AP Wire - Pittsburgh City Council overwhelmingly approves budget overwhelmingly approves budget
Monday, December 18, 2006
Pittsburgh City Council overwhelmingly approves underwhelming budget
It is nice that there won't be any new taxes. It is nice that the ticket tax for consumers attending events hosted by nonprofits is going to be less. The parking tax drop of 5-percent was due to the state legislature's mandate. That's more like a bad joke as savings won't be passed to the consumers. But, all in all -- the new budget is an underwhelming work from a city still on the brink. Additional fallout is expected from the Murphy Administration. Some bad news gottchas still loom large. No real salvation is in sight.
Legal Okay given to NOT advertise public meetings!
G.W. -- a Running Mate like few others -- sent me this letter. Here is a snip.
Friends of the Zeiss On Monday, City Council held a “Post-Agenda” session on funding for The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. As with all Post-Agenda sessions, this session was open to the general public. This was also one of the relatively few Post-Agenda sessions that was broadcast on the City’s Government Communications Cable Television Channel, City Channel Pittsburgh, on Comcast channel 13.
However, I only found out about this Post-Agenda session, inadvertently, when two people who attended the December 5 regular legislative session of City Council, where the Post-Agenda time and date was announced, informed me of the meeting. I did not attend the December 5 meeting, as I was scheduled to attend another meeting at that time.
As with many of the Post-Agenda sessions held in the past, the December 11 Post-Agenda included discussion of important City business, including the request for significant City funding from a major City institution. Yet few people knew this Post-Agenda would occur since it was not posted or advertised in any public location.
I discussed this matter with the City Clerk, and she informs me that the City Law Department has told her that posting or advertising the date and time of Post-Agenda sessions is not legally required. I would disagree with this legal interpretation.
Roll -- advice to backstrokers
Two guys doing backstroke at the Pitt Christmas Meet yesterday. The guy in the lead has a wave off his shoulder. The one in the back has a much better shoulder roll without the wave of water pushing on the brakes.
Honz Man: Bi-Partisan Fix Is In with John Stagerwald
On the radio with KDKA-1020 AM, John Stagerwald, sports, talks about the Pens and gambling and explains how there has been a bi-partisan fix about gambling.
There were no Libertarians who were part of these raw deals -- as were the Ds and Rs.
Furthermore, John S, name names. I'm not so happy to hear about a big scoop on how the fix is in -- but names are not named. This was exactly the same thing that Tom Murphy did.
There were no Libertarians who were part of these raw deals -- as were the Ds and Rs.
Furthermore, John S, name names. I'm not so happy to hear about a big scoop on how the fix is in -- but names are not named. This was exactly the same thing that Tom Murphy did.
Former Pa. lawmaker who opposed slots won $15K at casinos and a $150k job
The truth hurts. Then this player asks, 'it's not illegal?' -- but he was part of the process to make it legal. Duhh...
Report: Former Pa. lawmaker who opposed slots won big at casinos - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Former Rep. Mark McNaughton, who voted against the state's slots law in 2004 and opposed gambling for years before that, won $15,500 between 2003 and last year, according to tax returns obtained by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
McNaughton, a five-term Republican from Harrisburg, disclosed his winnings on federal income taxes, but not on his state ethics forms, the newspaper reported. He is set to take his $145,000-a-year post on the gaming board by the middle of next month.
'It's not illegal to gamble, is it?' McNaughton told the newspaper Friday.
Spoke today in city hall
I went to City Council Chambers to speak again today for 3 minutes. Some notes follow:
The meeting last week in city council chambers about the Carnegie Library's request for more funding was not advertised. It was a post agenda and was on TV, but not on the web site. We need the business of city governement to occur in public with notice. When meetings happen -- advance notice is justified.
The meeting schedule for next week is not posted yet today -- on either the web site or the little bulletin board in the reception area of the 5th floor of city hall. Telll the people in advance when the meetings are going to be held.
Using a simple Google Calendar, as set up already, for Pgh City Hall, would be effective and free. When I called 3-1-1 with this request -- they were worthless.
When a simple meeting schedule can't be posted in advance with clarity -- people wonder if more complicated things such as the budget can be managed. Or, what the heck are they trying to hide.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is looking for the cover of darkness, however. They've messed up the North Side branch and want to build a new library and abandon its historic, paid for, branch in the public park. I would not be willing to give the Carnegie Library additional funds as they are messing up what treasures and assets they've been charged to preserve.
I worry about 'broken promises' such as the Pittsburgh Promise. What about paying for the college education of those who have been home schooled or attend private / Cathlolic schools and reside in the city? And the funding amounts are 10-times too low, at least. It seems to be another promise that looks like it will be broken.
In other hidden business, I'm still upset at Dan Onorato and the Allegheny County Board of Elections for stopping the Libertarian Party's designated poll watcher from a witness to the tabulations for the November 2006 general election. What's up with that? What are they trying to hide? The law says that parties are allowed three people to witness all tabulations and vote counts. We don't want to run to the courts. I want to see a memo of understanding and letter from the Allegheny County Chief Executive, Dan Onorato, a Board of Election member. Dan can clear up the sins of the past unethical policy. What happened in the past was wrong. Tell the world that it won't happen again.
There were goofy things happening on election night. These facts came out at the Board of Elections meeting when I was there to protest our denied access. Five times a worker who was employed by someone other than the election department, pulled out a 'smart stick' (USB DRIVE) and inserted that into the electronic voting system / network. Witness to vote hi-jacking is strong and should not be ignored.
There are problems. A lack of trust is throughout. The way to fix these troubles is not to be more closed. Rather, be sure to be open, as described by the law and then some.
If Onorato was smart, he'd insist that five, not three, designated people from the Libertarian Party be present for all vote counts and tabulations. Go overboard. The law says three. But he should bend over backwards to welcome scrutiny. Fix it. Don't hide it. And pledge that it won't happen again -- on your letter head in an open letter to the workers and the voters.
Then comes the scrutiny of the 'red light cameras.' I asked Bill Peduto to look at the blog to learn what they are doing in New Mexico. I think if he made such a move in the legislation due in 2007 then there would be more support for the bill.
The tax lein by-back was on the agenda too. Here is another example of another ill set in place by Tom Murphy's Administration that city council played a role in allowing. City council is at fault too, as well as Murphy. But, that was then and some on council today were not part of those decisions. However, they are here now for the clean-up of the mess. But, if they don't understand the history and how their oversight was lacking back then -- they'll be sure to repeat many of the same mistakes.
I don't want to have the tax lein buy backs present opportunities for ONLY the LDCx. The LDCs are Local Development Corporations. Pittsburgh has a slew of LDCs and these LDCs presented a good deal of Tom Murphy power bases. The LDCs have played along with Tom Murphy's ploys and screwed up our city in serious ways. This $6-million investement today should not be another tool in our tool bag -- for LDCs only. Citizens and taxpayers and voters and private individuals should be able to move on these properties -- along with the LDCs. We should not see favored treatments to cronies. Even cronie organizations.
An additional point didn't get raised but was on the agenda. Again, it is a place where Tom Murphy screwed up in the past and the city pays today. And, the city council was sleeping at the wheel in the past.
Bill No. 2006-1008 reads: Resolution providing that the City of Pgh enter into a temporary professional services Contrace or Contracts with UPMC Work Partners for the purpose of paying Workers' Compensation medical claims for expenses which were incurred prior to December 31, 2005, at a cost not to exceed $716,353.
More than a half-million dollars is going out the door because folks in higher level Murphy positions didn't do their jobs. And, city council didn't do its job and be proactive in fixing things before a $700,000 bill must be paid.
I know people at UPMC and at AGH (Allegheny General Hospital). The contract for medical services was switched. Fine. But, it was switched poorly. Now the city pays dearly.
What's $700,000 -- well -- that much pays for all the city's crossing guards. That amount pays for four or five rec centers. It is a good bit of money. That's a big problem that makes for a big fumble. And the oversight is not to be found.
Another gloomy day in the city when looking at the actions of city hall.
The meeting last week in city council chambers about the Carnegie Library's request for more funding was not advertised. It was a post agenda and was on TV, but not on the web site. We need the business of city governement to occur in public with notice. When meetings happen -- advance notice is justified.
The meeting schedule for next week is not posted yet today -- on either the web site or the little bulletin board in the reception area of the 5th floor of city hall. Telll the people in advance when the meetings are going to be held.
Using a simple Google Calendar, as set up already, for Pgh City Hall, would be effective and free. When I called 3-1-1 with this request -- they were worthless.
When a simple meeting schedule can't be posted in advance with clarity -- people wonder if more complicated things such as the budget can be managed. Or, what the heck are they trying to hide.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is looking for the cover of darkness, however. They've messed up the North Side branch and want to build a new library and abandon its historic, paid for, branch in the public park. I would not be willing to give the Carnegie Library additional funds as they are messing up what treasures and assets they've been charged to preserve.
I worry about 'broken promises' such as the Pittsburgh Promise. What about paying for the college education of those who have been home schooled or attend private / Cathlolic schools and reside in the city? And the funding amounts are 10-times too low, at least. It seems to be another promise that looks like it will be broken.
In other hidden business, I'm still upset at Dan Onorato and the Allegheny County Board of Elections for stopping the Libertarian Party's designated poll watcher from a witness to the tabulations for the November 2006 general election. What's up with that? What are they trying to hide? The law says that parties are allowed three people to witness all tabulations and vote counts. We don't want to run to the courts. I want to see a memo of understanding and letter from the Allegheny County Chief Executive, Dan Onorato, a Board of Election member. Dan can clear up the sins of the past unethical policy. What happened in the past was wrong. Tell the world that it won't happen again.
There were goofy things happening on election night. These facts came out at the Board of Elections meeting when I was there to protest our denied access. Five times a worker who was employed by someone other than the election department, pulled out a 'smart stick' (USB DRIVE) and inserted that into the electronic voting system / network. Witness to vote hi-jacking is strong and should not be ignored.
There are problems. A lack of trust is throughout. The way to fix these troubles is not to be more closed. Rather, be sure to be open, as described by the law and then some.
If Onorato was smart, he'd insist that five, not three, designated people from the Libertarian Party be present for all vote counts and tabulations. Go overboard. The law says three. But he should bend over backwards to welcome scrutiny. Fix it. Don't hide it. And pledge that it won't happen again -- on your letter head in an open letter to the workers and the voters.
Then comes the scrutiny of the 'red light cameras.' I asked Bill Peduto to look at the blog to learn what they are doing in New Mexico. I think if he made such a move in the legislation due in 2007 then there would be more support for the bill.
The tax lein by-back was on the agenda too. Here is another example of another ill set in place by Tom Murphy's Administration that city council played a role in allowing. City council is at fault too, as well as Murphy. But, that was then and some on council today were not part of those decisions. However, they are here now for the clean-up of the mess. But, if they don't understand the history and how their oversight was lacking back then -- they'll be sure to repeat many of the same mistakes.
I don't want to have the tax lein buy backs present opportunities for ONLY the LDCx. The LDCs are Local Development Corporations. Pittsburgh has a slew of LDCs and these LDCs presented a good deal of Tom Murphy power bases. The LDCs have played along with Tom Murphy's ploys and screwed up our city in serious ways. This $6-million investement today should not be another tool in our tool bag -- for LDCs only. Citizens and taxpayers and voters and private individuals should be able to move on these properties -- along with the LDCs. We should not see favored treatments to cronies. Even cronie organizations.
An additional point didn't get raised but was on the agenda. Again, it is a place where Tom Murphy screwed up in the past and the city pays today. And, the city council was sleeping at the wheel in the past.
Bill No. 2006-1008 reads: Resolution providing that the City of Pgh enter into a temporary professional services Contrace or Contracts with UPMC Work Partners for the purpose of paying Workers' Compensation medical claims for expenses which were incurred prior to December 31, 2005, at a cost not to exceed $716,353.
More than a half-million dollars is going out the door because folks in higher level Murphy positions didn't do their jobs. And, city council didn't do its job and be proactive in fixing things before a $700,000 bill must be paid.
I know people at UPMC and at AGH (Allegheny General Hospital). The contract for medical services was switched. Fine. But, it was switched poorly. Now the city pays dearly.
What's $700,000 -- well -- that much pays for all the city's crossing guards. That amount pays for four or five rec centers. It is a good bit of money. That's a big problem that makes for a big fumble. And the oversight is not to be found.
Another gloomy day in the city when looking at the actions of city hall.
Direct Action @ Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
| Civil disobedience by Philadelphia residents in protest of the Gaming Control Board's not responding to their demands for good information on the casinos proposed for their neighborhoods. keywords: PGCB, Casino-free Philadelphia, slots, casino, gambling, Pennsylvania, hallwatch | |
Notice that a member of the media got arrested. When was the last time a member of the Pittsburgh media got arrested for justice? Well, at least we have some who are blogging now, if that is any peace of mind.
The Busman's Holiday
The Busman's Holiday I have great respect for those bloggers who are so prolific and creative that they’re posting through the day with charm and passion.Thanks Bob. Back at you. But, I name names. =;0
Perhaps you could take your workshop to this page and do a bit of an update on the Platform.For-Pgh.org wiki page. Think of it as a workshop assignment.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
URA to Crush Longtime Pittsburgh Landlords
The Three Rivers Post & Standard � URA to Crush Longtime Pittsburgh Landlords You gotta love government meddlers when it comes to development. Their supporters always crow, crow, crow about what they build — even when it fails, as have many of their initiatives in the downtown Pittsburgh area . We are always reminded that nothing would have happened if the meddlers didn’t do their deals.
City Hall intrigue does not take a holiday during the holiday season - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
City Hall intrigue does not take a holiday during the holiday season - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Talk in certain Grant Street hallways has Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl considering offering Allegheny County Prothonotary Michael Lamb a high-level position in his administration.
But would Lamb accept?
I hope so. He should. He needs a job. He would be a good addition to the administration as he'll continue to offer the city fine public service.
But would Lamb accept?
I hope so. He should. He needs a job. He would be a good addition to the administration as he'll continue to offer the city fine public service.
Downtown efforts leave empty feeling - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Here is the rub. Chamber of Commerce folks and the PDP (Pgh Downtown Partnership) want big programs, big taxes, big organizations and big lies. Meanwhile, real people vote with their feet. The marketplace is too fluid and too much of a force for the big central planning types who are big, slow and stupid.
At this point in time, the volume of merchants who know best are long gone. There are not enough of the sensible around to counter act the big-time jokers who aim to soil our landscape by grabbing what they can for themselves with the next massive programming ploy.
Those who make the rules, rule.
I have no hope that the new investment of $35-million for Point State Park will save downtown.
I have no hope that the new T-stop at Gateway Center is really needed to revitalize Fifth & Forbes.
I have no hope that the half-billion dollar tunnels under the Allegheny River will turn things around either. What's the attraction of the underground T? Were people afraid to swim across the river for shopping and cheering for the Pirates?
The surge in residential units is because the value of commercial spaces is at such an all time low.
We have more people willing to move downtown because less are willing to live in our neighborhoods.
They are thinning. They are taking away high-rise buildings and replacing them with green spaces. They are getting rid of density. They are putting capacity out by the airport and other green fields while they are doing demolitions on density and urban spaces.
Our economic engine is not on a rebound. We've choked the hope. We have places to sleep, but few place to earn a pay check are willing to locate here.
We're turning into a slumbering little town. Everyone that says we are building momentum are sleeping. Wake up soon, before the marketplace leaves the state.
At this point in time, the volume of merchants who know best are long gone. There are not enough of the sensible around to counter act the big-time jokers who aim to soil our landscape by grabbing what they can for themselves with the next massive programming ploy.
Downtown efforts leave empty feeling - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Taxes are a problem, said Gerald Schiller, part-owner of several family-owned properties along Forbes Avenue and a frequent critic of government-driven rehabilitation efforts. 'Retailers are deserting Downtown, because they are being phased out of business by the city's tax policy.'We need real benchmarks too. Let's say things are going well, when they are not. Let's look at office vacancy rates -- but exclude the Lazarus Building. What's up with that? We have way to many blind spots, by design.
Schiller is particularly disturbed by a Business Improvement District tax increase on retailers. The 3.92-mill assessment, which provides money for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, will increase by 5 percent annually for the next five years. The tax is levied against property owners in a 90-block area.
Barbara McNees, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, supports the tax increase.
'We must keep Downtown safe and clean, not only for its current retailers and residents, but for visitors, new residents and others in the Downtown area,' she said.
Those who make the rules, rule.
I have no hope that the new investment of $35-million for Point State Park will save downtown.
I have no hope that the new T-stop at Gateway Center is really needed to revitalize Fifth & Forbes.
I have no hope that the half-billion dollar tunnels under the Allegheny River will turn things around either. What's the attraction of the underground T? Were people afraid to swim across the river for shopping and cheering for the Pirates?
The surge in residential units is because the value of commercial spaces is at such an all time low.
We have more people willing to move downtown because less are willing to live in our neighborhoods.
They are thinning. They are taking away high-rise buildings and replacing them with green spaces. They are getting rid of density. They are putting capacity out by the airport and other green fields while they are doing demolitions on density and urban spaces.
Our economic engine is not on a rebound. We've choked the hope. We have places to sleep, but few place to earn a pay check are willing to locate here.
We're turning into a slumbering little town. Everyone that says we are building momentum are sleeping. Wake up soon, before the marketplace leaves the state.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Jumpcut - Group Game called, "Where am I?"
Have you seen Jump Cut yet? Check out this new group there to play a game called, "Where am I?" I've uploaded three mini videos there. You watch and comment. Jumpcut - Group Where am I?
Here's the game: Shoot a short video from wherever you find yourself - with enough scenery so that someone could guess where you are, but not too much - and post it here. The first person to guess the location in a comment wins.
tags: travel game
Upload
Here's the game: Shoot a short video from wherever you find yourself - with enough scenery so that someone could guess where you are, but not too much - and post it here. The first person to guess the location in a comment wins.
tags: travel game
Upload
Sarah Heinz House, hard hat tour photos
See dozens of images from a major expansion of a boys and girls club being built by Dick Corporation. It isn't as nice nor expensive as the Polar Bear exhibit at the zoo, but hey -- its for our kids! They are still looking for a couple million to close out the building campaign.
Ex-member of the US Congress, from Georgia, quits the Republican Party and joins the Libertarians.
Down South Jukein from R to L. Do you know the song?
This fall, there has been a lot of talk about 'turn overs.' Pittsburgh needs a push to juke from various parties to the Libertarian team.
The Lynyrd Skynyrd song came to mind -- Down South Jukin'. Search Google on "Down South Jukeing" and notice the 5th hit is this blog. I'm high on the list for a miss-spelled rockin tune titles.
BREITBART.COM - Ex-Rep. Barr Quits GOP for Libertarians Ex-Rep. Barr Quits GOP for LibertariansClick the comments for the entire article. Or, see the link above.
By BEN EVANS, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON
A former Georgia congressman who helped spark President Clinton's impeachment has quit the Republican Party to become a Libertarian, saying he is disillusioned with the GOP on issues such as spending and privacy.
Bob Barr, who served eight years as a Republican congressman before losing his seat in 2002, announced Friday that he is now a 'proud, card-carrying Libertarian.' And he encouraged others to join him.
This fall, there has been a lot of talk about 'turn overs.' Pittsburgh needs a push to juke from various parties to the Libertarian team.
The Lynyrd Skynyrd song came to mind -- Down South Jukin'. Search Google on "Down South Jukeing" and notice the 5th hit is this blog. I'm high on the list for a miss-spelled rockin tune titles.
I post one happy holiday message with the song, "Oh Abraham" -- and then get this call
Hi. My name is Eugene Gershin. Perhaps we have met online, but more probably you don't know me from Adam. I monitor blogs for SamsonBlinded, and came across your post.The things we see on the net are wild, from time to time. Last week when there was a missing young adult, sadly, the thread got attention from his friends. Life.
I'd like to welcome you to look at Obadiah Shoher's blog. Obadiah - an anonymous Israeli politician - writes extremely controversial articles about Israel, the Middle East politics, and terrorism.
Shoher is equally critical of Jewish and Muslim myths, and advocates political rationalism instead of moralizing.
Google banned our site from the AdWords, Yahoo blocked most pages, and Amazon deleted all reviews of Obadiah's book, Samson Blinded: A Machiavellian Perspective on the Middle East Conflict.
Nevertheless, 170,000 people from 78 countries read the book.
Various Internet providers ban us periodically, but you can look up the site on search engines. The mirror www.terrorism-in-israel.org/blog currently works.
Please help us spread Obadiah's message, and mention the blog in one of your posts, or link to us from rauterkus.blogspot.com. I would greatly appreciate your comments.
Best wishes,
Eugene Gershin
Told ya.
Poppa Penguin says, 'hold the phone" on the adoption.
Certainty chatter is a sure stinker.
So, one thing is for certain. My rant about "being certain" as a top priority (Dec. 13, 2006) rings like a bell.
Photos of bells I've used and seen are below. Play the video of the one on the bike -- for effect.
Watch the Video
Historic bells of an emperor (above) and a religious bell tower from a structure in a temple is below.
Photos of bells I've used and seen are below. Play the video of the one on the bike -- for effect.
Watch the Video
Historic bells of an emperor (above) and a religious bell tower from a structure in a temple is below.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Oh, Abraham. A song from the past. Chanukah -- a stretch. But worth a listen.
New video for these times.
Chanukah began tonight.
From a new photo album that features Amy Carol Webb.
Chanukah began tonight.
From a new photo album that features Amy Carol Webb.
Amy Carol Webb MP3 Downloads - Amy Carol Webb Music Downloads - Amy Carol Webb Music Videos: "Faith Fortitude Friends
Citizenship Celebration today for David
See my Google Calendar for the details.
David S, a 911 operator, North Sider, who recently ran for Pittsburgh City Council in the special election for Luke's former seat, is getting to take his oath of citizenship today. Way to go.
I hope he runs for public office again. He was talking about issues, more than personality.
David S, a 911 operator, North Sider, who recently ran for Pittsburgh City Council in the special election for Luke's former seat, is getting to take his oath of citizenship today. Way to go.
I hope he runs for public office again. He was talking about issues, more than personality.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
More photos. Picasa only takes 500 per album
Buy some corn on the cob from a vendor selling from a hot pot built into the back of his bike.
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| From china - bike ... |
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