Thursday

VisitPittsburgh says in the Pgh Business Times that we didn't lose a step with the Convention Center collapse, and:

[CEO Joe McGrath] said he believes revenue generated once Don Barden's casino opens in 2008 will lead to a hotel adjoining the convention center in the future.

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P-G columnist Brian O'Neill is irritated by the county property tax assesment appeals process. Editorial Aside: Pay your taxes and enjoy your home.

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The TRIB's Jason Cato reports that we'll still definately get to elect a county sheriff. There are three Democratic candidates: Acting Sheriff William Mullen, Anthony "Tony" Costa, and Damon J. Brown.

We met Damon Brown, ever-so-briefly, at a candidates meet & greet at the Pittsburgh League of Young Voters. He handed us a small card that highlights his experience:

* University of Pittsburgh Police Dept
* Pittsburgh Police Dept
* United Nations Civilian Police in Kosovo
* Police Trainer in Iraq, Dept of State
* Police Trainer in Afghanistan, Dept. of State

According to the card, his priorities are efficiency, accountability, safety, and continuous training. In the photograph, he is looking smart in a United Nations military beret.