You know that there is going to be a recount in NH, right?
Furthermore, John McCain might not be on the ballot in Ohio.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
More on schools in advance of a double-bill meeting on Sunday
After we scheduled our Sunday, 2 pm at Blvd of the Allies Panera meeting, we learned that there is a board meeting on Sunday as well scheduled from 2-7 pm. We will still meet at Panera --it won't be a 5 hour meeting, so you can always go to the other one as well.
The meeting at the board is open to the public for viewing (not for speaking). Our understanding is that the administration will lay out in greater detail (at the board's request) their plans and overall goals for reforming the district. They will also provide the names of people on various task forces that have been formed. The format for the meeting is that the administration will present for 15 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of questions or discussions from board members.
If you have friends that feel that decisions being made now don't affect them because their kids don't go to Schenley or are in different programs, let them know that this meeting will begin to outline some of the changes coming for everyone else, as well. Now is the time to be informed if you want to have a say!
It's an incredibly long meeting (and I believe there are more to follow), but if you can go even just for an hour, please report back -- the more info we can get the better. Some of the administration's ideas are really exciting; getting support for them now seems like the best way to help the good ideas succeed (and to nip the bad ideas before money is spent on them).
Public Hearing at the board meeting is this MONDAY, JANUARY 14th, 7 PM Board of Ed building. Sign-up through noon, written testimony taken until 5 pm. If you hear anything you really liked or didn't like at the big meeting Sunday, talk about it on Monday -- or just thank the board for requesting more information about the coming changes.
Jen Lakin
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Busman's Holiday: Ethics Board, The Lost Letter
This is great watchdog efforts by Bob Mayo of TV 4, WTAE. He is doing his job. But, perhaps Bob didn't get the memo: The Pgh Ethics Hearing Board moves slower than some galciers.
Bob's post today (Friday the 11th) is a cliff hanger. He'll post his letter from the Ethics Hearing Board on Saturday. Can't wait.
Well, yes I can wait. I don't have my expectations high. But, this is starting to 'snowball.'
The Busman's Holiday: Ethics Board, The Lost Letter Ethics Board, The Lost LetterGreat stuff. Give it a read.
Bob's post today (Friday the 11th) is a cliff hanger. He'll post his letter from the Ethics Hearing Board on Saturday. Can't wait.
Well, yes I can wait. I don't have my expectations high. But, this is starting to 'snowball.'
School District spin about the strike
I take this with a grain of salt. A strike would be a pain. But, the strike would be short term when contrasted to the major projects and problems that now swirl around the district and the city. We need a Vo Tech High School -- and there is no plan, yet, to get one.
Schenley High School opened 90 years ago. Now it is on the copping block because of some plaster problems due to water damage in the past. Those are big problems -- not a teacher strike of a few weeks.
Schenley High School opened 90 years ago. Now it is on the copping block because of some plaster problems due to water damage in the past. Those are big problems -- not a teacher strike of a few weeks.
PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING 341 S. BELLEFIELD AVE. PGH., PA 15213
For Immediate Release Contacts: Lisa Fischetti (412) 622-3603
District Responds to Public Requests for More Disclosure on Contract Talks
Next Bargaining Session Set for Monday, January 14
PITTSBURGH, JANUARY 11, 2008 – In response to numerous public inquiries for disclosing more information about the status of teacher contract talks, Pittsburgh Public Schools is providing comment on the status of contract talks and facts around the key issues being discussed in negotiations with the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (PFT).
A day-long bargaining session between the School District and the PFT was conducted today through state mediators. The negotiations process began more than one year ago in accordance with bargaining law.
The next bargaining session is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 14. Superintendent Mark Roosevelt and the District's Board members will be available to attend bargaining sessions next week, as appropriate.
"We are doing all we can to not interrupt the school year and the process of improving academic achievement for our children," said Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. "We fully recognize that our teachers and staff are the key to student success and a better school system. It has been and continues to be our goal to reach a contract agreement as soon as possible. We are working very hard to balance the academic and financial challenges of our system throughout the bargaining process so that a strike can be averted," added Roosevelt.
"In my view, a teacher strike would damage the hard work that teachers, administrators and staff have already undertaken in our quest to advance public school education in Pittsburgh. This is a pivotal time for our school system and City as we must make decisions that will have long-term economic and social impacts for our region. The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program, for example, is a tremendous step in the right direction. There's heightened accountability for performance by principals, who now are all on performance-based contracts. These are important examples of the many things we are doing to set the District on a course for success. We value our teachers and support their right to be fairly compensated. But as I have stated previously, we will not support a contract settlement that would require a tax increase," Roosevelt added.
The key issues or topics being discussed in these contract talks include: (note: these facts do not include any positions on current bargaining discussions)
1. Wages – From 2001 to 2006, there were three contracts reached with annualized wage increases that averaged approximately 3.7%, inclusive of 'step' wage increases. According to Public School Teacher Settlement Data provided by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, average annual salary increases for teachers in the current 2007-08 school year is 3.73% (including step wages) at Pennsylvania school districts with approved contract settlements.
2. Post-retirement healthcare cost – The cost of retiree health care has increased by more than 100%, from $5.3 million in 2004 to a projected $11.8 million in 2007.
3. Length of work day - Teachers in the Pittsburgh Public Schools have one of the shortest work days among all school districts in Pennsylvania. The current work day is 7 hours and 6 minutes.
4. Severance – Severance pay for unused sick leave.
5. Term of contract - The previous three contract settlements were 2.5 years, 2 years and 2 years, respectively.
"We are doing everything we can to help resolve these issues remaining on the table," said Mark Roosevelt. "We're attempting to balance the interests of the District, its teachers, students, parents and taxpayers. I have heard from many parents who are concerned about the prospect of a strike and the safety of their children, particularly in single-parent families where the parent works during school hours," concluded Roosevelt.
Theresa Colaizzi, Chair of the Board's Negotiating Committee, stated, "We must remember the world is very different today compared to 30 years ago when there was a strike in Pittsburgh. Then, many people may have been inconvenienced. In today's world, families will literally be incapacitated if there is a walkout. We recognize the need to settle the contract with the common goal of balancing the community's interest and the District's financial and academic goals," added Colaizzi.
This information and perspective is being shared publicly today as a result of growing public interest in the status and issues surrounding on-going contract talks. For more information and updates about PFT Contract Talks, please visit the District's home page at www.pps.k12.pa.us.
eVote Blog has been perking along
eVote Blog: "Let the recounting begin"I run a number of blogs. This one is the main blog. But when it comes to the act of voting and more technical democratic process elements -- that goes to the eVote.blogspot.com.
They are going to do a recount in NH.
Pittsburgh Ethics board member Zacharias resigns - PittsburghLIVE.com
Pittsburgh Ethics board member Zacharias resigns - PittsburghLIVE.comA member of Pittsburgh's Ethics Hearing Board resigned today, citing personal reasons.She wasn't even attending meetings. Good to have her resign.
The five-member board accepted the resignation of Penny E. Zacharias, 33, of the North Side. Zacharias is a lawyer in the Downtown branch of law firm Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney.
I wonder how long it will take the mayor to nominate another person as a replacement. It has taken mayors decades to finally appoint people to that board. Tom Murphy never appointed anyone to the board.
Other board members are appointed by city council. And, city council has also failed at its job in the past, with this board as well as with others.
The starved to death treatment has been a mode of operation, in the past, with the Citizens Police Review Board as well.
If the other four people want to resign, that would be fine too. That board is not willing to be proactive and aggressive enough to make a difference in the realm of ethics in the city.
They admit that they need training. The employees need training too. Then the citizens need training as well. This board needs to get in the game and then get fit as issues play out. Training should not take the place of real action. Seems like they are happy ponder training as an excuse for real action. Training sustains the inaction yet kicks up some smoke and dust.
I don't want the Ethics Hearing Board spending money. Nor do I want them to be making money. They should not dish out fines, offer punishments nor think about incomes.
Finally, I don't want the Ethics Hearing Board to subcontract its duties to others. A recent aim was to form a committee and have them come up with a new policy or else a policy review for accepting golf outings. Tee it up as a board. Carry your own clubs. I don't want the Ethics Hearing Board to appoint others to do the heavy lifting (caddy) on policies of the city.
Does anyone know Penny's golf handicap?
PNC, Coro, Maxwell King, Tom Murphy
PNC, Maxwell King Coro honorees ... former Mayor Tom Murphy delivering the keynote address...Barf.
SGB unleashes panther statues - News
Roar!
Do they interact well with dinosaurs?
SGB unleashes panther statues - News After months of anticipation, outgoing Student Government Board president Shady Henien led a ceremony last night unveiling the 10 panther statues decorated by various student organizations.Will these scare away the rats? What about pigeons?
Do they interact well with dinosaurs?
more school meetings
Hello Kathy and all,
I will not be able to attend the meeting this afternoon with Lopez due to another meeting commitment for my job that got scheduled yesterday. The good news is that meeting is about connecting racial justice issues such as Education and Employment discrimination to the Supreme Court advocacy work that I currently do in PA.
Below are a couple of questions I have that may or may not fit in today but thought I would share them with the group anyway just in case. I am also including background info I had sent to a smaller email lists that gives some background on why I am asking these questions and their relevance to our cause.
In light of the recent Supreme Court decision(more info below) that race could not be used as a factor in assigning students to school to achieve diversity, will the PPS consider using income status (free lunch) as a way to achieve diversity in our PPS?
Ability Tracking and selection into different academic programs? What role does it play in providing or not providing opportunities to all students?
What would happen if All students were tested to see if they were gifted but call it something else? Is this being done? If it is, what aren't there more students being placed and what is the connection between the Gifted Program, IB and AP?
What efforts have been made to ensure that the IS (International Studies / Frick Middle School) students who are now IB have been provided the necessary support in order for them to be successful? What will this look like in the future? Many of these IS students are African American which would help boost the number of students currently in the IB program and taking AP courses but what is the likelihood that these students will be able to achieve the college credits and pass the necessary test? What is being done to help these students be successful?
I will be at the Panera meeting on Sunday at 2pm and am speaker number 10 at the Public Hearing on Monday.
Here are a couple of links to good education articles and letters in the PG today.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08011/848438-298.stm
Principals in city return to instruction
http://www.post-gazette.com/forum/letters/
Postcards from the edge of a strike
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08011/848350-298.stm
Expulsions of preschoolers preventable, study finds
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08011/848422-298.stm
Magazine ranks Pennsylvania 10th for schools, with B- grade
All the best at the meeting this afternoon.
Celeste
Hotel, offices, condos planned for Pittsburgh auto dealer site - Examiner.com
How much is this going to cost the taxpayers?
Hotel, offices, condos planned for Pittsburgh auto dealer site - Examiner.com DOC-Economou representatives said they plan to secure an unspecified amount of public financing for the project.
Figure Skating Champion Bowman Dies In LA - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh
Figure Skating Champion Bowman Dies In LA - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh: "In 1993, while skating with the Ice Capades, he was beaten at a hotel in a seedy neighborhood in Pittsburgh, according to a police report.
Born in Hollywood, Calif., on March 30, 1967, Bowman had a part in the TV series 'Little House on the Prairie' for one season and appeared in dozens of commercials.
Recently, Bowman had returned to acting. He had a role an assistant coach in the upcoming Brian J. De Palma-directed movie 'Down and Distance' staring Gary Busey."
Good Bye Dollar: And a peek into the future
Click to play. Hint: It is the triangle that points to the right, either in the middle of the screen or the one at the left of the slider / progress bar.
Hat tip to a friend's blog, Three Rivers Post.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
American Entrepreneur and the new drink tax
The American Entrepreneur - Newsletter Articles ALLEGHENY COUNTY'S NEW TAXES: THE REST OF THE STORYThis Saturday's show is going to have a segment devoted to this topic, the new Allegheny County drink tax. It caused quite the uproar among
A great deal has been written and said about the December enactment of two new taxes in Allegheny County. The case against levying the new drink and car rental taxes was exceptionally strong; the case for levying new taxes was pitifully weak.
the restaurant industry thus far in 2008. Ron will talk with Ed Dunlap of The LeMont Restaurant about what he's doing to ease the burden of the tax for the customer.
Dave P is home from NH --- Lessons Learned and Other Thoughts from NH
Dave Powell, a Pittsburgh Co-Organizer for the Ron Paul MeetUp, and chair of the Libertaian Party (I'm the vice-chair) sent along this report of his recent trip.
Competing Campaign analysis:
Thompson – flameout… a total no-show.
Rudy - ditto. A very few signs and supporters. We essentially tied with Guiliani - and people are taking notice, and wondering why they haven't heard of this Dr. Paul guy (we heard this on the trip back).
Huckabee - a few sincere volunteers, and lots of media. Fairly weak showing (but dedicated) at polling, only Huck signs at my polling place, one guy for half the day, and a young family that (IMO very bravely with the 3-year old and 4-month old) stuck out the whole day. However, he is taking the social conservative/religious vote. Dr. Paul is a religious man, and he (IMO) rightly does not wear it on his sleeve, or pander to religious groups. But this is costing him votes. IMO a push for the religious vote is needed, so reach out to the church groups, go to putluck dinners, fireman's charities, borough town hall meetings, etc.
Romney has a well oiled machine. Guys with little coiled ear-pieces. Lots of supporter-volunteers. The media came and waited for him. I held a RP sign behind his head for the whole time. :) Follow Romney, and you get the media. Probably all paid/pro organized, only one volunteer showed up at the Anderson Cooper rally, and he would not get off his cell phone to hole up both ends of his wire-framed sign. At my polling place many volunteers showed up, but they almost all left after Mitt made his appearance.
Mccain - one or two volunteers at my polling station. Still gets media attention though.
Kuchinich – a few sincere volunteers, and these guys love us. The DK bus honked when it went past. Poor guy, I felt bad for him, they had signs outside of their HQ and nobody to hold them.
Edwards - had sign wavers, but a weak showing at the polling station. They only showed up a couple of hours from the closing, and only had like 5 people for the last hour, all volunteers possible getting off work.
Hillary - had a shuttlebus, and lots of signs wavers, possibly some pro. Definitely knew that they were on a schedule and had somewhere to be next.
Obama - lots of sign wavers - young volunteers as far as I could tell. Fair grassroots turnout.
Random Thoughts/Suggestions:
Canvassing problems: It’s winter, and dark by 5 nobody was home during daylight. We wasted whole days knocking on empty doors.
Ineffective model – insane computer-generated directions were impossible to follow, and we spent too much time per house. We should have just been given a few streets to hit every door, we had the manpower. So, I would jump out of the car and flyer 2-4 houses while my partner did the packet canvass.
Get a bullhorn to lead chants - people screamed themselves hoarse, and IMO affected turnout the next day.
Nametags/badges for field leaders would help direct the volunteers, help avoid another Hannity incident, and help identify good candidates for interviews to the media...we don't want a Truther or similar selected to represent us on camera. In addition, If anything strange happens(ie: getting violent during a rally), take pictures/video, and try to relate what happened to a staffer. I just saw 2 Youtube clips where the same guy appears as a local voter in Iowa and NH. If (and I haven't seen anybody yet) anyone is acting as a plant in our organization, a little evidence can go a long way.
Continue to let people organize themselves. This actually did happen, but I wanted to point out that allowing people that clicked to work together is most effective. So, for instance, continue to make it easy for people to change what house they stay in so they can get to work early with people they function well with. BUT: Provide more effective communication with the grassroots. Many people noted that they were not put to 100% effective use. Why no Organization Organizer? Roxy, Brinks, Norm and others were great (and they need assistants), but exactly whose job was it to communicate what was going on next? Again, a badge or two might be nice. Often people were milling around chatting while something important was being communicated. If everyone knew who would have the latest news they would pay more attention. The grassroots was still pretty effective at communicating considering everything, but something as simple as, say, bulletin boards at friendly pubs, flyers, or a blog could work wonders (for instance, I could not find a few rally locations in time)
Learn the election laws of every location (including items such as marching on city hall steps - we almost had an incident). Start with the state, but don't forget the municipalities...I was informed of a few rules that would not appear in the state lawbooks. For instance, I was told to wipe off the "Ron Paul 2008" that someone had drawn with white paint on my van's windows (the rationale being that campaigns cannot park a huge sign next to the polling place). I should stress as well, that the "moderator" of the election has ABSOLUTE control over the polling place. They may kick you out for ANY OR NO REASON AT ALL. You MUST abide by their decisions. If you encounter an issue, politely ask them if there is particular election code that they are citing, and is it possible to show you/get a copy of the cited election law so that we may straighten things out with HQ. But they also may just classify you as an "interference" and ask you to leave, so go. Also, ask to watch the votes get counted, preferably with a video camera.
Get a shuttle bus. Hillary had one, and it very effectively got people to where they needed to be. We had people stranded in other towns without rides unable to attend events.
Familiarize yourself with Paul's positions, *especially positions that you do not agree with*. Be prepared to make a pro-life argument. Be prepared to argue immigration positions. these are two deviations from the libertarian platform. It is possible to find some areas of agreement, and just stress those.
Dress as nicely as you can. We need to defringe-ify this movement or the media will turn it into a circus. People have quit jobs, moved, travelled from California, Hawaii, Florida, New York, Virginia, Texas, Montana, Spain, Panama, Poland, Estonia and sacrificed time with family and friends for this effort. Please shave and put on a tie.
I hope this helps those who will be picking up this effort in other areas. I also hope that we have worked through the growing pains and will field a team of seasoned campaigners.
Please feel free to forward this message on to other meetup organizers.
Great Quote from Brad Porter of FACT: The Battle for Freedom is one that can never be won, but can always be lost.
Pgh Public Schools -- next board meeting on Sunday
Mark -
I have just learned that PPS has a Board meeting on Sunday at 2 PM - that's right - Sunday. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Excel 9-12. The meeting will be in the Board Committee room. I think they are planning for a long meeting that would go all afternoon and into the evening.
Its not on their website yet, but I confirmed this with Robin Wenger in the Board office. I know you are posting these things so I thought you would want to know about it.
Thanks,
Carey Harris
A+ Schools
New Arena Discussion with Bram on a podcast
The biggest city planning meeting in our lifetime -- starts at 2 pm on Monday at 200 Ross Street.
Bram of the Pittsburgh Comet and the Burgh Report was kind enough to give me some time to get a better understanding of the fireworks associated with the developments of the new hockey arena in the Hill District. A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA for short) is on the rocks. It seems that what Mayor Ravenstahl wants does not match well with the dreams and ambitions with the various groups and residents.
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/901
We talked about this thread and another blogger:
Update: The arena is on for hearing and action on Monday. They are last on the
agenda. (Reported Dolores Hanna, Special Project Operations Manager, Department of City Planning)
Bram of the Pittsburgh Comet and the Burgh Report was kind enough to give me some time to get a better understanding of the fireworks associated with the developments of the new hockey arena in the Hill District. A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA for short) is on the rocks. It seems that what Mayor Ravenstahl wants does not match well with the dreams and ambitions with the various groups and residents.
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/901
We talked about this thread and another blogger:
New Arena Discussion - Page 42 - Steelers Fever Forums: "Re: New Arena Discussion"
Revelations - http://drgoddess.blogspot.com/
Update: The arena is on for hearing and action on Monday. They are last on the
agenda. (Reported Dolores Hanna, Special Project Operations Manager, Department of City Planning)
TEXAS SWIMMING: Olympic Coverage off to Rough Start
Honey, pay-back is a bitch, regardless of culture and TV celeb / news status.
TEXAS SWIMMING: Olympic Television Coverage off to Rough Start The Wall Street Journal article - complete with a translation
Franklin College Explores Addition of Swimming
There is a bit of a trend here -- going against the tide. Too many schools have cut the mens swim teams. Some are picking up swimming again.
Ohio University cut its mens swim team -- and I still hate them for that. I'm a graduate of O.U.
Slippery Rock too.
CollegeSwimming.com: Franklin College Explores Addition of Swimming: “The stars are aligned for this,” said Hass. “I believe the college, the area and the school corporations would all benefit from having a competitive program at Franklin College.Franklin College is in Indiana.
Ohio University cut its mens swim team -- and I still hate them for that. I'm a graduate of O.U.
Slippery Rock too.
Hired, other resigned: vindication, ethical and PROACTIVE
A number of issues are spin into this posting. Koch gets hired by the mayor. Lamb resigns from the board of A+ Schools and the Ethics Hearing Board gets self determination.
All three matters were woven into the packets of complaints that I filed with the Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board a few months ago. http://www.Rauterkus.com/ethics/ Each are resolved.
First, today's P-G reports:
I was proactive in my challenge to the Ethics Hearing Board. I didn't have proof. But, the matter is resolved now.
Now we are left to wonder. Did the hiring of Koch by Ravenstahl come after the vote on Monday? Humm...
Hindsight: Koch's hiring could have happened in July. Then he could have resigned from city council and that office could have been taken out of its lame duck status months earlier. That would have pushed up the money in the city budget's vacancy allowance of unfilled positions. But, that's okay. I didn't rant about the lame duck members of council -- and their staffs -- but I pondered it. I'll make that point in a policy paper later and not be as bold in my attacks at people in jobs today.
But back to current events and inside Grant Street. The Kraus vote for Shields as City Council's President might have insured the hiring of Koch to the Public Works department. That's just a hunch.
However, it will be interesting to see if Kraus should pitch a fit, or, just get to the clean-up that is needed in Oakland.
Memo to the 'clean, green and mean' councilman, Kraus: Read the paper. Go pick-up that trash!
(insert blog artwork here)
The city should be working on INFRASTRUCTURE. That is a major plank and policy to promote at ever turn (pun intended).
I'm too much of a 'generalist' to campaign on a single issue. I favor the freestyle -- ranting at will upon things that need to be addressed. But others could pick up this mode of operation and find great success in winning votes -- and perhaps -- beating incumbent Democrats.
Sewer pipes, retaining walls, rehab of bridges and street lighting are not sexy political issues for candidates. But, if the nuts and bolts matters of public infrastructure are championed, candidates of any party would earn respect and votes. And by all means, I don't mean to imply that new tunnels under the Allegheny River to get to the stadiums should be put into the category of 'infrastructure stewardship.' Building the tunnel under the river is nothing but a boondoggle. Spending the nearly billion dollars to do that project is going to further weaken the budgets to take care of what we already have.
Second: Michael Lamb, the city's new controller, has resigned from the board of A+ Schools. I have learned from Carrie Harris, the executive director of A+ Schools, that Michael Lamb made a verbal resignation. That's good. That's behind us now too, thankfully, finally.
Third: Wrangling in city council at the end of 2007 about the budget and home for the Ethics Hearing Board have taken some of the pressure off the matters with the other complaint. I think that the Ethics Hearing Board is unethical -- and filed a complaint against that entity. But, things are moving to fix these issues. Most of all, when a complaint is filed with the Ethics Hearing Board, it won't get screened by the Law Department. The Law Department sat on my complaints. The complaints were filed, a meeting was held weeks later, and the complaints were NOT put before the Ethics Hearing Board because of Law Department red tape. A major divorce has to happen between the Ethics Hearing Board and the Law Department. Sister Patrice can open her own mail.
There is much more to be done. But, that round is over. We need to be proactive. We need to celebrate victories.
All three matters were woven into the packets of complaints that I filed with the Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board a few months ago. http://www.Rauterkus.com/ethics/ Each are resolved.
First, today's P-G reports:
Ousted politicians land on their feet at city hall Former Councilman Jeff Koch, defeated in the May Democratic primary, is now a special streets program supervisor in the Public Works Department.Word on the street was a typical, but wrong, 'to the victor goes the spoils' saga. Mr. Koch is a long-time, valued, insightful guy who departed city council at the start of 2008. It made great sense to re-hire him as a city worker to do the work of residents as great help is hard to find. Koch gets things done. He works hard. He is down to earth and straight forward in his dealings. We need knowledgeable, skilled, city employees on the job.
I was proactive in my challenge to the Ethics Hearing Board. I didn't have proof. But, the matter is resolved now.
Now we are left to wonder. Did the hiring of Koch by Ravenstahl come after the vote on Monday? Humm...
Hindsight: Koch's hiring could have happened in July. Then he could have resigned from city council and that office could have been taken out of its lame duck status months earlier. That would have pushed up the money in the city budget's vacancy allowance of unfilled positions. But, that's okay. I didn't rant about the lame duck members of council -- and their staffs -- but I pondered it. I'll make that point in a policy paper later and not be as bold in my attacks at people in jobs today.
But back to current events and inside Grant Street. The Kraus vote for Shields as City Council's President might have insured the hiring of Koch to the Public Works department. That's just a hunch.
However, it will be interesting to see if Kraus should pitch a fit, or, just get to the clean-up that is needed in Oakland.
Memo to the 'clean, green and mean' councilman, Kraus: Read the paper. Go pick-up that trash!
Incursion of slobs rankles longtime South Oakland residents Some of those who remain are demanding that the city and the University of Pittsburgh do more to combat the trash and unruliness they see all around them.Two other interesting development to watch for in the future, should Koch get on the job, as hoped, in the months to come. When you see Mr. Koch on the job, either in a jumpsuit or a three-piece suit, look to see if you can spot any message on his t-shirt. And, look to the dashboard of his vehicle for the bobble-head doll.
(insert blog artwork here)
The city should be working on INFRASTRUCTURE. That is a major plank and policy to promote at ever turn (pun intended).
Skimpy water line waylays opening of county's bioterror lab ... The $5 million state-of-the-art bioterror lab in Lawrenceville took more than five years to build and is finally finished, but the county can't move in because the water line to the sophisticated laboratory is too small to support the building's sprinkler system.A good friend of mine has suggested to me that the 'infrastructure bandwagon' is one to jump upon with full force. Libertarian and Republican candidates in the city and region could win elected office if they harp upon INFRASTRUCTURE. Our pipes are crumbling. The rash of water main breaks hurt the economy.
The 10,000-square-foot building was finished in mid-December but couldn't get a city occupancy permit because of the water supply problem caused by a corroded, 4-inch cast iron water line dating to the 1930s, ...
I'm too much of a 'generalist' to campaign on a single issue. I favor the freestyle -- ranting at will upon things that need to be addressed. But others could pick up this mode of operation and find great success in winning votes -- and perhaps -- beating incumbent Democrats.
Sewer pipes, retaining walls, rehab of bridges and street lighting are not sexy political issues for candidates. But, if the nuts and bolts matters of public infrastructure are championed, candidates of any party would earn respect and votes. And by all means, I don't mean to imply that new tunnels under the Allegheny River to get to the stadiums should be put into the category of 'infrastructure stewardship.' Building the tunnel under the river is nothing but a boondoggle. Spending the nearly billion dollars to do that project is going to further weaken the budgets to take care of what we already have.
Second: Michael Lamb, the city's new controller, has resigned from the board of A+ Schools. I have learned from Carrie Harris, the executive director of A+ Schools, that Michael Lamb made a verbal resignation. That's good. That's behind us now too, thankfully, finally.
Third: Wrangling in city council at the end of 2007 about the budget and home for the Ethics Hearing Board have taken some of the pressure off the matters with the other complaint. I think that the Ethics Hearing Board is unethical -- and filed a complaint against that entity. But, things are moving to fix these issues. Most of all, when a complaint is filed with the Ethics Hearing Board, it won't get screened by the Law Department. The Law Department sat on my complaints. The complaints were filed, a meeting was held weeks later, and the complaints were NOT put before the Ethics Hearing Board because of Law Department red tape. A major divorce has to happen between the Ethics Hearing Board and the Law Department. Sister Patrice can open her own mail.
There is much more to be done. But, that round is over. We need to be proactive. We need to celebrate victories.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Ron Paul: McCain’s Reckless ‘100 years in Iraq’ Comment Endangers Americans — Ron Paul 2008
The guy who says 'no torture' (and I'm fine with that) says 100-years of occupation too. I'm not fine with a 100-years in Iraq, as per McCain's threat. Isn't that pledge a hint at a different kind of nationalistic torture. Boil it down to McCains vision of the US troops being a bully.
I don't wish to ship some of our best and brightest over there for extended stays -- without families -- wearing uniforms -- costing us dearly -- exposed to risks of the highest order. Our men and women should not be forced to go on tours of duty abroad.
I don't wish to ship some of our best and brightest over there for extended stays -- without families -- wearing uniforms -- costing us dearly -- exposed to risks of the highest order. Our men and women should not be forced to go on tours of duty abroad.
Ron Paul: McCain’s Reckless ‘100 years in Iraq’ Comment Endangers Americans — Ron Paul 2008: "Press Releases › Ron Paul: McCain’s Reckless ‘100 years in Iraq’ Comment Endangers Americans
Press Releases › Ron Paul: McCain’s Reckless ‘100 years in Iraq’ Comment Endangers Americans
January 7, 2008 2:32 pm EST
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – In response to John McCain’s comment at a recent town hall event that he would be fine with keeping American troops in Iraq for 100 – or even 1 million years – Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul issued the following statement:
“John McCain’s statement in favor of keeping troops in Iraq for 100 years or longer puts him out of sync with the majority of Americans, who want our troops to come home. Further, his comments recklessly put America at risk as such a statement will likely serve as a recruiting tool for Bin Laden and Al Qaeda, who appeal to radicals and incite violence against Americans by claiming that the US desires to occupy the Middle East indefinitely.
“It is time to act in the true national security interest of the United States and begin withdrawal from Iraq and the rest of the Middle East immediately. Americans will be far safer under a pro-America foreign policy that seeks to end the dangerous idea that the US should be the policeman of the world.
“Further, the financial costs of keeping troops in Iraq for a century would be massive – in addition to the steep price in American lives. If John McCain really wants such a long term presence, he needs to level with the American people and tell them that his policy means we will not be able to fulfill our obligations here at home.”
According to quarterly FEC reports, Dr. Ron Paul is supported by more active duty and retired military retirees than any other candidate to be the next commander in chief. An investigation by the Houston Chronicle revealed that Congressman Paul received “more donations from current military…and retired military…than any other candidate.”
###
Romney decides to pull ads in S.C., Fla. - Yahoo! News
Romney decides to pull ads in S.C., Fla. - Yahoo! NewsRepublican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has decided to pull his advertising from South Carolina and Florida, in a sign of trouble for a campaign that badly needs a win.In more detail, the Romney campaign is pulling a page from the Bill Peduto playbook.
Spencer Zwick, Romney's national finance director, told the phone bankers: "If for some reason he is not the nominee, all those funds will be returned to the donor himself."
AP: Richardson to end presidential bid - Yahoo! News
Peace activists -- those who want to make peace and not war -- and all who want to avoid a vote for neo-cons and near-neo-cons! Come join the Ron Paul Revolution.
The military / industrial complex that the USA has become can be changed. That is the real change that people of the nation -- and the world -- desire. Our foreign policy has to change. Ron Paul will present that hope better than the rest.
I hope and expect that many of the Richardson voters will place their votes to Ron Paul now.
The military / industrial complex that the USA has become can be changed. That is the real change that people of the nation -- and the world -- desire. Our foreign policy has to change. Ron Paul will present that hope better than the rest.
AP: Richardson to end presidential bid - Yahoo! News New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his campaign for the presidency Wednesday after twin fourth-place finishes that showed his impressive credentials could not compete with his rivals' star power.I know that a number of my D friends were big-time supporters and fans of Richardson. Until now, they had a reason to be excited about a candidate in the race.
Richardson planned to announce the decision Thursday, according to two people close to the governor with knowledge of the decision. They spoke on a condition of anonymity in advance of the governor's announcement.
I hope and expect that many of the Richardson voters will place their votes to Ron Paul now.
Townhall.com: Questions for the Fair Tax Crowd::By Jerry Bowyer
Townhall.com::Questions for the Fair Tax Crowd::By Jerry Bowyer Questions for the Fair Tax Crowdby Jerry Bowyer. Lots of comments there too.
Planning commission meeting on the 14th
The Pgh Planning Commission meeting agenda is out.
click comments or the google calendar
click comments or the google calendar
Junkies Comment on the 'painful' part of Patrick's vote -- IMHO
These are my words, posted at another blog.
Blogger: 2 Political Junkies - Post a Comment Dowd was yanked off, IMHO, because he wanted a public discussion of a legislative agenda from possible candidates -- before the vote.
It didn't happen.
So, he was forced into a vote without justification, without real merit.
He turned in his vote without doing the homework. Or, really, a better view would be -- he was the 'teacher' and he turned in a 'passing grade' to the student (Doug) without the student doing any of his assigned homework. Teachers don't give out grades lightly. It was painful for Dowd to give out a vote without merit. The basis of the vote was plain old politics of the past and of the person.
That was Dowd's first step. Leaving the 'high road' was done. Perhaps he can return to the high road, bailing out himself, by forging a common legislative agenda in the days and weeks to come.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
VotePA - Election Integrity & Voting Rights in Pennsylvania
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VotePA - Election Integrity & Voting Rights in Pennsylvania Fill out your e-mail addressThanks for the conference call. There is so much to do.
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Ron Paul was on Jay Leno -- for good reason -- talking about the exclusion from the debates
Ron Paul Talks About Fox on Leno
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 9:47 AM
By: Newmax Staff
Appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on the eve of the New Hampshire primary, presidential hopeful Ron Paul said he still doesn't know why he was excluded from Fox News� Sunday night Republican debate.
Paul was left off the GOP debate roster even though Paul and his supporters set a new one-day fundraising record, raked in nearly $20 million in the fourth quarter of last year -- and got 10 percent of the vote in the Iowa caucuses.
Rudy Giuliani, who got only 4 percent in Iowa, was included in the debate, along with John McCain, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, and Mike Huckabee.
Leno told Paul on Monday night's show: "I'm trying to figure out why Fox News chose not to put you on."
"You know, we tried to find that out," Paul replied. "But they didn't return our call."
A sympathetic Leno said: "You're being extremely polite for something I think you got screwed over. I mean, I might not necessarily agree with you, but I think, as an American, we like to see everybody get an equal shot."
Paul speculated that Fox "didn't want to hear the message. Maybe they're intimidated. Maybe they're frightened. Maybe they didn't want to hear the truth. Who knows?�
The Los Angeles Times' Andrew Malcolm observed: "So Paul gets 10 percent in Iowa and gets excluded, but Rudy gets 4 percent and sits on the left end of the Fox Box desk. Hmmm."
Me &Thee Blogspot: Quick Q and A with Joe Jencks
Check out this wonderful interview with Joe. He has a new band. We've got to get him back to Pittsburgh soon.
Me&Thee Blogspot: Quick Q and A with Joe Jencks ... with one of the most relevant singer-songwriters on the scene today ...More links:
Listen to Show #140 with Joe Jencks
The song, "Come With Me" is on the radio show interview in MP3 format.
Art of the Song - Listen: "Listen to Show #140 with Joe Jencks"
I love that song. "I will carry on!"
Wall Street Journal + Jerry Bowyer = NO FAIR TAX
Free Preview - WSJ.com: By Jerry BowyerI do NOT like the fair tax. The fair tax is a nice idea for the first 30-seconds. But, the fair tax is a bad idea for America at this time. It is a bad idea for the economy. It is a bad public policy.
If talk show hosts ran the world, we'd have a national sales tax. We'd have no immigration, and we would have long ago carpet-bombed the entire Middle East. We'd also have something called 'fair trade,' which means no real trade at all.
But they don't run the world; they just pretend that if they did, everything would be great. I would be a lot more confident that this was true if I didn't know so many talk show hosts. I would be even more confident if they had really run anything of consequence before. But I do, and they haven't.
Speaking of bad policy -- pointing to an article that can't be read. I'm not interested in getting the WSJ password. So, the rest of the Bowyer article is dark to me.
Radio ads hit Detroit -- in another language
Quote of the Day:
"War is the art of conquering at home."
-- Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man
Subject: 60 radio ads now running in Michigan
We proposed it. You funded it. We did it. 60 radio ads promoting Ron Paul's "American Freedom Agenda Act" are now running in the Detroit, Michigan area.
There's something special about these ads. It isn't only that the ads promote a bill that would . . .These ads are also special because . . .
- Stop our government from torturing suspects
- End rendition, which is government agents kidnapping people and sending them to foreign dictators to be tortured
- Restore habeas corpus, allowing people to once again challenge their detention in a court of law
- Repeal warrantless wiretapping
- Prevent the government from punishing Whistleblowers
- Cripple the use of Signing Statements, by which the President refuses to execute the laws of the land
They're in Arabic!
No, it isn't our purpose to promote multi-lingualism. Rather, it's our purpose to show those who fled foreign dictators (tyrants supported by the U.S. government) that there are still Americans, like Representatives Paul and Kucinich and Welch, who believe in freedom and the rule of law for all people.
Many who are hearing these ads are American citizens, who speak both English and Arabic. Many more are the mothers and fathers of children who are English speaking citizens. We want to let them know that America really is a refuge of freedom, or can be again, if we will all join together to fight for it.
The ads are running on WNZK 690 AM, Southfield (Detroit), Michigan, Monday through Friday between 12 PM and 5 PM. The first spot aired Friday during the 4-5 PM hour. The last spot will air January 16.
These ads are recruiting new supporters. But more can be done if you want it done. We'd love to broadcast more of these ads, in English. Provide the funding, and we'll do it.
We've found it necessary, because of government violations of the First Amendment, to establish an entirely separate contribution structure for these ads, complete with new accounts and new systems. If you want to contribute to run these ads you can do so, using that new account, here.
On top of that, we might need to be financially prepared for a government legal challenge against our First Amendment rights after the ads have aired -- a challenge to see that we dotted every "i" and crossed every "t."
Everyone who contributes to this project will receive a copy of our 16-page, glossy report, "The Downsize DC Vision."
In addition, those who contribute $76 or more, specifically to air these ads, will have their name listed in the left hand, green strip on the Radio Ad page for our campaign to "Support Ron Paul's American Freedom Agenda Act." Donors will be listed in rank order, with the largest donor getting the first line -- the slot we call the "John Hancock line."
But if we don't raise sufficient funds, we'll use the money for other projects. There's no shortage of opportunities right now. On the other hand, if contributions flood in, we'll expand and broadcast ads in other cities. So your contribution is urgent. Please give all that you can.
Even if you're mailing a check, please use the contribution form. Checks that arrive without this form will be deposited in our general fund. NO EXCEPTIONS. So if you're going to mail a check please print out the form, fill it in completely, and make the check to DownsizeDC.org, Inc. Write "radio ads" in the memo section. The mailing address is listed on the bottom of that form.
And whether you can send money or not, please send a message to your representatives in Congress, urging them to co-sponsor HR 3835, the American Freedom Agenda Act.
Thank you for being a DC Downsizer,
Jim Babka
President
DownsizeDC.org, Inc.
MoveOn.org Political Action: Paper ballots for the 2008 election
MoveOn.org Political Action: Paper ballots for the 2008 election: "Paper ballots for the 2008 election"Is this a good idea or not? Well, -- we'll talk about it tonight at the gathering at TalkShoe.com.Paper ballots for the 2008 election
This Sunday's cover story in The New York Times Magazine makes plain the threat: The winner of the 2008 presidential election could be decided by flawed, insecure, and hackable electronic voting machines.
This is the most prominent news coverage this issue has ever gotten, so it could be our one last chance to get this right before the election in November.
Congress is poised to consider a new emergency paper ballots bill next week—but we'll have to convince them to act right away.
A compiled petition with your individual comment will be presented to local election officials and your members of Congress.
TalkShoe.com has made a major upgrade
TalkShoe.com, a Pittsburgh-based company, has a new release and a wonderful new upgrade. It comes just in time for the next two events I've got brewing. One is tonight. The other is tomorrow night. Both start at 10 pm EST.
The upgrade is a web client. This means that people will be able to join a telephone conference call via the web and NOT be forced to download and install the java applet. So, you can become a participant with one click.
The classic interface is still present, however. That is great.
Furthermore, the chat room text that flows onto the screen is now vertical and not horizontal. This new format is what most people are used to seeing in a chat setting.
Way to go Aaron and the others at TalkShoe.com.
The upgrade is a web client. This means that people will be able to join a telephone conference call via the web and NOT be forced to download and install the java applet. So, you can become a participant with one click.
The classic interface is still present, however. That is great.
Furthermore, the chat room text that flows onto the screen is now vertical and not horizontal. This new format is what most people are used to seeing in a chat setting.
Way to go Aaron and the others at TalkShoe.com.
Doug Shields -- council president -- not so big victory
 | Doug Shields -- confused by the Post-Gazette. View Video |
Doug Shields was in the limelight at the opening meeting of city council in 2008. Here is a blast from the past.
Humm.... There are plenty of thoughts that flow from the day of oaths on Grant Street.
Ethics reform remains a major theme
I hope Dan and Luke were listening.
Ethics reform remains a major theme | Philadelphia Daily News | 01/08/2008 Ethics reform remains a major themeI would LOVE to be a part of a team / process / discussion about a reform of Pittsburgh's Ethics. We'd start with the Ethics Hearing Board. After all the present members resign. We'd get people who want to move a bit faster than the average glacier. Next, we'd make suggestions to the law -- so as to eliminate the confidentiality clause. Then we'd hold televised meetings once a week. It would be nothing to spend no money -- but use public evaluation as a tool. No punishments would come from the Ethics Hearing Board itself. But, that board could better make the case for civil and criminal trails yet to unfold.
Tonight's TalkCast on Electronic Voting Machines and associated problems in counting the votes
We're going to have an online and on the phone event tonight. Here is another bit of insight from our expert, guest.
For the details, check below or log onto TalkShoe.com around 10 pm.
Mark,I don't know who will show up. Will you?
My focus always is on trying to formulate solutions to the problems. My thought is that since the article points to PA as the next big electoral problem and PA is wide-open to undetected outcome-determinative vote fraud and error now, that perhaps we should focus on how to solve the PA problems.
With that in mind, I've specifically invited a couple of key PA election activists to join the conversation - Stephanie Singer from the Phile area and Marybeth Kuznik. I'm thinking of also specifically inviting Steve Freeman.
And then discussing some methods that the CA activists successfully used there and see if PA activists might want to try using the same tools plus other tools that are available given the lack of accountable voting systems in PA.
Cheers,
For the details, check below or log onto TalkShoe.com around 10 pm.
City council taking on a new look and attitude
Humm...
There must be plenty of things that government should NOT achieve.
I don't want city council to achieve -- by building new ballparks. Are we going to tear down PNC PARK and Heinz FIELD to create new jobs and help the teams win in the playoffs? I don't want to achieve that.
Are we going to build lots of $300,000 town homes in downtown so that the other 87 neighborhoods can have more vacant properties? I don't want them to achieve that.
Are we going to tear down even more historic libraries and move them to strip malls? I don't want them to achieve that.
Are we going to put cameras at every intersection to catch all sorts of citizens doing all sorts of things -- so that nobody comes to Pittsburgh again? That would be what they want to achieve, it seems, at times.
All the Democrats in city hall have given the impression that they are with checks and balances. It is bull. They all are of the same party. They are all doing a little drama.
The always contentious vote -- picking a leader. Woop it up. That's no cause for celebration. So what. The 'heavy politicking' got the city residents nothing.
A certain independence won't be found with an all D council and an D mayor and a D controller. They all spoke about the dependence upon their political machine. They all share the same machine.
Mr. Dowd is right when he says that the politics of personallity has not ended. They are not out of the woods.
Mr. Ravenstahl was right -- it is going to be all downhill from here. They are united and on a roll -- and they don't know which way to go. They will roll wherever they are pulled -- by the D party drivers -- by the developers and speculators with deep pockets.
Kraus was right -- diversity is a strength. But, city council has marginal diversity at best. It might be fair to say that council has none. They all have "D" after their names.
Mr. Shields tussled with the administration -- only if you believe that mountains come from mole hills. The examples given:
Pgh Promise was because citizens put in for a public hearing. Council didn't even have a vote -- accept to advance it with RULE 8.
The Police Domestic Violence was called a 'first step.' Hardly a tussle or a witch hunt.
Animal control -- hell! Mayor Murphy fired the rodent control people years ago. Shields watched. The rats of the city scurry around. That is hardly a tussle.
Even Shields said he does NOT see any need for a schism. "If the mayor fails -- we all fail." That will not be tolerated.
Lockstep boosterism.
Mr. Lamb advocated changes after giving big credit to past cronies, including the late Jeep. He has been in city hall for 20 years, and he does not hide those facts and history. That is called a 'big change' because he and the mayor are set on the responsibilities.
The double-talk is killing me -- and this region.
City council taking on a new look and attitude 'There's nothing we can't achieve,' said Mr. Shields. 'We stand by ready to help shape this agenda, along with the mayor, to serve the public.'I'm not sure I want them to serve the public. They don't know what the public is.
There must be plenty of things that government should NOT achieve.
I don't want city council to achieve -- by building new ballparks. Are we going to tear down PNC PARK and Heinz FIELD to create new jobs and help the teams win in the playoffs? I don't want to achieve that.
Are we going to build lots of $300,000 town homes in downtown so that the other 87 neighborhoods can have more vacant properties? I don't want them to achieve that.
Are we going to tear down even more historic libraries and move them to strip malls? I don't want them to achieve that.
Are we going to put cameras at every intersection to catch all sorts of citizens doing all sorts of things -- so that nobody comes to Pittsburgh again? That would be what they want to achieve, it seems, at times.
All the Democrats in city hall have given the impression that they are with checks and balances. It is bull. They all are of the same party. They are all doing a little drama.
The always contentious vote -- picking a leader. Woop it up. That's no cause for celebration. So what. The 'heavy politicking' got the city residents nothing.
A certain independence won't be found with an all D council and an D mayor and a D controller. They all spoke about the dependence upon their political machine. They all share the same machine.
Mr. Dowd is right when he says that the politics of personallity has not ended. They are not out of the woods.
Mr. Ravenstahl was right -- it is going to be all downhill from here. They are united and on a roll -- and they don't know which way to go. They will roll wherever they are pulled -- by the D party drivers -- by the developers and speculators with deep pockets.
Kraus was right -- diversity is a strength. But, city council has marginal diversity at best. It might be fair to say that council has none. They all have "D" after their names.
Mr. Shields tussled with the administration -- only if you believe that mountains come from mole hills. The examples given:
Pgh Promise was because citizens put in for a public hearing. Council didn't even have a vote -- accept to advance it with RULE 8.
The Police Domestic Violence was called a 'first step.' Hardly a tussle or a witch hunt.
Animal control -- hell! Mayor Murphy fired the rodent control people years ago. Shields watched. The rats of the city scurry around. That is hardly a tussle.
Even Shields said he does NOT see any need for a schism. "If the mayor fails -- we all fail." That will not be tolerated.
Lockstep boosterism.
Mr. Lamb advocated changes after giving big credit to past cronies, including the late Jeep. He has been in city hall for 20 years, and he does not hide those facts and history. That is called a 'big change' because he and the mayor are set on the responsibilities.
The double-talk is killing me -- and this region.
Tribune-Review is hogwash
Trib editors:
Losers are voters who have no choice at the ballot box.
Losers are citizens who have politicians that are in the pockets of the wealthy.
Losers are elections when the vote count can't be trusted.
Losers are debate organizers who don't allow for all the candidates to participate.
Losers are editors who have a closed mind and don't even want to open up a discussion.
Losers are reformist who meet for months to solve some issues and can't get results of discussions out into the public view -- yet alone voted upon.
Pittsburgh Tuesday takes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Hogwash times 10: Here they come! Beware! The campaign finance 'reform' do-gooders are hitching up the bandwagon. Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto, an unsuccessful mayoral candidate, says he'll soon propose legislation that caps the amount of money individuals can give in city races. This is what losers usually do when they can't gain traction with the public, isn't it?"No. It isn't.
Losers are voters who have no choice at the ballot box.
Losers are citizens who have politicians that are in the pockets of the wealthy.
Losers are elections when the vote count can't be trusted.
Losers are debate organizers who don't allow for all the candidates to participate.
Losers are editors who have a closed mind and don't even want to open up a discussion.
Losers are reformist who meet for months to solve some issues and can't get results of discussions out into the public view -- yet alone voted upon.
Join tonight's talkcast -- Electronic Voting -- while the NH results begin to arrive
Podcast Announcement:
Join our PodCast Tue, January 8, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST
You have been invited to join a live Talkcast.
Listen to or Join a Talkcast - Episode: Electronic Voting Machines
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=3181&cmd=tc
Host: Rauterkus - Mark@Rauterkus.com
The article in the NY Times magazine asks: Can You Count On These Machines?
By CLIVE THOMPSON, Published: January 6, 2008 is required reading
before the discussion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/magazine/06Vote-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp
http://tinyurl.com/37y4yj
We'll talk about that article in this talkcast, hosted by Mark Rauterkus, with a special guest from Utah, Kathy Dopp. Kathy Dopp's fact-finding and investigative efforts puts her at the head of the class nation-wide. Dopp is a Mathematician and expert in election audit mathematics and procedures. She resides in Park City, Utah and has sites on the web:
http://electionmathematics.org
http://electionarchive.org
http://utahcountvotes.org
Local Pennsylvania experts have been invited as well. Open to all citizens, voters, advocates, candidates and even our friends in New Hampshire.
Talkcast ID: 3181
Scheduled Time:
Date: Tue, January 8, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST
How to participate:
Call in:
1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 3181 # (Talkcast ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN
or Join from your computer:
Go to http://www.talkshoe.com and sign up
1. Become a TalkShoe member
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/userCreate1.jsp
2. Download and install TalkShoe Live client
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/login.jsp?pushNav=1&cmd=signin
3. Click here to join the Talkcast
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=3181&cmd=tc
Listen to the Recording:
If you missed this event or want to hear previous recorded episodes click here.
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=3181&cmd=tc
--------------
The NY Times Magazine article heavily quotes Pittsburg Carnegie Mellon
University's Michael Shamos
A rebuttal to CMU's Michael Shamos was written by Arthur M. Keller,
Edward Cherlin, and David Mertz.
http://infolab.stanford.edu/pub/keller/2007/shamos-rebuttal-vocomp2007.pdf
As noted in their paper: "During those years he [Shamos] personally
examined more than 100 different computerized voting systems for
certification purposes. In the 2000 election, machines for which he
participated in certification (which did not include Florida) were
used to count more than 11% of the popular vote of the United States".
As David Webber notes, 'One can therefore attribute a large chunk of
the problems with current voting systems to the fact that Shamos
singularly failed to identify those during his "certification".'
Webber adds, "Shamos has all kinds of academic qualifications - but
absent from his resume is actual production implementation of systems.
His comments read like those of someone who has never actually built
real systems himself and deployed them for public use in mission
critical environments."
As the NY Times article notes: "IF YOU WANTED to know where the next
great eruption of voting-machine scandal is likely to emerge, you'd
have to drive deep into the middle of Pennsylvania." and "21
electoral-college votes, a relatively large number that could decide a
tight presidential race" where Michael Shamos has certified
touch-screen voting systems with no paper ballot records.
-------------
Another excellent response to the New York Times Magazine Article on E-voting
January 06, 2008
by Dan Wallach
http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/?p=1244
--
Kathy Dopp
The material expressed herein is the informed product of the author
Kathy Dopp's fact-finding and investigative efforts. Dopp is a
Mathematician, Expert in election audit mathematics and procedures; in
exit poll discrepancy analysis; and can be reached at
P.O. Box 680192
Park City, UT 84068
phone 435-658-4657
http://utahcountvotes.org
http://electionmathematics.org
http://electionarchive.org
History of Confidence Election Auditing Development & Overview of
Election Auditing Fundamentals
http://electionarchive.org/ucvAnalysis/US/paper-audits/History-of-Election-Auditing-Development.pdf
Vote Yes on HR811 and S2295
http://electionmathematics.org/VoteYesHR811.pdf
Voters Have Reason to Worry
http://utahcountvotes.org/UT/UtahCountVotes-ThadHall-Response.pdf
"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body
and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day," wrote
Thomas Jefferson in 1816
Monday, January 07, 2008
More planning meetings about schools -- Sunday at 2 pm -- and my TalkShoe.com conference call on WED at 10 pm
We are planning another strategy meeting for 2 pm next Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Panerra on the Boulevard of the Allies. The next board hearing is January 14 and we would like to coordinate some talking points and strategy.
Tentative topics:
1. Schenley building, status of current information regarding repair costs and extent
2. Schenley population: IB/IS, neighborhood, freshman class, segregation
3. High school reform: Think it through before committing further funds.
We are going to try to come up with a list of questions/concerns that we would like to have answered. The board hearings give us the opportunity to express our concerns but they do not give us any means to get answers to these questiosn or concerns. If you are unable to join us on Sunday, there are several ways to stay involved. Check out the telephone conference info listed below, send an email to me with questions/concerns and I will add to our list, write to your school board member expressing your thoughts, sign up to speak and the next hearing, write a letter to the editor. Most important: STAY INFORMED. Change is constant; know how it will affect you and your child(ren).
amy moore
(her phone # zapped by blog owner)
TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9, 10 PM. DETAILS BELOW:
You are invited to a telephone conference call to ponder the possibilities of Schenley High School and School District Reform. Parents are gathering to organize efforts and insights. This TalkShoe.com "talkcast" uses either a telephone OR a computer (or both).
Topics include Schools in Pittsburgh. Parents and community members, get a grip on the proposed changes. Join the fellow parents who have been gathering to talk about the Pgh Public Schools on global basis. Politics, School Reform, Action-plans for Activists are fair game. We are NOT interested in individual concerns about specific kids. Rather, focus on the community, the schools, the agenda!
Meet at 10 pm (eastern) on WED, Jan 9, 2008. The meeting will conclude by 11 pm. After the conversation, the recorded conversation is available for download as a podcast.
No need to pay anything or RSVP. Just show up.
Host: Mark Rauterkus - Mark@Rauterkus.com
Talkcast ID: 3177
Date: Wed, January 9, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST
How to participate:
Call in:
1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 3177 # (Talkcast ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN
Join from your computer:
1. Become a TalkShoe member
2. Download and install TalkShoe Live client
3. Click here to join the Talkcast
This is our first meeting with this forum / technology. Now is the time to join and be stronger advocates for the sake of the kids in the city.
Messages from the front lines of the PRESIDENTIAL race: First up, Ron Paul
In Iowa, many hundreds of volunteers worked day and night for our campaign. College kids took their Christmas vacations in the snow for freedom. Thousands of people donated to make it all possible. We had many phone calls, brochures, mailings, advertising. Revolutionaries from all over the country sent handwritten letters to every voter, and despite national media attacks and censorship, we got more than 10% of the vote. We also soundly beat a certain ex-mayor who started off the first debate by attacking a pro-American foreign policy and the explanatory doctrine of "blowback," the CIA's term for foreign intervention that causes trouble for us in return. The Golden Rule applies to nations as well as to individuals.
And speaking of debates, FOX blocked my participation in its last New Hampshire debate, but I think that hurt FOX more than us. We had a terrifically successful townhall meeting at the same time, and Jay Leno invited me on the Tonight Show again to discuss it. Many members of our movement were galvanized to overcome the bias, including me!
In our Iowa campaign, since it was a caucus, we were dealing with party activists for the most part, not the people. And some of the activists were very unhappy to hear our views, trying to scream them down! Others thought that peace violates Christianity. But New Hampshire is another story. There is a state and a people tailor-made for us. Live Free! Then there are Michigan, South Carolina, and Super Tuesday and its nearly 20 primaries. Frankly, we need $23 million more to have a chance of beating the establishment candidates.
I am working hard for our ideas, as I know you are. The attacks and even smears will increase as we do better. But they will not defeat our ideas. They cannot defeat out ideas. At this moment of urgency for America, with spending, taxes, spying, inflation, and wars out of control and threatening all we love, let us rededicate ourselves to freedom, prosperity, and peace. Already, I owe you all my thanks. Join me in this great endeavor in New Hampshire and beyond. Please make your most generous donation now: https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate
Sincerely,
Ron
See the comments for a rant from a supporter about some other supporter.
I just wrote to the volunteer, "Please don't fight one temper tantrum with another. Hit em between the eyes, but with class.
Record high -- and I'm not talking about city council
Go Ohio State!
My first son loves two football teams. In the college ranks, he pulls for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the NFL, he pulls for the New England Patriots. This is a good week for him.
My second son and I are going to ride our bikes to swim practice tonight. It is so warm. Will be great. And, his team won the geography bee in his classroom today. At the end of Friday, there was a two-team show-down / overtime. The winning answer had something to do with a lake in a North American country -- and the video image I uploaded today to this blog (scroll lower) shows Grant, in CANDADA, ringing the bell after a day of swimming in a lake in ONTARIO.
It is easier to win the Geography Bee when you've traveled the world. Perspectives.
To my friends now in New Hampshire -- safe travels home.
The image below says "IOWA" in the sign. But, it might as well be Pittsburgh City Council -- today -- as the Dems took the oath of office.
I heard the word 'freedom' once in all the speeches. Ricky Burgess gets the prize. I heard 'free elections' one other time, from Doug Shields. The word "liberty" was not mentioned at all.
My first son loves two football teams. In the college ranks, he pulls for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the NFL, he pulls for the New England Patriots. This is a good week for him.
My second son and I are going to ride our bikes to swim practice tonight. It is so warm. Will be great. And, his team won the geography bee in his classroom today. At the end of Friday, there was a two-team show-down / overtime. The winning answer had something to do with a lake in a North American country -- and the video image I uploaded today to this blog (scroll lower) shows Grant, in CANDADA, ringing the bell after a day of swimming in a lake in ONTARIO.
It is easier to win the Geography Bee when you've traveled the world. Perspectives.
To my friends now in New Hampshire -- safe travels home.
The image below says "IOWA" in the sign. But, it might as well be Pittsburgh City Council -- today -- as the Dems took the oath of office.
I heard the word 'freedom' once in all the speeches. Ricky Burgess gets the prize. I heard 'free elections' one other time, from Doug Shields. The word "liberty" was not mentioned at all.
A+ Schools calls for the avoidance of a teacher strike
Join A+ Schools in urging the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers to resolve the issues related to the teacher’s contract in a way that avoids a strike and ensures that education our children progresses without interruption.That is one approach. Another action point -- join our telephone conversation on WEDNESDAY night at 10 pm to talk about schools. We'll talk about this as well.
We expect all parties will do whatever is required to ensure that kids are never used as a bargaining chip, and that all negotiations will be conducted in a way that reflects compassion and commitment to the future of our city’s students.
What you can do:
* Call or email John Tarka, President of the PFT and Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent of PPS to urge them resolve the contract issues without a strike. You can leave a message – it still has an impact.
1. John Tarka: john_tarka@pft400.org or 412 431-5900
2. Mark Roosevelt: mroosevelt1@pghboe.net or 412 622-3600
* Send a letter to the editor of the Post Gazette and Tribune Review– urging both sides to find a resolution to the contract. letters@post-gazette.com and opinion@tribweb.com.
* Send a post card to both leaders! A+ Schools has produced post cards that can be signed and mailed to both leaders. If you would like these post cards please contact us at info@aplusschools.org or 412 258-2660. If you would like to help distribute post cards please let us know that as well.
Let our leaders hear from you!
I didn't hear A+ Schools Board Member Michael Lamb say that he was going to resign from the A+ Board now that he is a city employee who is charged, by the city charter, to do independent audits of the school district.
City may limit campaign donations. Great. Peduto lurches ahead again
Ring the bell for change. Come and get it.
This is good news. It is the lead story in the Post-Gazette.
Now, with the state court's recent decision, Bill Peduto does NOT have an excuse for ongoing delays to the discussion about this topic.
I'm able to beat up a bit on Bill Peduto because he didn't do what I felt he should have done in the past. He fumbled. An important conversation was started -- but -- he didn't have the follow-through to give it full consideration as it deserved. I'll get this rant out of my system and then we can move along.
First off, Philly should NOT be the tail that wags the dog. What Philly does is up to them. They can prove a negative, or fight a specific negative with the courts. But, that is just one element as to what could be done.
Awareness, education, politics, and discussion on our elections are critical. I want to settle differences without going to the courts. Judges never provide the best solutions. And, most of all, I want to settle differences without the need of going to the streets. Aggression and violence are not desired.
Our democracy is frail.
When people ignore serious problems and refuse to meet, act, discuss, and work on those serious problems -- and use a court case at the other end of the state as an excuse, then I'm disappointed.
Now, the log jam is broken.
Will another 'threat' or 'bump in the road' send this Peduto initiative back into the bunker for another two years?
The video is a blast from the past. The speaker is S.B., head of the League of Women Voters. She is speaking at a public hearing that I called after Bill Peduto introduced the first campaign finance reform bill, a few years ago.
Will the next campaign cycle wait while these matters get sorted? New rules are on the horizon -- and that means that the old rules are still in play. So, will there be a gold rush for candidates and campaigns now -- because of the lack of restrictions?
Pittsburgh politicians take $10,000 checks.
Pittsburgh is corrupt.
Pittsburgh is famous for back-room deals.
The political landscape in Pittsburgh needs a lot of help. Doing nothing, as the case lingered, harms our public life and cripples the hope for open, honest public service for the region's citizens.
Now let me take a few deep breaths and I'll get to the history of what was done, what could be done, and where Pittsburgh needs to go in the weeks ahead.
Bill Peduto -- run like the wind. You can streak if you wish. But, thankfully, you don't need to. The P-G is putting this story, this time, above the fold and on the front page as the lead story.
 | A bell to start the new year on Grant Street. View Video |
This is good news. It is the lead story in the Post-Gazette.
City may limit campaign donations City may limit campaign donationsThe State Supreme Court was NOT a road-block. Bill Peduto was.
State Supreme Court ruling clears the way
Now, with the state court's recent decision, Bill Peduto does NOT have an excuse for ongoing delays to the discussion about this topic.
I'm able to beat up a bit on Bill Peduto because he didn't do what I felt he should have done in the past. He fumbled. An important conversation was started -- but -- he didn't have the follow-through to give it full consideration as it deserved. I'll get this rant out of my system and then we can move along.
First off, Philly should NOT be the tail that wags the dog. What Philly does is up to them. They can prove a negative, or fight a specific negative with the courts. But, that is just one element as to what could be done.
Awareness, education, politics, and discussion on our elections are critical. I want to settle differences without going to the courts. Judges never provide the best solutions. And, most of all, I want to settle differences without the need of going to the streets. Aggression and violence are not desired.
Our democracy is frail.
When people ignore serious problems and refuse to meet, act, discuss, and work on those serious problems -- and use a court case at the other end of the state as an excuse, then I'm disappointed.
Now, the log jam is broken.
Will another 'threat' or 'bump in the road' send this Peduto initiative back into the bunker for another two years?
The video is a blast from the past. The speaker is S.B., head of the League of Women Voters. She is speaking at a public hearing that I called after Bill Peduto introduced the first campaign finance reform bill, a few years ago.
 | League of Women Voters - you got to start somewhere. Agree with Mark. View Video |
Will the next campaign cycle wait while these matters get sorted? New rules are on the horizon -- and that means that the old rules are still in play. So, will there be a gold rush for candidates and campaigns now -- because of the lack of restrictions?
Pittsburgh politicians take $10,000 checks.
Pittsburgh is corrupt.
Pittsburgh is famous for back-room deals.
The political landscape in Pittsburgh needs a lot of help. Doing nothing, as the case lingered, harms our public life and cripples the hope for open, honest public service for the region's citizens.
Now let me take a few deep breaths and I'll get to the history of what was done, what could be done, and where Pittsburgh needs to go in the weeks ahead.
Bill Peduto -- run like the wind. You can streak if you wish. But, thankfully, you don't need to. The P-G is putting this story, this time, above the fold and on the front page as the lead story.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Why Lisa Bennington is abandoning Harrisburg
Brian O'N of the P-G wrote in the Sunday paper about Lisa Bennington, presently on the PA House. She represents parts of Pittsburgh.
Seats change. Terms end. Life marches on.
I posted in that thread mentioned at the Burgh Report. My opinions are reposted here, too:
Three cheers for L.B. (woops, had better be more specific) -- Lisa Bennington -- for doing a term in the state house and getting out.
I love term limits.
I love the concept of a citizen legislature.
I love that she got into the fray and can walk away.
That's P-O-W-E-R.
Yes, there is something more to her decision. It is called 'life.' The political realm is nearly life-less -- like a pond covered with scum.
I wish the OVERLORDS, as well as a cadre of others in office, would leave town as easily and with such grace as well.
I'd suggest that all terms in city gov. posts under any type of "OVERLORD" status (Act 47, ICA, etc.) be cut in half and be paid 50% less.
Why Lisa Bennington is abandoning Harrisburg Maybe Harrisburg is not the place for anyone who already has a fulfilling career, as our statehouse demands an acceptance of accomplishing not very much. That leaves an open seat in a district straddling the Allegheny River, ...Lisa is going to retire from the state assembly. She will NOT leave an open seat. When her term is finished, another will fill it.
Seats change. Terms end. Life marches on.
I posted in that thread mentioned at the Burgh Report. My opinions are reposted here, too:
Three cheers for L.B. (woops, had better be more specific) -- Lisa Bennington -- for doing a term in the state house and getting out.
I love term limits.
I love the concept of a citizen legislature.
I love that she got into the fray and can walk away.
That's P-O-W-E-R.
Yes, there is something more to her decision. It is called 'life.' The political realm is nearly life-less -- like a pond covered with scum.
I wish the OVERLORDS, as well as a cadre of others in office, would leave town as easily and with such grace as well.
I'd suggest that all terms in city gov. posts under any type of "OVERLORD" status (Act 47, ICA, etc.) be cut in half and be paid 50% less.
Newsmax.com - Fox Under Fire for Excluding Ron Paul
Newsmax.com - Fox Under Fire for Excluding Ron Paul This past Thursday, the Manchester Union Leader, New Hampshire's major newspaper, published a front-page editorial blasting news organizations that do not invite all candidates to their forums.
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