Act 47 Recovery Team Warns Of Potential Budget Deficits - News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

The Act 47 dog and pony show visited Pittsburgh's city council this afternoon. I went to hear some of what they had to say.

Yesterday on Grant Street I saw Bill Urbanic, a finance guy who works for the city. I told him one thing to prepare for the meeting with the Act 47 Overlords. "Bill, tell the Overlords that I'd be willing to help them pack their offices and leave town. They should call me if they need help. Otherwise, I have very little to say to them. One of my top goals is to get the OVERLORDS out of town."

I'm not fond of the OVERLORDS. We need to get rid of them. The best way to send them packing is to be responsible stewards of the city's public money.

Act 47 Recovery Team Warns Of Potential Budget Deficits - News Story - WTAE PittsburghThe Act 47 team predicts that the city is less than three years away from returning to budget deficits and warns of a $6.6 million deficit in 2010 and $18.1 million deficit in 2011.

In today's meeting Jim Motznik asked about the length of time the overlords are planning to stick around. He wanted a future timeline as to their departure. Good question.

The answer came and it was all over the place. There wasn't a real answer to the question. There was no follow-up. There was Jim listening -- shaking his head up and down.

Then came a tough question from Jeff Koch. He wanted to know about working with the city or against the city. It was a teamwork question.

So the OVERLORDS spoke about how the state can come into a school district situation and take them over. The reply, hardly an answer to the question, was about a different matter fully. It had nothing to do with Pittsburgh's situation.

The answers do not match the questions. And, the ones that ask the questions are okay with those answers.

Meanwhile, the room was filled with firefighters in the audience. There wasn't a fire. There wasn't even the smell of burning rubber from deep thoughts from those around the table.

I'll watch the painful event, in full, tonight on cable.

Act 47 Recovery Team Warns Of Potential Budget Deficits - News Story - WTAE PittsburghJim Roberts of the Act 47 team said, 'Again, most of the issues that you've raised have a resolution only on the state level.'

Figures.

City Council is GREAT at ignoring its own problems, adding to its own mess, failing to look inwards. City Council is not interested in pulling its own weight. City Council, Luke Ravenstahl, Dan Onorato and others that have come and gone in the past are eager for bailouts from elsewhere.

Three Rivers Fishing Report: All About Govt Efficiency....but shhh, it's a secret.

Three Rivers Fishing Report: All About Govt Efficiency....but shhh, it's a secret. We've been hearing about this committee for quite some time and each time I read about it I am confused about the justification for keeping its findings from the public.

The blog's author wonders if a leak to the press might come from a staffer. I don't care for that to happen.

Lead the whole darn thing -- warts and all. Open up the floodgates to ever converstation, all the minutes, all the phone logs, all the notes.

Ravenstahl and Onorato feel as if there is no debt for them to pay to the public. What they 'owe' is our (taxpayers) to pay. Pittsburgh always acts with interested parties in meeting behind closed doors. That is what I call our lingering 'smokey city legacy.'

The best thing to do to improving government efficiency is to turn the lights on. Shine a bright light into every corner and crack in our dealings, acts, people and meetings/commissions.

Of course public folks should be given prompt access to everything, including Advisory Committee's work. We shouldn't even need to ask as the data should be on the internet, warts and all.

They also might want to consider institutionalizing such an Advisory Committee to maintain a consistent source of well-reasoned recommendations for the city and county for administrations to come.

Don't hold your breath.

Just never vote for them again.

Voice of the Region Pop Survey

Voice of the Region Pop Survey What are the top 3 websites you could not live without?

Example: google.com

1) www.___

The survey assumes that the web site starts with 'www.'

WRONG, Wrong, wrong.

My platform.for-pgh.org is without WWW.

My Elect.Rauterkus.com is without WWW.

My blog, Rauterkus.blogspot.com is without WWW.

Neighbors Foil Pizza Deliveryman Robbery Plot

Highland Park -- you all rock! Way to go!

kdka.com - Neighbors Foil Pizza Deliveryman Robbery Plot: "Pittsburgh Police are crediting observant neighbors for foiling what they believe was a plot to rob a pizza deliveryman.

Peduto can knock himself out -- but don't call it a ''first' -- it isn't

I like the editorial spin, Peduto has a government in exile. Yet he is on city council. Go figure.

Barbs and Shields The creation of the first web-based, interactive, political action committee for policy.'

Bill can try (again) to launch a web-based, interactive, political action committee for policy -- but don't call it a 'first.' It won't be FIRST. It could be new to Bill. It could be built with recycled electrons, but it isn't going to be 'first.'

Bill, don't step into the trap. Don't call it 'first.'

If you want an interactive, web-based, policy area -- see the Platform.For-Pgh.org wiki. That has been around for years.

Barbs and Shields

This could be an ethical violation. The line, backed up by council staff, is very interesting. what does that mean? Perhaps that is something that the ethics hearing board should discover.

Barbs and Shields Behind the scenes, some of his council colleagues have been livid about a series of mid-month meetings he held with three successful Democratic primary challengers. According to insiders, Democratic nominees ... were in for orientations hosted by Mr. Shields, backed up by council staff, which some of the ousted officials viewed as presumptuous. They're the likely replacements for Jeff Koch, Len Bodack and Twanda Carlisle, respectively.

Allegheny Institute Blog: SEA is AWOL

Allegheny Institute Blog: SEA is AWOL The Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA), the city-county agency that is the owner of Heinz Field, PNC Park, the Convention Center, and the soon to be civic/hockey arena, is apparently bored with its duties as the steward of all the cultural and recreational goodies that make our region the most livable (sarcasm intended). For the third month in a row, they had to cancel a meeting because they could not get a quorum.

Who showed up. Who didn't?

Invitation to visit with Ron Paul -- Aug 3

Invitations, eCards, Party Ideas, Party Themes from Evite Who's Coming?

Tally shows 30 as of Aug 1, 2007.

City Council looking at parking permit program, its costs

City Council looking at parking permit program, its costs City Council looking at parking permit program, its costs

Parking is the third rail of politics in Pittsburgh's South Side for some. Not me.

When a gathering occurs, parking becomes a topic. Whenever two or more should gather in the name of parking, you've got a situation of holy magnitude.

I am against the expansion of the parking permit program for the South Side because it is only a back-door tax. I was against the permit program in the past years because I knew that they would raise the rates.

The cost for every car was $20 then and there were promises that the rates would increase. Those promises can't be kept. Politicians around here can't make promises and stick to their word.

Even the Act 47 overlords could say that the parking permits for residents should increase to $50 or more and the city would have to follow along with the parking hike.

I'm sure the suburban member of the state house would be keen to have the parking tax drop from its recent high of 50% (now 45%) and shift the tax to residents. The parking tax is a burden to downtown office workers who live outside the city and commute to the city. They'd rather have city residents pay the high amounts, not the visitors.

Raising the ticket price to $35 rather than $25 is a another sure way to anger the suburban commuters too.

People are going to stop visiting the city with the constant waves of fees, tickets, red tape, fines, penalties, survailence, traffic jams, detours, high costs of parking and water main breaks.

One of the ways to fix the problem of a program that is not sustainable is not being talked about (in the article at least). The programs should be sustainable in that the costs should covered by the incomes. However, those on city council only look at the incomes. They wonder about how the city can make more and more money. None on council wonder and work to make the program less expensive. Drop costs. If necessary, drop the programs outright.

The program costs $562K to maintain in 2006, so they say. I'm not too confident of that amount. But, if that is the case, why does it cost so much? The program has not expanded in years. The signs are up. How much does a few stickers costs?

Enforcement is the big cost, I'm sure. That means pay checks. That means jobs.

I'd look into empowering the residents tp write the tickets on their own streets to those who are abusive to the parking zone.

I'd look into a wholesale elimination of the resident permit parking program.

I'd also look into getting "cronic parkers" and "multi-car residents" more parking off the streets. There are a lot of folks who own a lot of cars that sit constantly on city streets.

Parking on the street isn't 'ideal' for many reasons. It takes the parking away from visitors. It is bad for the car. It is a worry and bit of trouble.

I'm interested in starting serious conversations about a new program -- 'In-Fill Parking.'

The city has many properties that it owns. Some of these properties are abandoned lots. Many of those lots could be re-used for off-street parking. The cost would be next to nothing, if done with some adjusted policy efforts.

Tinkering with the zoning code is hard work. Too bad those on council are more interested in making new taxes, not finding new solutions that require heavy lifting, research and creativity.

I'm confident that the South Side's parking problems could be improved in dramatic ways with an "Libertarian In-Fill Parking Program" that looks at the grounds around us, the hunks of rusting metal that fills them, and the flow of traffic throughout our communities.

Be There to hear Dr. Ron Paul, 2008 Prsidential Candidate

Four Points Sheraton North
910 Sheraton Drive,
Mars, PA 16046
Phone: 724-776-6900

7 pm on Friday, August 3, 2007

I'll be there!

PA Cleansweep asks: Is Reform Dead?

PACleanSweep launches new poll to find out

on the inside, perhaps…

Brad Bumsted of the Pittsburgh Tribune- Review thinks so - at least as far as any action inside the halls of our state Capitol. Bumsted made the proclamation in a recent column titled "Remember in November of '08." He joins fellow astute capitol observer John Baer of the Philadelphia Daily News, who preceded him with a column titled "'Race to Reform' sputtering to Nowheresvillle."

Both writers provide great commentary on what's happened to reform on the inside, despite the outstanding efforts of reform-minded voters who replaced 25 percent of the General Assembly in 2006.

Where exactly are the voices of those freshmen that provided the citizens of our fair Commonwealth with so much hope last year? Have they been completely shut down by heavy-handed legislative leaders - or just sucked into the Harrisburg culture of self- interest, arrogance and greed?

You can read the excellent articles by Bumsted and Baer by clicking the links below.

"Remember in November of '08" by Brad Bumsted

"'Race to Reform' sputtering to Nowheresvillle" by John Baer

meanwhile, on the outside...

Citizens are still grousing about the need for real change despite the deaf ears their complaints fall on in Harrisburg. What will it take to actually get it? Was the PACleanSweep mantra of 'voting them all out' not so far off the mark after all? It certainly appears that way.

In 2005, we opposed the retention of Supreme Court Justices Sandra Shultz Newman and Russell Nigro. The results of that election helped grow the reform movement by leaps and bounds. While we were highly ridiculed by the establishment and the lawyer community for doing so, most people have come around to accept that it was the right thing to do, as the courts have paved the way for legislative shenanigans such as the pay raise and 2004's slots bill.

Do Pennsylvanians need to take another similar step toward reform this November when a whopping 68 judges across the state will be up for retention? We'd like you to tell us what you think.

Please take a minute or two to participate in the PACleanSweep Judicial Retention poll by clicking the link below. The results of the survey will be used to formulate our plan of attack for the upcoming months. Remember, this is YOUR Commonwealth and only YOU can create change. Don't wait around for others to do it for you - especially those on the inside who are comfortable with the status quo.

We ask that you forward this message to as many concerned Pennsylvanians as possible.

Vote in the PACleanSweep Judicial Retention Poll

Letter of Marque and Reprisal -- vintage 2001

Insight Dr. Paul's position on the Afghan war, how he, if President and in the US Congress, would capture Bin Laden, and routine counter terrorism efforts are better understood with this post from his blog:

http://blog.ronpaul2008.com/ron_paul_2008/2007/07/wise-not-wacky.html


They outline how Ron Paul submitted a Letter of Marque and Reprisal in 2001. That is a way for a nation to "get back" at a state or non-state offender in a way that is proportional to the offense, thereby reducing the chances for total war.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letters_of_marque

Wow, imagine that, a measured and direct response, instead of attacking the wrong country with our whole army. That Ron sure is NOT kooky!

Baby, You Can Buy My Car. Yes, You're Gonna Be a Star. Beep, beep, Yeah!

Update: Car is sold!

Original post from July 26, 2007:

We need to sell this car. Do you need a cheap, dependable, car? Honda LX, 4 door, automatic with 102,500 miles. I posted this to Craigslist and have had a good number of calls.

This would be perfect for getting around town in the winter. Or, it would be ideal for the high school, college or grad student / driver. Works well. Just inspected. Fixed up a bit of rust on the edges. Has airbags and a power sun roof that works. Air conditioning works too. Worst features, AM radio reception because of a snapped antenna. Call me if you want to take it for a test drive. It is parked on 12th Street, very near to our house. We're looking to sell this so we don't have to insure it any longer.

The blue book value is $2,900. But, we'll sell it 'as is' for less. I'd love to get $2,000. But, we'll take less. Hurry. The offer is $1,900 (firm). Don't be the third, please, to offer $1,500.

kdka.com - Local Woman Claims To Find Bug In Bagged Lettuce

kdka.com - Local Woman Claims To Find Bug In Bagged Lettuce

So what. Get over it.

Water Polo is "on" -- the pool is fixed

Yesterday we faced TWO closed swim pools.

A plastic part on the filter at the Crafton Swim Pool broke late Sunday night. So, we heard that Monday's water polo was not to happen. It was a freak break that forced the closing of the pool throughout the day on Monday.

Later the day we headed over to our neighborhood swim pool, Ormsby. But a power line transformer on a nearby telephone pole had blown. Sounded like a gun shot, so they said. Power was out to a few blocks in the South Side around the swim pool. Without the pumps flowing the water of the pool through the filters it isn't okay to open the swim pool.

Twice in one day we headed out to take a swim and couldn't go.

Infrastructure matters. Makes me want to swim in the rivers, sorta.

State Rep. Joe Preston Accused Of Assault - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

State Rep. Joe Preston Accused Of Assault - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh A local lawmaker is facing charges after a confrontation at his office.

Police said state Representative Joe Preston, of East Liberty, is accused of assaulting a woman.

Preston denied the allegations against him.

Preston said the woman came into his office and refused to leave.

But police charged Preston with one count of simple assault.

Ouch.

McLean of New Zealand rules herself out of Beijing Olympics

30th July 2007

North Shore swimmer Hannah McLean has opted out of consideration for next year’s Beijing Olympics.

The Melbourne Commonwealth Games medalist wants to take a break from the sport but may return to top level competition.

McLean said she is unable to give the commitment that is demanded in top level swimming for a tilt at the Olympics. She has had a break after the world championships earlier this year and plans to spend the next year living in Europe after recently becoming engaged.

It is not a move that McLean has taken lightly.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision for me and one that I have taken very seriously. However I am confident that I have made the right choice,” McLean said.

“Although I will not be swimming in Beijing I would like to leave the door open for the possibility of competing again. This is not an official retirement.

“I am now at a stage in my life where I no longer feel that I can give every ounce of myself to swimming. And I believe that it is that unwavering commitment which is necessary to perform at the very highest level.”

McLean has been one of New Zealand's highest ranked international swimmers, securing a bronze medal in the 200m backstroke at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and at the FINA World Swimming Championships last year. She also holds the Commonwealth Games Championship record over 100m backstroke and was ranked fourth in the world over the distance in the same year.

Her coach Jan Cameron said she backs McLean’s decision but hopes she may return to top level swimmer in the future.

“Hannah has found it increasingly difficult to put everything into swimming and to get a balance in her life that will still allow her to perform to the highest level,” Cameron said.

“Hannah is an absolute perfectionist and anything less than her very best is not good enough. She is the model of a dedicated and committed elite athlete.

“She leaves a big hole in our programme and our relay aspirations but at the same time it opens an opportunity for others to put their hand up.”

McLean said she has enjoyed the opportunities that swimming has provided.

“It’s been an honour for me to swim for New Zealand on the international stage. I have always held the highest expectations of myself in how I go about achieving my personal goals and performing for my country.

“I’ve been humbled by the support of not only my family, friends and sponsors but also by the rapidly increasing group of fierce New Zealand Swimming enthusiasts. There are now so many more kiwis who understand what a tough sport swimming is and how hard it is to break into the international ranks.

“I am also incredibly appreciative of the support of Swimming New Zealand throughout my career. The federation has taken huge strides in how it nurtures and supports its elite swimmers over the last few years.

“I know the personal development and unique experience of swimming will translate into whatever new pathways and challenges I choose to take up in the future.”

Nice messages.

Issues strain the ties between Pittsburgh mayor and Allegheny County executive

Issues strain the ties between Pittsburgh mayor and Allegheny County executive At first blush, it looked like the fates had aligned to bring the city and county together.

Comments welcomed.

U.S. must diversify to win medals count in '08 Games - Monday July 30, 2007 1:43AM

SI.com - More Sports - U.S. must diversify to win medals count in '08 Games - Monday July 30, 2007 1:43AMChina may displace the United States as the top gold medal team when the Olympics open a year from now - Aug. 8, 2008.

Our water polo teams are have qualified.

China will take 1-million vehicles off the road in August. Try to do that in L.A.

DeSantis must play hardball - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

DeSantis must play hardball - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Mark, you can win. But you must play hardball just to get to first base."

Some coaching from Dimitri to DeSantis fills his Trib column.

The 'schooling' that DeSantis wants from the employees of the city should NOT occur in the first 100 days. Rather, I side a bit with Dimitri. The schooling needs to occur throughout the campaign and throughout the transition period.

After Bob O'Connor won the mayor's office in the early November election, I was puzzled at how long he took to do anything. The schooling and interviews and decisions need to come in the weeks after the November 6 election and before the early January period when the oath of office is taken.

The first 100 days needs to be celebrated with one big block party (I'd still like to throw mine in the Wabash Tunnel, by the way) and ninty-nine days of new leadership with real advances in policy and progress on many political fronts.

Furthermore, the first 100 days after this election need to be counted as 50. The vote in November 2007 is for a two-year term, not a four-year term. The first 100 days makes a nice benchmark for typical four-year terms. In these times, and in this situation, a 50-day review is in order.