Panther Rants We at Panther Rants don't regularly dabble in politics - we piss enough people off without getting into real hot-button issues. But when it comes to the race for Pittsburgh City Council and the Controllers Office, we feel it is in the best interest of all Pittsburghers to pull the lever for Mark Rauterkus on Tuesday.Check it out! I'll be there!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Panther Rants invites me to a tailgate
Video: Great Interview with David Schuilenburg
The video of the interview of David Schuilenburg, guest, with David C. Adams, host.
Both Davids are Independent candidates for Pittsburgh City Council in the November 6, 2007 general election. Schuilenberg is in City Council District 1. Adams is a candidate in district 9.
I endorse both candidates for real change and new leadership in the city.
Both Davids are Independent candidates for Pittsburgh City Council in the November 6, 2007 general election. Schuilenberg is in City Council District 1. Adams is a candidate in district 9.
I endorse both candidates for real change and new leadership in the city.
Schenley Spartins -- State Champions in Basketball -- Defending for the final time.
I went to the press event hosted by Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent, Pgh Public Schools. He talked about closing Schenley High School. This is its last year, according to his plan.
He didn't want to break the news this way this soon. He wanted to keep the plan under cover for another couple of weeks. Too bad.
In a nutshell, the citizens, students and family of Pittsburgh need to brace themselves. Another number of tugs and yanks are about to come. The students and families are always getting jerked around by the district. It doesn't feel good. It means more are going to depart.
Frick Middle School -- it is closing too. Yank!
Rodgers Middle School moves too. Welcome to downtown 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
Humm....
In the presentation period, the five 'dropout factories' were not mentioned once. Not a peep about Westinghouse, Oliver, Carrick, Peabody nor Langley. Zippo.
It seems to me that Pittsburgh has some schools that work and some schools that don't. Tinkering with the ones that work and delaying action on the ones that don't is silly.
Schenley is a public high school. I got the feeling that the administration was looking for the Schenley graduates to chip in $20 or $30 million for fix-ups. They need $60 million, so they say. They might be looking for an endowment from the alumni. Gosh.
Stewardship means you take care of what you got.
Capital costs in the city are huge. They went ahead and designed lots of building additions that are now worthless. Poof. That's money down the drain.
Still no talk of a Vo Tech. Roosevelt said it would be talked about on or before May, 2008. Don't hold your breath.
He didn't want to break the news this way this soon. He wanted to keep the plan under cover for another couple of weeks. Too bad.
In a nutshell, the citizens, students and family of Pittsburgh need to brace themselves. Another number of tugs and yanks are about to come. The students and families are always getting jerked around by the district. It doesn't feel good. It means more are going to depart.
Frick Middle School -- it is closing too. Yank!
Rodgers Middle School moves too. Welcome to downtown 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
Humm....
In the presentation period, the five 'dropout factories' were not mentioned once. Not a peep about Westinghouse, Oliver, Carrick, Peabody nor Langley. Zippo.
It seems to me that Pittsburgh has some schools that work and some schools that don't. Tinkering with the ones that work and delaying action on the ones that don't is silly.
Schenley is a public high school. I got the feeling that the administration was looking for the Schenley graduates to chip in $20 or $30 million for fix-ups. They need $60 million, so they say. They might be looking for an endowment from the alumni. Gosh.
Stewardship means you take care of what you got.
Capital costs in the city are huge. They went ahead and designed lots of building additions that are now worthless. Poof. That's money down the drain.
Still no talk of a Vo Tech. Roosevelt said it would be talked about on or before May, 2008. Don't hold your breath.
Stay tuned..... Debate video is pending.
We've got debate coverage to post in a day or so. First, enjoy trick-or-treating with the kids.
Michael Lamb said some silly things, again. He even raised the dog license issue. Unreal.
Keep watching this blog....
Michael Lamb said some silly things, again. He even raised the dog license issue. Unreal.
Keep watching this blog....
Yahoo News sucks!
Mainstream media serves up another load of bull!
Fox News is in town now (yesterday and today at least) doing a story about the Mayor's Race. We used to have a FOX station. Now FOX's camera man is from Philly, freelance.
Going on a "witch hunt" on Halloween. Hey FOP, which witch is the wicked witch?
I got to speak to today in Pittsburgh City Council Chambers just after Mr. Jim M, the boss of the Pgh FOP (Fraternal Order of Police). He called the proposed domestic abuse bills and associated amendments a "witch hunt."
He provided the perfect introduction for a Haloween scare.
I don't want to dwell on the topic, but my support goes to Jeanie Clark and the good witches who hope to curb the powerful who have been given the upper hand with a badge, gun, or government job yet are known to have some feeling scared.
Jim Motznik says that all city employees with PFAs (Protection From Abuse) orders given to them by a judge should be under the same treatment.
Humm....
I feel that we shouldn't hire and promote those with PFAs. And, it would be good to not elect them as well.
Pittsburgh has serious problems with corruption. The Pgh Ethics Hearing Board is one slam dunk example, woops.... what out for that 'slamming.'
Plenty of trust among the citizens in the city, and throughout the nation, has been lost. Let's act. Let's work to protect those that need the protection by taking down the ones with power. Abuse of power by the powerful should be addressed.
He provided the perfect introduction for a Haloween scare.
I don't want to dwell on the topic, but my support goes to Jeanie Clark and the good witches who hope to curb the powerful who have been given the upper hand with a badge, gun, or government job yet are known to have some feeling scared.
Jim Motznik says that all city employees with PFAs (Protection From Abuse) orders given to them by a judge should be under the same treatment.
Humm....
I feel that we shouldn't hire and promote those with PFAs. And, it would be good to not elect them as well.
Pittsburgh has serious problems with corruption. The Pgh Ethics Hearing Board is one slam dunk example, woops.... what out for that 'slamming.'
Plenty of trust among the citizens in the city, and throughout the nation, has been lost. Let's act. Let's work to protect those that need the protection by taking down the ones with power. Abuse of power by the powerful should be addressed.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Pool Plunge Saves Couple From Wildfire, They Stay Under Rock In Water Almost Four Hours, Watching Home Burn To Ground - CBS News
Pool Plunge Saves Couple From Wildfire, They Stay Under Rock In Water Almost Four Hours, Watching Home Burn To Ground - CBS News 'We spent the next three-and-a-half hours under (a rock overhanging the pool),' Roger said, 'inside the pool, watching everything we've ever owned burn up, and melt, actually.'
Post-Gazette NOW - Local News - Early Returns
You have to read between the lines. They were all sticking up for me!
Post-Gazette NOW - Local News - Early Returns Council Trashes P-G ... Pittsburgh Council was feisty today, sounding off on the Post-Gazette's endorsement of Republican mayoral challenger Mark DeSantis, especially challenging the following sentence critiquing Democratic Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's deal with a neighbor to handle its trash collection: 'Instead of privatizing a service like trash collection, he extends it to Wilkinsburg -- not because it saves Pittsburgh money but because it's created a few more city jobs while helping a municipal neighbor.'
Members of the all-Democratic council, led by Jim Motznik, criticized the paper for, in their view, turning a positive development into a negative one. They especially bristled at any suggestion that trash collection should have been privatized, since city workers beat out two private firms in a bidding process.
The other council members joined in, sharing for city cable cameras their beefs with the P-G's coverage and endorsements, and lashing out at the media in general. Even Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle chimed in, saying the media 'sensationalizes' everything -- possibly including the court-ordered seizure of her allegedly taxpayer-funded mink coat yesterday because she faces criminal charges of misappropriating city money.
Onorato signs sex offenders law - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Onorato signs sex offenders law - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato today signed into law an ordinance that prohibits registered sexual offenders from living within 2,500 feet of a school, child care center, community center, public park or playground.How will this be enforced? You bet that there are questions.
Questions of enforcement are everywhere.
Plus, we have 'grandfathered' sex offenders. That is an interesting concept.
The distance of 2,500 feet is more than 800 yards. That is about a half a mile in distance.
I'd love to see a map that marks circles around all the schools, child care centers, community centers, parks and playgrounds. These circles would stretch out 2,500 feet from those facilities.
This is a project for Google Maps after the election cycle ends.
QED to hold late debate
My rely to QED follows this email.
I wish the Libertarian and Socialist were included. I understand that these guys (Tony Oliva and Ryan Scott) are NOT going to win. However, we all are less and the region goes deeper into the despair when the elites exclude. When they are not free to join on the debate stage, the young depart the region.
Their inclusion isn't for this election on Nov 6. But, they need to be included for the future elections and the recruitment of new candidates in the years to come.
You need to think bigger and into the future.
We can't count on QED. That's very sad. That's not in line with the charter of public broadcasting.
My polls (with thousands of calls to city residents) say that more than 75% of the voters today are UNDECIDED about the controller's race. Meanwhile, six to seven percent of the voters are still undecided about the mayor's race.
You mayor's debate is nearly meaningless even for Ravenstahl and DeSantis. Furthermore it is like poison to the common ground of democracy for the third party candidates and independents.
If you really wanted to help -- you'd scratch the debate as you have planned and hold a different debate among the controller's candidates. Ask the mayor candidates to attend and ask the questions (being on the panel) to Michael Lamb and myself.
Can you forward this to J. I have little faith that she'll return my call.
Mayoral Debate officially titled: WQED Presents: The 2007 Pittsburgh Mayoral Debate will air on:Thanks for the mayor's debate efforts.
WQED TV-13 and WQED HD (13.1) will first air on Thursday, 11/1/07, 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Program will repeat on WQED TV-13 Saturday, 11/3/07 from 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Program description:
Who will be the next mayor of Pittsburgh and how is that person going to address the many issues that face the city & affect the entire metropolitan region? Meet the candidates and hear what they have to say about tough issues. Moderated by Stacy Smith. Produced by WQED in partnership with the League of Women Voters.
Live Studio Audience--please report to WQED Studios, 4802 Fifth Avenue in Oakland by 7:30pm on November 1.
Live Simul-Stream at wqed.org from 8-9pm on November 1
Public invited to post questions for the candidates before November 1 at wqed.org
Debate panelists: Michael Bartley, Chris Moore and Tonia Caruso
George Hazimanolis
Senior Director of Corporate Communications
WQED Pittsburgh
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
ghaziman@wqed.org
412-622-1366
412-622-6413 FAX
www.wqed.org
WQED Pittsburgh: Winner, 2007 and 2006 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Station Excellence
"WQED changes lives."
I wish the Libertarian and Socialist were included. I understand that these guys (Tony Oliva and Ryan Scott) are NOT going to win. However, we all are less and the region goes deeper into the despair when the elites exclude. When they are not free to join on the debate stage, the young depart the region.
Their inclusion isn't for this election on Nov 6. But, they need to be included for the future elections and the recruitment of new candidates in the years to come.
You need to think bigger and into the future.
We can't count on QED. That's very sad. That's not in line with the charter of public broadcasting.
My polls (with thousands of calls to city residents) say that more than 75% of the voters today are UNDECIDED about the controller's race. Meanwhile, six to seven percent of the voters are still undecided about the mayor's race.
You mayor's debate is nearly meaningless even for Ravenstahl and DeSantis. Furthermore it is like poison to the common ground of democracy for the third party candidates and independents.
If you really wanted to help -- you'd scratch the debate as you have planned and hold a different debate among the controller's candidates. Ask the mayor candidates to attend and ask the questions (being on the panel) to Michael Lamb and myself.
Can you forward this to J. I have little faith that she'll return my call.
Last night's impressions with conversations
Last night we had a candidate night and debate in city council district 9. I arrived early and stayed late, talking with nearly everyone who attended.
Overall, I was very impressed with the number of people who read my blog, watch the videos and care what I communicate.
I got questions about our recent trip to New Zealand.
One guy said, "I know about you thanks to blip.tv."
A women told me that she is a frequent blog poster to the other blogs. She reads my blog all the time. She especially likes what I have posted in the threads at other people's blogs. I invited here to post at this blog. Her reply was "why?" Her opinion was that my blog postings here generally leave no room for comment. She said, "I cover it all." She thanked me for doing a good job and she has noticed how many of the ideas have taken hold in other places.
Another candidate reads my blogs and the other blogs every day. He'll fit in on city council as many there also read this blog too.
We keep plugging. Thanks for reading. Thanks for your feedback and kind words when we meet in person.
Overall, I was very impressed with the number of people who read my blog, watch the videos and care what I communicate.
I got questions about our recent trip to New Zealand.
One guy said, "I know about you thanks to blip.tv."
A women told me that she is a frequent blog poster to the other blogs. She reads my blog all the time. She especially likes what I have posted in the threads at other people's blogs. I invited here to post at this blog. Her reply was "why?" Her opinion was that my blog postings here generally leave no room for comment. She said, "I cover it all." She thanked me for doing a good job and she has noticed how many of the ideas have taken hold in other places.
Another candidate reads my blogs and the other blogs every day. He'll fit in on city council as many there also read this blog too.
We keep plugging. Thanks for reading. Thanks for your feedback and kind words when we meet in person.
Reason #1: We Don't Need No Stinking Reasons
There are plenty of reasons to vote "NO" on the judge retention vote on election day. But top among them is about plain old power. Power belongs with the people. The judges have gone overboard. The government has gone overboard. The people have power in their votes. It needs to be used.
From the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:Article I, Section 2
We are the sovereign People. As sovereigns, we are entitled to vote in any way we choose for any reason we see fit. We do not need the permission of judges. We do not need the approval of legislators. We do not need a note from the Governor.
"All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper." [Emphasis added.]
We especially don't need to read some handbook on "How To Vote" produced by a bunch of lawyers at the Pennsylvania Bar Association who have a vested interest in maintaining business-as-usual. And we don't need them to infer that a retention vote is somehow too complicated for us to understand.
We do not live under Lords. We do not follow the mantra of some High Priest. Judges are not better than us. They are our servants, and we can choose to fire them at will. They are not automatically entitled to another term.
Year after year, the Republican Party infers that we'd be much better off if all elections were won by Republicans. The Democratic Party fights to elect all Democrats to office. Rational Pennsylvanians know that neither of these arguments hold water, yet we have an election system that provides a 'party lever' at the polling place to allow people to make such blanket votes.
This year, PACleanSweep is advocating a 'no' vote on most (not all) judges up for retention not to place power in the hands of some political party, but to return power to the People. All three branches of government have failed to defend the plain meaning of the Constitution. When they fail, the people must step up to the plate or risk losing all their rights.
We've heard a lot of reasons to vote a certain way in any given election: Because he's a Democrat. Because she's NOT a Democrat. Because he's rich and famous. Because she has the best hair. Because he's the best looking. Because she cheated on her husband. Because we need to send a message to Harrisburg.
The fact is, all these reasons - regardless of how silly some of them may sound - are perfectly viable reasons to vote for or against any candidate. There is no handbook on the proper way to vote. There is no right or wrong reason. It is up to each individual voter to make up their own mind in their own way. This is why We the People are sovereign - because ultimately, we can make any choice we like.
We don't need no stinking reasons. Really, we don't. Despite not needing any, PACleanSweep has provided a number of rational reasons in our Top Ten Reasons to Vote NO list. The most important of those reasons is to defend our most fundamental law, the Constitution. Government has utterly failed us in this area - despite every single elected official having sworn an oath to the document - so we must act on our own behalf.
It is not just our right; it is our duty and responsibility.
A 'yes' vote on retentions is a vote for continuing the culture of arrogance, greed and corruption in Pennsylvania. A 'no' vote applies the brakes and helps turn the Commonwealth in a new and better direction.
The choice is clear. And that choice is ours to make - in private, without anyone looking over our shoulders.
We don't need no stinking reasons.
Rassling with Writters' Block -- or Bloggers Block
Man, there is so much going on. I'm sorta frozen with lots of loose ends on the posting fronts. Lots of posts are in the draft folder.
Five Pgh Public High Schools are now known as "drop out factories."
The teachers and union are okay with a strike about compensation.
Lamb thinks that competition in the marketplace is going to send prices through the roof.
The P-G editorial board becomes a mind readers and fails with a zero.
Five Pgh Public High Schools are now known as "drop out factories."
The teachers and union are okay with a strike about compensation.
Lamb thinks that competition in the marketplace is going to send prices through the roof.
The P-G editorial board becomes a mind readers and fails with a zero.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tune into WTAE TV 4 -- 11 pm news -- on Monday night
WTAE TV 4 was at tonight's debate. The first act featured Michael Lamb vs. myself, Mark Rauterkus.
The second act was Ricky Burgess vs. David C. Adams.
Open thread.
The second act was Ricky Burgess vs. David C. Adams.
Open thread.
Bio of Mark Rauterkus
Mark Rauterkus, 48, Libertarian, seeking office of controller, city wide.
Education
Journalism, Ohio U., '82, with honors
Grad school at Baylor, P.E.
Occupation
swim coach
Qualifications
Publishing a Value Added Mini Series in video on the web, http://Rauterkus.blip.tv. Plus, working on a book on public policy: Planks
Blog ranked 3rd most influential in PA politics (9-07)
Elected board of Allegheny Libertarians (vice chair) and ex-GOP city committee
Ran grassroots campaigns on issues and mayor, PA senate, council.
Consistent task force participant
Q: 2.1 What are the important problems of Pittsburgh that the city controller can address?
Schools. Citizen Engagement. Loss of liberty.
See Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
Schools must have discipline and parent/community involvement. Build upon successful programs. Fix high schools already.
Words = 32
Q: 2.2 What specific procedures should the controller's office use to address the fiscal crissis of the city?
I'll create and organize a CITIZENS' CONGRESS with hundreds of volunteer activists working as deputy auditors. Engaged residents must establish a tight grip on city government and schools The city is at the brink and out of control. Our values, priorities, benchmarks, and open dialog need an overhaul. We need to think again and create community with new leaders and real citizen empowerment.
I'll launch a Youth Technology Summit. I'll leverage open source software methods everywhere.
Words = 76
Total allowed, 125. Total above = 32 + 76 = 108
108 S. 12th Street, South SideBiographical
412 298 3432
Mark@Rauterkus.com
http://Elect.Rauterkus.com
Education
Journalism, Ohio U., '82, with honors
Grad school at Baylor, P.E.
Occupation
swim coach
Qualifications
Publishing a Value Added Mini Series in video on the web, http://Rauterkus.blip.tv. Plus, working on a book on public policy: Planks
Blog ranked 3rd most influential in PA politics (9-07)
Elected board of Allegheny Libertarians (vice chair) and ex-GOP city committee
Ran grassroots campaigns on issues and mayor, PA senate, council.
Consistent task force participant
Q: 2.1 What are the important problems of Pittsburgh that the city controller can address?
Schools. Citizen Engagement. Loss of liberty.
See Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
Schools must have discipline and parent/community involvement. Build upon successful programs. Fix high schools already.
Words = 32
Q: 2.2 What specific procedures should the controller's office use to address the fiscal crissis of the city?
I'll create and organize a CITIZENS' CONGRESS with hundreds of volunteer activists working as deputy auditors. Engaged residents must establish a tight grip on city government and schools The city is at the brink and out of control. Our values, priorities, benchmarks, and open dialog need an overhaul. We need to think again and create community with new leaders and real citizen empowerment.
I'll launch a Youth Technology Summit. I'll leverage open source software methods everywhere.
Words = 76
Total allowed, 125. Total above = 32 + 76 = 108
Twanda Carlisle's pension frozen; she must turn over fur coat
Twanda Carlisle's pension frozen; she must turn over fur coat A judge today froze the salary and pension account of Twanda Carlisle, the city councilwoman set to go on trial, and ordered her to turn over a fur coat valued at over $4,000.
Bill would limit open access to state records - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Bill would limit open access to state records - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review A state House bill would allow government officials to refuse people access to public documents if they believe a taxpayer is attempting to 'harass the agency.'Don't let this happen. The harassment of some who push against corruption is just another step to being a hero for others.
The state's existing open records law, considered one of the weakest in the nation, does not allow public officials to deny people access to documents for this reason.
I am with the PA Newspaper Assn. on this, for sure.
Ann from the NBC Today Show is in Christchurch, NZ
She is visiting one of our homes away from home, Christchurch, NZ. Everyone on the way to the bottom of the world goes there. Next stop, South Pole.
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