Progress Pittsburgh

From the folks at PUMP:

A+ Schools and PUMP believe that the City and the region rely on an excellent public school system in order to prosper. But the school system will only be as good as its leadership demands.  Board Watch is an effort to engage and inform the community about school board governance in order to insure that improved student achievement is the number one priority for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Board Watch is a grassroots effort established by A+ Schools involving volunteers who are trained to observe Pittsburgh Public School Board meetings.   All Board Watch volunteers participate in a training session that includes an overview of the state policies that created school boards, the structure and function of our local board and gain knowledge of how to recognize good governance in action.  Board Watch volunteers are then asked to observe one school board meeting per month for at least six months.

A+ Schools welcomes all concerned citizens who are residents of the City of Pittsburgh and share our commitment to student achievement and our expectations for effective School Board governance. A+ Schools is working with partner organizations, such as PUMP, to recruit volunteers who reflect the diversity of the city’s population – including racial, socioeconomic, gender and geographic demographics.

If you are interested in learning more about Board Watch and/or in becoming a volunteer please contact A+ Schools (412)258-2660 , info@aplusschools.org, or www.aplusschools.org.  Or contact Erin Molchany erin@pump.org for information on PUMP’s collaboration with A+Schools.

While PUMP’s civic engagement activities have not always passed muster with this progressive, this joint effort with A+ Schools is a unique, positive, and engaging approach to local government accountability and transparency. Additionally, it draws attention to elected positions that don’t get much of it; the people in those positions make important decisions, not only about how our children are educated, but also about how our communities develop. This gets an A+ for effort. It will be interesting to see the results.

P2PAC is getting ready to make it’s first round of endorsements ever! To get in on the action, send your favorite candidate to the P2PAC website to download the questionnaire: http://p2pac.com/2009/03/02/primary-2009-questionaire/

P2PAC develops, supports, and helps to elect candidates who demonstrate vision, progressive values, and electability. It considers candidates whose districts touch the City of Pittsburgh, and supports candidates that will make good, progressive leaders at higher levels of government. P2PAC provides support in the form of endorsements, campaign contributions, and organizing. It also empowers its supporters with information critical to making informed choices at the ballot box.

A new Facebook group was created today to support the hotness of trash cans.

Students For Reliable Trash Cans

Basic Info
Type: Common Interest – Politics
Description: This is a group for students who think that safe and reliable trash cans are necessary for a higher quality of life for Pittsburghers. Businesses need them, students need them, and residents need them. We support taking care of business.   We finally got ‘em, now let’s show ‘em some love! Which trash can do you prefer?

Contact Info
Office: A city trash can near you
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Here are some additional pictures that are posted on the Facebook group…

Two Thumbs Up

State Budget Basics 101: What Every Progressive Leader Needs to Know

With the current economic situation, understanding Pennsylvania’s revenue system, tax policy and budget is a critical priority for people involved in progressive advocacy, politics and policy. Join Susan Gobreski, Executive Director of Education Voters PA and Sharon Ward, Director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center for a primer on Pennsylvania’s budget and tax system and the implications for policy priorities, including education funding and up to the minute information about the impact of the stimulus package.

Founded in 2005, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (PBPC) is a nonpartisan, statewide policy research project that provides independent, credible analysis on state tax, budget, and related policy matters, with attention to the impact of current or proposed policies on working families. The Budget and Policy Center analyzes and disseminates information on short-term budget, policy and revenue proposals as well as long-term trends and challenges.

Pittsburgh Brown Bag Lunch
Thursday February 18th, 11:30 am- 1pm

United Steel Workers Building
5 Gateway Center
Stanwix St & Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburgh PA

Join Education Voters PA on Facebook and rsvp : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=709937891#/event.php?eid=63384611487

or rsvp through email: anne@educationvoterspa.org

or phone: 215 -564- 2299

Sponsored by:

Education Voters PA is a non partisan organization working to promote a pro-public education agenda to ensure that every child gets an excellent education, including working to elect people who support public education. Education Voters Institute is working to engage the public in public education policy issues.

The Center for Progressive Leadership (CPL) is a national political training institute that develops diverse leaders who can effectively advance progressive political and policy change.

Who: YOU!
What: Petition Party and P2PAC Fundraiser ($10 contribution requested)
Where: Over The Bar Bicycle Cafe (2518 East Carson Street)
When: 02/17/09 @ 6:00 p.m.
Why: because Pittsburgh deserves better

We will have drink specials until 7pm!

Over The Bar is accessible by the following PAT buses- 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D, 51G, 54C, and 84C. It is a non-smoking establishment.

Click here for more information.

Ready to be Heard: Advocacy Training

Seize your opportunity to communicate with government on behalf of your community, organization or small business!

A great workshop for community activists, organizers, students, business owners, or just voters, designed to empower and educate you to influence government.

The new administration in Washington, brings new opportunities and challenges, now is the time to learn to shape your message and refine your advocacy techniques.

If women from all sectors of society were trained to identify, articulate, and advocate for themselves as well as other women, girls, and the those in the region could we be our own voice for change?

The answer is yes.

Ready to be Heard Advocacy Training
Chatham University, Shadyside Campus
Friday, February 20, 2009

Registration due by February 13

Registration accepted by mail (PCWPPP, Chatham University, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232),
fax (412-365-1515) or email (pcwppp@chatham.edu).

Checks or Money Orders may be made out to Chatham University.

Download the application form from our website by clicking HERE!

Training provided by:
PA Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy
at Chatham University
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412.365.1878

Likely mayoral candidate and City Council President Doug Shields has publicly stated that he will not pursue the highest position in Pittsburgh. The City Paper, Post-Gazette, and Trib report this turn of events, quoting from his press release:

With the encouragement and support of many people, I have seriously considered running for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh. At this time, the right choice for me, for this Council, and for the people of Pittsburgh is to continue to serve as Council President.

The question remains as to whether any other Democrat will enter the race to challenge incumbent Luke Ravenstahl who, despite extremely good polling during his last race in 2007, has been seen to frequently falter and lose popularity among his consistuents in the last year or so.

Who SHOULD run against Luke? Can anyone WIN?

P2PAC is back! In 2009, we are here to stay. We’re going to make a difference in local races and we need your help!

To kick off the year right, we’re having a party. It just so happens that the third Tuesday in January is Inauguration Day- the perfect day for us to build momentum for local change in 2009. Please join us to celebrate a new day for the US of A with Obama’s inauguration, and prepare for a better Pittsburgh.

Who: YOU!
What: Inauguration Celebration and P2PAC Fundraiser ($10 contribution requested)
Where: New Amsterdam (4421 Butler Street, Lawrenceville)
When: 01/20/09 @ 5:30 p.m.
Why: because Obama rocks and Pittsburgh deserves better

We will have beer specials and free food!

P2PAC is a political action committee that supports candidates whose districts touch the City of Pittsburgh and whose agendas are consistent with its mission: good government, sustainable development, and social equity. P2PAC endorses candidates who meet these criteria and provides resources to advance their leadership. We see leadership as the primary vehicle for positive change in service of our mission.

We are ready to see change in local government and hope that you are too! Please join us!

One week from today is the third Tuesday in November. You know what that means- it’s time for another P2PAC happy hour event! Last Tuesday was an amazing day in our political history. Now, it’s time to take that positive energy and use it to make local change. Please join us as we step up our fundraising for 2009. This month we’re on the Northside at Max’s Allegheny Tavern for local beer, German food, good conversation, and the best bar popcorn in the world.

P2PAC is a political action committee that supports candidates whose districts touch the City of Pittsburgh and whose agendas are consistent with its mission: good government, sustainable development, and social equity. P2PAC endorses candidates who meet these criteria and provides resources to advance their leadership. We see leadership as the primary vehicle for positive change in service of our mission.

Who: YOU!
What: cocktails and conversation ($5 contribution requested)
Where: Max’s Allegheny Tavern (537 Suismon Street)
When: 11/18/08 @ 5:30 p.m.
Why: because Pittsburgh deserves better

We are ready to see change in local government and hope that you are too! Please join us!

Image by PMAHCC via FlickrWe looked on the city of Pittsburgh website, but there is no sign up for a newsletter.  Thought other might want to see the update from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

+++++++++++++++++++

CITY OF PITTSBURGH
“America’s Most Livable City”
Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

Dear Neighbors,

Over a six month period during 2007, I hosted 10 Neighborhood Forums throughout the City.  I, along with all City directors, engaged in dialogue with more than 650 residents during the forums.  I reported on the state of the City, while challenging residents to envision their neighborhoods 10 years ahead, laying the groundwork for future initiatives.  My Office of Neighborhood Initiatives collected and analyzed the feedback from each of the forums, highlighting the top three issues and concerns: 1) public safety; 2) blight; and 3) economic development.  My staff has attended community meetings and block watch events throughout the past year following the forums and has continued to analyze feedback on issues of high priority and concern with residents.   Public safety has remained a recurrent issue at neighborhood community meetings. More »

Join the Progress Pittsburgh PAC for a happy hour (or two) tomorrow, Tuesday, October 21st in support of the Obama campaign. In October, P2 = Pittsburgh + Presidential. We will again be raising funds to support P2pac because all politics is local and we’re gearing up for important elections in 2009.

P2PAC is a political action committee that supports candidates whose districts touch the City of Pittsburgh and whose agendas are consistent with its mission: good government, sustainable development, and social equity. P2PAC endorses candidates who meet these criteria and provides resources to advance their leadership. We see leadership as the primary vehicle for positive change in service of our mission.

Who: YOU!
What: cocktails and conversation ($5 contribution requested)
Where: Olive or Twist (140 6th Street)
When: 10/21/08 @ 5:30* p.m.
Why: because Pittsburgh deserves better

This event on Facebook

We are ready to see change in local government and hope that you are too! Please join us for some beverages and conversation!

*Olive or Twist’s happy hour specials run until 6pm, so get there early!

Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) seeks to add an outreach coordinator to its staff in its Pittsburgh office. The outreach coordinator will be responsible for recruiting new members; providing education about environmental issues with an emphasis on air-, water-, mining-, and energy-related policies to PennFuture members, the environmental advocacy community, and decision-makers; and assisting in issue campaign strategy and implementation throughout western Pennsylvania.

Qualifications – Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and two years of outreach and/or issue campaign management experience.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples by email (preferred) or by mail to Heather Sage, Vice President, PennFuture, 425 6th Ave., Ste. 2770, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Salary – Upper 20s to mid 30s depending on experience. This will be a full-time position. PennFuture is a public interest organization and equal opportunity employer.

An article in Saturday’s Post-Gazette is titled, “URA chief’s friends asked to help with legal bills.” Um, excuse me? Pat Ford, who has continued to receive his $117,875/year salary while on paid leave from his position as URA Executive Director because of an ethics investigation, is not a charity case. Heck, this guy could have been working a second job while still bringing in his taxpayer-funded, URA paycheck. In any case, he should have no trouble paying his bills.

However, if you feel sorry for Mr. Ford, who is known for making back-room deals over cigars and scotch, you can send your donation to 5188 Glenhurst Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15207.

(For the record, I’d rather pay Ford to stay home than have him in the office, undermining public process and selling the city’s soul to profit-minded developers.)

The Everybody EAT Bar-B- Q this Sunday, August 24, 6pm – 8pm, back at the Zombo Gallery, 4900 Hatfield Street, Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA.

Hosts – Michael and Julie Devine.

Entertainment by The Turpentiners and The Whips.

Grub by Pat Clark.

Funds benefit the poster and teeshirt fund for the 50+ partner organizations of Pennsylvania Voice. Y’all come!

RSVP to let us know you’ll be planning to attend, and if you’re interested, we’d love to talk to you about hosting your own Everybody EAT this fall, toss us an e-mail if you’re interested pat@ccp.org or you can rsvp on Facebook.