Progress Pittsburgh

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?

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s idea to lease the city’s parking garages (more here) has generated quite a bit of buzz in Pittsburgh and beyond.  The article from the PG was also picked up by Harvard’s Kennedy School here and on the blogs Milwaukee Talkie and Planetizen.

This idea has also been covered by some local bloggers:

• Cognitive Dissonance – Ed notes that this idea never took off in Harrisburg
• The Huddler – thinks this is a good ideas and that pensions in PA are out of control
• The Pittsburgh Comet – Is leasing the garages an idea that sounds too good to be true?
• Matt H – is worried about the parking prices going up
• Pittsburgh is a City – asks if parking rates make a difference, and if this plan makes sense during a recession.
• The Allegheny Institute – thinks that Ravenstahl is really thinking oursite the box with this idea.
• The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat – is not sure if this is a good idea or not and maybe having less expensive parking is a good thing.

Yesterday, Councilman Patrick Dowd addressed this issue – expressing concern that no one from City Council sits on the Parking Authority board. (PG article here).

What no one is mentioning…

Many of these articles about leasing the parking garages have quotes from Merril Stabile, who owns Alcoa Parking.

That’s doubtful, said parking magnate Merrill Stabile, owner of Alco Parking Corp., Pittsburgh’s largest private parking operator.

“No private entity that comes in to run these things is going to raise the rates to a point that it chokes out business,” he said.

Anyone who knows local politics knows that Mr. Stabile is a frequent donor to local politicians.  In 2007 he gave $10,000 to Ravenstahl’s campaign (PG  article here.  See this PG article which notes that Stabile benefits from parking tax cuts.

Merrill Stabile, whose Alco Parking manages some city garages and benefits from parking tax cuts.

So this is a win win for Ravenstahl, Luke gets to claim he is addressing the pension issue while working on a project that might likely benefit one of his campaign contributors.  Even if Stabile isn’t the one who leases the garages – he would probably prefer to compete with another business than a public authority who is willing to not put profit first.

Would leasing the parking garages put David Onorato out of a job?

More »

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• The Hot Sheet » Blog Archive » What’s hot in the streets for 2009? – There’s so many things to do, so little time: what should the PA League prioritize in 2009? Well, we’re asking our supporters for their input!
• Free Wheels: The Scraper Bike Movement Rolls On – Interesting look at a bike program for youth in Oakland, CA.
• Keeping it in the driveway – Brian O'Neill article on Brookings Institute study on driving.
  When I asked about the Mon-Fayette Expressway, that billion-dollar-plus toll road that ends well south of Pittsburgh, he called it "a great example of a roadway project we may need to rethink."

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Columbus snooze on infrastructure wish list (From GLUE newsletter) – Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Columbus snooze on infrastructure wish list: The administration-elect has made revitalization of our nation's crumbling infrastructure a priority, and nowhere is that needed more than in the older industrial cities of the Great Lakes mega-region. Yet, as of yesterday, these three cities have failed to publicize their infrastructure wish-lists, falling behind hundreds of municipalities throughout the country. It's time our local leaders woke up and realized that federal aid isn't just going to land in their laps.
• Judge Flaherty injured in Downtown pedestrian accident – "I was more than half way across the street. So the car kept coming. I thought it was someone I knew, maybe jagging around,"
• Twitter / Carmen4MayorPgh – Carmen Robinson is on twitter.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Steel-City Stonewall Democrats | Facebook – The Steel City Stonewall Democrats are now on Facebook.
• League of Women Voters Indiana County Candidate Workshop – Sat. Jan 31, 2009 – learn about running for office
• Westwood woman announces candidacy for City Council seat – Theresa Smith of Westwood announced her candidacy for Pittsburgh City Council yesterday, seeking the seat vacated Monday by Dan Deasy, who won election to the state House.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• City Council passes law on reporting stolen guns – Pittsburgh City Council gave final approval today to a requirement that gun owners report the loss or theft of a firearm within 24 hours of becoming aware that it is missing.

  The vote was 6-1 after a lengthy debate in which Councilman Ricky Burgess, the lone no vote, argued that the measure runs counter to state law that generally bars local firearms laws. "An inconvenient law may be an inconvenient truth, but a law nevertheless," he said.

• Dan Deasy leaves Pittsburgh City Council – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Shields said a special election to replace Deasy on the nine-member council must be scheduled within 120 days. At least five candidates have said they plan to run in the special election, which will likely happen in March.
• McIlvaine Smith takes aim at legislative cost-of-living adjustment – State Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester, is taking aim at legislative cost-of-living adjustments by crafting legislation that would repeal Act 51 of 1995, ending automatic COLAs for the legislature, as well as for judges and executive branches officials, including the auditor general, attorney general, state treasurer, PUC commissioners, and heads of boards and commissions.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Curmudgeon’s Chronicle: City’s historic documents shamefully neglected – What may qualify as the briefest display of historic documents in Western civilization opens and closes in Pittsburgh's City Hall today.
• Ravenstahl gets ex-president’s help at fundraiser – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Ravenstahl predicts the event will help him boost his war chest to $750,000 by year's end. Doing so either could scare off would-be competitors or allow him to wage an expensive re-election campaign, if necessary.
• Bill likes Luke; big bucks flow – That loud sucking sound coming from Downtown Pittsburgh tomorrow will be the sound big-pocketed Democrats make when mindlessly emptying their wallets.

  The situation raises a question, though. In today's economy, who has $500 burning such pigeon-sized holes in their pocket that they're willing to throw it at a mayoral campaign that faces no tangible opposition beyond a few feisty blogs?

  At a time when the Thomas Merton Center, one of our most dedicated peace and justice nonprofits in the area, is struggling to stay afloat, a re-evaluation of our financial priorities is long overdue.

  My colleague and friend Joe Sabino Mistick, a columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review who worked for Mayor Sophie Masloff, has already called on Mr. Ravenstahl to donate 100 percent of tomorrow's haul to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• State officials scheduled to get raises – Pennsylvania lawmakers and state judges are in line for 2.8 percent cost-of-living raises.

  Rank and file members of the state House and Senate will see their base pay increase to just over $78,000 starting next month. Members of leadership will get even more.

• Port Authority transit agency wants smart cards – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – It is about time to consider smart cards for transit riders, the added benefit would be much greater data on what bus routes and stops people are using.
• Groups press Port Authority, union to settle contract – Dozens of business and community groups today urged the Port Authority and its drivers' union leaders to work for "a responsible settlement" in the current labor dispute that threatens to disrupt service Dec. 1.

  Specifically, they suggested that a fact finder's report issued in August become the basis for a new contract with Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union, because it represents "a workable compromise."

• Democracy Rising is looking for volunteers to keep an eye on their house and senate districts – Be DR's "Local Eyes." Since all politics is local, DR is beginning a campaign to localize with Local Eyes. We're looking for one citizen in each House and Senate district to keep track of what his or her lawmaker is doing to give PA the highest standards of public integrity in America. We'll provide training in the legislative process and support you with resources to make your Local Eyes keen as an eagle's.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• The Motherhood – Moms CALL IN the Vote – It's no surprise in the most historic election of our lifetimes that moms are playing a critical role. When you vote in this election, record the moment for all of us — and posterity too FROM YOUR CELL PHONE RIGHT HERE!
• PG wins order allowing photography near polling places – Judge James signed a court order stating that county employees cannot interfere with photographers outside polling places as long as they are "located in areas accessible to the public or into which they have otherwise been lawfully admitted." The ruling applies to any member of the public, not just the Post-Gazette.
• Vote for hope – Khari Mosley's editorial on Barack Obama from Saturday's Post-Gazette

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• 2 Political Junkies: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to Wrap Monday’s Papers in “Vote for Freedom…Defeat Obama” Bags – I know times are tough for the print media, but this is just sad and pathetic. Tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — a newspaper which has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president — will be delivered in a bag which has printed on it:

  "Vote for Freedom…Defeat Obama"

• technology + politics: Hillary Clinton to kick off the last two days of GOTV in Mt Lebanon – Hillary Clinton will be in Mt. Lebanon on Monday am to kick off GOTV at the Obama office. 9:30 am
• Are the Candidates Healthy? : What If Post – A local blog looks at the issue of medical history and presidential candidates
• Tools for being informed voters – List of websites to help you learn about the candidates

The beat cop is a much coveted neighborhood tool. Neighborhood groups across the City, beg and plead with their Zone Commanders and the Mayor to acquire just a few hours a week of such a person’s time. In an article in today’s P-G, the questions is raised, “Will Squirrel Hill get a dedicated beat cop?”

If any neighborhood needs a beat cop, it’s not Squirrel Hill. However, because the neigbors and businesses there fussed (and have a lot of money…to contribute to political campaigns) (and turn out to vote), it looks like a distinct possibility.

This is just another example of how community and economic development decision-making in this city is based on politics, not what’s best for the City. Police allocation decisions should be made on crime data. Yes, it’s that simple. And someone should tell Squirrel Hill that it’s got the safest, wealthiest neighborhood in the city and it doesn’t need a beat cop. Oh, wait, they know:

“We don’t have any big, bad issues,” said Mr. Sigal.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Pop City Forum: Making Pittsburgh Bike Friendly : Venture Outdoors – Thursday, October 23
  6:00 PM
  Shadow Lounge, Highland Ave and Baum Blvd
  What does Pittsburgh need to do to become a bike-friendly city? Here’s your chance to find out as Steve Patchan, the new bicycle/pedestrian coordinator for Pittsburgh shares the spotlight with Scott Bricker, director of Bike Pittsburgh and Amy Garbark, USA cycling official who is implementing Pittsburgh’s premiere urban cycling program for high school students.

  The discussion will include the audience and will be moderated by Matt Stroud, writer and cyclist who just completed a cross-country bike trip from Boston to San Francisco.

• UNNATURAL CAUSES | CALIFORNIA NEWSREEL – Do we ALL have an EQUAL chance for HEALTH?

  Community House Presbyterian Church invites you to JOIN US for FREE community conversations about community wellness, health and race.

  Wednesday, October 22, 2008

  7:00 PM – Screening and Community Conversation

  Join us for a FREE community conversation & screening of "Unnatural Causes," a provocative PBS documentary series that challenges fundamental beliefs about what makes Americans healthy- or sick – and offers new remedies for an ailing society. How are health outcomes affected by race and culture?

  Conversation, coffee and a selection of African delicacies
  compliments of Atlantiques Catering follows the screening.

  WHERE: Community House Church, central North Side,
  120 Parkhurst Street, 15212 (corner of Sandusky and Parkhurst, across
  from AGH emergency room entrance)

  FREE Parking: AGH Sandusky Lot, corner of North Avenue and Sandusky

  Special Thanks to Pittsburgh's North Side Rotary

• Good Bye Guy? – Public Works Director Guy Costa, who oversees that bureau, has also been suspended for one day for failing to act quickly enough on the matter, and he said he may reconsider his employment with the city because of the way the news reached him.

Today the Post-Gazette came out in support of Ayanna Lee, Democratic candidate for the 44th District of the PA House. This is a change for the PG, having supported Republican candidate Mark Mustio in the last two elections. Central to its decision, the editorial states:

Ms. Lee puts people first in her agenda. She is passionate about the need for health care and education for working people, which she attributes to the plight of her mother who died when Ms. Lee was 9 and her own experience as a mother of two struggling to better herself and her family. She also supports cutting the size of the Legislature, backs tolling 1-80 and would have voted for the smoking ban, even though she opposed the exceptions.

While Mustio has championed reform of the legislature, Lee’s forward-thinking view on a comprensive set of issues is decidedly better for the Pittsburgh region.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Pittsburgh Green Drinks – October 17, 2008 – October Geothermal Supreme

  Pittsburgh Green Drinks Event Announcement

  THIS MONTH: Friday, October 17th
  Bossa Nova from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
  Hosted by Darwin Burtner, President

  Western Pennsylvania Geothermal

• Hearings begin for 2 in Bonusgate case – Seriously? – "Attorneys for Mr. Veon and defendant Brett Cott, a former policy analyst, said they waived their rights because preliminary hearings have a low burden of proof and because they didn't want the hearings to affect the outcome of the presidential and statewide elections on Nov. 4."
• DSN Innovations – Board of Directors – Interesting the Doyle Center for Manufacturing has changed its name to DSN innovations. It is also interesting that this organization only has one woman on its board.

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• The Hot Sheet · Today’s News: Volunteer with us! – The PA League of Young Voters makes the Post-Gazette. You don't have to be young to volunteer with the League of Young Voters
• Troopergate Witness Flips Like a Pancake « Mudflats – This is an interesting post with a great picture to compliment it.
  "One of the witnesses called by Stephen Branchflower (independent investigator of the legitimate Troopergate investigation) put herself in a tricky spot."
• McKees Rocks tries to take the politics out of hiring a new police cheifmc – To find and hire Bob Cifrulak, now the McKees Rocks chief, the borough brought in Gamble as its hiring consultant.
  "We went outside and got somebody who was not involved in politics," Muhr said. "There's no controversy, and nobody can say anything like 'This guy is a friend of somebody' and this and that."