Great news: A Lt. Gov debate at CMU

The Heinz School at Carnegie Mellon, is pleased to announce the Democratic Lt. Governor Primary debate, Wednesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., co-sponsored by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, the Heinz School, and the local League of Women Voters chapter. Candidates who agreed to participate: Valerie McDonald Roberts, Gene Stilp, and Bill Hall.

The debate will be held in the Hamburg Hall Auditorium, Room 1000, at 4800 Forbes Avenue, between Craig Street and Morewood Avenue, directly across the street from the large Morewood Parking Lot.

The great news of this event is the fact that the local institutions, educational institutions, are going to engage. We need that engagement in Pittsburgh and for the sake of our state.

CMU, Pitt, RMU, PPU, CCAC, DU and the Cs (Carlow and Chattam) -- you gotta engage.

Every department. Every academic organization. Every faculty senate, student government organization.

And let's not stop with these core to Pittsburgh institutions. Grove City, Slippery Rock, California, Gannon, -- you name em. We need em. We need faculty, staffers, students and parents of students to give a darn by hosting part of these discussions.

Even nonprofits -- don't be shy. If a nonprofit gets PAN-POLITICAL, by putting a seat at the table for ALL contestants -- then its okay. We can't have nonprofits give favorite treatment to some and unfavorite treatment to others. But, show respect to all, show inclusion, show it all -- under bright lights.

Benchwarmer -- Call to Action -- Voter Registration Technical Insights

Anyone (who is alive and a registered voter in the Commonwealth) can help an Independent candidate for PA Governor by signing that candidate's petition. And, anyone (it still helps to have a pulse) can circualte a petition for an independent candidate as well.

Signing is okay. Being a curculator for nomination papers is okay too.

Likewise, the same applies to a candidate who is an Independent for PA Senate. But, the only extra restriction is the border for the PA Senate district. If the person is a registered voter, lives in the district, all is fine for your help.

However, there is another level, beyond getting a signature for nomination papers from now until the end of July, and beyond getting help from fellow citizens in efforts to get those signatures. The next level is being a candidate.

Those that are now registered voters in the D and R parties MUST OPT OUT of his or her party NOW if he or she wants to get onto the ballot and BECOME A CANDIDATE for the general election in November. It isn't too late to run -- yourself -- for office in November's General Election, as an canddate (under the heading of Independent, Libertarian, Green, or even Disclosure Party) if you are registered those ways now. But, soon, that deadline passes.

For example, perhaps your state rep is a Dem, like Harry Readshaw. Harry does NOT have any D nor R opponent. So, he'll be getting onto the General Election Ballot -- without any opponent, unless someone steps up to run against him. And, that someone would need to NOT be a D or R as this deadline comes.

Well, this call for action is well put.

Attention all benchwarmers -- 04/14/2006

Tony Phyrillas , Pottstown Mercury

There's a new movie out called "The Benchwarmers." It did pretty good at the box office last week. The movie will be a distant memory a month from now when Pennsylvania voters go to the polls in the May 16 primary.

Unfortunately, many Pennsylvanian voters have chosen to be benchwarmers instead of getting into the game. Thousands of Pennsylvanians who belong to minor parties (Libertarian, Green, Constitution, Socialist) and others who have registered as independents will sit out the May 16 primary, arguably themost important election in the state's history.

All the talk we've heard since last July's outrageous pay raise about voting out the bums won't matter if voters don't follow through with threats to oust incumbents.

The best way to toss out incumbent legislators -- in many cases, the only way -- is to vote for challengers in the primary election. Incumbents have spent decades gerrymandering districts to the point where both major parties have "safe" districts, where Democrats may outnumber Republicans 2-1 or vice-versa. It's nearly impossible to vote out the incumbent unless somebody from his or her own party challenges them in the primary.

More than 60 primary challengers gunning for incumbents have survived the petition-gathering and court-challenge phase of the process. Now they need your vote to get rid of the career politicians in Harrisburg.

But third-party voters (the ones who claim they are pushing for reform) stubbornly refuse to change their voter registration to one of the two major parties, which is the only way to vote in a primary. You may be disgusted by what the Republicans and Democrats have done to this state. But until you join reform-minded Republicans and Democrats to remove the career politicians, your voice will never be heard.

March down to your county courthouse Monday and change your party affiliation for one day -- May 16 -- so you can join the people's revolution to take back Pennsylvania from the 254 self-serving career politicians (Ed Rendell and the 253 legislators).

While "benchwarmers" is a nice term I use for third-party candidates who will bury their heads in the sand on May 16, Russ Diamond is a little more blunt.

Diamond, the founder of PaCleanSweep and newly announced independent candidate for governor, issued a statement this week to Pennsylvania's "sore losers."

Pennsylvania's "sore loser" law mandates that any individual who runs as an independent or minor party candidate may not participate in the primary election as a voter or a candidate, according to Diamond.

"This is the last chance for those who are truly dedicated to changing government in Pennsylvania," Diamond said. "Once the deadline passes, registered Republicans and Democrats can't run as an independent or with a minor party affiliation. There are a lot of races across the Commonwealth where the incumbent currently has no challenger whatsoever. No one should breeze through an election cycle without a challenge. That's why we have the sorry state of affairs that brought us the pay raise and other horrible legislation."

An ongoing informal poll on the PACleanSweep Web site reveals that more than 95 percent of respondents indicate they would be willing to vote for a credible independent or minor party candidate if there is no other competition for their incumbent in November, Diamond said.

Independent and minor party candidates have until Aug. 1 to file petitions in order to get their names on November's general election ballot. Unlike the requirements for major party candidates, any registered voter may sign a petition for an independent or minor party bid.

Diamond urges those interested in changing their registration to do so by visiting their local Board of Elections by April 17.

"While we have great expectations for our Republican and Democratic candidates and we're confident they'll fair well in the primary, credible independent and minor party candidates present an opportunity for a second wave of electoral pressure on a legislature which is overdue for massive institutional change," Diamond said.

So let's review. If you live in a legislative district where the incumbent is a Democrat, you must be a registered Democrat to vote for a challenger. Otherwise, the incumbent gets a free pass to the Nov. 7 general election.

If you're not planning to run as a third-party candidate, then your best recourse is to change your voter registration for one day so you can have a say in who governs Pennsylvania. You can change your registration back the next day.

E-mail Tony Phyrillas at tphyrillas -at- pottsmerc.com

Main Page - Pittsburgh Platform

Platform.For-Pgh.org -- still going like the Energizer Bunny. Main Page - PittsburghPlatform This page has been accessed 69,077 times.

Independent Enters Pa. Governor's Race - CBS News

I'm for Diamond. Hope you consider lending your support to him too. Reform looks like this.

Independent Enters Pa. Governor's Race - CBS News Independent Enters Pa. Governor's Race

HARRISBURG, Pa., Apr. 13, 2006
(AP) Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and his likely GOP challenger, former football star Lynn Swann, got an independent challenger on Thursday for November's gubernatorial election.

Russ Diamond, who created PACleanSweep to try to oust legislators over their botched attempt to raise their own salaries, disclosed his candidacy in an interview with The New York Times and then announced it in a statement Thursday.

He must collect signatures from 67,070 registered voters by Aug. 1 to enter the race.

Diamond said his platform includes calls to put limits on lawmakers, repeal a 2004 law that legalized slot-machine gambling and reduce property taxes.

'Let's talk about term limits ... part-time Legislature, eliminating the pensions and perks after they retire, and eliminating the career politician track,' Diamond told reporters.

The pay-raise law, which increased incimbent lawmakers' salaries by 16 percent to 54 percent, was repealed in November.

Voting machine efforts from elsewhere

I am not happy with the way the voting machine saga has come down the pike in Allegheny County as well as at the Federal level. We saw this unfold years ago. It stinks.

From the get-go, I was in favor, and still am in favor, of OPEN SOURCE Voting Machines. That is the golden key.

EVM2003: "A worldwide group of scientists, engineers, political scientists, legal scholars, and voting-rights activists are working on developing a PC based voting machines that will be easier to use, more secure, cheaper, and provide greater democratic transparency than commercially available voting machines. All EVM2003 voting stations produce a voter-verifiable paper ballot"

Plus, even without an open-source solution, I still want to have an Allegheny County Tiger Team to work over those (any and all) voting machines.

FWIW: Recruiting the Next Generation of Political Leaders

From antoher source, pgh.opinion, FYI:

The Center for Progressive Leadership is actively recruiting highly motivated leaders from a variety of backgrounds throughout Pennsylvania who will be ready within the next 3-10 years to:

Run for office - from local level to state or federal office Run an organization - political, issue, or community group Run a campaign - political, advocacy, or neighborhood effort

CPL is looking for emerging leaders - at an inflection point in their careers - who are eager to gain the skills, knowledge, and networks they will need to successfully reach a career in politics.

PA Springboards: A Key Step toward your Future in Politics CPL offers emerging leaders throughout the state a two-day intensive Springboard training on becoming an effective political leader. Expert national and local trainers will sharpen your message development and delivery, campaign strategy, volunteer recruitment, and political fundraising skills.

· Southeastern, Pa: June 24th and 25th (Application deadline: Friday, June 16)
· Southwestern, Pa: July 8th and 9th (Application deadline: Monday, July 3)



PA Fellowship: 9 Months of Intensive Political Training

The Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship - the first long term political leadership development training in the nation - is 9 months of one on one coaching, group workshops, personal mentorship, and political networking.

The Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship is a 9-month, part-time, comprehensive political leadership course designed to equip 40-60 future candidates, organization heads, and campaign operatives with the specific tools that will propel them through the political pipeline. Tuition is $750 per Fellow. Partial scholarships are available.

· Fellowship start: January 10, 2007 (Applications Accepted July 1-
September 15)

To apply go to www.progressleaders.org/pafellowship

WHO SHOULD APPLY:
Our task, as leaders in the progressive community, is to search out and identify new, yet untapped, emerging leaders across the state who are ready for this type of advanced political leadership development. CPL is looking to find the leaders who have never before been identified - who may not yet know if they want to run for office. We are looking specifically for emerging leaders with:

· A Vision for Personal Achievement and a Commitment to Social Change
· A History of Community, Civic, Political Involvement
· A Willingness to be Coached

Fareeda Mabry, PA Recruitment Director
(215)923-5165 #Office

PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE:
325 Chestnut Street, Suite 915
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hoppy Easter

Hope all is well with you and yours.

A time of rebirth is here!

South Side Reporter was in bed with Bruce

Exact date uncertain. Bruce would NOT win that election. He would win later.

You don't want to start the season with new shoes.

Get em now and break them in. It is always good to have some grip under your feet in the fall, in gridiron and in politics.

HAT in the ring for PRESIDENT: Phillies 2008

You saw it here first! The Libertarian who is seeking the White House.

Phillies 2008

America is in real trouble, and most Americans know it. The great majority of Americans agree: We are on the wrong track. The things that matter are getting worse, not better.

Our budget deficit this year is over $700 billion on an accrual basis. ('accrual' means the money we owe the Social Security Trust Fund is a real debt.) The trade deficit is another $750 billion a year. We are selling our grandchildren into de facto debt slavery.

American civil liberties are in a state of collapse. The President believes he can ignore any law, so warrantless wiretaps of your phone conversations and email, and warrantless searches of your homes are now widespread conversations. The President believes that there is no longer a right to trial by jury, so Jose Padilla was thrown into a military prison for years without trial or access to lawyers.

We spend billions and billions on airline security, while ignoring the most basic precaution, namely allowing the vast numbers of former military pilots now flying airliners to carry a firearm that they all know how to use. Meanwhile, millions of people are crossing our borders illegally. If every member of Al Qaida were to cross the border illegally this year, they would be needles in a haystack.

Medical care costs are soaring via cost transfers, under which when you go to the hospital your medical insurance pays for care for anyone who lacks insurance.

Just as in the 1950s, when the Russians surprised us with the first earth satellite, American education lags other places. Particularly disturbing is the lag in college graduates in science and engineering, the fields that will eventually create the new products and services that mean jobs for the rest of us.

The Federal budget is under the control of spendthrift profligates who spend money as though there will be no tomorrow. For February and March 2005 of this year, Federal spending exceeded 3 trillion dollars at an annualized rate, while the national debt was climbing at 1.2 trillion dollars a year.

I could go on.

We're the Libertarian Party. We have the positive, people-friendly solutions to those problems. We have the solutions that America longs for.

Now all we need to do is to put our Libertarian solutions into effect and Save America.

However, those solutions are worth nothing until they are presented to the American people and put into effect.

We need effective spokespeople who will deliver our message in a way that will be heard. Those spokespeople are called candidates. Message delivery is called the campaign. Real campaigns are based on advocacy, activists, and advertising.

How do we advocate for our issues? How do we energize our friends to become active in politics? How do we justify those issue and campaign ads?

We run candidates. Lots of candidates. Candidates at every level. In particular, in every election, every American should have the chance to vote Libertarian. (For more on candidates and campaigns, read my book "Stand Up for Liberty" from Third Millennium, now available from Amazon Dot Com .)

I'm going to do my share. In 2008, I'll be 61. I have already had a long and successful professional life as a physicist and author. I've run for Federal office before, Congress in 1998. I won my debates.

I've been active in our Presidential nominating and general election campaigns at a high level. I've seen what needs to be done. In fact I wrote a book one what we did in past cycles, and how we might do it better next time. And I can see where we are in the election cycle.

It's time to get moving! If a much stronger candidate came along, I will be delighted to withdraw and turn my energies to building her or his campaign and our Party. However, I don't see that happening.

At some point, you have to stand up and be counted.

I am therefore seeking our Party's nomination for the 2008 Presidential Campaign.

My preferred Vice Presidential candidate, Karen Kwiatkowski, has agreed to be my running mate.

Please join us. Help build a Libertarian future for America.

The preliminary Phillies 2008 web site http://phillies2008.org has just been uploaded.

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com Laurel & Lance: To Dormont. Its deteriorating public swimming pool dating from 1920 will require millions in repairs. Perhaps a patch job is possible for now. Perhaps not. Residents are setting up a grass-roots campaign to raise private money. That's great. Now politicians are falling all over themselves to find public funds. Our question: Why should providing for summertime frolic be a taxpayer duty?

Because a 50-meter swim pool -- or one that is even bigger -- can't fit under you bed like an exercise rower.

Because our children are obese -- and same too with too many of our adults. Hey, I got to shed 10-or-15 pounds too. And, I hope to do so as I'm gearing up for the Pittsburgh Triathlon -- and its river swim.

Because we don't swim in the rivers any more, as often as we did.

Because swimming, as a skill, can one day save your life.

Because swimming is a community builder and experience for learning how to play well with others.

Because a community assets such as a swim pool not only make life better for the people of all ages, but the facilities can increase home values and property demands. And, because the facility, all in all, should be able to pull its own weight as well.

Case in point: The Dormont Pool was slated to cost the municipality $37,000. I'd say that if it was run better -- it could be an asset that costs nothing to operate. The user fees should and could pay for the facility's operation, year in and year out.

But, sadly, the Trib editors are correct. The patch job for the pool and for the bath house is NOT possible for now. The expenses are too great. The time is too short. The season is lost.

That grass-roots campaign to raise private money had earned just $3,500 early in the week. That is nice, but 50-times less than what is needed.

Furthermore, don't put me in the realm of falling all over self and other politicians to find the public funds for a fix up. I'll stand tall, talk, think, share and plan. But, not fall over.

I don't think summertime frolic should be a taxpayer duty.

The brand could be, "Richer & Redded." Downtown's watch-ya-ma-call-it

"Rich and Redded" works as well -- so as to not need to use the Fifth and Forbes handle.

Redded, you know, as in the past tense of "redd up." (i.e., "Mom, I already redded-up my room.")

This week an event was held and the mayor attended -- so as to "cut the ribbon" for a new downtown concept. Downtown is a 'neighborhood' now. The event was by invitation only.

Humm... I think we've been there and done that.

Are we seeing the birth of a Duquesne Club Block Watch?

NBC Universal Underperforms For Parent GE

NBC covered and will cover the Olympics.
Lots of Olympic TV talk follows in this article.

UPDATE: NBC Universal Underperforms For Parent GE ((CBS), Coastal Bancorp Inc. (CBSA), Clear Channel Communications Inc. (CCU), Walt Disney Co. (DIS), General Electric Co. (GE), News Corp. Ltd. (NWS), (NWS.AU), (NWSA), (AU000000), (US254687), (US369604))| SmartMoney.com: "While its broadcast of the Winter Olympics gave NBC Universal a boost in first-quarter revenue, the cost of covering the Torino Games and a soft primetime TV schedule dragged on the unit's bottom line, making it the standout underperformer in parent General Electric's vast portfolio.

On Thursday, NBC Universal reported revenue of $4.5 billion in the period, a 24% bounce from year ago levels, with the Olympics contributing about $684 million. But that same event scraped about $96 million off NBC's operating profits, which fell 8% across the board. Taking out the Olympics, revenue would have been up 5% and operating profit 6%.

However, GE (GE) said that the Olympics are likely to be 'slightly profitable' for the year when all the contributions from NBC affiliates come in.

The 'Olympics performed as expected even though in the quarter it was a loss,' said Chief Financial Officer Keith Sherin in a conference call. 'That is how we had profiled the year and what we really thought we were going to have.'

The company was more bullish on the next Summer Olympics, scheduled for 2008.

'The big megillah here is Beijing,' said Chief Executive Jeff Immelt. 'We have got a funnel of about $1.2 billion. I expect us to get maybe $800 million to $1 billion out of that.'

Immelt said that Torino was 'a tough venue, a tough set of dynamics' but the next round 'is going to be a whole other story.'

GE sees the Beijing games as key from a network standpoint in terms of viewer interest, and also from an infrastructure standpoint.

'I think it is going to be highly beneficial for both NBC and the rest the company,' he said.

The segment, which accounts for just 12% of GE's total revenue has also been having some rough sledding in prime time and the company is looking for revenue to be flat in the second quarter.

Games of 2008

Everyone out of the pool! Dormont Pool to stay dry in 2006

I went to a three hour meeting earlier this week to see what was what with this swim pool situation and associated acts of government. This news release, yesterday, isn't too much of a suprise.

Dormont Pool Temporarily Out of Service

Neighboring Communities Ready to Assist in Handling Summertime Crowds

Dormont, PA – After much thought and consideration the Dormont Borough Council has decided that it will not open the Dormont Pool for the 2006 season. Meetings were held with the community the past few weeks to determine whether or not enough funding could be raised to cover the costs of major structural repairs, or at least temporary shoring, in order to keep the pool operational for one more season. However, Borough Council has decided that the best option at this stage would be to close the pool for one season and focus all efforts and future funding on making the necessary permanent repairs to make the pool and adjacent facilities safe for the public as well as operationally more efficient.

A structural engineering report by Borough Engineers provided at the March 13, 2006 public meeting indicated that the conditions of the main building support beams and columns are very bad and will only get progressively worse. The pool decking adjacent to the building is severely deteriorated due to chloride penetration and poses a serious safety threat if not repaired. Public safety concerns and the nearly $650,000 in repairs to the pump room and pool decking as well as nearly $2 million to stop the massive loss of water due to leaks in the pool, have lead to this necessary decision.

Maintenance has been conducted annually on the pool however the age of the 80-year old facility is becoming evidential and problematic requiring a more permanent solution.

"It is unfortunate that we did not discover the problems at the end of last season but fortunately these safety issues were identified before anyone was injured," cited President of Council Joe Costanzo. "At this point, closing the pool will ensure our citizens' safety while allowing us time to consider options and funding sources to get the pool operational again."

The Dormont Borough council wants to thank and will continue to support and encourage the residents of Dormont for their efforts to assist in finding the necessary funding that will be required to make all of the necessary repairs.

We are dedicated and will work diligently with our federal, state, and county representatives to obtain the funding to ensure that the Dormont Pool will be ready by Memorial Day 2007. In the mean time, it should be made clear that the Dormont Recreation Hall was deemed safe and will remain operational for use by the community for rentals to hold such events as graduation parties, showers, and most importantly fund raisers.

Note: Arrangements for Dormont residents to utilize some neighboring community’s pools are being made. Details will be provided soon. Information, as available will be posted on the Dormont Borough website: www.boro.dormont.pa.us or contact the Borough office at (412) 561-8900.
-End-

Joseph M. Costanzo, President

Linda L. Kitchen, Vice President
Chairperson, Public Safety Committee

Mary Beth Kovic, Member
Chairperson, Community Affairs Committee

John Sparvero, Member
Chairperson, Property Planning & Supplies

Tim McCoy, Member
Chairperson, Public Service Committee

Rebecca Lafferty, Member
Chairperson, Finance & Legal Committee

Ann Conlin, Member
Chairperson, Recreation Committee

At the meeting, I noticed three major 'camps' and 'issues.'

First, a great deal of frustration comes from the citizens to the board. The citizens don't trust the elected officials. The citizen leadership was very skeptical, to say the least.

Dormont has had a great deal of turnover in terms of its hired city manager. And, Dormont has elected some new board members too. So, all that are on the board now are NOT part of the long-term problem. But they are left to face the fire from the citizens who are upset. And, to a large degree they too what was due to them.

Second, some on the board are aware of the need for the pool and want to build something better there. A multi-community center, with a pool, is an option, perhaps, it seems, if we are to give them some trust. Ho humm.... time will tell. But, there isn't any money, poor us.

Third, some in the community are married to the re-creation of the Dormont Pool -- as it is. There is a historical charm to the existing pool, its configuration, its expanse of water. Some folks want to re-build the pool -- and keep it just like it was.

So, there isn't much hope of getting a real vision of what needs to be done and how to do it from that group that night. Some were angry. Everyone was frustrated.

I spoke about 'stewardship.' I said, the "stewardship stunk." But, that is looking into the rear view mirror. However we can't go forward on this problem until there is some accountability and understanding of the past. We need to agree what has happened has happened. So, I feel the dis-connect is something that needs to be resolved.

Later, some on the board took exception to the 'stewardship' remark and said that they did 're-paint the pool' -- they did make modifications in the past (I think it was a railing or something). They did make an investment in the pump room before.

Real stewardship means having a capital fund. There is no fund with money set aside to make repairs or even to use for a loan process. Real stewardship means insurance in case any physical damage happens. Real stewards would have been taking part of the deck apart each year for five years to re-do the cement, the pipes, the cracks, the leaks. A process of on-going re-building of that old pool was not done.

Of course the band-aid on an old building was mentioned again and again. And, it is fitting.

The same story was part of the Save Our Summer efforts. We had Elsie Hillman and Dr. Bill Truehart raising big money to put a band-aid on a corpse. The city's public pools (32 outdoors) all closed the year before. Some cash was obtained to get some money to open 10 or 12 pools. The others still sit and rot. And, the ones that are open are held together by band-aids to this day.

The water bill for Dormont's pool last summer was reported at $44,000. Ouch. The water dropped four-inches a day. I'm sure a good bit of that was evaoporation as well.

The pool is massive and the chemical bill is huge as well. And, same too with the number of guards that are needed to staff the facility. I think they needed 33 guards.

Parking is a problem too. You always got to talk about parking when you are talking about anything in Pittsburgh. The swim pool parking lot isn't big enough so folks spill over to the shopping center to park on busy days. So, the pool can hurt the bottom line of some businesses.

I do like it that Green Tree may and Mt. Lebo may sell pool passes to those who live in Dormont for the same rates as residents of those communities. Both Green Tree and Mt. Lebo have nice pools and both can take an influx of people -- and new pass incomes too. Seniors used to swim for free in Dormont -- and that can't happen any longer. Seniors everywhere else pay.

But the pool pass option should go for a wider group. What about deals with Allegheny County (South Park and Settlers Cabin are not too far), Sandcastle, Pittsburgh, Scott Township and even Brentwood. ???

Furthermore, Keyston Oaks High School serves Dormont students. K.O. used to have a part-time aquatics director. She was released from that job. It would be great if some of the funds that have been raised ($3400) by the citizen effort was re-deployed for pool time and instruction at the indoor pool in the high school.

Western Pa has a lot of fine indoor school pools that are wasted assets in the weeks in the summer. Some are idle too much in the fall, winter and spring as well. But, that is another matter.

One other point of mention -- Government Money. Allegheny County Exec. Director, Dan Onorato, seems to have said that he'd try to work with Allegheny County Council and come up with $75,000 if needed as a local match if another $75K could come from Ed Rendell. But Wayne Fontana, D., PA Senate in the 42nd (a guy I ran against and will run against in the future) has teamed with Tom Petrone, D., state Rep, up for re-election too, to ask Ed "slots" Rendell for $3-million.

You never know.

Rendell gave nearly 10-million to Midland for an arts center recently. I think much less could have gone to pay for the heater for the Passion Play, Veronica's Veil. But, we'll see how much money is to be tossed around.

What if Isle of Capri was able to pay $3-million on top of the new $290-million for the new ice arena for the Penguins?

Just think, we'd be able to get about 100 new swim pools all around Allegheny County, at $3-million each, if we only asked Isle of Capri to change its windfall funding away from NHL Hockey and Luxery Boxes to community swim pools.

There is more to say with more details and facts too. But, Dormont is going to be dry this summer. And, with the crisis comes and opportunity. Too bad the council did not take the crisis and form a sub-committee to tackle the problem at its meeting this week -- nor announce it in the press release yesterday.

People have a right to be skeptical.

Part 2 (a): Pittsblog pondering: Too many cooks in terms of biz development

Outside a food joint in Chengdu.

This is the first have of part 2 of 2 parts on this topic.

Pittsblog 'Pittsburgh has a 'too many cooks' problem when it comes to tech strategy.' I heard from a number of people that personal history gets in the way of forward economic progress in Pittsburgh. There are egos, and historical associations and present commitments, that are obstacles to success. I'm not sold on this idea. Can you name an economically vibrant urban area that isn't filled with big egos and complicated histories? I wonder whether the 'too many cooks' concern is an excuse more than a real obstacle.

Think of an old-fashioned barn raising. In the good old days, or in Amish Country now, there were events when everyone in the community came to lend a hand.

The men, boys, women and girls all had roles. And, everyone was needed.

Everyone, for a period, would put a shoulder into the project. Everyone had some skin in the game for that day or weekend.

When you have too many cooks, you can't rally the community to come together to do something of major importance, lasting value, significant accomplishment.

Then the ego thing is an artifact. We can't come to help you because you didn't see fit to come help us -- or him.

If everyone is cooking their own stew -- then we can not come together to have a major banquet. Having a lot of cooks isn't the real problem. Having a lot of selfish cooks is. And, having a lot of cooks who won't re-tool for other duties is a killer too. Nobody wants to go to a banquet and have 20-stews and nobody doing bread. But, we will go to a wedding and only eat cookies. :) (between beers)

Speaking of food -- I think it is time to run to the Fish Fry....

More to come... stay tuned...

Pittsblog pondering: Too many cooks in terms of biz development

This is part 1 of 2 on this topic.

Pittsblog 'Pittsburgh has a 'too many cooks' problem when it comes to tech strategy.' I heard from a number of people that personal history gets in the way of forward economic progress in Pittsburgh. There are egos, and historical associations and present commitments, that are obstacles to success. I'm not sold on this idea. Can you name an economically vibrant urban area that isn't filled with big egos and complicated histories? I wonder whether the 'too many cooks' concern is an excuse more than a real obstacle.

I think that there are too many cooks. I think that they all should be starved.

These cooks live off of lunch money from the politicians. Too many rely upon tax money, grants, soft-money, and other generous hand-outs. Too many were formed so as to build clout.

Follow the money. Look at the history of each group.

I'd say that the egos are less of an issue -- but the strings and wire-pulling that is expected from these groups from their funding buddies.

Let's make a list of community groups in the city that would hold a mayor debate in 2001 when Bob and Tom each spent $1-million in the Dem primary. Here is a hint: ZERO. NONE of the groups, and there are 40 at the top of my head, would dare to go out on limb and host such a forum. They all didn't want to bite the hand that feeds them. And, if they were fed up with Tom Murphy, they didn't want to rock the boat, just in case Bob would win anyway.

Same today with Ed Rendell. Do you think that the Digital Greenhouse would have sponsored anything but a ribbon cutting for ex-Gov Ridge? No way. Who is going to speak up against corporate welfare -- American Eagle? Does the Pgh Technology Center NOT want its parking garages?

There are too many groups because there have been too many handouts for the wrong reasons. And, the leadership in each group needs to walk on egg shells (Hoppy Easter).

And, many of these groups are just shells of an organization. They've lived on fumes. The money trail is getting dry. But, they can't put a fork in themselves. That is what the leadership needs to do -- but being honest and zapping a bit of political clout is hard to do.

Many of these groups stink and should go away. But, who is going to pull the trigger?

Stay tuned....

Casino traffic forecast faulted

An unpaid traffic engineer from one camp is tossing bricks at the report of another camp about traffic issues. The ploy is to get the South Side neiborhood all fired up to fight against the Station Square location for the casino.

Hurling the insults on the "study" won't work for a number of reasons.

Casino traffic forecast faulted An analyst for Pittsburgh's Gaming Task Force said Harrah's has 'woefully underestimated' the traffic jams its proposed Station Square casino would create along Carson Street.

Chuck Wooster, a traffic engineer working pro bono for the task force, was asked to review traffic projections submitted by the three outfits competing to win the city's lone slot machine casino license.

At the group's meeting yesterday, Mr. Wooster said Harrah's traffic projection appears to misjudge the number of cars that would visit Station Square.

'I don't buy it,' he said. 'It's woefully underestimated.'

For starters, none of these 'studies' nor plans are -- how should we say -- peer reviewed. And, the folks in the neighborhoods are not real fond of "studies" anyway.

Some of the 'weenies' who live off of government soft money might be anxious to read and react to the consultant studies -- as they are consultants too. But, those folks are reading the documents only to figure out how to get an opening so as to get themselves a subcontract. Or, they might want to go kiss-up to the firm that did one or the other report so they can get the next job. In the end, these folks are generally not going to rock the boat. They'll watch and nod and say little.

Other consultants have been hi-jacked to various other positions long ago. For example, those on the gambling task force are sitting on their hands playing roles of big cheese. They can't do anything because they are on the task force. So, they've been iced and have an excuse with a title to prove it.

Still others in the community never wanted gambling to begin with. So to pick between a plan that is hated and another that is despised is not going to happen. Rather, let's run to the fish fry today and say some more prayers.

Moreover, the South Siders have thick skin when it comes to these "studies."

Mr. Reginella came to a community meeting some years ago -- and I couldn't fathom what he said. He was in charge of traffic for the city under the last administation. He spoke about the pending closing of McArdle Roadway -- the road from the Liberty Bridge/Liberty Tunnel that crosses Warrington Ave and comes to the South Side closed. We could not use the bridge to drive to or from the South Side (12th, 10th, 9th Street) to the Liberty Bridge (to Downtown & North Hills with a right turn nor South Hills with a left). He "KNEW" without doubt that the closing of that road would NOT tie up traffic on East Carson Street.

Unreal statements like that have been around here for too long and get said too frequently.

The people see the crap -- and choose to not step in it.

Pirate and Steelers games screw up traffic on East Carson Street. Penguin games do too.

Anyone that comes here and says that traffic is going to be fine for a casino on The Hill and not for a casino at Station Square is a joke.

It just doesn't matter. Would you rather have a pimple on your cheek or your nose? Big deal. All the traffic fussing is in vain because what really matters isn't getting its due attention. And, its not like the folks who save parking spaces with a chair (myself included) can choose to widen East Carson Street to 8 lanes anyway.

A JOKE quote follows:

"The last thing we would ever do is choose a site that doesn't work,"

Should be, "The last thing we would ever do is choose a site that we didn't own..."

All gambling quotes are JOKES if the quote includes the word, "PALATABLE."

DUHHH.... "You've got a mountain on one side and a river on the other," he said. Sign us up for that geography lesson.

If you don't like our rivers and mountains -- then put the blasted casino in a desert (Las Vegas) or next to an ocean (Atlantic City) or at a waterfall and international border (Niagra) or on the edge of a historic battlefield (Gettysburg). I think the MON and Mt. Washington are but bumps in the landscape that can be bridged (pun intended).

As helpful as I try to be -- I offer my critical words, and generally try to follow-up with some solutions too. The photo that follows is from Hong Kong's Ocean Park. It is much like Kennywood, except in has two sections, because of the mountains. People are moved from one section of the park to the other in the lift.

We could build a people mover, such as these chair lifts / pods, to move people over the mountain and near the water. Stops could be in Monroeville and Robinson Town Center. (This is a joke.)

Thinking again about the Dormont Pool

We should have a water polo course within the Dormont Pool.
We should build a Kayak area within the Dormont Pool too!

Community TV producer. Watch out Disney... there is a new kid on the block.

I am now a producer at PCTV 21. Today I took the second course and payed the annual membership of $52. I've been involved with PCTV in the past in a number of ways: Art Of News, a Special on Save Our Summer, many interviews, hosted a debate, and did a 9-11 concert too. Now I'm going to be even more involved.

They got it wrong on the designation -- but called to say a fix was in (really)

The news director at TV 11 called to thank me for pointing out the distinction between city-wide and downtown in terms of a pending wi-fi discussion. So, the fix on that site is expected.

The blabbing is showing.... First off, a city-wide wi-fi isn't just downtown.

WPXI.com - News - Pittsburgh City Council Considers Citywide Wi-Fi: "Pittsburgh City Council Considers Citywide Wi-Fi
System Expected To Cost More Than $500,000

POSTED: 11:23 am EDT April 10, 2006
UPDATED: 2:41 pm EDT April 10, 2006

PITTSBURGH -- Getting on the web in downtown Pittsburgh could get a little easier.

The Pittsburgh City Council is considering a plan to create a citywide Wi-Fi network.

It would allow wireless Internet equipment to be placed on city owned utility poles downtown.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor hopes to have the system in place in time for July’s baseball All-Star game.

The system is expected to cost more than $500,000."