I noted that Tom L, frequent blog reader and regular running mate poster -- was elected to the zone 3 safety committee in some official capacity. Same too with Bob Hillen and the campaign manager for Bruce Kraus. Keep up the heat and good work guys.
Next, Zone 3 has been selected by The Pittsburgh Mediation Center, in conjunction with the Allegheny County Juvenile Court System to participate in “a neighborhood-based accountability panel, comprised of community members who volunteer to meet with first time juvenile offenders who ADMIT to a crime to discuss the offense, and hold the youths accountable for their actions to determine appropriate responses including community service, educational activities and/or restitution.”
The Pittsburgh Mediation Center will be present at the July Public Safety Meeting to do a brief presentation.
Interested panel volunteers should email our NAN leader at her cafe and she will compile a list for the center.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Around and about -- Schedule with Russ Diamond
Contact: Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor
Cell: (717) 383-3025
Email: media@russdiamond.org
Website: http://www.russdiamond.org
Schedule URL: http://www.russdiamond.org/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?
7/1/2006 6:00 p.m.
Ford City Heritage Days Parade
9th St & 4th Ave
Ford City PA 16226
Meet in front of the Hoagie Shop at 9th St & 4th Ave. Enjoy the parade with Russ Diamond!
Event Contact: John F. Czekanski, 724-763-8143, stoptax@alltel.net
7/2/2006 12:00 p.m.
Ford City Heritage Days
9th St & 4th Ave
Ford City PA 16226
Meet in front of the Hoagie Shop at 9th St & 4th Ave. Get signatures with Russ and the folks from STOP!
Event Contact: John F. Czekanski, 724-763-8143, stoptax@alltel.net
7/3/2006 2:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta
Point State Park
101 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Join Russ and Mark Rauterkus at the Regatta and get signatures! Meet at the fountain at 2:00 PM!
Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com
7/4/2006 8:30 a.m.
Brentwood Independence Day Parade
Brentwood
2900 Brownsville Rd
Brentwood PA 15227
Russ will be participating in this Pittsburgh area parade with friends from the S.T.O.P. group. It's time to ABOLISH property taxes! Let's make it "Independents" Day! See Russ off at the parking lot near Burger King (address above) and then cheer him on as he goes!
Event Contact: Nick Cenci, 412-881-1979, pghcenci@comcast.net
7/4/2006 11:00 a.m.
Rosslyn Farms
Rosslyn Farms PA
Russ will make an appearance with Mark Rauterkus at Rosslyn Farms to shake hands with spectators!
Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com
7/4/2006 12:00 p.m.
Meet 'n' Greet
Point View Hotel
3720 Brownsville Rd
Pittsburgh PA 15227
Shake hands with Russ Diamond and Mark Rauterkus!
Event Contact: Nick Cenci, 412-881-1979, pghcenci@comcast.net
7/4/2006 1:00 p.m.
Meet 'n' Greet
VFW Post 1810 Brentwood
3801 Saw Mill Run Blvd
Brentwood PA 15227
Shake hands with Russ Diamond and Mark Rauterkus!
Event Contact: Nick Cenci, 412-881-1979, pghcenci@comcast.net
7/4/2006 4:00 p.m.
Press Conference
Home of Mark Rauterkus
108 S 12th Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Press conference with Russ Diamond. Media are invited.
Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com
7/4/2006 5:00 p.m.
1776 Fundraiser for Russ Diamond's Campaign!
Paparazzi Ristorante
2100 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Come join Russ for the 1776 Fundraiser! Cost is only $17.76 for this very special event for a great cause! Please RSVP in advance!
Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com
7/4/2006 6:30 p.m.
Open House
Home of Mark Rauterkus
108 S 12th Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Come chat with Russ and view fireworks from the back deck (we ask that you do not bring your own fireworks - sorry.)
Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com
7/5/2006 7:30 a.m.
Meet 'n' Greet
Tom's Diner
1715 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Come shake hands with Russ from 7:30-9:00 am!
Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com
PA House OKs end to Kennywood tax
Kennywood -- and local officials seething RED thanks to Harriburg's nebbyness. House OKs end to Kennywood tax Bars $1.5 million levy; W. Mifflin officials hot; Senate must vote on itHummm.... Could it be another sweetheart deal?
Friday, June 30, 2006
By Tom Barnes and Jan Ackerman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
HARRISBURG -- The state House has angered West Mifflin officials by approving a bill to permit Kennywood Park to stop paying $1.5 million a year in amusement tax revenue to the borough and school district.
'This is a sweetheart deal for Kennywood,'' West Mifflin council President William Welsh said yesterday. 'Kennywood has tried to have the tax eliminated every year.''
How about if we gave Kennywood a slots license! That should fix em. I'd rather save Kennywood Park rather than the race horses and the PA race horse industry.
But seriously, I have advocated the ending of the RAD Tax. And, I think that the Allegheny County RAD Tax that is paid by Kennywood should end. That amount is less, I expect, than what it pays locally. But, the RAD Tax for Kennywood goes directly to other organizations that compete with Kennywood in a day-in-day-out basis.
Why should Kennywood subsidize the ballet? Or, why should Kennywood subsidize the Carnegie Science Center?
I don't want Kennywood to get any tax nor RAD money. And, I want Kennywood to pull its own weight. But, I don't think it is wise for Kennywood to charge its customers extra just to have that money flow to other nonprofits who are in direct competition with the park.
As for West Mifflin, and most of the Mon Valley --- well --- I don't know how much they are all on the up and up? That big bend in the Mon seems to match how staight the politicians operate in them thar parts.
We all love Kennywood, even standing in line for the Jackrabbit.
Scratch my back with a pink slip
Love him, but folks, getting fired is no big deal. And, M.L. is getting a radio job in the next breath.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Two Koreas struggle in meeting to create joint Olympic team - Thursday June 29, 2006 1:49PM
Sports are games of time, space and relationship, so wrote Kevin DeForrest, a friend and author. I fully agree.
The Olympics make a set of games with countless opportunities for interactions, relations and relationships. But, they happen in time.
Given this era, it is of little suprise that the North and South could get much established.
Chairs at an art museum in Hong Kong. Each chair was made with different materials and texture. They are in a circle -- and empty.
The Olympics make a set of games with countless opportunities for interactions, relations and relationships. But, they happen in time.
Given this era, it is of little suprise that the North and South could get much established.
SI.com - Olympics - Two Koreas struggle in meeting to create joint Olympic team - Thursday June 29, 2006 1:49PM North and South Korean officials struggled to make a symbolic dream become a reality on Thursday when they failed to agree on the details of a joint team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the Asian Games later this year.
Delegates from the South and the North could not overcome major hurdles such as the composition of the teams and the selection criteria during a meeting, officials said.
Chairs at an art museum in Hong Kong. Each chair was made with different materials and texture. They are in a circle -- and empty.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
[412] 4th of July -- Independent and a 1776 gathering
[412] 4th of July -- Independent and a 1776 gathering: "Dear Patriotic and Independent Neighbors! Our 4th of July schedule is listed below. I hope I can see you at our 16th annual open house or else at one of these events.
Come out as our special guest is Russ Diamond, Independent candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania. Russ and I are working to get ourselves on the November 7, 2006 general election ballot.
I'm running for PA Senate. Both of us are INDEPENDENTS, All registered voters in PA can sign the nomination papers. Your signature can help by presenting voters with a real choice on the ballot later this year. Assistance in the final weeks of our shared petition drive can be explained.
Russ and I are both reformers. I'm confident that Russ will shine brightly and dominate pending discussions on policies for Pennsylvania's future when contrasted with what is being offered by Ed 'Slots' Rendell and Lynn Swann.
Schedule for Independence Day:
8 am - July 4 -- arrival to the Brentwood Parade
Mid-Morning to the Rosslyn Farms Parade and Community Time
Mixer at Brentwood's historic Inn
Gathering signatures around town, including at Point State Park for the Regatta.
4 to 5 pm - Press / Media event with talks by Russ Diamond, Mark Rauterkus and others, including a progress briefing on the campaigns to any Allegheny County citizens, volunteers, and supporters at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. Pittsburgh, 15203 Call Mark Rauterkus, 412 298 3432 or email Mark at Rauterkus.com
5 to 6:30 pm - Russ Diamond fundraiser, $17.76 per person at Paparazzi Ristorante, 2100 East Carson Street, South Side, 15203 American cookout and softdrinks. RSVP necessary. Call Mark Rauterkus, 412 298 3432 or email Mark at Rauterkus.com
6 pm start - Mark Rauterkus & Family 16th annual Independence Day Open House. Meet and mingle with special guest, Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor. Early activites at the local park for badminton, crafts for kids, lemonaid, treats up to fireworks (visible from the deck). FYI, Sparklers and beyond are NOT welcome here.
Pre and Post 4th encounters with Russ include:
July 5, Dutch Breakfast with Russ Diamond at Tom's Diner at 1715 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh's South Side from 7:30 to 9 am.
July 3, an event is on tap for July 3 in Westmorland County. Ask for details if interested.
Notification of your expected attendance is desired.
Thanks for the consideration. Feel free to forward this message and pass the word. Stay safe!
Come out as our special guest is Russ Diamond, Independent candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania. Russ and I are working to get ourselves on the November 7, 2006 general election ballot.
I'm running for PA Senate. Both of us are INDEPENDENTS, All registered voters in PA can sign the nomination papers. Your signature can help by presenting voters with a real choice on the ballot later this year. Assistance in the final weeks of our shared petition drive can be explained.
Russ and I are both reformers. I'm confident that Russ will shine brightly and dominate pending discussions on policies for Pennsylvania's future when contrasted with what is being offered by Ed 'Slots' Rendell and Lynn Swann.
Schedule for Independence Day:
8 am - July 4 -- arrival to the Brentwood Parade
Mid-Morning to the Rosslyn Farms Parade and Community Time
Mixer at Brentwood's historic Inn
Gathering signatures around town, including at Point State Park for the Regatta.
4 to 5 pm - Press / Media event with talks by Russ Diamond, Mark Rauterkus and others, including a progress briefing on the campaigns to any Allegheny County citizens, volunteers, and supporters at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. Pittsburgh, 15203 Call Mark Rauterkus, 412 298 3432 or email Mark at Rauterkus.com
5 to 6:30 pm - Russ Diamond fundraiser, $17.76 per person at Paparazzi Ristorante, 2100 East Carson Street, South Side, 15203 American cookout and softdrinks. RSVP necessary. Call Mark Rauterkus, 412 298 3432 or email Mark at Rauterkus.com
6 pm start - Mark Rauterkus & Family 16th annual Independence Day Open House. Meet and mingle with special guest, Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor. Early activites at the local park for badminton, crafts for kids, lemonaid, treats up to fireworks (visible from the deck). FYI, Sparklers and beyond are NOT welcome here.
Pre and Post 4th encounters with Russ include:
July 5, Dutch Breakfast with Russ Diamond at Tom's Diner at 1715 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh's South Side from 7:30 to 9 am.
July 3, an event is on tap for July 3 in Westmorland County. Ask for details if interested.
Notification of your expected attendance is desired.
Thanks for the consideration. Feel free to forward this message and pass the word. Stay safe!
Books as battle ground - by Bob Hoover
Scripps Howard News Service They've been arriving regularly since early spring, first in a trickle, now in a steady stream and by the end of August, a flood.
Inspired by the ongoing U.S. occupation of Iraq, the Bush administration's war on terror and domestic policies, the performance of the news media and the vicious partisan nature of today's politics, mainstream publishers are releasing an unusual amount of books on current affairs.
'Ten years ago, political books didn't sell very well,' said Patricia Schroeder, president of the American Association of Publishers. 'Now, in the last three or four years, the sales are off the charts. Look at the last election with the Al Frankens, Michael Moores, Bill O'Reillys. The publishers know this and they're responding.'
Schroeder, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives _ and a Democrat _ also brought up best-selling books by one-time Bush administration officials like former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and Environmental Protection Agency Director Christine Todd Whitman.
'I call it their 'exit strategy.' These people are loyal until they leave the corral and then they can write a controversial book,' she laughed.
Inspired by the ongoing U.S. occupation of Iraq, the Bush administration's war on terror and domestic policies, the performance of the news media and the vicious partisan nature of today's politics, mainstream publishers are releasing an unusual amount of books on current affairs.
'Ten years ago, political books didn't sell very well,' said Patricia Schroeder, president of the American Association of Publishers. 'Now, in the last three or four years, the sales are off the charts. Look at the last election with the Al Frankens, Michael Moores, Bill O'Reillys. The publishers know this and they're responding.'
Schroeder, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives _ and a Democrat _ also brought up best-selling books by one-time Bush administration officials like former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and Environmental Protection Agency Director Christine Todd Whitman.
'I call it their 'exit strategy.' These people are loyal until they leave the corral and then they can write a controversial book,' she laughed.
Park Place -- you all rock!
The voices of Park Place sounded off loud and clear against an effort to re-zone some housing. Well done citizens. Your messages were fantastic.
The city staffers got it wrong and that is not a suprise to me.
The speakers in the hearing were perpared and the plans now before city council should go DOWN with a big thud.
The city staffers got it wrong and that is not a suprise to me.
The speakers in the hearing were perpared and the plans now before city council should go DOWN with a big thud.
Few clamor for Murphy details
Few clamor for Murphy details - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ... but few others are interested in hearing from him.I feel as if this lead speaks to me -- exactly. To put a spot light on Tom Murphy so as to hear his saga about his firefighters dealing is a waste of time -- unless it is before the courts in terms of him serving jail time or not.
Every dog has its day in the sun. The sun has set for Tom Murphy. His day is done. To look for that to happen again in the future is a waste of time.
I saw Tom Muprhy the other week while he was with his family and I was with mine among the booths at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. I passed along a "happy fathers day" mention and nothing else. I have nothing else to say to him nor do I care that we look in back when we should be looking forward.
So, it looks like Tom Murphy gets to stop paying his attorneys and will be a free man, still, next Fathers Day. Above all, he is guilty of being a jerk and doing great harms to the city and region.
But we live in America -- and this isn't a place where behaviors like those made famous with Stalin's iron fist should be tolerated. I don't need to see the city purge its past boneheaded leaders. Nobody needs to hang from the light posts. Move on.
If Mary Beth B, the attorney who should be pressing charges, won't press charges -- shame on her. But it is her job, for now. And, it is her job to press cases to the courts not do a shell game and try to re-legislate Act 111.
The Q for MBB is getting Murphy off the hook -- and not getting Act 111 on the hook in his place.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Living Large at PNC Park -- as Bucs drop the first dozen
Tonight was a great night for baseball -- in terms of the weather. Temp was 72 to 68-degrees. Good company and treats too as we were 'living large' in the WS 1903 BOX -- in left field. Grant, Catherine and I went along with a bunch of audiologist, speech, language, and hearing-concerned individuals who were in town for the just concluded Alexander Graham Bell convention that was at the Convention Center.
Splendid party. Our row was shared with a women from Western Candada who was a house mate, years ago, in Eastern Candada with one of our friends (Shirley) in Chengdu, China. Small world story. Another game-day fan was from Brisbane. She met both Grants now -- our Grant and Grant Hackett, Austranian swim star and Crafton Swim Star.
Lots of fun.
The Pirates were but a side-show. Might as well have been at a bull-fight. (giggle)
There was nearly a Grand Slam from the Pirates.... but the catch was a few feet from the edge of the top of the outfield wall. That would have put the Bucs in the lead.
Saw and interesting run-down. First baseman, Casey, took the cut off toss from the outfield behind the pitchers mound and the runner at second went too far. He pushed him back to 2nd and then the runner went farther off of third -- so Casey switched his attention to the guy that was flirting with home plate -- running him back to third -- diving for the goal line, sorta, tagging him out at third before his knee touched the ground.
The pressing question on my mind tonight is about our swim team photos in the morning -- and if I'm going to have bags under my eyes.
Splendid party. Our row was shared with a women from Western Candada who was a house mate, years ago, in Eastern Candada with one of our friends (Shirley) in Chengdu, China. Small world story. Another game-day fan was from Brisbane. She met both Grants now -- our Grant and Grant Hackett, Austranian swim star and Crafton Swim Star.
Lots of fun.
The Pirates were but a side-show. Might as well have been at a bull-fight. (giggle)
There was nearly a Grand Slam from the Pirates.... but the catch was a few feet from the edge of the top of the outfield wall. That would have put the Bucs in the lead.
Saw and interesting run-down. First baseman, Casey, took the cut off toss from the outfield behind the pitchers mound and the runner at second went too far. He pushed him back to 2nd and then the runner went farther off of third -- so Casey switched his attention to the guy that was flirting with home plate -- running him back to third -- diving for the goal line, sorta, tagging him out at third before his knee touched the ground.
The pressing question on my mind tonight is about our swim team photos in the morning -- and if I'm going to have bags under my eyes.
Hat tip to the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates : News : Pittsburgh Pirates News The Pirates continued to be on the vanguard in unveiling a permanent exhibit at PNC Park that celebrates the legacy of the city's two famed Negro League clubs: the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Grays. The shrine, located just inside the left-field gate, is the first of its kind at a big-league park.Way to go. Let's celebrate our history. Let's understand about the past.
If we don't know where we've been, it is hard to know where we're going.
If we don't know history, then run the risk of making the same mistakes over again.
I'm one who always wants to make new mistakes -- and despise it when I repeat old ones. I'm known for my more original mistakes.
Test Drive OpenOffice.org
Microsoft today announced the opening of a "test drive" so that people can see what Microsoft Office 2007 might look like when it finally goes on sale.Sure, this is great. But, rather than just say it is like a test drive and keep the car, one would be correct in saying that you can also keep the FACTORY that the car came from as well. Take the car, the specs, the insights and be wed to the community.
The OpenOffice.org Community invites potential upgraders to go one better - download the full OpenOffice.org 2 office suite today for a test drive, and if you like it, use it free for as long as you like. It's the ultimate no-strings-attached test drive - if you enjoy the test drive, keep the car!
As office software becomes a commodity product, Microsoft has been forced to make significant changes to the 'look and feel' of MS-Office 2007. Because of this, analysts now agree that migrating to Microsoft Office 2007 will be a major upheaval with a significant cost impact.
Unlike changing to Microsoft Office 2007, changing to OpenOffice.org 2 does not require learning how to use office software all over again. Indeed, reports have shown migration to OpenOffice.org 2 is 90% cheaper than migrating to Microsoft Office 2007.
For more information and references to the reports, please see http://why.openoffice.org
Life is great when we choose freedom.
Report: Reroute buses, redo Market Square
Some online reading. How nice.
Report: Reroute buses, redo Market Square The report can be found online at www.ura.org; www.downtownpittsburgh.com; or www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/.
Monday, June 26, 2006
The Carbolic Smoke Ball: PIRATES' SPECIAL ALL-STAR GAME CONSULTANT, MAYOR RICHARD J. DALEY, PUSHES JASON BAY INTO LEAD IN BALLOTING AMONG NL OUTFIELDE
Cute.
I'd rather go watch a winning team anyway.
I have not been to a Pirate game in a couple of years, other than to protest.
The Carbolic Smoke Ball: PIRATES' SPECIAL ALL-STAR GAME CONSULTANT, MAYOR RICHARD J. DALEY, PUSHES JASON BAY INTO LEAD IN BALLOTING AMONG NL OUTFIELDERS Jason Bay found himself atop all National League outfielders in fan balloting for the All-Star game today, and he has one man to thank for it: the Pirates' special 'All-Star Game Consultant,' Richard J. Daley, former Mayor of Chicago.We are going to go to the game on Tuesday night. That will be my first time in PNC Park since the City League High School Baseball Championship Game -- won by Langley!
I'd rather go watch a winning team anyway.
I have not been to a Pirate game in a couple of years, other than to protest.
July 4th and 5th event planning -- heads up -- assistants welcomed
We are planning for a number of events on and about July 4 with Russ Diamond in Allegheny County.
Brentwood Parade
(Some other stops in the daytime.)
4 pm: Press Event and volunteer briefing on the South Side of Pittsburgh at our home and office, 108 South 12th Street, Pittsburgh, 15203.
5 pm: A $17.76 fundraiser with food.
6:30 pm: Our annual open house
On July 5, Russ Diamond visits and mingles for breakfast from 7:30 to 9 am at Tom's Diner at 1715 East Carson Street for breakfast before heading back to his home.
If you can assist or attend, please let me know via email or phone call. Bring some friends too. Specific details shortly.
412 298 3432 = cell
Independent Candidate for PA Senate, 42nd district, November 7, 2006
Brentwood Parade
(Some other stops in the daytime.)
4 pm: Press Event and volunteer briefing on the South Side of Pittsburgh at our home and office, 108 South 12th Street, Pittsburgh, 15203.
5 pm: A $17.76 fundraiser with food.
6:30 pm: Our annual open house
On July 5, Russ Diamond visits and mingles for breakfast from 7:30 to 9 am at Tom's Diner at 1715 East Carson Street for breakfast before heading back to his home.
If you can assist or attend, please let me know via email or phone call. Bring some friends too. Specific details shortly.
412 298 3432 = cell
Independent Candidate for PA Senate, 42nd district, November 7, 2006
It is all Greek to me.... Greek sprinters admit to doping at '04 Olympics - Monday June 26, 2006 4:18PM
If Tom Murphy is going to help with a reform of conflict of interest laws and setting up new rules for those who make contracts, perhaps we should ask these Greek sprinters who wreck motocycles after taking roids to give a few pointers on how to ride on the wild side to #7, Big Ben.
Their motocycle crash was one of the overlooked moments in sports. It put a black cloud on the early moments of the Olympics back in Greece.
Their motocycle crash was one of the overlooked moments in sports. It put a black cloud on the early moments of the Olympics back in Greece.
SI.com - More Sports - Greek sprinters admit to doping at '04 Olympics - Monday June 26, 2006 4:18PM Nearly two years after embarrassing the host nation on the eve of the Athens Olympics, Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou admitted they broke doping rules and accepted their bans from competition.
The runners dropped their appeals Monday before the Court at Arbitration for Sport. The International Association of Athletics Federations said they will be eligible to return Dec. 22 after completing their two-year bans, provided they pass the mandatory drug tests.
Finally a channel for Big Ten diehards
ContraCostaTimes.com | 06/26/2006 | Finally a channel for Big Ten diehards The Big Ten Conference is thinking outside the box. Beginning in August 2007, the conference will launch its own television network, which will be called -- drum roll, please -- the Big Ten Channel.
Well, OK, the name isn't much, but you have to admire the ambition.
'It will be a destination for all things Big Ten,' said commissioner James E. Delany, whose definition for 'all' is a little loose. Football and men's basketball games will be on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2, as stipulated by contractual agreement. But all the other things -- you know, soccer, tennis, swimming, diving and wrestling -- you'll find them there.
The Big Ten Channel involves a partnership with Fox Cable Networks and will be available to satellite and cable distributors and through the Internet, iPods and cell phones.
Let's ask the FOX how to fix the Chicken Coop & Murphy off the hook
Edited slightly:
There is a time to hear from Mayor Murphy -- and there is a time to run away quickly from all that he does. Listen just to figure out which way he is moving -- then go the other directions.
Federal prosecutors won't indict former Mayor Murphy: "the EX-mayor would be working with Ms. Buchanan primarily on reforming state Act 111, which governs the binding arbitration which applies to police and firefighters contracts. He said they might talk to state officials about ideas like preventing contract negotiations during election season, or giving city councils some say over what kinds of contract provisions are agreed to between the parties before arbitration starts.Hold the phone. Replace, Redirect, Reform. I don't want to have those folks have any hand in any reforms. No way. Ex-Mayor Tom Murphy is the last guy I want to be in a role for REFORMING conflict of interest measures.
There is a time to hear from Mayor Murphy -- and there is a time to run away quickly from all that he does. Listen just to figure out which way he is moving -- then go the other directions.
Drive to shrink city council gains steam
A couple have emailed me asking about this proposal, not sure what to think.
I also love the concept of ballot access. This means that questions should be put to the public and made available for a general vote without a lot of undo hardships in terms of signatures of voters.
So, direct, honest candidates and questions should get onto the ballot with reason. As many know, this isn't the case now. Statewide candidates get onto a ballot with 2,000 signatures while nearly 100,000 are needed for those who are NOT with the old party label, D and R. That has to be changed.
We don't even allow for citizen led ballot questions in PA. The 'growing greener' vote of May, 2005, for example, was put onto the ballot by the Governor and blessed by the legislature. We, as citizens, should have the right to put up ballot questions too. In the city, there is that possibility.
So, let's vote. Let's have the discussion. Let's get the question on the ballot.
But, I don't like that these questions are HATCHED behind closed doors and are no put out into the open before they are put onto various petitions. The wording of the changes for the city charter need to be "sanctioned" in a much better way. I'm not sure we are putting forth the very best questions for general vote.
I know that the 'row-office reduction' and debate was centered around a very bad question. The question that went to the voters was much weaker than what I would have done. I bucked for individual questions for each row office, YES - or - NO, rather than the package deal that was crunched into one question.
Before I get into the ins and outs of if council should be dropped from 9 to 5, I want to see who is calling and giving out black petitions? Where are they Joe King and Bob Hillen? Will this be another fruitless exercise? There isn't a good track record of getting signatures. And, are we going to be spinning our wheels again?
The deadline is August 8. Why is this just getting media coverage now? Did I miss something back in April, May, and June?
I drove past a firehouse today and almost pulled over to walk to the folks there and ask these same questions. Where are the black petitions? Can I get some? Let's go!
Drive to shrink city council gains steamFirefighters, city GOP want council cut to sizeFirst, I love democracy and I think we need to use it or loose it. We need to flex those community muscles and that means we should be putting three to six referendum questions onto the ballot every election for the next few years. So, I like the use of referendums a great deal.
A referendum drive to cut the size of Pittsburgh City Council from nine members to five may have unprecedented momentum, council members and their foes agree.
I also love the concept of ballot access. This means that questions should be put to the public and made available for a general vote without a lot of undo hardships in terms of signatures of voters.
So, direct, honest candidates and questions should get onto the ballot with reason. As many know, this isn't the case now. Statewide candidates get onto a ballot with 2,000 signatures while nearly 100,000 are needed for those who are NOT with the old party label, D and R. That has to be changed.
We don't even allow for citizen led ballot questions in PA. The 'growing greener' vote of May, 2005, for example, was put onto the ballot by the Governor and blessed by the legislature. We, as citizens, should have the right to put up ballot questions too. In the city, there is that possibility.
So, let's vote. Let's have the discussion. Let's get the question on the ballot.
But, I don't like that these questions are HATCHED behind closed doors and are no put out into the open before they are put onto various petitions. The wording of the changes for the city charter need to be "sanctioned" in a much better way. I'm not sure we are putting forth the very best questions for general vote.
I know that the 'row-office reduction' and debate was centered around a very bad question. The question that went to the voters was much weaker than what I would have done. I bucked for individual questions for each row office, YES - or - NO, rather than the package deal that was crunched into one question.
Before I get into the ins and outs of if council should be dropped from 9 to 5, I want to see who is calling and giving out black petitions? Where are they Joe King and Bob Hillen? Will this be another fruitless exercise? There isn't a good track record of getting signatures. And, are we going to be spinning our wheels again?
The deadline is August 8. Why is this just getting media coverage now? Did I miss something back in April, May, and June?
I drove past a firehouse today and almost pulled over to walk to the folks there and ask these same questions. Where are the black petitions? Can I get some? Let's go!
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