Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes

Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes Diven wants mandatory 2 years in jail for offenses within 100 yards of schools

Another bubble bill.

What happened to the mayor's proposed 1,000 foot zone? Did it shrink to 300-feet?

I've been blogging about how they want to build bigger jails. Take a kid who is 13, make them face adult time. Wow.

How big is the zone (300 feet, or more???) for the casino? Just wondering.

"If you don't have safe schools, then you can't accomplish any of the things schools are supposed to accomplish," said Diven. What, so far, has Diven ever done to do anything about school accomplishments?

Diven tried to oust a school board member or two and insert some political friends into those jobs. So, Diven tried to accomplish political moves at a school. Remember the 'limo question' and the 'pink pig bulletin board?' That was a pay-back interview in Diven's neighborhood.

In some ways, the legislation would build on the state's "drug-free school zones." Does that work? Is that something to build upon?

And again, we can't touch those that live near schools, can't touch those that are transporting themselves and the guns near a school. So, the roadblock is having the law work in the real world.

There was a shooting downtown. The law won't apply there as the school kids were not near a school. There was a shooting a couple of years ago at another buzy bus stop near the clock in Mt. Oliver too. The kids were getting off a bus from school. Do you extend the law to include school buses and the bus stops too?

Furthermore, Diven was in Harrisburg when the 'bailout' came to the city. The bailout stunk. One of the provisions of the bailout was the firing of all the crossing guards. The city's budget didn't fund the crossing guards and that cost was shifted, wrongly, to the school budget. So, Mr. Diven, why don't you make a law in Harrisburg that makes school crossing guards the responsibility of the municipality -- and NOT the school district. I'd rather have the school district fund reading, writting and other educational needs.

These folks are trying to take guns away from the kid's hands. Fine. Do that all you want. But I'm going to try to find someone -- anyone -- to give the kids decent opportunities and more in their hands other than guns.

Idle hands.... What's that expression????

Sweetheart deals are okay with me, really. Statement before City Council, March 7

My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 S. 12th Street. South Side.

My home on the internet is at Rauterkus.com and Elect.Rauterkus.com.

I am a candidate in the special election on March 14, one week from today.

Today's talk covers my #1 issue: Kids, Youth, and Young People. This topic blends parenting and schools, as well as community use of school and park facilities.

Yesterday's Post-Gazette editorial said this about me. "Mark Rauterkus, 46, is a Libertarian who opposes cronyism and sweetheart deals and who is 'running for the kids' -- to improve their safety and recreation."

Just to be clear, I'm not against all sweetheart deals. I think the use of the Market House for $5 per hour for nonprofit groups is fine. I think affordable swim pool passes for every resident is a great sweetheart deal. Public libraries, great public schools, reasonable mass transit and interesting park programs are all sweetheart deals that we should endorse.

Last month a black kid was on my TV – mouthing off a bit. He felt “dissed” -- as in disrespected. He didn't get what he thought he was due from the man, the big guy. Then this other, white kid gave it right back to him.

They both were smiling – but shaking their heads. It was like they had just ripped their hearts of of their bodies too.

On the spot, Bob Costas (not Costa) – was sure to show the world and play upon that 'rivalry.'

I'm talking, of course, about the speedskaters in Italy: Chad, a kid from Texas (Don't Mess with Texas) – and the black young man was originally from South Chicago. He had been quoted that he had to run home after school so as to not get beat up. Shanti became the first African American individual gold medalist in winter Olympic history from team USA.

That was wonderful conflict. That was personal drama and it played out on the world's stage with NBC cameras. Both young Americans raced to 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the 1500 meters. Both had even held the world record within this past year.

The "Home Boy" won. The dude from Italy beat them both. the margin of victory was .2 seconds – faster than you can say thump, thump, thump – gold, silver, bronze.

In the past weeks there have been some sporting events in Pittsburgh as well. These got some news coverage too. First, Bob O'Connor went to a girls high school basketball game at Westinghouse, the morning after a shooting outside the school.

Final score: 71 to 37. That game was our city league quarter-final playoffs. Hardly a tight score and game. With 71 to 37 – who do you think won that game?

I think – everyone lost.

That's oh so typical in Pittsburgh.

In the Olympics – even with some “bad blood” -- who do you think won there? I say, everyone won. To put your heart on the line in a challenge – it is what is about. Being your best. Having focus, challenges to yourself and others, at a level of excellence is fantastic.

Then we have shootings at Westinghouse and Downtown too.

Bob is worried about safety. You are worried about safety. The police chief is worried about safety.

First things first: Re-Hire Crossing Guards.

On the internet – in the past I wrote that Gene Ricciardi was NOT a friend to the public schools. He didn't like reading my statement, and he replied to me. I told him that he was no friend to the public schools for two main reasons.... public policy reasons, not personal nor family reasons.

1. He was in charge when the crossing guards were terminated. The city fumbled and this was tolerated. I hated that move and still speak up about it today.

2. He was around when the $4-million RAD funds were stolen out of the budget of the schools – in mid stream. That was a bailout backlash.

With my perspective, I'm less interested in building new jails and getting drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors.

People on Grant Street are now trying to worry about the 1,000 foot zone around each school. Fine. Make that a worry that comes from the eight of you and our new mayor.

My worry is at the other end of the spectrum.

That 71 to 31 girls basketball score stinks.

Our old school superintendent, Dr. John Thompson, is to blame, partly. Al Fondy, bless his soul, is to blame as well. The chairman of the committee on youth policy and citiparks – used to be Gene Ricciardi for many years – and now is Mr. Motznik – is to carry some blame.

I've been standing on my head – getting dissed – saying that city council is not doing what needs to be done.

Now our kids are killing each other – shooting at each other, weekly. This is crazy.

Our kids don't have anything to shoot for --- or to shoot at --- except each other. Everything they are seeing is lop-sided.

I care to put real challenges before our kids.

And this costs nothing -- or next to nothing.

To have the Pgh Public Schools join the WPIAL – and dis-band the City League – would cost NOTHING. And, the volunteerism that would swell would be massive – if we do it right.

I was at a meeting with the Assist. Superintendent of Schools. She wants to “rally the city” so we don't have pockets of excellence – but we have a city of excellence. Beautiful... How?

You don't do that with more metal detectors. More dogs. More lopsided basketball games.

I am not like any of these other candidates in the race. I am not like any of the present members of city council.

Same old same old is going to get us shooting after shooting.

Whether I win or loose the election on March 14, 2006, these problems with the youth need to be fixed.

I know that I want to create literate Olympians here. That isn't happening now.

Now, I want to begin to talk about sweetheart deals that make sense.

Reports on China -- helping hand from our perspective

We've been to China three times in the past two years. Each time, my sons made presentations to their respective classes and even grades at their school. This activity has been rewarding for all involved and there were even a bunch of emails back and forth from Pittsburgh to China when we were there with progress updates.

As is our custom, the reports are put on-line and put into the public domain for others to enjoy. And, they do. This email came recently from a mom and her fifth grade daughter in Des Moines, Iowa.

I was trying to help my fifth grade daughter find information on China for her school report when I came accross this report. I just wanted to say how wonderful the work turned out and how he even helped an adult like me understand China alot more! Super super job! I couldn't begin to praise him enough! The information on China that we have found is just so overwhelming that we didn't know where to begin and this report of his has helped put things into more of a perspective for us. I had to giggle on one part where he mentioned that there was a lot to keep track of with the symbols and beliefs, because that seemed to be true with a number of things about China!

Awsome work! I thank him for putting this all together and sharing it with the rest of us, now it will make our searches for the report a little easier.
Thank you.
Bonnie & Crystal

My wonder in all this is about being -- how do you say -- parochial. When other candidates stand up and say I lived my entire life in this same neighborhood -- I wonder. Is that a plus or a minus? When someone knows these streets around this five-mile corner of the world, does that mean that the experiences of seeing Hong Kong, Chicago or even Vienna are going to be so foreign that the issues won't connect from there to here?

I've coached swimming and coached state record breakers in New England, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania. I know what's offered in suburban districts and what isn't offered in city schools. I've coached and lived in Los Angeles, Texas and Boston. Things work certain ways in certain places -- and often the mindset is unlike that we have here.

Perspectives matter. Ideas matter.

Teen Girl Shot On Way To Bus Stop

Ouch.

WPXI.com - News - Teen Girl Shot On Way To Bus Stop: "A 15-year-old Penn Hills girl is recovering in Children's Hospital after being shot on her way to a bus stop.

The girl was shot in the head along Anaheim Street in the Hill District.

No one has been arrested. Police are investigated. The girl's name is not being released."

One-Man Think Tank releases a tune

A great new tune has been released by a central-state blogger. I love political songs. I love the emotional story that can be told with music -- a universal language. I love creative expression put to the right uses. We need more of this.

One-Man Think Tank: Judge Cappy parody released: "Amazingly, Pa. Supreme Court Justice Ralph Cappy is once again trying the patience of Pennsylvanians by making noise about judges deserving a pay raise.

At the risk of being called a knee-jerker, I thought this would be the right time to release One-Man Think Tank’s political parody about Cappy.

I collaborated with Harrisburg folk singing great Henry Morgan on this little ditty."

Some are planting the seeds for a new charter school in Pittsburgh

Two members of the Board of Trustees of the Education Innovations LAB Charter School will join Salvador Wilcox, CEO, live on PCTV21, Pittsburgh’s Community Television station, at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2006.

Get a explanation of the model, the status of the school, how to enroll, and the innovative approach to rejuvenating our Pittsburgh communities. This call-in show takes question and airs several additional times throughout the month.

(Watch the comments for updates.)

The petition to the Pittsburgh Board of Education to grant a charter to the school is in the works. A place is secured too.
Education Innovations, Inc.
6435 Frankstown Ave., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412.661.8751 ext. 150
www.educationinnovations.org

Education Innovations, Inc. is a 501.c.3. nonprofit organization "building communities of seekers, learners, and teachers who share the world as a classroom."

Pitt Law Libertarians: Mark Rauterkus, Candidate for Pittsburgh City Council

Another thing --- I'm "endorsed" too. My political party endorsed me. Three endorsed candidates are in the race.

Pitt Law Libertarians: Mark Rauterkus, Candidate for Pittsburgh City Council Last Wednesday the Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh endorsed Mark Rauterkus’ candidacy for City Council, District 3. I had an opportunity to attend that meeting and was impressed with the level of thought Mr. Rauterkus has put into issues that affect libertarians in Pittsburgh and the people of Pittsburgh as a whole.
Mr. Rauterkus seems to understand one fundamental concept that a lot of libertarians have missed; commitment to individual liberty does not mean forsaking the community in which one lives. The true tenets of libertarianism neither require nor endorse a completely hands off approach to government. We are not anarchists. Government must be responsible, however, and it is in this vein which Mr. Rauterkus addresses the following concerns regarding the Pittsburgh public schools. Some of Mr. Rauterkus’ positions on other issues can be found at http://rauterkus.com/.

This is a bit old, but it cuts to some of the noise I'm hearing about in terms of the party label stuff -- both good and bad.

Developer eyeing theater complex Downtown

Developer eyeing theater complex Downtown A Washington County developer is considering a movie theater complex Downtown

Sigh... I think the notion of putting a cinema into downtown makes for a lame idea.

The new cinema at South Side Works is not doing well. The new cimema at South Side Works was to have a good selection of indie, arts and foreign films -- and I've not noticed them. That was part of the deal that was cut before that opened. What's up with that?

The South Side cinema wasn't to be built -- becuase downtown was to get the cinema -- back in Plan A, B, and C days. I was there. When that went "crash" (pun intended) they (URA) tossed the cinema to 'green light status' for the South Side Works.

House approves Patriot Act renewal

Here is another reason why it would be great to vote for a Libertarian, now. We've got some pressing matters to hash out with both the Ds and Rs. They've sold out our freedom. They've hurt our liberties. They need a wake-up call.

CNN.com - House approves Patriot Act renewal - Mar 7, 2006 Congress on Tuesday renewed controversial provisions of the USA Patriot Act, the 2001 law passed weeks after the September 11 attacks to help the government investigate and capture possible terrorists.

The approval in the House of Representatives, by a vote of 280-138, sent the measure to President Bush for his signature.

Group rallies - PittsburghLIVE.com

Group rallies - PittsburghLIVE.com Making the city's neighborhoods safe is a matter of prioritizing, said the Rev. Lee Walls, of Calvary Baptist Church in the Hill District.

'If we can make it safe for the Fifth Avenue corridor, we ought to make it safe for Frankstown Avenue,' Walls said. 'We ought to make it safe for North Murtland Avenue. We ought to make it safe for Centre Avenue. We ought to make it safe for Warrington Avenue.'

There is much to say about this statement and the article(s) about the youth violence. But, the first assumption is the big "IF" at the top. If we can make it safe for Fifth Avenue corridor... but we can't even do that. I would contend that downtown isn't "safe." So, we can't make it safe there -- even when it is a priority.

People of Pittsburgh need to realize that we are a small town. The city isn't big enough any more to have pockets of great dispair. I feel that we are all connected.

Case in point: IF Duquesne city (not Duq University) goes down the tubes, or Wilkinsburg, or Sto Rox, -- or Arlington -- we all suffer. But it isn't "IF" -- now it is "WHEN" and it is "HERE."

We have pockets of dysfunctional systems. They need to be fixed. All of them need serious solutions. We are not able to hang-out in bedroom communities and pass the buck to those in these quagmires to pull themselves to modern, reasoned, prosperity. No way. It isn't going to happen.

For these reasons, core reasons, we can't be parochial. City council and the city school board -- and even county council has been full of pin-headed parochial agendas.

A parochial pathway is sure to lead to the city's and region's continual downward spiral.

The city school district needs to plan and evenutally take over the failed schools of Duquesne. Do it. Fix that mess. Save those kids. Resolve that problem because as that area of the Mon Valley flounders -- so too does the city. The problems there are sure to be our problems around the next bend.

We can't allow the URA to build a parking garage on Second Avenue -- because the URA is generally about the rich getting richer and the poor poorer.

Roids and a vast array

So, what else is NOT new. Who knew?

Bonds began steroids in 1998 BREAKING NEWS - PittsburghLIVE.com Barry Bonds used a vast array of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormone, for at least five seasons beginning in 1998, according to a book written by two San Francisco Chronicle reporters.

An excerpt of 'Game of Shadows,' which provides details of the San Francisco slugger's extensive doping program, appears in the March 13 issue of Sports Illustrated.

The "dark side" does have a vast array of tricks in its bag. And, to defeat that -- we can't have a simple motto. We too need a vast array of substantial, principled, lifestyle elements to call upon as our assets.

We need depth and scope -- not dopes. We need long-term, education rich, strong lifestyle approaches that won't fade when the going gets tough.

Promise to Pennsylvania

Promise to Pennsylvania ... we promise to: 1) Advocate the principles upon which our Commonwealth was founded; 2) Restore trust between the citizens of Pennsylvania and their government.

Compare and Contrast: One question, 150 words.

The following comes from a voters guide that was organized by The League of Young Voters. It is being passed about in Oakland, and elsewhere, we hope. Enjoy spring break.

---

Question: What specific policy initiatives will you implement to improve campus life, the quality of life in Oakland (South Oakland in particular) and make the city more student friendly?

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Jeff Koch, D
After being elected to office I would not implement any new strategies initially. I'd be willing to sit down with homeowners, landlords, students, and any Universities involved with South Oakland, to get a sense of what their biggest problems are. The Universities have set up help for student renters to combat absentee landlords, but it is not always the landlords fault that his building is run down. I see the students getting involved through programs run by Laura Halula of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation. She had a clean up just today called Adopt-a-Block in which about 50 students cleaned up trash on the streets of South Oakland. She has formed a good student base. They are working hand in hand with the City of Pittsburgh's Public Works Department (Gregg Daley) to remove large bulk debris during the time of tenant change over. These are the in roads that I plan to take to enable students, and permanent residents to cohabitate on a productive basis.

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Neal Andrus, R
I would work with local law enforcement to better enforce state tenant-landlord laws. I believe that holding absentee landlord's responsible for poor upkeep of local housing could go a long way toward improving the quality of life in Oakland. Also I believe that it is crucial to inform students of their rights and responsibilities concerning rental properties, specifically in terms of security deposits, through once a year workshops informing students of their tenant rights. This could be done in conjunction with the local universities .

I am also a strong proponent of cutting the parking tax. This could significantly reduce parking rates around campus, as all lot and garage rates include the parking tax in the cost. These high rates pose an undue burden on students who have to commute in order to attend class.

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Mark Rauterkus, L
Focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not specific cronies nor constituents from single demographics. All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Annual Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich); and Graduate housing at Pitt's "River Campus" in Hazelwood. In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.

I'll deed city-owned properties to college juniors and post-grads as bonus scholarships to encourage home-ownership and roots to Pgh past graduation. Cutting taxes, (i.e., the deed-transfer-tax) helps young home buyers.

Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, under lights, a marathon, and community fitness to give urban participants goals to shoot at and for, not each other with guns. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solution building. Give input at Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.

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Jason Phillips, G
Pitt’s student population: 17,000+ young people. Young people who are either commonly over looked by the city or blamed for all mishaps that occur in a neighborhood. The first step in making Pittsburgh friendlier to students would be to have a young person (who is not out of touch with the demographic) sit at the table and have a respected voice and vote when decisions are made.

A "Renter’s Bill of Rights" should be enacted to protect all persons who rent their homes. Students should not be subjected to live in substandard housing and pay absurdly high rents just because of a location convenient to the classroom.

Efforts should be taken to provide superior public safety, adequate transportation, ample parking, reasonable shopping, exciting nightlife and abundant green-spaces in Oakland. The councilman elected on March 14th should be accessible and accountable to students. I will be that councilman representing your needs.

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Bruce Krane, ex-D
The first action I will take is the creation of a new part-time staff position to better serve the needs of the students in South Oakland. This burgeoning constituency base has been under-served for way too long. It is my assessment that student needs would be better addressed through the addition of specific student representation. This part-time position will be filled with a full-time university student who is a registered voter.

Specific particulars of the job description, further qualifications and remuneration will be developed based on a meeting with Student Government representatives and myself. There are obvious problems attendant to university life in Oakland that are not being dealt with adequately. Most of these revolve around matters of public safety. However, a list of all issues and their priority will be a major function of the “Student Liaison”.

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Bruce A. Kraus, ex-D
The best ways I believe we can improve overall quality of life for our student population in South Oakland, and to ensure our young people stay in Pittsburgh upon graduation, is to ensure that you are presented with the opportunity to be fully engaged in the process of stewarding your futures.

Your input is invaluable and immeasurable. I will advocate for your "place at the table" to ensure that you are provided with all the opportunities to work on the solutions to the problems you are facing with regards to job creation, education, creative housing, transportation, recreation, and an active social network including nightlife and the arts.

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Absent
Michael W. & Matthew B., both are Indies

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Protest and $20 lighter

I made a protest today. See Platform.For-Pgh.org and the press releases.

Treasury Dept. Moves to Avoid Debt Limit

Treasury Dept. Moves to Avoid Debt Limit Treasury Dept. Moves to Avoid Debt Limit

Anyone care about the big picture?

Philadelphia political film due soon.

Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/05/2006 | Inqlings | No fleas on these house listings: "Roll 'em..."

Hat tip to GrassrootsPA blog.

This would make for another good segment to CLOH.org's Candidate Lessons of Humility.

Editorial in the P-G.... OMG

Editorial

Mark Rauterkus, 46, is a Libertarian who opposes cronyism and sweetheart deals and who is 'running for the kids' -- to improve their safety and recreation.

Candidates for Ricciardi's City Council seat full of suggestions

The P-G covered the city council race in a news story today (Monday).

A couple of points to note follow:

Candidates for Ricciardi's City Council seat full of suggestions For instance, how about having residents dial 311 to report nonemergency problems that police would handle during lulls in the 911 calls? That idea comes from Mark Rauterkus, a swim coach from the South Side Flats who ran for mayor as a Republican but is now a Libertarian.

It is funny to see the Neville Ice Arena mention as I'll be putting out a press release on that shortly.

The lead about a "lot of interesting ideas" is on target for what I've been trying to bring to the election and campaign. Many of my ideas have even started to take root within the words of the other candidates.

For example, Krane had NOTHING to say about kids until this meeting with the P-G. He was silent on the most pressing topic within the city. Krane woke up on this, finally, and that is always a good thing. But, I think he is still clueless on how to engage kids -- because it isn't about giving the kids $100 check books.

Krane's got some of the "blue-hair" vote, so someone told me the other week. Plus, I've been making the case that the city has catered to the the seniors for so long that it is no wonder that a few of the kids are dangerous to the rest of us, throughout the city.

The other point Krane raises, starting a bid process for professional services contracts, speaks to a pimple on the face of Pittsburgh. It would end some 'corruption' as a major benefit. It would NOT save much money at all. It would hit against the donors to entrenched candidates. But Krane is way overboard in talking about how much money it would save the city and how much money came to O'Connor in kickbacks to his political campaign. It wasn't $2-million to run a campaign, by the way. That's about a million dollar error.

Mr. Krane, for instance, would focus on "reaching out to young people" with more programming involving community agencies.

That is a good example of a 'shot in the dark.'

I understand as well as anyone that nobody has a monopoly on good ideas. Granted, each of the candidates in this campaign brings various elements to the race. But, I've been frustrated with the absence of ideas from Kraus and Koch. They have a couple of things to say -- but they benefit because of the big field. With eight in the race, the lack of bandwidth is helps both Kraus and Koch. And, to a lesser degree, Krane has shown a lack of creativity as well.

Koch went way out on a limb and said he not only wants to re-pave Arlington Ave, but he has added another street to his list. It is now up to two.

Kraus got talking early in the race and floated an idea. His idea of putting the Zone 3 police station into a building that is outside of the city got let out of the bag -- and few other ideas have seen the light of day from him since. Kraus only frames the issue and then as he talks, he asks a lot of questions. What are we going to do about blight? Well, asking a string of good questions is not what I'd settle for as a solution.

The P-G endorsement editorial that has run in another part of the paper gets its own posting, later. I had hoped that the editorial board would have been able to see through the paper-thin statements that Kraus has been standing upon.

There are upsides in terms of contrasts within the race. And, I'm happy to dish out new ideas at each meeting. It is great to hear the others say "ditto." They can rip the meat off the bones at Platform.For-Pgh.org -- as it was built for that very purpose.

In about a week we'll see what converts to votes.

Envisioning Downtown - Some selfish folks keep calling for the wrong things

Let's be perfectly clear. No subsidized housing for rich people. No subsidized housing for the rich to live downtown. No subsidized parking for the rich who live subsidized housing downtown.

Envisioning Downtown - PittsburghLIVE.com Piatt, who attended the breakfast with his father, Jack Piatt -- the founder and chairman of Millcraft -- called on O'Connor to offer tax incentives to people who want to buy apartments and condos Downtown.

They also want to see the city's 50 percent parking tax drastically reduced so people will come from out of town to shop in Piatt's building, which Lucas Piatt called a 'regional destination.' The building would contain 25 luxury condos, 20 roof-top townhouses, 50,000 square feet of retail space and 180,000 square feet of office space.

O'Connor pointed out the city's parking tax is scheduled to decrease in 2007, but he was hesitant to give up any real estate tax revenues that would help financially strapped Pittsburgh.

The trend to watch and guard against is to do things so that the super rich get rich while the poor get poorer. Making the rich rich isn't what government should be about.

Rather, we should let marketplace forces come into play.

To build up downtown with housing that is subsidized is to only rob against the local tax payers in real neighborhoods who are asked to carry their load too. And, to pull people out of non-subsidized houses in other parts of the city or in other parts of downtown.

People live downtown now. That's great. I have no problem with downtown living. We can do more there, for sure. But, downtown lofts, condos, apartments and other options need to come along and pull their own weight -- without the subsidization.

Once we subsidize one project -- we bribe them to come here. And, then we'll never get another project without a tax break as well. So, don't do any tax breaks.

They want to do a Tax Break (TIF) in Mt. Lebo for a new housing project. That is wrong too.

This is what I mean by the campaign song on the campaign CD -- "Lay The Shovel Down." The first thing I'll try to do on city council is to stop digging in the hole of debt and dispair. We need to stop these wrong-headed projects.

Slideshow: The Wrestler

Finally, the P-G is doing some good with its multimedia potential.

Slideshow: The Wrestler Penn State wrestler Rohan Murphy

As a coach, and a journalist, I'm left with a number of questions, yet. What is this kid's record? What are some of his favorite moves? How does he like to train his aerobic capacity?

All in all, I'd love to see athletes like Rohan get the "Dapper Dan" rather than The Bus. But, he's got to be putting up some great numbers too. Perhaps since he is a sophomore, there might be hope for more understanding in the future.