A student of Pittsburgh's Duquesne University has been told to write a 10-page essay on homosexuality as punishment for his blog remark on gays and lesbians.

Ryan Miner says he's willing to risk expulsion rather than write the essay that must discuss the pros and cons of homosexuality, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The newspaper said the 19-year-old had called gays and lesbians 'subhuman' in a blog."

If they are going to make a mountain out of a molehill -- or blow something into the mainstream discussion -- start with factual coverage.

Now, where is that blog in question? Any pointers are welcomed. This isn't a mountain, nor a molehill. But, it is a bit of hot air that bubbles up from time to time in a faithful kinda schedule. That's me and my son, Grant, standing in front of Old Faithful just before she blows.

Film: Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, 7 pm Friday Nov 18

Presented at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside, come find out why Wal-Mart needs to be held accountable for unjust practices that impoverish workers and threaten ommunities.

The controversial new film, by director and producer Robert Greenwald (Outfoxed and Uncovered: the War on Iraq), debuts in Pittsburgh in November as part of Wal-Mart Premiere Week, an unprecedented grassroots effort that will see over 3,000 screenings
across the nation from November 13-19, 2005.

This free public event is being hosted here in Pittsburgh by UUs United for Faith in Action. The screening will take place at 7 p.m. on November 18 at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside. Immediately following the film, there will be a brief presentation by two local groups and a discussion about the effect Wal-Mart is having on Pittsburgh and the nation.

The film takes the viewer on a deeply personal journey into the everyday lives of families struggling to fight against a Goliath. From a small business owner in Missouri to a preacher in California, from workers in Florida to a poet in Mexico, dozens of film crews on three continents bring the story of an assault on families and American values.

At The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania meeting. M. Ross and Dr. Davis, both from Pitt.

Gambling discussion.

Dr. Larry Davis, Mayor Tom Murphy, Tonya C. Andrew C. Gary R., Dr. Evan Stoddard of the South Side and past leader of No Dice.

Flashback and Housekeeping

Elephant envy.

Because some have asked, my photos are going to go into the public domain. They are being organized and are go be released shortly on CD and DVD. This way, others could use the photos as they wish, in commericial and noncommercial works, in multimedia and for posters, whatever. You'll need to buy the CD or DVDs and this will be part of a funding efforts for other things we do.

So, a campaign manager for a republican candidate, say John Pierce who lived in the city and then moved to suburbia and now is seemingly in Harrisburg, could use these photos freely.

Don't overlook this endorsement

Bob Hillen's endorsement in the Post-Gazette is huge.

Bob's endorsement was not mentioned at the conservative site, GrassrootsPA.com.

The PG made another fine endorsement with Doug Price for County Council too.

Editorial: Price in District 4 / The Republican has been dedicated to reform Price in District 4 / The Republican has been dedicated to reform

SPORTSHAVEN comes crashing down in downtown Pittsburgh. This block was cleared for the building of the African American Cultural Center. It is on Liberty Avenue. The workers on the job with the demolition company faced a picket. I don't think that they were on 'contract.' A day care, a cleaners and a few other small businesses were in the various buildings in that triangular block.

City likely to keep all-Democrat council - PittsburghLIVE.com

OUCH!
Dogs are cats and cats are dogs. "Gatekeepers" gone gonzo.

What's up is down!

The Trib, the newspaper that should be friendly to Republicans, slams the three hopeful GOPers in their quest for city council seats. Meanwhile, the Post-Gazette, endorsed the City's GOP Chairman, Bob Hillen, over the Dem in yesterday's editorial.

City likely to keep all-Democrat council - PittsburghLIVE.com Three of four Pittsburgh City Council seats are contested this election year, but none of the races represents a significant threat to the city's all-Democrat council.

---

PG Editorial: Hillen for council / The city can no longer afford business as usual

The print media's ying and yang are fussed these days.

Get Out The Vote advice and pollworking advice from Tim

Unofficial Advice for Operation Clean Sweep or No to NN poll workers on Election Day, Nov 8, 2005.

I've worked the polls for several Libertarian candidates before. Here is my (Tim C's) unofficial advice.

1. Go to www.pacleansweep.com and download some No to Newman and Nigro flyers. Especially the one that is cut into 8 small flyers per sheet. Also a few that are an entire page, with tear-off phone numbers on the bottom.

2. Put the full sized sheets up in places like grocery stores, community bulletin boards, campus bulletin boards, on poles when no one is looking, etc. Bring thumb tacks and a good stapler. It is against the law to stick them in mailboxes, though.

3. A few of the full page NNN flyers can also be stapled or taped up at the polling place. There are somerules regarding how close to the actual polls your signs can be -- just put yours where eveyone else has theirs. Cut the llittle strips at the bottom in case anyone wants to join OCS. They can tear off the phone number instead of the entire sign.

4. Cut the ones that are eight to a page into individual mini flyers. These can be handed out at the polls. You can ask people where the best polling places are. Figure out the most convenient photocopying places too. Also the mini NNNs look better on colored paper than white. They still cost about one cent apiece since there are eight to a sheet.

5. If anyone calls or emails you, just give them this same advice. Ask them where they vote. Have them either download the NNN flyers or photocopy some of them and take them over to the volunteer.

6. When it comes to volunteers, you want to keep it simple. Have them go to their regular voting place. If they are computer literate, they can download the NNNs. If not, take them over, or have them meet you at Starbuck's, Behive, etc. They will need about 80 little ones (ten photocopied pages) and about four of the full page NNNs. You can go back inside and 'recycle' the flyers. The 80 little NNNs can be given to about 200 people.

7. Also advise them to wear comfortable shoes, take a water bottle, umbrella, and put a folding chair in your car -- there might be room to sit down outside the polling place in between voters. Repeat several times that the election is Tuesday, Nov 8th.

8. Try to figure out who will hand out mini NNN flyers and which polling place they will commit to. Make a chart of the 3-4 local polling places and the times that people will commit to. It pays to drive around to the different polling places and see how they are doing. Bring extra flyers, tape and staples in case they haven't posted any signs in the designated area. Get their cellphone numbers and give them yours, in case they have a problem. Call them on Nov 8th to remind them. Go with them if necessary and spend a few minutes with them.

9. Come up with something short and sweet to say to the voters as they enter. The old standby is "Would you like some literature, sir/maam?" But you might want to say "Defeat the Pay Raise, Vote No to Newman and Nigro" If you say that over and over, the people coming up next will hear part of it too. Just repeat it endlessly and give them a small NNN flyer. If they have questions, answer them, and say that the web site is on the little flyer. Remember to make eye contact and smile.

10. Obey the election laws. You can't stand within 15 feet of the doorway, etc in most places. For the most part, be courteous, don't block anyone's path, stand where the other political volunteers are standing, and remember that you have as much right to be there as anyone. Don't argue with those who disagree with you. Just wish them a good day and wait for the next person.

7 district judge slots still open - PittsburghLIVE.com

I don't think so.

7 district judge slots still open - PittsburghLIVE.com Martini, who is chief of staff for State Rep. Thomas Petrone, wants to make the office 'more user friendly' and start evening hours one night a week.

'No one knows the district better than me,' Martini said.

Arrogant statement. I guess he must know that many people in the district despise his boss too, Thomas Petrone, long-time state rep. And, I guess a lot of people know too about the folly of the West Pittsburgh Partnership.

Who wants to have lunch on Oct 27 and support Evan

Chris Moore, WQED Multimedia's host of Black Horizons and co-host of OnQ, will moderate a panel discussion featuring:

The Honorable Tom Murphy, mayor of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Patricia Beeson, professor of economics and public policy at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is also vice provost for graduate studies.

Dr. Evan Stoddard, past president and current board member of No Dice, an anti-gambling lobby. He is associate dean of McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts at Duquesne University, where he is also associate director for community outreach in the Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy.

Reporters Andrew Conte of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Gary Rotstein of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 2005.

WHERE: Engineers' Building, 337 Fourth Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh.

WHAT: Lunch will be served at noon. Program ends by 2 p.m.

HOW: $20 for Press Club members. $25 for nonmembers. $200 for table of 10.

For reservations, please send your check by October 21 to The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, Engineers' Building, 337 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222. Questions? Linda Parker at 412-281-7778.

Update: Chris Moore missed the event, but another from OnQ was the moderator.

The social worker on the panel is a friend, Dr. Davis from Pitt. That meant I knew all the people on the panel.

I should join The Press Club. It was a great event. I should also join The Economic Club of Pittsburgh too. They also have wonderful speakers and programs. Any running mates interested???

Badminton brews here.

More news shortly.

This photo shows my children among those from Chengdu, China, with a coach at a Recreation Center. The coach had played for the national team of China. The real irony of this photo: It was taken as all the rec centers in Pittsburgh were closed. So, we went to China to play and research what they do. Plus, we didn't come back empty handed. The ideas are being revealed in behind the scenes challeges to establish some new endeavors locally. (By the way, that's Erik R., the tall kid in the middle of the group with the Pitt t-shirt and Grant R. on the far right.)