Mayor regrets talking of 'fix' -- link to the P-G story

Mayor regrets talking of 'fix': "Mayor Tom Murphy yesterday said he regretted saying the 'fix is in' on who would be awarded a casino license for Pittsburgh.

'I should have chosen my words more carefully,' he said. At the same time he affirmed his right as mayor 'to demand an open, honest and transparent selection process' for the city's casino."

In a couple of years, when the gambling interests have really trashed this town, Mayor Murphy will again stand up and say -- "told ya."

"Should-a, would-a, could-a don't mean squat."

Be Caring, Be Loving, Be Open and Be Honest. Humm.... CLOH. Those are characteristics to live by.

However, people don't really like "honesty." And, it's hard work to be honest. It is easy to dodge and drift and go with the flow. You have to care enough to put your heart and spirit on the line. You have to be open enough to have the faith and support of the others who are around. Plus, being open builds faith for those who are not so near as well.

It's a tough combination. Life is tough.

Why not online? Allegheny Institute airs conversations with O'Connor and Weinroth

I would love to have these interviews go online, not only on the radio. Can they be turned into a podcast or put into MP3 files for download or streaming?

The Allegheny Institute will air a conversation with City of Pittsburgh Mayoral candidates Bob O’Connor and Joe Weinroth. Institute President Jake Haulk sits down with each candidate to gauge their positions on the city’s financial position and specifically their take on workers’ compensation, selling assets, and economic development. Don’t miss their responses. The special episode of the Allegheny Institute Report will air twice before the election—Sunday November 6th at Noon—and at its regular time, Monday November 7th at 7:30 PM. Tune in to KQV 1410 for this special edition of the Allegheny Institute Report.

What about the transcripts of the interviews? Can they be made available?

Otherwise, thanks for the efforts. Keep up the good work.

To bad WQED didn't hold a mayor's debate. Shame on them.

Special Meeting for Pgh Public School's Key Communicators

School closings and Accelerated Learning Academies will be the talk of the town for the next few weeks, if not the next year. If you are engaged in the community and think that our schools play a role in community --- duhh --- , then you'll want to attend this presentation. The Pittsburgh Public School District (Right-Sizing) Reorganization Plan, directed by the new superintendent, Mark Roosevelt, is slated for its community roll-out from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2005 in Conference Room A, at the Board of Education Building.

All parents are invited and encouraged to attend!

RSVP to Donna Vlassich by calling and leaving a message, 412-622-3619.

I attended a meeting with Mark Roosevelt at Langley yesterday. The other speaker was Dr. Martin Johnson. Last week I was at another meeting with the superintendent in Frick Middle School.

The slides from yesterday's presentation about the new types of schools that are going to be rolled out for next year should be on the PghBOE.Net site. (not yet) The RAND presentation about school performance is working.

Editorial: Herb Ohliger for county sheriff / Only the voters can clean out a corrupt office

Must reading for voters of Allegheny County. The Post-Gazette endorsement for the sheriff's office, a vote on November 8.

Editorial: Herb Ohliger for county sheriff / Only the voters can clean out a corrupt office Editorial: Herb Ohliger for county sheriff / Only the voters can clean out a corrupt office

Allegheny County voters face a crucial choice for sheriff next Tuesday. Although the race has some of the typical markings of campaigns past -- a well-known, deep-pocketed Democrat challenged by an underfunded upstart Republican -- much is different in 2005.

Sheriff Pete DeFazio's office has been under federal investigation since January for macing, abuse of power and other illegal activity.

Sheriff DeFazio, who is seeking his third four-year term and has worked in the office for 35 years, was called as a witness but, incredibly, invoked the Fifth Amendment to protect against self-incrimination. His executive assistant and one of his sergeants also took the Fifth.

Sheriff's Capt. Frank Schiralli was found guilty of perjury for telling a grand jury that he never kept lists of deputies who bought tickets for political fund-raisers for Sheriff DeFazio.

Sheriff DeFazio's employees testified that his commanders pressured them -- with implied threats about their jobs -- to buy tickets, some costing hundreds of dollars, for the sheriff's Mother's Day brunch, golf outing and other political events.

Sheriff DeFazio's deputies did landscaping work on county time at the home of his chief deputy.

Sheriff DeFazio has been a budget buster, off and on, and has routinely spent beyond his limit. Part of the reason is that he has sought to enlarge the scope of the sheriff's office beyond its core functions of securing the courthouse, moving prisoners and serving court papers.

It's a wonder, with this shameful litany and an investigation still in full throttle, that Pete DeFazio, 56, chose to run for re-election at all. Although the Post-Gazette advocated, unsuccessfully, that the sheriff be among the county row offices that the public voted to consolidate under appointed managers, the county Democratic hierarchy wanted to keep it elected and autonomous. Given all of the political activity recently revealed there, to support not only the sheriff but also other Democratic candidates, it's no surprise that the party felt a need to protect this fund-raising outpost.

On Nov. 8, however, county voters can impose reform -- by voting for challenger Herb Ohliger.

A Republican from Scott, Mr. Ohliger, 45, owns an information-system consulting business that specializes in security. He worked in Iraq for the federal government in July and August to train Iraqis in various security methods.

Though he served the public for two years while filling a vacancy on the township commission, he does not deny his lack of experience as a sheriff's deputy. He sees the role of sheriff as manager, and a job that, at the moment, is being mismanaged.

"I don't think the county sheriff should be fleecing his employees," he said. "There shouldn't be 300 people out there with honorary sheriff's badges, and he needs to meet his budget." He also said the sheriff should be consolidating the office and preparing it for merger with the county police, under the appointed police chief.

Herb Ohliger, who has earned the Post-Gazette endorsement, deserves not only strong support from his party in the final week, but also the votes of everyone who goes to the polls next Tuesday. "This is not Pete's government or my government," he said, "but the people's government" -- words not suited to the kind of sheriff's office being revealed by federal prosecutors.

I know Herb from running in political circles. He is trustworthy and direct. He is a good guy who is easy to read and would be able to manage the department and all the dealings there with a frank, calm, reasoned authority. We are very fortunate to have him step up to meet the challenge and run for this position.

Sadly, but as expected, DeFazio is not going to debate the challenger. DeFazio in a debate with a worthy opponent would be a real sight to see -- and something that should be on WQED.

Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition

Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition: "Voters Choice Act"

Tonight I spoke as part of the discussion at a local DFA meeting and had warm reception when passing along info on the Voters Choice Act.

We will win! The pay raise is moving closer to becoming a historical milestone.  

I vote at the South Side Market House -- and I'm looking for helpers to spread the word on election day and post signs about voting "NO" for the PA Supreme Court Judges.

Nov 3 meetings: PIIN and Panyard

PIIN, the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network, is holding a public meeting on Thursday, Nov 3. I'll try to attend that.

Mr. Panyard, R, a candidate for PA Governor, invited foks to a friendly meeting with him informally at 7 pm Thursday, Nov 3, 2005, at Callahan's in Bridgeville.

He wants advice, strategy ideas, and volunteers. He will be happy to answer any questions you want to pose to him on any issues at that time, and we will also have campaign handout stickers and brochures for everyone to take.

People might be persuaded to jump in and help Panyard get elected as he is an 'outsider' and from the business sector. Only those seriously wanting to help are asked to attend. This is a working meeting.

Toomey supporters should love Panyard, and if you haven't talked to your friends that were voters for Toomey, now is the time to do so.

Callahan's Restaurant is on Rte 50 (Washington Pike) IN the Great Southern Shopping Center, Bridgeville. If you are coming from Pittsburgh traveling south on I 79 you will get off at exit 11 Kirwan Heights/Heidelberg toward Rte 50, and then travel south (right) on Rte 50 (not too far) to the Great Southern Shopping Center on your right side... Callahans is in the shopping center in the northwest corner.

No RSVP is necessary. An organizer works on behalf of www.pafairtax.org.

Ken Krawchuk, great guy from eastern PA, to be on KDKA Radio, Monday at 2:30 pm

The Voters' Choice Act interview with Ken K been scheduled for Monday (11/7) at 2:30 pm on KDKA, 1020 AM, Pittsburgh area. Streaming at www.kdkaradio.com. It's a call-in show.

Jerry Starr sends out a personal appeal about a play on peace and prison: Guantanamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom

A PERSONAL APPEAL FROM JERRY STARR

Dear Friends:

We live in a moment that may well define the kind of America future generations will inherit. The Senate is considering the lifetime appointment of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court as the Bush Administration threatens to veto a defense spending bill if it includes language supporting international agreements condemning torture. It is not just women’s reproductive rights that are in jeopardy, but the rights to privacy, the rights of the accused and human rights generally.

That is why the Open Stage Theatre is pleased to collaborate with the Center for Constitutional Rights in presenting the Pittsburgh premiere of Guantanamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom, a play based on the experiences of four British subjects detained at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo; who they were, how they came to be arrested, what they and their families experienced, how this was justified and with what consequences.

Guantanamo is excellent theatre. The London Sunday Times calls it “shocking and deeply moving.” The New York Times says that Guantanamo “exerts an icy visceral edge.” The Washington Post advises: “You may find your mind-set profoundly challenged by this skillfully assembled, moving documentary-style work.” The San Francisco Chronicle states: “The play’s power lies in the stark testimony itself, and its resonance has been remarkable.” The Pittsburgh production features such talents as Ron Siebert, veteran of Broadway and national television, and Doug Mertz, former Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Performer of the Year."

We know that $50 a ticket is a lot for some people. But you not only get excellent theatre, you get a buffet reception (served at 9:30pm) with delicious food (plus wine and other beverages) donated by our major markets. And Jules Lobel, National Vice President of the Center for Constitutional Rights, will be available to answer any questions you may have about the issues. Finally, half of the ticket price is a tax deductible contribution to the important work of the producing organizations.

Fittingly, Guantanamo debuts on Veteran’s day, November 11th at 8:00 pm. There also will be performances on Saturday, November 12th at 8:00 pm and Sunday, November 13th at 2:00 pm. Those will be your only opportunities to see this groundbreaking work. The Open Stage Theatre is located at 2835 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Parking is ample and free.

For tickets, call ProArts, 412-394-3353. For more information, call Open Stage Theatre, 412-257-4056.

Olympic hopeful Chris Boyles (decathlon) talks about the 2008 Olympic Trials

This Saturday at 7:20 a.m. tune into the Saturday Light Brigade and listen to an athlete.

The show runs on the radio on Saturdays, from 6 a.m. to noon, Eastern, at WRCT Pittsburgh at 88.3 FM, http://www.wrct.org, or http://www.slbradio.com.

Channel 4 - Mayor Regrets Saying 'Fix Is In' For Slots License

Great tv story, now on line.

ThePittsburghChannel.com - Channel 4 Action News - Mayor Regrets Saying 'Fix Is In' For Slots License Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy is backing away Wednesday from an earlier statement that 'the fix is in' for awarding the city's slots-parlor license.

Video: Watch Bob Mayo's report

Murphy's latest comments came after the head of the state gambling agency said Murphy should have provided details, gone to police or retracted his comments.

lawmakers: boost tourism, delay education

So lawmakers are trying (TV news blurb) to push back the start of the school year to favor tourism. So, they don't want to educate our kids. And, they are preventing schools and communities to think for themselves. What's up with that?

Next they'll be moving to shut down schools because we're not gambling enough.

Eminent domain's community champion, Kathleen Walsh, gets good ink on good move from state house. Next we'll see what the PA senate does

This seems to be a great next step. I hate eminent domain. It is used poorly locally. So, we should NOT use it at all.

Eminent domain passes - PittsburghLIVE.com: "HARRISBURG -- The state House voted Tuesday night to curb local governments' power to take private property and give it to another private owner, a controversial practice that has been used several times in Pittsburgh and was deemed legal by the U.S. Supreme Court in June.

'That's one of the big problems, that developers are simply using the government to take private property for their own use,' said Kathleen Walsh, 62, of Ridgemont in Pittsburgh's West End.

Five years ago, the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority considered labeling part of her verdant hillside neighborhood 'blighted,' the first step in condemning the homes and making way for a Home Depot adjacent to the Parkway Center Mall, Walsh said."

One of the ironic twists to this story is how they wanted to use eminent domain to expand the Parkway Center Mall. Now the Parkway Center Mall has plenty of spaces as it is nearly empty. Not much is there.

Furthermore, the ones who crave eminent domain might point to the long term slow down at the Parkway Center Mall as a reason why eminent domain was needed. Ha, ha, ha. They'll say, "If only we put a Home Depot in the Parkway Center Mall, then we'd have thriving businesses."

Meanwhile, the traffic jams on the Parkway West (if that is what it can be called now) happen after you depart the city, not in the city. The traffic and the shoppers and the residents and the businesses and the churches and the recreation and the better quality of life has sprawled to make jams elsewhere -- because they leave the city with a great exodus daily.

Thankfully we still have some havens and stronger neighborhoods such as Ridgemont.

The Conversation props. Thanks. Back at ya...

The Conversation So first let me commend Mark Rauterkus for calling out Mayor Murphy on his hypocrisy in claiming the process for awarding slots licenses is corrupt.

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Launches Downtown Pittsburgh - A Holiday Tradition 2005, 10 am on Thusday

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Launches Downtown Pittsburgh - A Holiday Tradition 2005 The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership What: Join us for a preview of the Downtown holiday season, including Light Up Night and Saturdays in the City!

Fifteen thousand covered parking spaces, 181 shops, 212 eateries, a dynamic Cultural District with four world-class theaters, Saturday street entertainment and holiday lights...all in Downtown Pittsburgh for the holiday season! When: Thursday, November 3, 10 a.m. Where: Six Penn Kitchen, 545 Penn Ave.

Scheduled Speakers: J. Kevin McMahon, President, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Mayor Tom Murphy Morgan O'Brien, President & CEO, Duquesne Light County Chief Executive Dan Onorato Doug Sansom, Sr. VP, Comcast Joseph B. Smith, Sr. VP, Dollar Bank Aaron A. Walton, Sr. VP, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

A PERSONAL LETTER FROM BOB SURRICK TO THE DOCTORS OF PENNSYLVANIA

In August, 2004, I received a call from a group of Pennsylvania doctors asking me to consult with them over the building medical malpractice/health care delivery crisis. I came out of retirement in Florida to see what was happening.

What I saw when I arrived back in Pennsylvania was a disaster.

SB9, the constitutional amendment which would have allowed caps on non-economic damages, had just been tabled by the Senate Judiciary Committee, thereby putting off substantive medical liability reform until 2007. The trial lawyers were firmly in control of the legislature.

I agreed to go to work. I traveled the state, speaking to hospital staffs, doing radio and TV shows and writing op-ed pieces. It was rewarding and at the same time, very frustrating. The rewards came from the interaction with the many decent, hardworking and committed doctors I met. The frustration came from my inability to keep the medical community focused and working on the goal of tort reform and the knowledge that our lawmakers do not always act in the best interests of our citizens.

Medical liability reform is a political issue that will only be settled in the political arena. But what could prompt enough of Pennsylvania’s 12 million citizens, all of whom require access to quality medical care, to care enough to get involved?

The break I was looking for came at 2 AM on July 7th when the legislators, in cahoots with the Supreme Court, without debate or public input, voted themselves and the judges a massive pay increase and violated the Constitution by giving themselves the pay raise during their present term by calling it an “unvouchered expense account."

The public was and still is furious and the media carried the issue. I know that this issue has “legs”. Every legislator up for election in 2006 will have to answer to a very irate citizenry. Even legislators who go to Harrisburg with idealistic intentions eventually shift their focus to one overriding goal--to get re-elected. Election Day 2005 is the time to scare the pants off of them. This is how to do it and make medical liability reform a huge issue in 2006.

On Tuesday, November 8th, a week from now, there is an off-year election in Pennsylvania, which many people will simply ignore because there are no major statewide or national offices at stake.

But at the TOP of the ballot, two Supreme Court Justices are seeking another ten year term, in what’s known as a “retention” vote. There are no opponents. It is a simple “YES” or “NO” vote. Political analysts will confirm that there is a built in 33% “NO” vote in every judicial retention election. With the beleagured doctors of Pennsylvania leading the charge, we can get the other 18% and send a message that cannot be ignored by legislators seeking reelection in 2006 – that Pennsylvania’s doctors are a political force to be reckoned with.

I ask you to help yourselves, and those working for you to put medical liability reform front and center, by not only going to the polls yourself, but also by getting your family, friends and colleagues to go to the polls and vote “NO” on Justices Nigro and Newman. Turnout is historically low for these off-year elections, so it won’t take a lot to affect the results.

Please do not let this opportunity slip by. VOTE “NO” on November 8th!

Mars High School meeting about PA Tax Policy and property tax cuts

PSBA/Local Policy Tax Caucus Meeting at Mars High School

WHO: The Pennsylvania School Boards Association and Tax Policy Caucus of Harrisburg

WHAT: A public meeting on for all school districts and communities in Western Pennsylvania to discuss property tax relief Vs reforms and school funding for education in Pennsylvania's schools

WHERE: Mars High School Cafeteria

WHEN: Thursday, November 3rd from 7 pm - 9 pm

CONTACT: Ms. Diana Mastovich @ 724-625-1518 or dmastovich@mars.k12.org.

This will be the only meeting held in Western Pennsylvania.

We hope to see you there! All are welcome to attend!

Dem candidate to run against Tom Stevenson, R, for PA House

PRESS RELEASE: DEMOCRAT "CITIZEN LEGISLATOR" ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR THE 42ND DISTRICT

DEMOCRAT "CITIZEN LEGISLATOR" ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR THE 42ND DISTRICT
William F. Sargent will announce tomorrow his candidacy for the 42nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, pledging to bring integrity, honesty and accountability to Harrisburg.

Sargent, 29, a Democrat, is a native of Mt. Lebanon and a United States Air Force Veteran, completing his active duty tour last week and has resumed Traditional Reservist status. He returned to the United States in August, 2005 after two deployments to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. William has been a life-long resident of the 42nd District, and he represents the fourth generation of his family to be born and raised in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He will run against incumbent Tom Stevenson for the seat.

"The citizens of the 42nd District, as well as the citizens of Pennsylvania, deserve responsible, effective leadership in Harrisburg that will directly impact and mprove the lives of every Pennsylvanian," Sargent said. "Professional politicians have run Harrisburg for far too long, and the time has come to make a change. As an Air Force Reservist I represented the United States as a citizen soldier, and when elected I will serve my district as a citizen legislator, not a politician. As Pennsylvanians, we are in the midst of a crippling economic crisis stemming from ever-increasing property taxes, stagnant local and national economies, a decline in manufacturing jobs, and the rising cost of energy. We can no longer afford ineffectual leadership in Harrisburg."

"We must require accountability from our legislators for their actions as our representative leaders. Some legislators in Harrisburg have failed to put their constituents' needs first. Legislators should address issues that are important to their constituents' day to day well being. As Representative for the 42nd District, I will work hard to provide residents with outstanding elementary, middle and high schools, world-class yet affordable public universities, safe streets, and reasonable property taxes."

William Sargent resides in Rosslyn Farms, Pennsylvania, with his wife and daughter. He recently returned from his second tour of duty in the Middle East as a United States Air Force Reservist for the 911th Air Wing in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sargent invites citizens to find further information about his platform and his campaign at his website, WilliamSargent.com.

email@WilliamSargent.com

Open efforts to make sure the folly of Katrinia recovery never happens again.

Heard the Word of Blog?