Monday: Another Day in Paradise!

As you know, state legislation foreshadowed last week by the Post-Gazette signalled that certain um -- fiscal matters -- are due for an um -- resolution -- probably this year at the latest.

As you also know, what would ordinarily be considered "oodles" of money is about to be delivered to Pittsburgh in the form of federal spendulus porkulus.

Therefore, it makes every bit of sense for the political world this week to be focused on a discussion of how Pittsburgh should Oversee the federal stimulus so we get the most bang for our buck. Councilman Peduto will introduce the legislation this week, and there will be wrangling and haggling and theater and spectacle.

Which will also be very nice for everybody, because who really wants to deal with the um -- other set of fiscal matters -- publicly before we absolutely must.

Now, on an almost unrelated note:

The Post-Gazette's editorial board applauds the new Act 47 plan, applauds the Mayor's efforts to pursue outside-the-box taxation options within the plan, and isn't exercised one iota about the consequences if the Mayor et al fails to deliver those outside-the-box taxing options: LINK.

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Now, let's hear what some of those loony-tunes G20 protesters are going to be upset about:

"I think right now it stands for chaos and it stands for economic destruction," said Leo Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers of America, the region's most prominent industrial union and a harsh critic of what he sees as a widening economic imbalance growing out of the global policies put forward by many of the G-20's leaders. (P-G, Roddey & Sherman)

Reservations for space in the Free Speech Zone may fill up quickly!

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This city's aggressive demolitions policy is being opposed by some in Manchester. The City's Number Two Official is frustrated by the "piecemeal" approach that the residents seem intent upon foisting: P-G, Diana Nelson Jones.

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It's official -- Joe Mistick is turning into one of those Luke-haters:

In the wake of a campaign for mayor of a major-league city, Ravenstahl could muster little more than a bush-league response. Squandering the chance to do what was in the best interest of Pittsburgh, Ravenstahl showed the fortitude of a middle-schooler and mouthed what might be wise advice from his mother under other circumstances. (Trib, Joseph Sabino Mistick)

I mean, one of THOSE Luke-haters:

And it begs the following suggestion: If this one government oversight agency has managed to keep the city afloat, perhaps the scrutiny of other government agencies could really put the city on the right path. This prospect has tantalized Grant Street wags for some time and could have future political implications. (ibid)

Boogity boogity.

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In case anyone else missed what that Jane Orie / Furry story was all about that had popped up in our comments, here it is: LINK. Sen. Orie was "shocked and appalled."

The Kevin Acklin Experience will be kicking off this WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3rd at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts on the corner of Shady and Fifth Avenues, at 5:30 if you are a regular human or as early as 3:30 if you'd like to call yourself "media".