The Pitt News - Special election could be held during spring break

Good ink come from The Pitt News about this date with the special election.

The Pitt News - Special election could be held during spring break: "The city Clerk’s Office confirmed yesterday that a special election is currently planned for March 7, when many students will be on vacation.

The special election was called after District 3 representative Gene Ricciardi left his position to become a district judge. District 3 includes parts of Oakland and most of the South Side.

Pitt’s spring break is scheduled for March 5 to March 12.

Luke Ravenstahl, city council president, could not be reached for comment since he was out of town.

But according to a press release from Ravenstahl’s office, he will hold a press conference today at 10 a.m. to announce the final date for the special election.

Mark Rauterkus, a libertarian seeking the now empty seat, wrote in his blog that the city does not pay attention to the needs of students, including health care needs, and that is why many of them leave the city after graduating.

“Too many students have graduated and departed. They vote with their feet later in life because they are not welcomed and because government is not doing a good job at the basics,” Rauterkus wrote.

Rauterkus wants the city to hold the special election on Feb. 28.

Anyone want to help in putting in an application for this open-source event for the future?

It might be fun to get with some other techies and put in an application for this special event.

I've been giving out CDs on the campaign trails and with our family Christmas letter too -- and they all have the OpenOffice.org installer as well. So, when and if you get the CD, it has extra value. But, you all, blog readers, I'm sure are able to download and install your own copy of OpenOffice.org from the site, without the need of the CD.

Dear OpenOffice.org community members,

The first three OpenOffice.org conferences in Hamburg, Berlin
and Koper/Capodistria were a huge success. The highlight so
far was this year's conference which, for the first time, was
organized by a team of volunteer community members. Now we are
wondering if this outstanding event can actually be bettered.
Therefore, we are searching for the perfect location for the
OpenOffice.org Conference in 2006.

We are collecting applications from teams who are willing to
organize OOoCon 2006, just like we did last year. To give you
an idea about what we are looking for, you can take a look at
last year's proposals:

http://marketing.openoffice.org/conference/ooocon2005/proposal.html

Interested teams should send their applications to the mailing
list conference@marketing.openoffice.org in the following format:

Key Question
============
In 200 words or less, answer this question:

* Why is your location and the date you propose the best for
the OOoCon 2006?

Your application MUST INCLUDE:
==============================

* Location (country, city, conference center/university)
* Proposed Date(s)
* Team Lead (main contact person)
* Team Members (all members should be willing and able to
commit at least 3 hours per day to planning the conference
during the last two weeks before OOoCon 2006)
* Local events that are taking place in parallel (or right
before/after)
* Special visa or entry requirements, e.g. vaccinations

Your application COULD INCLUDE:
===============================

* Large local OpenOffice.org deployments (for user keynotes
and success stories)
* Names of local OpenOffice.org developers (for developer
sessions)
* Names of local OpenOffice.org vendors/partners
(potential sponsors)
* Travel costs (e.g. flight costs from the following cities:
London, Paris, Rome, Beijing, Sydney, New York, Hamburg,
Dublin, San Francisco, Cape Town, Tokyo)
* Accomodation costs (youth hostel, hotel)

According to the OOoCon 2004 attendee survey and some feedback
about last year's conference, proposed locations should meet
the following requirements as much as possible:

* attract the largest number of community contributers
* be near enough to allow a large number of Sun's
OpenOffice.org developers, who are in Hamburg, to attend
* low accomodation costs
* cheap flight and train tickets
* the conference venue is for free
* alignment with large IT event (e.g. CeBIT, Systems, Comdex)
* strong local OpenOffice.org community
* strong sponsor support
* offer a central meeting point where people will easily
run into other people between sessions
* short walking distances between session locations
* provide simple ways to get to the conference location

The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2006. Shortly
after that date we will publish the applications on the
following page and call for votes:

http://marketing.openoffice.org/conference/

Information about the last three OpenOffice.org Conferences
can be found at:

http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2005/
http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2004/
http://marketing.openoffice.org/conference/OOoCon2003.html

Thank you and best regards,
The OpenOffice.org Conference Team

Eastern Michigan University Athletics - Swimming Assistant Eric Namesnik Passes Away Following Car Accident

Eastern Michigan University Athletics - Swimming Assistant Eric Namesnik Passes Away Following Car Accident Swimming Assistant Eric Namesnik Passes Away Following Car Accident
Information regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Eastern Michigan University volunteer assistant swimming coach and two-time Olympic silver medalist Eric Namesnik passed away this morning (Wednesday, Jan. 11) following a traffic accident"

So sad. This guy was an inspiration.

Tonight's date with the Bishop

Tonight: concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in celebration of the centenary anniversary of Saint Paul Cathedral. It will feature Haydn’s “The Creation” with Maestro Gilbert Levine, Conductor. We are invited guests of The Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl. We assume this invite came because of our service to the community and the DePaul board.

A mind that is expanded, never returns to its original size

Last night at our second debate (forum) of the day, the question was put to the nine candidate from a citizen voter. She asked about the powers of a city council person. What can be done?

The others told about how Pittsburgh has a strong mayor form of government. Council writes the laws. Council can be an "advocate." They got the basics other than the missing of any mention of the constitution.

They also had the typical mentality that to serve as a good council member you need to be able to count to five. There are nine on the council, so five votes wins the day. A council member gets his or her own vote and would need four others to join to make a majority. So, to get something done, they say, you need to be with the majority.

My answer was different.

Members of council get to be at the table. Council's members get to raise issues, concerns, and put forth various perspectives. My problem with council and our city has been the fact that we'll never get excellent solutions if the best ideas are never put onto the table. The votes are often called so there is only a choice among two bad outcomes. Pittsburgh is in a rut where it seems that they always choose the idea that is just better than the worst.

To thrive again, we'll need to inject elegant solutions. The question of building a five story parking garage for PNC Firstside -- or else a four story parking garage and a T-stop too -- needs to be joined with another option. How about if we don't build one at all. How about if we take care of parking concerns within residential neighborhoods by expanding the side-lot program. Give more people a chance to buy vacant land beyond just the next-door neighbor who can choose to pass on the property.

The point of the discussion is to welcome different perspectives to the table. The old-party democrats have eight seats there already. There might be plenty of 8-1 votes in terms of their efforts to over-spend, again and again. But, we need another voice.

Furthermore, I feel strongly that the minds of council can be adjusted after new, fresh, smarter solutions are there at the table, day-in and day-out.

One's mind isn't like a latex swim cap that can be stretched four feet wide, without ripping, and then snap back to its original size.

We need a wedge on city council so that the thinking can change. We need to "THINK AGAIN." Love the song. Embrace its message.

Furthermore, each member of Pittsburgh's city council is a chair of a certain committee. I want to be the chair of the Citiparks and Youth Policy Committee. There, I will make serious strides and have plenty of victories. I'll be able to be a leader in terms of recreation, like none other on the ballot, like none other in the district, and perhaps, like none other in the city and state.

We need a coach on council to drive the agenda of fitness, fun, family activities, inter-generational experiences, and beyond.

I want to be on council to establish a YOUTH Technology Summit -- and serve the kids, volunteers, staffers, parents, seniors, and all in the neighborhoods with the chairmanship of the committee on YOUTH and Citiparks. I'll promise victories. I'll re-start the Pittsburgh Marathon, and it will be better for the city and different as well. We won't tie-up the entire city with a route that is at odds with church-goers.

And, for the cerebral folks --- I won't rest until I put forth the best possible solutions to our ills -- by going to the roots of problems, not batting at their leaves. In these efforts, I might get out voted. But, we'll have hope for an open and honest discussion that is beholden to civility and performance.

I see little value in getting a ninth member on city council who is just a get-a-long guy that works with a wink and a smile -- or just aims to red up Pittsburgh. I see little value in getting a ninth member of city council who wants to work from 8 am to 5 pm and attend every meeting from start to finish. There is no value in counting paper clips, pushing paper or waiting for the phone to ring. There is no value to a hard-working councilmember who is banking on MURPHY-economics to come and give fruit. The high-priced (so he says) firefighters already put in the long work hours. We don't need a firefighter council member to rush salt into a salt box within two hours notice, and take care of us on the spot.

We need a council that works SMARTER, not harder, not longer -- SMARTER.

The biggest problem around is the hard-working foolishness that dug us this hole that Pittsburgh finds itself within.

We got a great convention center.They worked hard on that building. A guy died as it was being constructed. It is a green LED certified building. Lots of light, blah, blah, blah. But it costs $5-million to $6-million each year to just maintain it. Those are operational expenses. The capital costs are more. The debt is huge. And, the building will NEVER be used to its capaicity. Never. We don't have the hotel space to hold a convetion of the scope and size to match the convention center.

Mayor Murphy worked HARD to get those two stadiums built. But, it was wrongheaded.

We don't need HARDER workers on city hall. We need smarter, different, purdent members of council who think about the long-term and understand technology, liberty, freedom and family life.

Murphy was a genius at crafting TIFs (Tax Incremental Finance) and corporate welfare deals. He was really good at spending taxpayer money. The tricks of the water and sewer line sell off are that of ledgend. But, it wasn't for the little guys benefit. Those moves were not for the long-term health of the region.

We need pick a ninth councilmember to be fit, sharp, bold and quick to think again. We need to have a person with a tough love approach as a coach can deliver -- or as a parent can foster.

I hope I've explained myself as to what council can do and why I need to be there to do it -- given today's challenges.

That Christmas TREE

Remember, a tree that is still standing in your home makes a real good fire trap. Get the tree out of the house already.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC), in partnership with the Union Project, Construction Junction, and the City of Pittsburgh, will be recycling Christmas trees on SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event takes place at Construction Junction, 214 N. Lexington Street in the Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh. A $1 donation is requested for each tree being recycled. Call Ginette at PRC at (412) 488-7490 or visit www.prc.org for more information.

Jason Altmire for Congress - About Jason Altmire

I attended Jason's kick-off to his campaign for Congress. It was a good event hosted by the Steamfitters. Nice to have the event in Pittsburgh, and out of Jason's actual congressional district. Interesting that folks come to our part of town to make big news.

Jason has experiences working at UPMC. He is going to be on top of the health care crisis that is getting worse and worse in America. That is a good start. I am interested in hearing about how he is going to attack the problems and build solutions there.

Jason Altmire for Congress - About Jason Altmire: "Age: 37"

While I was at the event I got to talk to a few people about various issues. DeFazio was there and I asked him to put in a word about the date of the special election and Pitt's spring break.

Jack Wagner's people were there too. I got the insights on his stance about the casino to pay for the hockey arena. His is a big corporate welfare deal through and through.

Under 12 -- Girls Fast Pitch Softball - interested?

BIG League has been approached about the possibility of organizing and administering to a new U-12 Fast Pitch League.

Is there interest in doing this? Let them know.

We will send out a flyer soon to gauge interest, but we are interested in what you think. Give Big League office a call at 412-488-4885.

Dance is a great activity for both girls and boys. However, the girls need to get into some competitive sports settings too. Sports is NOT just for the boys. One reason I love swimming is because it works for boys and girls -- together even. I am a big fan of women's sports and participation in sports by kids (boys and girls) of all ages (even into their 90s).

Council election set

A press release is about to be delivered.

The wrong date was picked. The election should be February 28. Do it early. Get it over.

Council election set: "A special election to replace former city Councilman Gene Ricciardi will be held March 7, council President Luke Ravenstahl said yesterday.

That date drew fire from Councilman William Peduto, because it falls during the University of Pittsburgh's spring break, and many of the affected district's registered voters are Pitt students. He said thousands of young people 'would be denied the opportunity to vote on the 7th' and urged that it be held March 14.

I aspire to get the college vote. Same too with getting the vote from the city residents as well. But, we need people to vote. The college students are a big part of everyone's lives.

Crowd noise --- lots to say

Lot's of talk around these parts about the noise in the dome -- of Indie when the men take the field against the Colt.

There is another type of noise the began in earnest today -- a campaign for city council. There are NINE participants in the race at this point.

Two forums were held today. I've got a lot to say about what was said. More to come.

And, I've been to the Columbus, Ohio arena. While you're there, check out the soccer stadium too. And, might as well go to the new OSU natatorium as well. Ohio State has already broke ground on a new swim pool. It will be one of the best in the world.

There was a tour some years ago to Indy, IN. The deligation from Pittsburgh went to tour their downtown shopping district. I've been to Indy too. That town's handle used to be the AMATURE Sports Capital of the World. The Pan Am Games, Sports Fesivals and many national championships and Olympic Trials events are in Circle City -- plus the Indy 500 of course.

The folks in Pittsburgh didn't see what they really needed to inspect. I asked questions. I read the reports.

Indy did a lot with its sports landscape -- to the benefits of its citizens as well as tourists.

Voter Protection -- Rally in Oakland on Thursday at 3 pm

A long-time, but young, political friend put out this email to me and the others running for city council. He is right on the mark. And, I thank him and the others for their efforts in this quest.

As as candidate you are well aware of the special election coming up in March to fill the District 3 City Council seat. The Univ. of Pittsburgh is in this district and college students make up over 20% of the population of the council district.

Today, (TUESDAY, Jan 10) Council President Ravenstahl began the process of setting a date for the special election and was fine with having it on March 14th. For some reason, there has been talk that the election may be moved up to March 7th, in the middle of spring break. This would disenfranchise thousands of Pitt Students!

On Thursday 1/12/06 @ 3 pm, Place: TBA City Councilman Bill Peduto, the League of Young Voters, The Stonewall Dems, The College Dems and other concerned groups will be holding a press conference and rally to compel the board of elections to hold the election on March 14 so UPitt students will be able to participate in choosing their next council rep.

I am reaching out to you to invite the candidates to the rally, it is important that the candidates for this office show they support student voting rights. (*No candidate speeches.)

I hope you will be able to attend this rally or for more information email pittsburgh@indyvoter.org or call 412/728/2197

More information about this will be made available on Wednesday 1/11/06, STAY TUNED!!!

K

I talked with K.M. on Grant Street asking him to help to organize some meetings in Oakland to talk about the issues. As of now, none have been scheduled.

Pittsburghers for Impeachment -- pointer to Ferlo's efforts

Oh my. Senator Jim Ferlo is entered a game of Red-State vs. Blue-State. Albert sent me an email about the site and efforts. It is done well in terms of calling upon the ghosts of Ben Franklin and Liberty.

Pittsburghers for Impeachment: "FIRST LYING...NOW SPYING!

Our nation and Iraq have been subjected to an unnecessary and illegal war based on lies, deception and cover-ups. The toll taken on life, limb, and precious resources is shocking and shameful. The Bush Administration in Washington has shattered the reputation of the United States of America in its arrogant pursuit of power and domination.

Check it out. Let me know what you think. There is a bit of an urgency to sign the petition so as to get your name into the advertisement that is slated to run in City Paper.

Special Election for a State Rep seat

Folks,

Apparently, State Rep Alan Butkovitz has resigned after something like 15
years as a state legislator. As a result, there is a special election being
held on March 14, 2006 for State Rep district 174 which I believe is in
Philadelphia. I have the paperwork that must be filed by January 23, 2006.

Please let me know if you or someone you know living within that district
would be interested in running for this office.

David Jahn, Chair, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
610-461-7755

Going to speak to the Board of Pittsburgh Public School

Tonight I'll be speaking to the board of Pittsburgh Public Schools, again.

I'll hit upon Schenley High School's move out of Oakland as well as the looming changes to the Gifted Education program.

[412] News Release: Key Campaign Staff for Mark Rauterkus for City Council

[412] News Release: Key Campaign Staff for Mark Rauterkus for City Council [412] News Release: Key Campaign Staff for Mark Rauterkus for City Council

News Release: Immediate

Michael Cooper, Campiagn Treasurer, Announces Staffers for Mark at Rauterkus.com Campaign for City Council


Contact:
Michael Cooper, HQ = 412 904 2976, Treasurer at Rauterkus.com


Daniel Repovz, graduate student at Duquesne University, has joined the reform-minded team at Elect.Rauterkus.com to drive Mark Rauterkus' election bid onto Pittsburgh's City Council. Repovz' title is Media Coordinator. The special election is slated for the first Tuesday in March, 2006.

In May 2005, Repovz was on the ballot for Mayor of Pittsburgh in the Democratic Primary.

Repovz earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh in Finance. This semester at Duquesne brings Repovz's final course before he obtains a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Rauterkus and Repovz were both on the campaign trails in 2005. While Repovz was debating Bob O'Connor, Bill Peduoto, and Michael Lamb for the Democratic endorsement for mayor, Rauterkus was seeking a State Senate seat in a campaign against Wayne Fontana, D, and Michael Diven, R.

"We saw each other many times at various community forums. I was flattered to hear from Daniel that he was greatly impressed with the way we ran our campaign for State Senate, especially with the negativity and gross expenditures from the competitors. The messages and the mission must have resonated with Daniel, thankfully," said Rauterkus.

Repovz said, "I want to be part of the driving force in a team Rauterkus victory. Mark's financial reforms and parks initiatives will win with voters and future generations of all ages: children, parents, students and seniors. These are vital quality of life issues that are very important to Pittsburgh's future as well as the region around Pittsburgh."

In the day-to-day operations of the campaign, Repovz will issue press releases and field analysis to reform Pittsburgh's financial position.

"With the advance leadership ability of Daniel and others, we will be able to offer solutions for the short-term and long-term," said Rauterkus.

Vicki Duesch, a parent and long-time South Side resident and homeowner, has been named the campaign manager for the Elect.Rauterkus.com campaign.

"Vicki brings heart and soul to the campaign. Vicki and her son bike daily on the paths around the South Side and continually access recreation resources in the third district," said Rauterkus. "Vicki is a wonderful example of a citizen leader in action. Her grassroots leadership will make a difference in Pittsburgh and our region."


###

Additional contacts and resources:

+ Daniel Repovz, HQ = 412 904 2976, Media at Rauterkus.com
+ Vicki Dusch, HQ = 412 904 2976, Manager at Rauterkus.com
+ Mark Rautekus, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council, cell = 412 298 3432, Mark at Rauterkus.com
+ Logo: http://rauterkus.com/art/06/Foil-Logo-png.png
+ Photo of Mark Rauterkus, http://rauterkus.com/art/signs/mark-470.jpg

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

These odds are not so bad. There are 25 applications and 14 winners.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it has received 25 application submissions for licenses to operate gaming facilities in the Commonwealth.

“This is an historic day for gaming in Pennsylvania,” said Chairman Tad Decker. “My fellow Board members and I look forward to the complex and important work that lies ahead in awarding licenses for Pennsylvania’s 14 gaming facilities.

The biggest objection I've had from the get-go on this gambling deal is that the licenses are sold once and they never terminate. The rights come at a price, $50-million. But, there is no renewal.

If I was a legislature, and I called them all as this was hatching, I would have been certain to terminate the licenses at a future date. Have some of them expire in 15 years, some in 20. Stagger their end date.

Nothing is sold "FOREVER." You don't get a license to practice your profession from the state (for example a medical doctor) and have the license last until you die. Things need to have some type of renewal. Even a drivers license is not forever. But these gambling licenses are.

State slashes anti-tobacco funding (phillyBurbs.com) | Courier Times

Don't smoke. And, don't cut the funding from the tobacco settlement to help in the process of getting more people off of the tabacco habit and addiction.

State slashes anti-tobacco funding (phillyBurbs.com) | Courier Times ... the state slashed 25 percent of its funding for Pennsylvania's tobacco prevention and cessation programs, state and county officials said.

I've looked a good deal at the stop-smoking programs of other states. We visited with many health-care groups in the state of Arizona, for example. They had nearly a dozen organizations in the state with messages about stop smoking. PA has been behind the times in terms of public outreach and education here.

It is a shame to see this tobacco money get reduced.

A friend of ours is considering a run for PA House. His entire campaign will be built upon the pledge of clean air for all workplaces. With the clean sweep efforts, a clean air twist and his history, he could have a real opportunity to make serious votes.

Chicago Tribune | Fundraising clicks over Internet

Chicago Tribune | Fundraising clicks over Internet Fundraising clicks over Internet
Politicians pick up on ease of getting campaign dollars

By Mike Dorning, Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago congressman spearheading the Democratic effort to win control of Congress, now schedules regular conference calls with influential liberal bloggers, and the top political professional working for him maintains a presence on their sites, often posting campaign-related messages.

Save Schenley High School Petition

I signed the petition. Our kids should go to Schenley High School.

Save Schenley High School Petition To: Pittsburgh Public Schools, Superintendent Mark Roosevelt & All Board Members

To put Schenley into the "right-sized" plan is silly. It is a high performing school. This makes all performance based decisions a joke.

Democrat Chad Kluko to challenge Murphy for seat in 18th District

To run against Tim Murphy, R, is one thing. To win or even just challenge, there must be a competitive primary. The fact that there are two, or even three Dems, is going to be GOOD for the overall chances for the eventual winner of the D primary. The contested primary is needed in these situations.

Next, it would be good to get a women in the race too.

Democrat Chad Kluko to challenge Murphy for seat in 18th District: "Mr. Kluko, 44, is a graduate of Gateway High School and the Center for Media Arts in New York City. He spent most of the past two decades working in California at positions including director of national operations for Verizon Wireless and executive director of broadcast operations for the Fox Television Network.

Mr. Kluko said that family concerns had brought him back to Pittsburgh recently. Since then he has worked as CEO of the Diora-Ling Co., a small business concentrating on software development.

Mr. Kluko said he expects to make a formal declaration of his candidacy sometime in the next 10 days."

Allderdice used to host an invite swim meet

New mayor gets his shoes dirty in visit to public works shed

We don't need a unified voice coming from city hall. I like a little harmony in my songs. Perhaps we should all be singing in the same key, and perhaps the same tempo might be nice too.

The lockstep boosterism is what got Pittsburgh into its huge mess.

New mayor gets his shoes dirty in visit to public works shed The meetings did not result in big decisions. They were an effort to build toward what council President Luke Ravenstahl called 'a unified voice coming from city hall.'

He and perhaps other council members will meet weekly with the new administration, he said. That's a change from years past, when council often complained that it was left out of decisions by Mayor Tom Murphy."

This unified voice that may come from city hall will lead to the same-old-same-old. The expected outcomes will be more meetings that do not result in big decisions.

My aim is to join City Council and offer a different voice. I am sure that there are others who are very capable of going to council and offering no voice or the same voice as to what we've already got.

However, it is wonderful to see the meeting with the mayor and councilmembers. There is no way I could have survived on that body, for even a week, if Tom Murphy was mayor.

If Gene Ricciardi had quit his role in City Council and Tom Murphy was still mayor, I would NOT be running for the council seat. I would never have wanted to be on council with Tom Murphy as mayor. Heck, I could not even be in the same PARTY as Tom Murphy as he was the leader of the city's Democrats. That was not for me to join and support.

Now that Bob O'Connor is in the Mayor's office, I feel that I can make excellent contributions for the future of our city. And, because it is Bob, I'm needed on the job in Council Chambers more than ever.

Companies oppose latest North Shore casino proposal

Here is a stretch.

Companies oppose latest North Shore casino proposal He also believes the casino will enhance housing, pointing out that some of the most expensive real estate in the country is in gambling mecca Las Vegas.

Perhaps that expensive housing in Las Vegas is because it is in the middle of a desert. But, I dare say, most of Las Vegas isn't that expensive for housing. Furthermore, Las Vegas has low taxes -- so -- the housing values can rise.

It was stated on a local panel by an expert Ph.D. that local house values in the immediate area of a casino could go upwards. However, once the casino is no longer your neighbor, or within your near neighborhood, there is no bump, either up or down, from the casino.

This area under discussion, between the West End Bridge and the Carnegie Science Center, has been studied at considerable lengths by a friend. He has done models of many North Side locations.

Frankly, I don't think we are getting the highest and best use out of the very valuable land that is now occupied by the Equitable office nor Del Monte's offices.

This is a worry: He estimates that his casino, once it reaches 5,000 slot machines, will generate $230 million for the state each year at a 54 percent tax rate and $22 million for the city of Pittsburgh.

Before everyone goes off and starts to spend that $22-M per year, note the catch. That income is projected AFTER the casino reaches 5,000 machines. The proposal on the table is NOT that big. I would like to know how much is projected for the city and the state in the first year.

If Video Poker Machines were legalized and done right, they'd pull in $7 million to $13 million per year for the city.

Christmas Letter and CD hits homes around America

The Christmas letter was a bit harder to get out the door this year. It came with a CD that plays in both the computer (data) and a boom box (audio). But, it has been mailed and I got two early replies so far via email. See the comments.

At least the CDs arrived before the Wise Men!

Tip: If your computer is set up to play audio CDs automatically upon the entry of the CD in the drive -- you'll need to sidestep this act to see the photos and other data goodies. Right click with your mouse button on the CD image and then it opens on the desktop.

Is that right?

International friends ... sorry. I tossed the CDs into the mail without putting extra postage on the CDs to you all. We'll send them out on Monday.

O'Connor touts old West End police station

This is a promise that Bob O'Connor made and the folks in the west neighborhoods are going to make him stick to his word.

O'Connor touts old West End police station: "New Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor toured a former West End police station yesterday, saying he wants to increase law enforcement's presence in a part of the city that has complained about being under-served.

Mr. O'Connor said any decision would be made as part of an evaluation of 351 city-owned facilities that will determine which should be kept, merged or sold.

'This we're looking at for mainly public safety,' he said of the station, as he stood in a narrow hallway between lockers and a weight room. 'The people in the West End deserve a better police presence.'"

Bob's promise is on the line. There are a number of folks who are going to hold his feet to the fire about the re-opening of the station.

On the QED show last night, Roddey, Mystic and Moore were talking about O'Connor. All predicted that the O'Connor honeymoon might be very short. That will be the story of the month, so they pondered on the show.

To go empty on the promise on the police station for the folks in the west is going to be ugly for Bob.

I felt that the Bob O'Connor might have been behind the statement last month from the ex-Chief of Police. He said he wanted to move the station out of the South Side to Rt. 51. O'Connor didn't have any comment at the time.

That is a typical ploy. Make the scapegoat be the outgoing guy. He'd be the fall guy.

I propose that we do move the Zone 3 Police Station from its current home on 18th Street. I think it should be located at South Vo Tech High School. South should stay an important vital building for public use.

There is parking at South, more so than at the present location.

There is room at South. We own the building at South.

With the Police move there, they'd be closer to Rt. 51, the west (by a bit) and even downtown.

EMS could move back into the space in the other building on 18th.

I HATE Bloggers word verification on my own POSTINGS!

THANKS!

This is now fixed. (Jan 9, 2006, just a day or two after blogging about it.)

Blogger support -- help! Turn off the word verification already.

Anyone out there have to deal with this too? Tips on getting it noticed are welcomed.

Mayors make wager on outcome of Sunday's game - PittsburghLIVE.com

There is good and bad in this little wager.

Mayors make wager on outcome of Sunday's game - PittsburghLIVE.com The loser must travel 280 miles for a day-long tour and non-stop gloating session in the winner's city.

I don't think Bob has any extra time. To have him head to the Queen City for a day is a tragic waste of time when he is needed at home. However, it would be nice if he'd be able to pick up a few pointers on chilli and sliders to insert into the food court at some downtown mall he'll be building soon -- or casino -- or hockey arena.

We might be a nation of burgers and fries, but they are able to kick our butts at White Castle.

It wasn't too long ago when our downstream friends had their city erupt with violence for nights on end because of ugly race problems. More recently the on-edge community was at the Glass Bowl -- Toledo. Perhaps there are some valued lessons O'Connor can obtain when he visits, if he visits, those cities.

One nice mention about the bet was the stakes as contrasted to what Mayor Murphy did once. I think he put a wager together with the mayor of Boston and it had to do with a Steeler win meaning Murphy would get a bucket of Lobster. However, a Steeler loss meant that they got a flat screen TV from Sony, among other goodies that went above and beyond the average perk of a bet. Murphy couldn't even place a decent wager in terms of knowing how to cut a square deal and what he had to give up.

Go Steelers.

Today was Black & Gold day at school, and my boys opted out. They must have that, "Don't Put Me In a Box" feeling washing over them. Wonder where they get that from?

Mark C's recent Letter to Editor about dangers

Mark C reported:

I had a LTE in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review today (1/4/2006). I responded to a Sunday guest columnist who advocated a nationwide gun ban as a result of a tragic loss in her family (www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_407919.html).

She was sloppy and often wrong with many of her "facts" and conclusions according to one of my most reliable contacts in Firearms Owners Against Crime. While my FOAC contact is drafting a more thorough and lengthy reply, I thought I'd try a different approach in less-than-200 words.

My angle was cars. If you blame things for tragedies, I'm pretty sure that cars have it hands down over guns in terms of deaths, serious injuries and property damage.

So what happens if we ban cars (in 200 words or less)?

Mark C.

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http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/opinion/letters/s_409943.html

Gun control's dead end, Wednesday, January 4, 2006

A tragic family-member loss ("Gun control lobby is thinking small," Opinion and Commentary, Liberal Page, Jan. 1 and TribLIVE.com) is undeniably painful, but it can confuse and mislead one toward false remedies. A nationwide handgun ban is one such false remedy.

To show this, consider that each year thousands are killed and injured in vehicle accidents. The suffering by those victims and their families is no less painful.

Imagine if some of those victims called for a nationwide ban on private vehicles and government force made it happen. Where does that road take us?

Confiscation. Honest livelihoods and industries outlawed. Hobbies and traditions now crimes. Parts regarded like drug paraphernalia. Another costly "war on something."

It also takes us to a new government agency with three functions: to transport people government-style, to relocate people where government wants them and to jail
people. Undoubtedly, it will perform these functions with FEMA-like efficiency.

Bans on cars, guns or whatever are alternate routes to the same dead end: bigger government, poorer citizens, less freedom, more intrusion, fewer choices and more helplessness.

Let's not take this wrong turn.

Mark Crowley, Plum

Team 88 is now off the sidelines and into the game!

The wide-out from USC was a bit busy in Pittsburgh. His old team was trying to hook the horns of Texas in the BCS championship game. Swann is running for Governor! Run, run, run!

We went and handed out about 200 one-page flyers as people exited the Heinz History Center. Saw some folks from the city and plenty from western PA. One gentleman was from California.

I'm glad he is in the race.

It is good to see him energize the political landscape. We need more of that.

Finally, it was G-R-E-A-T to see #88 use the CITY of Pittsburgh for the kick-off to his campaign. I'm glad he came to the city.

Activists hope to reform state government : The Morning Call Online

I hope that the push for more and more reforms does not make for an implosion. The band of reformers might be best suited for a team victory if they were nimble and light. Too much heft with the reform agenda and the wheels could begin to wobble. Time will tell.

Activists hope to reform state government : The Morning Call Online

By John L. Micek, Call Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG | The loosely knit band of activists who helped derail last year's legislative pay raises plans to spend the new year pushing for reforms to state government.

''We believe that 2005 prepared 2006 to be the 'Year of Integrity' in Pennsylvania politics,'' said Tim Potts of the activist group Democracy Rising.

Potts and about a half-dozen other pay raise foes gathered in the Capitol on Tuesday to roll out their agenda for 2006.

Their playbook includes calls for lobbyist disclosure and campaign finance reform, a broader open records law and, for some, the wholesale rejection by voters of incumbents in the primary and general elections.

The activists say this year will also serve as a place-setter for a ''citizens' constitutional convention'' in 2007.

I do like to have the depth for the discussions. We can take the concepts and string them into the Platform.For-Pgh.org.

Injured Kwan must petition for Olympic spot

Skating show on New Year's Eve -- fantastic!

Speaking of ice skating, we went out for New Year's Eve and attended the party hosted at the RMU Island Sports Center. It was a family celebration. Lots of fun, people, skating and friends. B. McKain skated in the shows and it was a hoot to see her on the ice -- as well as the others. The performance was just right for the night. Other activities included curling and a RMU varsity hockey practice. Great event. See you there next year. I'll do more to advance it then.

SI.com - 2006 Winter Olympics - Injured Kwan must petition for Olympic spot - Wednesday January 4, 2006 4:27PM

Michelle Kwan struggled at an exhibition event in Boston last month, her season debut. Michelle Kwan struggled at an exhibition event in Boston last month, her season debut.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Adding an Olympic gold to her enormous collection of medals just got much tougher for Michelle Kwan.

Maybe impossible.

Now joining the campaign CD

Mark Rauterkus and Ken Waldman at a concert in Pittsburgh. Ken is both a great musician and storyteller. His cut, "Suffering Democracy" is part of the latest campaign CD. Read the poem on the wiki page.

Ravenstahl re-elected City Council president

Way to go Luke! He is a good choice for the role of City Council President.

Ravenstahl re-elected City Council president: "'The Democrats are basically the backbone of this city,' said Ms. Payne. In addition to being a Democratic committee member, she previously served as an aide to former Councilman Sala Udin, who she beat in the May Democratic primary.

'We will be able to begin bringing people, businesses and jobs back to our neighborhoods,' she said."

Newest Councilwomen, Tonya Payne, said that Democrats are the backbone of the city. She is right.

Sadly, the logic behind the rest of the statement is lacking.

To be well, a body needs more than a backbone. To be a fit city, we need a backbone and limbs, head, and two eyes for better perspectives.

Because we have an all Democrat City Council -- I see no insurance that they'll be able to begin to bring back people, business and jobs back to the city. We do want to bring more life to the city on many fronts. And, the way to do that is to have many fronts on city council -- beyond the one party.

Survey on Education and No Child Left Behind -- worthy clicks for opinion shapers

Running Mates and blog readers, give this online survey a whirl if you care about education.

Zoomerang: "Public Education Network (PEN) is soliciting views from community members on the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) through a series of state hearings, focus groups, and this online survey, which is being administered through PEN’s e-advocacy website, GiveKidsGoodSchools.org. This is your opportunity to express in your own words your opinions about NCLB.

Your opinions will help to identify the extent to which NCLB is providing adequate resources, improving teaching and learning, delivering targeted services to students and teachers, and enhancing the public’s confidence in its schools and in the nation’s system of public education.

Jan. 3, 2006 - Ask Vic: No one way to do it

From another web site in another town:

Ask Vic. Do you think the Patriots lost on purpose just to play Jacksonville instead of Pittsburgh?

Vic: The Patriots didn't play their best people against Miami and even though they can say they were trying to rest key starters and keep them healthy for the playoffs, I don't think it bothers the Patriots at all that their first-round opponent is Jacksonville. Hey, what does that drop-kick say and how about that conversion pass attempt that sailed five yards out of bounds? Let's be logical about this: Do you think Bill Belichick wanted to go into overtime six days before his team's playoff game? Brian Billick made that mistake.

Okay, okay, ... the fix is in! There, it got said.

Philadelphia Inquirer - Citizens of the Year

Hats off men!

Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/01/2006 | Editorial | Citizens of the Year The second annual Inquirer Citizen of the Year award goes to Timothy Potts, Russell Diamond and Eugene Stilp.

Thanks for all you've done. Thanks too for the runners up, all ten thousand of you. You know who you are. Take a bow now.

Mugging style....

My friend Raichle was mugged the other night at 14th and Carson. She posted this description. Be careful!

Pass around please.

White guy, long blond hair, baseball cap and black jacket in late 20's early 30's.

If he approaches you at night and asks for a cigarette be careful.

This happened to me last night and they guy knocked me over, took my purse, and ran to a car that was waiting for him around the corner. The cops say that this guy has been doing this alot and they definitely have it well planned out.

Bob O'Connor's hour in the sun

It didn't feel like a Steelers' rally. Well, it didn't feel like one until Ed Rendell turned Bob's swearing in ceremony into a Steelers' rally. Fast Edddie, call him late for lunch, went on and on with NFL chatter. Jeepers.

I wasn't sure where he was going with his speech. It seemed like he was about to say, "win one for the Gipper" -- or else strike a match to set fire to a couch, right there on Grant Street. He didn't brag about the prices of food at the stadium, but he did brag about a lot of his other "pork accomplishments." Then the Gov must have gotten a call from the booth and sat down.

Inside city hall, with all the food vendors and people -- it felt like a Roller Derby Marathon.

When I look in the mirror, I see myself. When Bob looks in a mirror, he sees Pittsburgh. Does anyone have the heart to tell him that he's really looking out a window, not a mirror?

I did wear my red tie today because I do want to 'red up' around here too.

Speaking of Steelers' pep rally.... what about Lynn Swann. His day is tomorrow. The gathering will be at the Heinz History Center in the late afternoon. See comments to catch his email today. He is up to 5,000 email subscribers. I've got 8,000 on my list. But, he is closing fast.

buskarma - Pittsburgh bus and rail schedules

buskarma - Pittsburgh bus and rail schedules

Identify your bus stop, and this website will tell you when busses arrive. Very convenient. Very user-friendly.

Mayor-elect O'Connor shakes up city's Weed and Seed program

Who are the others that got fired? I wasn't sure if the program would only loose Farley. Now it reads as if there are three gone. John T, where are you in this? I guess he's out.

Mayor-elect O'Connor shakes up city's Weed and Seed program Incoming Mayor Bob O'Connor axed project director and grant writer Dave Farley and two other staff members but said he is committed to the federally based program, which channels money to crime-plagued communities.

Letter to Tom Murphy from the Women's Sports Foundation

April 13, 1999
Mayor Tom Murphy
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Dear Mayor Murphy,

In considering you vote on the sale of land to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, please look carefully into whether the stadium facility will be used by members of both genders, and whether it might exacerbate a potential current Title IX compliance problem with regard to facility usage and benefits. Examing financial and participation data provided by the University of Pittsburgh in response to our request for records mandated by the Equity in Athletics Disclosrue Act, the Foundation has serious concerns about the current status of the University with regard to Title IX.

The rules and regulations concerning Title IX are often difficult to interpret, and it is not the role of the Foundation to do that. We simply have an interest in helping individuals and institutions access good information which will assist them in providing equitable opportunities and athletic progam benefits to female athletes.

The Woman's Sports Foundation promotes equal opportunity for our daughters toplay sports so they too can derive the psychological, physiological and sociological benefits of sports participation. Sport has been one of the most important socio-cultural learning experiences for boy and men for many years. Those same benefits should be afforded to our daughters. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your concern for the equitable treatments of female athletes.

Sincerely,

Donna A. Lopiano, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Women's Sports Foundation
New York Address, emails, fax numbers, etc.
(letterhead of the organization had many board members)

Letter was CCed to every member on City Council.

---

Yes, I helped to secure / generate this letter and concern from Donna.

The standard mode of operations in Title IX struggles includes the building of a facility for the men, then a protest from the women comes, after facilities are built. That standard op does nothing for the taxpayers. Futhermore, women who speak out generally put their careers on the line with their objections.

My children are boys. But I coach swimming, a co-ed sport.

Do you have a pocket full of pins?

One of the most exciting things to happen this year -- the Winter Olympics.

You're hired!

Director Ashley stays! That's good news. He is a master at making chicken soup with nothing but chicken droppings. Mr. Ashley is the Director of Citiparks. He'll be a part of the Bob O'Connor Administation.


Peeps for sale.

Next, I want to put in a computer lab at the Warrington Rec Center. And, it needs to happen soon, while the weather is still cold. How about on Thursday or Friday. We'll slip them in with Youth Places if we must.

Few are going to be happier. Many have suffered worse fates.

The sign in the window got retired a few months ago. But, the chip is still on my shoulders. The health of the city is still yet to be determined. A full recovery is going to take years, if not decades. But, Tuesday makes for a great day to celebrate.


This sign really worked wonders.

Do you think that a Rauterkus sign, but of a positive nature, would ever bring on so many smiles and gushing friendships?


Might as well have said, "Buy me a beer!" Or, "Instant friend." Or, ...


We were counting the days.

Do you realize that the teens on the streets, taking lives from one another as news played last night again, were at ages 4, 5 or 6 when the last mayor was sworn into office.

People tell me, "Mark, kids don't vote. Only the seniors vote. The average age of the Pittsburgh voter pushes in the mid 60s."

Tom Murphy and conventional wisdom says kids don't vote. But there is hope nonetheless. Every older person was a kid. Every older person has seen cousins, classmates, sons and daughters depart. Every senior wants to be free to leave their house, day or night, and not have to deal with some punks.

It is a new day in Pittsburgh. I think some of the happiest should be the youth. But, they don't always know better. They've been starved. It is hard to point to what is not there.

Hand in hand.

This needs to be the theme of Bob O'Connor's talk as new mayor. If Bob pulls out any expert mumbo-jumbo, before we go up and eat some riggitony and wings, I predict he'll go bald by 2008.

And Bob, there is no need to thank me for NOT running for Mayor, again. You've direct words to me were plenty.

Wishes for next Christmas are starting to que

Next year's Christmas wish list has started. We've got a new game room -- but we don't have one of these. Do you know what it is? Can you tell us? It is a game table, I'm sure of that. It has pieces like dominos. But, there are some mechanical elements built into the table, under the green felt. There is a mixer action to shuffle and deal out the "dominos." We saw these in Chengdu, and some models were very lavish.


Another model -- and if you click the image, you'll be able to better see the trays built into the top of the green table.

Another curse broken: Not since 1941

Doug Flute of the New England Patriots made a drop kick in the NFL. That hasn't been done since 1941.

These are the times to make history, not be a slave of it.

For Pittsburgh to soar again, we've got to be more than a one-party town. Our one-party town curse has been lingering since 1933.

Mindy's CD is here... Larry B and Wilburn, copies for you shortly

Mindy's new CD, Live from Pittsburgh, arrived in the mail.

I love the title!

Mindy's song, "One World," is on my latest CD, still. "Peace plays a part in my campaign for public office. I too worrie about the babies...."

Good cop, bad cop - PittsburghLIVE.com

Ouch.

Good cop, bad cop - PittsburghLIVE.com Twelve years ago, Murphy tapped his old friend Tom Cox to be his top aide. They knew each other well, a vital requirement of any successful partnership. Unfortunately, they shared the inability to get along with people.

Murphy and Cox may not have invented the bad cop/bad cop approach to management but they did take it to spectacular depths. Not long into the Murphy administration, the ship of state began to list -- from the helm.

Pittsburgh getting a 'can-do' mayor - PittsburghLIVE.com

Let's hope it doesn't snow.

Pittsburgh getting a 'can-do' mayor - PittsburghLIVE.com 'This isn't going to be an administration that is necessarily going to launch off in a lot of new directions,' Miller said. 'The directions have pretty much been defined by what has been done under the Act 47 recovery plan and the expectations of the oversight board.'

'I think Bob is the type of mayor that can operate in that environment,' he said."