Something of a noteworthy announcement. I am now doing a speck of research consulting for the City of Pittsburgh, through the office of Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith. I've been at it for a few weeks actually, but as a matter of routine the Council had to vote to approve it, which I understand it did with mercifully minimal discussion. Reckoning by the speed of proceedings that bill was signed.
It's part-time work, and temporary -- but obviously it means some changes for your Pittsburgh Comet.
What those changes shall be is not clear. Believe it or not the Councilwoman and I haven't talked about it terribly in depth -- I've received surprisingly few suggestions. Perhaps no suggestions at all? I know I have been encouraged to keep stating my mind. I know well enough on my own to redouble my aspirations to do so respectfully.
I think it's safe to say you're going to see more proportionally in this space about Harrisburg, about Allegheny County, about Cleveburgh, and maybe a bit about Baltimore. Just to be safe. There are other blogs for parsing Pittsburgh polemically.
Then again, I don't see myself not writing about the pensions crisis anytime soon. I don't see myself not writing about Hill District area planning and development (sorry, RDL). I don't see myself not writing about public safety here and there. So maybe nothing will change but the background. Who knows.
From time to time, it will become appropriate to again disclose this interest, although I feel as though my blog commenters will take care of that for me.
Let me just say in regards to the work, I am really excited and really optimistic. I can't say enough about the trust placed in me -- after all the agonized howling I've done over City of Pittsburgh resources in this space, I feel a tremendous responsibility. Onward and forward!
*-SUGGESTED DISCUSSION TOPIC: Egyptian helmets (Non-Standard).
See guided photo essay at Anyway, I Digress.... I don't see how it's "un-PC" as long as it's genuine; that photo has an AP stamp. It might be a little unsettling if you're into Mubarak.
I just want to tell you good luck. We're all counting on you.
ReplyDeleteOtto is my copilot.
ReplyDeleteWhat is "terribly un-PC" about pictures of makeshift riot helmets? Some Egyptian rioters can't afford, or don't have access, to conventional riot gear. Is portraying that a slight on their national or racial character?
ReplyDeleteSellout
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:49 - I agree, it's kind of like holding a photo montage of Katrina damage to be un-PC, because all those African-Americans were so sopping wet and bedraggled. I suppose you could penalize the editor for seeking out and highlighting only the goofiest pictures, but some of those helmet-wearers were clearly fashioning their helmets in good humour, in the best American ironic tradition. I hear some of last week's protest signs were funnier than those from the Rally to Restore Sanity.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to know and see that those that value their heads are also taking it to the streets.
ReplyDelete