From The Pitt News, March 13, 2006District 3 Special Election Guide By Pitt News Staff
published: Mon, 13 March, 2006
Neal Andrus (R)
Neal Andrus wants to shake things up for Pittsburgh.
"I'd like to be a voice for change on City Council," said Andrus, who is currently running on the Republican ticket for Tuesday's election.
Andrus has made a goal of "restoring fiscal sanity to city government," something that he believes should be voters' top priority when they head to the polls.
Hoping that District 3 residents will cast their votes "with an idea in their heads that they're tired of the same old thing and that they want something new," Andrus has promised to seek creative ideas in tackling the city's financial woes.
A 30-year-old who obtained degrees in political science and economics from Pitt in December 2004, Andrus has lived in the district for eight years. He said he does not seek to become a politician.
"I don't think anyone down there has any idea what needs to be done," he said of the current council.
He wants to bring up new ideas and "do something different." Shunning the idea that City Council's mission should include creating new jobs or "bribing" companies to come to Pittsburgh, Andrus believes in drawing commercial industry by working with the county and state governments to create a more attractive business environment.
He also suggested seeking unconventional moneymakers, like New York City's $166-million deal with Snapple to make the company the official city vendor of iced tea, water and chocolate milk.
-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm
Bruce Krane (I)
Bruce Krane's slogan is "Building a better Pittsburgh," and he wants students involved in the process.
"I want to engage them and work with them," he said.
Krane, an independent candidate, said his administration would recognize the need for a student liaison. He said that if elected, he would hire a student to work with him part-time.
"I think we need the refreshing creativity of university students to pose some alternative ideas and hopefully solutions," he said. "Because we aren't seeing a lot of that on Grant Street right now."
Krane, who has lived in Pittsburgh for 16 years and currently resides in the South Side, is the vice president for the South Side Community Council.
"I would describe myself as a community advocate," he said.
Krane volunteers with Pittsburgh's Community Access Television Channel, where he hosts and produces programs. He credited the station with helping him make the decision to run in the special election because of his experience interviewing office holders on his programs.
Krane said he is in favor of term limits and referendums, or "putting issues on the ballot." He said he could use the pulpit and media exposure of being a councilman to go directly to the people through this process.
But according to Krane, there is no key issue that will determine which candidate people vote for.
"There's no 900-pound gorilla," he said. "It's going to be who can get their supporters out to vote."
-Staff Writer Angela Hayes
Jason Phillips (G)
Jason Phillips wants to bring a student voice to City Council.
"For the last 16 years, we've basically had zero representatives on City Council," Phillips said, adding that this election marks a "very opportune time" for students to claim their voice.
Phillips declined to single out a specific goal for his time on council, explaining that he hopes to tackle many issues. He mentioned that the city is in financial "dire straits," and that he hopes to improve Pittsburgh's transportation system, nightlife and other things that matter to students.
"This is a time when we need to elect people with college educations, people with government experience," Phillips said, noting that he is such a person.
Phillips, a 24-year-old Pitt student who plans to complete his studies of political science next year, said he has worked in the lieutenant governor's office and served as a consultant on a number of candidates' campaigns within Pennsylvania. A resident of the South Side Flats and graduate of Pittsburgh's Art Institute, he has lived in District 3 for more than two years.
"I'm the only candidate who, if elected, could walk right into the office and not need to take time to learn the ropes," Phillips said.
Emphasizing the importance of students' votes, Phillips said it is "immature" of students to not bother to show up on election day.
-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm
Matthew Bartus (I)
Perhaps the city needs a new coat of paint.
Matthew Bartus, a painter for Pittsburgh's General Services department, is a candidate for the vacant District 3 seat that will be filled in Tuesday's special election. He could not be reached for comment.
He said to the Pittsburgh City Paper that he has a chance to beat Democratic candidate Jeff Koch because there are so many other candidates running in the election.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bartus plans on relocating the South Side police station to the Neville Ice Arena. The current location is 1725 Mary St., near 18th Street.
He also said to the Post-Gazette that he wants to reduce the size of city council from nine members to five and have non-profit organizations give more to the city.
The University counts itself among Pittsburgh's non-profit organizations.
Bartus, 50, currently lives in Carrick, a neighborhood south of Downtown that is near the neighborhoods of Brookline and Mt. Oliver.
-Assistant News Editor Andy Medici
Mark Rauterkus (L)
Mark Rauterkus grew up in Penn Hills, moved out of state for a few years, and then moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990.
The South Side resident said that part of his motivation for running for council is that the city is in a big crisis, and he believes children have been ignored.
Rauterkus, who has two children, said that if elected to council, he would like to chair the Committee on Youth Policy and the Citiparks Committee.
One of the things that Rauterkus would like to accomplish is to restart the Pittsburgh Marathon.
He would also like to integrate additional programs into the city's neighborhood parks.
"There's a lot to be done there," Rauterkus said.
Rauterkus is a swim coach for the Carlynton Swim Club.
He said he would like to acquire funding to open more of the city's pools, which have been closed at times because of budget cuts.
Rauterkus added that he is dedicated to his campaign "for the long haul."
If he does not win this election, he plans to build a network of volunteers and issues.
"Whoever does win might only be there for a year and half," Rauterkus said. "They're going to have me to contend with next week."
-Senior Staff Writer Laura Jerpi
Jeffrey Koch (D)
Jeffrey Koch wants to clean up Oakland.
Koch - the Democratic candidate for City Council representing District 3, which includes Oakland - said that if elected, he would work with the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation to pick up trash in South Oakland.
One program he supports, called Adopt-a-Block, involves approximately 50 students cleaning up around South Oakland to make the area more appealing.
Koch also hopes the college vote will make a difference.
"I hope the students show," he said. "They could make a big difference in this election."
He said he would not implement immediate changes or policies but would welcome the chance to sit down with students and talk about issues concerning Oakland and Pitt.
Koch is a landscaping contractor and Department of Public Works employee. He has lived in Arlington, a section of District 3, his entire life. His parents also lived in District 3 their entire lives.
He is endorsed by Mayor Bob O'Connor, the Pittsburgh Firefighters Union and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.
-Staff Writer Jared Trent Stonesifer
Bruce Kraus (I)
Bruce Kraus wants to make Pittsburgh neighborhoods safe, clean and green.
The South Side resident is the chair of Pittsburgh's Graffiti Task Force, which "[assists] city officials and neighborhood groups in their efforts to combat graffiti vandalism," according to http://Bruce4council.com.
Kraus, 51, could not be reached for comment, but his Web site outlines three main tactics for bettering the city: outreach, education and enforcement.
According to Kraus's Web site, he will "work toward curtailing the criminal nuisance activities that his constituents do not want," while maintaining "the green setting" they do want.
Kraus also outlines several plans for paying for his initiatives, which include "an expansion of the tax base with increase property values" and "attention from the state and the county for special grants for beautification."
In response to a questionnaire from the League of Young Voters, Kraus wrote that he wants students to be "engaged in the process of stewarding [their] futures."
"I will advocate for your 'place at the table,'" Kraus said in the questionnaire, "to ensure that you are provided with all the opportunities to work on the solutions to the problems you are facing with regards to job creation, education, creative housing, transportation, recreation, and an active social network including nightlife and the arts."
-News Editor Adam Felming
Michael Waligorski (I)
Independent candidate Michael Waligorski must be a busy man, because he's hard to find.
Waligorski "runs a painting business, sells real estate and has been a perennial candidate," according to a March 6 editorial in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
He's known - among local journalists, at least - for being difficult to contact, despite his frequent campaigns in local politics.
"Waligorski, a frequent candidate for public office, did not return phone calls," reported the Pittsburgh City Paper on March 2.
The 56-year-old handyman, Army Reservist and South Side Flats resident is running on what he calls the Disclosure Party ticket and "wants to see more openness in government," according to the Post-Gazette.
Waligorski's phone number is unlisted, and he did not return phone calls when The Pitt News obtained his number from City Paper.
A Jan. 31 Post-Gazette article noted, "Independent candidate Michael Waligorski of the Flats could not be reached for comment."
Waligorski did not respond to a Sierra Club questionnaire regarding Tuesday's election and environmental issues, reported local activist organization Progress Pittsburgh on Feb. 23.
-Editor in Chief Jessica Lear
Monday, March 13, 2006
District 3 Special Election Guide By Pitt News Staff
Open thread: Making a set of lists of first thingsTO DO after winning the election tomorrow
Okay blog readers.... Help. Here is a new "OPEN THREAD" so as to allow you to post in the comments. I'm going to try to issue a "PRESS RELEASE" later today or early on election day that outlines the top 10 things I'd do right after being elected to city council.
I think I'll make three or four lists. One list each for:
POLITICAL actions
LEGISLATIVE actions
New JOB actions
INTERACTIVE actions
I've got a number of issues buzzing in my head. I'll put them into a list on my website and then issue the press release. If you have any suggestions let me know -- NOW -- or forever hold your peace.
I think I'll make three or four lists. One list each for:
POLITICAL actions
LEGISLATIVE actions
New JOB actions
INTERACTIVE actions
I've got a number of issues buzzing in my head. I'll put them into a list on my website and then issue the press release. If you have any suggestions let me know -- NOW -- or forever hold your peace.
Poynter Online - McClatchy to Sell off Inky, Merc, 10 Other KR Papers
Is there anything to read into this? (pun intended) I didn't get the McClatchy endorsement, so I'm not too worried. :)
Poynter Online - McClatchy to Sell off Inky, Merc, 10 Other KR Papers McClatchy buys Knight Ridder, will sell 12 KR newspapers
Editor & Publisher | McClatchy press release
Knight Ridder has agreed to sell itself to McClatchy for $4.5 billion. McClatchy says in a press release that it will now sell 12 KR papers, including the two Philadelphia papers and the San Jose Mercury News. The company these papers are located in cities that 'do not fit the company's longstanding acquisition criteria, chiefly involving growing markets.' KR CEO Tony Ridder says: 'For the 12 newspapers that will be sold, the uncertainty is not over and I regret that very much.'
Radio interviews
I just gave an interview to KQV. Then I gave her the rest of the candidate's phone numbers, as she had none.
An older interview (from 3 weeks ago or so) ran today on WDUQ. I think that segment ran so as to feature only the four candidates who hail from a "PARTY" -- the D, R, L and G.
An older interview (from 3 weeks ago or so) ran today on WDUQ. I think that segment ran so as to feature only the four candidates who hail from a "PARTY" -- the D, R, L and G.
Council vacancy comes up for vote - PittsburghLIVE.com
Ink in today's TRIB has a line up of candidates too.
The city would have to be hit with either a twister or a tidal wave before the Trib Editorial Section would come alive with a thoughtful endorsement on this race. I don't see them being able to chime in on the candidates, sadly. But, today's weather predictions is calling for some major storms.
This weekend I was at an event and saw a former Trib reporter who had covered me in the past, Violet Law. Five days ago she started working for the Pittsburgh City Paper. She had done a bit of freelance work in the middle as well.
Best of luck to Violet in her new venture.
I talked a lot to her in the past when she covered some city life. I was dealing with citizen efforts with the closed swim pools and recreation centers -- and Save Our Summer swung into town -- kicking up a bit of dust in a temporary way but with an urgent matter.
Council vacancy comes up for vote - PittsburghLIVE.com Rauterkus, a part-time high school swim coach, is running as a Libertarian.This is a nice little article and a bit of a suprise.
The city would have to be hit with either a twister or a tidal wave before the Trib Editorial Section would come alive with a thoughtful endorsement on this race. I don't see them being able to chime in on the candidates, sadly. But, today's weather predictions is calling for some major storms.
This weekend I was at an event and saw a former Trib reporter who had covered me in the past, Violet Law. Five days ago she started working for the Pittsburgh City Paper. She had done a bit of freelance work in the middle as well.
Best of luck to Violet in her new venture.
I talked a lot to her in the past when she covered some city life. I was dealing with citizen efforts with the closed swim pools and recreation centers -- and Save Our Summer swung into town -- kicking up a bit of dust in a temporary way but with an urgent matter.
The Pitt News - District 3 Special Election Guide
Mini articles about all the candidates appear in The Pitt News today.
The Pitt News - District 3 Special Election Guide Mark Rauterkus (L)
Mark Rauterkus grew up in Penn Hills, moved out of state for a few years, and then moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990.
The South Side resident said that part of his motivation for running for council is that the city is in a big crisis, and he believes children have been ignored.
Rauterkus, who has two children, said that if elected to council, he would like to chair the Committee on Youth Policy and the Citiparks Committee.
One of the things that Rauterkus would like to accomplish is to restart the Pittsburgh Marathon.
He would also like to integrate additional programs into the city’s neighborhood parks.
“There’s a lot to be done there,” Rauterkus said.
Rauterkus is a swim coach for the Carlynton Swim Club.
He said he would like to acquire funding to open more of the city’s pools, which have been closed at times because of budget cuts.
Rauterkus added that he is dedicated to his campaign “for the long haul.”
If he does not win this election, he plans to build a network of volunteers and issues.
“Whoever does win might only be there for a year and half,” Rauterkus said. “They’re going to have me to contend with next week.”
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Project Vote Smart - Information For Candidates
Since a city council race isn't a contest covered by Project Vote Smart, I better talk about this NOW.
Project Vote Smart - Information For Candidates Please note that Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or program in any partisan activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.This is a weird request -- can't mention the name of the organization in a speech.
412-public-campaign blast: (follow-up)
After I send out an email to more than 8,000 contacts, I often get some nice interactions from folks. Here are some insights from the recent email (other post).
I don't get it. I would think a true Libertarian would be against ANY government-provided services for kids. Or is the party merely a flag of convenience for your campaign?
I'm a common-sense Libertarian. I'm not a RADICAL L.
But, there is some convenience to having a party as well. There is NO utility in having just ONE PARTY DOMINATION as is the case with Pittsburgh and the Dems.
The kids are important. So too is public education. Our kids are shooting each other on a weekly basis -- and it isn't the fault of the guns, but rather the kids have been ignored.
Even our closed indoor ice rink, the only one in the city, was run by a private operator until he fumbled his duties. The city had many offers to re-open it -- as a public facility with private operators. But the city didn't want to go into the trouble. We all loose.
What are your positions on abortion rights and gay marriage?
I'm fine with gay marriage. I'm a Libertarian. To each his / her own. And, I'm a U.U. (unitarian universalist) and this faith community -- http://www.sunnyhill.org often holds weddings among same sex couples with ministers. That's more of the domain for a church and not government.
As to abortion rights.... That isn't my issue -- on a whole. I'm mostly in the middle of the road. I would work to NOT change the laws.
It is a states right issue however.
To be honest... I didn't like the bubble law as it was a take away of freedom and really was just a problem with enforcement of existing laws. Sure, give a no protest zone near the health clinics -- but it is hard to have that stretch around people like a bubble. But, you'd also hear me harp about responsibilities that go along with freedom too -- so I'd never be in anyone's face -- nor would I want to see that happen to others.
I don't get it. I would think a true Libertarian would be against ANY government-provided services for kids. Or is the party merely a flag of convenience for your campaign?
I'm a common-sense Libertarian. I'm not a RADICAL L.
But, there is some convenience to having a party as well. There is NO utility in having just ONE PARTY DOMINATION as is the case with Pittsburgh and the Dems.
The kids are important. So too is public education. Our kids are shooting each other on a weekly basis -- and it isn't the fault of the guns, but rather the kids have been ignored.
Even our closed indoor ice rink, the only one in the city, was run by a private operator until he fumbled his duties. The city had many offers to re-open it -- as a public facility with private operators. But the city didn't want to go into the trouble. We all loose.
What are your positions on abortion rights and gay marriage?
I'm fine with gay marriage. I'm a Libertarian. To each his / her own. And, I'm a U.U. (unitarian universalist) and this faith community -- http://www.sunnyhill.org often holds weddings among same sex couples with ministers. That's more of the domain for a church and not government.
As to abortion rights.... That isn't my issue -- on a whole. I'm mostly in the middle of the road. I would work to NOT change the laws.
It is a states right issue however.
To be honest... I didn't like the bubble law as it was a take away of freedom and really was just a problem with enforcement of existing laws. Sure, give a no protest zone near the health clinics -- but it is hard to have that stretch around people like a bubble. But, you'd also hear me harp about responsibilities that go along with freedom too -- so I'd never be in anyone's face -- nor would I want to see that happen to others.
Rendell expects hockey arena deal - PittsburghLIVE.com
Rendell expects hockey arena deal - PittsburghLIVE.com 'I think we'll have an offer for the Penguins equivalent to what the Pirates and Steelers got,' Rendell told WTAE television Saturday.Yes, but what did the taxpayers get? What about the Xplosion of the ABA? What about the kids in the neighborhoods who got their 32 outdoor swim pools taken away from them?
We went a year without any recreational sports for the kids in the South Side because the Market House was closed. All the staffers were fired. Yet, we had a facility. It was closed to us -- the owners -- the citizens and taxpayers.
Meanwhile, the Pens went a year and didn't play hockey -- yet they HAD a facility (the CIVIC ARENA) that they didn't own -- WE TAXPAYERS own it. Yet they wouldn't show up for work -- or there was a lockout, whatever.
We used to have 19 functional rec centers around the town -- and now, after a painful re-birth, there are much fewer with fewer programs.
How about if we draw a line in the sand -- or ice -- and say that the Penguins can get a new arena deal -- just like the Pirates and Steelers because we're going to force both the Pirates and Steelers to buy out the public interest and public money from the stadiums that they now use.
The PNC PARK and Heinz Field deals are now for sale. Make this a RENT to OWN deal.
So, Penguins -- you can build a new arena. You can build it. You can own it. Beg for the money any way you want.
The Penguins had an interest in the indoor ice rink on the South Side -- the only one in the city. And, the Penguins closed the door on us. That facility is shut down and the Penguins walked away from it.
My kids would like to go skating today. Can't.
The Penguins walked away from that facility, and the team can walk away from the Civic Arena too. Leave.
Or, fix it. The Penguins had a hand in South Pointe -- in suburban (non Allegheny County) Pittsburgh. Why wasn't that built in the city?
Perhaps the team can strike a deal with Moon Township and build a place out by the airport. Go for it.
Or, the Penguins should be a cornerstone to a deal in Hazelwood. Go talk to the nonprofit holding company that owns that land.
Girls' HS basketball coach suspended --- What a PAIN as team is in PLAYOFFS
Okay, a coach can't tell a kid to come to WESTINGHOUSE. And, if the coach does -- he/she can't coach for a year.
Show me the trascripts to this case.
This is so wrong.
I want the kids in gangs that are a good influence -- like the girls basketball team at Westinghouse High School. Go Bulldogs. Of course, I don't want them in a street gang.
But, we make rules for excellent educators like Phyllis Jones that prevent her from being an excellent educator. I want her to be honest with the kids and do everything she can to have an excellent gang with excellent kids. And, to a teacher and a coach, that means talking, communication, and building relationships.
So now what? The team is in the playoffs and the coach that goes out of her way to interact with kids has a big part of her life and JOB taken away. That sucks for the kids, the team, the person. Once again, 'nobody wins' -- except the street gangs. They don't have rules.
Show me the trascripts to this case.
This is so wrong.
Girls' coach suspended: "Girls' coach suspendedHere is the long and short of it. Kids are in gangs. Gangs work with kids. Gangs recruit. Organizations, companies, colleges and nonprofits and religions recruit too.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
One of the most successful coaches in City League girls' basketball history has been suspended from coaching for a year because of allegedly recruiting a player.
Westinghouse's Phyllis Jones did not coach yesterday in the Bulldogs' 49-39 victory against Kittanning in a PIAA Class AAA first-round game at Allderdice.
The win moves Westinghouse into the second round Wednesday, but Jones cannot coach the Bulldogs the rest of this season and will not be allowed to coach again until March 8, 2007.
A seven-member City League (District 8) athletic committee suspended Jones Wednesday for allegedly recruiting a player. The allegation came to light at some point this season. Recruiting is illegal in Pennsylvania high school athletics.
Jones could not be reached for comment. She can appeal the ruling to the PIAA."
I want the kids in gangs that are a good influence -- like the girls basketball team at Westinghouse High School. Go Bulldogs. Of course, I don't want them in a street gang.
But, we make rules for excellent educators like Phyllis Jones that prevent her from being an excellent educator. I want her to be honest with the kids and do everything she can to have an excellent gang with excellent kids. And, to a teacher and a coach, that means talking, communication, and building relationships.
So now what? The team is in the playoffs and the coach that goes out of her way to interact with kids has a big part of her life and JOB taken away. That sucks for the kids, the team, the person. Once again, 'nobody wins' -- except the street gangs. They don't have rules.
Magnet school program slated for overhaul
Duhhh....
This is exactly what I was talking about for the past number of months. Bring back TINKER BELL. The honesty was gone when Mr. Roosevelt said, "we are going to do this once and be done with it." I said -- NO WAY. That 'right size' effort was not a one-time fix. The schools need continual changes in an on-going, sustained way.
I know that everything needs to be on the table. Mr. Roosevelt knows it. But, he isn't saying it in a direct way. The right-size effort was a struggle and there are many more to come, countless more.
Told you so. Don't tell me that we'll do it once and be done with it.
Yes, there can be additional ARTS schools. I suggested at last months Pgh Public Schools Board Meeting that a second MIDDLE SCHOOL for the ARTS be put in Knoxville. Why only have one "RODGERS?" Duplicate it. Put one in the east and another in the south.
This is exactly what I was talking about for the past number of months. Bring back TINKER BELL. The honesty was gone when Mr. Roosevelt said, "we are going to do this once and be done with it." I said -- NO WAY. That 'right size' effort was not a one-time fix. The schools need continual changes in an on-going, sustained way.
Magnet school program slated for overhaul: "The Pittsburgh Public Schools' popular magnet programs will be getting an overhaul as part of the district's far-reaching efforts to improve academic performance."Everything is going to need to be 'on the table.' And, the only way that this is going to work is that the people need to have the conversations there be open with tinkering expected and WELCOMED.
I know that everything needs to be on the table. Mr. Roosevelt knows it. But, he isn't saying it in a direct way. The right-size effort was a struggle and there are many more to come, countless more.
Told you so. Don't tell me that we'll do it once and be done with it.
Yes, there can be additional ARTS schools. I suggested at last months Pgh Public Schools Board Meeting that a second MIDDLE SCHOOL for the ARTS be put in Knoxville. Why only have one "RODGERS?" Duplicate it. Put one in the east and another in the south.
Reporter fights to air her story
Reporter fights to air her story Canon-McMillan High School officials are facing a constitutional tongue-lashing from a sophomore who's proclaiming violations of her First Amendment rights after her article about a dangerous choking game was blocked from publication in the C-M Times, the high-school newspaper.
Firetruck sale like no other
Firetruck sale like no other More than four dozen firetrucks from the estate of Sullivan D'Amico, founder of Pechin's Shopping Village in Fayette County, will be sold by sealed bids beginning this week. Bids will be opened March 22.
Mr. Lisenby had a firetruck in Peoria, Illinois. It was a big, old one. There was a driver in the back. Each year when I was coaching the PAWW team (Peoria Area Water Wizards) we'd "march" in the Santa Parade on that firetruck. It was a blast. The kids would do cheers and be all dressed in our team sweats. It was a lot of fun and we really impressed the audience. Our team was well known throughout the five county area.
Rumsfeld makes $5-million killing on bird flu drug.
File this under "what color is your parachute." 
Click the photo to see a larger image of the peeps in the basket.
Yep, they were alive. They were being sold on the street outside of a school by this vendor.
Independent Online Edition > Americas Donald Rumsfeld makes $5m killing on bird flu drug
Click the photo to see a larger image of the peeps in the basket.
Yep, they were alive. They were being sold on the street outside of a school by this vendor.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
My 200 word statement as a candidate that ran in local paper
My campaign song, "Lay The Shovel Down," stands for STOPPING wrong-headed, big-ticket spending. Tax breaks make the rich richer and poor poorer. I'll vote NO on TIFs, stadiums and under-river tunnels. I'm prudent, hate debt and want families to thrive here again. Get my free CD with software and music.
My focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not cronies.
I coach swimming. Kids are my priority. I want to chair the YOUTH POLICY and Citiparks committee. My expert background from Market House to publisher of 100+ fitness books will insure functional rinks, pools, gyms. Our kids deserve something to shoot at and for, rather than each other with guns.
All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich). In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.
I'll cut the deed-transfer-tax and encourage home-ownership by unloading URA properties.
Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, a marathon, and community fitness. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solutions. Give your input at 390-page Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
Mark Rauterkus, 46, Libertarian.
Married to Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., since 1990.
Two sons, ages 11 and 8.
South Side
Graduate of Penn Hills High School, 1977; BSJ, 82, Ohio University, graduate teaching assistant at Baylor University, 1982-83 sans degree.
Labor council candidates interviewed
Labor council candidates interviewed Allegheny County Labor Council is scheduling interviews on March 24 and 25 for political candidates seeking endorsement in the May 16 primary election.I won't be going there as I'm not going to be in the May 16 primary, thankfully.
Candidates can call 412-281-7450.
Biggest Maverick Candidates
Mr. Rauterkus and Mr. Krane could be characterized as two of the biggest maverick candidates.
Mr. Rauterkus believes the best way to make the city attractive again is by getting neighborhood youths more involved in activities. He claims the problem with juvenile delinquency makes this part of the city unattractive and unsavory for any one planning to raise a family to want to move to this area.
Mr. Rauterkus is a father who has been actively involved in his children's activities, particularly as a club swim team coach based at the Oliver Bath House on the South Side.
Someone in the audience questioned Mr. Rauterkus about this idea, noting that there are too many un-supervised children who do not get involved in activities anyway because of the bad home environment they live in.
Mr. Rauterkus, a graduate of Ohio University's journalism school, says he comes from a multi-generational family of teachers who have invested in the city. He wants other families with young children to join him in helping to make the city vibrant.
He said he and his wife Catherine Palmer, a professor at Pitt, have stood 'against the wave of young adults leaving the region�.'
Friday, March 10, 2006
Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City
These are my words posted in a comment area of another blog. They call out Harold D. Miller, in a way. He's been silent on this so far. Perhaps he didn't notice or is on spring break in Lauderdale this week.
Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City: "All the king's horses and all the king's men will not be able to fix Pittsburgh again. Can't happen. Won't happen.
However, once the people engage (again) and the king's people and assets are told to become deliberate interactive elements -- and that is the RADICAL shift from how it works here now (and in the recent past) then we'll be able to flourish.
The fluff of the site (in my eyes) is because the interactivity is absent.
The POP thingie will be a sink. It will burning resources, money and careers even. But, the king's court has plenty of deep pockets. Trouble is -- the king is broke and the people are too. The city is going over the brink.
If Harold D. Miller wanted to be part of a real debate -- bring it on.
And, this even goes to the core as to why the other Mark, Mark Cuban, wouldn't be able to cope here again -- as in your other posting.
Think again!
The theme of engagement is real. And, it is critical. It is colaboration -- not cooperation. It is about competition -- not concensus. I don't want to be 'at the table' with everyone in 'snooze mode.' Our city is about to crumble, and we need to light a fire under the seats of the people at the table and get them into life's serious work already.
Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City: "All the king's horses and all the king's men will not be able to fix Pittsburgh again. Can't happen. Won't happen.
However, once the people engage (again) and the king's people and assets are told to become deliberate interactive elements -- and that is the RADICAL shift from how it works here now (and in the recent past) then we'll be able to flourish.
The fluff of the site (in my eyes) is because the interactivity is absent.
The POP thingie will be a sink. It will burning resources, money and careers even. But, the king's court has plenty of deep pockets. Trouble is -- the king is broke and the people are too. The city is going over the brink.
If Harold D. Miller wanted to be part of a real debate -- bring it on.
And, this even goes to the core as to why the other Mark, Mark Cuban, wouldn't be able to cope here again -- as in your other posting.
Think again!
The theme of engagement is real. And, it is critical. It is colaboration -- not cooperation. It is about competition -- not concensus. I don't want to be 'at the table' with everyone in 'snooze mode.' Our city is about to crumble, and we need to light a fire under the seats of the people at the table and get them into life's serious work already.
philly: Why Did Joe Hoeffel Back Out?
philly: Why Did Joe Hoeffel Back Out? He went on and on about how he was going to do his best to keep The Hoagiemeister in the Governor's mansion and that he hoped his supporters would continue to support The Hoagiemeister's run for Governor. It's a lot to chew on."I've not heard of that nickname, "Hoagiemeister."
Today, after swim practice, we all went to Pramanti Brothers. Felt good. The boys did a great job at swimming this week. We attended five swim practices in a row. That hasn't happened in many months with so many conflicts with candidate nights and such. The swimmers hit a groove once they get themselves into the groove.
As a bonus, WPIAL 100 Breast Champ, J.N. of Central at our practice tonight. We got out the video recorder and got him doing some pace work. He's going to states, along with some of the others associated with the program. Next week I'll have time to get into some video work with the kids and the web as well.
In 2006, Joe won the 100 Breast. And in 2005 and 2004, the champ was a Carlynton swimmer who is now at Notre Dame. So, three years in a row -- the BREAST title goes through Carlynton.
We are gearing up for swim lessons to start in a few weeks. I'll have to get out an email blast about when and how to sign up.
Police Chief Talks Teen Gun Violence
ThePittsburghChannel.com - News - Police Chief Talks Teen Gun Violence A string of shootings involving local school-aged kids has left police and politicians searching for answers.Two years mandatory time with a gun. Four years if the gun is fired, mandatory.
Next we need to hold parents accountable for the acts of the kids, so says Chief of Police, Costa.
Parenting is important, very important. But, it isn't going to help to threaten the parent and the kids. I've been engaged in parental advocate work, with some programs from the National Fatherhood groups. In this example (listen to the clip), Costa is barking the wrong tune up the wrong tree.
How can a coordinated attack on the problem occur -- with the community centers too -- when the centers have been closed or are dysfunctional?
Official Proposes School Zone Firearm Safety Act
KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News, Weather and Sports: Official Proposes School Zone Firearm Safety Act: "Diven's proposal would call for a mandatory two-year-jail sentence for anyone over the age of 12 years old who fires a gun while committing a crime within 300-feet of a school.Of course they are armed and dangerous. Brandon Murray and Thomas Beck....
The cost to keep a criminal in a PA prison is $85 per day. The cost for a year is about $35,000. These numbers come from my director of policy research, Dr. Wilburn Hayden.
Okay -- how much do we pay for a crossing guard per day?
How much do we pay a substitute teacher per day?
How many full-time athletic coaches are in town making $35,000 per year?
The prisons are at 110% capacity.
The Rec Centers are not filled to capacity. We used to have 19 Rec Centers in the city. The past mayor closed them all, but didn't touch but one Senior Center.
The Senior Centers, in my not so humble opinion, serve a great purpose too. Senior Centers offer a lot of preventative care as well to our community. But, come on -- this isn't a square deal.
The outcomes for the future are still unknown as to what Bob O'Connor is REALLY going to do with the summer swim pool and rec centers. Time will tell -- more jails, more police, more prisoners seem to be the way of the vast majority.
Strip District beautification projects to get federal funding
Strip District beautification projects to get federal funding: "In addition to improving underpasses, she said, the money could help pay for a tiny park along the Allegheny River."Take that tiny park along the river and put it where the sun doesn't shine.
Lay the shovel down, already.
I'm a park's person. I'm a big-time park's person. But this sucking sound we hear isn't from the real parks and real people that use them. That tiny park downtown is a wrong investment. Rather, fund 20 swimming pools in neighborhoods. Hire conditioning coaches and face the childhood obesity problems in the eye. Rather, make bike lanes that allow for cyclist to use the busways. Rather, re-start the marathon.
Libertarian candidate making Senate run
Bless his heart. Sign his petition too.
Centre Daily Times | 03/10/2006 | Libertarian candidate making Senate run: "Libertarian candidate making Senate run
Tom Martin says ballot access is most important campaign issue
STATE COLLEGE -- Penn State computer engineer Thomas Martin has been nominated by the state Libertarian Party to run for the U.S. Senate, though he'll need more than 66,000 petition signatures of eligible voters to get his name on the November ballot.
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, a Republican, and Democratic Senate candidates Bob Casey Jr., Chuck Pennacchio and Alan Sandals were required to obtain only 2,000 signatures each to get their names on the May 16 primary election ballot.
Huston Township resident Martin, 48, said his most important campaign issue is ballot access, trying to reduce the signature requirements for minor party candidates to a more reasonable level.
'If we cannot call the mismanagers to account at the ballot box, they're freer in Iraq than we are here,' Martin said Thursday.
The 66,000-signature requirement is a statutory requirement enforced by the Department of State. The state arrives at the number by taking 2 percent of the largest vote cast for the last statewide vote -- the 3.3 million votes Casey got in the 2004 race for state treasurer.
The Libertarian Party's political philosophy calls for small government and respect for individuals' rights. The philosophy differs from other minor parties, but most minor parties have gotten behind a lawsuit filed by the Constitution and Green parties asking the federal court to strike down the Pennsylvania statute as unconstitutional.
Martin acknowledged Thursday that it will be a daunting task to obtain enough signatures. He said he will endeavor to surpass the 2,000 signatures required of Republicans and Democrats."
Recruit 2,000 extra police for ...
You're hired.
SI.com - Olympics - China to recruit 2,000 extra police for Olympics - Friday March 10, 2006 12:40PM: "recruit extra police"
URA keeps spending our money in the wrong way!
Here we go again... The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. That seems to be the practice with too many around here.
I'm with Senator Ferlo. Lay the shovel down!
Enough is enough.
Mr. Ferlo cast the lone no vote against the purchases. See, I would NOT be alone. I would give the necessary help to Bob O'Connor. O'Connor picked Ferlo for the job on the URA board. Ferlo and O'Connor need more help -- like the kind that I can deliver.
The URA will pay $1.6 million to buy a vacant six-story building at 236 Fifth Ave. owned by The Maplewood Group Inc. and most recently occupied by a D & K discount store. The building last sold for $1 million in 1992 and is currently assessed at $720,000, according to Allegheny County's real estate Web site.
There again we find another good use of the web site and technology. We need to keep a keen eye upon these transactions and need to leverage the internet as best we can to make sure that things don't get hidden from view of the citizen/taxpayers.
The URA isn't buying buildings like this -- for everyday citizens to reside and live within.
I'm with Senator Ferlo. Lay the shovel down!
URA buys 2 more Downtown properties in Fifth-Forbes corridor The city Urban Redevelopment Authority will spend $2 million to buy two more properties in the Fifth and Forbes corridor over the objections of state Sen. Jim Ferlo, a new board member who claims the agency overpaid for the parcels and should get out of the real estate business Downtown.
Enough is enough.
Mr. Ferlo cast the lone no vote against the purchases. See, I would NOT be alone. I would give the necessary help to Bob O'Connor. O'Connor picked Ferlo for the job on the URA board. Ferlo and O'Connor need more help -- like the kind that I can deliver.
The URA will pay $1.6 million to buy a vacant six-story building at 236 Fifth Ave. owned by The Maplewood Group Inc. and most recently occupied by a D & K discount store. The building last sold for $1 million in 1992 and is currently assessed at $720,000, according to Allegheny County's real estate Web site.
There again we find another good use of the web site and technology. We need to keep a keen eye upon these transactions and need to leverage the internet as best we can to make sure that things don't get hidden from view of the citizen/taxpayers.
The URA isn't buying buildings like this -- for everyday citizens to reside and live within.
Jon Delano -- PSF newsletter in the comments part
Jon gives a run down of those in the primary who are women candidates and challengers to state house and state senate.
Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes
Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes Diven wants mandatory 2 years in jail for offenses within 100 yards of schoolsAnother bubble bill.
What happened to the mayor's proposed 1,000 foot zone? Did it shrink to 300-feet?
I've been blogging about how they want to build bigger jails. Take a kid who is 13, make them face adult time. Wow.
How big is the zone (300 feet, or more???) for the casino? Just wondering.
"If you don't have safe schools, then you can't accomplish any of the things schools are supposed to accomplish," said Diven. What, so far, has Diven ever done to do anything about school accomplishments?
Diven tried to oust a school board member or two and insert some political friends into those jobs. So, Diven tried to accomplish political moves at a school. Remember the 'limo question' and the 'pink pig bulletin board?' That was a pay-back interview in Diven's neighborhood.
In some ways, the legislation would build on the state's "drug-free school zones." Does that work? Is that something to build upon?
And again, we can't touch those that live near schools, can't touch those that are transporting themselves and the guns near a school. So, the roadblock is having the law work in the real world.
There was a shooting downtown. The law won't apply there as the school kids were not near a school. There was a shooting a couple of years ago at another buzy bus stop near the clock in Mt. Oliver too. The kids were getting off a bus from school. Do you extend the law to include school buses and the bus stops too?
Furthermore, Diven was in Harrisburg when the 'bailout' came to the city. The bailout stunk. One of the provisions of the bailout was the firing of all the crossing guards. The city's budget didn't fund the crossing guards and that cost was shifted, wrongly, to the school budget. So, Mr. Diven, why don't you make a law in Harrisburg that makes school crossing guards the responsibility of the municipality -- and NOT the school district. I'd rather have the school district fund reading, writting and other educational needs.
These folks are trying to take guns away from the kid's hands. Fine. Do that all you want. But I'm going to try to find someone -- anyone -- to give the kids decent opportunities and more in their hands other than guns.
Idle hands.... What's that expression????
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Sweetheart deals are okay with me, really. Statement before City Council, March 7
My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 S. 12th Street. South Side.
My home on the internet is at Rauterkus.com and Elect.Rauterkus.com.
I am a candidate in the special election on March 14, one week from today.
Today's talk covers my #1 issue: Kids, Youth, and Young People. This topic blends parenting and schools, as well as community use of school and park facilities.
Yesterday's Post-Gazette editorial said this about me. "Mark Rauterkus, 46, is a Libertarian who opposes cronyism and sweetheart deals and who is 'running for the kids' -- to improve their safety and recreation."
Just to be clear, I'm not against all sweetheart deals. I think the use of the Market House for $5 per hour for nonprofit groups is fine. I think affordable swim pool passes for every resident is a great sweetheart deal. Public libraries, great public schools, reasonable mass transit and interesting park programs are all sweetheart deals that we should endorse.
Last month a black kid was on my TV – mouthing off a bit. He felt “dissed” -- as in disrespected. He didn't get what he thought he was due from the man, the big guy. Then this other, white kid gave it right back to him.
They both were smiling – but shaking their heads. It was like they had just ripped their hearts of of their bodies too.
On the spot, Bob Costas (not Costa) – was sure to show the world and play upon that 'rivalry.'
I'm talking, of course, about the speedskaters in Italy: Chad, a kid from Texas (Don't Mess with Texas) – and the black young man was originally from South Chicago. He had been quoted that he had to run home after school so as to not get beat up. Shanti became the first African American individual gold medalist in winter Olympic history from team USA.
That was wonderful conflict. That was personal drama and it played out on the world's stage with NBC cameras. Both young Americans raced to 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the 1500 meters. Both had even held the world record within this past year.
The "Home Boy" won. The dude from Italy beat them both. the margin of victory was .2 seconds – faster than you can say thump, thump, thump – gold, silver, bronze.
In the past weeks there have been some sporting events in Pittsburgh as well. These got some news coverage too. First, Bob O'Connor went to a girls high school basketball game at Westinghouse, the morning after a shooting outside the school.
Final score: 71 to 37. That game was our city league quarter-final playoffs. Hardly a tight score and game. With 71 to 37 – who do you think won that game?
I think – everyone lost.
That's oh so typical in Pittsburgh.
In the Olympics – even with some “bad blood” -- who do you think won there? I say, everyone won. To put your heart on the line in a challenge – it is what is about. Being your best. Having focus, challenges to yourself and others, at a level of excellence is fantastic.
Then we have shootings at Westinghouse and Downtown too.
Bob is worried about safety. You are worried about safety. The police chief is worried about safety.
First things first: Re-Hire Crossing Guards.
With my perspective, I'm less interested in building new jails and getting drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors.
People on Grant Street are now trying to worry about the 1,000 foot zone around each school. Fine. Make that a worry that comes from the eight of you and our new mayor.
My worry is at the other end of the spectrum.
That 71 to 31 girls basketball score stinks.
Our old school superintendent, Dr. John Thompson, is to blame, partly. Al Fondy, bless his soul, is to blame as well. The chairman of the committee on youth policy and citiparks – used to be Gene Ricciardi for many years – and now is Mr. Motznik – is to carry some blame.
I've been standing on my head – getting dissed – saying that city council is not doing what needs to be done.
Now our kids are killing each other – shooting at each other, weekly. This is crazy.
Our kids don't have anything to shoot for --- or to shoot at --- except each other. Everything they are seeing is lop-sided.
I care to put real challenges before our kids.
And this costs nothing -- or next to nothing.
To have the Pgh Public Schools join the WPIAL – and dis-band the City League – would cost NOTHING. And, the volunteerism that would swell would be massive – if we do it right.
I was at a meeting with the Assist. Superintendent of Schools. She wants to “rally the city” so we don't have pockets of excellence – but we have a city of excellence. Beautiful... How?
You don't do that with more metal detectors. More dogs. More lopsided basketball games.
I am not like any of these other candidates in the race. I am not like any of the present members of city council.
Same old same old is going to get us shooting after shooting.
Whether I win or loose the election on March 14, 2006, these problems with the youth need to be fixed.
I know that I want to create literate Olympians here. That isn't happening now.
Now, I want to begin to talk about sweetheart deals that make sense.
My home on the internet is at Rauterkus.com and Elect.Rauterkus.com.
I am a candidate in the special election on March 14, one week from today.
Today's talk covers my #1 issue: Kids, Youth, and Young People. This topic blends parenting and schools, as well as community use of school and park facilities.
Yesterday's Post-Gazette editorial said this about me. "Mark Rauterkus, 46, is a Libertarian who opposes cronyism and sweetheart deals and who is 'running for the kids' -- to improve their safety and recreation."
Just to be clear, I'm not against all sweetheart deals. I think the use of the Market House for $5 per hour for nonprofit groups is fine. I think affordable swim pool passes for every resident is a great sweetheart deal. Public libraries, great public schools, reasonable mass transit and interesting park programs are all sweetheart deals that we should endorse.
Last month a black kid was on my TV – mouthing off a bit. He felt “dissed” -- as in disrespected. He didn't get what he thought he was due from the man, the big guy. Then this other, white kid gave it right back to him.
They both were smiling – but shaking their heads. It was like they had just ripped their hearts of of their bodies too.
On the spot, Bob Costas (not Costa) – was sure to show the world and play upon that 'rivalry.'
I'm talking, of course, about the speedskaters in Italy: Chad, a kid from Texas (Don't Mess with Texas) – and the black young man was originally from South Chicago. He had been quoted that he had to run home after school so as to not get beat up. Shanti became the first African American individual gold medalist in winter Olympic history from team USA.
That was wonderful conflict. That was personal drama and it played out on the world's stage with NBC cameras. Both young Americans raced to 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the 1500 meters. Both had even held the world record within this past year.
The "Home Boy" won. The dude from Italy beat them both. the margin of victory was .2 seconds – faster than you can say thump, thump, thump – gold, silver, bronze.
In the past weeks there have been some sporting events in Pittsburgh as well. These got some news coverage too. First, Bob O'Connor went to a girls high school basketball game at Westinghouse, the morning after a shooting outside the school.
Final score: 71 to 37. That game was our city league quarter-final playoffs. Hardly a tight score and game. With 71 to 37 – who do you think won that game?
I think – everyone lost.
That's oh so typical in Pittsburgh.
In the Olympics – even with some “bad blood” -- who do you think won there? I say, everyone won. To put your heart on the line in a challenge – it is what is about. Being your best. Having focus, challenges to yourself and others, at a level of excellence is fantastic.
Then we have shootings at Westinghouse and Downtown too.
Bob is worried about safety. You are worried about safety. The police chief is worried about safety.
First things first: Re-Hire Crossing Guards.
On the internet – in the past I wrote that Gene Ricciardi was NOT a friend to the public schools. He didn't like reading my statement, and he replied to me. I told him that he was no friend to the public schools for two main reasons.... public policy reasons, not personal nor family reasons.
1. He was in charge when the crossing guards were terminated. The city fumbled and this was tolerated. I hated that move and still speak up about it today.
2. He was around when the $4-million RAD funds were stolen out of the budget of the schools – in mid stream. That was a bailout backlash.
With my perspective, I'm less interested in building new jails and getting drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors.
People on Grant Street are now trying to worry about the 1,000 foot zone around each school. Fine. Make that a worry that comes from the eight of you and our new mayor.
My worry is at the other end of the spectrum.
That 71 to 31 girls basketball score stinks.
Our old school superintendent, Dr. John Thompson, is to blame, partly. Al Fondy, bless his soul, is to blame as well. The chairman of the committee on youth policy and citiparks – used to be Gene Ricciardi for many years – and now is Mr. Motznik – is to carry some blame.
I've been standing on my head – getting dissed – saying that city council is not doing what needs to be done.
Now our kids are killing each other – shooting at each other, weekly. This is crazy.
Our kids don't have anything to shoot for --- or to shoot at --- except each other. Everything they are seeing is lop-sided.
I care to put real challenges before our kids.
And this costs nothing -- or next to nothing.
To have the Pgh Public Schools join the WPIAL – and dis-band the City League – would cost NOTHING. And, the volunteerism that would swell would be massive – if we do it right.
I was at a meeting with the Assist. Superintendent of Schools. She wants to “rally the city” so we don't have pockets of excellence – but we have a city of excellence. Beautiful... How?
You don't do that with more metal detectors. More dogs. More lopsided basketball games.
I am not like any of these other candidates in the race. I am not like any of the present members of city council.
Same old same old is going to get us shooting after shooting.
Whether I win or loose the election on March 14, 2006, these problems with the youth need to be fixed.
I know that I want to create literate Olympians here. That isn't happening now.
Now, I want to begin to talk about sweetheart deals that make sense.
Reports on China -- helping hand from our perspective
We've been to China three times in the past two years. Each time, my sons made presentations to their respective classes and even grades at their school. This activity has been rewarding for all involved and there were even a bunch of emails back and forth from Pittsburgh to China when we were there with progress updates.
As is our custom, the reports are put on-line and put into the public domain for others to enjoy. And, they do. This email came recently from a mom and her fifth grade daughter in Des Moines, Iowa.
I've coached swimming and coached state record breakers in New England, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania. I know what's offered in suburban districts and what isn't offered in city schools. I've coached and lived in Los Angeles, Texas and Boston. Things work certain ways in certain places -- and often the mindset is unlike that we have here.
Perspectives matter. Ideas matter.
As is our custom, the reports are put on-line and put into the public domain for others to enjoy. And, they do. This email came recently from a mom and her fifth grade daughter in Des Moines, Iowa.
I was trying to help my fifth grade daughter find information on China for her school report when I came accross this report. I just wanted to say how wonderful the work turned out and how he even helped an adult like me understand China alot more! Super super job! I couldn't begin to praise him enough! The information on China that we have found is just so overwhelming that we didn't know where to begin and this report of his has helped put things into more of a perspective for us. I had to giggle on one part where he mentioned that there was a lot to keep track of with the symbols and beliefs, because that seemed to be true with a number of things about China!My wonder in all this is about being -- how do you say -- parochial. When other candidates stand up and say I lived my entire life in this same neighborhood -- I wonder. Is that a plus or a minus? When someone knows these streets around this five-mile corner of the world, does that mean that the experiences of seeing Hong Kong, Chicago or even Vienna are going to be so foreign that the issues won't connect from there to here?
Awsome work! I thank him for putting this all together and sharing it with the rest of us, now it will make our searches for the report a little easier.
Thank you.
Bonnie & Crystal
I've coached swimming and coached state record breakers in New England, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania. I know what's offered in suburban districts and what isn't offered in city schools. I've coached and lived in Los Angeles, Texas and Boston. Things work certain ways in certain places -- and often the mindset is unlike that we have here.
Perspectives matter. Ideas matter.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Teen Girl Shot On Way To Bus Stop
Ouch.
WPXI.com - News - Teen Girl Shot On Way To Bus Stop: "A 15-year-old Penn Hills girl is recovering in Children's Hospital after being shot on her way to a bus stop.
The girl was shot in the head along Anaheim Street in the Hill District.
No one has been arrested. Police are investigated. The girl's name is not being released."
One-Man Think Tank releases a tune
A great new tune has been released by a central-state blogger. I love political songs. I love the emotional story that can be told with music -- a universal language. I love creative expression put to the right uses. We need more of this.
One-Man Think Tank: Judge Cappy parody released: "Amazingly, Pa. Supreme Court Justice Ralph Cappy is once again trying the patience of Pennsylvanians by making noise about judges deserving a pay raise.
At the risk of being called a knee-jerker, I thought this would be the right time to release One-Man Think Tank’s political parody about Cappy.
I collaborated with Harrisburg folk singing great Henry Morgan on this little ditty."
Some are planting the seeds for a new charter school in Pittsburgh
Two members of the Board of Trustees of the Education Innovations LAB Charter School will join Salvador Wilcox, CEO, live on PCTV21, Pittsburgh’s Community Television station, at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2006.
Get a explanation of the model, the status of the school, how to enroll, and the innovative approach to rejuvenating our Pittsburgh communities. This call-in show takes question and airs several additional times throughout the month.
(Watch the comments for updates.)
The petition to the Pittsburgh Board of Education to grant a charter to the school is in the works. A place is secured too.
Education Innovations, Inc.
6435 Frankstown Ave., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412.661.8751 ext. 150
www.educationinnovations.org
Education Innovations, Inc. is a 501.c.3. nonprofit organization "building communities of seekers, learners, and teachers who share the world as a classroom."
Get a explanation of the model, the status of the school, how to enroll, and the innovative approach to rejuvenating our Pittsburgh communities. This call-in show takes question and airs several additional times throughout the month.
(Watch the comments for updates.)
The petition to the Pittsburgh Board of Education to grant a charter to the school is in the works. A place is secured too.
Education Innovations, Inc.
6435 Frankstown Ave., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412.661.8751 ext. 150
www.educationinnovations.org
Education Innovations, Inc. is a 501.c.3. nonprofit organization "building communities of seekers, learners, and teachers who share the world as a classroom."
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Pitt Law Libertarians: Mark Rauterkus, Candidate for Pittsburgh City Council
Another thing --- I'm "endorsed" too. My political party endorsed me. Three endorsed candidates are in the race.
Pitt Law Libertarians: Mark Rauterkus, Candidate for Pittsburgh City Council Last Wednesday the Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh endorsed Mark Rauterkus’ candidacy for City Council, District 3. I had an opportunity to attend that meeting and was impressed with the level of thought Mr. Rauterkus has put into issues that affect libertarians in Pittsburgh and the people of Pittsburgh as a whole.This is a bit old, but it cuts to some of the noise I'm hearing about in terms of the party label stuff -- both good and bad.
Mr. Rauterkus seems to understand one fundamental concept that a lot of libertarians have missed; commitment to individual liberty does not mean forsaking the community in which one lives. The true tenets of libertarianism neither require nor endorse a completely hands off approach to government. We are not anarchists. Government must be responsible, however, and it is in this vein which Mr. Rauterkus addresses the following concerns regarding the Pittsburgh public schools. Some of Mr. Rauterkus’ positions on other issues can be found at http://rauterkus.com/.
Developer eyeing theater complex Downtown
Developer eyeing theater complex Downtown A Washington County developer is considering a movie theater complex DowntownSigh... I think the notion of putting a cinema into downtown makes for a lame idea.
The new cinema at South Side Works is not doing well. The new cimema at South Side Works was to have a good selection of indie, arts and foreign films -- and I've not noticed them. That was part of the deal that was cut before that opened. What's up with that?
The South Side cinema wasn't to be built -- becuase downtown was to get the cinema -- back in Plan A, B, and C days. I was there. When that went "crash" (pun intended) they (URA) tossed the cinema to 'green light status' for the South Side Works.
House approves Patriot Act renewal
Here is another reason why it would be great to vote for a Libertarian, now. We've got some pressing matters to hash out with both the Ds and Rs. They've sold out our freedom. They've hurt our liberties. They need a wake-up call.
CNN.com - House approves Patriot Act renewal - Mar 7, 2006 Congress on Tuesday renewed controversial provisions of the USA Patriot Act, the 2001 law passed weeks after the September 11 attacks to help the government investigate and capture possible terrorists.
The approval in the House of Representatives, by a vote of 280-138, sent the measure to President Bush for his signature.
Group rallies - PittsburghLIVE.com
Group rallies - PittsburghLIVE.com Making the city's neighborhoods safe is a matter of prioritizing, said the Rev. Lee Walls, of Calvary Baptist Church in the Hill District.There is much to say about this statement and the article(s) about the youth violence. But, the first assumption is the big "IF" at the top. If we can make it safe for Fifth Avenue corridor... but we can't even do that. I would contend that downtown isn't "safe." So, we can't make it safe there -- even when it is a priority.
'If we can make it safe for the Fifth Avenue corridor, we ought to make it safe for Frankstown Avenue,' Walls said. 'We ought to make it safe for North Murtland Avenue. We ought to make it safe for Centre Avenue. We ought to make it safe for Warrington Avenue.'
People of Pittsburgh need to realize that we are a small town. The city isn't big enough any more to have pockets of great dispair. I feel that we are all connected.
Case in point: IF Duquesne city (not Duq University) goes down the tubes, or Wilkinsburg, or Sto Rox, -- or Arlington -- we all suffer. But it isn't "IF" -- now it is "WHEN" and it is "HERE."
We have pockets of dysfunctional systems. They need to be fixed. All of them need serious solutions. We are not able to hang-out in bedroom communities and pass the buck to those in these quagmires to pull themselves to modern, reasoned, prosperity. No way. It isn't going to happen.
For these reasons, core reasons, we can't be parochial. City council and the city school board -- and even county council has been full of pin-headed parochial agendas.
A parochial pathway is sure to lead to the city's and region's continual downward spiral.
The city school district needs to plan and evenutally take over the failed schools of Duquesne. Do it. Fix that mess. Save those kids. Resolve that problem because as that area of the Mon Valley flounders -- so too does the city. The problems there are sure to be our problems around the next bend.
We can't allow the URA to build a parking garage on Second Avenue -- because the URA is generally about the rich getting richer and the poor poorer.
Roids and a vast array
So, what else is NOT new. Who knew?
We need depth and scope -- not dopes. We need long-term, education rich, strong lifestyle approaches that won't fade when the going gets tough.
Bonds began steroids in 1998 BREAKING NEWS - PittsburghLIVE.com Barry Bonds used a vast array of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormone, for at least five seasons beginning in 1998, according to a book written by two San Francisco Chronicle reporters.The "dark side" does have a vast array of tricks in its bag. And, to defeat that -- we can't have a simple motto. We too need a vast array of substantial, principled, lifestyle elements to call upon as our assets.
An excerpt of 'Game of Shadows,' which provides details of the San Francisco slugger's extensive doping program, appears in the March 13 issue of Sports Illustrated.
We need depth and scope -- not dopes. We need long-term, education rich, strong lifestyle approaches that won't fade when the going gets tough.
Promise to Pennsylvania
Promise to Pennsylvania ... we promise to: 1) Advocate the principles upon which our Commonwealth was founded; 2) Restore trust between the citizens of Pennsylvania and their government.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Compare and Contrast: One question, 150 words.
The following comes from a voters guide that was organized by The League of Young Voters. It is being passed about in Oakland, and elsewhere, we hope. Enjoy spring break.
Jeff Koch, D
After being elected to office I would not implement any new strategies initially. I'd be willing to sit down with homeowners, landlords, students, and any Universities involved with South Oakland, to get a sense of what their biggest problems are. The Universities have set up help for student renters to combat absentee landlords, but it is not always the landlords fault that his building is run down. I see the students getting involved through programs run by Laura Halula of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation. She had a clean up just today called Adopt-a-Block in which about 50 students cleaned up trash on the streets of South Oakland. She has formed a good student base. They are working hand in hand with the City of Pittsburgh's Public Works Department (Gregg Daley) to remove large bulk debris during the time of tenant change over. These are the in roads that I plan to take to enable students, and permanent residents to cohabitate on a productive basis.
Neal Andrus, R
I would work with local law enforcement to better enforce state tenant-landlord laws. I believe that holding absentee landlord's responsible for poor upkeep of local housing could go a long way toward improving the quality of life in Oakland. Also I believe that it is crucial to inform students of their rights and responsibilities concerning rental properties, specifically in terms of security deposits, through once a year workshops informing students of their tenant rights. This could be done in conjunction with the local universities .
I am also a strong proponent of cutting the parking tax. This could significantly reduce parking rates around campus, as all lot and garage rates include the parking tax in the cost. These high rates pose an undue burden on students who have to commute in order to attend class.
Mark Rauterkus, L
Focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not specific cronies nor constituents from single demographics. All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Annual Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich); and Graduate housing at Pitt's "River Campus" in Hazelwood. In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.
I'll deed city-owned properties to college juniors and post-grads as bonus scholarships to encourage home-ownership and roots to Pgh past graduation. Cutting taxes, (i.e., the deed-transfer-tax) helps young home buyers.
Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, under lights, a marathon, and community fitness to give urban participants goals to shoot at and for, not each other with guns. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solution building. Give input at Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
Jason Phillips, G
Pitt’s student population: 17,000+ young people. Young people who are either commonly over looked by the city or blamed for all mishaps that occur in a neighborhood. The first step in making Pittsburgh friendlier to students would be to have a young person (who is not out of touch with the demographic) sit at the table and have a respected voice and vote when decisions are made.
A "Renter’s Bill of Rights" should be enacted to protect all persons who rent their homes. Students should not be subjected to live in substandard housing and pay absurdly high rents just because of a location convenient to the classroom.
Efforts should be taken to provide superior public safety, adequate transportation, ample parking, reasonable shopping, exciting nightlife and abundant green-spaces in Oakland. The councilman elected on March 14th should be accessible and accountable to students. I will be that councilman representing your needs.
Bruce Krane, ex-D
The first action I will take is the creation of a new part-time staff position to better serve the needs of the students in South Oakland. This burgeoning constituency base has been under-served for way too long. It is my assessment that student needs would be better addressed through the addition of specific student representation. This part-time position will be filled with a full-time university student who is a registered voter.
Specific particulars of the job description, further qualifications and remuneration will be developed based on a meeting with Student Government representatives and myself. There are obvious problems attendant to university life in Oakland that are not being dealt with adequately. Most of these revolve around matters of public safety. However, a list of all issues and their priority will be a major function of the “Student Liaison”.
Bruce A. Kraus, ex-D
The best ways I believe we can improve overall quality of life for our student population in South Oakland, and to ensure our young people stay in Pittsburgh upon graduation, is to ensure that you are presented with the opportunity to be fully engaged in the process of stewarding your futures.
Your input is invaluable and immeasurable. I will advocate for your "place at the table" to ensure that you are provided with all the opportunities to work on the solutions to the problems you are facing with regards to job creation, education, creative housing, transportation, recreation, and an active social network including nightlife and the arts.
Absent
Michael W. & Matthew B., both are Indies
Question: What specific policy initiatives will you implement to improve campus life, the quality of life in Oakland (South Oakland in particular) and make the city more student friendly?
Jeff Koch, D
After being elected to office I would not implement any new strategies initially. I'd be willing to sit down with homeowners, landlords, students, and any Universities involved with South Oakland, to get a sense of what their biggest problems are. The Universities have set up help for student renters to combat absentee landlords, but it is not always the landlords fault that his building is run down. I see the students getting involved through programs run by Laura Halula of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation. She had a clean up just today called Adopt-a-Block in which about 50 students cleaned up trash on the streets of South Oakland. She has formed a good student base. They are working hand in hand with the City of Pittsburgh's Public Works Department (Gregg Daley) to remove large bulk debris during the time of tenant change over. These are the in roads that I plan to take to enable students, and permanent residents to cohabitate on a productive basis.
Neal Andrus, R
I would work with local law enforcement to better enforce state tenant-landlord laws. I believe that holding absentee landlord's responsible for poor upkeep of local housing could go a long way toward improving the quality of life in Oakland. Also I believe that it is crucial to inform students of their rights and responsibilities concerning rental properties, specifically in terms of security deposits, through once a year workshops informing students of their tenant rights. This could be done in conjunction with the local universities .
I am also a strong proponent of cutting the parking tax. This could significantly reduce parking rates around campus, as all lot and garage rates include the parking tax in the cost. These high rates pose an undue burden on students who have to commute in order to attend class.
Mark Rauterkus, L
Focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not specific cronies nor constituents from single demographics. All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Annual Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich); and Graduate housing at Pitt's "River Campus" in Hazelwood. In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.
I'll deed city-owned properties to college juniors and post-grads as bonus scholarships to encourage home-ownership and roots to Pgh past graduation. Cutting taxes, (i.e., the deed-transfer-tax) helps young home buyers.
Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, under lights, a marathon, and community fitness to give urban participants goals to shoot at and for, not each other with guns. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solution building. Give input at Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
Jason Phillips, G
Pitt’s student population: 17,000+ young people. Young people who are either commonly over looked by the city or blamed for all mishaps that occur in a neighborhood. The first step in making Pittsburgh friendlier to students would be to have a young person (who is not out of touch with the demographic) sit at the table and have a respected voice and vote when decisions are made.
A "Renter’s Bill of Rights" should be enacted to protect all persons who rent their homes. Students should not be subjected to live in substandard housing and pay absurdly high rents just because of a location convenient to the classroom.
Efforts should be taken to provide superior public safety, adequate transportation, ample parking, reasonable shopping, exciting nightlife and abundant green-spaces in Oakland. The councilman elected on March 14th should be accessible and accountable to students. I will be that councilman representing your needs.
Bruce Krane, ex-D
The first action I will take is the creation of a new part-time staff position to better serve the needs of the students in South Oakland. This burgeoning constituency base has been under-served for way too long. It is my assessment that student needs would be better addressed through the addition of specific student representation. This part-time position will be filled with a full-time university student who is a registered voter.
Specific particulars of the job description, further qualifications and remuneration will be developed based on a meeting with Student Government representatives and myself. There are obvious problems attendant to university life in Oakland that are not being dealt with adequately. Most of these revolve around matters of public safety. However, a list of all issues and their priority will be a major function of the “Student Liaison”.
Bruce A. Kraus, ex-D
The best ways I believe we can improve overall quality of life for our student population in South Oakland, and to ensure our young people stay in Pittsburgh upon graduation, is to ensure that you are presented with the opportunity to be fully engaged in the process of stewarding your futures.
Your input is invaluable and immeasurable. I will advocate for your "place at the table" to ensure that you are provided with all the opportunities to work on the solutions to the problems you are facing with regards to job creation, education, creative housing, transportation, recreation, and an active social network including nightlife and the arts.
Absent
Michael W. & Matthew B., both are Indies
Treasury Dept. Moves to Avoid Debt Limit
Treasury Dept. Moves to Avoid Debt Limit Treasury Dept. Moves to Avoid Debt LimitAnyone care about the big picture?
Philadelphia political film due soon.
Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/05/2006 | Inqlings | No fleas on these house listings: "Roll 'em..."Hat tip to GrassrootsPA blog.
This would make for another good segment to CLOH.org's Candidate Lessons of Humility.
Editorial in the P-G.... OMG
Editorial
Mark Rauterkus, 46, is a Libertarian who opposes cronyism and sweetheart deals and who is 'running for the kids' -- to improve their safety and recreation.
Candidates for Ricciardi's City Council seat full of suggestions
The P-G covered the city council race in a news story today (Monday).
A couple of points to note follow:
The lead about a "lot of interesting ideas" is on target for what I've been trying to bring to the election and campaign. Many of my ideas have even started to take root within the words of the other candidates.
For example, Krane had NOTHING to say about kids until this meeting with the P-G. He was silent on the most pressing topic within the city. Krane woke up on this, finally, and that is always a good thing. But, I think he is still clueless on how to engage kids -- because it isn't about giving the kids $100 check books.
Krane's got some of the "blue-hair" vote, so someone told me the other week. Plus, I've been making the case that the city has catered to the the seniors for so long that it is no wonder that a few of the kids are dangerous to the rest of us, throughout the city.
The other point Krane raises, starting a bid process for professional services contracts, speaks to a pimple on the face of Pittsburgh. It would end some 'corruption' as a major benefit. It would NOT save much money at all. It would hit against the donors to entrenched candidates. But Krane is way overboard in talking about how much money it would save the city and how much money came to O'Connor in kickbacks to his political campaign. It wasn't $2-million to run a campaign, by the way. That's about a million dollar error.
I understand as well as anyone that nobody has a monopoly on good ideas. Granted, each of the candidates in this campaign brings various elements to the race. But, I've been frustrated with the absence of ideas from Kraus and Koch. They have a couple of things to say -- but they benefit because of the big field. With eight in the race, the lack of bandwidth is helps both Kraus and Koch. And, to a lesser degree, Krane has shown a lack of creativity as well.
Koch went way out on a limb and said he not only wants to re-pave Arlington Ave, but he has added another street to his list. It is now up to two.
Kraus got talking early in the race and floated an idea. His idea of putting the Zone 3 police station into a building that is outside of the city got let out of the bag -- and few other ideas have seen the light of day from him since. Kraus only frames the issue and then as he talks, he asks a lot of questions. What are we going to do about blight? Well, asking a string of good questions is not what I'd settle for as a solution.
The P-G endorsement editorial that has run in another part of the paper gets its own posting, later. I had hoped that the editorial board would have been able to see through the paper-thin statements that Kraus has been standing upon.
There are upsides in terms of contrasts within the race. And, I'm happy to dish out new ideas at each meeting. It is great to hear the others say "ditto." They can rip the meat off the bones at Platform.For-Pgh.org -- as it was built for that very purpose.
In about a week we'll see what converts to votes.
A couple of points to note follow:
Candidates for Ricciardi's City Council seat full of suggestions For instance, how about having residents dial 311 to report nonemergency problems that police would handle during lulls in the 911 calls? That idea comes from Mark Rauterkus, a swim coach from the South Side Flats who ran for mayor as a Republican but is now a Libertarian.It is funny to see the Neville Ice Arena mention as I'll be putting out a press release on that shortly.
The lead about a "lot of interesting ideas" is on target for what I've been trying to bring to the election and campaign. Many of my ideas have even started to take root within the words of the other candidates.
For example, Krane had NOTHING to say about kids until this meeting with the P-G. He was silent on the most pressing topic within the city. Krane woke up on this, finally, and that is always a good thing. But, I think he is still clueless on how to engage kids -- because it isn't about giving the kids $100 check books.
Krane's got some of the "blue-hair" vote, so someone told me the other week. Plus, I've been making the case that the city has catered to the the seniors for so long that it is no wonder that a few of the kids are dangerous to the rest of us, throughout the city.
The other point Krane raises, starting a bid process for professional services contracts, speaks to a pimple on the face of Pittsburgh. It would end some 'corruption' as a major benefit. It would NOT save much money at all. It would hit against the donors to entrenched candidates. But Krane is way overboard in talking about how much money it would save the city and how much money came to O'Connor in kickbacks to his political campaign. It wasn't $2-million to run a campaign, by the way. That's about a million dollar error.
Mr. Krane, for instance, would focus on "reaching out to young people" with more programming involving community agencies.That is a good example of a 'shot in the dark.'
I understand as well as anyone that nobody has a monopoly on good ideas. Granted, each of the candidates in this campaign brings various elements to the race. But, I've been frustrated with the absence of ideas from Kraus and Koch. They have a couple of things to say -- but they benefit because of the big field. With eight in the race, the lack of bandwidth is helps both Kraus and Koch. And, to a lesser degree, Krane has shown a lack of creativity as well.
Koch went way out on a limb and said he not only wants to re-pave Arlington Ave, but he has added another street to his list. It is now up to two.
Kraus got talking early in the race and floated an idea. His idea of putting the Zone 3 police station into a building that is outside of the city got let out of the bag -- and few other ideas have seen the light of day from him since. Kraus only frames the issue and then as he talks, he asks a lot of questions. What are we going to do about blight? Well, asking a string of good questions is not what I'd settle for as a solution.
The P-G endorsement editorial that has run in another part of the paper gets its own posting, later. I had hoped that the editorial board would have been able to see through the paper-thin statements that Kraus has been standing upon.
There are upsides in terms of contrasts within the race. And, I'm happy to dish out new ideas at each meeting. It is great to hear the others say "ditto." They can rip the meat off the bones at Platform.For-Pgh.org -- as it was built for that very purpose.
In about a week we'll see what converts to votes.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Envisioning Downtown - Some selfish folks keep calling for the wrong things
Let's be perfectly clear. No subsidized housing for rich people. No subsidized housing for the rich to live downtown. No subsidized parking for the rich who live subsidized housing downtown.
Rather, we should let marketplace forces come into play.
To build up downtown with housing that is subsidized is to only rob against the local tax payers in real neighborhoods who are asked to carry their load too. And, to pull people out of non-subsidized houses in other parts of the city or in other parts of downtown.
People live downtown now. That's great. I have no problem with downtown living. We can do more there, for sure. But, downtown lofts, condos, apartments and other options need to come along and pull their own weight -- without the subsidization.
Once we subsidize one project -- we bribe them to come here. And, then we'll never get another project without a tax break as well. So, don't do any tax breaks.
They want to do a Tax Break (TIF) in Mt. Lebo for a new housing project. That is wrong too.
This is what I mean by the campaign song on the campaign CD -- "Lay The Shovel Down." The first thing I'll try to do on city council is to stop digging in the hole of debt and dispair. We need to stop these wrong-headed projects.
Envisioning Downtown - PittsburghLIVE.com Piatt, who attended the breakfast with his father, Jack Piatt -- the founder and chairman of Millcraft -- called on O'Connor to offer tax incentives to people who want to buy apartments and condos Downtown.The trend to watch and guard against is to do things so that the super rich get rich while the poor get poorer. Making the rich rich isn't what government should be about.
They also want to see the city's 50 percent parking tax drastically reduced so people will come from out of town to shop in Piatt's building, which Lucas Piatt called a 'regional destination.' The building would contain 25 luxury condos, 20 roof-top townhouses, 50,000 square feet of retail space and 180,000 square feet of office space.
O'Connor pointed out the city's parking tax is scheduled to decrease in 2007, but he was hesitant to give up any real estate tax revenues that would help financially strapped Pittsburgh.
Rather, we should let marketplace forces come into play.
To build up downtown with housing that is subsidized is to only rob against the local tax payers in real neighborhoods who are asked to carry their load too. And, to pull people out of non-subsidized houses in other parts of the city or in other parts of downtown.
People live downtown now. That's great. I have no problem with downtown living. We can do more there, for sure. But, downtown lofts, condos, apartments and other options need to come along and pull their own weight -- without the subsidization.
Once we subsidize one project -- we bribe them to come here. And, then we'll never get another project without a tax break as well. So, don't do any tax breaks.
They want to do a Tax Break (TIF) in Mt. Lebo for a new housing project. That is wrong too.
This is what I mean by the campaign song on the campaign CD -- "Lay The Shovel Down." The first thing I'll try to do on city council is to stop digging in the hole of debt and dispair. We need to stop these wrong-headed projects.
Slideshow: The Wrestler
Finally, the P-G is doing some good with its multimedia potential.
All in all, I'd love to see athletes like Rohan get the "Dapper Dan" rather than The Bus. But, he's got to be putting up some great numbers too. Perhaps since he is a sophomore, there might be hope for more understanding in the future.
Slideshow: The Wrestler Penn State wrestler Rohan MurphyAs a coach, and a journalist, I'm left with a number of questions, yet. What is this kid's record? What are some of his favorite moves? How does he like to train his aerobic capacity?
All in all, I'd love to see athletes like Rohan get the "Dapper Dan" rather than The Bus. But, he's got to be putting up some great numbers too. Perhaps since he is a sophomore, there might be hope for more understanding in the future.
Wampum: The Koufax Awards 2005: Best state and local blogs
A blog popularity contest that excludes candidate blogs -- so we don't qualify.
Wampum: The Koufax Awards 2005: Best state and local blogs I excluded candidate blogs (we've done this in the past as well for other categories.)
Civilizations, clash or ....
Wafa Sultan: The clash we are witnessing around the world is not a clash of religions, or a clash of civilizations. It is a clash between two opposites, between two eras. It is a clash between a mentality that belongs to the Middle Ages and another mentality that belongs to the 21st century. It is a clash between civilization and backwardness, between the civilized and the primitive, between barbarity and rationality. It is a clash between freedom and oppression, between democracy and dictatorship. It is a clash between human rights, on the one hand, and the violation ofThere is that compete word again. Note, it wasn't the 'cooperate' word.
these rights, on other hand. It is a clash between those who treat women like beasts, and those who treat them like human beings. What we see today is not a clash of civilizations. Civilizations do not clash, but compete.
Political savvy and glowing praise heaped upon Mark Roosevelt
Political savvy sold Pittsburgh schools' 'right-sizing' plan: "Mr. Roosevelt recalled the meeting at which he showed Mrs. Fink how Bon Air, with about 90 students, used more than a fair share of district resources and put students at other schools at a disadvantage.Too bad the presentation to Board Member Fink isn't a 'published' lesson. Rather, it is a back-room one. Private arm twisting, even private brain twisting is still private. It got the plan past a serious hurdle. But, the really serious hurdle is still to overcome -- that of the public.
'I remember her going, 'Oh, my God,' ' Mr. Roosevelt said."
The 'wow factor' for OMG moments need an open stage. That's the missing link in Pittsburgh. I want the boss of the schools to be a teacher and student. And, I don't think such a public institution needs a private tutor in that role.
Much of what Mr. Roosevelt did in terms of selling the plan was in person, in the old-school show-and-tells, or dog-and-pony shows. There was a top down, we'll come to your section of the city and tell you about things and field a few questions. But, you had to go to three to five meetings to really 'get it.'
To get your insights to him -- you had to mount a picket of sorts. The interaction was weak. The real golden, OMG moments, such as with Mrs. Fink, were private, too often.
He said the plan wasn't perfect but would get the job done.This statement goes to the root of my wonders about the plan. This statement also goes to the root of why I'm running for Pittsburgh's city council and talks of the culture that we have here in politics and problem solving.
I'm not running to get the job done.
Likewise, Mr. Roosevelt didn't come to Pittsburgh to lead the floundering school system to get the job done.
Neither he nor I need a job.
But these challenges need solutions. And, the solutions are going to come from leaders. And sustainable solutions are sure to come from a team of solution builders.
The job of the 'right sizing plan' is significant change. Meanwhile, the goal of my family and that for my neighbors and their kids is an inspired educational setting within the public schools of the city. I want my kids to learn a love of knowledge and to grow smarter and more skillful each week.
I want our graduates to be competitive on a global stage.
So, my point is, the 'right-sizing-plans' still has not been able to convince me that we've got the job done, yet, in terms of making our school district's elementary education system one that is going to insure inspiring educational opportunities for all.
We are on the right track. We are making progress. But, the engine's wheel of interaction and public disclosure is still not touching the track. There is a lot of power in that element that has yet to be leveraged to the overall good.
For example, the movement to K-8 schools has some strong reasoning behind it. But, I wonder if a school that is not K-8 is going to have the K-8 benefits just because one principal is over two schools.
I don't want to be hoodwinked. I know we can't fool the kids. I know that the research isn't 'perfect.' But I do know you can fool and play politics with A+ Schools and others such as Rev. Simms who link up for gains that 'get the job done.'
A 'get the job done' attitude and destination is going to continue our outward migration in the city. The population decline will continue. The family base will evaporate further.
The 'get the job done' school system within a 'we don't have a prayer' city with one-party domination at City Hall is a formula for continual failure for the city of Pittsburgh.
In a nutshell --- I want excellence. I don't want to, as Mayor Bob O'Connor said this past week, "get the guns out of the hands of the kids." That fails my goals and my ambitions for my community. I want to give the kids much more to do and handle so guns are not even an option.
Sadly, the city school district needs to pull itself and the body of city politics into the future in terms of being an engine for creating excellent opportunities for our residents to live free and mindful lives full of opportunities based on determination and skills.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Tenacious Blogging: Pittsburgh City Council District 3--Vote for Mark Rauterkus (L)
A second great endorsement from a local blogger has come to my attention. Thanks. I'm very impressed with the kind words.
Tenacious Blogging: Pittsburgh City Council District 3--Vote for Mark Rauterkus (L): "Pittsburgh City Council District 3--Vote for Mark Rauterkus (L)See the entire post over at that site.
See my previous posts on this election here and here.
In my years of covering politics, and local and state elections, I learned very quickly that a candidate's party matters less than their position on the issues."
Swimmers Go Fast at our championships
Our team's (C.S.C.) 10 & Under Girls Free Relay turned in a 2:00.55 time for the 200 free relay.
Both the 10 & Under Girls and 10 & Under Boys won their respective age group team high point awards. And, the CSC team was in second place after the morning session. The older kids held the team's standings. Carlynton got 2nd.
Teams in the WCPSL: Monroeville (first), Carylnton (second), Blackhawk, Hubbard, Hopewell, Slippery Rock, Grove City, Farrell, Deer Lakes, Riverside and Northgate.
I love the end of the season. It is a lot like the final week of a political campaign too -- but better.
Furthermore, in our recent candidate night, I didn't have the chance, but would have loved to have jumped upon a comment from another competitor in the race. He said that it is all about 'cooperation' and 'reaching concensus.' Wrong again. Think again.
Often, in a cooperative setting -- things don't get done. I'm not afraid to be competitive. Pittsburgh needs to be more competitive -- and less cooperative. We've been cooperative with the corporations. We've been cooperative with the downtown retail establishments such as Lord and Tayor and Lazarus. We've been cooperative with the Pirates and Steelers owners. We build them each a stadium and give them favorable leases on prime spaces. We've been cooperative with the special interest groups and neighborhood groups so we now have new townhouses in blighted areas that are NOT selling. They can't sell. They won't sell.
To compete is more in my calling -- and more in my heart.
This some guy who wants to cooperate is the one who also thinks he has a bigger heart than everyone else. He has a big bleeding heart. He has a big give-a-way mentality. He has a "make everything nice" perspective but is without the winning lottery ticket to pay for it all.
He has a big, soft heart. He'll worry and has talked all about the "perception" of Pittsburgh's problems. Pittsburgh has bad PR. Duhh....
You can't fool the kids. You can't fool the residents. You can't fool problems and hope they float away with a new motto and new image gap problem.
You can't cooperate to excellence.
At our swim meet today, there were winners and loosers. And, there were quite a few D.Q.s as well. Not Dairy Queen ice cream, by the way. But, it was a magical thing to watch event after event and the kids put it all on the line -- trying their best to win. They have hearts.
Meanwhile, our kids in the city -- they've got hearts but few who are willing to engage them and push them to greatness.
Both the 10 & Under Girls and 10 & Under Boys won their respective age group team high point awards. And, the CSC team was in second place after the morning session. The older kids held the team's standings. Carlynton got 2nd.
Teams in the WCPSL: Monroeville (first), Carylnton (second), Blackhawk, Hubbard, Hopewell, Slippery Rock, Grove City, Farrell, Deer Lakes, Riverside and Northgate.
I love the end of the season. It is a lot like the final week of a political campaign too -- but better.
Furthermore, in our recent candidate night, I didn't have the chance, but would have loved to have jumped upon a comment from another competitor in the race. He said that it is all about 'cooperation' and 'reaching concensus.' Wrong again. Think again.
Often, in a cooperative setting -- things don't get done. I'm not afraid to be competitive. Pittsburgh needs to be more competitive -- and less cooperative. We've been cooperative with the corporations. We've been cooperative with the downtown retail establishments such as Lord and Tayor and Lazarus. We've been cooperative with the Pirates and Steelers owners. We build them each a stadium and give them favorable leases on prime spaces. We've been cooperative with the special interest groups and neighborhood groups so we now have new townhouses in blighted areas that are NOT selling. They can't sell. They won't sell.
To compete is more in my calling -- and more in my heart.
This some guy who wants to cooperate is the one who also thinks he has a bigger heart than everyone else. He has a big bleeding heart. He has a big give-a-way mentality. He has a "make everything nice" perspective but is without the winning lottery ticket to pay for it all.
He has a big, soft heart. He'll worry and has talked all about the "perception" of Pittsburgh's problems. Pittsburgh has bad PR. Duhh....
You can't fool the kids. You can't fool the residents. You can't fool problems and hope they float away with a new motto and new image gap problem.
You can't cooperate to excellence.
At our swim meet today, there were winners and loosers. And, there were quite a few D.Q.s as well. Not Dairy Queen ice cream, by the way. But, it was a magical thing to watch event after event and the kids put it all on the line -- trying their best to win. They have hearts.
Meanwhile, our kids in the city -- they've got hearts but few who are willing to engage them and push them to greatness.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Kill this suicide pact - Colin's visit to our church last week end was welcomed
Kill this suicide pact - PittsburghLIVE.com (Editor's note: This column is adapted from a longer address scheduled to be delivered today to the fine folks of the 'Lifecraft' program of the Unitarian Church of the South Hills in Mt. Lebanon.)We were there. Thanks for the nice presentation.
Duquesne basketball coach Danny Nee resigns
Duquesne basketball coach Danny Nee resigns coach Danny Nee resignsWhere is Edgar and Porter now, by the way?
I knew Coach Nee from the past days at Ohio University. We were both in Athens in the same years. I was the assistant mens swim coach and he was the head mens basketball coach.
DU makes a hard setting for college coaches in terms of winning records. I don't know the new athletic director, but I wish I did. Brian C, the past AD -- where is he now too?
And, finally, where will Nee end up next year?
Today, I'm making a $20 protest.
I'm making a point. I've put a line in the sand.
This is going to cost me $20.
More news on Monday.
This is going to cost me $20.
More news on Monday.
So proud of those WPIAL swimmers. Way to go Foxes and others!
Wow. Many big-time performances were flowing in the WPIAL AA and AAA Championships yesterday and today. Impressive. Way to go.
I don't want to single anyone out -- but I feel I should.
Splendid performances.
Next, the city league championship meet is on Saturday. Go for it!
I'll be at Gateway for our club championship meet on Saturday! "Is this not a winning team?" .... :0
I don't want to single anyone out -- but I feel I should.
Splendid performances.
Next, the city league championship meet is on Saturday. Go for it!
I'll be at Gateway for our club championship meet on Saturday! "Is this not a winning team?" .... :0
Another candidate night -- another pound of flesh.
Tonight we held another candidate night. That might be the last one of the season for the special election race for city council. The election is just around the corner -- on PI Day, March 14, 2006.
There were some big time moments in the evening. Some made me mad. Others made me laugh.
To the credit of some of the other candidates, I am hearing some changes to their routines. On many instances, what was said by them a month ago has "evolved" into something more pleasing to my principles. Some, not much, but some. And, there are other areas where there are still serious blind spots and trouble areas.
First the heat.... to the very end of the night, the last question was raised. "Would you do the job and serve as city councilman if the job paid NOTHING. Would you do it for free???
My answer started with a policy statement I made months ago. Presently we have two oversight bodies -- dual overlords. And, we have city council. So, there are THREE agencies where there used to be one. I've suggested that every elected official in city government (mayor, controller and council members) and everyone working as Act 47 Overlords and ICA Overlords be paid HALF of what they are being paid now. Then the other half would go into escrow and finally be paid out in two stages, as a bonus, AFTER the city ends its OVERLORD period and then the other payment three years later to insure that the city doesn't slide back into bankrupcy.
Basic feeling here is to reward these folks for doing the job -- at the end of the job. They have little incentive to do a good job with the programs that they put in place and they have little incentive to get the job finished.
As to me working for no pay -- first off, I would NOT even run for public office if times were good. Because we have a crisis, I feel the need to enter the life as a candidate and hope to win the seat on council. Without the crisis, I'm doing other things with my life.
And, because of this 'crisis' where real solutions and sustainable changes in direction are needed, I WOULD be willing to serve on City Council for no pay.
As it is now, with the pay, our family is going to take a financial hit. I'll be getting the job and the pay check, and I think there is a big chance that we'll make less money than if I didn't have the job. (We can talk more on the math of that deal later, if asked, or if interested.)
The meeting came to a close shortly after that with two more saying their answer to the question.
I think the offending miss-information won't be blurted out again -- in front of a public audience, as the Republican came to see my points after the meeting closed.
Two other times in the evening the divide between hilltopers and the fortunate in the flats came to a head -- when I felt that I was put on the wrong side of the fence. I see the trend in Pittsburgh where the rich get richer and the poor poorer. This is more than perception and bad PR -- it is too often our public policy.
So, there was a time when a woman said that the kids of Beltzhoover were NOT welcomed when they went to other other swim pools. We used to have 32 outdoor swim pools and the one at Warrington closed a couple of years ago. The kids have a hike to go elsewhere to swim -- such as South Side Flats Ormsby's pool.
Not being welcomed at a park facility within the city is real and it is not to be ignored.
I too have had that same experience, but from the other end of the spectrum. I too have been hurt by it. I too hate that feeling. I too won't want it to happen to others. I too want to fix it.
My story goes back to 1999 and 2000. I worked with others (mostly Hosea Holder) to save the swim team that had used the Oliver Bath House for decades. The team's board was pulling the plug and going to close the team. Hosea and I stood up and re-grouped the swimmers and their families. We worked a year without pay (same theme enters again). The team had its lease pulled by the city and was able to re-position at Schenley High School. Now the team is at Kingsley.
Well in the summer of 2000, I wanted to be a volunteer swim coach at Ormsby and put my kid on the swim team there. Practices in the summers are from 11:00 to 11:45 am. My oldest was a good swimmer, but very young. I had been a NCAA Division I coach for six years, had all my certifications, clearances, etc.
The city's officials told me that I was not welcome. I could not be a volunteer swim coach. I was more qualified than anyone in the city -- but prohibited.
This story is part of a KDKA news profile from Ken Rice, that is on my CD, by the way. I was so mad, I announced in public I would run for Mayor, starting in August 2000, for the primary that was in May, 2001.
I was also denied the opportunity, along with PIIN (Pgh Interfaith Impact Network) to install computer labs into eight Rec Centers in 2002. That video is about go live on the web site in the AM.
Good night for now...... Housekeeping: original post was 8:45 pm on March 2) (updated with exact quotes on March 3 at 10 am.
There were some big time moments in the evening. Some made me mad. Others made me laugh.
To the credit of some of the other candidates, I am hearing some changes to their routines. On many instances, what was said by them a month ago has "evolved" into something more pleasing to my principles. Some, not much, but some. And, there are other areas where there are still serious blind spots and trouble areas.
First the heat.... to the very end of the night, the last question was raised. "Would you do the job and serve as city councilman if the job paid NOTHING. Would you do it for free???
My answer started with a policy statement I made months ago. Presently we have two oversight bodies -- dual overlords. And, we have city council. So, there are THREE agencies where there used to be one. I've suggested that every elected official in city government (mayor, controller and council members) and everyone working as Act 47 Overlords and ICA Overlords be paid HALF of what they are being paid now. Then the other half would go into escrow and finally be paid out in two stages, as a bonus, AFTER the city ends its OVERLORD period and then the other payment three years later to insure that the city doesn't slide back into bankrupcy.
Basic feeling here is to reward these folks for doing the job -- at the end of the job. They have little incentive to do a good job with the programs that they put in place and they have little incentive to get the job finished.
As to me working for no pay -- first off, I would NOT even run for public office if times were good. Because we have a crisis, I feel the need to enter the life as a candidate and hope to win the seat on council. Without the crisis, I'm doing other things with my life.
And, because of this 'crisis' where real solutions and sustainable changes in direction are needed, I WOULD be willing to serve on City Council for no pay.
As it is now, with the pay, our family is going to take a financial hit. I'll be getting the job and the pay check, and I think there is a big chance that we'll make less money than if I didn't have the job. (We can talk more on the math of that deal later, if asked, or if interested.)
Then came the REPUBLICAN's remark, out of turn, starting with, "No offense to Mark, but he doesn't have a job now. Right?" (Exact quote, from the transcripts.) "Are you not a stay-at-home dad?"
That was the opportunity to mention a quote from a recent, glowing endorsement from another blogger and jump to a modern day Ben Franklin come-back. But, I didn't have her exact quote in my pocket, were it should have been.
I said, "Yeah, there is an offense there."
N.A., "You don't have an income."
I said, "I do have an income. That is a bold face lie, Neil. I am a swimming coach."
N.A. "Okay you're a swimming coach. It's part time."
I said,"Okay. Park's guy, (that's to Neal directly, a guy who worked for seven years at Citiparks) you are going to knock on a swimming coach?"
N.A. "Is it part time, isn't it Mark?"
N.A. isn't going to give it a rest, as he was way off target and grasping at things he didn't know or understand. The moderator is speaking from the back of the room. "He answered the question."
I said, "Do I have a job or not?"
N.A. "You're not honest. Your not making a tremendous financial sacrafice...."
I said, "I am honset."
N.A. got in another jab, "I'm just saying you are not making a financial sacrafice."
Moderator: "The question was posed, 'would you do it for free?' That is all we are asking. Yes or no. You're turn (to J.P.).
The meeting came to a close shortly after that with two more saying their answer to the question.
I think the offending miss-information won't be blurted out again -- in front of a public audience, as the Republican came to see my points after the meeting closed.
Two other times in the evening the divide between hilltopers and the fortunate in the flats came to a head -- when I felt that I was put on the wrong side of the fence. I see the trend in Pittsburgh where the rich get richer and the poor poorer. This is more than perception and bad PR -- it is too often our public policy.
So, there was a time when a woman said that the kids of Beltzhoover were NOT welcomed when they went to other other swim pools. We used to have 32 outdoor swim pools and the one at Warrington closed a couple of years ago. The kids have a hike to go elsewhere to swim -- such as South Side Flats Ormsby's pool.
Not being welcomed at a park facility within the city is real and it is not to be ignored.
I too have had that same experience, but from the other end of the spectrum. I too have been hurt by it. I too hate that feeling. I too won't want it to happen to others. I too want to fix it.
My story goes back to 1999 and 2000. I worked with others (mostly Hosea Holder) to save the swim team that had used the Oliver Bath House for decades. The team's board was pulling the plug and going to close the team. Hosea and I stood up and re-grouped the swimmers and their families. We worked a year without pay (same theme enters again). The team had its lease pulled by the city and was able to re-position at Schenley High School. Now the team is at Kingsley.
Well in the summer of 2000, I wanted to be a volunteer swim coach at Ormsby and put my kid on the swim team there. Practices in the summers are from 11:00 to 11:45 am. My oldest was a good swimmer, but very young. I had been a NCAA Division I coach for six years, had all my certifications, clearances, etc.
The city's officials told me that I was not welcome. I could not be a volunteer swim coach. I was more qualified than anyone in the city -- but prohibited.
This story is part of a KDKA news profile from Ken Rice, that is on my CD, by the way. I was so mad, I announced in public I would run for Mayor, starting in August 2000, for the primary that was in May, 2001.
I was also denied the opportunity, along with PIIN (Pgh Interfaith Impact Network) to install computer labs into eight Rec Centers in 2002. That video is about go live on the web site in the AM.
Good night for now...... Housekeeping: original post was 8:45 pm on March 2) (updated with exact quotes on March 3 at 10 am.
Gentrification and Displacement: Saving Communities
Dan Sullivan is leading a seminar next Saturday that is perfect for the times in Pittsburgh. The depth and scope of the discussion can kick into overdrive when you feast on the mind-food from Dan.
Gentrification and Displacement: Saving Communities Gentrification and Displacement
How to minimize displacement of poor people when revitalizing a city
# People often say they are against gentrification when they are really against the displacement of poor people that usually accompanies gentrification. We show why government policies to promote and revitalize particular neighborhoods are far more damaging to the poor than tax policies that could attract richer property owners with little or no displacement of poor home owners.
Effects of Gentrification
# Improved desirability
# Attraction of wealthier residents
# Increased rents
# Displacement of poorer residents
KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News, Weather and Sports: O'Connor Intoduces New Potential Security Measures
Security is okay. But, the first move should be the rehire of crossing guards, funded from the city's budget. Crossing guards with radios who are re-tooled and able to write tickets would be less expensive and more effective. Crossing guards would better come to know the challenges and the regulars who frequent there.
Solution: Begin by giving an overhaul to the crossing guards. Then count me as one who wants to build up on the other end of the spectrum. I don't want more jails. Rather, we need to give the kids more to shoot for and to shoot at.
The Downtown YWCA, a fitness facility with a basketball court and swim pool -- CLOSED. That's what the kids need, not more officers to boss them around.
Furthermore, the extra police will only push the kids to a near-by area, say, Station Square or some other neighborhood.
We have a serious problem with these kids because they have been ignored.
KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News: O'Connor Intoduces New Potential Security Measures: "The mayor met with officials from the city schools and the Port Authority on Thursday to discuss possible measures to increase security.Remember January 2 PAT bus schedule and the need of Pgh Public Schools to nix that as a 'school day.' Well, I took some heat to mention that PAT is starting to dictate our school schedule. Now, the next step is taken. The mayor wants to adjust the time of the school day so we have a safer downtown.
They are looking at several possibilities including moving bus stops or changing schedules of some of the 1,200 students who go to school Downtown.
There will immediately be an increased police presence Downtown.
Mayor Bob O�Connor showed a KDKA-TV story, the focus of which was large crowds of teens gathered downtown that may cause trouble."
Solution: Begin by giving an overhaul to the crossing guards. Then count me as one who wants to build up on the other end of the spectrum. I don't want more jails. Rather, we need to give the kids more to shoot for and to shoot at.
The Downtown YWCA, a fitness facility with a basketball court and swim pool -- CLOSED. That's what the kids need, not more officers to boss them around.
Furthermore, the extra police will only push the kids to a near-by area, say, Station Square or some other neighborhood.
We have a serious problem with these kids because they have been ignored.
But we want the people free -- not the politicians. Put them in bondage. Not other way around
With freedom, comes and equal amount of repsonsibility.
No way. County Council's President, Mr. Fitzgerad, D, is so WRONG.
This effort is barking up the wrong tree in a time when there is a big movement to throw the bumbs out.
Many other moves for the sake of voter engagement could be accomplished -- and it seems as if Fitzgerald and Gasteb are out-of-touch.
And, the LAW does NOT say that council members become candidates when they file their petition papers. The lawyer's read of the charter says that and the lawyer works for the County -- NOT the people.
No way. County Council's President, Mr. Fitzgerad, D, is so WRONG.
Allegheny County Council again seeking political freedom: Allegheny County Council's Democratic and Republican leaders lined up yesterday behind a bill that would let council members hold onto their seats for a longer time if they run for higher office.The charter code, as it is, is always going to be approved by the voters as the voters, for good reason, have distain for the candidates and their hyped promises that often go empty.
This effort is barking up the wrong tree in a time when there is a big movement to throw the bumbs out.
Many other moves for the sake of voter engagement could be accomplished -- and it seems as if Fitzgerald and Gasteb are out-of-touch.
And, the LAW does NOT say that council members become candidates when they file their petition papers. The lawyer's read of the charter says that and the lawyer works for the County -- NOT the people.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Philadelphia Signs 10 Year Deal With Earthlink
Bill Peduto, of Pgh's City Council, would not feel so alone if I joined him at the table and we began to work in earnest on some tech projects -- like this one from Philly. But, we can do better than what they've done.
Meanwhile, in other local high-tech network news, we are faced with this:
The Carbolic Smoke Ball: LOCAL CABLE LINES SATURATED: CAN'T HANDLE ANY MORE STEELER NEWS, CALAMITY LIKELY Isn't it shocking how Philly is going wireless and we'll have black-outs! :)
Philadelphia Signs 10 Year Deal With Earthlink blog iconMarjorie | February 3, 2006Philly is also an interesting case as it gave $300-million to COMCAST for a downtown high-rise -- as a state gift. Wouldn't you think that Comcast would be a player in the digital delivery sector?
| Capacity Building | Community Technology | Wireless
After a seemingly endless battle with Verizon over citywide municipal WiFi provision, city officials have finally signed a contract that will offer low-cost internet service to Philadelphians. The 10 year deal with EarthLink will allow citizens to access high speed internet for a price of around $20 per month. Construction is set to begin immediately on the initial network of 15 square miles in the Northeast part of the city. If successful, EarthLink will bear the costs of expanding it over 135 square miles.
Meanwhile, in other local high-tech network news, we are faced with this:
The Carbolic Smoke Ball: LOCAL CABLE LINES SATURATED: CAN'T HANDLE ANY MORE STEELER NEWS, CALAMITY LIKELY Isn't it shocking how Philly is going wireless and we'll have black-outs! :)
Statement for the South Pittsburgh Reporter
My campaign song, "Lay The Shovel Down," stands for STOPPING wrong-headed, big-ticket spending. Tax breaks make the rich richer and poor poorer. I'll vote NO on TIFs, stadiums and under-river tunnels.
I'm prudent, hate debt and want families to thrive here again. Get my free CD with software and music.
My focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not cronies.
I coach swimming. Kids are my priority. I want to chair the YOUTH POLICY and Citiparks committee. My expert background from Market House to publisher of 100+ fitness books will insure functional rinks, pools, gyms. Our kids deserve something to shoot at and for, rather than each other with guns.
All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich). In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.
I'll cut the deed-transfer-tax and encourage home-ownership by unloading URA properties.
Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, a marathon, and community fitness. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solutions. Give your input at 390-page Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
I'm prudent, hate debt and want families to thrive here again. Get my free CD with software and music.
My focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not cronies.
I coach swimming. Kids are my priority. I want to chair the YOUTH POLICY and Citiparks committee. My expert background from Market House to publisher of 100+ fitness books will insure functional rinks, pools, gyms. Our kids deserve something to shoot at and for, rather than each other with guns.
All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich). In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.
I'll cut the deed-transfer-tax and encourage home-ownership by unloading URA properties.
Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, a marathon, and community fitness. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solutions. Give your input at 390-page Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.
Pittsburgh City Paper's coverage is now online
Pittsburgh City Paper - News Uphill Battle
South Side Slopes voters hoping for hill-friendly representation
Libertarian candidate Mark Rauterkus offers a vision of “kids and freedom. I’m the libertarian who really cares about coaching the kids.” The swim coach would like city high school athletes to play in the same leagues suburban kids compete in -- so “city kids will have something to shoot for." To encourage more residents, he favors a four-year "tax holiday" on the city’s deed-transfer tax, and taxing land only, rather than the buildings atop of it. Otherwise, he says, "You’re punished for improving your home." As for gambling, he's wary of the proposals made by would-be developers: Why not put the slots in the convention center? It is a “white elephant operating below capacity," he says.
Points to notice and redress follow:
In fact, the most striking thing about this campaign is how similar the candidates sound. Each is skeptical about using tax subsidies to lure development -- especially a proposed $18 million subsidy for a new PNC Bank office tower. Each wants to shift from big-bang Downtown development toward neighborhood investment. Each emphasizes increasing the police presence.I do not think that the candidates sound similar -- to me. There is a lot of common ground as to being sincere. However, most of what I'm talking about was unlike anything that they were speaking on.
Often, when I speak, there is a lot of head nods and people are in agreement with my perspectives. Some of that is starting to show up in the group conversations too.
I have yet to hear anyone talk about the wasteful spending for the tunnel under the Allegheny River to extend the T to the lower North Side (where the stadiums reside). Nobody yet.
Two others in the back of the pack do talk about the end of TIFs, as well. They have joined me on that.
N.A., the Republican, is talking now about the liquidation of the Parking Authority. He must have read my January 29, 2004, editorial. A letter ran in the P-G and I was interviewed on KQV on this topic. It is nice to have him talk about the Parking Authority now.
Meanwhile, League of Young Voters head Mosley says that of the candidates only Phillips, the student, has been seen on campus regularly.Well, I've never seen K.M., nor any of the other candidates, at a Pgh Public School Board meeting -- NEVER. I've been to Oakland on many instances. And, when I'm on campus, it is often in a capacity that means I should NOT be a candidate. I have a lot of roots in Oakland. My son will be there again for school next year -- at Frick Middle School. Schenley isn't part of K.M.'s range of focus either. I first met K.M. six years ago on a campus, I.U.P. I was there to rally the students for Nader. K.M. was in the audience and we talked at length there. So, he knows I've gone and do go way out of my way to interact with the campus folks and issues.
Brentley switches parties for bid for Pa. House
This is very good news. Bring it on Mark! Not me, but Mark Brentley.
Brentley switches to GOP in bid for Pa. House Mark Brentley Sr. plans to run for the state Legislature as a Republican.
Casino bidders pressed on Pens - PittsburghLIVE.com
Give this guy an answer to the question he asks. His questino is an obvious, direct, simple. Someone needs to do some digging among the gambling board and with top stake-holders to find out what's what.
Casino bidders pressed on Pens - PittsburghLIVE.com Barden said he would be willing to 'substantially contribute' toward an arena, but only after getting an answers to questions he has posed to state regulators. He wants to know whether the Penguins should be licensed as an operator-applicant, if they get money from a casino, and whether it's legal to give that much money to a third party.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Support The Pittsburgh Steelers - Buy A Micro Ad!!
Support The Pittsburgh Steelers - Buy A Micro Ad!! Why Micro Ads
Presently, there are four ads on this page. Get in on the ground floor baby!
Presently, there are four ads on this page. Get in on the ground floor baby!
Newsletter mailed to many extra in District 3
A story and photo ran in the recent edition of the Libertarian newsletter for PA. You can get the entire edition online in a PDF format. See the bottom half of page three for the story by Tim Crowley.
Pittsburgh Libertarian Seeks City Council Seat in Special Election http://www.lppa.org/libpenn/LibPenn_Feb2006.pdf
The local party had the newsletter mailed to some households in the district and throughout Allegheny County.
Pittsburgh Libertarian Seeks City Council Seat in Special Election http://www.lppa.org/libpenn/LibPenn_Feb2006.pdf
The local party had the newsletter mailed to some households in the district and throughout Allegheny County.
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