Jeff Koch -- here is your next job. Applications are due.

Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2008-09 Koch Associate Program and Koch Internship Program.

Koch Associate Program is a year-long, paid program designed to develop promising leaders and entrepreneurs interested in liberty and help them develop the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for careers with market-oriented think tanks, policy institutes, and other non-profit organizations. During the program, Associates work in non-profit roles four days a week and spend one day a week at the Foundation learning Market-Based Management®. Associates range in experience level from recent graduates to those with a decade of work experience. The Koch Internship Program is a condensed version of the Koch Associate Program and it is offered in the spring, summer and fall.

http://www.cgkfoundation.org

Virginia Okamoto, Talent Coordinator, Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, 202.393.2354 = phone: 202.393.2355 = fax

Ron Paul Letters to Editor in City Paper

Letters link.

Letters To The Editor: Sept 26 - Oct 3, Epistles of Paul
In the commendable piece on Ron Paul ["Ron Paul: Libertarian Apostle," Sept. 12] there was a statement objecting to Ron Paul's libertarian philosophy:

"I think his stance against sending troops to Darfur is perfectly in keeping with his libertarian philosophy about caring more about tax burdens than any burdens, including genocide, that actual people have to face."

Any decent and compassionate person wants murder and oppression of innocent people stopped, but consider how well government force accomplishes that. In that quote, replace "Darfur" with "Iraq" -- then with Bosnia, Kosovo, Waco, Vietnam, Cuba and Korea.

If you'd rather replace "troops" with "food," then try "food to Zimbabwe." Robert Mugabe replaced Zimbabwe's private farm system with systematic famine. When we sent "food to Zimbabwe," Mugabe channeled it to supportive tribes and regions, thus controlling or starving his opposition. Even intervening with food can backfire.

The problem with government intervention is that it becomes a government program developing hidden agendas overwhelming the original objective. Libertarians usually prefer private voluntary intervention because if things turn south an individual can immediately stop his support without an act of Congress.

At the dawn of the Iraq war, Ron Paul pleaded for non-intervention, but George Bush and Dick Cheney used "Iraq" in their version of the above quote. Conservatives and liberals today all sound so much alike.

Mark Crowley, Plum

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Thank you for the great article on Ron Paul by Charlie Deitch. He obviously put a lot of time into it and talked with a lot of people to produce a well-balanced piece. I would like to point out a subtle distinction in Dr. Paul's reasoning for his Congressional votes that is apparently lost on most people. He is accused of being indifferent to human suffering because of his opposition to foreign aid, among other things. He is opposed to using tax dollars for charity, both at home and abroad. The distinction is this:

If a person sends his own money to a charitable organization, that is considered a donation. If a person takes money from someone else and sends it to a charitable organization, that is theft, unless done by a politician, for which he is considered compassionate. It's easy to be generous with other people's money. However, government has no authority -- constitutional, moral or otherwise -- to operate as a charity. To force U.S. taxpayers, whether or not they have the inclination or the financial ability, to support relief efforts all over the world is immoral.

In addition, the abortion issue is one that is easy to confuse. I am against abortion but I am also pro-choice. Similarly, I am against skydiving and boxing, but I recognize that others may enjoy those activities and that I have no authority over them to prevent them from doing what I think is risky and dangerous behavior. It affects only themselves. For those who defend the right to abortion, however, do they believe that a mother has the right to kill her 2-year-old child? I hope not. Do they believe that a mother has the right to kill her 1-minute-old child? I hope not. Do they believe that a mother has the right to kill her child who is one minute from being born? I hope not. Now, keep backing up into pregnancy asking that question. My moral guideline is that no one has the right to kill any being who can feel pain or experience awareness. I don't know exactly when the central nervous system and the brain develop to that level, but that's the point after which abortion should be considered murder.

Nicholas Kyriazi, North Side

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It was good to see coverage on Dr. Ron Paul, Pittsburgh native. The racist card was unneeded; right or wrong, Paul has attacked government-supported racism and the staffer that wrote said comments was promptly fired. Paul is a constitutionalist and therefore he is right to allow state's rights to be in control of some social issues we may have strong opinions on. We are to be set up under "We the People" and if the federal government can control our diverse country, we all lose.

When it is all said and done, Paul is the only candidate that actually follows his oath of office and can restore honor to our lost government.

Philip Haddad, RonPaul2008.com

Mark DeSantis bursts bubble. Won't play in Peoria

PJStar.com - Journal Star News... ratings ... have fallen off from past highs, said DeSantis ...

The answer is here. Mark DeSantis won't play in Peoria.

I coached in Peoria. I loved my time there. And, I even got to lead a Brave team.

I was the acting head coach of Bradley University's men's swim team -- the Bradley Braves.

The Mark DeSantis in Peoria isn't the same Mark DeSantis in Pittsburgh.

But, for the record, I played in Peoria.

Allegheny County goes after private help for parks

This is crap.

Allegheny County goes after private help for parks Calling system a priority, Onorato creates a nonprofit board to foster public-private partnership

Onorato talks about the parks by saying how many geese got killed. That's it.

I don't want a nonprofit board to run our parks. I don't want Elsie Hillman and Bill Truehart to 'save our summer.' Scew that.

These parks are not about private-public partnerships. Parks are about public participation. Keep the private out of the parks.

Put the private back into business and out of the pockets of bartenders and customers who want a drink. Stop the drink tax, for instance.

The parks are the people's business.

We had SAVE OUR SUMMER with a private investment into the Citiparks -- and it sucked. I don't want Elsie Hillman telling the kids and families of the city what pools should be opened and what pools should be closed.

The foundation folks can enjoy the country clubs and health clubs -- and need to keep their nose out of the operation of the parks.

Friday, September 28, 2007
By Michael A. Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato yesterday unveiled plans to create a nonprofit board to raise private funds for the county's nine regional parks and to establish public-private partnerships to operate some of the parks' major attractions and amenities.

The board, to be named within two months, initially will be funded with $1 million from the county's capital budget. Mr. Onorato pledged to match dollar-for-dollar with county funds any private monies the nonprofit organization raises. He put no cap on how much the county would match.

Mr. Onorato said the parks, totaling more than 12,000 acres, are among the county's major assets, noting that it likely amounts to the highest acreage per capita in any county in the United States. So large is the county's park acreage, he noted, that the smallest of the nine, Harrison Hills, with 500 acres, is larger than the city's Schenley Park, with 420 acres.

Mr. Onorato said the parks need an infusion of private money to adequately fund deferred maintenance, recreational improvements and facility enhancements. He pledged that the time of county government treating parks as a frill to be ignored in tough economic times has ended.

"First and foremost, this is about the quality of life in Allegheny County," he said at a news conference unveiling the plans. "These parks are among the biggest assets we have.

"We are now going to make the parks a priority for this government going forward. We are serious about getting our assets up and running."

The action plan outlined by Mr. Onorato stems from recommendations in a "revenue sources management study" completed a month ago by the American Institute for Leisure Resources. The $25,000 study was funded by a grant from the Richard King Mellon and Benedum foundations.

"The existing and proposed service levels for park maintenance, recreation programs and environmental facilities have outstripped the available sources of revenue, creating a major unfunded backlog of current and future needs," the study reported.

In reality, the report said, there can only be two outcomes regarding the county park system -- "either lowering of the standard of living or the generation of new sources of revenue."

Among the report's recommendations the county will explore is requesting proposals from private companies for adaptive uses of the North Park Boathouse, Hartwood Stables, South Park Fairgrounds and Boyce Park Four Seasons Activity Center, including the skiing and tubing areas.

The county also will seek a private operator for tennis courts in Boyce, North and Settler's Cabin parks and will secure the services of the National Golf Foundation in Jupiter, Fla., to review the county's golf course operations in North and South parks.

Mr. Onorato said new, creative uses would enhance and expand what the parks already provide while creating new funding for them.

He gave assurance there will be no "tacky" or inappropriate uses, noting that County Council and the chief executive will maintain final say on what happens in the parks.

As an example of the potential of private-public partnerships in parks, he pointed to a lease agreement he announced in May 2006 with the Horticultural Society of Western Pennsylvania to provide a 452-acre parcel in Settler's Cabin Park for the Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania.

The agreement will allow the Horticultural Society to develop, construct and operate the garden on the county-owned land after first undertaking a massive land reclamation project to deal with underlying mines and mine drainage. Removing the mines and compacting soil on the site will effectively end acid drainage that has been polluting the groundwater and two local streams for years.

It is estimated the Botanic Garden will draw more than 300,000 visitors annually, ranking it among the region's most visited attractions, he said.

Also being explored as a new funding generator for the nine county parks is the possibility of selling naming rights, he said.

As a cost-saving move, Mr. Onorato has directed staff to explore working with the justice system and law enforcement agencies to establish a supplemental labor force to perform special maintenance projects in the regional parks. This work force could include minor offenders, community service workers, welfare workers and juvenile work crews.

Mr. Onorato said he plans to have "town hall" meetings at each of the parks to facilitate local input about what's desired and needed and to "re-engage" the friends organizations at each of the nine parks.

To illustrate his commitment to the parks plans, Mr. Onorato noted that he has named a County Parks Action Plan Implementation Team of top county officials including Deputy County Manager Kathleen McKenzie, Parks Director Andrew Baechle, Public Works Director Tom Donatelli, Economic Development Director Dennis Davin and Administrative Services Director Tim Johnson.

Hold your nose and run.

Rail statement at debate

Ravenstahl touts work; DeSantis says public ignored - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "DeSantis said he wants to 'reclaim Pittsburgh's riverfronts,' perhaps by asking railroad companies with tracks along the rivers to move them elsewhere."

No. You don't look at the rails and wish to move them. Rather, look at the rails and know that they are an opportunity to be used as they are. We need those rails to be put to use to move people.

Ask the freight companies to move off of a few lines so we can move people there without delays.

We have lots and lots of lines around this town. Those rail lines can be an asset again.

The Denver Car, a street car on steroids, is a contained engine and passenger car, that goes on plain old rail lines.

Ravenstahl touts work; DeSantis says public ignored - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Great news here.

Ravenstahl touts work; DeSantis says public ignored - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Both stressed the need to make Pittsburgh -- specifically Downtown -- more pedestrian- and bicyclist-friendly."

We don't need downtown to be bike friendly, however. When you are downtown, you can walk. And, downtown, we need to keep all the bikes off of the sidewalks.

But, we need to get downtown on bikes. And, we need to get through downtown on bikes.

We need bikes in the Wabash Tunnel. We need bikes along Forbes Ave and/or Fifth Ave. between Oakland and Downtown. We need bikes between Oakland and South Side. But, the new Brirmingham Bridge re-do is NOT with a bike lane. The sidewalk on the Birmingham Bridge ended with a jersey barrier for the past 20 years. The state was never pushed by officials to finish the ramp by the library.

Pimple Politics, a new catagory on the blog

At least this lady insn't singing, yet.

I'm starting a new category on this blog, and others are encouraged to do so as well. Let's call it, "PIPMLE POLITICS."

It will include golf, missed meetings, half-truths, girlfriends and Red Sox game sightings.

This should be a wide topic area.

Blogged To Death

From signs

We saw a lot of interesting people outside of the Byham Theater tonight, passing out candidate info, as the audience headed to the one night show, "Blogged To Death."

Ken and David of TV fame. Tom of Harrisburg and Jim, a local runner, both of the PG. Linda motored along as did David, League of Young Voters delegation and Rich. Dan didn't want the handouts from my boys on the corner as he went in the backstage door.

I had a ticket offer from Lynn, but had to turn her down.

Tonight was a bit crazy around the homestead. My two main running mates were dragged to work the lit handout at the corner while I was at the other end of the sidewalk. We had just had violin lessons. Catherine organized International Day at Pitt earlier in the afternoon. But the bad news -- Grandma is spending her second night at Presby.

So, I missed both the debate and the show -- but we did pass out 150 brochures tonight, and got everyone's homework done, I think.

Tomorrow, who is up for a bike ride?

Critical Mass meets in Oakland at the Carnegie Music Hall by Dippy around 5 pm. I'll be there with the running mates and my campaign manager, Vicki, and her son.

So, how did it go?

What were some good lines?

Seminar, How to run for office. One day! Scheduled for ifferent parts of PA

Have you ever wanted to run for public office but weren't sure of how to go about it? Maybe you'd like to help someone else get on the ballot, or even run their campaign, but lack the knowledge and experience? If so, then here's the opportunity that can benefit you.

This October, the Reclaim Our America Foundation is sponsoring a one-day seminar, How to Run for Public Office, at several locations across Pennsylvania.

The seminar covers everything you need to do to organize your campaign, get on the ballot, and get your message out. The material is applicable to Democrats, Republicans, delegates to their National Conventions (such delegates pledged to support Ron Paul), third party candidates, independents, even those who want to start their own political party.

Among the topics covered are:

* GETTING ON THE BALLOT, including how to get the necessary forms, collect signatures, file all paperwork, even substitute candidates, if necessary;

* PENNSYLVANIA CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING, including forming a political committee, how to file reports, and what to expect should you be audited;

* GETTING YOUR MESSAGE OUT, including writing news releases, handling the media, creating your own news, speaking effectively in public, and the basics of designing websites, literature, and signs;

* CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION, including managing volunteers, establishing campaign communications, fundraising, and staging events.

The material is being presented by Ken Krawchuk, a two-time candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, past chair of the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party, and a professional public speaker. In 2006, Ken was a co-trainer of the candidates for Russ Diamond's PaCleanSweep.org, with 109 out of 110 candidates ultimately making it on the ballot for the Pennsylvania legislature.

The seminars are being held at the following locations:

Pittsburgh -- Saturday, October 20th
Monroeville Holiday Inn
2750 Mosside Blvd
Monroeville, PA 15146

Harrisburg -- Sunday, October 21st
Harrisburg Holiday Inn
148 Sheraton Dr.
New Cumberland, PA 17070

Valley Forge -- Sunday, October 28th
Michael's Deli
130 Town Center Rd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Each seminar runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission price is $60 in advance, $70 at the door, and includes copies of all handouts and a buffet lunch. To register online, or to download a snail mail registration form, visit www.ReclaimOurAmerica.org.

The 2008 elections are just around the corner. The time to start preparing for your campaign is right now!

---

The Reclaim Our America Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit educational organization whose mission is to enrage and engage the average American and their elected officials by educating them about the Constitution to encourage its enforcement. For more information, visit www.ReclaimOurAmerica.org or e-mail ReclaimOurAmerica@gmail.com.

Running Mates -- you need to attend. But more, everyone needs to start to shake their networks of friends for possible candidates.

Even if you'd like to help on a campaign -- you could attend.

If you might like to run for office in 2009, such as for city council against Jim Motznik -- or for his seat open after he becomes mayor and liquidates the Parking Authority -- attend.

Be there if you care: 3:30 pm on Thursdays at Carol's.

From people & vips

World anti-doping chief praises Beijing Olympics preparations, help in U.S. steroid raids - Thursday September 27, 2007 12:49PM

The war on drugs -- Olympic style.

SI.com - More Sports - World anti-doping chief praises Beijing Olympics preparations, help in U.S. steroid raids - Thursday September 27, 2007 12:49PM The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency on Thursday praised China's assistance in massive U.S. raids on illegal labs that recovered millions of doses of steroids, much of which originated in China.

Dick Pound also endorsed new Chinese drug-control measures and said the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics were on track to be the most doping-free in the event's recent history.

David Adams yanks at his opponent to get out into the community -- or else

From the Office of the Adams for the 9th Campaign Team

Press Release:

David Adams, independent candidate for the 9th district city council seat, expressed frustration with Ricky Burgess’ obvious apprehension with meeting him to discuss an opportunity to debate informally, in order to provide the constituents of the district an opportunity to view the candidates and base their decision upon their plan, or in Adams’ case strategies for the district.

“I am sending this press release in order to satisfy 9th district residents Adams said, everyone I come in contact with wants to see us together discussing what we believe are the important issues.

Hiding as he is will not keep him from discussing the issues. We both will face the editorial board of the Post Gazette on October 10th. The residents of the 9th district have suffered from this kind of under cover, underhanded scheming for far too long; Burgess has no plan, other than opening the door to the corrupt developers, who sit in wait licking their lips to take over our district land. Through my investigative team the Conscience Group, I have received serious information about the true nature of Burgess’ agenda; it may not be his at all!”

“If Ricky Burgess does not come forward, by calling the office of the Adams for the 9th campaign team, by Monday October 1, I will personally challenge him in his church during a service, or resort to Marine tactics which will definitely force him out in the public,” Adams stated.

“The choice is his, Adams said, I represent the youth, the young adults, progressive seniors, and the residents who wish to preserve and rebuild our community, and especially our neighborhoods. We may not have the big money everyone outside of our community continues to throw in our face right now, but I swear before my God, this city will not push us out of our district! They may have purchased “Burgess,” thinking they have the key to the 9th, but I send this out to all that may hear… THE 9th DISTRICT IS NOT FOR SALE!!!! Under the Adams administration, residents can count on something similar to the Harlem Project.

Peduto floats Pittsburgh parking plan - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Peduto floats Pittsburgh parking plan - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pittsburgh City Councilman William Peduto is asking state lawmakers to require the city's parking authority to reduce rates in line with a parking tax reduction.

Gosh darn. Peduto is running to state lawmakers. Talk about hopelessness doesn't want to go away.

The PA lawmakers demanded and mandated the reduction in the parking tax.

But my big concern is that Pittsburgh people and Pittsburgh's leaders are NOT taking care of Pittsburgh's problems.

The Parking Authority is a city authority. Why not take care of our own mess ourselves?

Furthermore, I have no confidence that the Harrisburg politicians have any clue as to how to find the best solutions.

Wal-Mart is pulling out of Kilbuck site

Wal-Mart is walking out of the development in Kilbuck Township.

Meanwhile, Jeff Koch, D, city council member for a few more months, has been calling Wal-Mart officials to try to get them interested in moving into city council district 3. I think that there is a site up the hill -- near or in Arlington.

Those calls have not started today. They've been plugging away for a few weeks.

Hummm....

I'm glad that Wal-Mart has had the smarts to "Think Again" about its site with the mega land slide. That's a mature move. Be flexible. Have the capacity to think again.

So, thumbs up to Wal-Mart for finally making the right decision in the end.

Wal-Mart gives up on Kilbuck development: Wal-Mart gives up on Kilbuck development

Ethics Hearing Board boss, Sister Patrice, due any moment on KDKA Radio

Why would Sister P.H., boss of the Ethics Hearing Board, be slated to a KDKA Radio call-in show today? She'll be on Kevin Miller's show. Who is booking her to those appearances?

Is the Sister going to speak out about the arrival of the new Bishop?

Is the Sister going to speak about the secrecy of the Pittsburgh nonprofit trust fund that generates money for the city in unknown ways from unknown sources in unknown amounts with an unknown future -- by design?

I hope to call into the show and ask her if she'll hold a meeting in October. The last monthly meeting was scratched as a quorum was not present.

Am with good assumptions that the Sister would have gotten copies of these documents by now. They were delivered to her via the Pgh Law Department on Friday. http://Elect.Rauterkus.com/ethics/

As one who files a complaint, I'm under the thumb of 'confidentiality.' But, is she?

Blab about it bloggers.

Message to City Council on Sept. 26, 2007

Raw video of my message to Pittsburgh City Council, September 26, 2007. Talk begins under protest as there were only four in the room as the meeting began. As I was talking, a fifth member of council arrived. Five are needed to make a quorum.

Mentioned ethics, Jim Motznik, a DVD gift, education, schools and campaigns.

Quote: I've been filing a few ethics complaints. I'd hate to have reasons to file some more.

The Ethics Hearing Board has been having a hard time getting a quorum for their meetings. (Last months meeting did not happen as not enough members showed up. Many meetings were missed in the past because members of the Ethics Hearing Board were not showing up to do their duties.

In my talk, I call out to the members of the Ethics Hearing Board to show up for the October meeting as they have some work to do.

Message to the members of the Ethics Hearing Board -- "Come on down!"

Next meeting of the Ethics Hearing Board is posted on the second Friday of October, October 12. See the Google calendar.

I care a great deal about schools and lifelong learning. City Council and the City Controller could do a lot for education and citizen learning, as well as schools.

The decline of the city has a lot to do with the condition of our schools. As childrens get older, families often move out of the city as the oldest child hits 5th, 6th and 7th grades. Middle schools are "iffy" in the city. The high school are worse.

I was hopeful that the new high school reform agenda would talk about high schools. I've been disappointed, sadly.

We need to fix Pittsburgh by growing a new generation of competitive students. They need to be part of a region that has opportunities and prosperity. These kids are in our schools now. They are precious and the kids are the key to Pittsburgh's future.

Click To Play

Sunday event, Pgh Design Fair on North Side, 11-5 pm

Click for larger view. Check the Google Calendar for events.

My liquidation plank gets mentioned by Motznik on Nightalk TV show

Jim Motznik, D, of Pittsburgh City Council was on PCNC's NightTalk TV interview show last night. Motznik was absent at that day's city council meeting. See the other link about my address to council and my birthday gift for him.

As I watched the interview with Mr. Motznik, the highlight of his chatter was a comment that Motznik would, "liquidate the Parking Authority after becoming mayor."

Both parts of the statement by Motznik, (the liquidation and being mayor), are worthy blog bait.

Jim Motznik isn't running for mayor. He never has run for mayor. He has run for city council president and couldn't get a majority of nine to vote for him.

Would Mayor Motznik hire Michael Diven as his Denny Regan / Yarone Zober? Would Mayor Motznik call County Executive, Luke Ravenstahl, 'the boss?' Would Mayor Motznik call for more bailouts from Governor Dan Onorato?

I doubt that Motznik would get far in his big-government circle with talk of liquidation.

For years, I've been saying that the Parking Authority should be liquidated. So, perhaps, Jim Motznik is reading from my playbook and the Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki/. I love liquidation talk. However, there are important additional steps that I am promoting that I have yet to hear from Jim Motznik.

The gist of Motznik's interview was about keeping a high parking tax. The parking tax in Pittsburgh was elevated to 50% in the recent past. For example, if a $10 parking fee from a parking garage operator in the city gets joined by an additional tax of $5 for the city. The tax gets slapped on what the garage operator gets so that the total to the consumer is $15.00.

State laws have come into being from suburban legislatures that mandate lowering the parking tax. The bailout that the city got from the state required that the parking tax decrease. It was 50%. In 2007 it had to be 45%. In 2008 it is to go lower.

The city budget is out and the fight is about to get hot. The 5% drop in parking tax hurts the city about $3-million a year.

When talking liquidation, let's begin with the Parking Authority and move beyond.

I want to make liquidation talk happen without needing to be mayor first. Jim Motznik could introduce legislation to liquidate the Parking Authority as a member of city council.

But the kicker of my platform plank that wasn't mentioned by Mr. Motznik. I suggest that we drop the parking tax by large amounts as liquidation began and it would end up at 10% (or so) as full liquidation occurs.

Civic Arena Free Skate

Tom, Grant, Erik and #86, Simon. Grant took off his helmet for the photo, as they exited the ice.

By the way, the RAD tax still stinks. It needs to be re-tooled.

And, the Civic Arena should still be saved.

Today's meetings

I'm speaking to a group of senior citizens at the South Side Market House today at 11 am.

I'm speaking to any interested media at 3:30 pm in the West End at Carol's Restaurant, 410 South Main Street.