ETHCIAL CHALLENGES (News) from Pgh City Paper about Rauterkus efforts

By: Chris Young - October 4, 2007

Mark Rauterkus, a South Side political activist and vice chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party, doesn't do anything by half measures. He is running in not one, but two races on the November ballot. And last month he filed not one, but three complaints with the city's Ethics Board ... and one of those complaints alleged a lack of ethics by the board itself.

Rauterkus' complaint against the board arises from a section of its own ethics code. The code asserts that any person filing or "precipitating" the filing of a complaint against another person could be subjected to an ethics investigation if "the person publicly disclosed or caused to be disclosed that a complaint against a person had been filed with the board."

That provision "muzzles whistle blowers," Rauterkus contends. "People aren't going to file a complaint if they subject themselves to investigation by making it public. It's a way to sabotage complaints right from the get-go."

His complaint calls for the Ethics Hearing Board "to strike down the concept of imposing secrecy onto citizens. ... The Ethics Hearing Board should never wrongfully punish and threaten all citizens who file complaints."

By talking to City Paper about the grievance -- and by posting some of his complaint on his blog, rauterkus.blogspot.com -- "I'm breaking the code," Rauterkus acknowledges. "Have you been to jail for justice lately?"

But ethics board members "need to be pushed," he contends. "Hopefully they don't come back to push me into 30 days in jail."

When asked whether Rauterkus would be investigated for going public with his complaint, Assistant City Solicitor Kate DeSimone said, "I really can't speak to that, because I don't want to violate that code myself.

"The code mandates that complaints be kept confidential."

"Absolutely unconstitutional," says Vic Walczak, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, referring to the confidentiality provision of the ethics code. "The First Amendment protects matters of public concern."

Walczak does not know the ethics board's motive for keeping complaints from becoming public, but "wanting to avoid controversy is not a justification to suppress free speech."

According to DeSimone, the Ethics Hearing Board is considering an overhaul of the ethics code, but she says it has not specified changing the provision Rauterkus objects to.

Ethics Hearing Board Chairwoman Sister Patrice Hughes did not return phone calls from CP seeking comment.

Rauterkus' complaint with the Ethics Hearing Board was accompanied by two others, each filed against a rival in the upcoming election: Allegheny County Prothonotary Michael Lamb, and Democratic City Council candidate Bruce Kraus.

Lamb, the complaint points out, is a board member of A+ Schools, a nonprofit group that advocates improving the Pittsburgh Public Schools. But Lamb is also a candidate for city controller -- a job whose responsibilities include financial oversight of the school district. That dual role, Rauterkus alleges, constitutes a conflict of interest.

"I don't know that I agree," Lamb said after being informed of Rauterkus' complaint. The controller audits the district's books, he says, but the position has no responsibility for setting budgets. Even so, he says, he has discussed the issue with people at A+ Schools, and "I have contemplated stepping down if I'm elected controller.

"If I'm fortunate enough to win the election, I'm going to ask the ethics board if it's a conflict or not."

Rauterkus' complaint against Kraus stems from his belief that Kraus has "expressed desires to the mayor and to others in the administration" that would prevent outgoing city councilor Jeff Koch -- whom Kraus beat in the primary -- from being "rehired into suitable job openings within the city." Koch was a former employee of the city's Public Works department.

In his complaint, Rauterkus states that he has "strong reasons" to suspect that Kraus has "blacklisted" Koch. "I don't have any hard evidence," he tells CP. "That's just the word on the street."

Kraus calls the accusations "rubbish."

"It's nonsense," said Kraus. "Why would I wish unemployment on [Koch]? What power do I have to do that?"

The 'evidence' from the power hungry candidate within the complaint is found in a prior news release from Kraus himself. Back in the special election in 2006, Kraus ranted to muck around with Koch's work schedule with his night shift. http://Elect.Rauterkus.com/ethics/

Calling classmates: Penn Hills Senior High School, class of '77

kdka.com - U.S. Attorney To Investigate Ravenstahl's Car Use

kdka.com - U.S. Attorney To Investigate Ravenstahl's Car Use But that assurance was not enough for U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, who issued this statement: "The recent allegations regarding improprieties by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl that have been brought to the attention of my office will be reviewed as are all allegations of misconduct by public officials. Without complete knowledge of the facts, it would be premature to discuss potential federal criminal violations."

But Ravenstahl says he did nothing wrong.

"No, not at all," said Ravenstahl. "I don't think there's the appearance of impropriety here."

Think again, Luke.

The Sick Knicks -- fast forward Pittsbugh's City Hall

Luke gone wild might have Pittsburgh's city hall looking like this in a few years, if not in a few months.

The Sick Knicks: "The Sick Knicks"

Put the new slots parlor within the soon to be empty airport

We built US Airways a new airport. Now the flights are fleeing. Can we put the slots parlor in terminals A, B and C? We'll use Terminal D for airplane boarding.

This is a bit of a joke, of course. But, I wasn't joking years ago when railing against the corporate welfare deals. And, I still think we should be putting the new slots parlor within the Convention Center -- another white elephant.

Ron Paul’s fundraising shocks political circles. He is the real deal.

CNN.com - CNN Political Ticker Paul’s fundraising shock �: "WASHINGTON (CNN) – He's locked in low single digits in most polls, but Texas Rep. Ron Paul raised more than $5 million for his presidential bid in the third quarter, roughly equal to or just short of several of his higher -profile rivals.

'Dr. Paul's message is freedom, peace and prosperity,' Paul campaign chairman Kent Snyder said in a statement announcing the total. 'As these fundraising numbers show, more Americans each day are embracing Dr. Paul's message.'

Paul's fundraising total is a 114-percent increase over what he raised last quarter and is also only $2 million shy of what Democratic White House hopeful John Edwards raised during the same period. It is also roughly equal to the fundraising totals of Arizona Sen. John McCain and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson."

Have you gone to jail for justice? You'll be a friend of mine.

Last Sunday, I attended a church service on the North Side at the Allegheny U.U. Church. The star performer was Pittsburgh's Anne Feeney. She is one of the most dangerous musicians around.

Here is a snip of her song, that fits well with today's Pittsburgh City Paper article about my struggle with the Ethics Hearing Board.

Rotten Laws, until people like us deny it. View Video

If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qTPUqUYYo3c5ziPrmBbvzA

Statement to Pgh City Council, talking about parking tax and parking authority

Click To Play

Watch 3-minutes of public comment for Pittsburgh's City Council concerning Parking Tax and Parking Authority. Delivered on Oct 2, 2007.

This video has a different format with a slide-show elements. I used OpenOffice.org to make the various full screen displays of text that back up what is being said at the microphone.

"Rubbish" -- giggle, giggle, giggle. Go get a copy of the Pgh City Paper

This week's edition of the local newsweekly, tabloid, Pittsburgh's City Paper, is now available for free pick up in news boxes and stacks at cafes, etc.

The article concerning my struggles with the Ethics Hearing Board is on page 10, a nice position, at the top of the news / government section. The article is fair.

The online edition of becomes available tomorrow.

Rt 28 closed in both directions

An overnight rock slide forced the closure of all lanes along
Route 28 in Harmar Township.

Statement against the new taxes on drinks and rental cars

Tonight's statement delivered to the Allegheny County Council. I am not in favor of the new taxes.

Click To Play

County Council's public hearing on new drink taxes and new rental car taxes -- big fuss in shame for Onorato

I have a lot to say about the public hearing as well as the overall situation. But this sign is just too good to hold.

From Come Live Ove...

A union guy said that he's been to a lot of places and drank in many joints. He felt certain that the drinks in Pittsburgh are cheap enough now that a little extra won't be much of a hardship. Furthermore, if people knew that a quarter or thirty cents from every beer purchased at a bar was going to go to fund mass transit, people would drink even more. It would be going to a good cause!

I spoke. I'll try to upload my comments and more insights in the morning, after looking at what the newspapers print.

But the highlight of the night was Chelsa Wagner, State Rep., Democrat. She hit it out of the park! In her statement, she was disturbed that the good people were pitted against one another. She is against the new taxes.

The low light was a faxed letter from Dan Frankle, east end, state rep. His message, read by Rich Fitzgerald, was full of mumbo-jumbo b.s.

Tony Oliva getting some air-time with PCTV 21 show

We don't yet know the dates and times of the show, but Tony Oliva, Libertarian, candidate for mayor, had a sit-down interview with Bruce Krane, show host, in the studios of PCTV21.

From people & vips

Bruce Krane, on the left (very far left), and Tony Oliva, Libertarian.

Ron Paul signs are around town

From RonPaul

TV Interview: Mark Rauterkus with David Adams, part 2

Enjoy part two of the interview. Discussion begins with the question: what would people get from the leadership of Mark Rauterkus. Answer: "I care about kids."

Second half of this segment includes the story, Diamonds, from Meg Barnhouse. Her story has been featured on the Elect.Rauterkus.com CDs.

Click To Play

Part 2 links:

Link to media accessed at URL: http://blip.tv/file/407410

Source, Windows media (.wmd): http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewWithMarkRauterkusPart2989.wmv

Web, Flash video: http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewWithMarkRauterkusPart2989.flv

Thumbnail

Same segment on YouTube.com.

Scroll down on this blog for part 1, the opening.

Dave Schuilenburg For Council - New Leadership For True Change!

Dave Schuilenburg For Council - New Leadership For True Change!: "Our plan is to first attempt to persuade County Council to vote 'NO' to Allegheny County Council Bill 3375-07 on October 2nd, and should they refuse to do so, we will then proceed to the next step, that of getting a question on the next primary ballot so as they know just how many of their constituents agree or disagree with them on the issue. To follow the bill as it moves through County Council, click here. "

DeSantis Proving True Reasons To Make A Mayoral Change

It was reported today that Republican Mayoral candidate Mark DeSantis has unveiled a spending plan that would drastically cut city spending.
It’s innovation like this that Pittsburgh has needed for decades, not just years. The plan predicts a $193 million savings by 2012. We aren’t receiving plans like this from the Interim Mayor, Luke Ravenstahl.
The most impressive aspect of the plan is cutting the bloated and heavy Mayor’s Office. In times of financial crisis, there is no reason whatsoever to easily be able to trim $500,000 from the Mayor’s staff, which is generally nothing more than a dumping ground for political supporters and other “friends” in the neighborhood.
Looking at the city’s expenses like a business is what’s needed. If a hiring freeze is needed for non-essential workers, as DeSantis proposes, then it has to be considered.
Seeking a home-rule-charter amendment that ties city spending to the Consumer Price Index and population levels is only smart business. Politics generally doesn’t coincide with business, hence the financial straights of many urban epicenters.
Selling city-owned real estate is paramount. There’s no reason for the city to be in the business of real estate speculation. That’s for the private sector. The current system simply isn’t working, so it has to be re-evaluated. Add to that a desire to increase the entrepreneurial spirit in Pittsburgh, and that’s a “no brainer.” That has to be done for the city to once again experience fiscal growth.
Pittsburgh also has expensive real estate, wage and payroll taxes. DeSantis floats the idea of cutting those taxes as a way of spurring growth. Raising taxes has never, in recorded history of man, ever meant positive economic growth, especially when city services are terrible compared to virtually every other municipality in Allegheny County. There have to be financial incentives for good people, families and others to plant roots in Pittsburgh. Under the current spend-happy series of Democratic regimes, there aren’t any fiscal advantages to being a “real” Pittsburgher. It’s almost universally less expensive to live in any of the county’s other 129 towns, boroughs and municipalities.
Worker’s compensation and overtime costs are a small gold mine for city workers, firefighters in particular. It’s more than time to get those costs under control. It’s possible to hire three firefighters for the $120,000 some individuals make. That’s abusing the system of overtime and compensation.
The city’s population continues to drop at incredible rates. Continuing on the current path of economic destruction will not reverse trends.
Mark DeSantis was very slow getting out of the gate, but he has improved in recent weeks. There’s more reason than ever to vote for change on November 6.

Pittsburgh nonprofits to support to city finances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh nonprofits to support to city finances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "He said the identities of the donors will be kept confidential, as they have been in the past under the terms of the agreement."

This is less than open and less than honest. It might be ethical, but it isn't how a municipal government should be operated.

We don't have 'trade secrets' in the public realm.

Who writes the checks? How much are they?

As controller, I would work hard to end the secrecy. To 'move forward' Pittsburgh has to go beyond its legacy as a 'smoke filled city.' This deal has dollars and lots of smoke.

This is how Dan Onorato wants to run the parks too -- with private funds -- with secret slush that isn't predictable.

The begging isn't becoming. Beggars are not free. Kids don't want to grow up in a land where their parents have put themselves into debt, slavery and blindness.

TV Interview with Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian, and David C. Adams

Hope you click and watch this opening segment. High quality interview -- much like a "Prequel."

Click To Play

Stay tuned!

Other links to same content:

Direct media link URL: http://blip.tv/file/405847

Source data in Windows Media, .wmv: http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewOpeningSegment293.wmv

Web, Flash Video: http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewOpeningSegment293.flv

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/v/8HyjGpSQsMQ

New URA -- yeah, right.

I posted at another blog something that should also reside here.

A big Sunday feature on the new URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) had some great insights.

Pat Ford was all about "law" and "justice" in the article because of the bad rap of zoning, planning, authorities and more. This is a town where 'corruption' rules -- or at least the perception of corruption.

FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) works.

Smokey City works.

Getting the deal done is about being good with favorites. Insiders vs. Outsiders.

Developers vs. Neighborhood activists.

Being legal for them is about not getting caught.

As a Libertarian, I have a different take, of course. Zoning is so bent, we should toss it all out the window. The counter measure would be a robust system where those that do ills are on the hook for damages.