A mind that is expanded, never returns to its original size

Last night at our second debate (forum) of the day, the question was put to the nine candidate from a citizen voter. She asked about the powers of a city council person. What can be done?

The others told about how Pittsburgh has a strong mayor form of government. Council writes the laws. Council can be an "advocate." They got the basics other than the missing of any mention of the constitution.

They also had the typical mentality that to serve as a good council member you need to be able to count to five. There are nine on the council, so five votes wins the day. A council member gets his or her own vote and would need four others to join to make a majority. So, to get something done, they say, you need to be with the majority.

My answer was different.

Members of council get to be at the table. Council's members get to raise issues, concerns, and put forth various perspectives. My problem with council and our city has been the fact that we'll never get excellent solutions if the best ideas are never put onto the table. The votes are often called so there is only a choice among two bad outcomes. Pittsburgh is in a rut where it seems that they always choose the idea that is just better than the worst.

To thrive again, we'll need to inject elegant solutions. The question of building a five story parking garage for PNC Firstside -- or else a four story parking garage and a T-stop too -- needs to be joined with another option. How about if we don't build one at all. How about if we take care of parking concerns within residential neighborhoods by expanding the side-lot program. Give more people a chance to buy vacant land beyond just the next-door neighbor who can choose to pass on the property.

The point of the discussion is to welcome different perspectives to the table. The old-party democrats have eight seats there already. There might be plenty of 8-1 votes in terms of their efforts to over-spend, again and again. But, we need another voice.

Furthermore, I feel strongly that the minds of council can be adjusted after new, fresh, smarter solutions are there at the table, day-in and day-out.

One's mind isn't like a latex swim cap that can be stretched four feet wide, without ripping, and then snap back to its original size.

We need a wedge on city council so that the thinking can change. We need to "THINK AGAIN." Love the song. Embrace its message.

Furthermore, each member of Pittsburgh's city council is a chair of a certain committee. I want to be the chair of the Citiparks and Youth Policy Committee. There, I will make serious strides and have plenty of victories. I'll be able to be a leader in terms of recreation, like none other on the ballot, like none other in the district, and perhaps, like none other in the city and state.

We need a coach on council to drive the agenda of fitness, fun, family activities, inter-generational experiences, and beyond.

I want to be on council to establish a YOUTH Technology Summit -- and serve the kids, volunteers, staffers, parents, seniors, and all in the neighborhoods with the chairmanship of the committee on YOUTH and Citiparks. I'll promise victories. I'll re-start the Pittsburgh Marathon, and it will be better for the city and different as well. We won't tie-up the entire city with a route that is at odds with church-goers.

And, for the cerebral folks --- I won't rest until I put forth the best possible solutions to our ills -- by going to the roots of problems, not batting at their leaves. In these efforts, I might get out voted. But, we'll have hope for an open and honest discussion that is beholden to civility and performance.

I see little value in getting a ninth member on city council who is just a get-a-long guy that works with a wink and a smile -- or just aims to red up Pittsburgh. I see little value in getting a ninth member of city council who wants to work from 8 am to 5 pm and attend every meeting from start to finish. There is no value in counting paper clips, pushing paper or waiting for the phone to ring. There is no value to a hard-working councilmember who is banking on MURPHY-economics to come and give fruit. The high-priced (so he says) firefighters already put in the long work hours. We don't need a firefighter council member to rush salt into a salt box within two hours notice, and take care of us on the spot.

We need a council that works SMARTER, not harder, not longer -- SMARTER.

The biggest problem around is the hard-working foolishness that dug us this hole that Pittsburgh finds itself within.

We got a great convention center.They worked hard on that building. A guy died as it was being constructed. It is a green LED certified building. Lots of light, blah, blah, blah. But it costs $5-million to $6-million each year to just maintain it. Those are operational expenses. The capital costs are more. The debt is huge. And, the building will NEVER be used to its capaicity. Never. We don't have the hotel space to hold a convetion of the scope and size to match the convention center.

Mayor Murphy worked HARD to get those two stadiums built. But, it was wrongheaded.

We don't need HARDER workers on city hall. We need smarter, different, purdent members of council who think about the long-term and understand technology, liberty, freedom and family life.

Murphy was a genius at crafting TIFs (Tax Incremental Finance) and corporate welfare deals. He was really good at spending taxpayer money. The tricks of the water and sewer line sell off are that of ledgend. But, it wasn't for the little guys benefit. Those moves were not for the long-term health of the region.

We need pick a ninth councilmember to be fit, sharp, bold and quick to think again. We need to have a person with a tough love approach as a coach can deliver -- or as a parent can foster.

I hope I've explained myself as to what council can do and why I need to be there to do it -- given today's challenges.

That Christmas TREE

Remember, a tree that is still standing in your home makes a real good fire trap. Get the tree out of the house already.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC), in partnership with the Union Project, Construction Junction, and the City of Pittsburgh, will be recycling Christmas trees on SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event takes place at Construction Junction, 214 N. Lexington Street in the Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh. A $1 donation is requested for each tree being recycled. Call Ginette at PRC at (412) 488-7490 or visit www.prc.org for more information.

Jason Altmire for Congress - About Jason Altmire

I attended Jason's kick-off to his campaign for Congress. It was a good event hosted by the Steamfitters. Nice to have the event in Pittsburgh, and out of Jason's actual congressional district. Interesting that folks come to our part of town to make big news.

Jason has experiences working at UPMC. He is going to be on top of the health care crisis that is getting worse and worse in America. That is a good start. I am interested in hearing about how he is going to attack the problems and build solutions there.

Jason Altmire for Congress - About Jason Altmire: "Age: 37"

While I was at the event I got to talk to a few people about various issues. DeFazio was there and I asked him to put in a word about the date of the special election and Pitt's spring break.

Jack Wagner's people were there too. I got the insights on his stance about the casino to pay for the hockey arena. His is a big corporate welfare deal through and through.

Under 12 -- Girls Fast Pitch Softball - interested?

BIG League has been approached about the possibility of organizing and administering to a new U-12 Fast Pitch League.

Is there interest in doing this? Let them know.

We will send out a flyer soon to gauge interest, but we are interested in what you think. Give Big League office a call at 412-488-4885.

Dance is a great activity for both girls and boys. However, the girls need to get into some competitive sports settings too. Sports is NOT just for the boys. One reason I love swimming is because it works for boys and girls -- together even. I am a big fan of women's sports and participation in sports by kids (boys and girls) of all ages (even into their 90s).

Council election set

A press release is about to be delivered.

The wrong date was picked. The election should be February 28. Do it early. Get it over.

Council election set: "A special election to replace former city Councilman Gene Ricciardi will be held March 7, council President Luke Ravenstahl said yesterday.

That date drew fire from Councilman William Peduto, because it falls during the University of Pittsburgh's spring break, and many of the affected district's registered voters are Pitt students. He said thousands of young people 'would be denied the opportunity to vote on the 7th' and urged that it be held March 14.

I aspire to get the college vote. Same too with getting the vote from the city residents as well. But, we need people to vote. The college students are a big part of everyone's lives.

Crowd noise --- lots to say

Lot's of talk around these parts about the noise in the dome -- of Indie when the men take the field against the Colt.

There is another type of noise the began in earnest today -- a campaign for city council. There are NINE participants in the race at this point.

Two forums were held today. I've got a lot to say about what was said. More to come.

And, I've been to the Columbus, Ohio arena. While you're there, check out the soccer stadium too. And, might as well go to the new OSU natatorium as well. Ohio State has already broke ground on a new swim pool. It will be one of the best in the world.

There was a tour some years ago to Indy, IN. The deligation from Pittsburgh went to tour their downtown shopping district. I've been to Indy too. That town's handle used to be the AMATURE Sports Capital of the World. The Pan Am Games, Sports Fesivals and many national championships and Olympic Trials events are in Circle City -- plus the Indy 500 of course.

The folks in Pittsburgh didn't see what they really needed to inspect. I asked questions. I read the reports.

Indy did a lot with its sports landscape -- to the benefits of its citizens as well as tourists.

Voter Protection -- Rally in Oakland on Thursday at 3 pm

A long-time, but young, political friend put out this email to me and the others running for city council. He is right on the mark. And, I thank him and the others for their efforts in this quest.

As as candidate you are well aware of the special election coming up in March to fill the District 3 City Council seat. The Univ. of Pittsburgh is in this district and college students make up over 20% of the population of the council district.

Today, (TUESDAY, Jan 10) Council President Ravenstahl began the process of setting a date for the special election and was fine with having it on March 14th. For some reason, there has been talk that the election may be moved up to March 7th, in the middle of spring break. This would disenfranchise thousands of Pitt Students!

On Thursday 1/12/06 @ 3 pm, Place: TBA City Councilman Bill Peduto, the League of Young Voters, The Stonewall Dems, The College Dems and other concerned groups will be holding a press conference and rally to compel the board of elections to hold the election on March 14 so UPitt students will be able to participate in choosing their next council rep.

I am reaching out to you to invite the candidates to the rally, it is important that the candidates for this office show they support student voting rights. (*No candidate speeches.)

I hope you will be able to attend this rally or for more information email pittsburgh@indyvoter.org or call 412/728/2197

More information about this will be made available on Wednesday 1/11/06, STAY TUNED!!!

K

I talked with K.M. on Grant Street asking him to help to organize some meetings in Oakland to talk about the issues. As of now, none have been scheduled.

Pittsburghers for Impeachment -- pointer to Ferlo's efforts

Oh my. Senator Jim Ferlo is entered a game of Red-State vs. Blue-State. Albert sent me an email about the site and efforts. It is done well in terms of calling upon the ghosts of Ben Franklin and Liberty.

Pittsburghers for Impeachment: "FIRST LYING...NOW SPYING!

Our nation and Iraq have been subjected to an unnecessary and illegal war based on lies, deception and cover-ups. The toll taken on life, limb, and precious resources is shocking and shameful. The Bush Administration in Washington has shattered the reputation of the United States of America in its arrogant pursuit of power and domination.

Check it out. Let me know what you think. There is a bit of an urgency to sign the petition so as to get your name into the advertisement that is slated to run in City Paper.

Special Election for a State Rep seat

Folks,

Apparently, State Rep Alan Butkovitz has resigned after something like 15
years as a state legislator. As a result, there is a special election being
held on March 14, 2006 for State Rep district 174 which I believe is in
Philadelphia. I have the paperwork that must be filed by January 23, 2006.

Please let me know if you or someone you know living within that district
would be interested in running for this office.

David Jahn, Chair, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
610-461-7755

Going to speak to the Board of Pittsburgh Public School

Tonight I'll be speaking to the board of Pittsburgh Public Schools, again.

I'll hit upon Schenley High School's move out of Oakland as well as the looming changes to the Gifted Education program.

[412] News Release: Key Campaign Staff for Mark Rauterkus for City Council

[412] News Release: Key Campaign Staff for Mark Rauterkus for City Council [412] News Release: Key Campaign Staff for Mark Rauterkus for City Council

News Release: Immediate

Michael Cooper, Campiagn Treasurer, Announces Staffers for Mark at Rauterkus.com Campaign for City Council


Contact:
Michael Cooper, HQ = 412 904 2976, Treasurer at Rauterkus.com


Daniel Repovz, graduate student at Duquesne University, has joined the reform-minded team at Elect.Rauterkus.com to drive Mark Rauterkus' election bid onto Pittsburgh's City Council. Repovz' title is Media Coordinator. The special election is slated for the first Tuesday in March, 2006.

In May 2005, Repovz was on the ballot for Mayor of Pittsburgh in the Democratic Primary.

Repovz earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh in Finance. This semester at Duquesne brings Repovz's final course before he obtains a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Rauterkus and Repovz were both on the campaign trails in 2005. While Repovz was debating Bob O'Connor, Bill Peduoto, and Michael Lamb for the Democratic endorsement for mayor, Rauterkus was seeking a State Senate seat in a campaign against Wayne Fontana, D, and Michael Diven, R.

"We saw each other many times at various community forums. I was flattered to hear from Daniel that he was greatly impressed with the way we ran our campaign for State Senate, especially with the negativity and gross expenditures from the competitors. The messages and the mission must have resonated with Daniel, thankfully," said Rauterkus.

Repovz said, "I want to be part of the driving force in a team Rauterkus victory. Mark's financial reforms and parks initiatives will win with voters and future generations of all ages: children, parents, students and seniors. These are vital quality of life issues that are very important to Pittsburgh's future as well as the region around Pittsburgh."

In the day-to-day operations of the campaign, Repovz will issue press releases and field analysis to reform Pittsburgh's financial position.

"With the advance leadership ability of Daniel and others, we will be able to offer solutions for the short-term and long-term," said Rauterkus.

Vicki Duesch, a parent and long-time South Side resident and homeowner, has been named the campaign manager for the Elect.Rauterkus.com campaign.

"Vicki brings heart and soul to the campaign. Vicki and her son bike daily on the paths around the South Side and continually access recreation resources in the third district," said Rauterkus. "Vicki is a wonderful example of a citizen leader in action. Her grassroots leadership will make a difference in Pittsburgh and our region."


###

Additional contacts and resources:

+ Daniel Repovz, HQ = 412 904 2976, Media at Rauterkus.com
+ Vicki Dusch, HQ = 412 904 2976, Manager at Rauterkus.com
+ Mark Rautekus, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council, cell = 412 298 3432, Mark at Rauterkus.com
+ Logo: http://rauterkus.com/art/06/Foil-Logo-png.png
+ Photo of Mark Rauterkus, http://rauterkus.com/art/signs/mark-470.jpg

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

These odds are not so bad. There are 25 applications and 14 winners.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it has received 25 application submissions for licenses to operate gaming facilities in the Commonwealth.

“This is an historic day for gaming in Pennsylvania,” said Chairman Tad Decker. “My fellow Board members and I look forward to the complex and important work that lies ahead in awarding licenses for Pennsylvania’s 14 gaming facilities.

The biggest objection I've had from the get-go on this gambling deal is that the licenses are sold once and they never terminate. The rights come at a price, $50-million. But, there is no renewal.

If I was a legislature, and I called them all as this was hatching, I would have been certain to terminate the licenses at a future date. Have some of them expire in 15 years, some in 20. Stagger their end date.

Nothing is sold "FOREVER." You don't get a license to practice your profession from the state (for example a medical doctor) and have the license last until you die. Things need to have some type of renewal. Even a drivers license is not forever. But these gambling licenses are.

State slashes anti-tobacco funding (phillyBurbs.com) | Courier Times

Don't smoke. And, don't cut the funding from the tobacco settlement to help in the process of getting more people off of the tabacco habit and addiction.

State slashes anti-tobacco funding (phillyBurbs.com) | Courier Times ... the state slashed 25 percent of its funding for Pennsylvania's tobacco prevention and cessation programs, state and county officials said.

I've looked a good deal at the stop-smoking programs of other states. We visited with many health-care groups in the state of Arizona, for example. They had nearly a dozen organizations in the state with messages about stop smoking. PA has been behind the times in terms of public outreach and education here.

It is a shame to see this tobacco money get reduced.

A friend of ours is considering a run for PA House. His entire campaign will be built upon the pledge of clean air for all workplaces. With the clean sweep efforts, a clean air twist and his history, he could have a real opportunity to make serious votes.

Chicago Tribune | Fundraising clicks over Internet

Chicago Tribune | Fundraising clicks over Internet Fundraising clicks over Internet
Politicians pick up on ease of getting campaign dollars

By Mike Dorning, Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago congressman spearheading the Democratic effort to win control of Congress, now schedules regular conference calls with influential liberal bloggers, and the top political professional working for him maintains a presence on their sites, often posting campaign-related messages.

Save Schenley High School Petition

I signed the petition. Our kids should go to Schenley High School.

Save Schenley High School Petition To: Pittsburgh Public Schools, Superintendent Mark Roosevelt & All Board Members

To put Schenley into the "right-sized" plan is silly. It is a high performing school. This makes all performance based decisions a joke.

Democrat Chad Kluko to challenge Murphy for seat in 18th District

To run against Tim Murphy, R, is one thing. To win or even just challenge, there must be a competitive primary. The fact that there are two, or even three Dems, is going to be GOOD for the overall chances for the eventual winner of the D primary. The contested primary is needed in these situations.

Next, it would be good to get a women in the race too.

Democrat Chad Kluko to challenge Murphy for seat in 18th District: "Mr. Kluko, 44, is a graduate of Gateway High School and the Center for Media Arts in New York City. He spent most of the past two decades working in California at positions including director of national operations for Verizon Wireless and executive director of broadcast operations for the Fox Television Network.

Mr. Kluko said that family concerns had brought him back to Pittsburgh recently. Since then he has worked as CEO of the Diora-Ling Co., a small business concentrating on software development.

Mr. Kluko said he expects to make a formal declaration of his candidacy sometime in the next 10 days."

Allderdice used to host an invite swim meet

New mayor gets his shoes dirty in visit to public works shed

We don't need a unified voice coming from city hall. I like a little harmony in my songs. Perhaps we should all be singing in the same key, and perhaps the same tempo might be nice too.

The lockstep boosterism is what got Pittsburgh into its huge mess.

New mayor gets his shoes dirty in visit to public works shed The meetings did not result in big decisions. They were an effort to build toward what council President Luke Ravenstahl called 'a unified voice coming from city hall.'

He and perhaps other council members will meet weekly with the new administration, he said. That's a change from years past, when council often complained that it was left out of decisions by Mayor Tom Murphy."

This unified voice that may come from city hall will lead to the same-old-same-old. The expected outcomes will be more meetings that do not result in big decisions.

My aim is to join City Council and offer a different voice. I am sure that there are others who are very capable of going to council and offering no voice or the same voice as to what we've already got.

However, it is wonderful to see the meeting with the mayor and councilmembers. There is no way I could have survived on that body, for even a week, if Tom Murphy was mayor.

If Gene Ricciardi had quit his role in City Council and Tom Murphy was still mayor, I would NOT be running for the council seat. I would never have wanted to be on council with Tom Murphy as mayor. Heck, I could not even be in the same PARTY as Tom Murphy as he was the leader of the city's Democrats. That was not for me to join and support.

Now that Bob O'Connor is in the Mayor's office, I feel that I can make excellent contributions for the future of our city. And, because it is Bob, I'm needed on the job in Council Chambers more than ever.

Companies oppose latest North Shore casino proposal

Here is a stretch.

Companies oppose latest North Shore casino proposal He also believes the casino will enhance housing, pointing out that some of the most expensive real estate in the country is in gambling mecca Las Vegas.

Perhaps that expensive housing in Las Vegas is because it is in the middle of a desert. But, I dare say, most of Las Vegas isn't that expensive for housing. Furthermore, Las Vegas has low taxes -- so -- the housing values can rise.

It was stated on a local panel by an expert Ph.D. that local house values in the immediate area of a casino could go upwards. However, once the casino is no longer your neighbor, or within your near neighborhood, there is no bump, either up or down, from the casino.

This area under discussion, between the West End Bridge and the Carnegie Science Center, has been studied at considerable lengths by a friend. He has done models of many North Side locations.

Frankly, I don't think we are getting the highest and best use out of the very valuable land that is now occupied by the Equitable office nor Del Monte's offices.

This is a worry: He estimates that his casino, once it reaches 5,000 slot machines, will generate $230 million for the state each year at a 54 percent tax rate and $22 million for the city of Pittsburgh.

Before everyone goes off and starts to spend that $22-M per year, note the catch. That income is projected AFTER the casino reaches 5,000 machines. The proposal on the table is NOT that big. I would like to know how much is projected for the city and the state in the first year.

If Video Poker Machines were legalized and done right, they'd pull in $7 million to $13 million per year for the city.

Christmas Letter and CD hits homes around America

The Christmas letter was a bit harder to get out the door this year. It came with a CD that plays in both the computer (data) and a boom box (audio). But, it has been mailed and I got two early replies so far via email. See the comments.

At least the CDs arrived before the Wise Men!

Tip: If your computer is set up to play audio CDs automatically upon the entry of the CD in the drive -- you'll need to sidestep this act to see the photos and other data goodies. Right click with your mouse button on the CD image and then it opens on the desktop.

Is that right?

International friends ... sorry. I tossed the CDs into the mail without putting extra postage on the CDs to you all. We'll send them out on Monday.