KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News, Weather and Sports: Ricciardi's Seat To Be Filled By Special Election

KDKA - Ricciardi's Seat To Be Filled By Special Election PITTSBURGH District 3 voters will decide on former Pittsburgh City Councilman Gene Ricciardi�s successor on Tuesday.

I gave an interview at 8:30 am.

Murphy's chutzpah

Tampa and St. Pete, don't be suckered into thinking that Murphy was honest. He generally was half honest. The other half was -- how do we say -- less than the truth.

I'm not sure most citizens think it matter that Murphy gets to talk in Tampa, now that we are rid of him. Every dog has its day in the sun and people might not like to see the Trib "HOUND" the ex-Mayor now. However, this does present an opportunity to be truthful with history.

Most of the other front-runners in the race, today's race for city council, were in lock-step with Tom Murphy thourghout his career here. They were in agreement with his practices. They didn't speak out against his ways -- like I did.

I was one of the biggest Murphy nay-sayers. I ran a campaign to become mayor in 2001 -- not to be mayor myself but more to get a new mayor, because we needed to knock him out of that office.

I worry today that the others in the race are really just more of what we used to have in Tom Murphy and Gene Ricciardi. (see comments for more)

Murphy's chutzpah - PittsburghLIVE.com Former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy lectured to about 300 people in Florida on Friday at Tampa's 10th annual Downtown Development Forum. It was a delusional presentation.

The fella who spent 12 years at the helm of government drove the city to the precipice of bankruptcy, left a socialist legacy of failed command economics and was lucky to escape Grant Street without being tarred and feathered.

Yet in Tampa, Mr. Murphy offered a big dose of revisionist history and had the chutzpah to blame others for his failings.

The media, politicians and historic preservationists who opposed his ideas made him unpopular locally, not his failures, Murphy said. And he even appeared to take a swipe at late Mayor Richard Caliguiri when he said it's 'always the people who don't make decisions that have statues built for them.'

City Council seat up for grabs

City Council seat up for grabs Libertarian swim coach Mark Rauterkus and Green Party student Jason Phillips, both of the Flats, also are running.

In addition to those neighborhoods, the district includes Allentown, Arlington Heights, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, the Mount Oliver neighborhood, South Side Slopes, St. Clair Village, and parts of Central Oakland, South Oakland and Mount Washington.

Mr. Wolosik said voters should bring identification, which is required of those who are new to the district.

The county will open 42 precincts from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and expects to bill the city $35,000 for the cost, he said. Voters can find their polling place at www.county.allegheny.pa.us/elect.

Upper St. Clair parents sue over canceled program

Perhaps the parents and families from USC could move to the city and take advantage of the I.B. program at Schenley High School?

Upper St. Clair parents sue over canceled program A group of 10 Upper St. Clair families filed suit in federal court this morning claiming five members of the school board improperly voted to terminate the International Baccalaureate program in February.

But, then again, Schenley was slated to be moved out of Oakland. That plan has been put "on hold" for now. We don't know for sure what is to come of the school's location nor the programs in the long run.

So, they had better stick around and fight for the USC I.B. program after all.

State oversight board to meet Thursday - PittsburghLIVE.com

Told ya.... The I.C.A. (overlords) is going to meet for the first time this YEAR in MID-MARCH. They are good for nothings who are choosing to fumble their duties and the opportunity to fix Pittsburgh.

Fumble!

State oversight board to meet Thursday - PittsburghLIVE.com State oversight board to meet Thursday

By Jeremy Boren, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, March 13, 2006

Pittsburgh's state oversight board is planning to meet for the first time this year to scrutinize changes Mayor Bob O'Connor will make to former Mayor Tom Murphy's 2006 budget.

The board, known as the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, has scheduled a public meeting for 12:30 p.m. Thursday on the 23rd floor of the Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Ave., Downtown.

Designed as a five-member board, the state-run group is still missing two members after resignations in January 2006 and September 2005. State Democrats and Republicans have stalled on naming new members. State law requires that replacements be named within 30 days.

The authority must approve O'Connor's budget changes. It rejected two versions of Murphy's $418 million budget last year.


O'Connor is expected to increase the size of the $418 million 2006 budget, primarily by bolstering the Fire Bureau's allotment so it can handle anticipated overtime costs this year as the under-manned bureau struggles to meet national staffing standards. City Council members have said they expect to see their spending money cut. The most recent budget proposal would have allotted them $88,000 each for administrative assistants, supplies and other office operations.

The move could anger council members, who could get a peek at O'Connor's changes as early as tomorrow and could vote on them next week.

I've said on many instances that we should force them to meet. They need to get to work. They need a 'wake up call.'

Next, I've said that they should NOT be paid for the work they are doing now -- until after the city exits the oversight status. Let's pay them AFTER the work is done -- now while it is NOT being done. Cut off their payments. Follow the money.

The longer that they do nothing, the longer they'll get paid.

The OVERLORDS of the I.C.A. and Act 47 -- we've got two -- should merge. We can't merge the selling of dog licenses between city and county. It too 12 years to merge 911 services. Now we need to merge the Overlords. We've got two bodies that are both doing little. Let's be a good example and get them down to one entity.

District 3 Special Election Guide By Pitt News Staff

From The Pitt News, March 13, 2006

District 3 Special Election Guide By Pitt News Staff
published: Mon, 13 March, 2006

Neal Andrus (R)

Neal Andrus wants to shake things up for Pittsburgh.

"I'd like to be a voice for change on City Council," said Andrus, who is currently running on the Republican ticket for Tuesday's election.

Andrus has made a goal of "restoring fiscal sanity to city government," something that he believes should be voters' top priority when they head to the polls.

Hoping that District 3 residents will cast their votes "with an idea in their heads that they're tired of the same old thing and that they want something new," Andrus has promised to seek creative ideas in tackling the city's financial woes.

A 30-year-old who obtained degrees in political science and economics from Pitt in December 2004, Andrus has lived in the district for eight years. He said he does not seek to become a politician.

"I don't think anyone down there has any idea what needs to be done," he said of the current council.

He wants to bring up new ideas and "do something different." Shunning the idea that City Council's mission should include creating new jobs or "bribing" companies to come to Pittsburgh, Andrus believes in drawing commercial industry by working with the county and state governments to create a more attractive business environment.

He also suggested seeking unconventional moneymakers, like New York City's $166-million deal with Snapple to make the company the official city vendor of iced tea, water and chocolate milk.

-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm

Bruce Krane (I)

Bruce Krane's slogan is "Building a better Pittsburgh," and he wants students involved in the process.

"I want to engage them and work with them," he said.

Krane, an independent candidate, said his administration would recognize the need for a student liaison. He said that if elected, he would hire a student to work with him part-time.

"I think we need the refreshing creativity of university students to pose some alternative ideas and hopefully solutions," he said. "Because we aren't seeing a lot of that on Grant Street right now."

Krane, who has lived in Pittsburgh for 16 years and currently resides in the South Side, is the vice president for the South Side Community Council.

"I would describe myself as a community advocate," he said.

Krane volunteers with Pittsburgh's Community Access Television Channel, where he hosts and produces programs. He credited the station with helping him make the decision to run in the special election because of his experience interviewing office holders on his programs.

Krane said he is in favor of term limits and referendums, or "putting issues on the ballot." He said he could use the pulpit and media exposure of being a councilman to go directly to the people through this process.

But according to Krane, there is no key issue that will determine which candidate people vote for.

"There's no 900-pound gorilla," he said. "It's going to be who can get their supporters out to vote."

-Staff Writer Angela Hayes

Jason Phillips (G)

Jason Phillips wants to bring a student voice to City Council.

"For the last 16 years, we've basically had zero representatives on City Council," Phillips said, adding that this election marks a "very opportune time" for students to claim their voice.

Phillips declined to single out a specific goal for his time on council, explaining that he hopes to tackle many issues. He mentioned that the city is in financial "dire straits," and that he hopes to improve Pittsburgh's transportation system, nightlife and other things that matter to students.

"This is a time when we need to elect people with college educations, people with government experience," Phillips said, noting that he is such a person.

Phillips, a 24-year-old Pitt student who plans to complete his studies of political science next year, said he has worked in the lieutenant governor's office and served as a consultant on a number of candidates' campaigns within Pennsylvania. A resident of the South Side Flats and graduate of Pittsburgh's Art Institute, he has lived in District 3 for more than two years.

"I'm the only candidate who, if elected, could walk right into the office and not need to take time to learn the ropes," Phillips said.

Emphasizing the importance of students' votes, Phillips said it is "immature" of students to not bother to show up on election day.

-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm

Matthew Bartus (I)

Perhaps the city needs a new coat of paint.

Matthew Bartus, a painter for Pittsburgh's General Services department, is a candidate for the vacant District 3 seat that will be filled in Tuesday's special election. He could not be reached for comment.

He said to the Pittsburgh City Paper that he has a chance to beat Democratic candidate Jeff Koch because there are so many other candidates running in the election.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bartus plans on relocating the South Side police station to the Neville Ice Arena. The current location is 1725 Mary St., near 18th Street.

He also said to the Post-Gazette that he wants to reduce the size of city council from nine members to five and have non-profit organizations give more to the city.

The University counts itself among Pittsburgh's non-profit organizations.

Bartus, 50, currently lives in Carrick, a neighborhood south of Downtown that is near the neighborhoods of Brookline and Mt. Oliver.

-Assistant News Editor Andy Medici

Mark Rauterkus (L)

Mark Rauterkus grew up in Penn Hills, moved out of state for a few years, and then moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990.

The South Side resident said that part of his motivation for running for council is that the city is in a big crisis, and he believes children have been ignored.

Rauterkus, who has two children, said that if elected to council, he would like to chair the Committee on Youth Policy and the Citiparks Committee.

One of the things that Rauterkus would like to accomplish is to restart the Pittsburgh Marathon.

He would also like to integrate additional programs into the city's neighborhood parks.

"There's a lot to be done there," Rauterkus said.

Rauterkus is a swim coach for the Carlynton Swim Club.

He said he would like to acquire funding to open more of the city's pools, which have been closed at times because of budget cuts.

Rauterkus added that he is dedicated to his campaign "for the long haul."

If he does not win this election, he plans to build a network of volunteers and issues.

"Whoever does win might only be there for a year and half," Rauterkus said. "They're going to have me to contend with next week."

-Senior Staff Writer Laura Jerpi

Jeffrey Koch (D)

Jeffrey Koch wants to clean up Oakland.

Koch - the Democratic candidate for City Council representing District 3, which includes Oakland - said that if elected, he would work with the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation to pick up trash in South Oakland.

One program he supports, called Adopt-a-Block, involves approximately 50 students cleaning up around South Oakland to make the area more appealing.

Koch also hopes the college vote will make a difference.

"I hope the students show," he said. "They could make a big difference in this election."

He said he would not implement immediate changes or policies but would welcome the chance to sit down with students and talk about issues concerning Oakland and Pitt.

Koch is a landscaping contractor and Department of Public Works employee. He has lived in Arlington, a section of District 3, his entire life. His parents also lived in District 3 their entire lives.

He is endorsed by Mayor Bob O'Connor, the Pittsburgh Firefighters Union and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.

-Staff Writer Jared Trent Stonesifer

Bruce Kraus (I)

Bruce Kraus wants to make Pittsburgh neighborhoods safe, clean and green.

The South Side resident is the chair of Pittsburgh's Graffiti Task Force, which "[assists] city officials and neighborhood groups in their efforts to combat graffiti vandalism," according to http://Bruce4council.com.

Kraus, 51, could not be reached for comment, but his Web site outlines three main tactics for bettering the city: outreach, education and enforcement.

According to Kraus's Web site, he will "work toward curtailing the criminal nuisance activities that his constituents do not want," while maintaining "the green setting" they do want.

Kraus also outlines several plans for paying for his initiatives, which include "an expansion of the tax base with increase property values" and "attention from the state and the county for special grants for beautification."

In response to a questionnaire from the League of Young Voters, Kraus wrote that he wants students to be "engaged in the process of stewarding [their] futures."

"I will advocate for your 'place at the table,'" Kraus said in the questionnaire, "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."

-News Editor Adam Felming

Michael Waligorski (I)

Independent candidate Michael Waligorski must be a busy man, because he's hard to find.

Waligorski "runs a painting business, sells real estate and has been a perennial candidate," according to a March 6 editorial in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

He's known - among local journalists, at least - for being difficult to contact, despite his frequent campaigns in local politics.

"Waligorski, a frequent candidate for public office, did not return phone calls," reported the Pittsburgh City Paper on March 2.

The 56-year-old handyman, Army Reservist and South Side Flats resident is running on what he calls the Disclosure Party ticket and "wants to see more openness in government," according to the Post-Gazette.

Waligorski's phone number is unlisted, and he did not return phone calls when The Pitt News obtained his number from City Paper.

A Jan. 31 Post-Gazette article noted, "Independent candidate Michael Waligorski of the Flats could not be reached for comment."

Waligorski did not respond to a Sierra Club questionnaire regarding Tuesday's election and environmental issues, reported local activist organization Progress Pittsburgh on Feb. 23.

-Editor in Chief Jessica Lear

Open thread: Making a set of lists of first thingsTO DO after winning the election tomorrow

Okay blog readers.... Help. Here is a new "OPEN THREAD" so as to allow you to post in the comments. I'm going to try to issue a "PRESS RELEASE" later today or early on election day that outlines the top 10 things I'd do right after being elected to city council.

I think I'll make three or four lists. One list each for:

POLITICAL actions

LEGISLATIVE actions

New JOB actions

INTERACTIVE actions

I've got a number of issues buzzing in my head. I'll put them into a list on my website and then issue the press release. If you have any suggestions let me know -- NOW -- or forever hold your peace.

Poynter Online - McClatchy to Sell off Inky, Merc, 10 Other KR Papers

Is there anything to read into this? (pun intended) I didn't get the McClatchy endorsement, so I'm not too worried. :)

Poynter Online - McClatchy to Sell off Inky, Merc, 10 Other KR Papers McClatchy buys Knight Ridder, will sell 12 KR newspapers
Editor & Publisher | McClatchy press release
Knight Ridder has agreed to sell itself to McClatchy for $4.5 billion. McClatchy says in a press release that it will now sell 12 KR papers, including the two Philadelphia papers and the San Jose Mercury News. The company these papers are located in cities that 'do not fit the company's longstanding acquisition criteria, chiefly involving growing markets.' KR CEO Tony Ridder says: 'For the 12 newspapers that will be sold, the uncertainty is not over and I regret that very much.'

Radio interviews

I just gave an interview to KQV. Then I gave her the rest of the candidate's phone numbers, as she had none.

An older interview (from 3 weeks ago or so) ran today on WDUQ. I think that segment ran so as to feature only the four candidates who hail from a "PARTY" -- the D, R, L and G.

Council vacancy comes up for vote - PittsburghLIVE.com

Ink in today's TRIB has a line up of candidates too.

Council vacancy comes up for vote - PittsburghLIVE.com Rauterkus, a part-time high school swim coach, is running as a Libertarian.

This is a nice little article and a bit of a suprise.

The city would have to be hit with either a twister or a tidal wave before the Trib Editorial Section would come alive with a thoughtful endorsement on this race. I don't see them being able to chime in on the candidates, sadly. But, today's weather predictions is calling for some major storms.

This weekend I was at an event and saw a former Trib reporter who had covered me in the past, Violet Law. Five days ago she started working for the Pittsburgh City Paper. She had done a bit of freelance work in the middle as well.

Best of luck to Violet in her new venture.

I talked a lot to her in the past when she covered some city life. I was dealing with citizen efforts with the closed swim pools and recreation centers -- and Save Our Summer swung into town -- kicking up a bit of dust in a temporary way but with an urgent matter.

The Pitt News - District 3 Special Election Guide

Mini articles about all the candidates appear in The Pitt News today.

The Pitt News - District 3 Special Election Guide Mark Rauterkus (L)

Mark Rauterkus grew up in Penn Hills, moved out of state for a few years, and then moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990.

The South Side resident said that part of his motivation for running for council is that the city is in a big crisis, and he believes children have been ignored.

Rauterkus, who has two children, said that if elected to council, he would like to chair the Committee on Youth Policy and the Citiparks Committee.

One of the things that Rauterkus would like to accomplish is to restart the Pittsburgh Marathon.

He would also like to integrate additional programs into the city’s neighborhood parks.

“There’s a lot to be done there,” Rauterkus said.

Rauterkus is a swim coach for the Carlynton Swim Club.

He said he would like to acquire funding to open more of the city’s pools, which have been closed at times because of budget cuts.

Rauterkus added that he is dedicated to his campaign “for the long haul.”

If he does not win this election, he plans to build a network of volunteers and issues.

“Whoever does win might only be there for a year and half,” Rauterkus said. “They’re going to have me to contend with next week.”

Project Vote Smart - Information For Candidates

Since a city council race isn't a contest covered by Project Vote Smart, I better talk about this NOW.

Project Vote Smart - Information For Candidates Please note that Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or program in any partisan activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

This is a weird request -- can't mention the name of the organization in a speech.

412-public-campaign blast: (follow-up)

After I send out an email to more than 8,000 contacts, I often get some nice interactions from folks. Here are some insights from the recent email (other post).

---

I don't get it. I would think a true Libertarian would be against ANY government-provided services for kids. Or is the party merely a flag of convenience for your campaign?
I'm a common-sense Libertarian. I'm not a RADICAL L.

But, there is some convenience to having a party as well. There is NO utility in having just ONE PARTY DOMINATION as is the case with Pittsburgh and the Dems.

The kids are important. So too is public education. Our kids are shooting each other on a weekly basis -- and it isn't the fault of the guns, but rather the kids have been ignored.

Even our closed indoor ice rink, the only one in the city, was run by a private operator until he fumbled his duties. The city had many offers to re-open it -- as a public facility with private operators. But the city didn't want to go into the trouble. We all loose.

---

What are your positions on abortion rights and gay marriage?

I'm fine with gay marriage. I'm a Libertarian. To each his / her own. And, I'm a U.U. (unitarian universalist) and this faith community -- http://www.sunnyhill.org often holds weddings among same sex couples with ministers. That's more of the domain for a church and not government.

As to abortion rights.... That isn't my issue -- on a whole. I'm mostly in the middle of the road. I would work to NOT change the laws.

It is a states right issue however.

To be honest... I didn't like the bubble law as it was a take away of freedom and really was just a problem with enforcement of existing laws. Sure, give a no protest zone near the health clinics -- but it is hard to have that stretch around people like a bubble. But, you'd also hear me harp about responsibilities that go along with freedom too -- so I'd never be in anyone's face -- nor would I want to see that happen to others.

Rendell expects hockey arena deal - PittsburghLIVE.com

Rendell expects hockey arena deal - PittsburghLIVE.com 'I think we'll have an offer for the Penguins equivalent to what the Pirates and Steelers got,' Rendell told WTAE television Saturday.

Yes, but what did the taxpayers get? What about the Xplosion of the ABA? What about the kids in the neighborhoods who got their 32 outdoor swim pools taken away from them?

We went a year without any recreational sports for the kids in the South Side because the Market House was closed. All the staffers were fired. Yet, we had a facility. It was closed to us -- the owners -- the citizens and taxpayers.

Meanwhile, the Pens went a year and didn't play hockey -- yet they HAD a facility (the CIVIC ARENA) that they didn't own -- WE TAXPAYERS own it. Yet they wouldn't show up for work -- or there was a lockout, whatever.

We used to have 19 functional rec centers around the town -- and now, after a painful re-birth, there are much fewer with fewer programs.

How about if we draw a line in the sand -- or ice -- and say that the Penguins can get a new arena deal -- just like the Pirates and Steelers because we're going to force both the Pirates and Steelers to buy out the public interest and public money from the stadiums that they now use.

The PNC PARK and Heinz Field deals are now for sale. Make this a RENT to OWN deal.

So, Penguins -- you can build a new arena. You can build it. You can own it. Beg for the money any way you want.

The Penguins had an interest in the indoor ice rink on the South Side -- the only one in the city. And, the Penguins closed the door on us. That facility is shut down and the Penguins walked away from it.

My kids would like to go skating today. Can't.

The Penguins walked away from that facility, and the team can walk away from the Civic Arena too. Leave.

Or, fix it. The Penguins had a hand in South Pointe -- in suburban (non Allegheny County) Pittsburgh. Why wasn't that built in the city?

Perhaps the team can strike a deal with Moon Township and build a place out by the airport. Go for it.

Or, the Penguins should be a cornerstone to a deal in Hazelwood. Go talk to the nonprofit holding company that owns that land.

Girls' HS basketball coach suspended --- What a PAIN as team is in PLAYOFFS

Okay, a coach can't tell a kid to come to WESTINGHOUSE. And, if the coach does -- he/she can't coach for a year.

Show me the trascripts to this case.

This is so wrong.

Girls' coach suspended: "Girls' coach suspended

Sunday, March 12, 2006
By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

One of the most successful coaches in City League girls' basketball history has been suspended from coaching for a year because of allegedly recruiting a player.

Westinghouse's Phyllis Jones did not coach yesterday in the Bulldogs' 49-39 victory against Kittanning in a PIAA Class AAA first-round game at Allderdice.

The win moves Westinghouse into the second round Wednesday, but Jones cannot coach the Bulldogs the rest of this season and will not be allowed to coach again until March 8, 2007.

A seven-member City League (District 8) athletic committee suspended Jones Wednesday for allegedly recruiting a player. The allegation came to light at some point this season. Recruiting is illegal in Pennsylvania high school athletics.

Jones could not be reached for comment. She can appeal the ruling to the PIAA."

Here is the long and short of it. Kids are in gangs. Gangs work with kids. Gangs recruit. Organizations, companies, colleges and nonprofits and religions recruit too.

I want the kids in gangs that are a good influence -- like the girls basketball team at Westinghouse High School. Go Bulldogs. Of course, I don't want them in a street gang.

But, we make rules for excellent educators like Phyllis Jones that prevent her from being an excellent educator. I want her to be honest with the kids and do everything she can to have an excellent gang with excellent kids. And, to a teacher and a coach, that means talking, communication, and building relationships.

So now what? The team is in the playoffs and the coach that goes out of her way to interact with kids has a big part of her life and JOB taken away. That sucks for the kids, the team, the person. Once again, 'nobody wins' -- except the street gangs. They don't have rules.

Magnet school program slated for overhaul

Duhhh....

This is exactly what I was talking about for the past number of months. Bring back TINKER BELL. The honesty was gone when Mr. Roosevelt said, "we are going to do this once and be done with it." I said -- NO WAY. That 'right size' effort was not a one-time fix. The schools need continual changes in an on-going, sustained way.

Magnet school program slated for overhaul: "The Pittsburgh Public Schools' popular magnet programs will be getting an overhaul as part of the district's far-reaching efforts to improve academic performance."

Everything is going to need to be 'on the table.' And, the only way that this is going to work is that the people need to have the conversations there be open with tinkering expected and WELCOMED.

I know that everything needs to be on the table. Mr. Roosevelt knows it. But, he isn't saying it in a direct way. The right-size effort was a struggle and there are many more to come, countless more.

Told you so. Don't tell me that we'll do it once and be done with it.

Yes, there can be additional ARTS schools. I suggested at last months Pgh Public Schools Board Meeting that a second MIDDLE SCHOOL for the ARTS be put in Knoxville. Why only have one "RODGERS?" Duplicate it. Put one in the east and another in the south.

Reporter fights to air her story

Reporter fights to air her story Canon-McMillan High School officials are facing a constitutional tongue-lashing from a sophomore who's proclaiming violations of her First Amendment rights after her article about a dangerous choking game was blocked from publication in the C-M Times, the high-school newspaper.

Firetruck sale like no other

Firetruck sale like no other More than four dozen firetrucks from the estate of Sullivan D'Amico, founder of Pechin's Shopping Village in Fayette County, will be sold by sealed bids beginning this week. Bids will be opened March 22.

Mr. Lisenby had a firetruck in Peoria, Illinois. It was a big, old one. There was a driver in the back. Each year when I was coaching the PAWW team (Peoria Area Water Wizards) we'd "march" in the Santa Parade on that firetruck. It was a blast. The kids would do cheers and be all dressed in our team sweats. It was a lot of fun and we really impressed the audience. Our team was well known throughout the five county area.

Rumsfeld makes $5-million killing on bird flu drug.

File this under "what color is your parachute."

Independent Online Edition > Americas Donald Rumsfeld makes $5m killing on bird flu drug

Click the photo to see a larger image of the peeps in the basket.

Yep, they were alive. They were being sold on the street outside of a school by this vendor.

My 200 word statement as a candidate that ran in local paper

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.

---

Mark Rauterkus, 46, Libertarian.

Married to Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., since 1990.

Two sons, ages 11 and 8.

South Side

Graduate of Penn Hills High School, 1977; BSJ, 82, Ohio University, graduate teaching assistant at Baylor University, 1982-83 sans degree.