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I'll say! Looks great.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Letter to Mr. Roosevelt about the Gifted Center from concerned parent, Catherine Palmer (my wife)
108 South 12th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Superintendent Mark Roosevelt
School Board, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Dear Madams and Sirs:
I write to you as a parent of two elementary school children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and a fellow educator. I am an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders. I have an undergraduate degree in elementary education, my PhD is in Audiology, I conduct research, and see patients who have communication problems due to hearing loss. I believe I am sensitive to educational needs, budget constraints, and making decision based on data due to these various roles.
My sons came home from the Gifted Center last Thursday (their favorite day of the school week) and told me that the superintendent was going to close the Gifted Center. In fact, they both produced a handout from the Gifted Center that summarized the news thus far (frequently asked questions: buses cost money, the board is voting 12/21, gifted education is mandated by law, how to be at the hearing, etc.). And then they both asked me how I could let this happen. So, out of my responsibility to my two boys, I decided to compose a letter so at least I won’t have to say that I didn’t even ask the important questions. I have taken several days to think about this because I have admired the process thus far in the Pittsburgh Public Schools to try to make data driven decisions rather than emotional ones. Just because I love my boys going to the Gifted Center and they love going, isn’t actually a reason to keep it open. Yet, what is the reason for closing it? I will try to suggest a data driven way to approach this.
Thus far, the major decisions related to the “right-sizing” of schools in Pittsburgh have been data driven even if the formulas weren’t readily available. And these data were based on educational performance. These are hard to argue with. What is the formula for considering closing the Gifted Center? It can’t be performance based because these children clearly are performing. So, is it solely financially based? The only information that we have received states that this “…is not an educational decision, but a needed financial decision. By closing the building and sending all students back to their home schools the district will save $394,449 the first year and possibly $986,000 thereafter.” But these aren’t adequate data. First, it is disheartening, although honest, to be told decisions related to your school children are not educational. All the “right-sizing” thus far has emphasized that these were educationally based decisions, but now when it comes to some of our most gifted students, decisions are no longer educational? That seems peculiar.
I would respectfully request that no action is taken until data can be collected as it has been for all of the other decisions. These data would include the actual costs of integrating gifted programs into each and every home school for the same grades that currently receive services. In doing this, the administration also needs to be honest in how they will do this and maintain the standard that the Gifted Center has set.
I can save you some time here, because you can’t possibly maintain this standard. Anyone who has studied Gifted Education and seen it implemented in the Pittsburgh Public Schools knows that it is a culture that is created. It is not something that can be recreated in a room set aside at a home school. You cannot replicate the interactions between the students from different parts of the city, the freedom to explore subjects with amazing resources (both things and teachers), the independent learning that is created in this environment, and the forthcoming leadership skills that are born and nourished. This is not likely to be recreated in a room that most likely will be shared with other programs at home schools. And perhaps even more importantly, whatever is created in the home schools will be wildly different between schools and you will see some schools with terrific gifted resources and others with very little. This is not equitable or just for the gifted children of Pittsburgh who come from different neighborhoods. Most likely the best we will be able to hope for is some accelerated work in these home school “gifted programs” and no one should be fooled into thinking that this is adequate gifted education. Regardless, the responsible way of looking at this would be to calculate the true costs of implementing adequate and equal gifted programs in each and every school (materials, rooms, teachers, etc.) including all grades that currently use the gifted center and then comparing it to what is spent now on the Gifted Center and the transportation to the program.
As we interact with our friends and relatives who live in the suburbs with children the same ages as our own, there are two things they always mention and envy about the city schools – the fact that we have language magnets that start language immersion in Kindergarten and the fact that we have the Gifted Center – a place where gifted education truly takes place in an ideal atmosphere. Why would we close the Gifted
Center, why wouldn’t we make it a model for others to follow? Why wouldn’t we use it as a source to approach foundations who might want to encourage the best and the brightest in our city schools? These two programs that are the envy of suburban friends are also part of what keeps people who choose to send their children to the city schools doing just that. Without these outstanding resources, the reasons to be in the city schools may not outnumber some of the costs and we may find ourselves yet again needing to “right size”. As superintendent and the school board, you must look at all of your constituents and part of that constituency consists of individuals who make a conscious choice to have their children in the city schools and have other options available. We want a diverse group of children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and we want people who have consciously chosen to be here.
I respectfully request that you postpone any decision related to the Gifted Center until you have collected and shared the data that would reasonably compare the current cost of the gifted center and the cost to duplicate this program in each and every home school. This would be a responsible way to make a decision related to gifted education in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Catherine V. Palmer
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Superintendent Mark Roosevelt
School Board, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Dear Madams and Sirs:
I write to you as a parent of two elementary school children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and a fellow educator. I am an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders. I have an undergraduate degree in elementary education, my PhD is in Audiology, I conduct research, and see patients who have communication problems due to hearing loss. I believe I am sensitive to educational needs, budget constraints, and making decision based on data due to these various roles.
My sons came home from the Gifted Center last Thursday (their favorite day of the school week) and told me that the superintendent was going to close the Gifted Center. In fact, they both produced a handout from the Gifted Center that summarized the news thus far (frequently asked questions: buses cost money, the board is voting 12/21, gifted education is mandated by law, how to be at the hearing, etc.). And then they both asked me how I could let this happen. So, out of my responsibility to my two boys, I decided to compose a letter so at least I won’t have to say that I didn’t even ask the important questions. I have taken several days to think about this because I have admired the process thus far in the Pittsburgh Public Schools to try to make data driven decisions rather than emotional ones. Just because I love my boys going to the Gifted Center and they love going, isn’t actually a reason to keep it open. Yet, what is the reason for closing it? I will try to suggest a data driven way to approach this.
Thus far, the major decisions related to the “right-sizing” of schools in Pittsburgh have been data driven even if the formulas weren’t readily available. And these data were based on educational performance. These are hard to argue with. What is the formula for considering closing the Gifted Center? It can’t be performance based because these children clearly are performing. So, is it solely financially based? The only information that we have received states that this “…is not an educational decision, but a needed financial decision. By closing the building and sending all students back to their home schools the district will save $394,449 the first year and possibly $986,000 thereafter.” But these aren’t adequate data. First, it is disheartening, although honest, to be told decisions related to your school children are not educational. All the “right-sizing” thus far has emphasized that these were educationally based decisions, but now when it comes to some of our most gifted students, decisions are no longer educational? That seems peculiar.
I would respectfully request that no action is taken until data can be collected as it has been for all of the other decisions. These data would include the actual costs of integrating gifted programs into each and every home school for the same grades that currently receive services. In doing this, the administration also needs to be honest in how they will do this and maintain the standard that the Gifted Center has set.
I can save you some time here, because you can’t possibly maintain this standard. Anyone who has studied Gifted Education and seen it implemented in the Pittsburgh Public Schools knows that it is a culture that is created. It is not something that can be recreated in a room set aside at a home school. You cannot replicate the interactions between the students from different parts of the city, the freedom to explore subjects with amazing resources (both things and teachers), the independent learning that is created in this environment, and the forthcoming leadership skills that are born and nourished. This is not likely to be recreated in a room that most likely will be shared with other programs at home schools. And perhaps even more importantly, whatever is created in the home schools will be wildly different between schools and you will see some schools with terrific gifted resources and others with very little. This is not equitable or just for the gifted children of Pittsburgh who come from different neighborhoods. Most likely the best we will be able to hope for is some accelerated work in these home school “gifted programs” and no one should be fooled into thinking that this is adequate gifted education. Regardless, the responsible way of looking at this would be to calculate the true costs of implementing adequate and equal gifted programs in each and every school (materials, rooms, teachers, etc.) including all grades that currently use the gifted center and then comparing it to what is spent now on the Gifted Center and the transportation to the program.
As we interact with our friends and relatives who live in the suburbs with children the same ages as our own, there are two things they always mention and envy about the city schools – the fact that we have language magnets that start language immersion in Kindergarten and the fact that we have the Gifted Center – a place where gifted education truly takes place in an ideal atmosphere. Why would we close the Gifted
Center, why wouldn’t we make it a model for others to follow? Why wouldn’t we use it as a source to approach foundations who might want to encourage the best and the brightest in our city schools? These two programs that are the envy of suburban friends are also part of what keeps people who choose to send their children to the city schools doing just that. Without these outstanding resources, the reasons to be in the city schools may not outnumber some of the costs and we may find ourselves yet again needing to “right size”. As superintendent and the school board, you must look at all of your constituents and part of that constituency consists of individuals who make a conscious choice to have their children in the city schools and have other options available. We want a diverse group of children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and we want people who have consciously chosen to be here.
I respectfully request that you postpone any decision related to the Gifted Center until you have collected and shared the data that would reasonably compare the current cost of the gifted center and the cost to duplicate this program in each and every home school. This would be a responsible way to make a decision related to gifted education in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Catherine V. Palmer
Overseer finds error in budget that favors city
Okay gang, here is an idea I floated a while ago. It might be time to revisit it as there are many cries for an accounting of the expenses of the two overloard bodies that are working in Pittsburgh. We don't know how much these oversight groups are costing.
But more to the heart of the matter, not that the money isn't important, comes my suggestion. My point goes to a working pressure point. News:
However, the overlords need to make themselves players. So, they must deny approval of the budget for as long as possible. And, they must create an uncertainty about what the plan is really about. If the overlords are fuzzy with the plan, then the overlords get to have decisions as they come as the wind blows. That puts power into the realm of the overlords and away from the city's elected politicians.
So, here is the plan. While the overloards are in town, everyone's pay is cut in half. Don't pay the mayor nor council members (elected folks) their full salary. Pay them half. And half is generous, IMHO.
Also, don't pay the overloards their full salary.
The unpaid money goes into escrow. Half of the unpaid money gets paid upon the departure of the overlords. The other half of unpaid salary gets paid three or four or five years after the departure of the overlords, provided that the city's finances are still afloat.
This would give an incentive to the overlords for leaving. That is real motivation.
This plan would also give incentive to the overloards and elected people to find a real solution.
We don't have much leverage now. We don't have a 'sunset' of these overlords. They stay and they get paid. And, we don't even know how much.
I want to pay them when the work is done and when the solutions are proven to work.
I will be happy to take this challenge as long as others in the overloard caucus do the same. And, I would be happy to use self-lobby efforts to make these concepts part of state law, for all present and future overlords throughout the state.
But more to the heart of the matter, not that the money isn't important, comes my suggestion. My point goes to a working pressure point. News:
Overseer finds error in budget that favors city Council must pass a budget by year's end, and is scheduled to take a final vote on Monday. If the state-appointed Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority doesn't approve it, state funds may be withheld and the authority could intercept new tax revenue next year.These overlords might be earning their keep if they find $2-million-plus errors in the budget. That's great.
The authority and Act 47 team are working together in talks with council.
However, the overlords need to make themselves players. So, they must deny approval of the budget for as long as possible. And, they must create an uncertainty about what the plan is really about. If the overlords are fuzzy with the plan, then the overlords get to have decisions as they come as the wind blows. That puts power into the realm of the overlords and away from the city's elected politicians.
So, here is the plan. While the overloards are in town, everyone's pay is cut in half. Don't pay the mayor nor council members (elected folks) their full salary. Pay them half. And half is generous, IMHO.
Also, don't pay the overloards their full salary.
The unpaid money goes into escrow. Half of the unpaid money gets paid upon the departure of the overlords. The other half of unpaid salary gets paid three or four or five years after the departure of the overlords, provided that the city's finances are still afloat.
This would give an incentive to the overlords for leaving. That is real motivation.
This plan would also give incentive to the overloards and elected people to find a real solution.
We don't have much leverage now. We don't have a 'sunset' of these overlords. They stay and they get paid. And, we don't even know how much.
I want to pay them when the work is done and when the solutions are proven to work.
I will be happy to take this challenge as long as others in the overloard caucus do the same. And, I would be happy to use self-lobby efforts to make these concepts part of state law, for all present and future overlords throughout the state.
Wiki pointer: Global Voices
Main Page - Global VoicesWelcome to the Global Voices Wiki, a place to discuss the shared goals and identity of Global Voices, and to gather links to voices around the world.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events: All this focus on Math and Science -- does it mean we won't be teaching history -- so asks Tracy L
An older post here, from Nov 2005, is getting heat -- via Nevada, in the comments.
Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events: All this focus on Math and Science -- does it mean we won't be teaching history -- so asks Tracy L All this focus on Math and Science -- does it mean we won't be teaching history -- so asks Tracy L
Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events: All this focus on Math and Science -- does it mean we won't be teaching history -- so asks Tracy L All this focus on Math and Science -- does it mean we won't be teaching history -- so asks Tracy L
Feeling the Pull of Thai Massage (washingtonpost.com)
Dana Scarton, freelance writer, had a column in the Pgh Press years ago. She has a nice read about Thai massage. When we went to Thailand, I got a massage. Sadly, I don't have photos. :(
Feeling the Pull of Thai Massage (washingtonpost.com) In Thai massage, the practitioner's table is replaced by a floor mat, no oils or lotions are used, and clients wear clothing suitable for exercise. The practitioner uses his hands, knees and feet to manipulate the client's body into a series of postures and stretches that resemble yoga positions. In fact, some call Thai massage 'lazy man's yoga.'The grad students with us got a treatment of some type in China while in Chengdu. That flipped me out a bit.
Budget crawls ahead - Perfect Lose-Lose Example
Here is another lose-lose proposition. We can't win, again. This is a classic example of what drives me to be on city council.
We need someone to do the heavy lifting so that options, real options, are put onto the table. I want one avenue available, as an escape route if necessary, that will insure that we can soar again.
I want a performance option. I am tierd of only seeing these 'crawl along' solutions and options. They stink. And, they are crafted by those who don't have the capacity to make anything else. Nor do they have the motivation to do anything else.
For them, the status quo is just fine. The status quo doesn't work for me. It doesn't fit. It doesn't wear well.
The status quo, and the crawl along options, explains why people in Pittsburgh have been voting with their feet -- and leaving -- in the past years.
Budget crawls ahead - PittsburghLIVE.com If council passes Murphy's budget this year without the oversight board's consent, it could cause the board to withhold new tax revenues from the city to force it to comply.None of the options are worthy of a great city. None of the options are worthy of a place that I want to be well suited for my children and my childrens' kids.
We need someone to do the heavy lifting so that options, real options, are put onto the table. I want one avenue available, as an escape route if necessary, that will insure that we can soar again.
I want a performance option. I am tierd of only seeing these 'crawl along' solutions and options. They stink. And, they are crafted by those who don't have the capacity to make anything else. Nor do they have the motivation to do anything else.
For them, the status quo is just fine. The status quo doesn't work for me. It doesn't fit. It doesn't wear well.
The status quo, and the crawl along options, explains why people in Pittsburgh have been voting with their feet -- and leaving -- in the past years.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Kansas City woos Penguins - PittsburghLIVE.com
The Pens have not received any government support for the new arena -- but -- how much do they get from the existing arena? Is that to be ignored?
Furthermore, if the Penguins have a shot at getting a slots license -- isn't that a heap of government support? The sltos license revenue is a direct outcome of governmental action. That is government support -- directly.
Furthermore, if the Penguins have a shot at getting a slots license -- isn't that a heap of government support? The sltos license revenue is a direct outcome of governmental action. That is government support -- directly.
Kansas City woos Penguins - PittsburghLIVE.com But they have not received any government support for a new arena. That means the Penguins must rely on efforts to obtain a slots license or revenue generated by a license awarded to another candidate.And, the kickback from the slots could be generated by the Penguins if the team went for the ownership of the license. The team does not need to beg to the slots license holder if the team was the slots license holder. The team can make its own application for the slots license.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Wired: going solo for the rivers on a bike that floats
This guy might be looking for a sponsor. I should send him an Elect.Rauterkus.com t-shirt.
Wired 13.12: POSTS When Simmons planned his 2,180-mile, four-month trip, he was really just searching for an excuse to camp out on his 18-foot hand-built bicycle-powered pontoon, the Libelula. But now he had Cub Scouts, news reporters, and elementary-school kids between here and Louisiana waiting for him to expound on river conservation and watershed awareness.
PAT dictates school schedule
PAT is slated for a holiday schedule on January 2, 2006. So, Pgh Public Schools is going to stay closed on that day. The school schedule called for school to begin on Janary 2, 2006. Now that is going to be a vaction day.
Schools will be closed from Monday, December 26, 2005 through Monday January 2, 2006. School will resume on January 3, 2006.
PAT is going to have more and more of an impact upon the school schedules. That scares me. PAT is always seeking another 'bail out.' And, a strike by transit workers would greatly impact upon the schools too.
Furthermore, one of the ways to "right size" the schools is to eliminate all buses for high school students. Students who go to high schools would not be able to get a school bus. Rather, all bus rides will be on PAT buses, when it comes to high school students.
Trouble is, many buses don't go to the high schools. Buses go downtown -- and then the kids need to take a transfer. So, the net effect will be a lot of high schoolers with dead time downtown. That spells for more trouble too.
Buses do go -- but not frequently -- to Perry and to Brashier High School.
This is also a big impact upon the moving of Schenley High School out of Oakland, central in the city, a transportation hub, etc. to East Liberty.
Of interest, they are saying that the new Schenley is going to be in "Shadyside" -- but this is not Shadyside. Reisenstein Middle School is in East Liberty, isn't it???
If PAT holidays can mean changes to the school schedule, then we better consider PAT service patterns as a viable element in the positioning of our schools about town.
Schools will be closed from Monday, December 26, 2005 through Monday January 2, 2006. School will resume on January 3, 2006.
PAT is going to have more and more of an impact upon the school schedules. That scares me. PAT is always seeking another 'bail out.' And, a strike by transit workers would greatly impact upon the schools too.
Furthermore, one of the ways to "right size" the schools is to eliminate all buses for high school students. Students who go to high schools would not be able to get a school bus. Rather, all bus rides will be on PAT buses, when it comes to high school students.
Trouble is, many buses don't go to the high schools. Buses go downtown -- and then the kids need to take a transfer. So, the net effect will be a lot of high schoolers with dead time downtown. That spells for more trouble too.
Buses do go -- but not frequently -- to Perry and to Brashier High School.
This is also a big impact upon the moving of Schenley High School out of Oakland, central in the city, a transportation hub, etc. to East Liberty.
Of interest, they are saying that the new Schenley is going to be in "Shadyside" -- but this is not Shadyside. Reisenstein Middle School is in East Liberty, isn't it???
If PAT holidays can mean changes to the school schedule, then we better consider PAT service patterns as a viable element in the positioning of our schools about town.
Gifted Center shut down threat: Letter to PPS Board and Superintendent from Catherine Palmer, Ph.D. & mom
This letter was written by Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D.
Catherine and Mark Rauterkus, candidate for public office, have been married since 1990.
108 South 12th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-481-2540
December 14, 2005
Superintendent Mark Roosevelt School Board, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Dear Madams and Sirs:
I write to you as a parent of two elementary school children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and a fellow educator. I am an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders. I have an undergraduate degree in elementary education, my PhD is in Audiology, I conduct research, and see patients who have communication problems due to hearing loss. I believe I am sensitive to educational needs, budget constraints, and making decision based on data due to these various roles.
My sons came home from the Gifted Center last Thursday (their favorite day of the school week) and told me that the superintendent was going to close the Gifted Center. In fact, they both produced a handout from the Gifted Center that summarized the news thus far (frequently asked questions: buses cost money, the board is voting 12/21, gifted education is mandated by law, how to be at the hearing, etc.). And then they both asked me how I could let this happen. So, out of my responsibility to my two boys, I decided to compose a letter so at least I won't have to say that I didn't even ask the important questions. I have taken several days to think about this because I have admired the process thus far in the Pittsburgh Public Schools to try to make data driven decisions rather than emotional ones. Just because I love my boys going to the Gifted Center and they love going, isn't actually a reason to keep it open. Yet, what is the reason for closing it? I will try to suggest a data driven way to approach this.
Thus far, the major decisions related to the "right-sizing” of schools in Pittsburgh have been data driven even if the formulas weren't readily available. And these data were based on educational performance. These are hard to argue with.
What is the formula for considering closing the Gifted Center?
It can't be performance based because these children clearly are performing. So, is it solely financially based?
The only information that we have received states that this “... is not an educational decision, but a needed financial decision. By closing the building and sending all students back to their home schools the district will save $394,449 the first year and possibly $986,000 thereafter.” But these aren't adequate data. First, it is disheartening, although honest, to be told decisions related to your school children are not educational.
All the right-sizing” thus far has emphasized that these were educationally based decisions, but now when it comes to some of our most gifted students, decisions are no longer educational? That seems peculiar.
I would respectfully request that no action is taken until data can be collected as it has been for all of the other decisions. These data would include the actual costs of integrating gifted programs into each and every home school for the same grades that currently receive services. In doing this, the administration also needs to be honest in how they will do this and maintain the standard that the Gifted Center has set.
I can save you some time here, because you can't possibly maintain this standard. Anyone who has studied Gifted Education and seen it implemented in the Pittsburgh Public Schools knows that it is a culture that is created. It is not something that can be recreated in a room set aside at a home school. You cannot replicate the interactions between the students from different parts of the city, the freedom to explore subjects with amazing resources (both things and teachers), the independent learning that is created in this environment, and the forthcoming leadership skills that are born and nourished. This is not likely to be recreated in a room that most likely will be shared with other programs at home schools. And perhaps even more importantly, whatever is created in the home schools will be wildly different between schools and you will see some schools witř terrific gifted resources and others with very little. This is not equitable or just for the gifted children of Pittsburgh who come from different neighborhoods. Most likely the best we will be able to hope for is some accelerated work in these home school "gifted programs" and no one should be fooled into thinking that this is adequate gifted education. Regardless, the responsible way of looking at this would be to calculate the true costs of implementing adequate and equal gifted programs in each and every school (materials, rooms, teachers, etc.) including all grades that currently use the gifted center and then comparing it to what is spent now on the Gifted Center and the transportation to the program.
As we interact with our friends and relatives who live in the suburbs with children the same ages as our own, there are two things they always mention and envy about the city schools – the fact that we have language magnets that start language immersion in Kindergarten and the fact that we have the Gifted Center - a place where gifted education truly takes place in an ideal atmosphere. Why would we close the Gifted. Center, why wouldn't we make it a model for others to follow? Why wouldn't we use it as a source to approach foundations who might want to encourage the best and the brightest in our city schools? These two programs that are the envy of suburban friends are also part of what keeps people who choose to send their children to the city schools doing just that. Without these outstanding resources, the reasons to be in the city schools may not outnumber some of the costs and we may find ourselves yet again needing to “right size”. As superintendent and the school board, you must look at all of your constituents and part of that constituency consists of individuals who make a conscious choice to have their children in the city schools and have other options available. We want a diverse group of children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and we want people who have consciously chosen to be here.
I respectfully request that you postpone any decision related to the Gifted Center until you have collected and shared the data that would reasonably compare the current cost of the gifted center and the cost to duplicate this program in each and every home school. This would be a responsible way to make a decision related to gifted education in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Catherine V. Palmer
Handwritten notes by Mark:
Local principals won't stand up for the Gifted Center.
Could suggest to end transportation to the Gifted Center and let families handle that cost.
Without the buses, it could be a longer school day at The Gifted Center.
At the least, PPS should phase out, not just terminate, the Gifted Center.
City may use police funds to cover firefighter overtime costs
This sums up life in the city -- everyone suffers. City may use police funds to cover firefighter overtime costs Neither the firefighters nor the police are happy about it.
To rob Peter to pay Paul is no way to live. They do this on Grant Street all the time. They think it is fine. I don't agree with these types of practices.
Manage the people. Manage the budget. On Grant Street they react. Being proactive isn't a valued priority.
To rob Peter to pay Paul is no way to live. They do this on Grant Street all the time. They think it is fine. I don't agree with these types of practices.
Manage the people. Manage the budget. On Grant Street they react. Being proactive isn't a valued priority.
Task force wants to keep Saks Downtown - PittsburghLIVE.com
Here we go again. We'll need to have the timeless conversation soon that draws distinctions between "wants" and "needs." What Bob O'Connor wants, and what Bob needs are not the same.
They use the word, "charged" with reinvigorating --- humm... Like charge card, like debt, like overspending, perhaps? We don't NEED some private group spending the money and setting the priorities.
The priority for me is not some store downtown with a lease that is set to expire in 2011. This is an article about corporate welfare.
We need to be sure that the youth don't move out of our city -- and expire from school -- from violence -- from poverty. Keeping Saks downtown isn't the key to the real priorities that matter greatly to me.
Saks must and will figure out where to put its stores based upon the marketplace. The stores will go to places where customers have money, tastes, and in turn jobs and opportunities. We need to make sure government does its job of in the sector of government -- and then the citizens can be more prosperous. And, in turn, the marketplace will respond in healthy ways.
The worst thing our city can do is to continute to be a town that is driven by corporate welfare. See: Platform.For-Pgh.org.
Task force wants to keep Saks Downtown - PittsburghLIVE.com Task force, O'Connor want to keep Saks DowntownI don't like the fact that we have "a private task force" setting policy. Herb Burger, chairman of the Pittsburgh Task Force, a private group charged with reinvigorating Fifth and Forbes.
Keeping upscale retailer Saks Fifth Avenue Downtown is among the priorities for mayor-elect Bob O'Connor and those involved in trying to rejuvenate the Fifth-Forbes retail corridor.
They use the word, "charged" with reinvigorating --- humm... Like charge card, like debt, like overspending, perhaps? We don't NEED some private group spending the money and setting the priorities.
The priority for me is not some store downtown with a lease that is set to expire in 2011. This is an article about corporate welfare.
We need to be sure that the youth don't move out of our city -- and expire from school -- from violence -- from poverty. Keeping Saks downtown isn't the key to the real priorities that matter greatly to me.
Saks must and will figure out where to put its stores based upon the marketplace. The stores will go to places where customers have money, tastes, and in turn jobs and opportunities. We need to make sure government does its job of in the sector of government -- and then the citizens can be more prosperous. And, in turn, the marketplace will respond in healthy ways.
The worst thing our city can do is to continute to be a town that is driven by corporate welfare. See: Platform.For-Pgh.org.
Rocky Mountain News: Avalanche & NHL
This is the exact word I do NOT want to see in the news. We don't want to "replace" the civic arena. To churn and burn is no way to get ahead. If Mario wants to build a new arena, fine. But, we need to hold onto what we've got.
Progress is not about one step forward and one step backward.
Progress is about fixing and upkeep of what you have -- and creation of new value and wealth.
Progress is not about one step forward and one step backward.
Progress is about fixing and upkeep of what you have -- and creation of new value and wealth.
Rocky Mountain News: Avalanche & NHL OFFICIALS WORK TO SAVE PENGUINS: Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor-elect Bob O'Connor are working to find a way to replace Mellon Arena and secure the Penguins' future in the city, Onorato said.
Owner-captain Mario Lemieux said has he is doubtful the team will remain in Pittsburgh after its lease expires in 2007, citing lack of progress on a new arena."
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Phillips First Swim Team
My son, Erik, at top in blue shirt, and other swimmers on the Phillips Elementary School's Swim Team with stretching exercise before the city meet. That's a big sister and former Carrick swimmer, Amanda, leading the kids.
Erik won the 25 breast.
Ryan got 4th in the 25 back.
All the kids did really well. They did some excellent races.
Interesting meet notes. There was no warm-ups. Kids were not allowed off of the blocks. And, no butterly. But, the 2nd swimmer in the medley relay and free relays dove off the deck in the shallow end.
Monday, December 12, 2005
USATODAY.com - Lemieux doubtful on Penguins future in Pittsburgh
Think again.
The Pens are helping in the city's collection of the Parking Tax. But, that money isn't Penguin money. It is needed for things such as crossing guards and snow removal.
USATODAY.com - Lemieux doubtful on Penguins future in Pittsburgh The Penguins are projecting a $7 million loss this season, a figure that assumes the team will draw near-capacity crowds and advance to the second round of the playoffs.
The Pens are helping in the city's collection of the Parking Tax. But, that money isn't Penguin money. It is needed for things such as crossing guards and snow removal.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Peoria's son, RIP: Pryor
I lived for three years in Peoria, Illinois. Home of Richard Pryor. They knew it.
Meanwhile there is an expression -- "will it play in Peoria?"
I played in Peoria. Pryor, without a doubt, played and made it from Peoria too.
His comedy is real. His characters were 'out there' -- but -- he kept real, not a model nor a forgery. Pittsburgh and Peoria are bad places to be artificial.
I'll be interested in reading what is said in Peoria about Pryor.
Meanwhile there is an expression -- "will it play in Peoria?"
I played in Peoria. Pryor, without a doubt, played and made it from Peoria too.
His comedy is real. His characters were 'out there' -- but -- he kept real, not a model nor a forgery. Pittsburgh and Peoria are bad places to be artificial.
I'll be interested in reading what is said in Peoria about Pryor.
Barnestormin: While Pennsylvania Burns
I got a plug at another blogger's site. And, he's a journalist too. But, I really don't do all this for the stokes and plugs elsewhere. I raise my voice, in all sorts of ways, to combat all sorts of ills. We have to fix ourselves. PA is behind the times in terms of what it tolerates from the "lobby industry" that serves "special interests.
Barnestormin: While Pennsylvania Burns Pennsylvanians, where is your outrage? Have the flames of your anger been doused by the pay raise repeal?
If I told you that your pants were on fire and you saw the flames, you’d run for water. But I tell you how Pennsylvania state legislators are regularly influenced by corporate interests, and almost nobody comments. None of my three readers commented, and with the exception of blogger Mark Rauterkus, none of the local media picked up on it. Almost none of the local blogging community mentioned this problem, perhaps because local bloggers prefer to complain about the money spent on stadiums and they prefer to tout local websites, but they don’t want “hard” news. Or maybe they like having their legislators answer to special interests.
'Slim chance' Penguins will stay in Pittsburgh, Lemieux says
'Slim chance' Penguins will stay in Pittsburgh, Lemieux says Owner cites lack of progress on new arena
Build your own arena. Go to McKeesport. Go to Cranberry. Go to Washington County. Go to the nonprofits and ask for it to be built on the river on the land in Hazelwood.
Mario, be creative. Be original.
If there was a chance of getting a new arena AND saving the old arena -- without the Penguins -- without public money flowing into the project -- then Mario would be sininging a different tune.
The Penguins are not running out of time. The Penguins have run out of creativity, perhaps.
I do agree that the city and county have not been working with the Penguins. However, get some new blood in there that is willing to talk the hard talk -- and work the hard work -- in serious ways -- then we'll have a whole new chain of interactions. The ones who are in there now are "push-overs," or worse, "do nothings" when the going gets tough. They quit on your Mario because that's a sign of their best response and lack of creativity.
But, they also quit on our kids and parks as well. And, I won't let that continue either.
Mario, I'd be glad to meet with team administrators of The Penguins and come up with some better, alternative plans. Then I'll champion a new home for the Pens -- given that there is no public money involved and given the fact that the Civic Arena gets a new life as a 'civic arena.' I don't want to have the Pens build something new and destroy what is already here. No churn and burn. The Civic Arena is a community asset.
Finally, the I assume Mario knows that Pittsburgh has something else to offer besides the Penguins. We have excellent health care facilities, people and institutions. Those capacities have to be fresh in Mario's mind since this past week when his heart went hyper. He might be glad he's in Pittsburgh and not somewhere else in times like those.
Meet with me. Drop the frustrations. Set a new course. Gain a new attitude.
Build your own arena. Go to McKeesport. Go to Cranberry. Go to Washington County. Go to the nonprofits and ask for it to be built on the river on the land in Hazelwood.
Mario, be creative. Be original.
If there was a chance of getting a new arena AND saving the old arena -- without the Penguins -- without public money flowing into the project -- then Mario would be sininging a different tune.
The Penguins are not running out of time. The Penguins have run out of creativity, perhaps.
I do agree that the city and county have not been working with the Penguins. However, get some new blood in there that is willing to talk the hard talk -- and work the hard work -- in serious ways -- then we'll have a whole new chain of interactions. The ones who are in there now are "push-overs," or worse, "do nothings" when the going gets tough. They quit on your Mario because that's a sign of their best response and lack of creativity.
But, they also quit on our kids and parks as well. And, I won't let that continue either.
Mario, I'd be glad to meet with team administrators of The Penguins and come up with some better, alternative plans. Then I'll champion a new home for the Pens -- given that there is no public money involved and given the fact that the Civic Arena gets a new life as a 'civic arena.' I don't want to have the Pens build something new and destroy what is already here. No churn and burn. The Civic Arena is a community asset.
Finally, the I assume Mario knows that Pittsburgh has something else to offer besides the Penguins. We have excellent health care facilities, people and institutions. Those capacities have to be fresh in Mario's mind since this past week when his heart went hyper. He might be glad he's in Pittsburgh and not somewhere else in times like those.
Meet with me. Drop the frustrations. Set a new course. Gain a new attitude.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
First hint of a Candidate's night, Jan 10, 2006
The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Assn has its third President and new board for the year. Their news -- the group is to host a candidate's night on January 10, 2006.
We hope to see you for a Candidate’s Night for the Special Election for our City Council Seat, once the Honorable Gene Ricciardi resigns. As you all know, he has been elected to our District Justice position. From the first candidate to announce, we will invite all of the many candidates who have since announced their interest in the position. Each candidate will be given equal time. SSSNA President Brad Palmisiano will be moderating. We will have refreshments and you need not be a member to attend.
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