Second Pitt News - Spring break elections alienate student voters

Today is a two-for with The Pitt News. Great!

The Pitt News - Spring break elections alienate student voters Spring break elections alienate student voters

By JESSICA LEAR, Editor in Chief

Well, Pittsburgh, you just never learn, do you?

Here’s a hint: If you want young people to stay in the city, you need to make them feel like they matter, at least a little bit.

In true hometown fashion, City Council has decided to hold the special election to fill the District 3 seat on March 7. District 3 includes central and south Oakland.

Yep, March 7, right in the middle of Pitt’s spring break. That means most students won’t be around to vote for their representative.

I know, I know, most students don’t vote, anyway. And Pitt students have a tendency to leave the city right after graduation.

Something tells me, though, that the way to get them to vote and to hang around after college — which this aging city desperately needs — isn’t excluding them from the election.

Council President Luke Ravenstahl was out of town on business yesterday, and therefore unable to comment. So I don’t know yet why the Council tentatively chose March 7 for the election. There’s a press conference this morning to address the issue and announce a final date.

I’d really like to believe it isn’t some underhanded attempt to disenfranchise students. So, why not change the date?

There has been some pressure to make the election fair. Libertarian candidate Mark Rauterkus has been pushing Ravenstahl to move the election to Feb. 28.

He and others, including Councilman William Peduto of District 8, plan to attend a rally today in front of Hillman Library at 12:30 p.m.

Peduto ran a failed campaign last year against Bob O’Connor for the Democratic nomination in the mayoral election. The refreshing thing about his campaign was his attention to — and almost desperate plea for — the young vote.

What strikes me as odd about the District 3 special election is that Ravenstahl is a young man himself; he’s 25 and finished his undergrad degree at Washington and Jefferson just three years ago.

So maybe there is hope for Pittsburgh. Maybe the decision to hold the election while students will be away really was just an oversight.

In any case, the city’s leaders won’t know we care — we do, don’t we? — unless we tell them. So if you’re not registered to vote, register. If you are registered, vote.

And if you’re pissed off about possibly being excluded from this election, say something. Then, if that still doesn’t get them to change the election date, vote anyway. Don’t forget about absentee ballots.

One of Ravenstahl’s assistants told me yesterday that he expects a lot of phone calls about this, which seems to indicate he’s aware that holding the election during spring break is a bad idea. So let’s not let him down.

The City Council’s Web site is www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/council, and Ravenstahl’s phone number is (412) 255-2135.

E-mail Jess Lear at editor@pittnews.com.

Of big interest was the fact that Luke was "out of town" as some of this shook down. Luke went with the others, I think, to Columbus, Ohio, to check out a HOCKEY ARENA. Columbus, home of OSU.

Luke, Pitt needs a hockey arena too. Let's re-open the closed indoor ice rink on the South Side -- once Pitt's home ice. And, we can put Pitt's women's hockey team into the CIVIC Arena. Mario can build his own new arena, but we want to keep and re-open the other places too so we have a NET GAIN.

The Pitt News - Special election could be held during spring break

Good ink come from The Pitt News about this date with the special election.

The Pitt News - Special election could be held during spring break: "The city Clerk’s Office confirmed yesterday that a special election is currently planned for March 7, when many students will be on vacation.

The special election was called after District 3 representative Gene Ricciardi left his position to become a district judge. District 3 includes parts of Oakland and most of the South Side.

Pitt’s spring break is scheduled for March 5 to March 12.

Luke Ravenstahl, city council president, could not be reached for comment since he was out of town.

But according to a press release from Ravenstahl’s office, he will hold a press conference today at 10 a.m. to announce the final date for the special election.

Mark Rauterkus, a libertarian seeking the now empty seat, wrote in his blog that the city does not pay attention to the needs of students, including health care needs, and that is why many of them leave the city after graduating.

“Too many students have graduated and departed. They vote with their feet later in life because they are not welcomed and because government is not doing a good job at the basics,” Rauterkus wrote.

Rauterkus wants the city to hold the special election on Feb. 28.

Anyone want to help in putting in an application for this open-source event for the future?

It might be fun to get with some other techies and put in an application for this special event.

I've been giving out CDs on the campaign trails and with our family Christmas letter too -- and they all have the OpenOffice.org installer as well. So, when and if you get the CD, it has extra value. But, you all, blog readers, I'm sure are able to download and install your own copy of OpenOffice.org from the site, without the need of the CD.

Dear OpenOffice.org community members,

The first three OpenOffice.org conferences in Hamburg, Berlin
and Koper/Capodistria were a huge success. The highlight so
far was this year's conference which, for the first time, was
organized by a team of volunteer community members. Now we are
wondering if this outstanding event can actually be bettered.
Therefore, we are searching for the perfect location for the
OpenOffice.org Conference in 2006.

We are collecting applications from teams who are willing to
organize OOoCon 2006, just like we did last year. To give you
an idea about what we are looking for, you can take a look at
last year's proposals:

http://marketing.openoffice.org/conference/ooocon2005/proposal.html

Interested teams should send their applications to the mailing
list conference@marketing.openoffice.org in the following format:

Key Question
============
In 200 words or less, answer this question:

* Why is your location and the date you propose the best for
the OOoCon 2006?

Your application MUST INCLUDE:
==============================

* Location (country, city, conference center/university)
* Proposed Date(s)
* Team Lead (main contact person)
* Team Members (all members should be willing and able to
commit at least 3 hours per day to planning the conference
during the last two weeks before OOoCon 2006)
* Local events that are taking place in parallel (or right
before/after)
* Special visa or entry requirements, e.g. vaccinations

Your application COULD INCLUDE:
===============================

* Large local OpenOffice.org deployments (for user keynotes
and success stories)
* Names of local OpenOffice.org developers (for developer
sessions)
* Names of local OpenOffice.org vendors/partners
(potential sponsors)
* Travel costs (e.g. flight costs from the following cities:
London, Paris, Rome, Beijing, Sydney, New York, Hamburg,
Dublin, San Francisco, Cape Town, Tokyo)
* Accomodation costs (youth hostel, hotel)

According to the OOoCon 2004 attendee survey and some feedback
about last year's conference, proposed locations should meet
the following requirements as much as possible:

* attract the largest number of community contributers
* be near enough to allow a large number of Sun's
OpenOffice.org developers, who are in Hamburg, to attend
* low accomodation costs
* cheap flight and train tickets
* the conference venue is for free
* alignment with large IT event (e.g. CeBIT, Systems, Comdex)
* strong local OpenOffice.org community
* strong sponsor support
* offer a central meeting point where people will easily
run into other people between sessions
* short walking distances between session locations
* provide simple ways to get to the conference location

The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2006. Shortly
after that date we will publish the applications on the
following page and call for votes:

http://marketing.openoffice.org/conference/

Information about the last three OpenOffice.org Conferences
can be found at:

http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2005/
http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2004/
http://marketing.openoffice.org/conference/OOoCon2003.html

Thank you and best regards,
The OpenOffice.org Conference Team

Eastern Michigan University Athletics - Swimming Assistant Eric Namesnik Passes Away Following Car Accident

Eastern Michigan University Athletics - Swimming Assistant Eric Namesnik Passes Away Following Car Accident Swimming Assistant Eric Namesnik Passes Away Following Car Accident
Information regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Eastern Michigan University volunteer assistant swimming coach and two-time Olympic silver medalist Eric Namesnik passed away this morning (Wednesday, Jan. 11) following a traffic accident"

So sad. This guy was an inspiration.

Tonight's date with the Bishop

Tonight: concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in celebration of the centenary anniversary of Saint Paul Cathedral. It will feature Haydn’s “The Creation” with Maestro Gilbert Levine, Conductor. We are invited guests of The Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl. We assume this invite came because of our service to the community and the DePaul board.

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.