Wampum: The Koufax Awards 2005: Best state and local blogs

A blog popularity contest that excludes candidate blogs -- so we don't qualify.

Wampum: The Koufax Awards 2005: Best state and local blogs I excluded candidate blogs (we've done this in the past as well for other categories.)

Civilizations, clash or ....

Wafa Sultan: The clash we are witnessing around the world is not a clash of religions, or a clash of civilizations. It is a clash between two opposites, between two eras. It is a clash between a mentality that belongs to the Middle Ages and another mentality that belongs to the 21st century. It is a clash between civilization and backwardness, between the civilized and the primitive, between barbarity and rationality. It is a clash between freedom and oppression, between democracy and dictatorship. It is a clash between human rights, on the one hand, and the violation of
these rights, on other hand. It is a clash between those who treat women like beasts, and those who treat them like human beings. What we see today is not a clash of civilizations. Civilizations do not clash, but compete.

There is that compete word again. Note, it wasn't the 'cooperate' word.

Political savvy and glowing praise heaped upon Mark Roosevelt

Political savvy sold Pittsburgh schools' 'right-sizing' plan: "Mr. Roosevelt recalled the meeting at which he showed Mrs. Fink how Bon Air, with about 90 students, used more than a fair share of district resources and put students at other schools at a disadvantage.

'I remember her going, 'Oh, my God,' ' Mr. Roosevelt said."

Too bad the presentation to Board Member Fink isn't a 'published' lesson. Rather, it is a back-room one. Private arm twisting, even private brain twisting is still private. It got the plan past a serious hurdle. But, the really serious hurdle is still to overcome -- that of the public.

The 'wow factor' for OMG moments need an open stage. That's the missing link in Pittsburgh. I want the boss of the schools to be a teacher and student. And, I don't think such a public institution needs a private tutor in that role.

Much of what Mr. Roosevelt did in terms of selling the plan was in person, in the old-school show-and-tells, or dog-and-pony shows. There was a top down, we'll come to your section of the city and tell you about things and field a few questions. But, you had to go to three to five meetings to really 'get it.'

To get your insights to him -- you had to mount a picket of sorts. The interaction was weak. The real golden, OMG moments, such as with Mrs. Fink, were private, too often.

He said the plan wasn't perfect but would get the job done.

This statement goes to the root of my wonders about the plan. This statement also goes to the root of why I'm running for Pittsburgh's city council and talks of the culture that we have here in politics and problem solving.

I'm not running to get the job done.

Likewise, Mr. Roosevelt didn't come to Pittsburgh to lead the floundering school system to get the job done.

Neither he nor I need a job.

But these challenges need solutions. And, the solutions are going to come from leaders. And sustainable solutions are sure to come from a team of solution builders.

The job of the 'right sizing plan' is significant change. Meanwhile, the goal of my family and that for my neighbors and their kids is an inspired educational setting within the public schools of the city. I want my kids to learn a love of knowledge and to grow smarter and more skillful each week.

I want our graduates to be competitive on a global stage.

So, my point is, the 'right-sizing-plans' still has not been able to convince me that we've got the job done, yet, in terms of making our school district's elementary education system one that is going to insure inspiring educational opportunities for all.

We are on the right track. We are making progress. But, the engine's wheel of interaction and public disclosure is still not touching the track. There is a lot of power in that element that has yet to be leveraged to the overall good.

For example, the movement to K-8 schools has some strong reasoning behind it. But, I wonder if a school that is not K-8 is going to have the K-8 benefits just because one principal is over two schools.

I don't want to be hoodwinked. I know we can't fool the kids. I know that the research isn't 'perfect.' But I do know you can fool and play politics with A+ Schools and others such as Rev. Simms who link up for gains that 'get the job done.'

A 'get the job done' attitude and destination is going to continue our outward migration in the city. The population decline will continue. The family base will evaporate further.

The 'get the job done' school system within a 'we don't have a prayer' city with one-party domination at City Hall is a formula for continual failure for the city of Pittsburgh.

In a nutshell --- I want excellence. I don't want to, as Mayor Bob O'Connor said this past week, "get the guns out of the hands of the kids." That fails my goals and my ambitions for my community. I want to give the kids much more to do and handle so guns are not even an option.

Sadly, the city school district needs to pull itself and the body of city politics into the future in terms of being an engine for creating excellent opportunities for our residents to live free and mindful lives full of opportunities based on determination and skills.

Tenacious Blogging: Pittsburgh City Council District 3--Vote for Mark Rauterkus (L)

A second great endorsement from a local blogger has come to my attention. Thanks. I'm very impressed with the kind words.

Tenacious Blogging: Pittsburgh City Council District 3--Vote for Mark Rauterkus (L): "Pittsburgh City Council District 3--Vote for Mark Rauterkus (L)
See my previous posts on this election here and here.
In my years of covering politics, and local and state elections, I learned very quickly that a candidate's party matters less than their position on the issues."

See the entire post over at that site.

Swimmers Go Fast at our championships

Our team's (C.S.C.) 10 & Under Girls Free Relay turned in a 2:00.55 time for the 200 free relay.

Both the 10 & Under Girls and 10 & Under Boys won their respective age group team high point awards. And, the CSC team was in second place after the morning session. The older kids held the team's standings. Carlynton got 2nd.

Teams in the WCPSL: Monroeville (first), Carylnton (second), Blackhawk, Hubbard, Hopewell, Slippery Rock, Grove City, Farrell, Deer Lakes, Riverside and Northgate.

I love the end of the season. It is a lot like the final week of a political campaign too -- but better.

Furthermore, in our recent candidate night, I didn't have the chance, but would have loved to have jumped upon a comment from another competitor in the race. He said that it is all about 'cooperation' and 'reaching concensus.' Wrong again. Think again.

Often, in a cooperative setting -- things don't get done. I'm not afraid to be competitive. Pittsburgh needs to be more competitive -- and less cooperative. We've been cooperative with the corporations. We've been cooperative with the downtown retail establishments such as Lord and Tayor and Lazarus. We've been cooperative with the Pirates and Steelers owners. We build them each a stadium and give them favorable leases on prime spaces. We've been cooperative with the special interest groups and neighborhood groups so we now have new townhouses in blighted areas that are NOT selling. They can't sell. They won't sell.

To compete is more in my calling -- and more in my heart.

This some guy who wants to cooperate is the one who also thinks he has a bigger heart than everyone else. He has a big bleeding heart. He has a big give-a-way mentality. He has a "make everything nice" perspective but is without the winning lottery ticket to pay for it all.

He has a big, soft heart. He'll worry and has talked all about the "perception" of Pittsburgh's problems. Pittsburgh has bad PR. Duhh....

You can't fool the kids. You can't fool the residents. You can't fool problems and hope they float away with a new motto and new image gap problem.

You can't cooperate to excellence.

At our swim meet today, there were winners and loosers. And, there were quite a few D.Q.s as well. Not Dairy Queen ice cream, by the way. But, it was a magical thing to watch event after event and the kids put it all on the line -- trying their best to win. They have hearts.

Meanwhile, our kids in the city -- they've got hearts but few who are willing to engage them and push them to greatness.

Kill this suicide pact - Colin's visit to our church last week end was welcomed

Kill this suicide pact - PittsburghLIVE.com (Editor's note: This column is adapted from a longer address scheduled to be delivered today to the fine folks of the 'Lifecraft' program of the Unitarian Church of the South Hills in Mt. Lebanon.)

We were there. Thanks for the nice presentation.

Duquesne basketball coach Danny Nee resigns

Duquesne basketball coach Danny Nee resigns coach Danny Nee resigns

Where is Edgar and Porter now, by the way?

I knew Coach Nee from the past days at Ohio University. We were both in Athens in the same years. I was the assistant mens swim coach and he was the head mens basketball coach.

DU makes a hard setting for college coaches in terms of winning records. I don't know the new athletic director, but I wish I did. Brian C, the past AD -- where is he now too?

And, finally, where will Nee end up next year?

Today, I'm making a $20 protest.

I'm making a point. I've put a line in the sand.

This is going to cost me $20.

More news on Monday.

So proud of those WPIAL swimmers. Way to go Foxes and others!

Wow. Many big-time performances were flowing in the WPIAL AA and AAA Championships yesterday and today. Impressive. Way to go.

I don't want to single anyone out -- but I feel I should.

Splendid performances.

Next, the city league championship meet is on Saturday. Go for it!

I'll be at Gateway for our club championship meet on Saturday! "Is this not a winning team?" .... :0

Another candidate night -- another pound of flesh.

Tonight we held another candidate night. That might be the last one of the season for the special election race for city council. The election is just around the corner -- on PI Day, March 14, 2006.

There were some big time moments in the evening. Some made me mad. Others made me laugh.

To the credit of some of the other candidates, I am hearing some changes to their routines. On many instances, what was said by them a month ago has "evolved" into something more pleasing to my principles. Some, not much, but some. And, there are other areas where there are still serious blind spots and trouble areas.

First the heat.... to the very end of the night, the last question was raised. "Would you do the job and serve as city councilman if the job paid NOTHING. Would you do it for free???

My answer started with a policy statement I made months ago. Presently we have two oversight bodies -- dual overlords. And, we have city council. So, there are THREE agencies where there used to be one. I've suggested that every elected official in city government (mayor, controller and council members) and everyone working as Act 47 Overlords and ICA Overlords be paid HALF of what they are being paid now. Then the other half would go into escrow and finally be paid out in two stages, as a bonus, AFTER the city ends its OVERLORD period and then the other payment three years later to insure that the city doesn't slide back into bankrupcy.

Basic feeling here is to reward these folks for doing the job -- at the end of the job. They have little incentive to do a good job with the programs that they put in place and they have little incentive to get the job finished.

As to me working for no pay -- first off, I would NOT even run for public office if times were good. Because we have a crisis, I feel the need to enter the life as a candidate and hope to win the seat on council. Without the crisis, I'm doing other things with my life.

And, because of this 'crisis' where real solutions and sustainable changes in direction are needed, I WOULD be willing to serve on City Council for no pay.

As it is now, with the pay, our family is going to take a financial hit. I'll be getting the job and the pay check, and I think there is a big chance that we'll make less money than if I didn't have the job. (We can talk more on the math of that deal later, if asked, or if interested.)

Then came the REPUBLICAN's remark, out of turn, starting with, "No offense to Mark, but he doesn't have a job now. Right?" (Exact quote, from the transcripts.) "Are you not a stay-at-home dad?"

That was the opportunity to mention a quote from a recent, glowing endorsement from another blogger and jump to a modern day Ben Franklin come-back. But, I didn't have her exact quote in my pocket, were it should have been.

I said, "Yeah, there is an offense there."
N.A., "You don't have an income."
I said, "I do have an income. That is a bold face lie, Neil. I am a swimming coach."
N.A. "Okay you're a swimming coach. It's part time."
I said,"Okay. Park's guy, (that's to Neal directly, a guy who worked for seven years at Citiparks) you are going to knock on a swimming coach?"
N.A. "Is it part time, isn't it Mark?"

N.A. isn't going to give it a rest, as he was way off target and grasping at things he didn't know or understand. The moderator is speaking from the back of the room. "He answered the question."

I said, "Do I have a job or not?"
N.A. "You're not honest. Your not making a tremendous financial sacrafice...."

I said, "I am honset."

N.A. got in another jab, "I'm just saying you are not making a financial sacrafice."

Moderator: "The question was posed, 'would you do it for free?' That is all we are asking. Yes or no. You're turn (to J.P.).

The meeting came to a close shortly after that with two more saying their answer to the question.

I think the offending miss-information won't be blurted out again -- in front of a public audience, as the Republican came to see my points after the meeting closed.

Two other times in the evening the divide between hilltopers and the fortunate in the flats came to a head -- when I felt that I was put on the wrong side of the fence. I see the trend in Pittsburgh where the rich get richer and the poor poorer. This is more than perception and bad PR -- it is too often our public policy.

So, there was a time when a woman said that the kids of Beltzhoover were NOT welcomed when they went to other other swim pools. We used to have 32 outdoor swim pools and the one at Warrington closed a couple of years ago. The kids have a hike to go elsewhere to swim -- such as South Side Flats Ormsby's pool.

Not being welcomed at a park facility within the city is real and it is not to be ignored.

I too have had that same experience, but from the other end of the spectrum. I too have been hurt by it. I too hate that feeling. I too won't want it to happen to others. I too want to fix it.

My story goes back to 1999 and 2000. I worked with others (mostly Hosea Holder) to save the swim team that had used the Oliver Bath House for decades. The team's board was pulling the plug and going to close the team. Hosea and I stood up and re-grouped the swimmers and their families. We worked a year without pay (same theme enters again). The team had its lease pulled by the city and was able to re-position at Schenley High School. Now the team is at Kingsley.

Well in the summer of 2000, I wanted to be a volunteer swim coach at Ormsby and put my kid on the swim team there. Practices in the summers are from 11:00 to 11:45 am. My oldest was a good swimmer, but very young. I had been a NCAA Division I coach for six years, had all my certifications, clearances, etc.

The city's officials told me that I was not welcome. I could not be a volunteer swim coach. I was more qualified than anyone in the city -- but prohibited.

This story is part of a KDKA news profile from Ken Rice, that is on my CD, by the way. I was so mad, I announced in public I would run for Mayor, starting in August 2000, for the primary that was in May, 2001.

I was also denied the opportunity, along with PIIN (Pgh Interfaith Impact Network) to install computer labs into eight Rec Centers in 2002. That video is about go live on the web site in the AM.

Good night for now...... Housekeeping: original post was 8:45 pm on March 2) (updated with exact quotes on March 3 at 10 am.

Gentrification and Displacement: Saving Communities

Dan Sullivan is leading a seminar next Saturday that is perfect for the times in Pittsburgh. The depth and scope of the discussion can kick into overdrive when you feast on the mind-food from Dan.

Gentrification and Displacement: Saving Communities Gentrification and Displacement
How to minimize displacement of poor people when revitalizing a city

# People often say they are against gentrification when they are really against the displacement of poor people that usually accompanies gentrification. We show why government policies to promote and revitalize particular neighborhoods are far more damaging to the poor than tax policies that could attract richer property owners with little or no displacement of poor home owners.


Effects of Gentrification
# Improved desirability

# Attraction of wealthier residents

# Increased rents

# Displacement of poorer residents

KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News, Weather and Sports: O'Connor Intoduces New Potential Security Measures

Security is okay. But, the first move should be the rehire of crossing guards, funded from the city's budget. Crossing guards with radios who are re-tooled and able to write tickets would be less expensive and more effective. Crossing guards would better come to know the challenges and the regulars who frequent there.

KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News: O'Connor Intoduces New Potential Security Measures: "The mayor met with officials from the city schools and the Port Authority on Thursday to discuss possible measures to increase security.

They are looking at several possibilities including moving bus stops or changing schedules of some of the 1,200 students who go to school Downtown.

There will immediately be an increased police presence Downtown.

Mayor Bob O�Connor showed a KDKA-TV story, the focus of which was large crowds of teens gathered downtown that may cause trouble."

Remember January 2 PAT bus schedule and the need of Pgh Public Schools to nix that as a 'school day.' Well, I took some heat to mention that PAT is starting to dictate our school schedule. Now, the next step is taken. The mayor wants to adjust the time of the school day so we have a safer downtown.

Solution: Begin by giving an overhaul to the crossing guards. Then count me as one who wants to build up on the other end of the spectrum. I don't want more jails. Rather, we need to give the kids more to shoot for and to shoot at.

The Downtown YWCA, a fitness facility with a basketball court and swim pool -- CLOSED. That's what the kids need, not more officers to boss them around.

Furthermore, the extra police will only push the kids to a near-by area, say, Station Square or some other neighborhood.

We have a serious problem with these kids because they have been ignored.

But we want the people free -- not the politicians. Put them in bondage. Not other way around

With freedom, comes and equal amount of repsonsibility.

No way. County Council's President, Mr. Fitzgerad, D, is so WRONG.

Allegheny County Council again seeking political freedom: Allegheny County Council's Democratic and Republican leaders lined up yesterday behind a bill that would let council members hold onto their seats for a longer time if they run for higher office.

The charter code, as it is, is always going to be approved by the voters as the voters, for good reason, have distain for the candidates and their hyped promises that often go empty.

This effort is barking up the wrong tree in a time when there is a big movement to throw the bumbs out.

Many other moves for the sake of voter engagement could be accomplished -- and it seems as if Fitzgerald and Gasteb are out-of-touch.

And, the LAW does NOT say that council members become candidates when they file their petition papers. The lawyer's read of the charter says that and the lawyer works for the County -- NOT the people.

Philadelphia Signs 10 Year Deal With Earthlink

Bill Peduto, of Pgh's City Council, would not feel so alone if I joined him at the table and we began to work in earnest on some tech projects -- like this one from Philly. But, we can do better than what they've done.

Philadelphia Signs 10 Year Deal With Earthlink blog iconMarjorie | February 3, 2006
| Capacity Building | Community Technology | Wireless

After a seemingly endless battle with Verizon over citywide municipal WiFi provision, city officials have finally signed a contract that will offer low-cost internet service to Philadelphians. The 10 year deal with EarthLink will allow citizens to access high speed internet for a price of around $20 per month. Construction is set to begin immediately on the initial network of 15 square miles in the Northeast part of the city. If successful, EarthLink will bear the costs of expanding it over 135 square miles.

Philly is also an interesting case as it gave $300-million to COMCAST for a downtown high-rise -- as a state gift. Wouldn't you think that Comcast would be a player in the digital delivery sector?

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Meanwhile, in other local high-tech network news, we are faced with this:
The Carbolic Smoke Ball: LOCAL CABLE LINES SATURATED: CAN'T HANDLE ANY MORE STEELER NEWS, CALAMITY LIKELY Isn't it shocking how Philly is going wireless and we'll have black-outs! :)

Statement for the South Pittsburgh Reporter

My campaign song, "Lay The Shovel Down," stands for STOPPING wrong-headed, big-ticket spending. Tax breaks make the rich richer and poor poorer. I'll vote NO on TIFs, stadiums and under-river tunnels.

I'm prudent, hate debt and want families to thrive here again. Get my free CD with software and music.

My focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not cronies.

I coach swimming. Kids are my priority. I want to chair the YOUTH POLICY and Citiparks committee. My expert background from Market House to publisher of 100+ fitness books will insure functional rinks, pools, gyms. Our kids deserve something to shoot at and for, rather than each other with guns.

All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich). In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.

I'll cut the deed-transfer-tax and encourage home-ownership by unloading URA properties.

Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, a marathon, and community fitness. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solutions. Give your input at 390-page Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.

Pittsburgh City Paper's coverage is now online

Pittsburgh City Paper - News Uphill Battle
South Side Slopes voters hoping for hill-friendly representation

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Libertarian candidate Mark Rauterkus offers a vision of “kids and freedom. I’m the libertarian who really cares about coaching the kids.” The swim coach would like city high school athletes to play in the same leagues suburban kids compete in -- so “city kids will have something to shoot for." To encourage more residents, he favors a four-year "tax holiday" on the city’s deed-transfer tax, and taxing land only, rather than the buildings atop of it. Otherwise, he says, "You’re punished for improving your home." As for gambling, he's wary of the proposals made by would-be developers: Why not put the slots in the convention center? It is a “white elephant operating below capacity," he says.

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Points to notice and redress follow:

In fact, the most striking thing about this campaign is how similar the candidates sound. Each is skeptical about using tax subsidies to lure development -- especially a proposed $18 million subsidy for a new PNC Bank office tower. Each wants to shift from big-bang Downtown development toward neighborhood investment. Each emphasizes increasing the police presence.

I do not think that the candidates sound similar -- to me. There is a lot of common ground as to being sincere. However, most of what I'm talking about was unlike anything that they were speaking on.

Often, when I speak, there is a lot of head nods and people are in agreement with my perspectives. Some of that is starting to show up in the group conversations too.

I have yet to hear anyone talk about the wasteful spending for the tunnel under the Allegheny River to extend the T to the lower North Side (where the stadiums reside). Nobody yet.

Two others in the back of the pack do talk about the end of TIFs, as well. They have joined me on that.

N.A., the Republican, is talking now about the liquidation of the Parking Authority. He must have read my January 29, 2004, editorial. A letter ran in the P-G and I was interviewed on KQV on this topic. It is nice to have him talk about the Parking Authority now.

Meanwhile, League of Young Voters head Mosley says that of the candidates only Phillips, the student, has been seen on campus regularly.

Well, I've never seen K.M., nor any of the other candidates, at a Pgh Public School Board meeting -- NEVER. I've been to Oakland on many instances. And, when I'm on campus, it is often in a capacity that means I should NOT be a candidate. I have a lot of roots in Oakland. My son will be there again for school next year -- at Frick Middle School. Schenley isn't part of K.M.'s range of focus either. I first met K.M. six years ago on a campus, I.U.P. I was there to rally the students for Nader. K.M. was in the audience and we talked at length there. So, he knows I've gone and do go way out of my way to interact with the campus folks and issues.

Brentley switches parties for bid for Pa. House

This is very good news. Bring it on Mark! Not me, but Mark Brentley.

Brentley switches to GOP in bid for Pa. House Mark Brentley Sr. plans to run for the state Legislature as a Republican.

Swim FAST! Go WPIAL swimmers!

The WPIAL meet is underway. That's an amazing time.

Casino bidders pressed on Pens - PittsburghLIVE.com

Give this guy an answer to the question he asks. His questino is an obvious, direct, simple. Someone needs to do some digging among the gambling board and with top stake-holders to find out what's what.

Casino bidders pressed on Pens - PittsburghLIVE.com Barden said he would be willing to 'substantially contribute' toward an arena, but only after getting an answers to questions he has posed to state regulators. He wants to know whether the Penguins should be licensed as an operator-applicant, if they get money from a casino, and whether it's legal to give that much money to a third party.

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