The Last Call: Second Protest Announced from Mike F

From: Mike Ference


PRESS RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Mike Ference

412-233-5491

mike@ferencemarketing.com


Pittsburgh, PA — November 10, 2011 — On December 5, 2011, well-known local activist Mike Ference will stage the second in a series of "Last Call" protests targeting local institutions and individuals tied to cases involving the abuse of children and young adults. The protest will take place at 10:00 AM in front of the Allegheny County Detectives Bureau in Dormont.

 

Ference is targeting the bureau for failing to take action after he presented detailed information about alleged clergy sex abuse, cover-ups and other criminal behavior to them several years ago. "Detectives Dennis Logan and Keith Andrews basically blew me off. They weren't the least bit interested in asking me any questions or following up on anything," Ference says.

 

He adds that Assistant District Attorney Laura Ditka also showed little interest, although she did help him secure the police report on the attempted murder of his son in 1989 — the event that inspired him to begin his work as an activist. Ference says he had been unable to obtain the report directly from the McKeesport Police Department, and that then-McKeesport Mayor Jim Brewster remained reluctant to release the files, even though they are considered public record.

 

Ference initially began investigating the attempted murder of his son because he felt the case had been botched and prematurely closed by the McKeesport police. William Scully, then Public Safety Director in Clairton, gave Ference notes on the case and encouraged him to continue investigating on his own. A central issue was whether the shooter had been sexually abused and encouraged to study the occult by a local Catholic priest. In more than two decades of work since then, Ference has uncovered and written about numerous related tales of child sexual abuse and cover-ups in the region.

 

"What has happened in the Mon Valley is every bit as disturbing as Cardinal Bernard Law's cover-up in the Boston Archdiocese and the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case unfolding at Penn State," Ference says. "What I've found again and again during my investigations is that such abuse can't happen without various community stakeholders 'looking the other way.' My Last Call protests are an effort to expose some of the individuals and institutions we need to hold responsible."

 

Ference's December 5 protest will concentrate on one specific report of clergy sex abuse, cover-up, and possible intimidation by persons associated with the Pittsburgh Diocese. Based on an interview and email exchanges with the alleged victim, telephone conversations with the victim's parents and interviews with other individuals in community, Ference summarizes the case as follows:

           

In 1988, former Catholic priest John Wellinger fed drugs and alcohol to an 18-year-old college student from the University of Pittsburgh at the student's apartment. According to the victim, Wellinger also gave him a "Mickey" which knocked him out for several hours. Upon waking, the youth called 911, ran down his apartment steps and met the Pittsburgh EMS squad at the bottom. The EMS took him to the emergency room of Presbyterian University Hospital, now part of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The young man was given a bed. Wellinger followed him to the hospital and into his room. The victim asked Wellinger to get his nurse. When the nurse entered the room, the young man informed the nurse that Wellinger was the person who harmed him. The nurse ushered Wellinger out. The parents of the victim were summoned, but the victim claims that he was never seen or treated by a doctor and that the police were not called.

 

Ference also quotes from emails sent to him by the alleged victim: "My dad did report Wellinger's behavior. Did you forget the excommunication letter he received from the diocese that I told you about? Did you forget about my dad being forced off the rectory grounds by West Mifflin police? Or maybe you forgot that I told the nurse in the ER that night that a priest did this to me. Or maybe you forgot how my family was ostracized from the neighborhood. We weren't quiet, Mike. We were ignored. Just like you and everyone else. I was abused."

 

In correspondence with Rita Flaherty from the Pittsburgh Diocese, Ference has been told that the Diocese is not aware of any allegations concerning this individual. In an email dated November 9, 2011, Flaherty writes:

 

"If someone has come to you with information that they have been abused, please have them contact me directly at 412-456-3060 or through our hotline number 1-888-808-1235. We would want to meet with that person and hear their story first hand and see what assistance we could provide to them. After dealing with the person directly, we follow our policies of reporting any alleged abuse involving a minor (no matter how old the alleged victim is now) to the appropriate civil authorities in the area where the abuse allegedly occurred. It is certainly my desire to assist any victim of abuse with their healing to the best of my ability."

 

Ference says this email represents a positive change from the "deny, stonewall, cover-up and hush up" tactics that he has found to be common in cases involving clergy. However, he also feels the time for patience and gradual change is long past. "For two decades I have called on certain institutions and individuals to come forward and take responsibility for their roles — active or passive — in child sex abuse," he explains. "This is the last call — those who don't do the right thing will be 'outted' at a series of protests where I will publicize incriminating details from my 22-year investigation. Abusers who have harmed children and those who knowingly covered up the crimes will be named — I want everyone in our community to know who the bad guys are."

 

Additional protests are in the planning stage. Ference says UPMC Hospital in Oakland is a likely site because of its ties to the clerical abuse case discussed above. He is also considering the police departments and municipal buildings of McKeesport, Clairton, and West Mifflin, due to their involvement in the mishandled investigation of the attempted murder of his son. District Attorney Stephen Zappala's office and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette were also mentioned as stakeholders who have been more interested in protecting the church hierarchy than punishing abusers and defending children.

 

Ference says, "apparently in western PA the rules to protect children do not apply."

 

For more information on the December 5 protest or other upcoming events, call Mike Ference at 412-233-5491, or email mike@ferencemarketing.com.

 


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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

First water polo players at Westinghouse. Historic!

Fwd: Three Rivers Film Festival: Battle for Brooklyn this weekend!

From: Melissa McSwigan


As part of the 30th annual Three Rivers Film Festival, the documentary film Battle for Brooklyn will be screened this Saturday, November 12 at 7:30 pm at the Harris Theater (downtown).  The filmmakers are scheduled to appear and there will be a panel discussion with Rob Pfaffmann following the screening.  Given the Civic Arena and other preservation issues, I thought this would be of interest!


Here is a short summary from Pop City:

On Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Brooklyn-based director-editor team Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley will be in town to present their new award-winning documentary, Battle for Brooklyn, which will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local architect Rob Pfaffmann. Shot over seven years and compiled from 500 hours of footage, Battle for Brooklyn chronicles the very public and passionate fight waged by owners and residents facing condemnation of their property to make way for the controversial Atlantic Yards project, a massive plan to build skyscrapers and a new NBA basketball arena in the heart of Brooklyn. Described as a "gripping David and Goliath story," the film examines issues surrounding eminent domain, historic preservation and the use of public dollars to support private development.

For the Post-Gazette review (scroll down):
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11314/1188687-120-0.stm
"Battle for Brooklyn" is illuminating, inspiring, discouraging and even predictable -- funny how those promised local jobs never materialize -- and a movie for our times.






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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

PSU predictions N@

Do the victims expand (be it at a much smaller measure) to include the 55 men on the football team today, and the 20 woman volleyball squad in 2014 if $20-M evaporates at PSU because of an abrupt removal of people due to a wicked backlash?

It is an honest question.

An airplane pilot can be pulled out of the drivers seat because a co pilot some years ago became an accused rapist. But there is a full plane of different people still in flight. Auto pilot can't land that jumbo jet with confidence. We have time, space and relationship problems and these matters need to be measured in real time.

My guess is Jo Pa is in the press box on Saturday in Nebraska and is not on the sidelines or even in the stadium the final two regular season games. He will get to talk to the team a few more times. He will get to game prep with film and such. All the assistants will be gone after the regular season. A bowl game might be declined. Who in the world hires the next staff is for another day.

The Clean Rivers Campaign needs your help this Wednesday the 9th at at 5pm at the IBEW Hall on Hot Metal Street in the South Side.

Do you want a say in the largest infrastructure project this area has ever seen?

Do want to create GREEN, family-sustaining jobs?

The Clean Rivers Campaign needs your help this Wednesday the 9^th at at 5pm at the IBEW Hall on Hot Metal Street in the Southside.

 

The campaign is organizing citizens into our project but we need to show larger community interest in the issue at this event this Wednesday.

 

We plan to have 100 people at press event at 5pm in the hall (since rain is predicted that day.) Folloing the press event starting at 6:00pm is an ALCOSAN Town Hall meeting where they will lay out the plan they have to fix the sewers.

The KEY POINTS of this issue:

1-      Federal law and Federal court enforcement requires us to fix the sewers that put raw sewage into our rivers;

2-      ALCOSAN has spent years developing a plan for this fix that the clean rivers campaign believes creates the least number of jobs (both construction and permanent maintenance) and does nothing to make our communities more livable. They want to dig deep tunnels to store the sewage when stormwater comes and treat it in expanded facilities.

3-      The plan that ALCOSAN has is not affordable by the standards set by the Federal EPA. The tunnels would cost at least $4 billion and the EPA says we can afford about $2 billion. In earlier meetings (tho not in the series of Town Hall meetings already held in the last 2 weeks) ALCOSAN has said this means their plan will be rejected in January 2013 when it is submitted and that years more will be required to renegotiate the deal with the EPA.

4-      At our press conference Wednesday the 9^th at 5pm the Clean Rivers Campaign will announce that we want to help ALCOSAN get a new deal with the EPA that reduces the sewer overflows significantly but also prioritizes getting the most number of construction and permanent maintenance jobs as well as the using the most green infrastructure as we can to both reduce the amount of stormwater that goes into the sewers as well as significantly improving the communities with trees, permeable parking lots and roads, green roofs and things that have proven to raise property values and bring business districts back to life.

 

We believe that unless the public sees us getting the most jobs and community improvements, there will be an outraged negative reaction to this whole deal that will make moving forward on fixing the sewers impossible.

The key issue: Voting for school board members

Great election day article:

The key issue: Voting for school board members: The key issue: Voting for school board members
Changes needed in pupil performance
Sunday, November 06, 2011
By Harold D. Miller

Tuesday is Election Day, and the most important vote you cast will be for people you almost never hear about: the members of your local school board.

[WTP] Schulz Returns to Wall Street -- Constitution Is Heard -- Endorse your approval

November 6, 2011 

Schulz Returns to Wall Street

The Constitution Is Heard

Endorse your approval at www.OccupyTheConstitution.org

On Wednesday, November 2 at 7pm, the Constitution had a notable event at Occupy Wall Street.

Bob Schulz and Judith Whitmore were first to address the OWS General Assembly on the steps of Liberty Plaza to present a "report back" on the OWS Constitution Working Group.  The group was initiated by Bob on October 8, to give the Constitution a voice among those seeking to define and solve our Nation's problems.

On this night, speaking to about 1,500 occupiers using the "People's Mic" method, they reported the fact that the Constitution Working Group had produced a Statement of Beliefs and posted it on a new domain www.OccupyTheConstitution.org.

The setting of the park has changed considerably.  For revolutionary buffs, the scene somehow reminds of Washington's encampment at Valley Forge. All available space is now taken up with tents, huddled together, except for information and media areas, the food line and a narrow aisle to access these.  We are told generators have been removed by the police and one wonders how the occupiers can or will endure the winter weather.

We offer a written "re-enactment" of exactly what was said. Imagine yourself there, repeating every few words, with hundreds of others, so those behind you could receive and transmit the message. The "people's mic" is how the occupiers communicate without a PA system.

Yells Bob: "HI, I'M BOB!....." (assembly repeats)

Yells Judith: "HI, I'M JUDITH!....(assembly repeats) THANK YOU..(etc) FOR ALL YOU DO! (etc)"

Bob: "THE CONSTITUTION WORKING GROUP..OF OCCUPY WALL STREET..HAS PRODUCED...THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF BELIEFS..AS A PLATFORM..FOR RECOMMENDED FUTURE ACTIONS..TO SOLVE THE NATION'S PROBLEMS... INCLUDING..BAILOUTS..CORPORATE PERSONHOOD..WAR..UNSOUND MONEY...AND DEBT." 

Judith: "THE CONSTITUTION WORKING GROUP...ASKS THAT THESE BELIEFS..NOW BE CONSIDERED..BY ALL PEOPLE...IN AND OUT OF THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT..PONDER THESE..AND MAKE KNOWN YOUR APPROVAL..

Bob: "THE STATEMENT OF BELIEFS...IS NOW POSTED...AT WWW.OCCUPYTHECONSTITUTIONL.ORG (there are cheers with this announcement)...GO THERE...STUDY IT... SIGNIFY YOUR APPROVAL...

Judith: "THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO HEAR...FROM MILLIONS OF US..UNITED IN PURPOSE AND SPIRIT...WE ARE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE...WE ARE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE..WE ARE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE...WE ARE FREE! .....WE ARE FREE! ...... WE ARE FREE!

Bob: "WE HAVE COPIES OF THE STATEMENT OF BELIEFS HERE FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE ONE. THANK YOU."

There was applause. Bob and Judith were then surrounded by very appreciative people who wanted a copy and volunteered to help pass them out to the crowd. New people joined the Constitution Working group, including two law school students. 

The Voice of the Constitution was heard.  It felt GOOD and RIGHT.

One woman said with tears in her eyes: "I have been here since September and this is what I had hoped for."

NEXT STEPS: WHAT NOW?

We invite you to go to www.OccupyTheConstitution.org , an online "kiosk," to signify your approval of the Statement of Beliefs by giving an electronic signature.

Know that the Constitution has the power to unite People under a single umbrella of shared Principles regardless of what party one may belong to or whom one may vote for.

Most importantly, know that the Constitution protects and embodies many Rights and powers possessed by the People, some well known, others long-forgotten, that hold the promise -- should we successfully organize and wield such powers en masse, to redirect the future course of events and peaceably hold government accountable for the dark violations of our Constitution which are the root cause of all that now ails America.

Please take the time to blast, post, tweet and talk about the Statement of Beliefs.

It is statement of common Principles.  It is a statement of shared Beliefs. It is a restatement and recognition of the vision and concept for Earthly governance held by our Founders many years ago. Critically, if enough of We the People rally to its call, it will become the working Platform by which the People will once again assert their Natural Sovereignty over their servant governments to cleanse and correct that which has brought endless wars, economic disintegration and untold human tragedy to our Republic.

Encourage People to sign. Millions ought to. Millions must if we expect the Banks, Corporations and Politicians to be attentive and responsive.

The Statement of Beliefs is the Platform from which the Free People of America will launch First Amendment Petitions for Redress, formally Instructing our elected officials to end their certain, and continuing violations of the Constitution.

The Instructions will be rooted in the requirements and prohibitions scribed within the Constitution and designed to be served on the President, Congress, State Legislatures, Mayors and other local government officials.

The Instructions will include facts showing the violations.

The Instructions will offer a constitutional pathway to peaceful, viable solutions for what ails America now.

The People will learn that Acts of Government by our elected officials, outside the strict and very limited written authorities of Law within the Constitution are simply unlawful.  If it isn't in writing, government CANNOT DO IT.

We the People may have been guilty of inattention and/or negligence allowing elected officials to stray from the dictates of the Constitution, but we are waking up en masse and still possess vast Powers and Rights to hold government accountable.

If there are enough of us, we will peacefully do whatever it takes to restore constitutional governance in America and get this Nation back on track.

The domain www.OccupyTheConstitution.org will maintain a narrow focus, serving as a "kiosk" where the people will go to read nothing but the Statement of Beliefs and each Instruction/Petition and signify their approval.

Your country needs you. Will you answer the Call?

WORD TRAVELS FAST

Remarkably, within twelve hours (by 8 AM the next morning), Karl Denniger, a well known entrepreneur and financial/economic analyst, posted a potent article about the Statement of Beliefs.

On his popular website www.Market-Ticker.org (see the article "OWS Constitution Working Group"), Denninger posted the entire Statement of Beliefs, made reference to certain Founding Fathers and challenged the Tea Party and others to rally around the Principles articulated in the Statement as they set course to solve the intractable problems plaguing our nation.

Here's exactly what Denninger had to say, following his repost of the OWS Working Group's Statements of Belief:

 

Where are those alleged bomb-throwing anarchists eh?

Yes, this is one of many working groups and has no force of consensus in the form of having passed a General Assembly.

Yet.

But this ought to make those of you who have claimed that the "Occupy" movement is somehow intended to remove our Constitution and replace it with Marxism (or worse) sit down and smell the coffee.

Why not tea?  Because the so-called Tea Party couldn't be bothered to put this at the forefront of what they stood for.  They turned into "Guns" (that one's actually in the Constitution), "Gays" (uh, that's not, and in fact is exactly the opposite of what the tea party claims in this regard!) and "God" (uh, again, First Amendment; freedom of religion is not we choose, you obey when it comes to religion is it?)

The flame-out you've seen among those who claim to be in the linear descendant chain of Sam Adams' political thought comes from the fact that they couldn't be bothered to actually call a general strike.  To actually interrupt commerce so as to protest taxation.  To engage in proportional response to the looting that has taken place -- for instance, by handing out fliers in front of every TBTF bank branch across the country asking people to boycott and naming their admitted crimes (you have so many to pick from and the best part of choosing from the ones admitted to is that it's in their own words!) and more.  In short, to do as Sam Adam s did, and believe not in the tired old divisive politics of BS and hate but rather to focus on The Constitution and its restoration.

Hell, among so-called "Tea Party" folks I can't recall any, other than a handful of bloggers (myself and FedUp included) who have called for or participated in any sort of direct action.  We have a few over on Tickerforum sporting American Flags next to their names -- they have participated in some sort of peaceful and lawful direct demonstration.  But where are the so-called "Tea Party" on this score? 

Absent, that's where.

So into the vacuum steps "Occupy Wall Street", and out of the Constitution working group comes this.  Not bomb-throwing anarchy, not some sort of wild proposal to re-write The Constitution to be a leftist, Marxist dream ticket, but an actual statement of principles that is fully in concordance with SAM ADAMS, THOMAS JEFFERSON and the rest of those who were part of the REAL Tea Party.

If you recall when I first started blogging about "OWS" I pointed out that there was about a two week period where I hadn't written anything as I was feeling my way around the edges of what this movement really was -- doing my own investigation, my own background work.  Since that time I've been a supporter predicated on it being a lawful exercise of one's Constitutionally-recognized rights.

I also pointed out that there was real risk in this movement -- that the people there had gotten the "who dunnit" right, but that most of them didn't understand how it happened.  This is not surprising; the "how" is difficult and those who did the scamming made it intentionally so. 

Well, this Statement of Beliefs is not the end of the debate as to whether OWS will turn into something both powerful and positive, but it is a clear statement of purpose in the right direction.

Those of you on the right who have claimed that this is all some sort of anarchist or communist movement have egg on your face this morning.  The knee-jerk reaction will undoubtedly be to both ignore this document and work product and sling mud.

The constructive thing to do is what I've been trying to do since I made my decision on how to proceed -- engagement, education and promotion of both a positive and lawful message and set of principles.

You now have a a platform from an actual OWS working group that no true Sam Adams' political devotee can argue with.

We will now find out from the commentary and actions of these groups within the next days and weeks whether those who claim to be "Tea Partiers" really are Constitutionalists or whether they are in fact defecating on Sam Adams' grave.

Denninger, clearly having done some level of due diligence, goes on to end his piece making a none-too-oblique reference to Bob Schulz and the WTP Foundation whose efforts resulted in the creation of the OWS Constitution Working Group:

Ps: Yes, before you ask, I am well-aware of who owns that domain.  This is called engagement folks, and it's what I've been preaching.  See..... it works!

Please go to the kiosk and add your signature to the Statement of Beliefs.

Again, the full article by Karl Denninger can be found here: http://www.market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=196948.  We note that hundreds of other blog sites subscribe to Denninger reports and have posted the Statement and his views, along with their own comments.

A Mission Without Resources?

Please take a moment to remember that it takes significant funding for We The People to continue moving our vital mission forward. Like every organization today we have significant, and simply unavoidable monthly costs for technology, legal research, travel, professional services and of course, just to keep the lights on. (Please remember there is no paid staff at WTP!) Simply put, your contributions, no matter how modest or how infrequent, are critical to our organization. You, the supporters of We The People, are what breathes life to WTP.  You are the sole source of that which keeps our vision alive and which each day brings the Light of Liberty closer for us all.< BR>
To make a one-time general donation to the Foundation, click here or use the PayPal button just below. Additional support options, including monthly subscription memberships and donations, appear below.

No PayPal account or log-on is necessary!

Year-End  Fundraiser!
The 2012 WTP Freedom Calendars Now Available.

This year again, we offer our WTP 2012 Freedom Calendars as an intelligent, timely gift for those who want to know and share what is Precious and Fundamental to our Beloved America. The calendars make great gifts for family, friends, customers and business associates.

                     Our mailing address: 2458 Ridge Road , Queensbury, NY 12804


          You, the People, are the only ones
           who can save the Constitution.  

We The People Foundation For Constitutional Education
2458 Ridge Road, Queensbury, New York 12804
http://givemeliberty.org/
________________________________
To send an email to Bob Schulz
mailto:bob@givemeliberty.org


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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

Baylor University || Baylor Nation || On-Campus Stadium Getting a Closer Look

Baylor University || Baylor Nation || On-Campus Stadium Getting a Closer Look: On-Campus Stadium Getting a Closer Look

And in other news:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11309/1187842-66.stm

A school plan from Walter Reid for PPS, FWIW N@

Source is reported to be, WALTER REID  JET1931@AOL.COM and his plan:

Walter A. Reid

JET1931@AOL.COM

I have devised a plan that may help improve the quality of education of urban public schools. This plan will offer competition to charter, private and perhaps voucher schools, and will halt or slow down the outflow of our better parental managed students.

The public school teachers are dedicated hard workers however, they now find themselves in a pickle.  This is because some students lack motivation and don't like school.  The teachers are faced with student apathy, absenteeism and parental neglect.   The neglected children should have an assisted living facility, but that is another matter.  Yet the teacher is often blamed, by conservative groups who feel they have the answers.  Therefore, the teachers now have the responsibility to indoctrinate our children in a system that may give them the incentive to remain in school.  This regimental training will give our children a chance at life.  This will then increase the property value and outlook about the community.  The public school teacher must recognize the importance of competitiveness and organization in our public schools in order to compete with charter, private and perhaps voucher schools. 

I believe school should start 8:00 am and close at 5:00 pm. from grades 1 through 9. 

Teachers who do not teach Math, English and Science should arrive at 8:00 am and remain until 3:00 pm.  The Math, English and Science teachers should start 10:00 am and remain until 5:00 pm. 

The students will stay until 5:00 pm.  From 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm the students are to remain to do Math, English and Science homework daily with the Math, English and Science teachers present.  If a student should encounter any difficulty, this would be the teacher’s responsibility. 

By obtaining a note from the parent the student could remain after 5:00 pm to 5:30 for a snack.

Reasons listed below are:

1)      Study after study found students learn better with a later start time.

2)      The children are often neglected in their own environment.  No reading material is in some homes nor parental guidance given.

3)      The additional two hours will slow down gang recruitment.

4)      A snack is given, in case the child has nothing to eat at home.

5)      My plan may probably cut down on our prison population our tax dollars are paying for.

Today’s climate of austerity is forcing us to grapple with the reality, and a good deal of our current education spending is ill directed.  Teachers will always be the key to unlocking student’s imaginations.  As an example Algebra is a gatekeeper course for some of us.   Failure to master the subject means exclusion from advanced mathematics and reducing chances of admission to a selective college. We can no longer afford not to emphasize the importance of our children contributing to our country.

You as a teacher are our leaders, and will be long remembered by children into adulthood thru your unselfishness and generosity towards them. If it were not for teachers in public education, we would not be able to express ourselves, as I have.

Musical group: Emma's Revolution: "Occupy the USA!" Download & WashPost Story

emma's revolution - What's New! - "Occupy the USA!" Download & WashPost Story: "Occupy the USA!" Download & WashPost Story

Commissioner Miller Mt. Lebanon Update

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

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From: Daniel Miller <danielmillerpa@gmail.com>

Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:49:21 -0400

Subject: Commissioner Miller Mt. Lebanon Update

Greetings!

It has been awhile since my last Commission Update email so I thought it would be good to recap some recent issues before the 2012 Budget Hearings begin. 

One quick note to start with- if you would like to keep up on my latest work as 5th Ward Commissioner and Commission President, you can now follow me on Twitter @DanielLMiller. I will attempt to use this account frequently over the next two months and during our budget discussions to provide greater insight into Commission decision-making progress. Hope to see you there!

Below are highlighted topics of note and links to more information available on my website at www.danmillerward5.com

Recreation Pool and Field Improvements

Many people know that the Municipality was considering up to $12-15 million worth of Pool and Field improvements when I was elected in 2007. I worked throughout my term with a variety of Commissioners to present a flexible plan to handle both issues for no more than $7 million. The following lists of posts gives the most recent updates on that topic:

1) Motion for Staff Report on all related issues regarding possible Municipal Pool and Field improvements- information available here

2) Full text of Compromise Rec Improvement Resolution with historical account- information available here

3) Synopsis of Defeat of Rec Improvement Resolution- information available here

4) Latest on Compromise Rec Resolution- information available here

5) The Importance of Transparency- What is a RFP?- information available here

Municipal Website Updates

1) New Online Taxpayer Receipt coming- information available here

2) Update on New Municipal website progress- information available here

Magazine Article

In my final MTL Magazine Article I talk up some of the tough decisions we have made in relation to cost-cutting measures that impacted our Municipal staff- but not our services.

1) My latest and final MTL Magazine Article- information available here

Parking Authority Consolidation

1) Consolidation on target for end of the year- information available here

Mt. Lebanon Veterans Memorial Update

1) Big grant received and bid awarded- information available here

Other New Initiatives

1) A bipartisan effort was passed to treat our full time employees equally- information available here

2) New program in Lebo adding greater security for at-risk wanderers- information available here

Quick note as to the upcoming Election:

As some of you may know, although I have been honored to serve on the Mt. Lebanon Commission I have decided not to seek another term. This means that the Commission might have as many as three new Commissioners in January. I hope that all of you who have cared enough to contact me with questions during the last fours years will likewise care enough to vote on November 8th. These positions are very important to our town so I urge you to make an informed decision. To assist with your research I have included the following candidate websites/emails for your convenience: 

John Bendel- http://votebendel.com/

Kristen Linfante- http://votelinfante.com/

Joe DeIuliis- no known website but I email him at hohum1007@verizon.net

Bill Hoon- no known website but I email him at bchoon@verizon.net

Kelly Fraasch- http://www.kellyfraasch.com/

and we do have the following School Board candidates-

James Cannon- http://www.james-cannon.com/

Ed Kubit/Scott Goldman- http://www.electscottanded.com/

Elaine Cappucci, Larry Lebowitz, and Bill Cooper- http://www.voteccl.com/

Best,

Dan Miller

5th Ward Commissioner

Meet the Press

How to fix the US Congress

Warren Buffett said: "I could end the deficit in 5 minutes." Speaking with CNBC he said: " You just pass a law that says anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election. The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18-year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it.  That was in 1971... before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc. Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took a year or less to become the law of the land... all because of public pressure.

Warren Buffett is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.  In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.  This is one idea that really should be passed around.

*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*

1. No Tenure/ No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.  Congressional pay will rise by the lower of the CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/2012. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their terms and then go home and back to work!

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!  If you agree with the above, pass it on.

Judge for sale: David W.

A press release issued today by the Republicans regarding the Democrats' attempt to buy their way on to Pennsylvania's Superior Court.

Judge For Sale 

After issuing a pledge to refuse contributions from "third-party, big money, special interest groups" that have an "infecting influence in Pennsylvania elections," Democrat candidate for Superior Court David Wecht took $300,000 from a PAC bankrolled by Philadelphia trial lawyers in a desperate attempt to buy his way to victory. That's $300,000, or 60% of his fundraising, coming from a special interest group. 

Sound suspicious? 

We're sounding the alarm on David Wecht's attempt to buy his way onto the bench and I hope you will join our fight. 

There are a few things you can do: 

-Contact your local newspaper and write a letter to the editor denouncing Wecht's attempt to buy justice. E-mail us if you need assistance. 

-Donate to the PA GOP and help us fight against these special interests 

-Help us elect principled candidates to the bench instead and volunteer for Vic Stabile for Superior Court and Anne Covey for Commonwealth Court. 

I hope you will join us to send a simple message: justice is not for sale. 

Valerie Caras Communications and Technology Director Republican Party of Pennsylvania 

www.pagop.org

Short Political Ad for Ron Paul

Fwd: Fw: Multible Employment Positions Available--please share--Hiring immediately

From: RFlanag@aol.com

(Far below is information on positions available with the Community Learns program operated by Neighborhood Learning Alliance, 218 N. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
 
After School program Site Coordinators, Assistant Site Coordinators, and Tutors/Classroom Assistance positions are available. Send your resume to Steve MacIsaac, Executive Director----macisaac2@neighborhoodlearning.org)
 
 
 
FULL TIME OPEN POSITION--Please share out..

Employment Outreach Coordinator

EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD EMPLOYMENT CENTER

Pittsburgh CONNECTS, 5321 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 – 412-362-8580

 

Title: Employment Outreach Associate

Reports to: Managing Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-time

Salary: $30,000 to $34,000

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Rflanag@aol.com.

 

Job Summary

Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC) serves as a regional resource center for job seekers that primarily reside or work in the Garfield, East Liberty and Lawrenceville communities, and manages the employment component of the Garfield Pittsburgh CONNECTS Computer Lab. Pittsburgh CONNECTS serves to expand broadband access across Pittsburgh, and has a four-fold focus on technology, health, education, and employment. Both ENEC and Pittsburgh CONNECTS labs host multiple programs each month, and operate as drop-in centers for the community. On average over 250 people utilize our services each month.

The Employment Outreach Coordinator role is a dynamic and diverse position providing support for the ENEC to implement the employment component of the Pittsburgh CONNECTS lab. Working primarily in the ENEC employment lab, the associate will assist clients with computer use and employment resources. Additionally, this position includes managing and organizing recruitment and marketing efforts for each of the initiatives. In participation with the East End Works, the associate will also assist clients in three satellite employment/tech center sites located in the Pittsburgh area. Recruitment efforts include both social media and outreach work in the community.

The Employment Outreach Associate must be a highly motivated, independent person who has a passion for community engagement, the will to push an agenda, and the expertise to effectively perform this multi-faceted position. The associate will be responsible for the following:

•               Manage recruiting and marketing campaigns for ENEC and Lab events and classes, including planning and developing recruitment strategies in the community.  

 

•               Provide daily assistance with clients utilizing the drop-in lab around employment resources and computer literacy;

 

•               Assist clients with resume building, online job search and online applications

 

•               Network with regional leaders and local businesses to secure new employment opportunities

 

•               Utilize and update our powerful database system for clients and employers ;

 

•               Performs any and all other duties assigned for which the employee is qualified and physically able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.

What it takes to be a Community Outreach Associate:

 

•               Must have at least a bachelor's degree and be comfortable using computer and internet technology; experience with marketing preferred;

 

•               Proven experience with grassroots organizing and recruitment preferred.

 

•               Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with ever shifting priorities.

 

•               Excellent writing skills, highly organized, and the ability to easily maintain paper and electronic files;

 

•               Strong listening and verbal communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills and a customer service background;

 

•               3-5 years experience in social services or employment services;

 

•               Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel); Strong internet navigation skills;

 

•               Current (or ability to quickly receive) Act 33/34 clearances

 

•               Valid Driver's License and proof of car insurance.

 

Working Conditions

The incumbent will perform the duties of the position in the employment/computer lab and in the greater Pittsburgh community.  He/she will have extensive direct contact with clients and will spend a large percentage of their time out of the office. Extensive communication with other agencies and employers is necessary.  The position involves using a computer, modem, social media, copy machine, telephone, and periodic automobile transportation will be necessary.  The position involves working with highly confidential information.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks that are within their abilities other than those specifically presented in this document.

Chip in for fighting with the SEA to save the Civic Arena

www.reusetheigloo.org 

www.preservationpittsburgh.org 

Last week, a judge denied the SEA’s request for “summary affirmance”. This means that the case to prevent demolition of the Pittsburgh Civic Arena will likely be heard and we must file additional paperwork for our appeal next week unless we withdraw the case due to lack of funds!

In Thursday’s Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Mary Conturo, SEA Exec Director, confirmed that the SEA still intends to apply for federal funding. This statement adds further validity that the SEA is breaking the spirit, if not the letter, of the federal preservation law in demolishing the Civic Arena. This could provide further ammunition for our appeal. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11300/1185326-53-0.stm

Board members of Preservation Pittsburgh are tentatively committing an additional $20,000 in pledges toward our legal fees. We need a match for us to reach our need of $58,000 We need to act quickly!

Even though demolition of the roof has already started, the SEA has not yet deconstructed the structural part of the roof – only the removal of surface stainless steel and asbestos. We don’t know when our appeal will be heard. If we should win, we could ask for an injunction to stop further demolition before our case is heard in district court. In the meantime, demolition continues.

This case has the potential to set national implications for the anticipatory demolition provisions of Federal Law. Preservation cases around the country could be affected by the outcome of this case. We also need time to recruit a world class organization, Cirque du Soleil as a prime tenant! Go to www.reusetheigloo.org to learn more!

Scott Leib, Preservation Pittsburgh

Rob Pfaffmann, Reuse the Igloo!

Free Weekly Workshops at 3 Trek of Pittsburgh locations.

---------- Forwarded message ----------

These are mostly beginner workshops, though we're planning more
advanced topics for early in the new year.  If you're new to cycling
or know someone is, come join us/spread the word!

Beginning November 8, each Trek of Pittsburgh location will host a
free weekly clinic*.  For your convenience, the topic of the week will
be covered Tuesdays at the Robinson store, Wednesdays in Cranberry,
and Thursdays at the Shadyside location.  If you can't make it to your
neighborhood Trek of Pittsburgh, catch the session across town on
another evening!  The talks will begin at 6:30 pm.   As a bonus,
participants will earn five T.O.P. dollars for every unique seminar
they attend!  Plus, take advantage of a smoking deal on the featured
item of the week.   Check our home page for updates on these exclusive
offers.

* Please note:  Some weeks will be skipped in observance of the
holidays.  See the schedule below for details.  Visit www.trekofpgh.com
for directions.

Schedule:

Week 1   November 8, 9, 10    Maintenance on the go/ Fix-A-Flat

If you haven't yet mastered the art of fixing a flat, you'll have it
down by the end of this clinic.  Bring your front wheel and some elbow
grease, and we'll have you prying like a pro.  In addition to flat
repair, the workshop will cover what to take with you on your rides
and some other basic maintenance topics like chain cleaning/lube.


Week 2   November 15, 16, 17    Say "NO" to the off season

Not ready to say goodbye?  We share your sentiments.  With the right
gear you can keep riding outside year around.  In this seminar, we'll
teach how to stay comfortable from head to toe in a variety of weather
conditions.  Come learn about the key to it all-- the base layer.


Week 3    Nov 29, 30, & Dec 1    A Guide to Indoor Training

Unlock the mystery of the indoor trainer.  We'll begin the clinic by
explaining the differences between the various models, then we'll let
you try them out and compare for yourself.  This workshop will also
cover how to set up your bike and some tips and tricks for keeping
your workouts fun and interesting.

Weeks 4-10     TBA      Check Back!



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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: Red Light Camera Bill Passes PA Senate

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gary Denese

SB595, An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for display of registration plate and for automated red light enforcement systems in first class cities, was passed yesterday by a vote of 35-14 with one abstention. Southwestern PA senators voting against the measure were Jim Ferlo (D-38), Jane Orie (R-40) and Elder A. Vogel, Jr. (R-47). John Pippy (R-37) was the lone abstention. The bill would permit more Pennsylvania cities, including Pittsburgh, to install red light cameras. Similar legislation in the House, HB821 , providing for automated red light enforcement systems in second class, second class A and third class cities, currently sits in the Transportation Committee.
 
Get ready for more Big Brother surveillance, state revenue raising and vehicular accidents.

Installing red-light-running cameras statewide was one of the recommendations made by Governor Corbett's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission in it's final report on long-term transportation funding options for the state released in August. Scroll down to "Traffic Control, Enforcement, & Safety" on pages 26 and 27 (PDF page 16): ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/TFAC/TFAC%20Final%20Report%20-%20Spread%20Version.pdf
 
Last year, Senator Ferlo told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review that he hopes the red-light camera plan 'dies a slow death', stating "this thing is very Orwellian", and the bill (at that time) "is just fraught with problems and associated with a lack of due process", and that he thinks "it's fundamentally about raising revenue".
Mr Ferlo, it seems, is correct on all accounts.
 
In an interview with Liberty News Network's Sam Antonio at the Liberty Political Action Conference 2011, Shawn Dow, a member of the Arizona Campaign For Liberty Board of Directors, stated that the issuance of red light camera (or photo radar) tickets violates the Fifth Amendment right to due process. There is no right to discovery and no way for issuees to fight the tickets in court. They are denied their right to question their accuser, because the tickets are signed electronically by a law enforcement officer (the accuser), and he or she never has to testify that they issued the ticket. The tickets are actually issued by a private Australian company traded on the Australian stock exchange tracking people via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). Issuees are essentially forced to testify against themselves. Law enforcement authorities don't know for sure that you were the driver at the time the infraction took place unless you admit to it, but according to Mr. Dow they don't really care, because they have lowered the burden of proof down to the preponderance of the evidence, so you're still considered guilty no matter what you say. They consider you responsible simply because the vehicle is registered in your name, so you're guilty until proven innocent and charged with a crime you didn't commit if someone else was driving your vehicle.
 
It also violates the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial if the fine exceeds $20 (some of these tickets exceed $700) and the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause, because so many groups and classifications of people are exempt from the issuance of photo radar tickets like law enforcement officers, judges and elected officials, those with vehicles registered under corporate names or trusts and people from out of state or country.
 
Red light camera proponents, including politicians, argue that they reduce the number of intersection crashes, which is cited in the PA Transportation Funding Advisory Commission's report (see pages cited above), but Mr. Dow states that there are numerous studies proving that red light cameras have actually increased accidents, and by as much as 480% in Peoria, AZ, where the cameras are now being turned off, thus proving that the politicians are lying about the issue and are actually putting people at risk. When the cameras are installed, the yellow signal time is immediately lowered, thus making the intersections much more dangerous, but the authorities get to make more money off of it, because 95% of all people issued tickets by red light cameras are making righthand turns on red. The cameras can't tell the difference and only see that someone is crossing the stop bar line.
 
Mr. Dow essentially says that these cameras are not at all about making people safer, but are simply another revenue raising scheme designed to cover up politicians' inept budgeting skills. The efforts of Campaign For Liberty activists have gotten the cameras banned in 15 states and 18 cities, including Los Angeles, where authorities couldn't get anyone to pay the tickets, because people knew they were illegal and could just throw them in the trash without responding to them and they'd get dismissed in 120 days. It was finally decided that there was no point in continuing to put the public at risk, because the revenue promised by photo radar tickets was not materializing.
 
Shawn Dow Interview LPAC 2011 - YouTube
Red-Light Cameras IncreaseAccidents: 5 Studies That Prove It
Santa's helpers disable naughty cameras in Tempe - YouTube
 
Gary D


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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

Pittsburgh councilman proposes expanded tax abatement program

Bill Peduto, this is called "Corporate Welfare" -- and it sucks.

Pittsburgh councilman proposes expanded tax abatement program: Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto today introduced legislation that aims to stimulate development with a modified tax abatement program.