PITY, no more. Letters to the editor, 05/31/02

Letters to the editor, 05/31/02: "Feudal and futile

I'm totally bored with all the editorials, letters to the editor and pseudo-political babble concerning the cost of operating our schools. So long as this area continues to live in the Dark Ages and maintains all the various fiefdoms -- with separate school systems, separate police and fire departments, and all its various political positions -- our county will never achieve 'megalopolis status.' It will remain the 'one-horse town' image it reflects. When I lived in the Far East 50 years ago, if I had a dollar for every time I was asked about the magnificent city called Pittsburgh, I'd be a millionaire. Pity, no more.

CHUCK NOGAL
South Side

Pippy hails Playbook for Progress

(My $.02 below.)

Plan helps state government respond to needs of families, communities

Calling it a “good framework” for the 2005-06 Session, State Senator John Pippy lauded the detailed legislative agenda for Pennsylvania General Assembly recently unveiled by Republican leaders.

Senator Pippy said the “Playbook for Progress” provides a good plan for developing legislative action to cut taxes, control state spending and improve the state’s economic climate as a way to foster job growth.

“This is a comprehensive proposal that addresses many areas of concern in the Commonwealth,” Senator Pippy said. “Through the proposed tax cuts and spending controls we will reshape Pennsylvania’s government to better respond to the needs of families, communities and job creators.”

The Playbook for Progress calls for:

· Election reforms designed to ensure that Pennsylvanians serving overseas in the military are allowed to vote, improve Election Day operations, and complete the implementation of a statewide voter registration system.

· Reforms to the state’s gambling law, including addressing the controversial ownership provisions that would allow an elected official to have an ownership interest in gambling-related companies, along with RICO provisions and giving the attorney general greater oversight powers.

· An emphasis on access to quality health care by encouraging use of Health Savings Accounts, developing a health care tax credit program for small businesses, and developing a collaborative approach in determining how to best utilize and direct any excess funds that may be held by the Blue Cross plans as they meet their social mission in Pennsylvania.

· A plan to make college more affordable for Pennsylvania families and working to build a program that would enable high school students to earn college credits while still in high school.

· The Keystone Manufacturing Initiative and a renewed commitment to cutting taxes on job creators -- both designed to create a better atmosphere for good jobs in Pennsylvania.

· Improvements to public safety, including increasing the state police complement – which the governor agreed to as he signed the budget but has since refused to implement – homeland security issues, and how Pennsylvania is spending money earmarked to fight bioterrorism.

· Protecting the environment by enhancing Growing Greener, the successful Republican-led environmental initiative, ensuring that Pennsylvania remains a leader in farmland preservation, securing a stream of funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, and improving flood mitigation efforts.

Reaction from Mark Rauterkus:

Where can I get a full copy, online, of the playbook for progress?

Where are there discussions about the crafting of the playbook?

What parts of the playbook did the Pippy office champion?

What kind of progress does Pippy find in the move to put Michael Diven, recent dem, up for election on the GOP side for a seat in the PA Senate?

Okay to call or leave comments below. I would have loved to have seen some URLs in the message sent out by the Senator's staffers.

Edico - Political Announcements

Edico - Political Announcements

…Bob O’Connor will make his formal dive into the Pittsburgh Mayoral Race this Sunday at the brand spanking new South Side Works IBEW facility located by the Hot Metal Bridge…the event is set to take place between 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm, which when you think about it, is one heck of a long announcement for a guy that is going for his third attempt at the same office… surely that two hour window must be for allotting time so that everyone can get thru the cookie line and not for a 120 minute speech.  Look for O’Connor to distance himself from his voting record in City Council, Tom Murphy, Joe King, Stadiums, Boomer Baker Knoll, Act 47 and a partridge in a pear tree.  Don’t look for a quick endorsement from all of the City unions…in his reign as a card carrying member of the city council there are some less than favorable votes that he cast that do not endear him to all of the boys in blue…this is the do or die race for O’Connor he either finally pulls it off or goes down in Grant Street history as the man who achieved the only hat trick in failed mayoral attempts…makes you wonder if Sam Katz is taking notes… 

Meet Chuck Nogal, At-Large Member for the Committee for Elect.Rauterkus.com

Mr. Chuck Nogal is an veteran of the US Army and served in Japan for five years, from 1952 to 1956. Then he served as a citizen for an additional two years. Upon his return, he worked for Gimble's in management for 18 years. His stint included the role of operational manager at the South Hills Village store.

On a lark, he opened a store on the South Side when the South Side looked like death warmed over. From the day he opened, with his partner, in 1972, the could not contain all the classes. They have classes in ceramics every Monday to Friday from 7 to 9 pm.

The Glazing Pot has always had an interesting storefront. Now it shows a message about the campaign, and flags of course.

Chuck once had five letters to the editor published in the same day: They ran in the Press, PG, PG sports, Pgh Catholic and one was read on TV.

For a stretch, everthing he wrote was published in the South Pittsburgh Reporter. Once when he didn't submit a letter, the publisher got a few calls asking what was wrong with Chuck's column.

Photos and testimonial to come.

Bill 999 has not been updated for the public view

The citizens of Pittsburgh, led in part by me, have called for a public hearing on bill 999 about new limits to be put on public comment before city council.

The law has had some changes, but the changes are not yet with the city's clerk.

Frustration boiled at council chambers on many fronts today. The bickering and disgust is spilling in all areas of our life on Grant Street. Now the fighting is not about money, as the money had gone away. However, the fighting among people and positions is still going on hot and heavy.

Mark Brentley unloaded about Dr. Thompson's early departure. Dr. T was let go without an evaluation from the board.

Mr. Liller annouced he'll be running for mayor. His passion is noted.

A mom spoke about the Sunshine Law and the treatment of council members and let it be known that her 11th grade daughter who works part time at the Martin Luther King Library was brought to tears when she got her recent pay check and noticed the loss of $52.

A mayor veto was sustained in another 5-4 vote. Rats.

Rats and rodents were talked of again.

This afternoon they huddle about the contracts with the police and firefighters.

Meet candidate and loyal opposition: Joe Scioscia

Flipped out of the race: David Jayson.

Flopped into the race: Joe Scioscia, Republican, Bellevue Boro Councilman.

I've just sent him a copy of my open letter.

Since I published Diven's cell phone in the past, here is Scioscia's info too: Ravensight@comcast.net, cell = 412 812 1354.

The cell for myself, Mark Rauterkus, is 412-298-3432. My email, of course, is Mark@Rauterkus.com.

An Open Letter to the voters in Allegheny County, and more

To:
Voters in Allegheny County,
Politicians in Harrisburg, and
Loyal Opponents in the race for Pennsylvania Senate (42nd District)


From:
Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian,
Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412 298 3432

Tuesday, February 8, 2005

The party switch of state rep, Michael Diven, from Democrat to Republican provided glee for some party hacks. Before David Jayson, (*) Republican from Scott Township, is elbowed out of the race, allow some time to think again.

* See comments as this is a fluid story.

I'm biased. I'm a participant in the race for the senator's office. I'd love to be the one to replace Jack Wagner, D., who is now PA's Auditor General. My perspectives are not rooted in selfishness. Already, a victory came by requesting the special election date as May 17, 2005. My hopes in a “dual election” (same day for both primary as special election) are curtailed. Nonetheless, this schedule saves $200,000 and nets thousands of hours of productivity for citizens of the region.

I aim to trumpet the best interests of the region's, not my own. So please, Republican friends, consider these points:

Diven, pushed away from the Democrats, figured he couldn't win as an Independent. Diven's attraction to Republican ideals and being a Republican is only an afterthought.

I watched Diven while he was on city council. Diven was my state rep. Plus, I have been a city Republican and experienced races for office from the R's camp. The new party for Diven comes because of his past campaign debt, his ambitions and a risk-free position. If Diven tanks in the state senate race, he still has his job and is flush with state Republican money in his campaign chest.

Diven's party switch gives city Republicans, as reported, a “toehold” in the legislature. Keep the gain. Don't dance away from the new responsibility with a senate campaign.

A Diven campaign in the spring takes him out of the power loop in Harrisburg. The gain is worthless. Diven has been on the back-bench among the Democrats in the house. He shouldn't be ejected from the realm of state affairs now. Lost time is gone forever.

Should Diven get lucky and win the senate seat for himself, that's good for Diven. He'd benefit and depart the House. But, no other Republican has much of an opportunity to reclaim the house seat.

Democrats are determined to drive Diven out of office and fill the races in the future with capable candidates. Diven can't lead as he bounces among offices and parties. Consider the void Diven could create. Diven might switch back after learning he can't play well with others in the senate.

Diven needs to do his part to hold the seat for his new party. Diven can educate other Republicans that aspire to that role. Diven's time to produce, not campaign, comes now. Diven's been a back-bench player in Harrisburg and in city council.

Perhaps Diven could lead a flawless race for senate if he was afforded two years to prepare. Extra time is needed to allow Diven to split from Tom Murphy and the backlash that brews in 2005. Diven and Murphy have been hand-in-hand throughout the past decade. Both are abrasive and with a list of detractors in Harrisburg. A Diven race in 2005 is sure to cement Diven connection to Murphy and land Diven in the private sector. The Diven and Murphy public records and issues are similar.

Diven's party change is but a fluke and not the tip of a romanticize red-state shift for Pittsburgh. The next politician won't run as a Democrat, win, and then switch to Republican too.

If locals choose to keep Diven in the house as a Republican, greatness could emerge. Diven, the R, could win the PA senate seat in two years as it comes open again if Diven does a great job in the house throughout 2005 and 2006. In two years, the Rs could have a great candidate ready to run and fill Diven's present seat. Diven needs local Rs on his house staff.

From his house position, Diven needs to be a player in the 2005 Mayor's race -- on behalf of Independent challengers sure to emerge.

My hope is that the local republicans give the nomination for the special election to David Jayson so he can learn, build contacts, and be an asset in the future. I'll teach Jayson about the city while campaigning. Jayson brings new money and energy to the landscape while Diven was just in debt.

The guarantee of support of Diven's Democratic voters of the past for a Republican Diven is a false assumption. Many Democrats in Diven's district were already against him. The expected clan war between the old-party candidates could get ugly rather quickly. Reform minded voters looking for depth and scope are going to break with me and newer, positive Libertarian perspectives.

Diven is not going to energize new supporters on the R side. Dismay could turn to outrage as Diven's record comes to light.

No glee would occur within the city's Republican ranks if Tom Murphy switched from Democrat to Republican and ran for the state senate. Murphy's high name identification can't overcome his acts in public office. Likewise with Diven.

As a Libertarian candidate, my chances of victory are much better if I face Diven. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Diven brings attention to the race. Diven's unmistakable past, his stance on downtown development and his buddy-buddy ways with Tom Murphy are golden opportunities for cast him as Goliath. However, for the sake of the greater community, I'd rather have David Jayson as the GOP contestant.

Harrisburg gave Pittsburgh two oversight boards, a bogus bailout, gambling, fleeting transit funding and budget madness. Harrisburg's half-baked plan with Diven's switch and senate run is sure to terminate Diven's new toehold. Michael Diven, please serve in the the house on the R's side and work for those who elected you.

Meanwhile, another wrinkle in the race comes from the other old party. Wayne Fontana, Democrat, is seeking his party's endorsement. However, a county council rule calls for its members to resign as one becomes a candidate for another office. That section of the charter was validated twice in recent years at the polls. When is Fontana going to step down?

I'm not in favor of restrictions on freedom for citizens. But, in the case of a public official, I think rules that limit powers are necessary.

Veto political

Councilman: Plan veto political - PittsburghLIVE.com: "the mayor's decision was unduly influenced by his longtime supporter, Paul Renne, who announced plans to run for Hertzberg's District 2 seat.

This issue has been a monumental pain.

Open Letter is pending.....

I've crafted an open letter. It's due on the blog shortly.

On the brink.... Brink of what?

O'Connor on brink of announcing another run for mayor Lamb, who announced his mayoral run Jan. 10, has said many of the same things.

He has also painted himself as a progressive who supports making local government smaller, including merging the prothonotary's office into other court-related county row offices, and has said he supports the cost cuts in the city's Act 47 recovery plan.

Peduto, if he runs, largely supports the same cost-cutting initiatives.

We are big Patriots and Pats fans too.

Pennsylvania business news in brief

AP WireWarner Centre, site of failed downtown revitalization efforts, was sold Monday at the Allegheny County sheriff's sale for $2.7 million to a Washington, D.C., investment company.

Allied Capital will do 'the normal things any developer would do' to attract new tenants, including renovations if necessary, said Alex J. Guggenheim, company vice president.

Allied hadn't spoken with Mayor Tom Murphy's office regarding Warner Centre's role in Murphy's most recent proposal for downtown redevelopment, Guggenheim said.

Perhaps Allied Capital didn't speak to Tom Murphy's office about the investment and the pending plan because it would have been a waste of time? Those who are working with Murphy are on the way out. Those plans that have the Murphy seal of approval are about to end in the trash can.

The center is at the location of the Warner Theatre, which was built as an opera house in 1871 and was later renovated as a movie theater.

---"

We-Hav's new wrinkle from Paul

Paul S who has worked with a network of citizens to fight the We-Hav program notes that the Councilman wants to give people less, and use it refund money to those who bought the appraisal.

Send your opinions in an e-mail to Council members at the City website, call or do both. He wrote, "The other members are probably the ones to communicate to, as our Rep
seems to live in another mind-zone."
www.pauljsentner.com/no_wehav

By the way, Paul Sentner, D., is on the Elect.Rauterkus.com committee as a Member-At-Large. Paul is interested in community interactions.

GASP and those heavy-duty diesel vehicles that are on idle

GASP has been working with the Allegheny County Health Department to develop anti-idling regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The school bus idling regulation GASP pushed for is now an enforceable law, so now we must push forward to prohibit the needless idling of other heavy duty diesel vehicles, including delivery trucks, garbage trucks, tractor trailer trucks, PAT buses, and tour buses.

Diesel exhaust consists of the black smoke that we see and also particulate matter(PM), invisible specks of solid or liquid matter, including dust, ash and soot. Particulate matter, especially with particles of 2.5 microns or smaller, has been linked to such health problems as asthma attacks, coughing and difficulty in breathing, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung capacity, lowered resistance to infection, and premature death. Children, the elderly and people with existing respiratory ailments are especially sensitive to particulate matter.

Please review the proposed regulation and sign up to speak at the public hearing Feb. 14. If you can't attend, please send in comments to help make the regulation even stronger or just to voice your support for the regulation. If needless diesel or gasoline powered vehicle idling is of concern to you, GASP can use your help.

To learn more or become involved in anti-idling efforts, send a message to gasp@gasp-pgh.org

WHAT: Notice of Public Hearing for proposed amendments to Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article XXI, Air Pollution Control. To add section 2105.92 "Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling." The proposed addition is to prevent unnecessary idling by heavy-duty diesel powered motor vehicles.

WHEN: Monday, February 14th, 2005 at 10 am

WHERE: Building #7, First Floor Conference Room, Clack Health Center, 301 39th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Copies of the proposed amendment may be examined beginning January 14, 2005, at the Allegheny County Law Library, Room 921 City-County Building, Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; at the Allegheny County Health Department Library, Building 7, Clack Health Center, from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday; on the Allegheny County Health Department web site: www.achd.net; or by calling 412-578-8120 to request a mailed printed copy. It can also be viewed at GASP's website
http://www.gasp-pgh.org/action/dieselreg.pdf

Oral testimony must be pre-scheduled by calling 412-578-8008 no less than 24 hours in advance of the public hearing. Speakers will be limited to five minutes and should bring a written copy of their comments.

The Board will accept written testimony beginning Friday, January 14, 2005, and concluding Monday February 14, 2005, by mail to:

Board of Health
3333 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

By email to BOH@achd.net

By Fax to 412-578-8325

toehold

Diven Senate win would give GOP a toehold in city - PittsburghLIVE.comGOP a toehold.

Think again.

More words and insights into Dave Hines

Dave and I have been talking. Here is more from him. If you want to help filter what can and should be included within the platform, please lend your remarks.

David Hines column Born in a mill town, David Hines has seen work as a furniture mover, computer programmer/analyst, and professional musician. Observation of politics began as a toddler, since the polls were in his parents' store. He developed a keen interest in history when permitted some independent study time in junior high school.

With a wide range of interests, he is accused by friends of possessing more useless information than any other of their acquaintance. He has officially studied music and psychology, and unofficially nearly everything else. Like many a Mensa member, he can usually be found hip deep in books. Detractors can blame the thin air of the Rockies, where he once lived, for the dearth of brain cells.

Song: Quantum Uncertainty by Dave Hines

Quarks are runnin' round my brain.
Their politics are quite insane.
I need a dose of Ritalin
So I won't be a kid again.

A dropout has explained to me
the shape of relativity.
He's in need of close restraint
'Cause normalcy's not his complaint.

Quantum Uncertainty...

A pigeonhole, a cookie there
we standardize our children's care.
Assimilate and don't be deaf
or answer to the ATF.
(Resistance is futile!)

Two million plus in prison camps
pushing papers, licking stamps
working for the master race
selling stuff in cyberspace

Checkers spell 'cause humans don't.
If it takes effort, then we won't.
The best is what they say it is
in magazines about the Biz.

Tonal centers shift around
to make a most obnoxious sound.
But sometimes chaos has a place
in speaking to the human race.

Quantum Uncertainty...

Song: Libertarian Blues by Dave Hines

An elephant's your daddy.
He tells you what you must and mustn't do.
Make your son a caddy.
Some day he might join the chosen few.

A donkey is your mammy.
She wipes your butt and fills your face with snacks.
Whatever makes you happy
is cause enough to raise another tax.

Libertarian Blues
There's no candidate for me to choose.
No matter how the vote I'm bound to lose.

They say Bill screwed an intern.
The TV pundits made it such a fuss.
Screwing is illegal
unless they're doin' all of us.

Libertarian Blues...

Choke the smokers, eat no fat.
(Mmm... rack o' ribs!)
Lifestyle police is where it's at.
(Come out with your hands up, barbecue breath!)
Bureaucracy will fight your fights
(gunshots)
And eat away your civil rights.
(He won't be worryin' 'bout no cholesterol.)

So give away your freedom
until there's nothing left to save.
Sing the lawful anthem
to the home of the slave.

Chorus two times

Song: KARATE LESSON by Dave Hines

You're busy casting out your demons, I'm told
Just please be careful. Yes please be careful.
Don't demolish what is best in your soul
As Mr. Nietzsche said a while ago.
When you find something to believe in
You're inclined to carry the word
to the heathen living all around you
and you cry to make yourself heard

Hold to your center.
Keep balance true.
You may discover
the truths inside of you.

When living isn't still the reason for life
we've lost our balance.
We've lost our balance
Restless yearnings are the causes of strife
Wiser men than me have said it before:
There's a time to think about the future.
There's a time to cherish the past.
It's a gift living in the present.
Only now is a moment to last.

(CHORUS two times.)

FAQ & A: Running as ...

More outreach brings more questions. Great. FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions. I try to write the question and the answer, hence, FAQ & A.

Actually, I have checked out your blogs more. I have to ask this: are you running as an independent or a Republican?

I'm running for PA Senate in the special election on May 17, 2005 as a LIBERTARIAN.

I joined the Libertarian Party the day I read the news covered on the front page of both daily papers about an 18-page letter written by five Republicans outside the city (Jane Orie, Mike T, etc). They wrote a letter that gave advice to the oversight board (I.C.A.) about the city. Meanwhile, I had called those Rs in the county and with positions in Harrisburg on MULTIPLE instances. Dozens of calls were placed to some of those who had the time to craft an 18-page letter but qouldn't field any of our concerns.

If they had the time to write that letter -- and the letter had some good and some bad within it -- but not sit with us in the city who know what's what -- then they are hardly friends of mine nor are they friends of the city. I had had enough. I was and still am - a little "down" on what came out of Harrisburg. I care about the city and the county. I'm a volunteer. My understandings of what's been going on around here have proven to be on the mark for a number of years.

Now I'm a LIBERTARIAN. I was elected to the county Libertarian Party Board since then.

Then I accepted the nomination to run for the PA Senate in the 42nd in December at the holiday party / monthly meeting.

Should I run for Mayor, I stand by my words expressed in October on the KDKA radio show with Chris Moore. I'd run as an INDIE.

I hope to be a State Senator. I'm working hard in this quest. I have a lot to offer in that role, for the region, the city, our kids and our freedoms. We need to climb out of the ruts we find ourselves in -- and this effort for a state office as a Libertarian just makes good sense. It makes brilliant sense when you begin to explore and consider what the two old parties are doing.

My measured reply for the call to help at PghBloggers.org

Yesterday, I was honored to be a presenter at the League of Women Voters annual seminar on how to run for office. I spoke about some third party perspectives and about the media. Within the context of my talk, I gave serious praise and endorsements to the sites and services of PghBloggers.org as well as Blogger.com.

No candidate should be without a blog these days. If you don't have a blog, you shouldn't be on the ballot. The cost is $0. The impact is huge. Blogs are more functional and easier to create than ever. Blogs should be a higher priority for a candidate than the building of a static web page.

One avenue beats blogging, but I'll save the details for another entry.

Furthermore, I'm nominating the organizers of PghBloggers.org for a civic leadership award from by The League of Women Voters. I announced my intentions from the podium to an audience of more than 50 people.

The mostly faceless organizers at the hub site, PghBloggers.org, put out a call to help a week or so ago. They have some heavy lifting to keep the site going and growing. Here is my reply to them, sent in just a moment ago.

Hi Mike and others:

I'd be happy to help you with the site, but I'm only interested in itching my own itches. That is the way of the world in open-source, collaborative projects. Perhaps you've realized this fact of life by now.

I'm interested in putting an eVote interface onto this venture. True democracy. It is going to be a wild ride, if you choose to step out of the box.

We could meet and talk about this. We could meet at my office on the South Side or at an associate's office in Carrick -- as he has a high-tech firm. You'll be impressed either way. Or, you can give me the green-light and I'll just dive in with gusto. That calls for "trust."

Mike and I talked a bit about the ideas at the second blog fest. I was there when there were about ten others.

Letter to the Editor - welcome in the GOP

Beaver County Times Allegheny Times

Democratic Allegheny County state Rep. Mike Diven announced he was switching his voter registration to the Republican Party last week.

Diven stated that state House Democrats have consistently chosen to pursue political soap operas and personal agendas over the concerns of hard-working, law-abiding citizens.

Diven went on to say that he has learned how the legislative process works, and, sadly, how out of touch the leaders of the Democratic Party have become with the very real needs of workers, small businesses, retirees and young people.

House Democrats departing their own caucus have become quite commonplace under the leadership of House Minority Leader DeWeese and House Minority Whip Mike Veon.

Diven joins a long list of departing Democrats to the GOP in recent years. These include former representatives Pat Carone (Butler), Ed Krebs (Lebanon), John Lawless (Montgomery) Thomas Stish (Luzerne), and now-state Sen. John Gordner (Columbia).

As a Republican, I welcome Diven to the Republican Party and embrace his call for putting people above politics. Perhaps following the sixth departure under their caucus leadership, DeWeese and Veon finally get the message.

Dennis Pittser Jr., Bridgewater

New site: South Hills Sports.com

There is some potential here. Welcome to the digital landscape. Good luck with the venture.

southhillssports.com - Your Homefield Advantage!: "What is SouthHillsSports.Com?"

Maps of PA 42nd, for PA Senate race

Look at these twists and turns within these maps.

I'm in the race for PA Senate 42nd.

Allegheny insert PA Senate map:
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bcel/LIB/bcel/20/9/allegheny_region_senate.pdf

Pittsburgh insert PA Senate map:
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bcel/LIB/bcel/20/9/pgh_city_senate.pdf

Call Out for Stories of Preschoolers

Nice lead:

Sticky Notes: Call Out for Stories of Preschoolers: "Call Out for Stories of Preschoolers

The Chicken Soup for the Soul publishers are now accepting submissions for Chicken Soup for the Mother's of Preschoolers Soul. Deadline is April 29, 2005. Payment is $200.

New friend is publishing a book --- well --- perhaps I shouldn't leak the topic.

Family matters are important to me. We've got a lot of great stories about our kids. Trouble is, we have to ask our friends to tell them to us as we have to re-write over those parts of our brains to keep room for the more recent chapters in the saga.

Isn't it wonderful how parents have this built in partitition in their hard-drives (brains) that often exceeds the disk quota and re-writes the stuff that should be zapped.

Recently. Grant (1st grade) was asked about his teacher. Do you like Ms. Moore. He said, "Yes. She gets most of my jokes." His K teacher got all of his jokes.

Grant raised his hand in class, just after the student teacher's evaluation teacher from the campus departed the room. Grant's in a school where there are a lot of teacher education opportunities throughout the week. There is a dynamic flow of mentoring and student-teacher activities. Grant's question to the student teacher," Can we miss-behave now?"

Today in LifeCraft at our church, Erik, 10, got to sing his song called "Family."

If you happen to remember any of the stories from our kids -- plug em in here and we'll go for the $200 bills.

Our best outcome -- no pullups. They never came into our house. Both boys did potty training on their own. Both came to the realization and asked, "Why are you putting a diaper on me?" I use the toilet now. Sure. Okay. Done.

I guess we'll get our struggles in other matters.

Leturgey News and Views covers Bowyer in The PULP

Leturgey News and Views: Media Maverick Jerry Bowyer Uses Intelligence To Surge In Radio

Tom used his blog to post this article. Great read. Thanks.

I was on the Jerry Bowyer show this past Thursday to talk a bit about my race for the PA Senate.

Where Christians Meet -- gives recycled electrons to Rauterkus campaign

Check it out. It is Sunday!

The Conservative Voice - News: "Rauterkus is a swimming coach and community activist who has spoken out in opposition on many issues.

As we go to church today, my big wonder is how many "candy bars" are going to be wagered by my son on today's game. He is a big Patriots fan. :)

Perfect summary with one small exception: the big words McNickle's rant fuels the outrage.

A headline for the oversight board - PittsburghLIVE.com Their message was clear: The public is getting screwed.

The message IS clear in the line above.

I could get worked up about the writting and word choice. Or, I could wonder about the long-term credit worthyness. But mostly, those would distract from the essence of what we are facing and have been dealing with for more than a decade with the Murphy Administration.

No cahoots!

Rotten cahoots!

Super cahoots!

Rauterkus, Libertarian now after departing GOP, runs for State Senate

Rauterkus, Libertarian now after departing GOP, runs for State Senate Mark Rauterkus, a 2001 Repubican candidate in a contested GOP Primary in the City of Pittsburgh, has joined the Libertarian party, been elected to the party’s county board, and has accepted the nomination to run in the special election for Pennsylvania Senate slated to be held on May 17, 2005.

Is the Democratic Party crumbling?

With the complete failure of the Democratic Party in the Federal government, I have to wonder if the Democratic coalition is breaking up. Does the party just need new leadership and a new message, or is there something at the core of the DP that keeps it from winning elections? Perhaps the party contains a diverse group of voters who simply don't have the same interests anymore, and no candidate can create a national majority with that group.

A study conducted by the Washington Post provides some insight into the various viewpoints that make up the Democrats and Republicans. As you might be aware, not all Democrats are stereotypical "liberals". Many Democrats (social conservatives and libertarians) have much more in common with certain segments of the Republican Party than they do with other parts of the Democratic Party-- but overall, they agree with the Democrats more than the Republicans.

So does the Democratic Party still have anything to offer it's voters, or is it just draining their energy by running hopeless candidates at the Federal level and maintaining corrupt machines on the local level?

Jim Schiedler at Big Brothers Big Sisters needs some computer helpers.

URGENT REQUEST FOR HELP from jscheidler@bbbspgh.org writes:

I am really in need of volunteers w/ computer knowledge--building, fixing, cleaning drives, memories for a program at Rizedstein Middle school...the program is from 3:30-4:30 on Thursdays...other times may also be available...I think from 12:00-1:00 is also a good time...please contact me if you could help out or know someone w/ that type of computer knowledge...thanks...Jim

Hockey in North America

Who else is happy that we don't have a brand new hockey arena now? The Pens Arena was a campaign issue four years ago for some. We engaged in that fight then. The Pens Arena surfaces as an issue from time to time. A few of us voice opposition as we can.

The stadium issue, perhaps because it was in a county wide vote and on the polls, was an opportunity to build a team and set a sustained conversation among those who didn't want to provide the corporate welfare. The civic arena and hockey is now a below the radar discussion on most fronts.

Some of the play of the discussion is beholden to the new concepts that the news must cover. If one has a bunch of charts and blueprints, a vision of sorts, then that gets lots of air-time and ink. But, if one just has an empty building, a paid-for building, an asset that isn't being leveraged to its potential -- then it is hard to capture the element of the NEW within its presentation.

But what is worse is the fact that the elements of the new must come from the old, the established, the power-brokers. I don't mind the fact that when they have something new to say it gets covered. But I do mind when others come to the conclusion that they have a monopoly on NEW CONCEPTS and NEWS.

This expression is very much alive in our local news coverage: "It is not what you say that matters, it is who you are when you say it."

Think again.

With hockey, it was strange hearing how there were meetings in Canada a couple of weeks ago. Mario, because he was both a player and an owner, sat out of the meetings. He didn't go. He was in the same city and worked the back channels, perhaps. Strange indeed to me. Some would say he had a conflict of interest and should be excluded, being in both roles. I say, rather, he had a great deal of interest and should be included.

But more importantly, anyone with a good idea should be able to include that idea. The person can be divorced from the idea, at times. But the idea needs to win the day and get the light it deserves.

Hockey's sticking point is the players' cap. Should it be $35-million per team, as the owners seemingly want. Or, can the cap be at $45-50-55-million per team, as desired by the players?

The cap should be not only on the players and the team pay -- but also on the owners and the league.

The players should only make a certain amount -- and live with a cap. But the owners should also live with a cap. Then the windfall should not go to the LEAGUE, (that's controlled by the owners), but to the fans, the sport, the community.

The season is gone. This is time to put on the thinking caps -- and not the helmets.

Pirate Fest and the Gulf Building, dangling questions still unresolved.

What ever came of the Gulf Tower's "salute" with the Pittsburgh Pirates by lighting the 44-story building's dome red during games? Visible from PNC Park, the tower was to salute Pirate homeruns and winning games with cascading white strobe lights.

Did major league baseball cracks down on this illegal activity?

Are more fans bring lawn chairs to watch the tower than attend games. And, the lawn-chair viewers can bring water bottles that are larger than 20-ounces.

The cascading white strobe lights are actually because of a short in the wire and happen when a guy gets out of his seat or uses bathroom. And the cascading white lights are hall-light on, bathroom light on, bathroom light off, hall light off.

Meeting update

My wife is out of town for two days, in DC. So yesterday was on the wild side. Plus, I had to cover swim practice too. Right after school my sons and I went to the second meeting for the task force on campaign finance reform organized by Bill Peduto's office. Then swimming and then to a late night burger with fries (more on that later) at Mario's upstairs for a short presentation.

Click image to go to the blog for Democracy for Pittsburgh and then to see more photos there or at the MeetUp site. The photos were taken by one of the 2 Political Junkies.

I was able to give away 30 CDs, the last in my stockpile of version 2.1, my half-page no TIF handout, a posting about hiring campaign folks (text below), the All-Star handout that gears up for no-sweatshops (new from C.T.), and a plug for the event on Saturday with League of Women Voters.

Questions were asked. Hope I did okay with the replies. What's a TIF? Libertarian with kids and strong support of public school? School vouchers? Abortion? Cutting the size of state house and reps.

In the talking parts, I plugged a few items about "democaracy" in my platform. Making some authorities go away while making all of them accountable with retention votes. Thumbs down for Mon Valley Toll Road, Tunnel under the River for T expansion, glass-enclosed subway station in Gateway Center. Thumbs up for land-value tax, neighborhoods with swim pools, rec centers, wellness plans including clinic opportunities, youth technology at the convention center to ground the kids and give deeper roots.

The CD with the song, One World, from Mindy should be a great final statement to the audience. Hope they listen and catch the message.

About 35 in the house and I think I must have had the spotlight for about 10-15 minutes. I tried to be brief but the questions kept flowing, thankfully. The Platform.For-Pgh.org is open and all are invited there for more facts, positions and input.

Candid, Closed, "C-R-A-P" - 2.5 hour overlord huddle without sunshine

KQV Radio is reporting about a closed door, two-and-half-hour meeting among the ICA (Oversight Board), Act 47 stewarts (another oversight board) and the mayor (toast).

What's up with that?

Who voted for them?

I was going to make a new logo for the campaign anong the LIFESAVER theme. Perhaps it should be a miner's helmet with a built in light.

Sadly, the canary croaked and our supply has done run dry.

Then Commonwealth Court says that the meeting can be closed. They deny a request by the news media to witness the huddle. What's up with that squared?

Attitudes set altitudes. Their approaches are in serious ruts. It's no wonder that Pittsburgh is in the toilet.

Closed door meetings stink.

Squabbling city fiscal boards meet The state's top economic development official, Dennis Yablonsky, told reporters after the 2 1/2-hour session that officials from the city's fiscal oversight board, the Act 47 recovery team and the Murphy administration all agreed to communicate better in the future.

Now that I've taken a walk and cooled a bit, here is my take on these matters.

Fact: the Chair of the ICA didn't show to the meeting. IMHO, he would have known full well that the meeting was illegal and shameful. Perhaps this is why Roddey is moving off of the board too. People with good credit to their names don't want to be associated with loosers and their trivial games.

As a sidebar, that thinking is the prime reason one of my sisters gives me for not being so supportive of my past or present runs for public office. She doesn't want to see her brother associated with that hopeless slime. That isn't her direct quote.


Can you say "flip-flop?" Commonwealth Court Senior Judge James R. Kelley denied the motion, saying the meeting was being held to 'develop an organizational strategy' regarding government business, which is allowed to be private under the Sunshine Act. In a footnote, the judge said the oversight board could be cited for contempt if it is proven later that the Sunshine Act was violated.

I've got to get the ruling of the judge. Perhaps the PG will post it to its site?

Note how the oversight board lawyer is referring questions to his attorney. It is a bad sign when one attorney calls another and they start passing the buck downstream. Mahone, the oversight board's lawyer, would not discuss the meeting, which was held at the offices of his Downtown law firm, Reed Smith. He referred questions to his attorney, Ed Diggs of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart, who also would not comment, but instead watched over reporters as they stood outside the Reed Smith offices, waiting for meeting participants to emerge. It is another bad sign when attorneys are babysitting reporters. Do they need a lifeguard? Do they need a rescue tube?

In the next graph two people are saying the same thing, but it differs with what was said by another. But, neither are quoted directly.

Yablonsky and oversight board vice chairman John Murray, the Duquesne University chancellor and law professor, also said the meeting was not subject to the Sunshine Act, not because it was a strategy session, but rather because it regarded legal and contract matters exempted by the open meetings law.

This week's gold star for reporting goes to Tim McNulty. Hats off to the PG watchdogs and organizational efforts to file something to the judge in advance. That must have taken quick action. I'm pleased at the efforts there. Thanks so much.

Pitt Sports Blather -- Rantings on the Pitt's building woes

Pitt Sports Blather -- Rantings on the Panthers: "Apostolou/Rosser made the allegations in response to a lawsuit that Pitt and General Services filed in December in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. The architects claim that Pitt filed its lawsuit 'as a means of redirecting criticism on this project' that was raised by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a series of stories published in April.

My headlong involvement in politics came in the fight about Pitt Stadium. Closing the stadium and moving to the dwarf fields on the South Side was such a blunder. Seems to me that 'state of the art' should at least be regulation sized.

This adds insult to injury with the building of The Pete on the same space.

Big City Blues - CFO Magazine - February Issue 2005 - CFO.com

Thanks for the pointer to Pittsblog.blogspot.com.

Big City Blues - CFO Magazine - February Issue 2005 - CFO.com Pittsburgh doesn't look like a city that almost didn't pay its bills last year. Its streets are clean. Crime rates are low.

Sadly, the city's image in the article does not match mine in the slightest. The pools and rec centers are a mess. The kids are shooting each other. The flight is mounting. The ruts in our political landscape are hard to ignore.

There is much more to say within the article's content. Later.

Good grief and blog bye-ways

Nice PG article on the digital life and times some of us choose to lead. An online chronicle of grief Reading some of these blogs is like rubbernecking at the scene of a car accident -- it's difficult to watch but impossible to turn away.

But with their rising popularity, these journals may become the next big thing, said Amanda Lenhart, a research associate at the Pew Internet & American Life Project. During the recent presidential campaign season, political blogs were widely read as insider scoops. Online journals may serve both as ways for those going through a health crisis to talk about it and to promote awareness about various illnesses and conditions.

As I'm out and about more and more each week, I'm meeting more of the regular readers to this blog. Often it is just a passing nod to me. In a hurry tonight, one paced by me as he left the Gold Room and a County Council meeting saying, "I read your blog every day."

My reply, "Leave a comment."

I don't think so, he said. The he allowed how he's surfing from a public building. Yep. Makes sense. Keep a lid on the feedback. Thanks too for the words of encouragement and winks of appreciation.

Beautiful children too.

The issue of race in the mayor's race, again looms under the surface.

The PG reported in a line in the paper that Mark Brentley, a Pgh Public School board member, is a possible candidate for mayor. I called Mark as soon as I noticed the mention. It was yesterday, so no reply yet.

A comment from another via email:
I would say that there is a feeling that race is an important issue in this race and that someone must addresss it. If someone other than an African American trys to address the issue then it will hurt his chance of winning.

Humm... Race matters might be akin to the third rail for politics in Pittsburgh, so goes conventional wisdom. James Carmine and I talked a good deal about race issues in Pittsburgh four years ago. LeRoy Hodge was in the race on the Dem's side. Boy do I wish he was still with us.

Then comes the big can of worms when one starts to talk about our outgoing school boss, Dr. Thompson. I think Dr. T will do well in his future endeavors. I hope that they are local.

There are many that are left wondering about the well being of our district. The leadership from the professional educator matters greatly. The school board did not evaluate Dr. Thompson in any of the past three years. The board had not set any goals and objectives. To be fair, the board as a body has to have a majority to make actions occur. Board members learn how to count to five rather quickly, and often as on-the-job training, as there are nine on the board.

Board members said Dr. T is not the person to lead us in the future. Frankly, it might be hard to obtain a good superintendent when it is general knowledge that the board treats its supers in the manner it treated Dr. Thompson.

I agree with the notion that Dr. T was good for this district in many ways. None of us are 100% ideal. I can't see why this board would do what it did with an early buy out. Transition, evolve, and don't renew the contract, but don't dump on the person, the relationship with the role and the budget hit.

Even if the board had reason not to renew the contract, there seems to be no reason for not letting him finish out the term of his contract. The board members refuse to answer that question except to say that it is best for him and the district.

No TIFs

The Allegheny County Council voted to approve the TIF at Deer Creek last night. I was there to wintess it. Last month I spoke before council at the public hearing.

Cheers to David Fawcett, R, and Rich Fitzgerald, D, for the votes against the TIFs.

Wayne Fontana, Dem, and possible candidate for PA Senate, in the race I'm already in, voted in favor of the TIF, providing the corporate welfare deal for infrastructure.

Another worry, unspoken, includes the view that as the politicians become developers then the developers become the ones that govern. A role reversal occurs that isn't healthy. I want to see the elected politicians govern and the investors, developers, business people do their work in the economy. As they merge into the council meetings, and council worries about levels to the marketplace or profits -- then real trouble looms larger.

For example, the new strip mall is going to now include two clasrooms. A slice of the school is going to be among the stores and food court. Why in the world would we put two classrooms in a mall?

Most knew that the TIF was going to be approved. I'll fight another day. But it was interesting to see the TIF evolve to include various other treatments to the project from the outset, years ago. The opposition got a pound of flesh, so to speak.

I made a handout and passed it around to those there. It will also go to others such as Democracy for America crew as they don't want to see corporate welfare expand, as will happen if either of the old party candidates get elected to the PA Senate. The county chair of the Republican party, Bob G, was at the meeting to insure the TIF passed.

My statements are simple:

Too many TIFs are failures.

TIFs represent poor economic policies.

TIFs hurt our market place.

TIFs for sprawl are the worst.

My opponents support TIFs while I have been and will continue to fight TIFs.

Now Hiring

You are invited to consider, apply for and interview for a position with a
new team. The campaign of Mark Rauterkus for Pennsylvania Senate would like
to deploy your talents in meaningful opportunities in the weeks and months
to come.

Help make waves and win battles on issues. Building team seeks creative
participants. Earn political capital at the polls and gain experiences. The
special election for PA Senate is May 17, 2005.

Apply to: Launch Director, Robert Maple, an indie voter with email to:
GetHired@Rauterkus.com

Wanted: Tech literate, engaged citizens who want to make history and not be
a slave of it.

The Elect.Rauterkus.com campaign committee has people from all parties (and
that's more than two), various sections of the county, wide experiences and
diverse aspirations. http://Rauterkus.com http://Platform.For-Pgh.org
Candidate: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432 (cell phone) Headquarters in the
historic South Side. (EOE - of course)

Pledges grants

Can we get it right once in a while, please.

I am in favor of safe pedestrian avenues, walking to school, crossing guards, ped bridges, curb cuts, bike lanes, and cross-walks. There are few if any that are as jazzed about sidewalks. The urban life needs clean and safe passage.

I've pushed strollers around town to a point that the tires went bald. Pittsburgh stinks in its surface treatments. Oh the stories that I'd tell -- for another day.

So this is great news:

Rendell pledges grants - PittsburghLIVE.com: "repair sidewalks and curbs and put up signs and maps in Oakland's Fifth and Forbes avenues corridor."

But the sticking point for me is that there are no schools around Fifth and Forbes, other than the colleges and universities. If we had an elementary school or middle school in town, that would be a different matter.

Fifth and Forbes needs a serious touch up. The present administration has starved that area by design. This area needs extra help, but it should be from the city, not the state.

When we burn money from the state, it is still our money. I don't care if you take it from the front pocket or back pocket, it is still our money. That money came from us, the taxpayers.

We need to take care of what we got. We can't punish areas like has been done at Fifth and Forbes and with other parts of town. We can't let our guard down so far. These sidewalks and curb cuts need to be a much higher priority.

Philadelphia & Saidel tops campaign cash list

Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/01/2005 | Saidel tops campaign cash list: "Philadelphians got their first glimpse of some of what really matters: the money.

Oh my gosh. Think again. What really, really matters is NOT the money. Money can't buy you love. Money can't buy you talent. Money can't buy you health. Money can buy you the friends that you might not really want.

New campaign-finance reports reveal who of the dozen or so rumored Democratic mayoral contestants spent time actively raising money last year.

At the top of the heap: City Controller Jonathan Saidel, who has raked in nearly $194,000, ending 2004 with nearly $380,000 in the bank for a campaign committee...

I'm on the task force that is working on a new suite of laws for Pittsburgh's campaign finance reform matters. We meet for the second time tomorrow.

The City Controller in Phili is a big advocate of the Land Value Tax. That is also a big point in my campaign. And, for Pittsburgh, we had it and lost it, thanks to Bob O'Connor. So, here is something that Phili is moving to and Pittsburgh is moving from. Harrisburg, as in the city of Harrisburg, has made some great strides to the land value tax and is seeing great results.

Great quote: "How much money a candidate raises is an indication of what sort of appeal he or she has to political fat cats."

Swim and skate opportunities

The two events, both with a sporting theme, were fine events.

The Carlington High School guy won as they host Montour. Pack the pool night worked. Meet at the meet worked. Should have made hand fans. Do that for next year. Got to meet with some swim parents in the stands.

The outdoor Schenley Ice Rink for Peduto's event was fun. Schenley Park, a RAD Park, (no RAD parks are on this side of the river) delivered good weather. A group of rug rat neighborhood kids came along for a good cause. Bill Peduto is gearing up for a two race season. He'll be defending his city council seat and, perhaps, being on the offense for the mayor's race. More news in a few weeks on the mayor's run.

My wife, kids and some friends should be there. My boys were the one's with helmets. Our family uses the rink once a week or more throughout the winter. They all love to skate. Sadly the city's lone indoor ice rink is closed, still.

When I do my kickoff for my re-election campaign, I'll make the party at the re-opened indoor ice rink on the South Side. I expect it will be a new building, energy efficient, green and such. And I expect it will have a private operator too, like it used to have.

I'd be involved and deliver plenty of oversight and management. When the private operators don't do what is required by contract, they'll be gone. The city did too little, too late and was too closed in the past in terms of these deals. And, the city shares much of the blame for cutting weird deals as well.

Love great music. Universal outreach. And not hidden for long

This artwork is from the cover of a band, The Three of Us. Funny for three reasons as the small group size fits my campaign staff. The campaign committee is growing. And, a new recruiter has signed up. Second, the hidden element fits on many fronts. The candidates are just starting to climb out into the open. Third, the music behind the cover is great. One song, Burgers and Fries, is one I hope you'll hear soon.


We had a great time at three different concerts this weekend with Mindy Simmons. She played on the radio the the SLB, in Shadyside and again in a private event.

Diven's in GOP: "Who's Next"?

Michael Diven is now a member of the Republican Party. Finally, a crack for Pennsylvania Republicans to exhibit some sway in the city of Pittsburgh.

Diven, who has oftentimes voted along Conservative issues, wasn't a great city councilman. Not even a good one. Don't know how he's done in the state House. A few former constituents told me that he was unresponsive and lousy.

Let me defend Mike: maybe the Democrats in leadership let him down and didn't give him anything. But now that he's a member of the Majority party, I think it should be rather nice to be a state House constituent. Maybe some Walking Around Money will make a couple of projects "happen."

Don't know if he'll win the Republican nomination for state Senate. He's going against a decent suburban guy; not known outside of his own town...but a decent guy. Diven certainly has the "news cycles" and name recognition.

But the interesting question is: will anyone else have the guts to follow? State Representative Harry Readshaw (D-Carrick) perhaps? Readshaw is the classiest guy in local politics, the Republican party would increase its power in the region expedentially, and there isn't anyone in the 36th legislative district dumb enough to run against Harry.

If Ralph Kaiser was still in the game, you know he might have gone. GOP probably doesn't want a guy like Ken Ruffing; I've been at the West Mifflin borough council meetings as a reporter and watched Mr. Ruffin inject himself into municipal politics.

The Republicans, if they were smart, would even go after a guy like Bill Peduto...conservative fiscally...while he might be more liberal socially, who really cares.

State Senator Sean Logan from Monroeville would be another interesting suburbanite to look at.

Do you think Republicans in the state House and Senate would be smart enough to talk with County Executive Dan Onorato? Might not have to, as he ran as a stronger fiscal conservative than one-time GOP powerhouse Jim Roddey.

But the city is the big jewel. Diven has taken a big risk; even if he weren't to win the Senate seat vacated by Jack Wagner, hope he stays in the GOP as a member of the state House. With majority rule in Harrisburg, the 22nd legislative district looks like it could be a nice place to live.

It'll be interesting to see what (if anything) happens.

Sala Udin would NOT be my choice for Dept. Mayor

I'm not making these types of job offers to Sala.

Sizzle in the steak house, fizzle on the field - PittsburghLIVE.com: "The word on Grant Street is that Lamb would appoint city Councilman Sala Udin deputy mayor

I respect Sala. He has a lot of sizzle. He'd be great in plenty of roles in the private sector.

Being his own man

Mike Diven: Being his own man - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Diven's critics will say the switch is about opportunism and ambition.

Not quite. Diven gave a hint what it's about last week.

First the headline. Bing his own man. Well, I'm all in favor of boys growing up to be men. I'm also in favor of people being themselves and not morphing into your manhood or being someone else's man. Slave trades stink.

But Diven ran away from one party and figured out he couldn't stay on his own as an independent and ran himself into the cozy confines of another party. Diven ran from a straw house to one built with sticks much like the little pig did when the big bad wolf came huffing and puffing.

If he was his own man, he'd handle the thug on his own turf.

Brad also misses the point when it comes to generous, overboard hype. Diven can give a "HINT" at a point and have it turn up in some manifesto.

Diven's career has been like a string of pearls -- all hinted together. Hints are not hard hitting to me.

Finally, being his own man is really not the goal that one should aspire to in the represenative form. He was elected.

As Diven was ejected by the dems, he ran away from accountability. And Diven ran to exploit an opportunity.

If Wagner's seat wasn't open, Diven would still be a Dem.

Diven could and should switch to the R's side and not run for the Senate.

Lost his phone lines

Brookline Democrat Diven switches to GOP: "Harrisburg Bureau chief Tom Barnes can be reached at tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 1-717-787-4254.)

Note to Tom Barnes of the PG: Please make a mention of the one who is IN the race. Duty calls. Friends, please give Tom Barnes a call and ask him to be an objective reporter and always mention all the participants in the race when talking about the 42nd race. Barnes (with the PG) has an message machine at: 717-787-4254.

To reach Diven, now that his phone lines were cut off and he didn't make other avenues available, use his cell phone: 412-418-6691.

To reach me, Mark Rauterkus, use my cell phone too: 412-298-3432.

County Council's phone, for good measure, so as to leave a message for Wayne F, 412-350-6490.

Listing the numbers is healthy as we have a lot to talk about in order to get this city and region healthy.

What's Jayson's phone contact? Is there a political office with a phone for the row office guy too?

A.J. SPEAKS OUT -- and goes after my heart no less

Nice rant:

A.J. SPEAKS OUT I am now registered as no affiliation and I have no intention of supporting a system that lies to it's people. I challenge everyone of you to think with your own mind and don't just vote democrat or republican anymore because they don't care about you or me and If we do nothing then we will lose the greatness of this country and that greatness starts with voting.

You go, guy! Click to see the entire posting.

Perhaps this guy should be courted to the Libertarian party.

Flaherty won't run for mayor

PG: Tom's not running. Friday, January 28.

Because of his opposition to efforts to merge some Pittsburgh and Allegheny County services, City Controller Tom Flaherty announced yesterday that he will not run for the Democratic nomination for mayor.

Flaherty has said for weeks that he was seriously considering a run but yesterday said he did not want the job.

The announcement leaves one official candidate in the race -- Allegheny County Prothonotary Michael Lamb -- as well as former Council President Bob O'Connor, who has not yet made a formal announcement.

City Councilman William Peduto likely will make some kind of announcement next week, and others could still get into the Democratic race.

Republican Party officials also are seeking a candidate.

Flaherty, oh where to begin? I hope that the people in the controller's office and who have been part of the fight of opposition will come, in due time, to join my true struggle. Sure, the 21-year controller has been a big part of the problem. But sure, he has stood up to some of the ills as well. Some good. Some bad.

Flaherty does not need a resume building campaign like Lamb and Peduto do. Flaherty doesn't want to be mayor and have the city in a worthless, weakened, stalled condition. Without the WAM, Flaherty crams. (WAM = walking around money)

I could take some of the "opposition efforts" of Flaherty and recast them into more principled counter attacks that have more purpose. And my points of opposution isn't to prevent progress, as was the case with the machine. But, we've had recent progress in the wrong directions.

In the entire SABRE Systems saga, Flaherty attacked. But, the Flaherty attacks were leveraged against the wrong points and only landed on the person of Jim Roddey, R. Flaherty didn't attack the "unified tax plan" that Bob suggested and Tom Murphy had to embarace as well. No, the baby went out with the bath water and Flaherty was a front row witness.

I had agreement with Flaherty in that the city should not have celebrated 'distressed status.' The city's leaders should NOT have given up their control of the city to overlords. The power to the people has evaporated. However, I feel that the struggle from Flaherty should have materialized for much more meaningful justifications. And, now that the oversight board is here, as well as Act 47, I can live for a new day and new rules.

Take the good and use it. There is good and bad in each decision. We can't turn back time.

Those in the controller's office can be very independent. That's good. There is hope that they'll join in the campaigns I'm associated with in the future.

Recording an album with our friend, Mindy Simmons, in Pittsburgh!

Mindy Simmons in Pittsburgh. The CD / Album is due.  

AP -- Dem close to joining GOP

AP Wire | 01/28/2005 | Allegheny County Dem close to joining GOP: "Senate Democratic aides said Diven this week asked them for $54,000 in campaign funds to pay off debt in exchange for him remaining a Democrat. Diven, who reported a $35,000 debt in December, said he never made such a request and that he would not base his party affiliation on it.

I'll meet with anyone. Mike called me yesterday and we got together this AM for a civil conversation as the 2-hour delay unfolded.

Understanding that I'm a realist and not in a fantasy land, here are some highlights from my vantage point: One: I'm in the race. Diven isn't. There is a great chance that he'll get second among Republicans and not make it to the special election.

Two: I've got my ideas and platform out there now. People have a clue as to what I stand for and what I care about. I'm in this for ideas, principles, values that are dear to me and to our community. Without a platform from him, its hard to have much of a conversation. Should I see ten press releases and position papers that deal with technology with the youth (he did start a computer lab that closed the minute he left city council) and recreation -- then I can begin to lift a smile. The formation of a Park District shouldn't be a foreign to the solution line-up in the months to come.

Presently, I've never heard Diven tell Mayor Murphy to resign. He still needs to go from Grant Street. Diven likes Murphy, alot. (gulp)

Presently there is a Deer Creek TIF in the process at Allegheny County Council. I hate TIFs. I've spoken against that one at its public hearing. Wayne Fontana, Dem, possible race participant as well, is in FAVOR of the TIF. He'll have to take some heat on that sprawl position, even for infrastructure. We need infrastructure redevelopment too. Diven who voted against a TIF or two back in the day needs to put out the word that the TIF is bad. Will he?

There is more that should be left for future postings. And, its time for the family meal.

Elsewhere mentions of mine in other blogs.

See the comments area:

One is to Grassroots PA: "PoliticsPA."

TV 11 says Tom F. won't run for Mayor: No Bob vs. Tom rematch.

Four years ago as I was a candidate, it was generally Bob vs. Tom. A dozen debats had ONLY Bob and Tom. Bob and Tom each spent $1M. Frick and Frack. Machine politicians. Then Tom Murphy is out but inject a different Tom! Oh no!

Now we hear that TOM Flaherty won't run for Mayor, so says the report on TV 11.

Humm.... Months ago I would have never expected him to be a candidate. Then I was more convinced that it was possible. Tom has some capacity to get fired up. But, he'd have the potential to overheat and melt-down too. And, perhaps, there might be others out there that might try to make his road more trouble than it is worth.

The other alliance to watch is between Tom F and Bob O. Will Tom stay neutral as he is the chair of the Dem party? I can't see him being "above the fray" in terms of the back-room dealings.

Thanks for your feedback.

Radio shows - Here I come Homespun!

Called into the Bowyer show today. Talked a moment about the race for state senate. Tonight at a school meeting, "key communicators," one of the fellow parents came up to me and said she heard the call. She had a lot to say about the players involved.

Furthermore, I hope I was able to get Doug of Homespun Bloggers the content for the radio show he's been coordinating. Should be fun. I'm just getting some elbow room to do more with those elements in the production aspects.

Yesterday I was on hold for 20-minutes to the Boywer show and had to bolt. Spoke to the producer and just couldn't wait any longer. Not fun being behind a caller who is a real bible technical debater as those calls can eat up the minutes.

The theme then was about Pittsburgh and hitting bottom. One prior caller gave a recap of the Sala Udin rant about how he wanted to abolish the I.C.A. -- or ask that the state do that. Then the comment was, wrongly, that no others were standing up against such foolishness. Well, there is some opposition to Sala on council. I heard Alan H. say that Sala has as much chance of getting rid of the I.C.A. as they did in getting a $144 Occupation / Commutter tax. Some do have cooler heads, but then again Alan H. is about to leave city council as he is NOT seeking re-election this year.

In a nutshell, Pittsburgh has yet to hit bottom. And, I'm optimistic.

Obituary: William J. Schofield III

I will miss, as will countless others, Mr. Schofield. He was a giant in many ways. I was always warm to talk with him. Open, candid, and such a dad. He was a swimming parent -- for sure. His son, no pup now, is a coach. Mr. Schofield, we'll miss you.

Obituary: William J. Schofield III / Insurance executive with knack for politics and community service: "William J. Schofield III, a successful Shaler insurance executive with a booming voice who was involved in local Republican politics, died Monday of an apparent heart attack. He was 78."

...

In 1984, Mr. Schofield was defeated by Larry Dunn for the position of county Republican Party chairman. Mr. Schofield had campaigned on a pledge to shake up the GOP establishment from the top down.

He contended that the party apparatus had neglected local campaigns, siphoned local funds into state and national races and generally was responsible for a decline in the number of GOP elected officials, morale and achievement in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

Saturday morning's concert details - North Side - tune in or be there

Our friend, Mindy Simmons, performs two concerts this Saturday. Please turn out or tune in. The Saturday morning event is on the radio and open to all to come for free, at the North Side's Children's Museum.

I've been providing CDs of the song, One World, written and sung by Mindy, in our activities about town in the past weeks. She is very talented and has offered a lot to the campaign with her song.

The following comes from the radio host on Saturday. He plays another role too as he is also going to be at the concert Saturday night, 8 pm, First Unitarian Church, Shadyside, on Morewood Ave.

Other great things happened this week. SLB was featured in AIRSPACE, a national publication showcasing best practices in public radio (see http://www.slbradio.com). Also, thanks to flagship station WRCT (http://www.wrct.org) you can now listen to SLB live via streaming MP3 (as before) or Ogg Vorbis, a new technology said to offer higher quality at lower bandwidth.

On this week’s radio program, ... we’ll have special guests:

At 8:20, Jeffrey Dorsey previews Unblurred, the monthly arts event put on by the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative (PAAI) as part of its efforts to revitalize the Penn Avenue Corridor between Negley and Mathilda avenues through the arts.

At 11, we’ll feature live music with Mindy Simmons, a Sarasota-based musician whose performances have been described as Peggy Lee meets Carol Burnett! In addition to her joining us on air, we’ll join Mindy to emcee her 1/29/05 performance at 8 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, Morewood and Ellsworth Avenues, Shadyside.

As always, we hope you'll tune in on the radio or be part of our studio audience. Doors open at 10. There is no admission fee, you can hear great live music, and watch how a radio program comes together as well as sample the Children's Museum's grand hall, museum store, and cafe. After our broadcast, stick around to learn more about our radio studio and visit behind the scenes or consider touring the rest of the museum with purchase of admission wristband at the front desk.

Thanks for being part of The Saturday Light Brigade, a public radio tradition from Pittsburgh, PA.

-- Larry Berger

Dan O wanted an opportunity to counter offer. Counter zero.

County Executive Dan Onorato wanted an opportunity to give a counter offer to US Airways before the news dropped as to the job losses. Dan is mad. Dan is bad that the past state, county and government money has evaporated (my word).

My approach is different.

You can't be mad at the market place. Life is too short to be mad at things like gravity. We have to deal with the facts. I do.

I would have given zero to US Airways. That's a counter offer that makes the most sense. We got burnt. Lots of money went away to them and the relationships for corporate welfare didn't have the weight to keep them here.

My plan for keeping US Airways in Pittsburgh is to rush and give away $0.

On other fronts, I'm all in favor of turning up the heat for CCAC and job training. That is an effort that gives to everyone, not to corporate welfare. I would strongly support CCAC efforts, technology efforts, lower tax efforts.

Allegheny County to US Airways: Take our spaces at $10 a square foot put on the table. Gov. Rendell offers $1.25 M for relocation and $1.2 M tech transfer. Ten day response in writting. Our offer appears to be much better. But, it needed to be ten times better. Dan thinks that the deal was a win-win for the taxpayers. Perhaps it will be a win-win that they didn't take it.

Odd way to interact: US Airways broke the leases at the airport. Didn't bargain in good faith with Jim Roddey. Don't deal in good faith with the unions.

Lynn Swan, good to meet you

I got to talk for a few minutes with Lynn Swann today. He is now aware of some of the political landscape from my perspectives. Being aware is good.

Indie, musical, South Side, launching, fundraising, community, gives voice

The common ground between myself and WYEP are so visible and pronounced.

I love and utilize music.

I love and insist upon giving voice to others.

I love and cherish all concepts that swirl around community.

WYEP is launching a new frontier with its new studio and performance space, as I am with new campaigns for public office.

We both are in the South Side. It's new office is on the same street as mine. Welcome.

A new effort to increase donations is brewing there, as about $2-million or more are needed to complete the building and move. I'm gearing up a fund-raising campaign too, but I'm not seeking that much.

Volunteerism is critical, and we both embrace them.

WYEP is a wonderful cause and voice for the commnity. We'll be happy to have them in our neighborhood. Happier still if everyone comes on the bus and dosn't park in front of our garages.

Sala to try to shred First Amendment Rights and limit Public Comment

As an introduction, when I spoke before city council yesterday, I did NOT mention that I was a candidate for State Senate. I had too much else to say. My name, email and an audio snip was part of the CDs I passed to all on council, but that was hardly spoken about in the talk at the podium.

Yesterday, at the end of the meeting, Sala Udin ranted about a few matters including the public comment elements of the meetings. He has introduced new legislation that is to more tightly define what can be spoken from the citizens. I've asked the city's clerk for a copy of the pending bill. When it arrives, I'll post it.

The citizens have three days to submit a petition to call for a public hearing on the bill. That might occur. Perhaps Sala should have called for a public hearing himself.

Twanda C. wants to co-sponsor the legislation too.

On the flip side, Councilman Alan H. said that the public comment should not be vulgar, but anything else needs to be protected.

This matter is coming to a boil, in part, because of some cruel attacks. For example, one citizen noted how Sala was missing at a meeting a few weeks ago and asked if he was at another "funeral." The next day Sala's brother died.

No doubt, trash talk and personal attacks are not welcomed in any realm. Hurtful elements are to be avoided, and I do my best to do so myself. Furthermore, I do my best to fix, right, or touch up when things go nutty on the part of others as I can.

Public officials need a thick skin.

Public comment needs a wide latitudes.

Free speech needs to be free.

Sala hopes to end political campaign mentions at the podium. It can't happen in the real world. And, it should NOT happen.

The crying shame of this all is the fact that Sala can rant on cable tv for minutes and replay some of the slogans first spoken by Tom Murphy. Sala called for ICA (oversight board) to be abolished. Then in the next breath he won't allow for others to make political mentions.

It is time for those who can't play well -- and work well -- with others to quit. QUIT.

All in all, this makes another great example of how we drive people away from Pittsburgh. The people who come before council should be embraced. The people who take the time to give their comments are the ones who have not quit. We care. We are the fighters.

If I was in council, I'd invite everyone who speaks before that body to a monthly or seasonal picnic. Let's all go out and break bread together. Make it dutch. I'd offer a banquet for the friends of Pittsburgh to come and sit among those who you may or may not have had agreement with in the past.

Even as mayor, that would be a great idea and nobel act.

How about a thank you note or email or follow-up phone call to say, "good point, thanks for your input."

Contributors should not be mistreated. Idea contributors are the best kind.

In an on-going matter, another council member, Len B., ranted about the topics of public comment a couple of weeks ago. Len also talked with a great innuendo in his rant. I called his office to seek clarification three or four times. I emailed his office twice. Never a reply. I asked him if he thought any of my comments before city council had ever been out of bounds. I can assume that his lack of reply means of course not. ??? It was a serious question, placed off line, until now.

I don't want to be hailed as a champion of public comment, always sticking to the bills before council and never giving out my web address. But, I do want to point out how the goofyness continues on Grant Street. And, this is another instance when I'll be on the victor's side.

It made sense to set the special election date to May 17, and that was talked about by me in prior weeks. That was on-topic, as it saved the taxpayers $200,000. It makes sense to hit the "mute button" to catch four-letter words. But that's it.

"QUIT" is a four letter word that should be tolerated. Quit trying to shred The Constitution. Quit trying to block the Sunshine Law. Quit ranting yourself while trying to stop others from a small opportunity to share views. Quit walking within the shaddow of Tom Murphy. And, perhaps it is time to quit and move to the private sector Sala. Otherwise, I worry about people voting with their feet and choosing to quit living in Pittsburgh.

My three mentions to city council on Jan 25, 05

I spoke before city council today.

1) Council gave props to two other groups who are doing fine work in terms of benefits for Asia Tsanami. Another concert is planned. It runs from 4 to midnight in the east on the 30th. I spoke quickly about the benefit on Saturday and said I had some extra CDs. I gave a few away to others in the audience and to council, the clerk and the council budget office.

Mindy Simmons is featured on the CD with her song, One World. Mindy performs on Saturday at 8 pm at First Unitarian.

The CDs have 400 images of our trip in 04 to Asia. The next round, version 2.1, is packed with even more.

2) I mentioned that the hockey lock-out was about to end. Games and activities for the Market House are due to start in mid month. More news soon, finally.

3) As for the Mt. Washington outrage and developer struggles, this is proof positive that folks on Grant Street don't generally play well with others. This whole mess should have been settled well before it hit city council. Who is doing the heavy lifting? Who is making cooperation a must-have element in our public life?

Perhaps the zoning board and the commissions should just flake into nothingness. They are not doing their jobs. Take everything to city council for a 5-4 vote.

AP: Pittsburgh oversight boards squabble

Speaking of not playing well with others, here comes another sucker punch.

AP Wire | 01/25/2005 | Pittsburgh oversight boards squabble over police, fire contracts: "The controversy marks the latest squabble between the authority, whose members were appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, and the Act 47 team, which was created after the state declared Pittsburgh a distressed city in December 2003.

Here is the fix. If and when I'm in charge, we fix the problems with a few simple moves. First of all, we need to shine a very bright light on these matters. We need to have open government. We need to have these meetings put on the cable, radio, internet and with open access to all the meeting minutes.

The oversight board, meanwhile, holds a meeting without telling anyone. They've rushed to quick meetings in the past. That blows trust.

Then we are in ugly positions of not having faith in any party.

Jim Roddey was on the radio today, 1360 AM, with Bowyer. I heard some of the conversation. Roddey is worried, and for good reason. The ICA did a report on the firefighter situation. But, where is that report? It was given to the mayor and the Act 47 team. But, was it released to the internet?

We need folks to play well with others. And, we all win when these actions occur out in the open. That is where we have to put our faith. Let's toss the bumbs out. Let's set a new course with new leaders.

Party switch reported in Trib

We saw this coming for some time.

Diven plans party switch - PittsburghLIVE.com: "...has told Senate Republican leaders he will switch to the GOP to run for the Senate seat formerly held by Jack Wagner.

Those in Harrisburg have been of no help to the city. Now they send us this headache.

New hotel doesn't guarantee guests

Don't count me among those who think another downtown hotel is going to be Pittsburgh's salvation either.

PG coverage of pending deal.
If recent experiences in other cities are any indication, the new $104 million hotel to be built next to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center may not be the tourism magnet its boosters proclaim it to be.

'I can find no real empirical evidence that the new bunch of hotels has made any difference in the convention center business that we can document,' said Sanders, who has made a career of challenging cherished assumptions of those in the tourism industry.

Rather than boost business, such hotels, particularly in less than robust markets, have the potential to drive down occupancy and room rates citywide, said Sanders, a professor of public administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

His latest findings come as the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority tries to finalize an agreement with Cleveland developer Forest City Enterprises to build a 500-room 'headquarters' hotel next to the convention center.

The Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau sees the lack of such a hotel as an impediment in its efforts to attract business to the architecturally-acclaimed convention center.

The impediment in our efforts to rebound as a city and as a region goes far deeper than the lack of a hotel. The closing of the old convention center and the re-building of the larger facility without the hotel was foolish.

Of course the groups that have come need more hotel space near the convention center. That isn't a doubt. But, the convention center is too big. The convention center won't ever be used to its full potential. The convention center's annual costs are going to sink the rest of the region's projects too.

But Sanders found that new hotels in St. Louis, Sacramento, and Myrtle Beach, S.C., all of which opened in recent years amid promises of increasing tourism, have not lived up to expectations.

In St. Louis, convention and visitors commission officials predicted that a new $265 million, 1,081-room headquarters hotel would boost convention center bookings from 30 a year to 50 or more and would nearly double the number of annual room nights to about 800,000.

But in the two years the new hotel has been opened, that has not happened, according to Sanders.

Twenty-five events were booked for 2003 and 23 were expected in 2004. Convention attendance was 155,700 in 2003, only slightly higher than the 154,800 the previous year. For 2004, it was estimated at 115,300.

Pittsburgh's elected politicians are and have been chasing the wrong goals. The established priorities are wrong.

Consider that the only time our newest, biggest, best building is used by the kids is when they go to attend a college fair. We take bus loads of our high school students to the convention center. There they meet scores and rows of college recruiters. These recruiters are attempting to lure our high school students to their colleges and universities. In effect, the recuitment fair is about leaving the area. In a sense, we've used our best resource as a tool to catapult our best and brightest to far off places.

Pittsburgh and the region has a brain drain. We have a problem when it comes to the retention of our youth.

When we have successful college fairs for our youth -- we won't have anyone at home. The system is working in the wrong ways.

I have a different plan.

At the outset, the biggest annual event that should occur at the new convention center should be a multi-day Youth Technology Summit. The Youth Technology Summit would be a world-wide event where our people are in the spotlight, and the youth from elsewhere come here to mingle with our brains, businesses, academics, and residents. We don't need to fill the hotels when we have busloads of local kids coming with band directors, coaches, church group leaders, rec advisors, grandparents, artists, mentors, retirees, neighborhood advocates, teachers and more.

There are plenty of splendid opportunities for our entire community to get into the actions of technology literacy.

Earl Jones opts out of Mayor's Race, official news

Earl Jones, Dem, leader of a peace on Earth campaign, retired, candidate for public office in many races in the past, told me HIMSELF, he is NOT going to run for mayor in 2005.

This news means Dave Copeland, http://www.DaveCopeland.com, a former Trib reporter and editor, is now back in play. Dave made mention in past blog postings elsewhere that he was one who was leaning toward tossing his support to Mr. Jones. I'm not sure if Earl's pull for Dave was because of his 'family values' stance or his full head of grey hair, despite being in his 70s.

I'm sure Earl is NOT going to run. Last week I broke bad news on the blog about another fence sitting candidate who is skating around these days.

Earl feels can can do more for everyone's benefit if he stayed out of the race and kept all his options open.

Once Earl ran a race against Tom Flaherty and nearly won the Sq. Hill neighborhoods, while getting 26% of the vote. (Earl told me that too.) Go to work fact checkers, please.

Earl's wife, bless her heart, passed away last year.

The one to wear the biggest smile on this news has to be County Councilman, Rich Fitzgerald. Earl seldom speaks without getting in a slam or dig against him.

Movies at Pitt

One student group I'm hopeful of working with is holding some special event movies on campus. Here is another if you see the comments. Its tonight.

State tries to quiet conflict over city oversight

State tries to quiet conflict over city oversight: "City Councilman Sala Udin yesterday called for abolishing the state-appointed board altogether."

If the state was interested, folks like John Pippy, Jane Orie, Jeff Habay, (hope I didn't just swear), and others who are elected to both houses (i.e., state reps and state senators), would be around here once in a while. We are a wasteland to these people.

Where are these people? Not to be found or seen or heard of.

The best way to quiet the conflict, so it seems all to often, is to ignore it. That is the standard mode of operation for them. The plan is to ignore and it will go away. Well, the city is going away. The city has been ignored.

If we just take away some of the downtown office buildings and put in a few subsidized apartments, then the urban core will be a suburban homestead. Then those who want to ignore will get their way.

On the other hand, when there is someone who does pitch a fit -- it comes from the wrong perspectives. A tootless watchdog barking up the wrong tree isn't helpful, Sala.

Sala ignores the gross overspending that has been a part of the deals cut by the administration. Sweetheart deals that aid others and pound the taxpayers are ignored. Face the facts -- on all sides.

To me, here is how it works. The oversight board is a lot like those faceless folks who are behind the cameras behind the tinted domed ceiling fixtures in a Las Vegas casino. Trouble points include the fact that Roddey and the others on the ICA have not been "faceless." The cameras need to be everwhere. They need to watch everything. But the time to be noticed most of all is when the culprits are being taken away in handcuffs. That's when the guys behind the cameras should come out for a statement.

We need oversight inside of city government. For 21 years our controller has been Tom Flaherty. So, it is a real joke to see his arch rival, Jim Roddey, pulled into that job on the ICA Board. And, it is a double gas to see Flaherrty gear up to run for the position of mayor.

I welcome those cameras (like in the casinos) within the halls of government. I don't like the casinos or slots parlors coming to town, but do like the oversight.

The ICA staff (and board) and Act 47 team need to be fiscal watchdogs that INSURE that the city stays on the straight and narrow. Watch the payments, contracts, spending and budgets. Watch the incomes, taxes, collections and under utilized assets. When things break down, despite repeated pushes to walk the line -- get out the handcuffs. Toss the uncooperative out of there.

Pittsburgh is in a big pickle because we've had far to many elected politicians who can't play well with others. As Sala calls for the abolishing of the state-appointed board altogether -- he proves the point that he can't play well with others too.

It is time to toss him out too.

This is a great time to clean house. The oversight boards and Act 47 team is on the job, we hope. I crave the opportunity to work with them. With the overlords around, the next mayor gets on board a city and helpers are to either side.

Leading Pittsburgh in 2006 is going to be much like riding a bicycle with training wheels.

Sadly, the biggest trouble won't be the bike, its training wheels nor the energy level of the participants. I see the real trouble in the road ahead -- full of potholes. The city has enough money to repave only four miles of roads in 2006. Our city's surfaces are about to crumble.

We'll need nimble leadership and helpers.

Global Warming Debate at DU Law School, 6 pm, Jan 27

Should the United States continue to reject the Kyoto Protocol on Global Warming now that Russia has ratified?

Patrick Michaels, author of The Satanic Gases, Clearing the Air About Global Warming says Yes!

Donald Brown, author of American Heat says No!

Decide for yourself!

Thursday, January 27, 2005 at 6 pm, Duquesne University Law School, Room 204