Ken, I'm waiting for the All-Star Game.

City board faces tough issues in trying to sell 27 old schools

City board faces tough issues in trying to sell 27 old schools

This was one of the challenges that I wanted to deal with, head on, and why I wanted to be elected to city council. These schools are a big issue for our city and very, very important to the overall health of the city and the city's long-term survival.

First thing: South Vo Tech's High School Building should NOT be sold. No way. The School Board should keep that building within its holdings for now.

Do NOT SELL SOUTH Vo TECH. And, I mean the HIGH SCHOOL. The Vo Tech part isn't up for sale. But, they have split the campus and the old school building is up for sale now and the sealed bids are to be opened on March 31.

---

If a school building sells to a charter schools, then that building is NOT taken off of the tax rolls. That is NOT the issue. The correct way to understand this: what is off the tax rolls can't be taken off the tax rolls. Schools are not taxed now.

The entire conversation is all mixed up with the P-G and the city's understanding. Bob O'Connor wants to take property off of the tax rolls in downtown. The URA wants to take property off of the tax rolls on Second Avenue at the Pittsburgh Technology Center, an modern office park. These are the most valuable bits of property in the region. And our elected and appointed leaders (URA BOARD) is hell-bent on giving subsidy (tax breaks) to businesses in valued areas. THAT is what is called talking property off the tax rolls.

Try this: Tax commercial properties and allow schools and nonprofits to be without taxes. DUHH.

Meanwhile, the school district is now charged with putting property back ONTO the tax rolls.

Schools shouldn't be taxed. Schools serve an important community function. Schools should be public spaces and businesses should be private spaces. You tax business and commercial spaces to pay for the public spaces.

When the URA and Mayor give tax breaks for the businesses and commercial spaces -- and at the same time take away from the kids, the schools, the education of our community -- they are SCREWED UP and they are KILLING this city.

And, I'm a big, big, big advocate of the FREE MARKET. I'm a LIBERTARIAN BOARD MEMBER.

Granted, some of the excess capacity within the schools needs to be adjusted. Some of the school buildings need to be sold. Some of the buildings need to put on the market -- right away -- as many of our neighborhoods are about to crumble and an empty school building that goes dark could be a devistation.

The Schools have a mission to educate our kids. Let's not forget that -- above all else. And, this mission is serious work and it needs to be respected. For example, I don't want the schools to be paying for the crossing guards as that is an out-of-building duty of neighborhood public safety that the city should provide. I want the schools to be teaching algebra and reading and other academic things.

Likewise, I don't want to see a big burden and duty heaped upon the schools so as to make them real estate agents. That's wrong. Richard R. Fellers, chief operations officer for Pgh Public Schools, and the school board members, should devote 99.9% of their time and energy into efforts that help the kids with scholarship. Mr. Fellers has to figure out how to staff the schools, get the kids books, keep on the lights, pay for heaters and food and school buses.

The school district should not be a re-development authority!

The school district is going to fail me in efforts to be a judge and jury on neighborhood considerations for the best use for extra property.

It is wrongheaded for the district to sell buildings as quickly as possible to buyers who will return them to the tax rolls -- willy nilly. It is wrong for this worry to be on the plate of the school district.

The district's approach already has drawn criticism. City Councilman William Peduto, claiming the district has mishandled the proposed sale of the former Regent Square Elementary School, is demanding the district use a better process for selling other buildings.

Sounds like Bill Peduto is pointing fingers at the district for not doing its job when, really, the blame should rest at the feet of city council. Peduto and Council have been masters at giving tax breaks to the wrong people.

How about if the city buys all the empty buildings from the school district. But, the city already owns nearly 20,000 bits of property throughout the city. The URA has been on hyperdrive. The city even purchased commercial property downtown just months ago. The city has been buying the wrong buildings in the wrong places for the wrong reasons to pay the wrong people.

The board will hold a special hearing at 7 tonight to take public comment on the fate of the 33,488-square-foot Regent Square building, closed in 2004. That building highlights the district's difficulties.

My $.02 is to sell the building for $3-M, as offered, and don't worry about the tax situations. If the school board really wanted to worry about the tax situations it would NOT have given approval for the $18-million tax break to PNC Bank for PNC Plaza downtown. PNC already had a $50-million grant from the taxpayers as a gift from Fast Eddie Rendell.

The board scheduled tonight's hearing because it wanted to hear the public's thoughts about the sale. But Mr. Peduto said that's too little, too late.

I don't want to swear at Bill on my blog -- but cuss words are flowing out of my mouth and my fingers are typing other statements, blah, blah, blah. Too little too late is the definition of city council and how it treats all things about kids.

School officials should NOT be worried about how reused schools should breathe new life into neighborhoods -- because it was city council who sucked the life out of the neighborhoods. Hows that for blinders, Peduto?

"They're looking with blinders on," he said, claiming school officials don't see how reused schools could breathe life into neighborhoods.

Instead of gathering input at the 11th hour, he said, the district should have sought public comment at the beginning of the sale process and sought a buyer willing to conform to community development plans.

I've been standing on my head for nearly a decade saying 'end tax breaks' (no TIFs) to corporations and developers. The 11th hour for city council was in 2004 or some time long ago past. Peduto is the guy that wants to subsidize Giant Eagle in Shadyside. That's bunk. And Peduto is the guy that wants to have the school worry about design standards of the neighborhood -- more bunk.

Here is a design standard for the school -- it is a school. Enough said. Keep it a school. Make it a charter school. Give the charter school operators nonprofit status. Keep more kids and families in the district -- rather than have them move to Scott, Peters, North Allegheny, and elsewhere in Steeler Nation (except the city, of course).

As to A+ Schools, and its effort as a Downtown education group with hooks to architects and developers to tour closed buildings and analyze potential uses, PUNT. A+ Schools should be at neighborhood meetings that gather public comment on best uses for the buildings -- but A+ Schools can't be the driving group to organize those meetings. A+ Schools needs to divest itself from the school building discussion. That needs to spin out of that organizaiton.

I want A+ Schools to worry about the kids grades in the PPS schools -- and frankly, the use of land, development, tax breaks and potential uses is a great example of taking the eye off the ball.

A+ Schools lost all its respect from me when its boss kissed butt to Mark Roosevelt's Right Sizing Plan without getting the community's input. A+ Schools had a board that wasn't even consulted before it started its propaganda machine to steamroller an agenda from a hired Roosevelt. A+ Schools is a teethless tool of the foundation community.

Does Peuto hint at a threat with this statement? Mr. Peduto said the district has little choice but to accept neighborhood advice. He noted the district cannot sell buildings without the help of city agencies that grant zoning changes and offer financial incentives to developers. WRONG!

The School District can sell the building to a charter school operator and there may not be any reason to get any city approval -- to keep the building as a school. Bill -- lots of people don't care to dig into the pockets of the taxpayers and have you agree to this robbery.

kdka.com - District Facing Criticism For School Sale PlanThe Pittsburgh Public Schools District is now facing criticism for a plan sell 27 school buildings, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The district is trying to find the right buyer. One of the biggest problems is whether or not to sell these buildings to potential charter schools. That move would take them off of the city's tax rolls and hurt their budget.

Swim lessons anyone?

Swimming lessons happen in two week periods at Carlington. Let me know if you're interested. This photo shows Grant and Erik, from last year.

A High School with a swim pool in Illinois. Many of our schools do have pools. A swim pool is in South High School and another pool was in South Hills High School. Our pools are not like this one.

Plan for face lift of Downtown's shopping district emerging

Plan for face lift of Downtown's shopping district emerging 'We will be building a comprehensive effort,' he said. An early step will be understanding how Market Square, the Cultural District, and the Fifth and Forbes corridor interact, architecturally and economically.

Mayor, how they interact architechturally is only a bricks and mortar element that needs to be discounted. We've been too, too heavy on facades and hardware.

I'm happy to see a breath given to the connections among the economic realm. But, to make the project one that is able to florish -- the now "modest" susbsidy should be taken off the table. Make the subsidy ZERO. Then we can start to talk about who really wants to be here and what is really a sustainable effort.

Downtown needs to pull not only its own weight, but the weight of the city and region. And, downtown needs to perform -- NOW. So, we can give valuable spaces any free passes. Otherwise, the subsidy comes right out of the opportunities for the kids that are on our streets today and in our schools today.

And why not call the Fifth and Forbes area, since you want a new name, something that ties in the re-naming of the Parkway West with the same number as the Parkway East.

Fifth & Forbes could be "Junction of 376."

Or, 376's Middle-Point Rest Stop.

Or, Subsidized Shopping.

Or, Rich Get Richer Ville while Poor Get Poorer and NEVER any free lunch in Market Square.

Or, Bubble Zone Off Ramp.

The real news of this timeline article, if you ask me, is the hint that we're going to get to have a new branding exercise and a new name to dream upon. We've already gone through Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and D, E, F. Fitting, "F" came as Murphy was at a total failure.

Shall we start with the GREEK alphabet now under O'Connor's watch? Does that go, "Alpha, Beta, ????" (Excuse me, I'm preppie deprived as I went to Ohio U and didn't study the Greek A-B-Cs.)

Military man finds himself battling the GOP | IndyStar.com

Here is another story of a politically homeless that might want to consider a switch to the Libertarian party.

Military man finds himself battling the GOP | IndyStar.com Military man finds himself battling the GOP

If there's even the tiniest chance a situation can be fouled up, count on the dysfunctional Marion County Republican Party to do the job.

Consider the case of Lance Langsford, a friendly and hard-working Republican councilman from the city's Eastside.

A firefighter in normal times, Langsford and his Indiana National Guard unit were recently activated. So, as the rest of us prepare to soak in the madness of this weekend's Final Four, Langsford is living in a barren camp in Kabul, Afghanistan.
'If you find a strip of grass, you're lucky,' he said by phone from Kabul over the weekend. 'TB is commonplace. They just found avian flu.'

But Langsford didn't call to discuss life in Kabul. He called to talk about the Marion County Republicans who are abandoning him.

'I'm getting kicked in the (rear),' he said."

A kick in the rear is not as bad as a kick in the teeth.

Signature challenges prompt Rep. Diven to withdraw from May primary

On face value, I think this means that Mike Diven is going to RETIRE from the State House. Or, he'll need to RETIRE from being a REPUBLICAN.

And, if he retires from the R party, what are the chances that he'll choose to be a LIBERTARIAN? Get that.... Jeepers. That would get folks heads to spin.

Signature challenges prompt Rep. Diven to withdraw from May primary P-G article says Diven out of race as an "R"

This is big news. Mr. Diven might be in the politically homeless category. And, it is accurate news as well in terms of Diven's perspectives.

However, I don't put much value in the fact that the Rs recuited Diven to their side for the special election.

For the record, when I was in a three way race in May, 2005 against both Diven and Fontana for the PA Senate Seat formerly held by Jack Wagner, Diven, the new R, out-spent me 500-to-one and out-voted me five-to-one.

Diven could turn to become and Indie -- and that would be interesting. He didn't vote for the pay raise and didn't take the pay raise, but that doesn't matter as he didn't speak up against the pay raise either.

I think it might be best for him to turn to the private sector for a while.

Furthermore, now I understand why Bob Hillen, R, city chairman, tossed his hat into the ring in as a state rep candidate with petitions that had but 301 signatures. The requirement was 300. That had been a puzzle of mine -- until now.

I sent Michael Diven an email a week ago.

Last year when Diven was a candidate for PA Senate, I thought it was a big mistake that he didn't really campaign on behalf of the other republicans in other races within his contested district. Sam B was running for City Council and another R was in the district that covered downtown and the North Side. Diven should have done more coordination with them, even with signs and door-knocking.

Politically homeless.

This year, Diven, as a state rep with an R by his name, could have been a big force on the campaign trails in the city council race of my loyal opponent, Neal Andrus, R. I didn't see Diven once, nor did I hear of him making phone calls, doing letters or anything for him.

Diven used to be my state rep. He had an office on 13th street and I live on 12th. He has friends down here -- and some of them worked on the Bruce Krane campaign.

Diven had every excuse to engage in our race -- in one way or another -- but didn't. I even saw State Rep, Harry Readshaw, D, and his wife, at various functions in the community in the months of our city council race. I don't think Mr. Readshaw took a stance with one candidate or another in the race, but he was out in the community and listened to what we were saying. And this week, Mr. Readshaw, D, was at the ceremony to swear in Jeff Koch, D, in city council chambers.

Michael might want to gear up for the City Controller's race in 2007. He could run in that contest as an Indie. But, he had better get behind some others who are running now to get his skin in the campaign trails.

Since I'm pushing some personal advice, let me say that there is nothing wrong with being a stay-at-home dad when you have youngsters at home. Here is the first rub, I don't think Diven is a dad, yet. But he is a husband now. And, I'm getting into personal stuff that is none of my business. But Mike could put that on the back burner. Should Mike ever become a stay-at-home dad, he'll have a greatest job in the world.

Until the little one arrives, Diven can always get lots of real-world experiences with care-giving among his extended family, you know, the clan that was in the campaign brochures in 2005.

Finally, should Diven switch to the "L" party -- I'd want to buck for the job as his chief-of-staff. That would be a fun conversation.

Fainally 2, I understand that Bob Hillen, R, put in to get onto the ballot for state house -- but he didn't get enough signatures. There was a snafu with a circulator's registration and the elections department.

Penguin day is June 18

I'm not talking about the NHL team, nor this guy, Stanley.

Click the comments to find out, techie friends.

Another guy with a tux, rental not required.

First time ever -- Duquesne Club function and a rented tux

I'm renting a tux on Thursday for the second black-tie event I'll attend this century. And, for the first time in my life, I'll be going into The Duquesne Club. (oh my ....)

It is all in the line of duty with my wife's work. So, I've got a good excuse.
Tux time -- on Thursday.

Science Center Misses Deadline to Reassemble Historic Zeiss Projector; Claims "Delay"

NEWS RELEASE For immediate release: March 27, 2006
For more information -- Glenn A. Walsh gawalsh -at- planetarium.cc

A 2005 reassembly deadline of Buhl Planetarium's historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector, promised the City of Pittsburgh by The Carnegie Science Center, has come and gone with no reassembly. Due to the 2003 collapse of the Science Center's proposed $90 million expansion project, Science Center officials claim there is a one-year "delay" in reassembly of what was the oldest operable major planetarium projector in the world.

Yet, Friends of the Zeiss Project Director Glenn A. Walsh, in prepared statements before the Board of Directors of the Allegheny Regional Asset District (March 27) and Pittsburgh City Council (March 28) expects that the Zeiss II Projector will not be reassembled this year, and Science Center " 'delays' will probably continue for many years."

Full NEWS RELEASE

The History Channel did a bit in South Side with these handsome kids --- of mine.

Grant giving a TV interview about historic places in our neighborhoods -- as filmed by The History Channel.

Erik giving an interview about historic buildings in our neighborhood to The History Channel.

Last year the boys and I were involved in a special event at the South Side Market House and The History Channel was there to film and get interviews. This year, a 3-minute promotional bit was done that talks about all sorts of HISTORY and has folks from all sorts of venues (nationally) is being produced that includes both Erik and Grant. I don't know much of the details and would LOVE to see, if not point, to the final product. So, help is welcomed.

The file that came to me is a WORD file and there seems to be video clips within the various pages -- but those clips didn't arrive and were not able to be played.

Today I took a mini-field trip with the 5th graders at Phillips Elem School and we walked around the South Side to examine various building styles with the good guidance of an architech, Dave. The kids learned about and sketched dentals, window heads, brackets, and various brick work designs from nearby buildings.

Looking down for arts patterns too.

Since I didn't bring my camera, but the kids did use cameras, here is some building design elements that we might see in a neighborhood elsewhere.

Ceiling of an airport.

Could Brad be more wrong about "wrong guy, wrong place, wrong time"?? (long post)

Wrong guy, wrong place, wrong time - PittsburghLIVE.com

By Brad Bumsted STATE CAPITOL REPORTER, Sunday, March 26, 2006

The PACleanSweep reformers are looking like ordinary pols. (footnote 1)

Russ Diamond, the founder of PACleanSweep, a statewide anti-incumbency group, last week even sounded like one of the Pennsylvania lawmakers he excoriates in offering "no comments" and speaking of confidential agreements. (footnote 2)

Just like the state Legislature they want to put out of office, the PACleanSweep leaders were bickering and jockeying for power. Diamond, the top leader, came off as an opportunist. (footnote 3)

A rapprochement may or may not be achieved by the time you read this. In a way, it doesn't matter. (footnote 4)

This is a column about what had been the angst for some PACleanSweep board members: Diamond's interest in running for governor as an independent candidate.

Diamond hasn't declared, of course. He has until August to decide. But as this column was being written, Diamond was still contemplating a race for governor. In an interview last week he rated the chances of running 50-50. He could swear off interest in running to bring peace to PACleanSweep.

The ongoing negotiations with his board prompted the talk of confidentiality.

Shortly after state lawmakers shocked the collective conscience of Pennsylvania last July 7 by approving a 16 percent to 54 percent pay hike for themselves, Diamond, a Lebanon County businessman, founded a Web site, www.pacleansweep.com, calling for repeal. Throwing the bums out was the unyielding call of Diamond and his cohorts. (footnote 5)

Diamond became the highest-profile member of the anti-pay movement. There were several leaders from different groups. But Diamond went about attacking the Legislature with the most panache.

No matter what happens, Diamond deserves credit for stepping out early against the pay hike and for showing no fear of powerful politicians.

As the voter insurgency swelled, Diamond also became a target of scorn for legislative insiders. He came to epitomize what lawmakers and legislative staffers saw wrong with the anti-incumbency movement.

Diamond was portrayed by his critics as a demagogue, a media hound, who cared little about the real workings of government. (footnote 6)

With the repeal of the pay hike last November, Diamond turned his full attention to defeating incumbents in this year's election. By the filing deadline last month, Diamond's organization was able to put up 99 candidates for House and Senate seats -- playing a key role in the 2006 surge of post-pay raise challengers. (footnote 7)

Some argue that PACleanSweep's main effort could end there with considerable success. (footnote 8)

But Diamond began to set his sights on the governor's race. Incumbent Democrat Ed Rendell is being challenged by Republican Lynn Swann. To run as an independent, Diamond would need to meet the enormous hurdle of gathering 67,000 signatures by August. (footnote 9)

Even as he downplayed the possibility of making such a run, Diamond told me there was one man who could have stopped the pay raise dead in its tracks -- and didn't. That man is Ed Rendell, he said.

It's called a veto.

Such a three-way race would be entertaining and enlightening for voters. (footnote 10) A candidate like Diamond could push Rendell and Swann into issues they would never address on their own. But it likely would be futile. (footnote 11)

If Diamond runs for governor, it would cheapen the anti-incumbency movement. (footnote 12) The critics on his board knew instinctively (footnote 13) that a Diamond-for-governor bid would hurt the larger cause. Diamond would be portrayed as a reformer with one foot in the governor's limo. (footnote 14) Defenders of the status quo in Harrisburg would have a field day lambasting Diamond. (footnote 15)

Further, it could be argued that entry of Diamond into the governor's race would merely hurt Swann and help Rendell get re-elected. Diamond and Swann would split the anti-Rendell vote. (footnote 16)

So where does that leave angry voters? With Rendell, the pay-raise master, and co-conspirators in legislative leadership still in power?

An argument could be made that if Diamond truly believes the stuff he's been saying, he has a duty to step in and face the voters as a candidate.

Maybe so, but on balance it seems a Diamond gubernatorial campaign fits under the heading of wrong guy, wrong place, wrong time. (footnote 17)

The anti-incumbency movement spawned by the ill-fated pay hike has never been about Russ Diamond, or Gene Stilp, another reformer running for lieutenant governor. (footnote 18)

It's about restoring trust and integrity to state government.

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Reactions and footnotes from Mark Rauterkus:

#1. Of course the citizens are looking like ordinary people. We are ordinary. We want ordinary. We are citizens. To say the reformers are like the Harrisburg leadership -- that is another matter. To say that the reformers are acting like judges with massive expense accounts -- that is another matter.

#2. The expression, "No comment." has been part of the Russ Diamond and Clean Sweep vocabulary from the get-go. The candidates were getting on-board with the movement in the fall -- but the list wasn't released until the end of January. They were saying 'no comment' for months. To say 'no comment' is not new.

#3. You make lemonaid when you're given lemons. That is prudent. The real opportunist are those in Harrisburg who passed a big pay raise in the middle of the night in the middle of the summer.

#4. If it doesn't matter -- why waste the ink other than to smear? Say something that excites and then say -- just fooling. What's that --- an April Fool's Joke? Brad, the writter / reporter, is double-talking now.

#5. The pay raise was repealed. That is business that has happened -- and was fixed -- and is part of our history now. So, that important milestone has passed. If nothing else happens -- the effort of PACleanSweep and the others was a success. And, for a while, a high priority was NO Votes to Newman and Nigro -- and history was made there too. One got tossed from the bench, thankfully. The "unyeilding call" has many flavors and echos -- with different verses.

#6. The reason Diamond has been such a nasty pain-in-the-butt to the Harrisburg politicians is because he does understand and does communicate real insider knowledge of the mechanics of Pennsylvania government's machine. Diamond has taken a knife and bright light to the smoke that the elected policians spout at every turn. It is clear that Diamond has been 'on message' with critical 'government policy struggles.' Average citizens now know, thanks to Diamond's podcast, how many sit in the chambers of the PA House and do cross-word puzzles. We understand now, better, how one session of the legislature can happen with another session -- at the same time -- so the double-dipping of pay is easier. Diamond has unraveld the wires and levers of governmental workings -- a wicked contraption -- and put those insights into the realm of thousands of citizens.

That's an eye opener. That's dangerous to the jerks who play along for their jobs and pork.

So, it makes sense that the attack will come from them that Diamond cares little about the workings of government. It is exactly where he shines best.

The real red-face blushing should be from -- get this Brad B -- the Fourth Estate. The Harrisburg coverage from the 'watchdogs' has been lax to the Nth degree. The jouralists have NOT done a decent job in covering what's what -- for years now.

Let's all do our jobs -- and not worry about who is to blame or get credit. There is plenty to do to unravel the mess that has been created in Harrisburg and elsewhere in terms of government. And, I'm one who really respects the duty of the media. Then, we can have educated citizens.

#7. The number of candidates is growing and will go past 99 in the weeks and months to come. This is a process and there will be some movement among candidates to adjust that number according to many personal reasons.

#8. PACleanSweep is a success. It has been like a modern day Johnny Appleseed to scatter seeds, high and low, on pavement and in fertile lands. Another verse makes PACleanSweep efforts like that of a mustard seed. A small seed has the potential to move mountains. Hope and seeds are present and some have been planted in some places.

Seeds within the needles.

#9. The enormous hurdle of gathering 67,000 signatures is NO JOKE. It is HUGE. It is unfair. It has to be changed. For me to run for State Senate, I'll need 500 signatures of people in the 42nd district. That isn't for the faint of heart either.

#10. A three-way race means nothing to me in terms of being "entertaining." Zippo. Being a candidate is hard work, tireless, and after a few spins is mostly grunt work. I try to be a candidate that engages thoughtful interactions -- but that has little to do with entertainment. Watch the WEST WING to be entertained.

The other word in the article I did think was right on the mark, "enlightening for voters." That is the mission -- to be enlightening. And this is a light that can be shared. This is a common cause thing. We are building a well of knowledge and working on our future -- and everyone benefits. (except Rendell and Swann, perhaps.)

But, I do think that Rendell and Swann could benefit with Russ Diamond in the race for Governor too. I do feel that the people of PA will benefit in both the short term and long term with a Diamond run for Governor in 2006.

#11. Futile?!?!? F-you. Fuedal is what we got. A fued brews. Fruits will come about because of these efforts for public office.

I, way more than most, understand that there are plenty of victories that come about because of a lost election. If you think it is really "futile" -- then I'd certain that Bumsted is a fool. But, I'm sure you don't really think what you happened to write. You're just tossing out a concept so as to shoot it down -- like a skeet shooter does.

Just turn the clock back a bit -- and history shows that Russ Diamond was a candidate for public office. He ran for state house and lost. But, that was part of the valuable foundation of other things to come. His loss in the last election wasn't futile. And, perhaps, it can be championed, as Pennsylvania goes -- it was WAY, WAY better that Dimond didn't win his past election(s). Now we have Diamond free to do the bigger work and heavy lifting that only a governor candidate can do. And, he's got something of a network.

Furthermore, there is a lot of reason to get onto the ballot to be a bigger player and help with these other elections. There are lots of up-ticket and down-ticket actions and influences that need to be shared and leveraged. This is politics. Diamond can play politics -- and run for Governor (and other offices) -- as that is what great players in politics do every once in a while when the opportunities present themselves.

#12. I say it is impossible to cheapen the anti-incumbency movement by offering a challenge to an incumbent. The flip side of anti-incumbency is PRO-Challengers. Running adds value to the anti-incumbency movement, for goodness sakes. It is what it is.

#13. "The critics on his board knew instinctively...." hold the phone. This is Diamond's organization and Diamond's board. Why in the hell would there be critics on it? The board for one organization should NOT be littered with critics of that company -- so as to work against the driving force. This is an organization, not a government. Government should have spots for critics on all its boards.

But, do you think that the Trib Newspaper Board -- or editorial board -- would dedicate seats there to editors of the P-G? That would be called a mole, perhaps a 'spy' and perhaps a counter-revolutionary.

My instinctive reaction is that an organization should NOT have critics within the board.

My other understanding is that a board that just formed months ago. That board is but a baby. And, nurse-maids might help a baby -- but would better move along as the organization grows. Reforming a board that is young is okay to do. And, lots of boards have lots of dead weight members. They should pull the plug on themselves and get out of the way. Board work is hard work and few knew what they were getting involved with to jump on the bandwagon that has become PACleanSweep. Just holding on is hard work and a sure fire way to failure. That organization is going fast -- and there isn't a brake pedal for the board to push. They each have decisions -- and some should bail if they are worried about the real mission of the cause. And, they've lost skin already and will take their lumps stepping off now.

#14. One foot in the governor's limo is another bad joke. Running for governor doesn't have much to do with getting a foot in his limo. But, yes, this is a time to take an inventory and jump on or jump off. And, it is a trip where dust gets kicked in the air. Zoom -- and I don't mean break the speedlimit on the PA Turnpike at 85 miles an hour. Fast Eddie works hard, of course. He needs to. He should. And so too should those around him and those who want to unseat him.

#15. Sure, no doubt. It is easy to have a field day lambasting Diamond -- as that what should occur in campaigns. Those that can't take the heat should get out. Some of the lambasting will stick -- some won't. Those that lambast might end up last. To protect a candidate from false attacks from ever hitting the news cycle is to do damage to the candidate.

Furthermore, Brad B, the author of the article, has no business lambasting Diamond for no reason at all other than to say some might have a field day of lambasting him. Brad is doing the dirty work of those in status quo positions who want to lambast but can't or won't or would only wish for need a puppet to do the lambasting for them.

#16. One way to be sure that the entry of Diamond does not take away from votes of either Rendell or Swann is to have a NONE OF THE ABOVE option on the ballot -- in all elections. I'm in favor of a built-in option of "NONE OF THE ABOVE" on all ballots in PA.

I don't know, yet, if Diamond is going to hurt one or the other more, if it even comes to pass. Time will tell.

I was in a 3-way race as a 3rd party candidate against a D and R who both spent $1-million on their negative campaigns. I looked at each of the opponents and would have helped one of them beat the other if either was worthy of being a PA Senator that I'd be proud of. They both failed -- in my eyes -- to say things that made sense to me -- as a parent who is raising a family here.

I was in a 8 way race too. Again, I looked hard at all the other candidates. With one month to go before the election, I talked with my insiders and we looked at the others in the race and made some decisions about getting out of the race, or staying in.

Even when I ran for Mayor, in 2001, I recruited candidates to run against in the R's primary. I called dozens of people on the phone and asked them to enter the race. I knew then that Pittsburgh needed a new mayor more than I needed to be mayor. That was honest.

When I was on the ballot in the special election for PA Senate -- I offered my position to another person who I thought could win a Senate Seat and be a much better senator than either Diven or Fontana. Michael Lamb didn't want to get out of the Mayor's race and he got third -- and he split the anti-machine vote with Bill Peduto.

Even in the race -- people can have a big impact as to who they help and who they don't help. In our 8 way city council race -- seven of us were certain as to who we didn't want to win. He didn't win. That is a good example of power and influence that doesn't make the headlines.

Furthermore, in the recent 8 way city council race, another candidate, M.B, spoke strongly about "ending TIFs." (TIFs are tax breaks to rich developers and insitutions that cost the school and current budgets.) It was good that he was at the candidate forums so he'd speak about an issue that I had championed for years. Then I'd give the combination punch too. The citizens got the enlightenment from a few channels. Same too with the Republican -- who wanted to liquidate the parking authority. He must have read my letter to the editor from prior years as I had called for the same measures. So, battles are won and lost -- but the war rages and the tides are turning.

#17. The only thing worse than the wrong guy, wrong place, wrong time -- is wrong logic and being at odds with reality.

#18. I agree that the anti-incumbency movement has never been about any one individual (Russ Diamond, or Gene Stilp). But, it is about 100 or so reformers. It is about a series of candidates to challenge a series of incumbents. The movement now needs role players. Just as the NFL isn't about "Big Ben" -- nor is the SuperBowl about Joe Montana. But, we need people to fill roles for our team at certain places and times.

Just think again. Do you think that the Cleveland Browns would be more able or less able to beat the Steelers if that team steps onto the game-day field without anyone willing, ready, able and prepared to play the Q.B. position?

The Browns could beat the Steelers without a Q.B. given a fantastic defense and great blocking and running backs. Could happen. The Browns could play a single-wing offense. Might be possible. But the chances would be better if various people were slotted for various roles.

This is the time for the reform movement to draft a person for the quarterback position.

I see nothing wrong with Russ Diamond as a player for public office in November 2006.

I'll help him to get onto the ballot. I'll help the movement along too in other ways as well.

And, ask to see my playbook -- and I'll say, "no comment." Then I'll be just like all the ordinary polls too.... yeah right.

Brown vs City of Pittsburgh = Free Speech Law Suit

BrownComplaint.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Bill's Bubble Bill gets blasted and charged in court

Here is Peduto's bubble bill getting taken to court. If I was asked on the tails of the campaign about this bill many times. I would have voted "NO" on the bill because it is not practicle. And it comes on the heels of an enforcement problem. I don't think it is wise to make new laws that come after other laws that are not enforced.

TheRealityCheck.Org Writing & Public Relations: "“Speech-free zones” near abortion clinics and other establishments must go

ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND NEWS RELEASE
March 27, 2006 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT ADF MEDIA RELATIONS: (480) 444-0020

ADF attorneys file suit against Pittsburgh for unconstitutional ordinance enforced against peaceful sidewalk counselor

PITTSBURGH — Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh City Council, and the mayor today for its recently adopted ordinance that prohibits speech in specified zones outside of abortion clinics as well as other local businesses and establishments."

Judge: Republican spat warrants review - PittsburghLIVE.com

The saga continues.

Judge: Republican spat warrants review - PittsburghLIVE.com A Pittsburgh Municipal Court judge ruled today that former Pittsburgh Republican Committee Chairman Bob Hillen’s case against Allegheny County Republican Chairman Bob Glancy regarding claims of demanding money for political favor warrants a review by the District Attorney.

The office of District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala must decide whether to move Hillen’s private criminal complaint against Glancy to the trial level in Common Pleas Court.

Zappala spokesman Mike Manko said he’s not sure how long it would take for his office to make a decision on the court ruling, once it’s received.

Philadelphia Daily News | 03/27/2006 | John Baer | Let 1,000 reform flowers bloom

Philadelphia Daily News | 03/27/2006 | John Baer | Let 1,000 reform flowers bloom Of 198 incumbent lawmakers facing re-election (all the House, half the Senate, minus 30 incumbents retiring), 80 have opposition in the May 16 primary.

Not revolution, but noteworthy.

In '04 only 24 incumbents faced primary challenges, in '02 only 12.

Eat right -- and eat with responsible tastes

Think again about palm oil.

AlterNet: Blogs: Tai Moses: "The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has launched a campaign asking consumers to boycott products made with palm oil and to let food manufacturers know that, hell no, it ain't ok to destroy our great wild mammals for chocolate cream sandwich cookies, good as they are.

Jeff Koch takes his seat at the City Council Table and swears to uphold the Consitution!

Photos to come later.

Well, day one is coming to a close, and Jeff Koch, D, the city's newest member of city council, has done no harm! And, he served up some nice snacks and sandwiches too.

Jeff was a loyal opponent in the race and I'm not going to badger him too, too much. But, he needs to know that his honeymoon is over as he has won the seat for just a year and a month or so until the next election -- the D primary. There might be folks looking to bump him off then. He has to hit the ground running.

The talks that were given today were from Bob O'Connor and Jeff Koch. Bob's was much longer.

The new mayor said, This is a very, very good day for the city of Pittsburgh." He honored to be there. He's know Jeff for many years. Jeff will do a great job because he is a good father, husband, businessman, worker, has an excellent track record and cares about the City of Pittsburgh. Jeff cares about the people.

This can be one of the best city councils in history. They work together. They care about our community. That is what Jeff excels in.

There is a lot of exciting things happening in Pittsburgh. Yesterday was the kick off for Pittsburgh Roars.

"I saw families from all over western Pennsylvania there celebrating all the great things we have: parks, culture, universities, hospitals, rivers, community. That is what Jeff exlemplifies best. He represents Pittsburgh and all the good things about Pittsburgh.

Enjoy that first election as it never gets any better than that. There is nothing like your first day in office. Congrats!

---

Jeff's remarks went about 100 seconds.

Thank you all for your support. It will be a priveldge to serve. Then a phone rings the first time. The phone is being carried by one of the TV news camera men.

I'm looking forward to many challenges. I know I'll have to put in a lot of work to solve them, but I know we will get it done. Thanks...

Make our neighborhood safer... and then the phone rings again. Can you get that. Laughter.

I'm not a desk person. I'll be out and about. I want to make sure all your concerns are being taken care of. My committment is wide ranging and long term.
Claps.

Then we had cookies!

Pgh Public Schools Key Communicators -- details of pending meeting

Helping kids.

At the Legislative Meeting on March 22, 2006, the Board approved the District’s recommendation to pursue a new district-wide curriculum and agreed to a three year contract with Kaplan K-12 Learning Services, LLC. Kaplan K-12, which has a 70-year history and experience with large-scale curriculum reform similar to what Pittsburgh needs, will custom design the curricula, assessments and professional development for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear first hand how Kaplan K 12 will be working with students, staff and parents in our district. All parents K-12 are invited to hear this presentation. Please reserve a spot by calling 412-622-3617 by Wednesday March 29th.

Key Communicators’ Meeting is from 6:30 pm to 8:30 on Thursday, March 30, 2006, in
Conference Room A.

Welcome & Introductions, Donna Vlassich, Assistant Director Public Engagement

Opening Remarks, Superintendent, Mark Roosevelt

Introduction of Kaplan K-12 Learning Services, Lynn Spampinato, Deputy Superintendent

Presentation of Information, Kaplan K-12 Representatives

Questions

Major gambling interests focus on Pa. - PittsburghLIVE.com

What if we said, "We don't want slots in Pittsburgh. But, we'll take table games instead." Then what?

Major gambling interests focus on Pa. - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Though table games won't be allowed, up to 61,000 slot machines will be enough to draw interest from the biggest names in gambling.

The other line in the news that I must get notice is, "(AP) - With an expansion of gambling stalled elsewhere in the country, major gambling interests have set their sights firmly on Pennsylvania, ..." So, gambling is not expanding anywhere but here. Gambling is on the downturn. The gambling marketplace has come to its peak and is in a fast decline.

The sun is about to set in terms of gambling -- and now Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania is going to dive in.

It is too late in the game for slots.

It might be too late in the game for table games too.

Just as we built the huge convention center -- and it won't ever reach its capacity nor be sustainable -- because the rest of the nation zipped on past Pittsburgh, the same holds true with gambling.

There is good reason to fear that our casino is going to suck. It might not work. It will need to be scaled down and back and won't pull the promised income the hyped politicians and developers have expected.