Teacher contract -- a four year deal gets signed

I turned to the Fox Chapel web site today after hearing yesterday's budget presentation from Pittsburgh's outgoing mayor. He mentioned Fox Chapel at the microphone. The mayor is talking about Fox Chapel to make the point that the next breed of leaders for the city need to think in a regional way. We can't think Fox Chapel as a competitor -- but we have to think of the entire region.

I coached the boys and girls varsity swim teams at Fox Chapel a couple of years ago in a "transitional season." The old coach has split to a new job out-of-state. He was a young guy (sound familiar) and his wife was able to land a job there too. But, all the coaches on the staff left at the same time. The varsity team needed a coach and I stepped up.

I have a lot to say about those concepts of regionalism raised by the mayor and how we should NOT compete with Fox Chapel-- but for now, check out the news there. The Fox Chapel Teachers got a new deal signed. See the notes of the blog or their home page for some of the details. http://www.fcasd.edu.

I'm sure that the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers are looking long and hard at the plans and vision of the new superintendent of schools, PPS's Mark Roosevelt. The teachers are going to see their ranks shrink. Some 250 jobs are going to be cut. Plus, there is sure to be a lot of shifting of jobs among schools as so many schools are getting a make-over or else closing.

One cornerstone of the new plan for next year is a longer school day for the "accelerated learning academy" settings. Those kids need to be put into overdrive to catch-up.

The Fox Chapel plan calls for more working days in the school year, but the work day is kept to eight hours.

Presently, I can only wonder what's going to happen with the union and the reaction of the plans for the district. Should be interesting.

Legislator's lonely....

In Beaver Falls, not everyone is angered by their legislator's lonely vote for a pay raise

'He's one of the main reasons that I'm no longer a Democrat,' said Rep. Mike Diven, R-Brookline, who served four years as a House Democrat and then switched to the Republican Party this year.

'He's what's wrong with Harrisburg. The mentality he carries -- he's disconnected from people. It's his way or the highway on issues.'

Okay Republican Diven, then what's to say you won't switch back to being a D, if and when the state house leader, the Beaver Falls D, Veon, departs Harrisburg???

Will you campaign for a Dem challenger to Veon in the Dem's primary in Beaver Falls? Will you offer ideas and money to that challenger?

Would you campaign for a Republican challenger to Veon should Veon win the D's primary?

Mike left the D's party. Mike became a Republican because he was pushed out or pushed away by the Dems. You can go from point A to point B by driving in reverse or driving in forward. Sure, you're allowed to peek in the rear-view mirror. Perhaps that's all that is being offered in this quote. I wonder, as do others, if Mike join the Republicans because he valued the Republican approach. And, now that Mike is in the GOP Camp, is he still a (self-described) "back bencher?"

What's the upside to being in the 'majority party' now?

Opponents speak against Pittsburgh-area racetrack proposals

AP Wire | 11/15/2005 | Opponents speak against Pittsburgh-area racetrack proposals
'This site is so patently inappropriate for a variety of reasons that to approve this racetrack would be to destroy South Versailles Township,' said Joel Aaronson, an attorney hired by residents who don't want to see the Oak Park racetrack built near their homes.

Amen.

To be clear, I don't want to destroy South Versailles Township. Nor Baldwin, and other areas just over the edge of the city. We do need to think like a region, more and more. The race track is at the edge of the city and would hurt those over the border more than most of the people in the city.

But, the sky isn't falling either. Destroy?

The plan is bad. Very bad. It should not occur for many reasons. But, let's keep our wits and not go overboard and say that the sky is going to fall.
If the good people of South Versailles want to meet with me and my camera -- we'll be able to do that. I'd love to hear and see how bad it would become.

Hay's hilltop (artist friend).

Yesterday's meeting was on my agenda, but I didn't attend as I picked up the boys at school and went to swim practice. I've been on the record as a vocal opponent to the Hays race track in the past.

Let's get in shape!

Gene Ricciardi -- stepping down as City Council President

My council-person, Gene Ricciardi, is about to step down as the President of Pittsburgh's City Council. His time there is about to end by the end of the year (2005). So, he can step down and help with the transition to a new council leader.

But, Gene can NOT step down until there are enough votes (five are needed) among the councilmembers (9 are on council) for the next President. Right now, the five necessary votes for president have not been found for any one individual. So, Gene stays on in the position.

Gene get's a vote in the new leader if he steps down now. If he waits until the end of his term -- the new council president is picked without his influence.

Council president gets to make a few assignments among the members of council for chairs of various duties, i.e., public works, budget, Citiparks.

Being Council President isn't a big deal, generally. It is a feather in one's cap however. That is why there has been some talk about Sala Udin getting the nod to be council president. Sala is being retired from city council due to his loss at the polls in the May 2005 primary. Council could give Sala the title as a resume builder for his entry into the private sector.

I wrote to Sala last night asking him if he would like to get my help in setting up a blog for himself. I think that might help him more, showing he's stayed within the modern era of communications.

Sala would NOT be the first black man to be Pittsburgh's City Council President. That historical feat has been accomplished years ago.

But why stop Sala at the level of Council President?

Sala Udin could be named City Council President as a first step. Then, Mayor Murphy resigns as the second step. Then comes the third step: Sala Udin moved to the mayor's office and Pittsburgh would have the city's first black mayor. The big deal about being city council president is the the migration of roles to mayor should there be an emerengy opening.

What would that do to their pensions?

Bob O'Connor could still go around town calling himself the next mayor.

City officials and VIPs have been playing musical chairs around here for some time now. I should turn this into a contest, play-by-play of the musical chairs among people and spaces.

We've got Valerie McDonald (in the next post) who moved from office to office, just as Lt. Gov, KBN, has done. But there are plenty of others.

Mario went from hockey player to team owner and would-be casino operator.

Neighborhood groups have become builders and developers with their housing projects. Developers then become politicians building department stores (Lazarus).

Land owners (speculators) have become toll road builders for the Mon Valley and big-time political donors.

Casino operators have become political donors and hockey arena builders.

Librarians make expresso. Expresso makers maintain wireless network hubs. Library Board Members move books from historic structures to leases above laundry mats.

You get the point. And there are a lot of better one's yet to be made.

I'm a musical chair kinda guy as well. I've been a journalist, coach, publisher, small businessman, coach, computer guy, dad, community activist, party-jumper, candidate, coach, blogger.

PA VERIFIED VOTING -- looks like optical scanning is best short term solution.

PA VERIFIED VOTING HOME PAGE What are Voter-Verified Paper Ballots (V-VPBs)?

Voter-verified paper ballots safeguard the integrity of elections. V-VPBs prevent inaccuracies and covert computer fraud while providing the secure basis for audits and recounts. Voters inspect and verify that the ballot accurately reflects their intention to vote, this is called 'verification'. Voters then place the paper ballots in the ballot box for counting. Audits of V-VPBs provide the best measure of accuracy for electronic voting in elections. In America, voting always occurs in privacy to prevent the historical problems of coercion and bribery in elections. Because we vote in the privacy of the voting booth, only the voter can verify that the official ballot is accurate. Because inaccuracies due to error or fraud in computer voting are covert, voter-verification of a permanent publicly observable official record (the paper ballot) is the essence of the intended safeguard of V-VPBs.

Long term, the real solution is an OPEN SOURCE Software Solution.

A primer for a grass-roots campaign -- they end if you run for judge

A primer for a grass-roots campaign Kathryn Hens-Greco is not a candidate for the Pennsylvania Legislature, but she seems like many people I've encountered who are considering a run. A week ago, she received roughly 129,500 votes for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, more than enough to become a judge.

Ms. Hens-Greco hadn't been hand-picked by her party. She won a nomination through the Democratic primary without getting the party committee endorsement.

KHG ran in 2001 too. That was overlooked in the story, perhaps. They didn't start two years ago. They started six years ago, I imagine.
Next, comes this line from Sam: Running for office is hard work, but Sam Hens-Greco says, "The great thing about political campaigns is that they end."

The campaign season for state-reps never ends, really. State Reps are elected to 2 year terms. The judge is generally 8 years. Some are for 10 and others get life appointments. So, Sam is right about the end in the campaign cycle for the bench positions. But, the end is never near in other races.

Penny-ante disagreement may hold up budget

Let's pick fights on the penny-ante parts of the budget. This isn't what Pittsburgh really needs. Then call names.

Penny-ante disagreement may hold up budget Tom Murphy deferred to the authority on other disputed budgetary issues. The authority wants 'to be the small dictators of this kingdom,' he said."

This is a weird set of names to call as well. He mixes a "kingdom" mention with a "dictator" mention. I wonder who is going to own up to the facts that, we the people, want a democracy.
The "overlords" (my frequently used term) are hardly "dictators." But, in a one-party town, the mayor used to act as if he was a "dictator." And, that's what got him in trouble. So the state sent in the overlords to curb the dictator. Who has the uppper hand --- well --- I'm sure the advantage isn't with the people.

New Voting Machines: Just say "Open Source Software"

A bunch of "tire kicking" is expected in the next few days as we "kiss our levers goodbye." The old voting machines that still work well are going to go away, sadly. New machines are expected and these raise a lot of doubts and questions.

The one message everyone needs to raise and repeat. We want an OPEN SOURCE Software Solution.

PA S.B. 881 to combat eminent domain abuse -- Sending Support!

The Institute for Justice, a nonprofit group that has been fighting the good fight to curb eminent domain abuse, put out a call about legislation headed to the PA Senate.

I have a longer statement against eminent domain that I provided to a state-hearing held in Pittsburgh on this bill a few months ago. I hate eminent domain and think it needs to be stopped at all instances in Western Pennsylvania in the years to come. Their call is reposted below, with slight edits.

Friends,

The Pennsylvania state senate will vote soon, probably Mon., Nov. 21, on an eminent domain reform bill that could be a model for the nation. It's a good bill - an identical one already has passed the House - and needs all the support it can get. Now is the time to contact your state senator to express your support. Below is information on the bill. Of particular note, there currently are efforts afoot to exempt Philadelphia from the provisions in this bill, so contacting senators in that region is particularly important.

Background:

Senate Bill 881 is in the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Opponents (such as Rep. Dan Frankle, D.) continue to try to defeat or weaken the bill.

This bill will not pass without your support. This legislation is the best chance Pennsylvanians have for real and significant eminent domain reform. If you want to protect your home or small business from eminent domain abuse, you must CALL OR EMAIL YOUR SENATORS TODAY and urge them to pass S.B. 881 without amendments that weaken its protections by creating loopholes that allow the abuse of eminent domain for private development to go unchecked.

An identical bill passed the PA House, H.B. 2054.

Members of the Pennsylvania Senate with email addresses

Phone numbers and contact information of those in the PA Senate.

Statement of the Institute for Justice in Support of Legislation To Protect Pennsylvania Home and Small Business Owners

The Institute for Justice is the nation’s leading advocate for home and business owners who are affected by the abuse of eminent domain for private development, and it represented Susette Kelo in the now infamous Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London. The Institute supports S.B. 881 and H.B. 2054 as written and opposes any amendments that will eliminate or weaken any of the protections they provide to home and small business owners.

In Kelo, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Constitution allows governments to take homes and businesses for potentially more profitable, higher-tax uses. In the aftermath of that decision, the defenders of eminent domain abuse in Pennsylvania have already begun desperate attempts to keep the power to take homes and businesses and turn them over to private developers. The beneficiaries of the virtually unrestricted use of eminent domain-local governments, developers, and planners-are frantically lobbying to prevent any attempt to diminish their power and have taken aim at SB 881 and HB 2054, two balanced bills that strike at the heart of eminent domain abuse.

The Bills Are a Thoughtful Response

Pennsylvania legislators have been holding hearings across the state regarding the abuse of eminent domain over the past several months. They’ve heard from people on both sides of the issue and the legislative responses are the result of these well-attended meetings. There’s a genuine consensus among many lawmakers -- that’s why so many have sponsored the bills.

The Bills Are Balanced and Appropriate

The bills are not radical -- they make certain that home and small business owners in this state know that they can keep what they’ve worked so hard to own.

Eminent domain will still be allowed for traditional public uses like roads, schools and post offices. Utilities and other public services will still be built. Urban communities remain able to clean up areas full of abandoned and dangerous properties, but under these bills blight designations are reserved for only those situations where there are real threats to public health and safety.

Economic Blight Amendments Must Be Defeated

Any attempt to include a concept of “economic blight” in the bills must be defeated. This will ultimately lead, as it does already, to the transfer of homes and businesses to developers who promise increased tax revenue and jobs. Communities would no longer be razed because some consultant considers them “economically undesirable.”

Economic blight cannot be a justification for eminent domain because that means no one’s home or business is safe -- any home can make more money as a luxury condominium and any small business can make more money as a big-box store. Under the bills, governments will no longer be able to take properties from private individuals and hand them over to wealthy, well-connected developers.

Pennsylvania Has a Horrible History of Eminent Domain Abuse

Between 1998 and 2002, the Institute for Justice found more than 10,000 abuses of eminent domain around the country and many of these were in Pennsylvania. Some continue, and new ones seem to be added every day:

Ardmore - City officials are trying to strip the historic downtown district of its unique character, in order to replace it with cookie-cutter mixed-use development. A charming, Main Line suburb along the old Pennsylvania Railroad, Ardmore’s quaint downtown business district is home to many locally owned small businesses passed through generation for over a century. A half-block of successful small businesses is slated to be demolished and replaced with mall stores, upscale apartments, and a large garage.

Pittsburgh - There are several horrible situations worth noting, but two stand out: H.J. Heinz used the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority to bully the Kumer family and Pittsburgh Wool Company from its location, though three years later Heinz sold the property to a Cleveland developer for upscale apartments. Mayor Tom Murphy sought to take 64 buildings and 125 businesses for a movie theater and Nordstrom for his failed Fifth and Forbes project. In the end, all the project created was considerable disinvestment.

Coatesville - Dick and Nancy Saha waged a six-year battle to keep their family farm from becoming a golf course. Spending the bulk of their retirement savings on legal fees, the couple were finally successful when the city council agreed to drop the eminent domain taking in exchange for the right to purchase five acres of property that the Sahas had offered the city for free at the beginning of the dispute.

Washington - "The Crossroads" development calls for a new office building, hotel, retail, and residential space where popular local businesses like World West Galleries and Fine Art Printers, Shorty’s Lunch, and Jerry’s Shoe Repair currently exist and thrive.

Eminent Domain Is Not Necessary for Economic Development

City officials often claim that without the power of eminent domain, they will be unable to do worthwhile projects and their cities will fall into decline. They are wrong. There are many ways to encourage economic growth without taking someone else’s property. These include, for example, economic development districts, tax incentives, bonding, tax increment financing, Main Street programs, infrastructure improvements, relaxed or expedited permitting, and small grants and loans for façade improvements.

Development happens every day, all across the country, without the use of eminent domain. Defenders of eminent domain for private development present a false choice between protecting people’s rights and economic development. In fact, we can have both.

Eminent Domain Is Not a “Last Resort”

In most cases, the threat of eminent domain plays an important role from the very beginning of negotiations. Cities know that most home and business owners will be unable to afford to fight; this fact gives cities a strong incentive to threaten property owners with condemnation at the very start.

Procedural Changes Will Not Stop Eminent Domain Abuse

More process and public input and better planning are not the answer. These measures will do absolutely nothing to protect the rights of home and business owners. Despite overwhelming public opposition by citizens and Ardmore’s invited consultant, the Urban Land Institute, the Board of Commissioners still voted to destroy a third-generation office supply company, a popular Chinese restaurant and the local American Legion and VFW posts. Local legislators typically know the outcome they want and then follow the procedures necessary to get it. Indeed, all of the examples of abuse occurring here in Pennsylvania and across the country proceeded according to the current procedures, evidence alone that changes are necessary.

Better planning is also no solution and will do nothing to protect home and business owners from losing their property to private developers. Planners call for even more of the kind of planning that, if implemented, necessitates forcing some people out of their homes and businesses to make way for other, supposedly better-planned uses occupied by more economically desirable people. While all of this additional planning will no doubt bring lots of money to planners, it will not prevent the use of eminent domain for private commercial development and in practice will probably encourage more abuse.

In crafting these bills, everyone’s concerns have been considered and compromises have been made. The result of this thoughtful approach is that these bills stand as models for the rest of the country. We urge passage of these bills and oppose any attempt to weaken them. We also hope Governor Rendell will sign these necessary reforms into law. Pennsylvania deserves it.

So, contact your and other senators.

Great moment: with humor: Wife of state rep takes exception to the clean sweep philosophy

A wonderful presentation unfolded on the South Side tonight as Russ Diamond, founder and leader of Operation Clean Sweep, http://www.PACleanSweep.com, talked for more than 90 minutes to the South Side Forum. A group of nearly 30 people, from all parts of the county, got the "sermon" and were treated to a wonderful community moment.

A short series of questions came from Mrs. Readshaw, wife of current PA State Rep, Harry Readshaw, D. Readshaw is a popular guy in these part. I know I would not run against him. But, I do understand the logic and philosophy behind the 'clean sweep' efforts for reform in Pennsylvania.

Sadly, Mrs. Readshaw doesn't.

A very pleasant exchange was in clear view for all to see. I've got it on tape, I think. So, I'll save you all from the details. Plus, it's too late to rehash.

Safe to say -- it was worth a good chuckle and a timeless moment, worth the price of admission.

Erik, top center, needs to get into "rest position." You too Phillip.

Grant awarded for Schenley Plaza work

Jeepers. Is it any wonder why have the housing for the poor that we do? In our area, we get a green space grant. Don't get me wrong. I love park. However, this project is but bad joke.

Grant awarded for Schenley Plaza work The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing a $248,000 grant for the development of Schenley Plaza in Oakland.

A parking lot off Forbes Avenue is being transformed into a three-acre lawn serving as an entrance for Schenley Park. The project will be completed in the spring.

The federal government gave the grant to the Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, county Chief Executive Dan Onorato announced last week.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is spearheading the $10.15 million project."

PA Amber Alert -- OFF -- solved in IN

-- Indiana State Police say they have captured the 18-year-old man wanted in Pennsylvania double homicide; 14-year-old girl with him is unharmed. (as of 12:30 pm on Monday) -- orginal posting below was 6:20 pm Sunday, Nov. 13.

I'll nuke this from the logs in a day or two.

The Pennsylvania State Police has issued an Amber Child Abduction Alert For the Warwick Township Police Department , Lancaster County.

The Warwick Township Police Department is searching for Kara Beth Borden, white female age 14, 5'1", 100lbs., brown hair with blonde highlights. She was last seen wearing a black sweat shirt with "Pillar" across the front , blue jeans and black sneakers. She was last seen at 8:00 Am on Sunday, 11/13/05 at 15 Royal Drive, Warwick Township, Lancaster County. She was reported abducted at gun point, after the murder of her parents, by David G. Ludwig, white male, age 18, brown hair and eyes.

Last seen operating a red Volkswagen Jetta bearing Pennsylvania registration EHH0994. Anyone with information about this abduction should immediately contact the police by calling 911.

This has been an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Warwick Township Police Department, Lancaster County.

Affected Counties: Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, Perry, Juniata, York, Cumberland, Adams, Huntington, Mifflin, Snyder, Northumberland, Franklin, Berks, Chester.

eWell Being Awards 2005

The Pittsburgh version of this award could be given at the annual Youth Technology Summit -- a vision of mine.

eWell Being Awards 2005 SustainIT's eWell-Being Awards are the UK's only national Awards that identify and promote social, economic and environmental benefits of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Valerie is ready to play in the major leagues

Look who is ready for the big-leagues. Valerie, daughter of a big-time Democratic-party leader, former school board member (PPS is being reinvented), former city council member (with $0 as a capital budget and two oversight boards), and present Allegheny County row-office holder (with the Recorder of Deed's office slated for closure due to Row Office Reform vote).

But, Valerie will be up against Catherine Baker Knoll.

I do like the notion of calling to the ghosts of the past -- as in 1933 -- when the Grays were hot.

See her campaign lift-off speech in the comment section.

She really didn't have a decent reply on the election night coverage on PCNC TV. She was on with Bill Green, James Roddey and a TV host. They all jumped her about her defense that the Pittsburgh financial crisis can't be pinned upon the Democratic party.

This is the same party that had a lock on Grant Street since 1933. "Oh, but they are not the only ones to blame."

Schools Linux project wins award for community building

Folks, we're getting blown away. America is going to slip further behind in terms of teaching and dealing with technology.

This story, an award winner, talks about two areas of South Africa where they installed 150 computer labs with a blend of open source and volunteers.

TECTONIC: Schools Linux project wins award for community building The tuXlabs project was founded by the Shuttleworth Foundation and installs Linux-based PC laboratories into schools in the Western and Eastern Cape and the Limpopo province. The project, which uses volunteers to assist in installing the computers, has installed 150 laboratories in the past two years.

Volunteers that participate in the project are taught how to install, configure and maintain the Linux computer centres. Once they are skilled in the process they in turn teach other volunteers. Learners and teachers at the various schools are also involved in the installation of the computers.

tuXlabs project manager Hilton Theunissen says that what makes this award special, however, is that it is not a technology award. 'We have always said the benefit of open source software is not so much the technology but the opportunities it creates. This award is focused on building capacity, skills and communities. Open source software makes these more accessible.'

This is huge. Furthermore, we are doing nothing. Zippo.

A couple of years ago I tried to establish mini computer labs in a few of the recreation centers in the city. I was part of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network. We had a committee devoted to making a significant change with the youth. We wanted to put in six computer labs. We wanted to have a good core of volunteers for on-going support. The initial hardware was already obtained. Comcast has a contract with the city and the high-speed internet should be in 88 facilities already.

We had a flat-out failure due to the city's unwillingness to embrace technology.

This has to change. This will change as soon as I'm elected to city council.

Challenge to PghBloggers.org --- say, how many black men have blogs out of the 300 in the network?

I don't know the answer to this question -- but would like to know. How many blogs are run by black-males within the 300-plus at PghBloggers.org? I've never counted.

Sorry, I missed the last blog-fest as we were in Chicago.

Among the "running mates" there are a few black men engaged in the campaign. But, they don't post to the blog here with any frequency.

So, first question: How many are in the network now? Any? And, does it make sense to do a bit of outreach and get five new bloggers signed up and at the next Blogfest in January?

Black males rare on nation's campuses: "To some degree, said Dr. Larry Davis, dean of the School of Social Work and director of the Center of Race and Social Problems at the University of Pittsburgh, black women fall under the umbrella of the women's movement, but black males have no allies.

'For many of them, there is no such thing as brotherhood. White men aren't saying 'Come on in, brother.' '

Once higher education is no longer an option, their job choices narrow significantly, which can lead to crime, unemployment and imprisonment, said Dr. Davis."

Analysis: Roosevelt aiming to reinvent Pittsburgh's schools

P-G on Pgh Public Schools Nine of the district's 10 high schools posted low achievement test scores last year, and some have posted low scores repeatedly. Two, Peabody and Westinghouse, received a rating of 1 on Rand's performance index.

Mr. Roosevelt said he would appoint a working group to study the high schools and called high school reform 'a serious piece of business ahead of us in Pittsburgh.'

Peabody and Westinghouse should both become single-gender schools. Have the boys go to one location and the girls go to another location.

Oakland Catholic (only for girls) and Central Catholic (boys) are single gender high schools that do very well. Peabody and Westinghouse could be public school rivals to the single-gender, Catholic schools. The single gender, public-school setting gives families in the city another interesting option.

If you don't care for the single-gender setting for your high-schooler, go to one of the other schools in the district, including Schenley that will be much closer, as it moves to R's building.

As for support of the plan -- hell yes. Our school system need an overhaul. To 'reinvent' as the headline says, rubs me the wrong way. But, to overhaul is fine and wanted. Retool and reform, please.

I'd love to be a part of that high school task force. And the second effort (after single-gender schools) to consider is the merger of the sports programs into the W.P.I.A.L.. The city-league kids need to compete with the suburban players.

Missoulian: Ambitious young pols blog it out on the Net

You betch ya. Spoofing is one of the worst crimes on the net.

Missoulian: Ambitious young pols blog it out on the Net “But what started out as something funny was taken too far when they fabricated a response from me. What I don't want them doing is impersonating me to Denny's constituency. That's not funny. That's identity theft.”