Thursday, February 14, 2008
Local Campaign Finance Reform discussion comes back into focus
by Mark Rauterkus
Part 1 on Campaign Finance Reform
Hot Political Topic: Campaign Finance Reform
The issue of campaign finance reform is coming into focus again. Nationally, John McCain, R, helped to pen a bill that changed the rules and earn him plenty of scorn among the conservatives. In Pennsylvania, PA's top court recently gave the green light to changes for campaigns in Philly. In Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto of city council has re-tooled his suggestions. Even the media is getting in step, as the City Paper devoted this week's cover story to campaign finance reform. (http://PghCityPaper.com)
Local, recent HISTORY:
A few years ago, other campaign finance reform measures were introduced by Peduto for Pittsburgh. Some feeble effort unfolded in Allegheny County too. Back then, I helped to derail the city's legislation. Nothing was enacted. As citizens, we calling a public hearing, raised a ton of questions, and insured that the bills were tabled. A task force on campaign finance reform was organized. After some begging, I got included.
A conversation resumed through a diverse task force. We devoted a few months and dozens of meetings to cover the angles of Peduto's bill and the issue. A list of suggestions, a work product of the task force, never got any public review. Our discussions were suspended for the next few years, at the will of the bill's sponsor, until last week.
We're back.
GLOBAL PROBLEM:
As a city and region, if not nation, our political landscape is fragile. Citizens face corruption at every turn. Money goes to the root of the troubles. Campaigns are costly. Elections and influence hinge upon pay outs and pay offs. Issues and solutions take a back seat to electability and power struggles among those with massive amounts of cash from their own PACs (political action committees) and cronie PACs.
As a lover of liberty, I hate to see new solutions that restrict freedom and generally cause new sets of problems. Swiftboats came rushing out of past efforts to clean up elections. Campaign finance reforms are needed as the system is such a mess. But, elections and the democratic process can turn for the worse. We need to think it through.
If all of us are able to put on our thinking caps from time to time, we can avoid some future pitfalls. This is one of those times, locally, when it comes to campaigns in Pittsburgh. Let's not toss the baby out with the bathwater, like was done with the decision to get those electronic voting machines without a paper trail.
HAMMER HOME The LOVE
The first major flaw within the entire discussion of local campaign finance reform is focus. This is clear within the first mentions in the above mentioned article by Chris Potter in the City Paper. Every year, city gives out plenty of "No Bid Contracts." No bid contracts are, by design, an avoidance of competition. Sweetheart deals having nothing to do with Valentine's Day, flow outward from the public treasury all the time.
Politicians love to spread around governement work to certain businesses who choose to play in those quarters.
Of course, Pittsburgh has a big problem with "No Bid Contracts." But, fixing no bid contracts should have nothing to do with campaign finance reform.
They go hand in hand. Sure, those that get no-bid contracts are the same one's that make big campaign contributions. However, the fix comes with a total elimination of all no bid contracts. In the government sector, all the contracts should proceed through a sealed bid.
More problems will surface as campaign finance laws are written to fix no-bid contracts.
TRANSPARENT
Campaigns for public office are public activities. Everyone should be able to witness every move. I want to know how candidates are raising and spending their money. Who gives, how much and when matter. Every transaction should be fully visible in real time. Those who want to know should be able to research daily updates from the internet with ease of real-time and online banking simplicity.
Trust funds and online banking systems can allow for open access to witness deposit and expense transactions.
I'd love to chart new ground with the formation of TRANSPARENT PAC ACCOUNTS. PACs are the political action committees. Those PAC bank accounts can be put into a new class of banking product so the general public can witness deposits and expenses.
Enterprise Bank, expect my call. Let's make a best-practices product and model what could and should be done for greatly increased observations on the campaign process of candidates.
Postings in this series:
Part 1: Local Campaign Finance Reform http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2008/02/local-campaign-finance-reform.html
Part 2: Making an ethical stand. http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2008/02/making-ethical-stand-ethical-operations.html
Part 3: Proposal to Bankers for a Campaign Marriage, with drive-through guests http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2008/02/proposal-to-bankers-for-campaign.html
Part 1 on Campaign Finance Reform
Hot Political Topic: Campaign Finance Reform
The issue of campaign finance reform is coming into focus again. Nationally, John McCain, R, helped to pen a bill that changed the rules and earn him plenty of scorn among the conservatives. In Pennsylvania, PA's top court recently gave the green light to changes for campaigns in Philly. In Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto of city council has re-tooled his suggestions. Even the media is getting in step, as the City Paper devoted this week's cover story to campaign finance reform. (http://PghCityPaper.com)
Local, recent HISTORY:
A few years ago, other campaign finance reform measures were introduced by Peduto for Pittsburgh. Some feeble effort unfolded in Allegheny County too. Back then, I helped to derail the city's legislation. Nothing was enacted. As citizens, we calling a public hearing, raised a ton of questions, and insured that the bills were tabled. A task force on campaign finance reform was organized. After some begging, I got included.
A conversation resumed through a diverse task force. We devoted a few months and dozens of meetings to cover the angles of Peduto's bill and the issue. A list of suggestions, a work product of the task force, never got any public review. Our discussions were suspended for the next few years, at the will of the bill's sponsor, until last week.
We're back.
GLOBAL PROBLEM:
As a city and region, if not nation, our political landscape is fragile. Citizens face corruption at every turn. Money goes to the root of the troubles. Campaigns are costly. Elections and influence hinge upon pay outs and pay offs. Issues and solutions take a back seat to electability and power struggles among those with massive amounts of cash from their own PACs (political action committees) and cronie PACs.
As a lover of liberty, I hate to see new solutions that restrict freedom and generally cause new sets of problems. Swiftboats came rushing out of past efforts to clean up elections. Campaign finance reforms are needed as the system is such a mess. But, elections and the democratic process can turn for the worse. We need to think it through.
If all of us are able to put on our thinking caps from time to time, we can avoid some future pitfalls. This is one of those times, locally, when it comes to campaigns in Pittsburgh. Let's not toss the baby out with the bathwater, like was done with the decision to get those electronic voting machines without a paper trail.
HAMMER HOME The LOVE
The first major flaw within the entire discussion of local campaign finance reform is focus. This is clear within the first mentions in the above mentioned article by Chris Potter in the City Paper. Every year, city gives out plenty of "No Bid Contracts." No bid contracts are, by design, an avoidance of competition. Sweetheart deals having nothing to do with Valentine's Day, flow outward from the public treasury all the time.
Politicians love to spread around governement work to certain businesses who choose to play in those quarters.
Of course, Pittsburgh has a big problem with "No Bid Contracts." But, fixing no bid contracts should have nothing to do with campaign finance reform.
They go hand in hand. Sure, those that get no-bid contracts are the same one's that make big campaign contributions. However, the fix comes with a total elimination of all no bid contracts. In the government sector, all the contracts should proceed through a sealed bid.
More problems will surface as campaign finance laws are written to fix no-bid contracts.
TRANSPARENT
Campaigns for public office are public activities. Everyone should be able to witness every move. I want to know how candidates are raising and spending their money. Who gives, how much and when matter. Every transaction should be fully visible in real time. Those who want to know should be able to research daily updates from the internet with ease of real-time and online banking simplicity.
Trust funds and online banking systems can allow for open access to witness deposit and expense transactions.
I'd love to chart new ground with the formation of TRANSPARENT PAC ACCOUNTS. PACs are the political action committees. Those PAC bank accounts can be put into a new class of banking product so the general public can witness deposits and expenses.
Enterprise Bank, expect my call. Let's make a best-practices product and model what could and should be done for greatly increased observations on the campaign process of candidates.
Postings in this series:
Part 1: Local Campaign Finance Reform http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2008/02/local-campaign-finance-reform.html
Part 2: Making an ethical stand. http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2008/02/making-ethical-stand-ethical-operations.html
Part 3: Proposal to Bankers for a Campaign Marriage, with drive-through guests http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2008/02/proposal-to-bankers-for-campaign.html
County Parks News
Onorato preps new parks organization
By Justin Vellucci, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato charged the new county Parks Foundation with repairing and maximizing the potential of 12,014 acres of park land.
"I'm glad that we're finally here at this point," Onorato told board members Wednesday at the nonprofit's first meeting. "We are talking about rethinking the whole park system."
The foundation, formed in September to help clean up county parks while privatizing some operations, includes a dozen members representing regional groups and businesses -- from the University of Pittsburgh and the Eat'n Park Hospitality Group to Mascaro Construction Co. and U.S. Steel.
Onorato budgeted $1 million to get the group running and find its executive director. An additional $10 million is available as matching dollars for projects and deferred maintenance the county has neglected for the better part of 30 years.
"It's a huge number," Onorato said. "We'll start picking it off project by project."
The board's first projects will address North Park's boat house, the stables at Hartwood Acres, the South Park fairgrounds and Boyce Park's activity center, Onorato has said.
The idea of forming a park foundation dates back to at least 1998, and was endorsed by then-Chief Executive Jim Roddey and County Council around 2002.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, a city entity similar to what Onorato has created for the county, has tended to Schenley, Frick, Highland and Riverview parks for several years.
North Park, at 3,000 acres, is the county's largest park and nearly seven times larger than Schenley Park.
Marty's radio show reveals
Marty is talking with Dan Onorato about his recent trip to Europe and the lack of direct flights from Pittsburgh.
My wife and I are going to Amsterdam in May 2008.
But, another real problem for direct flights is the TSA (Transportation Security Administration of Homeland Security) body cavity searches. The way our officials play smashmouth customs practices to our visitors and guests is a HUGE turnoff. Sure, we don't have the market need, nor the other links once people land in Pittsburgh too.
Come to the US via Pittsburgh only if you want to rent a car. And, that isn't so easy for those who are used to driving on the other side of the street. And, it is a major problem with navigation too. But, if you need to rent a car and then drive to West
Virginia -- Pittsburgh is a great flight destination.
In other conversations, we now know that Darlene Harris has cameras on her house. She can roll the tape.
Matt H of the Hoagie blog is blasting the Public Works Dept and the handling of the road cleaning efforts.
My wife and I are going to Amsterdam in May 2008.
But, another real problem for direct flights is the TSA (Transportation Security Administration of Homeland Security) body cavity searches. The way our officials play smashmouth customs practices to our visitors and guests is a HUGE turnoff. Sure, we don't have the market need, nor the other links once people land in Pittsburgh too.
Come to the US via Pittsburgh only if you want to rent a car. And, that isn't so easy for those who are used to driving on the other side of the street. And, it is a major problem with navigation too. But, if you need to rent a car and then drive to West
Virginia -- Pittsburgh is a great flight destination.
In other conversations, we now know that Darlene Harris has cameras on her house. She can roll the tape.
Matt H of the Hoagie blog is blasting the Public Works Dept and the handling of the road cleaning efforts.
Price: The Silent Partner
Part 1:
Part 2:
If they want to replace Steven Spielberg's role as an Olympic advisor, I'm available.
SI.com - Writers - S.L. Price: The Silent Partner - Wednesday February 13, 2008 11:56AM The Silent Partner
As China quashes critics, IOC continues to look away
Part 2:
SI.com - Olympics - China says links to Darfur are 'nonsense' - Thursday February 14, 2008 12:37AM: "Efforts to link China to the Darfur crisis are 'irresponsible and unfair,' a government spokesman said in comments published Thursday, following director Steven Spielberg's decision to drop out as a Beijing Olympics adviser on human rights grounds.Jeepers. The folks at Sport Illustrated are starting to jump on the China bashing theme -- before the Olympics.
If they want to replace Steven Spielberg's role as an Olympic advisor, I'm available.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
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Save the Internet - Fighting for Internet Freedom
Save the Internet : Fighting for Internet Freedom: "Don't take the Internet for granted"
Last night, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House that would stop Comcast, Verizon and AT&T from controlling the free flow on information on the Internet.The only way we can stop these gatekeepers is if we all take action to support this crucial legislation:
Tell Rep. Michael Doyle to Support Internet Freedom
In 2006, your voice helped stop mighty phone and cable companies from gutting Net Neutrality. In 2007, you pried open their cell phone networks and gave users a choice.
This year, we're going to stop Internet blocking and censorship once and for all.
Why This is Important: Reps. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Chip Pickering (R-Miss.) introduced the "Internet Freedom Preservation Act" (HR 5353) to stop relentless corporate attempts to set up roadblocks on the information superhighway.
It guarantees Net Neutrality by restoring it in the foundation of communications law. This bold move promises that the public -- not phone and cable companies -- will control the fate of the Internet.
The legislation also calls for a nationwide series of public hearings before anyone in Washington hands these gatekeepers and their lobbyists more power. (Read more about the bill here)
Take Action Now: Save the Internet
How Far We've Come: In 2006, more than 1.5 million Americans called on Congress to keep gatekeepers off our Internet. Last year, more than a quarter-million people sent comments to the FCC and opened up cell-phone networks to user choice and innovation.
This new bill was made possible by our amazing grassroots movement. SavetheInternet.com has brought together Democrats and Republicans, consumer groups and small businesses, bloggers and video gamers, in a new bottom-up majority that's shaking up the status quo.
What You Can Do: For too long, communications policymaking has been rigged against us. But by taking action to support this bill, you're telling Congress that high-priced lobbyists will no longer set the agenda.
Tell Rep. Michael Doyle : 'Support the Internet Freedom Preservation Act'
The purpose of the Internet is to give power over information to everyone. The role of our elected leaders is to protect our basic right to communicate from those who want to take it away from us.
We've started a new chapter in the fight for an open Internet. We realize that it takes more than one piece of legislation to reverse decades of corrosive telecom policies.
But with this bill -- and your help -- we are on our way.
Thank you,
Timothy Karr
Campaign Director
SavetheInternet.com
P.S. Bloggers, activists and Internet experts are logging on to the Free Press Action Network to discuss Net Neutrality, an open Internet and people-powered broadband policy. Join the discussion at http://www.freepress.net
/action/
Take action on this important campaign at: http://free.convio.net/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id =241
Tell your friends about this campaign at: http://free.convio.net/site
/Ecard?ecard_id=1161
Schenley Winter Sports
Both the girls and boys are in the city league basketball playoffs. The boys' quarterfinal game was postponed from yesterday because of the snow. They will be playing this evening at Schenley. Due to the size of Schenley's gym, it is quite possible that the game will sell out.
The girls' team will be playing tomorrow, Thursday, at 6:30 PM at Allderdice High School against Perry, the third place finisher. The girls could really use your support as they battle for a place in the finals and the Allderdice gym can hold a lot of fans. The girls have had some really impressive wins with balanced scoring and a lot of exciting moves.
Also at Allderdice, at 3 PM is the final regular swim meet of the season. Allderdice, once again, has a very strong team but the Schenley swimmers do have a chance to beat them, or at least make for some very exciting races.
amy moore
Ron Paul had 21% -- and then the counting stopped
People who take short cuts in counting votes need to spend the next 10 years in jail.
Local News | Huckabee won't concede state; GOP resuming delegate count | Seattle Times Newspaper According to the GOP's Saturday tally, Arizona Sen. John McCain won about 26 percent of delegates, Arkansas Gov. Huckabee won 24 percent, Texas Rep. Ron Paul finished with 21 percent, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who has dropped out of the race, got 17 percent. Most of the rest were non-committed.
We needed a 2-hour delay today!
Only 2 of the 8 buses arrived to Phillips Elem School today.
The middle school buses were called off from the bus dispatchers. So, Erik and his mates were at the stop for a while and then we departed. We'll drive to middle school in another 30-minutes.
The middle school buses were called off from the bus dispatchers. So, Erik and his mates were at the stop for a while and then we departed. We'll drive to middle school in another 30-minutes.
City Council to review planners' OK of billboard
City Council to review planners' OK of billboard Pittsburgh City Council will look into a decision by planners to allow a 1,200-square-foot electronic billboard Downtown without any public hearing or vote, members said yesterday.Can a giant (20-foot by 60-foot) electronic sign be 'transparent?'
'The question is not about the sign at all. Most parties, including myself, seem to think it's appropriate,' said Councilman Ricky Burgess, who heads council's zoning and planning committee. 'We just want to make sure we're following a transparent process.'
Planned Parenthood 10-week internship matched with pro-choice campaign
Have a passion for politics?
Want to work with pro-choice candidates in Pennsylvania?THEN JOIN WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD FOR THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME!
Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates is offering a 10-week summer internship that will pair you not only with us, but also place you on the campaign of a state pro-choice legislative candidat
e! The Details:
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application here: http://www.plannedparenthoodpa
.org/office/internapp.php ?internship=Campaign+Organizer - E-mail your resume, letter of interest and two professional references to administration@pppamail.org
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 1ST, 2008.
Know someone who is a perfect fit for the campaign internship?! Forward this email and make sure they know about this amazing opportunity!
Deadline fudged in flurrrry, burrrrry, way
All along I asked that the PA election NOT be moved to a sooner date in the calendar. In part, the risk of putting the primary on a snow day.
As it turns out, the deadline for candidates seeking to get onto the ballot has been extended by the Governor.
As it turns out, the deadline for candidates seeking to get onto the ballot has been extended by the Governor.
GOVERNOR RENDELL TO SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CANDIDATES’ FILING PETITIONSIt would be ideal to allow for on-line signature gathering of candidates to get onto the ballot.
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell will sign an executive order extending
the deadline for candidates to file petitions to appear on the April 22 Pennsylvania Primary Election ballot. The deadline, which was set to expire today at 5 p.m., now will be at noon on Thursday, Feb. 14.
“Throughout the day, winter weather has caused accidents and forced the closure of
interstates at various times. In light of this fact, extending the deadline is warranted,” Governor Rendell said. “I moved the date until Thursday because the weather forecast tomorrow could also cause problems.”
“For those candidates who already are on their way to Harrisburg, we will keep the
Department of State’s Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation open to receive
petitions until 5 p.m. today.” The extension only covers the filing of petitions. It does not extend the deadline for the collection of signatures. The extension will move the last day for filing objections to the petitions to Feb. 21.
To view the current candidates’ list or to learn more about elections in Pennsylvania, visit www.dos.state.pa.us.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Video Update from Ron Paul
How do we organize buses from Pittsburgh to DC for the Grand Freedom March?
Plan to erect LED sign bypasses city panels, gets approval anyway
Plain and simple, this is what corruption looks and smells like.
Plan to erect LED sign bypasses city panels, gets approval anyway Plan to erect LED sign bypasses city panels, gets approval anyway
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A 1,200-square-foot electronic billboard will decorate the rising Grant Street Transportation Center as part of a deal between Pittsburgh officials and Lamar Advertising to trade old, paper signs for new, illuminated ones.
Digital Democracy -- a baby from the busman's holiday. Beep, beep. Jump on the bus and be there.
Bob Mayo, reporter for WTAE TV, with the city hall beat, sent this email. I'll try to attend.
Digital Democracy is a special event happening here in Pittsburgh next month. This is a project I've been working on for months and I'm excited to let you know about it now.In the past, I had been a member of the SPJ -- as I'm a Journalism Grad, BSJ, Ohio Univ. 1982.
It's a conference that will explore how the digital revolution -- including blogs, online video, websites and social media -- is changing traditional news media coverage and citizens' access to the political process.
The event includes national-caliber speakers who are coming to town on Saturday, March 15.
Its website is now online at:
http://www.spj.org/pittsburgh
Our speakers include:
• New York Times Online Politics Editor Kate Phillips, who writes for and edits The Caucus, The New York Times politics news blog.
• Newsbusters.org Executive Editor Matthew Sheffield
• MediaMatters.org Senior Fellow & Director of Special Projects Paul Waldman
• Hearst-Argyle Director of Digital Media Content Jacques Natz
• J-Lab Executive Director Jan Schaffer
• Media Bloggers Association President Robert Cox
Other speakers include former USA Today reporter Toni Locy, who's topic is "Subpoenaed For Her Sources". She's the subject of a contempt-of-court request for her refusal to identify sources who provided her information about the 2001 anthrax attacks and the subsequent investigation.
There will also be sessions on "Bloggers as Journalists and Journalists as Bloggers", on new media skills and digital literacy for reporters, and on Open Records laws.
Digital Democracy is a Society of Professional Journalists regional conference, hosted by the Pittsburgh chapter. Region 4 covers Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, but the event can draw from beyond. Its something for all journalists -- and you don't have to be a member of SPJ. In fact, given the theme, bloggers, students, and others with an interest and involvement in the conference theme are welcome to attend. The Digital Democracy website has links for online registration and there's a special rate for students and SPJ members.
If you've been wondering why I haven't been blogging as much here on the Busman's Holiday for a while, it's because I've been working on this event. I'm program chair and have been lining up the speakers. I also created the website for the event. I know some fellow journalists check out the blog here, and I want to encourage you to join us and to spread the word. This is a professional enrichment event intended everyone in news organizations across the region. Links to more specifics are on the website. I hope to see you there.
Father crucial in Icer career
Dad gets props for supporting his son through sports.
Too bad that the lone indoor ice rink in the city is still closed.
Father crucial in Icer career - The Daily Collegian Online: "Nate Obringer used to wake up at 4 a.m. on weekends in the middle of winter. Battling the cold, harsh conditions of western Pennsylvania, his father Tim Obringer would take Nate to practice on the one outdoor ice rink at Schenley Park.Nice article about local kid that is doing well.
Now as a member of No. 2 Penn State ACHA Division I Icers, Obringer has emerged as a scoring threat and senior leader who's looking to cap his collegiate career with a national championship.
No one in Obringer's family played hockey, but he benefited from growing up in Pittsburgh in the early '90s.
Too bad that the lone indoor ice rink in the city is still closed.
Streakin'
Schenley hasn't lost a City League game in four years. The Spartans also haven't lost a City League championship since 2004, when they fell to Perry. The streak started when Pitt center DeJuan Blair returned from a knee injury and played his first season at Schenley as a sophomore. The Spartans, who are led by Deandre Kane and Greg Blair these days, will look to continue their dominance tonight when they take on Langley in the semifinals at home.
The boys City League championship will be held at 5 p.m. on Feb. 21, and the girls title game will be played at 7 p.m. Both games will be played at the A.J. Palumbo Center.
Streakin'
Schenley hasn't lost a City League game in four years. The Spartans also haven't lost a City League championship since 2004, when they fell to Perry. The streak started when Pitt center DeJuan Blair returned from a knee injury and played his first season at Schenley as a sophomore. The Spartans, who are led by Deandre Kane and Greg Blair these days, will look to continue their dominance tonight when they take on Langley in the semifinals at home.
The boys City League championship will be held at 5 p.m. on Feb. 21, and the girls title game will be played at 7 p.m. Both games will be played at the A.J. Palumbo Center.
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