Who is going to be the hero: Showing up six times without blowing up.

The brief video clip above, (a segment of Heavy Or Not), drives home a point that has surfaced a number of times in the recent weeks.

My statement at city council on March 13 hit against a member of city council who didn't show up for a debate. Meanwhile, ballot challenge matters from a number of candidates are headed to the judge because certain paperwork didn't show up.

I love to point being made that one doesn't need to blow up. Just show up. That's a big theme of mine. At all cost, avoid burnout. Stand for office. Do what you can. Show up.

My intention is to stand for office in 2007, six times. I intend to show up on the ballot. Statements need to be made. And, my stance needs support from others, behind and most of all, beside.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, with the force, needs to show up to debate.

State bread & circuses - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Blistering and beautiful letter to the editor:

State bread & circuses - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review On the same day that our elected leaders were patting themselves on the back about their deal to keep the Penguins in town, the state issued a report that the Pittsburgh region lost 27,900 (seasonal and weather-related) jobs in the month of January alone.

Mr. Ravenstahl, Mr. Onorato and Mr. Rendell have applied yet another Band-Aid to the much larger problem. They have made sure that they will not be the elected officials under which the area lost one of its precious sports teams...

Unfortunately, it is clear that they have no idea how to address these issues. As such, I suspect that our elected officials and their governments will continue to provide the citizenry with more circuses.

Onorato Provides Insight on Arena Deal

Last Sunday morning we were glued to the boob tube with coverage of Luke and his wife. This week Onorato gets a fist full of free tv exposure and props from Jon Delano.

It is one thing to get free exposure, but another to get that at a cost of $5-million a year for 30 years. Plus, there is the knocking down 12 other buildings. Plus, the loss of land that can be taxed.

kdka.com - Onorato Provides Insight Into Arena DealTo see more of Jon Delano's interview with Dan Onorato, watch the Sunday Business Page this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KDKA-TV.

When is Onorato going to go to China? What are the dates of that travel? I was thinking about doing a daily podcast / video show to join with those travels.

Now to watch the infomercial, err... show.

Hat tip to Jon, however, for doing a sit-down with Rich Swartz, a competitor to Onorato for the D primary, and a target of the Onorato cronie lawyers.

If I see Onorato, I'd be quick to ask him to call of the lawyers and allow the voters of the County to decide who should be the ACE. Is Onorato, a powerhouse, with $1.5 million in his Political Action Committee, scared of the people's vote?

Tymoczko now to lead discussion on video tape of planning meetings. Law tip to me: sue. Agenda changed 3 times now,

Weirdness is unfolding.

Tymoczko is now the one, not Smith, to lead the discussion about video tape of meetings at the City's Planning Meeting slated for Tuesday, March 20, 2007. The agenda has been changed three times now. What's up with that?

See the thread below and the more than 10 comments.

Ravenstahl's site drops photos - Ethics N@ II

Also see another of my recent posts on this topic called Ravenstahl's site drops photos - Ethics N@.

Dick Skrinjar hoodwinked the MSM, but that's a yawner to me. Furthermore, what the other bloggers are buzzing about is wonderful, but, really, to me, it isn't going to deliver us to the "promised land." This is a huge about face, fur sure. It is a step in the right direction, no doubt. But I'm not so interested in baby steps. Fast forward to prosperity before another generation of Pittsburgh's depart.

If I'm mayor, I'm taking down all copyright notices on the public web sites. Gone. Materials should be put into the public domain.

I'm a big open source advocate. At the least, "the right direction" would be the use of a creative commons license. But, I'd champion the full "U" turn and go to public domain.

Only 14 of you clicked on this video located on my YouTube sites in the past. However, hundreds of thousands, I expect, have watched it on the net.

Furthermore, if Luke had put materials from the city's web site into the public domain, he'd not be in this bowl of mush he now sits in. Nor would D.S.

The decoder rings -- well -- they might still be necessary for other uses.

This is the work of the public, hence public domain. All content should be accessible by the public. Public domain is the most 'transparent' -- and it is the best solution for being free to craft the best solutions, ideas, messages and concepts.

Since I got into politics and community communication efforts, nearly 10 years ago, nearly everything I touch I push to the public domain or into some other free and open license. It is so much better.

The ago old expression fits. More gets done when nobody takes the credit. In Pittsburgh's political landscape, very little has been accomplished, except for new taxes, red tape and sustaining the downward spirals of decline.

Luke, if the photo was given to you -- then put it into the public domain. Then you (and I) can use it anywhere we want. Game over.

Copyrights have a purpose, but not in politics and our public life. This is why I'm so bent out of shape with the creation of a 'video tape policy' of the City Planning Department for is Planning Meetings.

Those 'red light cameras' and 'speeding cameras' should NOT arrive, but if they do, I'd want the content to stream into the public domain. Be open. Be honest. Hide nothing. Be free. Take down limitations.



My recent posts, Ravenstahl's site drops photos - Ethics N@. (link again)

Condition of Pgh Public Schools comes into focus with parents at big meeting hosted at Hill House by Wireless Neighborhoods & T.Smith

Updated pointer from today's P-G.

City parents voice concerns over schools While their complaints ranged from lackluster academics at accelerated learning academies to poor discipline district-wide, about 40 parents who gathered in the Hill District last night had this much in common:

They fear efforts to improve the Pittsburgh Public Schools aren't panning out, and they want their voices heard.

A great group of parents interested in the overall health and quality of the Pittsburgh Public Schools held a meeting at the Hill House tonight. Wireless Neighborhood folks, including Mrs. T. Smith, help to organize the gathering that also included a handful of board members. Randall T, Mark B, Thomas S., and Skip Mc were there with the advocates, regulars and concerned.

Expect to see coverage from Joe S. of the P-G.

The next meeting is slated for May 1, 2007. Save the date.

Sadly, more than 30 people were told in advance of the meeting that they would not be able to attend as only a smaller room was available. At the last minute, the big room was made available -- so more could have attended. I'm not sure how many where there, perhaps 60 to 75.

Discipline starts next year, so says Mr. Roosevelt. I'd still like to know why the wait?

Net the Truth Online: Clean up voter registration rolls

Dan Onorato is in charge. So, this will never happen.

Net the Truth Online: Clean up voter registration rolls With voter registration rolls going unchecked for accuracy year after year, even with the implementation of the Help America Act and its mandated database of registered voters across the country, it's surely a duty of opponents no matter which political party to review and scour nomination petitions and make challenges when warranted.

It's time for Pennsylvania to clean up its voter registration rolls of deceased, the voters who have moved out of the state, and or out of one county into another county, now.

Video tape policy on the agenda again at Planning Commission

The next meeting, bring your video camera, is March 20, 2007 at the end of a meeting that begins at 2 pm.

See the agenda

F. Director’s Report
* Green Building Task Force, Ismail
* Bar Task Force, Ford
* Staff Recommendation on Video Taping, Smith
* City-Wide Investment Report, Andrews

Of note, the Bar Task Force is going to get mentions too.

UPDATE: Hanna, Dolores would like to recall the message, "Revised Planning Commission Agenda for March 20, 2007".

The agenda has been changed three times now. It looks like SMITH isn't the one going to lead the discussion. See comments.

PA Swimming Official Site

Courtney swims FAST in 100 back at STATES. Way to go.

13 Schneiderlochner, Courtney SR Carlynton-07 1:00.54

New school records!

Coach Ed Shupsky has departed

It is with much sadness to learn of the passing of fellow swimming coach, Ed Shupsky, last night. Ed, and his "whoop whoop" will be missed. A viewing is being planned at the Miller Funeral Home, 460 Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue, this weekend. Please check the newspapers for the specific details.

Thanks to Stan for the heads up.

Ed is a good friend of fellow coach, Hosea Holder. Both Ed and Hosea got lifetime awards this fall from the local chapter of USA Swimming.

Correction: BELLEVUE, not Millvale. Times are listed below.

The funeral arrangements for Ed Shupsky will not make the paper until Fri. PM.

Visiting Hours: Friday 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Saturday 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Service is Sunday 6: 00 PM at Miller's Funeral Home in Bellevue, Pa 412-761-2441.

Humm.... Family and Business Healhcare Security Act

Dear Healthcare Reform Leader and Friend:

Due to unforeseen (positive) developments we are postponing our planned joint press conference announcing the "Family and Business Healhcare Security Act" bills in the Senate and House until further notice. SB 300 is already in process and the House version (yet to be assigned a number) is already redrafted and ready to be presented by a prime sponsor. We are in the midst of negotiations to identify the strongest possible advocate for our universal single-payer legislation in the House -- and, without revealing more than I am able at this time, I am encouraged by the above-mentioned "developments." I will get back to you as soon as I have more definitive news.

Thanks for your continued support of our campaign. Keep sending those letters to newspapers and legislators, organizing those house parties for March 29 and beyond, and contributing whatever dollar amounts you can. Everyday is a winning day when we continue the fight for healthcare justice!

Yours in solidarity,

Chuck Pennacchio,

When I see news like this, I wonder why. I don't take any comfort in this type of 'news' of 'no news.' More news is better than less news. Some backroom dealings are unfolding, clearly. Is there a hi-jack situation? Name names.

Let's go watch a movie: Pride

Print as many coupons as you have in your party.

Ravenstahl site drops photos - Ethics N@

It is a crying shame that all ethical matters need to be taken to Harrisburg's system, rather than the one in Pittsburgh. The one in Pittsburgh has not functioned in a decade. What about the Pittsburgh Ethics Board?

Bob O'Connor was getting that in gear, we were told. Then he died.

Luke and Bill made some squeaks about it a few weeks ago, but the follow-through has been absent.

Ravenstahl site drops photos - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Peduto criticized the mayor's use of the photos.

'I think it's a violation of state ethics. It's very clear that you cannot use government property for political purposes,' Peduto said.

A spokesman for the State Ethics Commission did not return a call seeking comment.

One of the worst ethical campaign act that dealt with 'photos' was the campaign commercial that was filmed by Tom Murphy in the Mayor's office for the benefit of Ed Rendell. Murphy used his office for a TV ad.

This ethical violation was called to everyone's attention. Even the MSM made a mention of it.

I went to city council and asked the members on council to stand with me and demand that the ad be taken off the air. None on council made a peep. They all like Rendell. They all like Mayor Murphy. They all had no need for doing what was right and ethical.

Even the TV stations didn't care. They ran the ad over our objections. The TV stations wanted to make the money, even if it was unethical content.

I think Bill Peduto was on city council at the time. Luke might have not have been on council yet, but I'm sure he was out of diapers by then.

Sure, this gives another chance to bash ex-Mayor Tom Murphy again. But his foolishness and his model have set the standard for the D party in Pittsburgh for many years.

See other link on same topic: Ethics N@ II

Ravenstahl site drops photos thanks to bloggers

http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2007/03/ravenstahl-site-drops-photos-thanks-to.html

Ravenstahl site drops photos thanks to bloggers

Nit or NOT? (And I don't mean WVU in the NIT.)

Ravenstahl site drops photos - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's campaign on Wednesday removed at least five photos from its Web site because they look a lot like pictures taken by city employees that appear on the city's official Internet site.

'We're trying to be scrupulous in following the letter of the law,' said Damon Andrews, Ravenstahl's campaign manager.

Well done fellow bloggers. Well done.

Richard Swartz hit by challenge to nomination petitions

Ugh.

PDF of document showing the details.

Shame on Dan Onorato and his cronies.

Screen capture of PDF form include:

From Art from friends

Video tape policy of the Planning Meetings is still not completed

We are still hanging with a Freedom of Speech issue. Heads up to WTAE and others. The video tape policy of the planning commission meetings is still slated to be on the agenda, again.

We've got ghost voting in Harrisburg. We are looking for reform. We need it on Grant Street -- and Ross Street.

Pi Day Statement: We got pucked.

Statement delivered to Pittsburgh City Council on Pi Day, March 14, 2007.

The Penguins / multi-purpose arena deal is behind us. Now it is time to begin to look at the deal, its costs and promises. I've urged others to "think again" throughout this entire ordeal. Frankly, I crave something much better. I think, "We got pucked."

This should not be an US (taxpayers) vs. THEM (elites of governement and sports) face off. Often, life isn't about two sides. I want the third, more creative, best deal -- not one step better than the worst.

The worst thing would have been to offer a ton of subsidization to the Penguins and have them still leave and still build the new arena without a tennant.

Better than the worst is to offer a ton of money to the new arena and have them take it and destroy the Civic Arean in the process.

To grow the region, we've got to expand. Keep the Civic Arena, its pie-like shape and all. Build the new arena elsewhere.

The video above has a different persepctive. What do you think?

Photos and Video of South Side meeting about Bars in Market House with Mayor Ravenstahl

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl spoke at this meeting, held on Feb 28, 2007, just before it concluded. See the mini-slide show in photos.

D-primary challenger, Bill Peduto, did not attend this meeting because he was speaking at another event, a candidate's debate, hosted at the Union Project. It was to be a candidates debate, but the Mayor didn't attend. Other candidates in other races debated, but not Luke.

From planning-urban

At the meeting, Luke said he'd come to the South Side and walk the streets on a weekend night to experience what we see on a regular basis. That got him some applause. He spoke of follow-through too. But, he didn't come to walk the streets in the wee-hours (pun intended). He didn't follow through.

We're still waiting.

Could New Arena Spark Develoment In Hill District

kdka.com - Could New Arena Spark Develoment In Hill District(KDKA) HILL DISTRICT Now that the new arena is going to be built just across the street from the silver-domed Mellon Arena many residents of the Hill District are beginning to wonder if it could spark new development in their neighborhood.

In the �50s, the construction of a new arena had many Hill District residents excited. But that promise never really materialized.

However, now, a new arena is in the Hill District�s future.

"Now that the Penguins are here for the next 30 years we're hoping that we're going to have some good relationships," says Reverend Johnnie Monroe, of Grace Memorial Church, in the Hill District.

The answer to the question is clear to me. In my humble opinion, the new arena will NOT be a boost to the area's development in terms of what is most desired and needed.

Who wants to live next to a NHL hockey venue? Some 50 nights a year, you can't get home after work or go out for a loaf of bread. These nights you'll be sure to have cars wedged everywhere, so having guest is out of the question. Futhermore, the flow of fans, not always quiet and with empty blatters is in your face.

It has been my belief that the Hill District would thrive again after the Pens depart. Homes would come and so would small business. Residents and workers don't appreciate the headaches so they'll not arrive. They vote with their feet.

So, the Hill District is going to stay much like it is. More glitz and debt will come to one tiny section, but that's about all I expect.