Progress Pittsburgh

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

• www.carmenformayor.com is now live – Luke's competition is now online.
• City councilman’s stolen car recovered – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Pittsburgh police on Sunday recovered the stolen vehicle of Pittsburgh City Councilman Doug Shields of Squirrel Hill.

  The vehicle, which was reported stolen from a Home Depot parking lot in East Liberty at about 6:30 p.m. Friday, was found unoccupied yesterday afternoon in Lincoln-Lemington, Sgt. Steve Vinansky said. An officer on patrol spotted the stolen vehicle.

• Dems choose Westwood woman for council race – Theresa Smith of Westwood is the Democratic Party's official candidate in the Feb. 3 special election in Pittsburgh City Council District 2.

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.

• Watch Election Protection Training on PCTV – PCTV.org will be showing a video recording of election protection trainings all week.
• Hart-Altmire debate canceled – "Unfortunately, Congressman Altmire could not attend (tomorrow night's) debate because they rescheduled it without conferring with us and we had a conflict," said Tess Mullen, the Altmire campaign spokeswoman.
• Sen. Obama caught in double play – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – The Chelsa Wagner – Bill Peduto Halloween party makes the Trib whispers column this week.

Saturday, September 27, 2008
11am – 4pm
South Side Riverfront Park
FREE!

Are we really the first to blog about the 4th Annual FontanaFest- I hope some of the other Pittsburgh bloggers offer some commentary on this or even attend. Its not like the biggest election ever is 5 weeks away and maybe your time is best spent going out to register voters. I am pretty sure the people who attend FontanaFest are going to be some of Pittsburgh’s most hardcore democrats.

But if you want to take a break from campaigning or you want free food or you want to see a great example of old school Pittsburgh politics then FontanaFest is for you!

In its fourth year, FontanaFest is an event that brings together neighbors, friends, and family from the 42^nd Senatorial District and beyond to celebrate the very essence of Pittsburgh. The day is full of activities on the river, music and entertainment, children’s activities, food, drink, and fun. Nearly 1,000 people attended last year’s event and enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and had the opportunity to check out the gorgeous view from this city jewel. Come tackle a climbing wall, take a canoe ride on the Monongahela, learn more about Pittsburgh 250 and other community organizations, hear one of three bands performing during the day, participate in a story time, make a craft, have a burger or hot dog, win a door prize, and enjoy the camaraderie.

Plus there is a good chance you will run into your favorite elected official – photos from last years event – Dan Onorato and Matt Smith were enjoying the fun at FontanaFest!

Not all Fun and Games?

GrassrootsPA links to the Trib whispers column that questions why FontanaFest was advertised in the constituent newsletter.

More »

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

• Campaign for Regional Progress » Blog Archive » League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Fall Public Meeting – Tuesday, September 23
  4:30 Reception – Light refreshments – 2501 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
  5:00 Lecture – 2700 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
  University of Pittsburgh, Wesley W.Posvar Hall, 230 S. Bouquet St., Oakland
  Parking available: The Soldiers and Sailors Garage, The Carnegie Museum Lot as well as on-street parking.

  You are invited to attend a presentation by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, Chair of The Citizen’s Advisory Committee on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of City-County Government. This presentation is a follow-up to the report issued on April 3, 2008 and endorsed by both Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and County Executive Dan Onorato.

  The League’s positions on a possible city/county merger include addressing impartial apportionment of legislative districts, minority representation, employee rights and benefits, equitable tax burdens, resolution of legacy costs, and providing the ability for other municipalities to join the merged government if they so desire.

• Administration announces Pittsburgh budget – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Aides to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today released a $440 million budget, which would increase Pittsburgh contribution to its anemic pension fund.
  The spending plan calls for cutting 65 unfilled jobs while adding 40 new police patrol positions.
• Sarah Palin Themed Party – Interesting…
  Join the YRs September 24 for a Party in honor of Governor Sarah Palin!

  This month’s YR Happy Hour is a party in honor of Vice Presidential nomineeSarah Palin Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. Join us for a fun party with Alaska themed drinks and wear your Palin gear if you have it.

  Who: All registered Republicans between the ages of 18 and 40 & young thinking Republicans

  When: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

• Taverns line up for smoking pass – Amy Christie said there are 16,000 licensed taverns or drinking establishments in the state, including 4,000 franchise restaurants and 3,500 private clubs. That leaves about 8,500 mom-and-pop taverns that, based on previous trends, typically split 50-50 between smoking and nonsmoking, based on customer base.

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

• Quiet Desperation – Have we heard the last from Pat Ford? – Views – Potter’s Field – Pittsburgh City Paper – Pittsburgh – The latest episode of the Grant Street Follies, you may have heard, is that the Urban Redevelopment Authority is paying executive director Pat Ford $93,000 to stop working for it. That's a lot of money to pay someone for not working, even in city government. So there's widespread suspicion that Ford — who wrote a fiery resignation letter alleging a "culture of deception and corruption" in the city — got the money because he knew too much. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's administration, critics speculate, was trying to buy Ford's silence.
• $101,000 settlement not ‘hush money,’ Ravenstahl says – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – More on PatFordGate – is it possible that Luke's office is being investigated and he doesn't know it. Many people seem to think Luke is being investigated – kind of wierd that he keeps denying it.

  "I'll answer it today, and I'll conclude my answering it today," Ravenstahl said. "The answer is no, I haven't been questioned, nobody has been questioned, and I think it's unfair and unrealistic for you all to continue to ask that question over and over and over again without any facts, without anything but a suggestion by my political adversaries."

• WIKIREUSE – a wiki about big box building reuse – WIKI-REUSE: SO COMMUNITIES CAN TELL THEIR LOCAL STORIES ABOUT BIG BOX REUSE. TO POST, EMAIL YOUR FINDINGS TO WIKI@BIGBOXREUSE.COM.
• Volunteers | Ayanna Lee – Ayanna Lee is looking for volunteers to help door-knock.

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

• GOP paid more than $1 million for additional voter data – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – State House Republicans spent more than $1 million on extra features for a computer tracking program that were scrapped last year after they weren't being used, a GOP spokesman said.

  The Republicans spent $1.8 million in 2006 on a program from Aristotle International in Washington, D.C., that in addition to tracking constituent contacts enabled lawmakers to get detailed information on voters.

• Pittsburgh Hoagie: All meat no filler: Black out – Even Matt H. is not happy with Pat Ford – "I don't agree with the "buyout" he got from the URA. If Ford has something to say about URA or the inner workings of government he should say it. This reeks of hush money. It just doesn't look good at all. If people are willing to let this story fly it makes you wonder what type of information Ford had on people.
  "
• Onorato withholding transit funds to pressure union – Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato is prepared to withhold millions of dollars in key county funds and allow Port Authority to go bankrupt — possibly by year's end — if the union representing bus and trolley workers does not reach a satisfactory agreement that must include significant concessions on post-retirement benefits.

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

• Null Space: watching the bus drive by – "More politics involved this time for sure, but one of my answers is that the Port Authority's upper Management and fellow travelers have spent a lot more time and effort on PR this time around. Think about that some."
• Diondega 412: Bram & The Trib weigh in on Ford-Gate. – Are these voices a militant minority of Luke-Haters? Or does this reflect a bigger problem for the Mayor as the 2009 primary nears. STAY TUNED.
• Arizona governor stumps here for Obama – Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano — in town today campaigning for the Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama — received an earful today from Obama supporters worried the campaign isn't pushing back hard enough against attacks by Sen. John McCain.
• Fewer driving that long, lonesome Mon-Fayette Expressway – Barry Stout – "I'm as totally committed today as I was in 1970, when the Mon-Fayette Expressway wasn't a cubic yard of concrete," he said. "Soon we'll have 57 miles. This is a road we're building for the future, for our grandchildren, so they won't have to leave southwestern Pennsylvania to work and live."

  Sigh – how can we get these officials to see that the future of Western PA is not going to be determined by more super highway – if you want to think future think mass transit please!

• Shields calls for probe of URA deals, irks mayor – "Mr. Ravenstahl responded in a statement that Mr. Shields "has forgotten that he was sent to council to do the people's business, not to promote a political agenda focused on hurting me and aggrandizing himself."

  Dear Luke – it isn't all about you. It is the people's business to maybe question why you are spending lots of taxes payer money for settlements with people that you are supposed to be working with to move Pittsburgh forward. Thank You

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

• Another Jet/Golf Scandle? – from one of the comments at the Burgh Report
• Pa. ranked 38th most bike-friendly state – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – The Washington-based League of American Bicyclists has been designating individual communities as bike-friendly since 2003, but this is the first time they have ranked the 50 states based on such criteria as legislation, policies and programs, infrastructure, education, planning and enforcement.

  While Pennsylvania was praised for its "exemplary route network," the League faulted its lack of a safe-passing distance law and a complete streets policy.

  "About a dozen states have safe-passing distance laws stating that cars must maintain a certain distance to pass a cyclist," said Elizabeth Preston, director of communications for the League. "The other is a statewide policy saying that when roads or facilities are built, all users are considered. Not just motorists, but pedestrians, people in wheelchairs and bicyclists."

• Doug Shields Asks U.S. Attorney and the state Attorney General to investigate city development affairs – calls Fords Settlement Hush Money – Pittsburgh Council President Doug Shields formally asked the U.S. Attorney and the state Attorney General to investigate city development affairs today, in the wake of yesterday's settlement between the Urban Redevelopment Authority and its former executive director, Pat Ford.

  "The time for wringing of hands is over," Mr. Shields said. "It's time for action. … Where there's smoke, there's fire."

  The URA board voted yesterday to pay Mr. Ford through June, though his $117,875-a-year contract runs only through December, in return for an agreement that he won't sue or disparage the agency or city government. The deal amounts to $93,000, plus the value of health benefits through June.

  Mr. Shields called that "hush money. … We have a board, the URA board, led by the mayor, at the mayor's direction, at [URA board Chair Yarone] Zober's direction, entering into an agreement that buys his silence."

• New Organizing Institute – Pittsburgh Training at the Union Project Sept. 19, 2008 – If you attend 1 training this fall – this should be it. Free for college students and recent graduates.
  The New Organizing Institute is excited to announce a one-day "Organizers Summit" training on online organizing and political technology on September 19 in Pittsburgh, PA! This training will help nonprofit staff build on a core set of skills that are fundamental in a new, more technology-focused world — including organizing, communications, field, and evaluation — for both civic engagement and electoral work.
• League of Young Voters speaks to the Allegheny County Council – Terry Griffin, the League's Western PA Field Coordinator, joins with our neighbors to urge the County Council to audit our voting machines so accuracy is assured.

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

• Pittsburgh, Pa : Car Free America – Post featuring Pittsburgh on a blog about Car Free living.
• Elections inspector gets role in documentary – Tribune-Review – A veteran Westmoreland County elections inspector, a vociferous opponent of touch-screen voting machines, appears in a recently released documentary, "Uncounted — The New Math of American Elections."
• MoveOn.org Political Action: Host an Organizer – MoveOn.org is looking for people who could host an organizer in their house for days or weeks during the last 2 months of the presidential campaign.