Bikes: no oil, more toil - Pitt News article

Bikes: no oil, more toil - News: "A bike is more than a mode of transportation for senior Steve Kurpiewski. It's a source of freedom. "

I love bikes. The city of Pittsburgh can do much, much more with bikes.

In the past, Mayor Murphy put in about 15 miles of bike baths along the edges of the rivers. He was here 12 years. His legacy amounts to about one new mile of trail for each year in office.


Some think that Murphy did a lot. I think he was a joke as a mayor and his bike legacy is a joke as well.

We've lived in two of the world's greatest bike cities: Chengdu in China and Christchurch in New Zealand.

Bike ways need to go to where we live, work, shop, worship and play. Along the river is fine, but we don't get from here to there by going along the rivers, often.

We should take a much more aggressive approach to bike through ways in our neighborhoods. Bikes do NOT need to be along the main business streets. Bikes do NOT need to be on the sidewalks either. But bikes can we woven on many streets, alleys, and by ways.

From NZ bike

Furthermore, bikes do NOT work in every single neighborhood and section of the city. But there are plenty of places where they do work very well -- after we get the infrastructure established.

Bikes need to be woven into the city's landscape along with a new effort to greatly increase 'in-fill parking.' We need to get some cars along some streets to be parked in better places.

There are lots and lots of spaces off the streets that need to be made into mini parking lots. Most of all the city gets in the way. But more so, the city can offer better tool for in-fill parking.

In a global way, if we bike more in Pittsburgh, we'll be building up the city life, city residents, and city property values. The city should be a priority, not urban sprawl.

From china - my bike

I have a plan that I'd love to research while on the job after being an elected official to tackle health care concerns with bikes and bikers. Discussions and solutions about bike riders, accidents, injuries and prevention could make Pittsburgh a much better place for fitness. We can spending on gasoline, help the environment, and make for more interesting options in a holistic way.

Bike Pittsburgh is fine. But, I'm sure that they could be much more aggressive in the demands for bike treatments.

The Birmingham Bridge that connects the South Side to Oakland has been a sore spot. The sidewalk stops! Cuts to the jersey barrier would allow people to be split about from the cars.

Ron Paul on ABC's Good Morning America

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/player?id=3697666

Tax land, not buildings - Letter to the editor

Herb hits on the policy for fixing Pittsburgh. I fully agree. We must change our ways and tax land, not buildings.

Tax land, not buildings - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Tax land, not buildings

Sunday, October 7, 2007

The Trib's article about a coalition of 113 nonprofits agreeing to voluntarily contribute to the City of Pittsburgh's finances reported seemingly good news for Pittsburgh ("Nonprofits to renew pledge to city," Oct. 2 and PghTrib.com).

Unfortunately, voluntary donations from nonprofits are unfair and also unwise sources of funds. The nonprofits compensate adequately for their tax-free property by attracting residents and visitors to the city.

The value of taxable land in the city is increased because of the money spent by users of universities, hospitals, museums, churches and other nonprofits.

The city should obtain the needed revenues by a higher taxation rate on land than on buildings. During recent years, the city's land has increased in value much more than its buildings.

A revenue-neutral lower tax rate on buildings stimulates construction, which increases further the city's revenue from taxable buildijavascript:void(0)
Save as Draftngs.

The beneficial effects of having a lower tax rate on buildings than on land are enjoyed by more than a dozen cities in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh until 2001 was one of these fortunate cities.

Herbert Barry III, Oakland

Pennsylvania and Oklahoma -- chatter about ballot access and more

D o w n s i z e r - D i s p a t c h has an article about ballot access, something that is near and dear to my heart -- and the heart of Democracy.

Imagine collecting signatures for a petition being a crime. Welcome to Oklahoma!

According to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News, Oklahoma has the worst ballot access laws in the country. Groups like the Libertarian Party and the Green Party are trying to change that -- right now.

But Oklahoma's most powerful political figures, including state Attorney General Drew Edmondson, are, with Southern segregationist fervor, trying to make things worse for non-incumbent citizen activists.

Paul Jacob is a long-time, prominent Term Limits Advocate. Now, he's under indictment.

His crime? Recruiting petitioners to collect signatures for a ballot initiative proposal called TABOR which limits how much the state government budget can grow from year to year.

You might think I'm missing something -- that I'm understating it? Surely that's not a crime?

Oh, but you haven't heard the whole story! It's more farcical than it sounds. And that's part of why Paul Jacob is my guest on today's Downsize DC Conference Call.

But the other reason is that Paul Jacob has the heart of a DC Downsizer. He told Reason this week, "I happen to believe people ought to be free and the way to keep people free is to keep people in charge of politicians rather than the other way around." Paul's Common Sense commentaries have included mention of the Read the Bills Act, and criticism of the Senate's practice of "hotlining," which we told you about earlier this week.

Well, we'll talk about all that as well. And you can talk with us. 1-800-259-9231 is the call-in number.

My one-hour Sunday program starts at 4:06 PM Eastern (3:06 PM Central, 2:06 PM Mountain, and 1:06 PM Pacific). And the best way to hear it is at GCNLive.com.

Archived episodes are available in mp3 format at the DownsizeDC.org blog.

The Downsize DC Conference Call is sponsored by DownsizeDC.org and Gun Owners of America.

Jim Babka, Host, Downsize DC Conference Call

Ron Paul Supporters Make Impact on Internet Bookie

Ron Paul Supporters Make Impact on Internet Bookie: "Ron Paul passes Senator McCain in odds department at World Sports Exchange"

Hockey Hell -- Media Alert: I'm available to talk about community facilities and hockey matters

Media: I'll walk around the South Side Park to get updated photos at 3:15 pm today, Friday. I'll be happy to provide some insights and comments to this latest development. At 4 pm today, my son finishes his afterschool activities at Phillips Elementary School on Sarah Street. I'll be there to pick him up then, as they finish playing deck hockey on the outdoor playground.

From Pens Village

I have a lot to say about the sports facilities and discussions that are brewing and have been cooking for years around the city and the South Side.

From playground - usa

Today's news hit the Trib:

Pens eye practice rink for new arena - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Pens eye practice rink for new arena"

By Jeremy Boren TRIBUNE-REVIEW, Friday, October 5, 2007

Amateur hockey players in Pittsburgh might be able to hone their slap shots on ice where the pros play -- or where they practice, anyway.

The Penguins are talking with the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority about including a practice ice rink that could be rented for public use in the $290 million arena to be built Uptown.

"They want to put a practice rink in the arena for college and high school kids," City Councilman Jeff Koch said Thursday after meeting privately with sports authority officials. "The Penguins would be responsible for the extra cost," he said, primarily created by the need for a second set of equipment to maintain the ice.

Discussions of a practice rink are only beginning, "but it's fair to say that it's being explored," authority Director Mary Conturo said. It's unclear when a decision would be made.

"We are definitely looking at where (a practice facility) might fit," said Ken Sawyer, Penguins CEO. "If we can do it, we would love to do it. It is just an added feature with a double benefit because it would help the inner-city community have a rink, which is not the case right now."

The Penguins, which open the 2007-08 season at 7 p.m. today against the Carolina Hurricanes, practice at the Iceoplex at Southpointe in Canonsburg.

Privately, Penguins officials said their goal is to make the rink available to amateur teams and ice skaters.

"We think that it is a good idea. We support whatever they want to do," said Noor Ismail, city Planning Department director.

She said the rink would answer calls from people who attended seven focus-group meetings in July about what public amenities the arena could offer. The size of the arena won't necessarily increase to accommodate the second rink, she said.

If the rink is part of the arena slated to open for the 2010-11 season, the Penguins would be the third National Hockey League team to have a separate practice rink on the site of the normal game-day rink. The Columbus Blue Jackets had the first in Nationwide Arena, which opened in 2000. The New Jersey Devils will be the second when the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., opens Oct. 25

"It's nice because there are synergies to having the practice rink in the same place. You can use the same locker room, weight rooms and medical facilities," said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based Sportscorp LTD, an adviser to Allegheny County officials who worked out deals to build Heinz Field and PNC Park on the North Shore in the 1990s.

"Ice sheets are in high demand, especially in urban areas around the country," Ganis said. "And if you have an ice sheet where the professional team plays, it adds a lot of cache to the venue, and you can charge a premium price."

Staff Writer Rob Rossi contributed to this report.

Jeremy Boren can be reached at jboren@tribweb.com or 412-765-2312.

hockey hell

Click To Play

Blast from the past:

Group wants rink reopened - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Activist group feels everything's nicer on ice

By Tony LaRussa, TRIBUNE-REVIEW, Sunday, February 16, 2003

It might be the coldest winter in Pittsburgh for nearly a decade, but ice is in short supply for devotees of hockey and ice skating.

Community activists on the South Side would like to add a little more ice to the supply by seeing the former Neville Ice Rink on 21st Street reopened.

The rink would be a welcome addition to a local hockey organization if the facility is up to the standards of other rinks in the region, said Ed Sam, commissioner of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League.

From Mark Rauterkus

"I think if somebody went there and addressed the issues that existed before it closed, and then went out and recruited some of the schools in the area, they should be able to make a go of it," Sam said.

Sam said the problems mostly had to do with limited access to the downstairs locker rooms, which raised concerns among parents about the safety of players, and the condition of the boards surrounding the ice.

The rink is owned by the City of Pittsburgh and was leased to an operator. It was closed in 2001 after city officials received several complaints from residents about noise from all-night "rave" parties that were being held, said Duane Ashley, head of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

Ashley said a consultant who recently conducted a review of the facility determined that it is in "relatively decent shape."

"Most of what's needed is cosmetic, and the amenities such as locker rooms are sub-par," he said. "Other than that, it is in surprisingly good condition."

Community activist Mark Rauterkus of South 12th Street said discussions at a number of the community organization meetings that he attends have increasingly turned to the issue of reopening the ice rink.

"People feel that it is a shame for us to have a facility like this just sitting empty," said Rauterkus, 42, who has two sons. "I just think we need more amenities, more things to offer our young people. Having the rink closed creates a dark hole in that part of the neighborhood."

Mark Kinney, who serves on the Market House Children's Athletic Association board, is working to reopen the rink. The association coordinates recreational programs for more than 500 South Side children.

"It's not like we have a vacant piece of land, and we're saying we want to build a new ice skating rink on it from scratch," said Kinney, who lives on Leticoe Street. "The facility is already there. We just need to get people together and work with the city to get it opened."

The president of one of only two public high school hockey programs in the city said her club has been struggling since the rink closed.

"We now have to drive out near the airport to practice and play games," said Cheryl Sullivan, president of the Carrick Hockey Association. "If the rink opens on the South Side, we'll be first in line to book ice time."

Ashley said a financial assessment will have to be done to determine the cost of reopening the rink and then it will be presented to the mayor's office. The city also would gather public comment on the project.

"We will be looking for long-term commitments from ... the community," Ashley said. "The last thing we want is to spend money to reopen it and then see it go south again."

Carey Harris, executive director of the South Side Local Development Co., said a number of residents have expressed interest in seeing the rink opened.

"At public meetings we've held, residents have been loud and clear in voicing their desire to see the ice rink returned to public use," Harris said.

Harris said reopening the rink could be part of an overall revitalization of the corridor leading up from the $170 million South Side Works project. The rink is less than a block past UPMC South Side and the Brew House complex. The ice rink site is connected by steps to the Slopes, where a baseball and football field are situated.

Kevin Zielmanski, who has been coach of the hockey team at Central Catholic High School in Oakland for the past six years, said having a rink so close to the school would be a great asset.

"Right now, we have to use three separate facilities each week," Zielmanski said. The team plays its games in Harmar and also practices at rinks in Monroeville and Marshall.

Tony LaRussa can be reached at tlarussa@tribweb.com or 412-320-7987.

Pittsburgh Penguins - News: Recchi, Crosby Purchase Suites For Charities - 10/04/2007

Pittsburgh Penguins - News: Recchi, Crosby Purchase Suites For Charities - 10/04/2007: "Recchi, Crosby Purchase Suites For Charities"

How nice.

Here is the butter up. Call me skeptical, but something big is about to come next.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Oct 4, 2007

Sidney Crosby and Mark Recchi have purchased suites at Mellon Arena for the 2007-08 Pittsburgh Penguins season and will make them available to numerous children’s charities throughout the region.

At the Penguins’ home opener on Saturday night against Anaheim, Crosby’s suite will host kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation while Recchi’s suite will host Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Many other children’s charities will be involved throughout the season.

“We think it’s very important for professional athletes to give back to our community, and we can’t think of a better way than enabling kids who are disadvantaged or have special needs to experience the excitement of a Penguins game at Mellon Arena,” Crosby and Recchi said in a joint statement.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization always has been active in charitable and community projects, but we’re especially proud that our players have taken this step to provide unique opportunities for these children’s charities,” team president David Morehouse said.

The Penguins also take part in a number of charity events involving all the players on the team during the season – starting with the Project Bundle-Up event on Monday, Oct. 22, when they will assist a group of disadvantaged children in purchasing warm winter clothing.

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The first thing that the bikers need to do is stay off all sidewalks.

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review On the 'Watch List': The 'Ghost bike' campaign. It's all well and good that the bicycling community is placing bikes at locations of past bike-car accidents around the city. It's an effort to educate the motoring public that cars and bikes share the roads. That said, the biking community would do well to also educate their numbers to obey the rules of the road -- which means not weaving in and out of traffic, not going through red lights and not acting as if they have special privileges. Capice?

Bikes should not be zooming on sidewalks. Walk on the sidewalk. Crawl on the bike on the sidewalk. That's it.

On the road, I have little reason to worry about bike behaviors among the cars.

Tax evaders in custody, marshal says - A Concord Monitor Article - Your News Source - Concord NH 03301

Good that none were killed or hurt. But, this stinks.

Tax evaders in custody, marshal says - A Concord Monitor Article - Your News Source - Concord NH 03301 U .S. Marshals arrested tax protesters Ed and Elaine Brown at their Plainfield home yesterday, ending the couple's eight-month standoff without bloodshed. The Browns vowed never to be taken alive, but U.S. Marshal Stephen Monier said yesterday that both Browns were arrested without incident on their property around 7:45 p.m.

'The Browns may now begin serving their 63-month federal prison terms,' Monier said in a written statement last night. A representative for the marshals refused to answer any questions about the arrests last night.

'High-profile situations like this are always difficult, but they don't have to be tragic. I'm glad no one was injured, and that the community remained safe throughout the operation,' Monier said."

The Burgh Report: Local Blogger: Ravenstahl Security Detail Seized Cell Phone, Deleted Photograph, Violated Constitution

The Burgh Report: Local Blogger: Ravenstahl Security Detail Seized Cell Phone, Deleted Photograph, Violated Constitution: "Ravenstahl Security Detail Seized Cell Phone, Deleted Photograph, Violated Constitution"

This is an ethics violation. File an complaint to the Ethics Hearing Board. The forms are on my documents page. You'll need to get it notarized. Call me if you want some help.

See the comments section of that other blob post to see my remark about how my camera and I caused serious constitutional meltdowns at a PAT Public Hearing and a City Planning Commission Meeting when a full house came to a session at 200 Ross Street.

Value Added Mini Series

The hard drive on my computer just maxed out. Ouch. To be honest, the computer I've been using most of the time these days is my son's. My two Macintosh PCs have been taken apart since our return from New Zealand. So, I'm in a computer funk of sorts.

My recent video efforts with the TV show(s) has been a bit of a struggle. I told another parent it feel like getting the camel through the eye of a needle.

Well....

I'm going to make a "Value Added Mini Series" with various segments of the larger TV show. This value added mini series will be broken into 'chapters.'

Meanwhile, the bigger TV Interview will come in parts.

TV Interview, part 2, Host David C. Adams interviews Mark Rauterkus, L, candidate in two races in 2007

This is a long file. Hope it works for you. It might take a while to load in your web browser.

Click To Play

Same media but different URLs:

http://blip.tv/file/410777

Right click and save file.

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First 28 minutes of TV interview of Mark Rauterkus with host, David C. Adams

The pre-release of this DVD is happening today at 3:30 pm. However, the first 28 minutes of the 58 minute show is online with Google Video.



Same content but posted at Rauterkus.blip.tv.

Click To Play

ETHCIAL CHALLENGES (News) from Pgh City Paper about Rauterkus efforts

By: Chris Young - October 4, 2007

Mark Rauterkus, a South Side political activist and vice chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party, doesn't do anything by half measures. He is running in not one, but two races on the November ballot. And last month he filed not one, but three complaints with the city's Ethics Board ... and one of those complaints alleged a lack of ethics by the board itself.

Rauterkus' complaint against the board arises from a section of its own ethics code. The code asserts that any person filing or "precipitating" the filing of a complaint against another person could be subjected to an ethics investigation if "the person publicly disclosed or caused to be disclosed that a complaint against a person had been filed with the board."

That provision "muzzles whistle blowers," Rauterkus contends. "People aren't going to file a complaint if they subject themselves to investigation by making it public. It's a way to sabotage complaints right from the get-go."

His complaint calls for the Ethics Hearing Board "to strike down the concept of imposing secrecy onto citizens. ... The Ethics Hearing Board should never wrongfully punish and threaten all citizens who file complaints."

By talking to City Paper about the grievance -- and by posting some of his complaint on his blog, rauterkus.blogspot.com -- "I'm breaking the code," Rauterkus acknowledges. "Have you been to jail for justice lately?"

But ethics board members "need to be pushed," he contends. "Hopefully they don't come back to push me into 30 days in jail."

When asked whether Rauterkus would be investigated for going public with his complaint, Assistant City Solicitor Kate DeSimone said, "I really can't speak to that, because I don't want to violate that code myself.

"The code mandates that complaints be kept confidential."

"Absolutely unconstitutional," says Vic Walczak, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, referring to the confidentiality provision of the ethics code. "The First Amendment protects matters of public concern."

Walczak does not know the ethics board's motive for keeping complaints from becoming public, but "wanting to avoid controversy is not a justification to suppress free speech."

According to DeSimone, the Ethics Hearing Board is considering an overhaul of the ethics code, but she says it has not specified changing the provision Rauterkus objects to.

Ethics Hearing Board Chairwoman Sister Patrice Hughes did not return phone calls from CP seeking comment.

Rauterkus' complaint with the Ethics Hearing Board was accompanied by two others, each filed against a rival in the upcoming election: Allegheny County Prothonotary Michael Lamb, and Democratic City Council candidate Bruce Kraus.

Lamb, the complaint points out, is a board member of A+ Schools, a nonprofit group that advocates improving the Pittsburgh Public Schools. But Lamb is also a candidate for city controller -- a job whose responsibilities include financial oversight of the school district. That dual role, Rauterkus alleges, constitutes a conflict of interest.

"I don't know that I agree," Lamb said after being informed of Rauterkus' complaint. The controller audits the district's books, he says, but the position has no responsibility for setting budgets. Even so, he says, he has discussed the issue with people at A+ Schools, and "I have contemplated stepping down if I'm elected controller.

"If I'm fortunate enough to win the election, I'm going to ask the ethics board if it's a conflict or not."

Rauterkus' complaint against Kraus stems from his belief that Kraus has "expressed desires to the mayor and to others in the administration" that would prevent outgoing city councilor Jeff Koch -- whom Kraus beat in the primary -- from being "rehired into suitable job openings within the city." Koch was a former employee of the city's Public Works department.

In his complaint, Rauterkus states that he has "strong reasons" to suspect that Kraus has "blacklisted" Koch. "I don't have any hard evidence," he tells CP. "That's just the word on the street."

Kraus calls the accusations "rubbish."

"It's nonsense," said Kraus. "Why would I wish unemployment on [Koch]? What power do I have to do that?"

The 'evidence' from the power hungry candidate within the complaint is found in a prior news release from Kraus himself. Back in the special election in 2006, Kraus ranted to muck around with Koch's work schedule with his night shift. http://Elect.Rauterkus.com/ethics/

Calling classmates: Penn Hills Senior High School, class of '77

kdka.com - U.S. Attorney To Investigate Ravenstahl's Car Use

kdka.com - U.S. Attorney To Investigate Ravenstahl's Car Use But that assurance was not enough for U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, who issued this statement: "The recent allegations regarding improprieties by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl that have been brought to the attention of my office will be reviewed as are all allegations of misconduct by public officials. Without complete knowledge of the facts, it would be premature to discuss potential federal criminal violations."

But Ravenstahl says he did nothing wrong.

"No, not at all," said Ravenstahl. "I don't think there's the appearance of impropriety here."

Think again, Luke.

The Sick Knicks -- fast forward Pittsbugh's City Hall

Luke gone wild might have Pittsburgh's city hall looking like this in a few years, if not in a few months.

The Sick Knicks: "The Sick Knicks"

Put the new slots parlor within the soon to be empty airport

We built US Airways a new airport. Now the flights are fleeing. Can we put the slots parlor in terminals A, B and C? We'll use Terminal D for airplane boarding.

This is a bit of a joke, of course. But, I wasn't joking years ago when railing against the corporate welfare deals. And, I still think we should be putting the new slots parlor within the Convention Center -- another white elephant.

Ron Paul’s fundraising shocks political circles. He is the real deal.

CNN.com - CNN Political Ticker Paul’s fundraising shock �: "WASHINGTON (CNN) – He's locked in low single digits in most polls, but Texas Rep. Ron Paul raised more than $5 million for his presidential bid in the third quarter, roughly equal to or just short of several of his higher -profile rivals.

'Dr. Paul's message is freedom, peace and prosperity,' Paul campaign chairman Kent Snyder said in a statement announcing the total. 'As these fundraising numbers show, more Americans each day are embracing Dr. Paul's message.'

Paul's fundraising total is a 114-percent increase over what he raised last quarter and is also only $2 million shy of what Democratic White House hopeful John Edwards raised during the same period. It is also roughly equal to the fundraising totals of Arizona Sen. John McCain and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson."

Have you gone to jail for justice? You'll be a friend of mine.

Last Sunday, I attended a church service on the North Side at the Allegheny U.U. Church. The star performer was Pittsburgh's Anne Feeney. She is one of the most dangerous musicians around.

Here is a snip of her song, that fits well with today's Pittsburgh City Paper article about my struggle with the Ethics Hearing Board.

Rotten Laws, until people like us deny it. View Video

If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qTPUqUYYo3c5ziPrmBbvzA

Statement to Pgh City Council, talking about parking tax and parking authority

Click To Play

Watch 3-minutes of public comment for Pittsburgh's City Council concerning Parking Tax and Parking Authority. Delivered on Oct 2, 2007.

This video has a different format with a slide-show elements. I used OpenOffice.org to make the various full screen displays of text that back up what is being said at the microphone.

"Rubbish" -- giggle, giggle, giggle. Go get a copy of the Pgh City Paper

This week's edition of the local newsweekly, tabloid, Pittsburgh's City Paper, is now available for free pick up in news boxes and stacks at cafes, etc.

The article concerning my struggles with the Ethics Hearing Board is on page 10, a nice position, at the top of the news / government section. The article is fair.

The online edition of becomes available tomorrow.

Rt 28 closed in both directions

An overnight rock slide forced the closure of all lanes along
Route 28 in Harmar Township.

Statement against the new taxes on drinks and rental cars

Tonight's statement delivered to the Allegheny County Council. I am not in favor of the new taxes.

Click To Play

County Council's public hearing on new drink taxes and new rental car taxes -- big fuss in shame for Onorato

I have a lot to say about the public hearing as well as the overall situation. But this sign is just too good to hold.

From Come Live Ove...

A union guy said that he's been to a lot of places and drank in many joints. He felt certain that the drinks in Pittsburgh are cheap enough now that a little extra won't be much of a hardship. Furthermore, if people knew that a quarter or thirty cents from every beer purchased at a bar was going to go to fund mass transit, people would drink even more. It would be going to a good cause!

I spoke. I'll try to upload my comments and more insights in the morning, after looking at what the newspapers print.

But the highlight of the night was Chelsa Wagner, State Rep., Democrat. She hit it out of the park! In her statement, she was disturbed that the good people were pitted against one another. She is against the new taxes.

The low light was a faxed letter from Dan Frankle, east end, state rep. His message, read by Rich Fitzgerald, was full of mumbo-jumbo b.s.

Tony Oliva getting some air-time with PCTV 21 show

We don't yet know the dates and times of the show, but Tony Oliva, Libertarian, candidate for mayor, had a sit-down interview with Bruce Krane, show host, in the studios of PCTV21.

From people & vips

Bruce Krane, on the left (very far left), and Tony Oliva, Libertarian.

Ron Paul signs are around town

From RonPaul

TV Interview: Mark Rauterkus with David Adams, part 2

Enjoy part two of the interview. Discussion begins with the question: what would people get from the leadership of Mark Rauterkus. Answer: "I care about kids."

Second half of this segment includes the story, Diamonds, from Meg Barnhouse. Her story has been featured on the Elect.Rauterkus.com CDs.

Click To Play

Part 2 links:

Link to media accessed at URL: http://blip.tv/file/407410

Source, Windows media (.wmd): http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewWithMarkRauterkusPart2989.wmv

Web, Flash video: http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewWithMarkRauterkusPart2989.flv

Thumbnail

Same segment on YouTube.com.

Scroll down on this blog for part 1, the opening.

Dave Schuilenburg For Council - New Leadership For True Change!

Dave Schuilenburg For Council - New Leadership For True Change!: "Our plan is to first attempt to persuade County Council to vote 'NO' to Allegheny County Council Bill 3375-07 on October 2nd, and should they refuse to do so, we will then proceed to the next step, that of getting a question on the next primary ballot so as they know just how many of their constituents agree or disagree with them on the issue. To follow the bill as it moves through County Council, click here. "

DeSantis Proving True Reasons To Make A Mayoral Change

It was reported today that Republican Mayoral candidate Mark DeSantis has unveiled a spending plan that would drastically cut city spending.
It’s innovation like this that Pittsburgh has needed for decades, not just years. The plan predicts a $193 million savings by 2012. We aren’t receiving plans like this from the Interim Mayor, Luke Ravenstahl.
The most impressive aspect of the plan is cutting the bloated and heavy Mayor’s Office. In times of financial crisis, there is no reason whatsoever to easily be able to trim $500,000 from the Mayor’s staff, which is generally nothing more than a dumping ground for political supporters and other “friends” in the neighborhood.
Looking at the city’s expenses like a business is what’s needed. If a hiring freeze is needed for non-essential workers, as DeSantis proposes, then it has to be considered.
Seeking a home-rule-charter amendment that ties city spending to the Consumer Price Index and population levels is only smart business. Politics generally doesn’t coincide with business, hence the financial straights of many urban epicenters.
Selling city-owned real estate is paramount. There’s no reason for the city to be in the business of real estate speculation. That’s for the private sector. The current system simply isn’t working, so it has to be re-evaluated. Add to that a desire to increase the entrepreneurial spirit in Pittsburgh, and that’s a “no brainer.” That has to be done for the city to once again experience fiscal growth.
Pittsburgh also has expensive real estate, wage and payroll taxes. DeSantis floats the idea of cutting those taxes as a way of spurring growth. Raising taxes has never, in recorded history of man, ever meant positive economic growth, especially when city services are terrible compared to virtually every other municipality in Allegheny County. There have to be financial incentives for good people, families and others to plant roots in Pittsburgh. Under the current spend-happy series of Democratic regimes, there aren’t any fiscal advantages to being a “real” Pittsburgher. It’s almost universally less expensive to live in any of the county’s other 129 towns, boroughs and municipalities.
Worker’s compensation and overtime costs are a small gold mine for city workers, firefighters in particular. It’s more than time to get those costs under control. It’s possible to hire three firefighters for the $120,000 some individuals make. That’s abusing the system of overtime and compensation.
The city’s population continues to drop at incredible rates. Continuing on the current path of economic destruction will not reverse trends.
Mark DeSantis was very slow getting out of the gate, but he has improved in recent weeks. There’s more reason than ever to vote for change on November 6.

Pittsburgh nonprofits to support to city finances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh nonprofits to support to city finances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "He said the identities of the donors will be kept confidential, as they have been in the past under the terms of the agreement."

This is less than open and less than honest. It might be ethical, but it isn't how a municipal government should be operated.

We don't have 'trade secrets' in the public realm.

Who writes the checks? How much are they?

As controller, I would work hard to end the secrecy. To 'move forward' Pittsburgh has to go beyond its legacy as a 'smoke filled city.' This deal has dollars and lots of smoke.

This is how Dan Onorato wants to run the parks too -- with private funds -- with secret slush that isn't predictable.

The begging isn't becoming. Beggars are not free. Kids don't want to grow up in a land where their parents have put themselves into debt, slavery and blindness.

TV Interview with Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian, and David C. Adams

Hope you click and watch this opening segment. High quality interview -- much like a "Prequel."

Click To Play

Stay tuned!

Other links to same content:

Direct media link URL: http://blip.tv/file/405847

Source data in Windows Media, .wmv: http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewOpeningSegment293.wmv

Web, Flash Video: http://blip.tv/file/get/Rauterkus-TVInterviewOpeningSegment293.flv

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/v/8HyjGpSQsMQ

New URA -- yeah, right.

I posted at another blog something that should also reside here.

A big Sunday feature on the new URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) had some great insights.

Pat Ford was all about "law" and "justice" in the article because of the bad rap of zoning, planning, authorities and more. This is a town where 'corruption' rules -- or at least the perception of corruption.

FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) works.

Smokey City works.

Getting the deal done is about being good with favorites. Insiders vs. Outsiders.

Developers vs. Neighborhood activists.

Being legal for them is about not getting caught.

As a Libertarian, I have a different take, of course. Zoning is so bent, we should toss it all out the window. The counter measure would be a robust system where those that do ills are on the hook for damages.

Litter Gitters

Oct. 12-14 brings October Redd Up. The event aims to get 5,000 people to hit the streets, bags in hand, in more than 80 city neighborhoods and communities in Allegheny and Beaver counties.

Boris Weinstein, Citizens Against Litter, has coordinators and is looking for more help. Contact him at 412-688-9120, boris.weinstein@verizon.net or info@citizensagainstlitter.org.

Letter to Editor by Russ Diamond on PG Judical Retention Editorial

Thanks to fellow Libertarian, Mark C., for this insights:

Russ Diamond had a LTE in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette responding to last Sunday's editorial objecting to PACleanSweep's call for non-retentions of judges that accepted the infamous pay raise.

The PG is, of course, entitled to its opinion, but I thought that their wording last Sunday was, well, an indication that they should switch to decaf: "Now a pair of activists are trying to pervert our civic duty by calling for the blind ouster of more than 60 judges who are on the November ballot for retention."

To the PG's credit they gave Russ a chance to respond and they put his response in the bottom corner of the LTE section where they gave it its own graphic and drew a box around it. You can't see that on the on-line version, but I consider it prime real estate in the LTE section of the hardcopy version.

Mark

---

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07273/821441-35.stm

How can we trust our judges when they've failed us on the pay raise

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sunday, September 30, 2007

Your Sept. 23 editorial regarding judicial retentions ("Vote Smart: Don't Be Stampeded on a Blanket Ouster of Judges") made assumptions that deserve to be addressed.

The delegates to the 1967 state constitutional convention believed a retention system was "a good thing" when they proposed it. Unfortunately, since then judges have regularly breezed through, effectively providing permanent tenure. That is not democracy. What looks good in theory does not always pan out in practice.

You held up the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Web site as a resource for voters to investigate retention candidates. Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin's response there touts 10 cases out of approximately 7,500 decisions the PBA claims she's had a hand in. Can such a tiny sampling of the caseload -- handpicked by the candidate -- provide a fair assessment of her overall record?

Although Supreme Court Justice Tom Saylor dissented on the pay raise case, he took the money anyway. Actions speak louder than words. His dissent utterly failed to address the very troubling constitutional issues that were part and parcel of the "judicial swindle."

PACleanSweep seeks to restore constitutional rule in Pennsylvania. We could care less if replacement judges earn the same salary as current judges. This fight is not about how much money a judge earns. It's about the sneaky, underhanded way they got their pay raise.

In every judge's oath of office, allegiance to the Constitution comes first. If we cannot trust judges to support, obey and defend the Constitution, how can we possibly trust them to sit in judgment of other matters of law and our fellow citizens?

RUSS DIAMOND, Chair, PACleanSweep
Annville, Lebanon County

WHAT ABOUT BOB?

WHAT ABOUT BOB?: "WHAT ABOUT BOB?"

I agree with everything except the end. The blog post ends with the mention, "We are screwed."

That's the spin. Well, the spin isn't working.

Luke is Bob = false.

So, Luke is screwed = true.

Pitt plans to negotiate for Hill District land, developer says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pitt plans to negotiate for Hill District land, developer says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review A legal fight with Pitt has delayed Beacon/Corcoran from beginning the second part of the Oak Hill development. Pitt owns land next to the proposed development near Robinson Court and wants additional land from the city to use for athletic fields. The amount of land is under dispute.

Pitt, Luke, Others: Put the gosh darn athletic facilities on the flat land that is now empty in Hazlewood. That is where Pitt should expand to. Call it Pitt's RIVER CAMPUS. Then Pitt could have upper campus, lower campus and river campus.

The River Campus should have ball fields, intramural facilities, an alumni hall for Pitt, as well as another for CMU, graduate student housing, the Pitt football practice facilities, and some serious community blending.

Go to down and back between the river via Panther Hollow and a people mover. WVU and Morgantown has one. Inclines used to fill this city and bring a low-tech, easy pathway. Hong Kong has a people mover, incline too.

From Pens Village

From Come Live Ove...

Nonprofit Orgs -- what are you waiting for?

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. If you're a nonprofit organization in the U.S. with 501(c)(3) tax status, apply today for the YouTube Nonprofit Program.

It is better to ask for forgiveness than approval.

Come Live Over Here: South Side ink and images in Boston Globe

Nice slide show. Our street, 12th Street, is the third image.

Boston Globe Article in Travel Section

From Come Live Ove...

Link.

A gloriously gritty groove
Moving beyond its industrial past, the South Side pulses with a funky vibe yet stays true to its working-class roots

By Necee Regis, Globe Correspondent | September 30, 2007

Thursday night at 11:30 a line is forming at the corner of East Carson and 17th streets for grilled chicken wrapped in pita bread that locals fondly refer to as "cat on a stick."

Beautiful day -- heard about another race, so I showed up -- and got in the news

I got some much deserved and desired KDKA-TV news coverage today for my participation in two races. As die-hard blog readers know, I'm running as a candidate for Controller and City Council, district 3. Well, in case you missed the news on TV, the full extent of the coverage is outlined below. Big-time news coverage can help to pivot a campaign. Earned media, like this, can't be bought. Oh boy. The campaign is going to new heights!

	That's me standing next to the no parking sign on the left side. I'm clapping and cheering for the runners, so I guess that's why there is a blur.
From people & vips

My day started at 2 am, as usual on the weekends. That's the drunks outside our window. They were cheering for Ron Paul. Gosh. They must have just found out that this quarter's fund raising goals were met.

At 5:30, I wake to take my boys to AM swim practice at the JCC. Then the real fun began. I hit the starting line of the 5K. I got to wish hundreds of runners "good luck." I got to do some last minute coaching for some as well. My advice, "Remember the scene in the movie 'The Lion King' when there is a stampede? Well, run straight. Don't zig zag."

Saw some teams in the road races today. The CV basketballer squads were doing the 10K. Same too the Chatham swimmers. The BP boys and girls swimmers, with coach, did the 5K.

Saw a lot of friends. Some thanked me for running. "No, I'm not in today's Great Race. I'm running in two other races."

The setting at the 10K starting line was a bit more intense than that of the 5K. More fences, more hard bodies, more off the bus and to the back of the line because that first hill is a mean one.

From people & vips

I shook hands and shouted out to my peeps -- including one dude in a Lamb T and another in a Peduto shirt.

From people & vips

That was Jason, who was keen on dogging the mayor out on the course. That was his month-long strategy. He caught Luke at the first water stop, 2-miles. But, he was too winded to do much chatting.

From people & vips

It is an ethics violation to shoot the gun and run in the race? I understand that the Mayor could shoot the gun for the start of the 5K, and then run the 10K. But even there, his mom was in the race. It could raise doubts. What if she would have leapfrogged to the front of the line after some body language que, ala Belichick, (films are under review.) for an unfair advantage? Then, did he pull the trigger in the 10K too? OMG. I'm sure that isn't legal -- two roles: starter and racer.

I was getting ready for my TV interview, so I didn't see the start of the 10K. Here is another image, from the TV website, zoomed in.

From people & vips

Then I went to church service on the North Side.

	Peek into Picasa for a peek into a wonderful verse of a splendid song, "Have you been to jail for justice?"
From people & vips

BTW, my kids got to their church service with a lift from my wife. Now, It is out again to another church service -- with a youth group. Should be fun. Pizza and a talk.

John Edwards is taking a back seat to Ron Paul

I am connected to plenty of email lists. A bit ago I got an email blast from the John Edwards Presidential campaign seeking funds. They wanted to raise $1-million in the last push of this month to look good on the campaign funding report period that ends on October 1.

Ten days ago, we put our online campaign in your hands. We did the math, and told you that to stay on target we needed to raise $1 million online by midnight tonight. None of us knew if that was possible. We knew that you had come through for us before—could we count on you again?

Today, as I write this, we only have $79,212 to go. We can do it.

At the same time, nearly, I got an email from the Ron Paul camapign. They Paul campaign folks said that they wanted to raise $500,000 in the final week.

A few days later, the Ron Paul campaign emailed back. Plus, it had one of those tickers that went up like as money came in. The $500,000 level had been passed and the re-tooled the ask to hit $1-million. And, again, a bit later, another email came.

Ron Paul's campaign goal of $1-million had been reached.

Meanwhile, John Edwards is getting close.

In other campaign news, Newt G of Georgia is not going to run for President. That's good news. Very good. His statements some months ago in New England about rights of citizens were right out of Saturday Night Live skits.

Wear Black - National Student Walkout slated for 1 pm on Monday, Oct. 1 -- in Pgh too!

This is in 24 hours:

NATIONAL STUDENT WALKOUT
Monday, October 1st, 2007 at 1 PM Eastern Time

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING: www.mxgm.org

www.myspace.com/SankofaEmpowerment

Artist/ Activist Mos Def along with M1, Talib Kweli, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Sankofa Community Empowerment, Change the Game, the National Hip Hop Political Convention, and student leaders from 50 campuses call for a National Student Walk-Out to rally and show support for the Jena 6, who are being denied their human rights by the Louisiana criminal justice system.

If you wish to sign up your organization as a supporting institution email Assata at assata@pitt.edu then email Shona at srclarke1@gmail.com or Amira at amira.09@gmail.com to get involved with the local coalition's NATIONAL STUDENT WALKOUT MOVEMENT

WEAR BLACK & WALKOUT/ASSEMBLE @ CENTRAL LOCATION ON YOUR CAMPUS @ 1PM EST

CMU & CHATHAM STUDENTS START MARCH DOWN FORBES...

JOIN PITT STUDENTS as THEY MARCH DOWN FIFTH AVE AND JOIN CARLOW STUDENTS as THEY MARCH DOWN FIFTH AVE JOIN DUQUESNE STUDENTS. WE ALL CONTINUE MARCH DOWN FIFTH AVE & JOIN POINT PARK & ROBERT MORRIS STUDENTS

END @ 436 GRANT ST & DELIVER DEMANDS TO DA's OFFICE IN FRONT OF COUNTY COURT BUILDING DURING RALLY & PRESS CONFERENCE

1- WALKOUT & ASSEMBLE @ 1PM @ CENTRAL LOCATION ON EACH CAMPUS:
‡ CMU = "FENCE"
‡ PITT = WILLIAM PITT UNION
‡ CARLOW = TBA
‡ DUQ= TBA
‡ POINT PARK =
‡ ROBERT MORRIS =
‡ CCAC-NORTH= TBA

2. RALLY MARCH TIMELINE & ROUTE
1-1:15 CMU & CHATHAM Assembly Rally @ "The Fence"
1;15-1;30 The 2 Schools March down Forbes to PITT
1: 30-1:40 The 3 Schools March down FIFTH AVE to CARLOW
1;40-2;00 The 4 Schools March down FIFTH AVE to DUQ
2:00-2:15 The 5 Schools March down FITFH AVE TO THE DA"s

436 GRANT ST, COUNTY COURT BUILDING PGH PA 15218
TOTAL WALK = APPROX 2.5MILES

2:15-3:15 The 5 Schools Join POINT PARK/RMU/CCAC @ DA's HAVE LARGE RALLY/PRESS CONFERENCE/ DELIVER JUSTICE FOR JENA DEMANDS

END: STUDENTS WALK OR CATCH BUS W/ IDS BACK TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CAMPUSES

Good Luck Great Race participants!

Run, run, run!

Insightful TV interview of dual candidate, Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian

Test. For the next 60-seconds, this post is airing a test of the Emergency Blogger System. This is only a test. You can play around here, if this does not work, I'll not be alarmed.

Click for Insightful TV Interview of Mark Rauterkus

This one hour interview is being posted, in part, to test the capacity of Rauterkus.blip.tv. Other formats might be posted as well. Same interview with QuickTime. (This file loaded for me after about 20 minutes. And, the visual frame was trashed.

This interview will air or TV.

This interview is available on DVD.

TRANSIT TAX PUBLIC HEARING slated for Tuesday. What to speak?

I am signed up to speak. What about you?

Allegheny County Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed taxes [10-percent poured-drink tax and $2 per day rental-car tax] that may be established to provide the additional local matching funds necessary to receive the additional State funds earmarked for public transit in Allegheny County.

The public hearing will be THIS-COMING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. IN THE GOLD ROOM [COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING CHAMBER] OF THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE, LOCATED AT 436 GRANT STREET [AT FIFTH AVENUE] IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH.

PEOPLE WHO WISH TO SPEAK AT THIS PUBLIC HEARING MUST PRE-REGISTER WITH THE CHIEF CLERK AT LEAST 24-HOURS IN ADVANCE:

* Telephone: 412-350-6495
* Electronic Mail: JMascio@county.allegheny.pa.us
* IN PERSON at Room 119 County Courthouse

Public comments at this public hearing are limited to three minutes per speaker.

The restaurants and taverns of Allegheny County are organizing to oppose the poured-drink tax. At least one car-rental company [Enterprise] has already testified, in front of County Council's Budget and Finance Committee, in opposition to the rental-car tax.

If you want to make your voice heard on this issue, be sure to pre-register to speak by Monday and attend on Tuesday. At this link is the official public hearing
notice:

http://www.alleghenycounty.us/agenda/oct27/publichearing_taxincrease.pdf


For news articles on this issue:

http://andrewcarnegie2.tripod.com/transit/pat/2007fundingcrisis.html#drinktax


PHILADELPHIA HIKE IN TRANSIT TOKENS AND TRANSFERS - Yesterday, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority [SEPTA] approved 15-cent increases in both transit tokens and transfers, to take effect on Monday. This was done to make-up income that was originally scheduled to come to SEPTA after the elimination of paper transfers last month. After the City of Philadelphia sued SEPTA to prevent the elimination of transfers, a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge ordered that SEPTA retain paper transfers.

SEPTA has appealed the court decision and has indicated that if their appeal is upheld, the increase in the price of tokens would be rolled-back, and of course, transfers would then be eliminated.

For news articles on this latest SEPTA Board action:

http://andrewcarnegie2.tripod.com/transit/septa/2007fundingcrisis.html#tokenhike

Great read of an important document with values, priorities and action

Ron Paul 2008 Declaration of Independence

Check it out.

My question to the mayor candidates has been submitted. Replies welcomed. Ball is in their -- or -- YOUR court.

The Post-Gazette editors are holding a debate for the mayor candidates in the second week of October. I've email this question to them for consideration.

Rec centers and swim pools have closed in recent years. Mark Rauterkus, a swim coach and political fixture himself, claims that coaching, mentoring, programming, volunteerism and leadership of city kids, teens and young adults is poor.

Do you favor the creation of a new "Pittsburgh Park District" that pulls Citiparks, County Parks & Rec and after-school access out of Grant Street political circles and into a new, democratic, entity sustained, in part with the RAD Tax.

Mr. Rauterkus claims stronger students with a more robust kid and parent engagement in new networks are necessary to grow Pittsburgh out of its mess. Our city's loss of young talent coupled with the violence has been a 1-2 punch on the city for years.

Will you work for a new approach and cut the ties from the city to Recreation so others with more energy and vision can come to care for our parks and our youth?

Ron Paul video in Congress ranting as to how the dropping dollar hurts the poor

Electing Ron Paul to President of the US would be a wonderful move for the poor people of America.

Note to John K: Take it elsewhere already. You're behavior is worst than that of a stripper. You are a like a repeated flasher on a playground.

Great day for a bike ride. Look for us at Critical Mass

See us in Oakland at Dippy just after 5 pm on Friday.

Panther Rants: Pitt Narrows AD Search and I'm finalist #4

I'm one of five finalist for the open Athletic Director job, so reports the Panther Rants blog.

Panther Rants: Pitt Narrows AD Search Pitt Narrows AD Search

I lead some of my plans for the job in the comments there.


Photo shows a portion of the proposed "Pitt River Campus" to be built in Hazelwood. Tall buildings in background and townhouses (not shown) are for graduate students and graduates.

Jeff Koch -- here is your next job. Applications are due.

Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2008-09 Koch Associate Program and Koch Internship Program.

Koch Associate Program is a year-long, paid program designed to develop promising leaders and entrepreneurs interested in liberty and help them develop the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for careers with market-oriented think tanks, policy institutes, and other non-profit organizations. During the program, Associates work in non-profit roles four days a week and spend one day a week at the Foundation learning Market-Based Management®. Associates range in experience level from recent graduates to those with a decade of work experience. The Koch Internship Program is a condensed version of the Koch Associate Program and it is offered in the spring, summer and fall.

http://www.cgkfoundation.org

Virginia Okamoto, Talent Coordinator, Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, 202.393.2354 = phone: 202.393.2355 = fax

Ron Paul Letters to Editor in City Paper

Letters link.

Letters To The Editor: Sept 26 - Oct 3, Epistles of Paul
In the commendable piece on Ron Paul ["Ron Paul: Libertarian Apostle," Sept. 12] there was a statement objecting to Ron Paul's libertarian philosophy:

"I think his stance against sending troops to Darfur is perfectly in keeping with his libertarian philosophy about caring more about tax burdens than any burdens, including genocide, that actual people have to face."

Any decent and compassionate person wants murder and oppression of innocent people stopped, but consider how well government force accomplishes that. In that quote, replace "Darfur" with "Iraq" -- then with Bosnia, Kosovo, Waco, Vietnam, Cuba and Korea.

If you'd rather replace "troops" with "food," then try "food to Zimbabwe." Robert Mugabe replaced Zimbabwe's private farm system with systematic famine. When we sent "food to Zimbabwe," Mugabe channeled it to supportive tribes and regions, thus controlling or starving his opposition. Even intervening with food can backfire.

The problem with government intervention is that it becomes a government program developing hidden agendas overwhelming the original objective. Libertarians usually prefer private voluntary intervention because if things turn south an individual can immediately stop his support without an act of Congress.

At the dawn of the Iraq war, Ron Paul pleaded for non-intervention, but George Bush and Dick Cheney used "Iraq" in their version of the above quote. Conservatives and liberals today all sound so much alike.

Mark Crowley, Plum

---------

Thank you for the great article on Ron Paul by Charlie Deitch. He obviously put a lot of time into it and talked with a lot of people to produce a well-balanced piece. I would like to point out a subtle distinction in Dr. Paul's reasoning for his Congressional votes that is apparently lost on most people. He is accused of being indifferent to human suffering because of his opposition to foreign aid, among other things. He is opposed to using tax dollars for charity, both at home and abroad. The distinction is this:

If a person sends his own money to a charitable organization, that is considered a donation. If a person takes money from someone else and sends it to a charitable organization, that is theft, unless done by a politician, for which he is considered compassionate. It's easy to be generous with other people's money. However, government has no authority -- constitutional, moral or otherwise -- to operate as a charity. To force U.S. taxpayers, whether or not they have the inclination or the financial ability, to support relief efforts all over the world is immoral.

In addition, the abortion issue is one that is easy to confuse. I am against abortion but I am also pro-choice. Similarly, I am against skydiving and boxing, but I recognize that others may enjoy those activities and that I have no authority over them to prevent them from doing what I think is risky and dangerous behavior. It affects only themselves. For those who defend the right to abortion, however, do they believe that a mother has the right to kill her 2-year-old child? I hope not. Do they believe that a mother has the right to kill her 1-minute-old child? I hope not. Do they believe that a mother has the right to kill her child who is one minute from being born? I hope not. Now, keep backing up into pregnancy asking that question. My moral guideline is that no one has the right to kill any being who can feel pain or experience awareness. I don't know exactly when the central nervous system and the brain develop to that level, but that's the point after which abortion should be considered murder.

Nicholas Kyriazi, North Side

----------

It was good to see coverage on Dr. Ron Paul, Pittsburgh native. The racist card was unneeded; right or wrong, Paul has attacked government-supported racism and the staffer that wrote said comments was promptly fired. Paul is a constitutionalist and therefore he is right to allow state's rights to be in control of some social issues we may have strong opinions on. We are to be set up under "We the People" and if the federal government can control our diverse country, we all lose.

When it is all said and done, Paul is the only candidate that actually follows his oath of office and can restore honor to our lost government.

Philip Haddad, RonPaul2008.com

Mark DeSantis bursts bubble. Won't play in Peoria

PJStar.com - Journal Star News... ratings ... have fallen off from past highs, said DeSantis ...

The answer is here. Mark DeSantis won't play in Peoria.

I coached in Peoria. I loved my time there. And, I even got to lead a Brave team.

I was the acting head coach of Bradley University's men's swim team -- the Bradley Braves.

The Mark DeSantis in Peoria isn't the same Mark DeSantis in Pittsburgh.

But, for the record, I played in Peoria.

Allegheny County goes after private help for parks

This is crap.

Allegheny County goes after private help for parks Calling system a priority, Onorato creates a nonprofit board to foster public-private partnership

Onorato talks about the parks by saying how many geese got killed. That's it.

I don't want a nonprofit board to run our parks. I don't want Elsie Hillman and Bill Truehart to 'save our summer.' Scew that.

These parks are not about private-public partnerships. Parks are about public participation. Keep the private out of the parks.

Put the private back into business and out of the pockets of bartenders and customers who want a drink. Stop the drink tax, for instance.

The parks are the people's business.

We had SAVE OUR SUMMER with a private investment into the Citiparks -- and it sucked. I don't want Elsie Hillman telling the kids and families of the city what pools should be opened and what pools should be closed.

The foundation folks can enjoy the country clubs and health clubs -- and need to keep their nose out of the operation of the parks.

Friday, September 28, 2007
By Michael A. Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato yesterday unveiled plans to create a nonprofit board to raise private funds for the county's nine regional parks and to establish public-private partnerships to operate some of the parks' major attractions and amenities.

The board, to be named within two months, initially will be funded with $1 million from the county's capital budget. Mr. Onorato pledged to match dollar-for-dollar with county funds any private monies the nonprofit organization raises. He put no cap on how much the county would match.

Mr. Onorato said the parks, totaling more than 12,000 acres, are among the county's major assets, noting that it likely amounts to the highest acreage per capita in any county in the United States. So large is the county's park acreage, he noted, that the smallest of the nine, Harrison Hills, with 500 acres, is larger than the city's Schenley Park, with 420 acres.

Mr. Onorato said the parks need an infusion of private money to adequately fund deferred maintenance, recreational improvements and facility enhancements. He pledged that the time of county government treating parks as a frill to be ignored in tough economic times has ended.

"First and foremost, this is about the quality of life in Allegheny County," he said at a news conference unveiling the plans. "These parks are among the biggest assets we have.

"We are now going to make the parks a priority for this government going forward. We are serious about getting our assets up and running."

The action plan outlined by Mr. Onorato stems from recommendations in a "revenue sources management study" completed a month ago by the American Institute for Leisure Resources. The $25,000 study was funded by a grant from the Richard King Mellon and Benedum foundations.

"The existing and proposed service levels for park maintenance, recreation programs and environmental facilities have outstripped the available sources of revenue, creating a major unfunded backlog of current and future needs," the study reported.

In reality, the report said, there can only be two outcomes regarding the county park system -- "either lowering of the standard of living or the generation of new sources of revenue."

Among the report's recommendations the county will explore is requesting proposals from private companies for adaptive uses of the North Park Boathouse, Hartwood Stables, South Park Fairgrounds and Boyce Park Four Seasons Activity Center, including the skiing and tubing areas.

The county also will seek a private operator for tennis courts in Boyce, North and Settler's Cabin parks and will secure the services of the National Golf Foundation in Jupiter, Fla., to review the county's golf course operations in North and South parks.

Mr. Onorato said new, creative uses would enhance and expand what the parks already provide while creating new funding for them.

He gave assurance there will be no "tacky" or inappropriate uses, noting that County Council and the chief executive will maintain final say on what happens in the parks.

As an example of the potential of private-public partnerships in parks, he pointed to a lease agreement he announced in May 2006 with the Horticultural Society of Western Pennsylvania to provide a 452-acre parcel in Settler's Cabin Park for the Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania.

The agreement will allow the Horticultural Society to develop, construct and operate the garden on the county-owned land after first undertaking a massive land reclamation project to deal with underlying mines and mine drainage. Removing the mines and compacting soil on the site will effectively end acid drainage that has been polluting the groundwater and two local streams for years.

It is estimated the Botanic Garden will draw more than 300,000 visitors annually, ranking it among the region's most visited attractions, he said.

Also being explored as a new funding generator for the nine county parks is the possibility of selling naming rights, he said.

As a cost-saving move, Mr. Onorato has directed staff to explore working with the justice system and law enforcement agencies to establish a supplemental labor force to perform special maintenance projects in the regional parks. This work force could include minor offenders, community service workers, welfare workers and juvenile work crews.

Mr. Onorato said he plans to have "town hall" meetings at each of the parks to facilitate local input about what's desired and needed and to "re-engage" the friends organizations at each of the nine parks.

To illustrate his commitment to the parks plans, Mr. Onorato noted that he has named a County Parks Action Plan Implementation Team of top county officials including Deputy County Manager Kathleen McKenzie, Parks Director Andrew Baechle, Public Works Director Tom Donatelli, Economic Development Director Dennis Davin and Administrative Services Director Tim Johnson.

Hold your nose and run.