Former financial overlord John E. Murray makes a case we are going to hear with increasing frequency:The city and the county continue to have departments performing the same functions. There have been studies, committees and discussions about merging these functions for decades.
So what's the holdup?
The future does not belong to vested interests who resist change for fear of losing political power.
No, but the present belongs to them, and that's where we live.
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P-G columnist and fellow hardy Deutschtowner Ruth Ann Daily makes a good observation:
If multiple officers can respond to a bogus noise complaint in Squirrel Hill, maybe a few should be reassigned to neighborhoods struggling with actual crime.
Like our jazz-and-gardening-obsessed neighbor, the Comet had its own car window smashed recently -- along with several others on our street. When police officers did arrive (in a little over an hour), they seemed confused as to why they were summoned.
One of the few questions they asked was, "How long have you lived in this neighborhood?" in a tone clearly meant to suggest, "Maybe you really shouldn't, if broken windows bother you so much?"
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A Pittsburgh blogger is in dire peril. Matt H is currently vacationing in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, which is due to get clobbered by a "catastrophic" category 5 hurricane.
Comet research corroborates his observations that even by securing an early 4:30 PM flight home today, our straight-talking rapscallion will be cutting it almost cinematically close -- particularly if he is departing from Cancun International Airport, on the very eastern edge of the peninsula.
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The Family Guy is about to go into daily syndication a la The Simpsons, Friends, and Seinfeld. Let's see if they have any comments for us:
I hope city leaders read Murray's article and do what is right for the citizens of Pittsburgh. Consolidation is the only method that will work. Luke doesn't want to do it because it could lead to him and some of his friends being unemployed. I hope the young Mayor realizes that what is in his best interest (the continuation of his political career) may not be the best thing for the city. If he takes a 'golf break' and looks at the numbers, maybe he will be convinced that consolidation is the responsible choice. I'm not optimistic.
ReplyDeleteA Pittsburgh blogger is in dire peril. Matt H is currently vacationing in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, which is due to get clobbered by a "catastrophic" category 5 hurricane.
ReplyDeletePeril? I think he will be ok. He's a big boy.
Thanks for the blog love.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very hectic situation and one I am glad to be out of.
I was praying that your flight was canceled.
ReplyDeleteOkay, the Matt H death-wishes are getting ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteThe worst I could possibly wish on him is that a reformist mayor gets elected, purges him for political reasons, and he has to spend his next vacation in Myrtle Beach. And that's the WORST. But this trolling around cursing his very existence has to stop.
I agree.
ReplyDeleteI'm used to it though.
I have an idea it's one or two people just trying to be destructive.
It won't keep me away...