Friday, April 12, 2013

PEDUTO CLARIFIES RACE: It's about Policies, People, and Empowering All Stakeholders


 After weeks upon months of being a policy-enthused Eagle Scout:

“(Wagner's) got the whole Luke team,” [Bill] Peduto said Thursday during a meeting with Tribune-Review editors and reporters. “He has all of Luke's elected officials, all of Luke's labor officials, all of his money people. (Tribune-Review)

and...

Peduto said he would replace some top officials — firing them if necessary — to create transparency and openness in city government. He said city authorities and commissions have become political instruments and promised to replace board members with professionals representative of the city's minority and female populations. (ibid)

His answers spoke nothing personal against his leading rival, Jack Wagner. They spoke only of skepticism that Wagner could possibly do this where necessary -- given the powerful political alliances he has forged throughout his career and the Pittsburgh insider allegiances he has forged much more recently, and Pittsburgh insisting on small-town indulgence.

32 comments:

  1. This is a good start. Peduto needs to hit hard on Jack's record of being in Harrisburg for years and doing relatively nothing for specifically the City of Pittsburgh, emphasizing the fact that these points are legitimate and not necessarily negative campaigning (it's not like he would be throwing out character digs on Jack, or anything). Policy differences matter, and a tasteful degree of publicly pressing your opponent on these issues is absolutely within the scope of reasonable discourse.

    A straightforward and public "You are wrong on this Jack, and this is why" is a totally in-bounds play for the Peduto camp to make.

    Ditto on Act 47 and the ICA. Part of Jack's oft-referenced “long history of experience in City government” goes like this: Jack Wagner was a complicit leader during the period leading up to the financial meltdown of the City, after-which he then leaves the City for higher office in Harrisburg, killing the commuter tax while political powerclimbing and dealmaking.

    How have his home neighborhoods been doing since he left for Harrisburg? Something (obviously) tells me that they aren't on the same path as places like East Liberty and Friendship, neighborhoods whose comebacks would've been thought of as far more improbable 15 years ago (when Jack was in City government) than similar hypotheses referencing Beachview or Carrick.

    Bill's got the policy stuff on his side, now he needs to hit with it, lest voters somehow come away with the idea that Jack's sweeping platitudes and general non-answers are just as legitimate as Peduto's 100 hard policy papers.

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  2. That will probably be the last comment, as that's all there is to say. :)

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  3. So let me get this right, everyone that supports or gives money to the Wagner is corrupt, has a hidden agenda or part of "the network. And everyone that supports or gives money to Peduto is just in it for good government and no agendas? Come on!!!!!! Get the blinders off

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  4. Anon 2:24:
    I don't think you addressed any explicit points in Bram's original post. So, to answer your first question, I don't think you "got it right."

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  5. Anon 2:24 - The way I would put it is that just about every official and entity of note supporting the Wagner campaign is already presently in charge and has been in charge for scores of years, running a government that MIGHT have been considered transparent, structurally accountable and cutting-edge in 1975.

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  6. Bram not one person was involved in the government in 1975. What about Fitz and Fontana? And speaking of Fontana has he done anything in the Senate except collect a paycheck or had an original thought. If Fitz and Fontana were supporting Wagner you would feel different about them. Get the blinders off Bram

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  7. Anon 4:33 - I beg to differ. Police and firefighters. Economic development go-betweens, aka the federal and state grant "toll takers". Cement mixers. Committee czars. Outgunned, self-appointed community "leaders" who think they have such a special "inside deal" with the mayor's office, that if everyone else getting anything in the City is getting a special "deal" of their own, why shouldn't they? What could it hurt? Why wait on professionalism?

    Same interests as in 1975 and in 1950. Same people who fight against transparency, structural accountability, high professional standards and reform.

    There are far more people and interests invested in the City who deserve to be seriously represented. Whose interests must be represented in leadership if we are to, as Wagner likes to say lately, take it to some "next level". And every day they are becoming more and more aware that they are being had by the good old boys.

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  8. pittsburgh-hires-another-member-of-democratic-committee-660401

    Peduto has said that he will clean out City Hall. Wagner claims the same, but he's supported by many of the Democratic Committee chairs,including the one referenced in the article whose link is above. Will either of these two men clean out the political hacks? We'll see.

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  9. http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/dennis-roddy/peduto-sells-out-419522/

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  10. Anon 7:50 - Well, they sure don't make them like Dennis Roddy anymore, do they?

    I can see how a journalist would have a different view than an officeholder about a Personnel report that has been leaked for the express purpose of providing political cover for replacing a popular Chief of Police with a friendly, cooperatively corrupt one. But I can also see how legitimate concerns about politically wielding personal data in the Personnel Dept. might escape some in the public when that public is justifiably hungry to learn whatever it can, always.

    I'd welcome an airing and comparison of everyone's dirty laundry. Glad to see things moving in this direction.

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  11. I actually used to look forward to reading the Comet and associated comments.

    Not anymore. Not asking you to support any candidate; but, you are too far in Peduto's corner to even be considered unbiased.

    Bill Peduto, Doug Shields and Natalia Rudiak have all been obstructionists to progress in Pittsburgh.

    I will be the first to say that not everything the Mayor has done or proposed was smart. On the other hand, there were a lot of good initiatives that were stymied simply because they came from the Mayor.

    The one thing that sets the three of them apart is that Doug was well researched and stood on his principles. The other two just stood in the way.

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  12. How about Jake Wheatley being a woman beater? Lots of domestics in his past. Who will buddy up with him and seek his endorsement? Like Rev. Ricky is all up cozy with Wagner. Strange bedfellows could be a meme. Whatta ya say Bram?

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  13. Anon 10:28 - You'd figure with only a month to go before an election, the professional media might relieve the responsibility from a poor bloggers' shoulders of reminding the City of one of the candidates' domestically checkered past. But again, small town values enable big town chicanery.

    Anon 10:25 takes me back. "I'd be the first to say Mayor Luke possibly isn't divine royalty, but..." Sure you're not, tell us what you haven't liked then. I support Peduto here because this town is already teeming with people bullied or simply fearful, keeping their heads down and hedging their bets. We have enough of those. Pittsburgh deserves defending. This is my truth. Write your own.

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  14. "....people bullied or simply fearful, keeping their heads down..." You make it sound like we live in 1944 Warsaw or 1968 Prague. This is just plain bull.And if Peduto agrees with that assessment, then he'll get what he deserves in May. After reading the Trib article, I'm left speechless.
    Here's an example " Peduto also outlined plans for improving city neighborhoods plagued by crime and urban decay, such as Homewood. He would encourage community groups to plan and oversee projects. They would train and employ residents to restore older homes and buildings and clean up neighborhoods with help from the city"

    How naive! This is what the War on Poverty and 50 years hasn't been able to accomplish, yet Bill P,,certainly not a community activis, nor a guy in the mold of a Tom Murphy or Jim Ferlo, thinks he has the solution? Elitists talk the talk, but never walk the walk.

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  15. Apologies to the Trib, covering Wheatley today as well:

    http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/3788640-74/wheatley-state-candidate#axzz2Q6BGl3Qc

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  16. From the PPG:
    Mr. Peduto is petulant!
    "Noting his past support for Mr. Peduto, he said, "The day I signed on to manage Luke's campaign in 2009 -- even though Bill wasn't running for mayor that year -- was the day that Bill began to cross the street rather than talk to me."
    "As she endorsed Mr. Wagner, city Council President Darlene Harris, also characterized Mr. Peduto as a figure who bears grudges against political foes."

    Mr. Peduto is whiny :"Mr. Peduto had spent years planning to run against the mayor. And he's doing his best to retarget his rhetoric to the newer opponent.
    "There there is a cabal that was running the city under Ravenstahl that has adopted Jack," he argued. "It's the same team with a different quarterback ... the old regime is with Jack ... You will never see the change by just electing Jack Wagner because what comes with him is the entire Ravenstahl machine."


    Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/ravenstahls-supporters-throwing-in-with-wagner-in-mayoral-race-683292/#

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  17. ANY community can become Warsaw or Prague if the penalties for speaking truth to power become so high that Non-anymity becomes survival mode. Or becomes the only practically viable way to protect one's scrap of the pie. Or to fulfill one's responsibilities to worthy work and causes.

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  18. Peduto Pundits Peeved Prior to may Pounding

    Pity Party Pending

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  19. With all the audits going on...Lamb and Burgess both supporting Wagner...seems like the Housing Authority is now off the hook...unless Zappella is supporting Peduto.

    Corruption equals "Good ol Boys"

    Peduto equals change..."WE WANT CHANGE"

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  20. Anon 11:26: I was one of those people bullied for speaking up. Bill would rebuild the Planning Department and engage community plans that have been already created. This admin had no interest in transparent inclusive decision making. One can use the Lower Hill and the Strip as examples where Buncher and the Pens could create plans that ignored community input and need. Bill has seen how other cities work progressively in planning and development. Wagner has not a clue other than to continue the cronyism that keeps the developers, bankers, attorneys and politicos happy. Dont forget his visionary Mon River Bridge and tunnel nowwhere...

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  21. Yes, Anon 11:26, you should see my inbox. You'd better increase the bullying, just to be sure. Some of your employees might just go public.

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  22. I'm going to go ahead and repeat what Nate H. said at the top...

    Ditto on Act 47 and the ICA. Part of Jack's oft-referenced “long history of experience in City government” goes like this: Jack Wagner was a complicit leader during the period leading up to the financial meltdown of the City, after-which he then leaves the City for higher office in Harrisburg, killing the commuter tax while political powerclimbing and dealmaking.

    How have his home neighborhoods been doing since he left for Harrisburg? Something (obviously) tells me that they aren't on the same path as places like East Liberty and Friendship, neighborhoods whose comebacks would've been thought of as far more improbable 15 years ago (when Jack was in City government) than similar hypotheses referencing Beachview or Carrick.

    And I'll add the part about City Council during the Wagner period being of the type that makes today's Council look like after-school programming.

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  23. It seems that candidate Peduto spent almost 20 year deeply entrenched in city govt but yet his supporters call him an outsider. Candidate Pedotu has spent 20 years in city govt.
    Yet those he works closely with call him spiteful and petty. He has spent 20 years as an ultimate insider , yet a man almost 20 years removed from Pittsburgh has stolen his thunder. Does the fact that in spite of his almost 20 years in city govt, he has not managed to grow his brand, to make allies in city government , nor show an ability to move beyond the limits of his council district , show the fatal flaws in candidate Peduto?

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  24. Anon 1:26

    Well said.

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  25. One way to avoid being called "spiteful and petty" is just to let everybody do what they want w/o asking questions. Leadership is about working to fix things regardless of what people think of you. That's what he's being doing for 20 years in city government, and why its newer figures like Rudiak, Kraus, and Dowd want him in charge of it.

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  26. The mayor is the only person responsible for the execution of city government.

    This race is about whether the incompetent know-nothing political mafiosi and their every niece and nephew are still entitled to lifetime appointments, or are going to make way for some qualified and creative professionals.

    That's all the race is. That's how to decode "forging relationships." It means "Kazerosky, Quigly and all their buddies get to stay in management regardless of performance, and no one has to be held accountable by putting GPS chips in their city vehicles." Same story every department. You think the situation at the police bureau was anything more or less exotic?

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  27. Bill and Fitz are the most spiteful people in local government. You guys amaze me with your hypocrisy. If Bill was such a good guy, why can't he build a bigger coalition? It seems his coalition is nothing more than a compilation of people and groups he perceives to not like Luke. Certain unions didn't get the sweetheart deal they wanted from Luke? Support Bill. Certain fake community groups didn't get squeeze as much money as they wanted out of the system and developers? Support Bill.

    Don't believe this? You don't have to look further than Bill saying he would "clean house" on employees and boards and commissions. If he wasn't "bullying" people into doing what he wants, why would he need to do that? I think if you ask most people the boards and commissions and vast majority of people in City government are doing an excellent job. If they weren't, then how do you explain how wonderful Pittsburgh is doing in so many regards? If it is just an issue of removing the leader, because the City could do better, then ok I can at least understand that argument. But how do you explain "cleaning house" when that house is doing really really well, other than just wanting to "get back" at everyone anything involved with Luke? If you think that using the same tactics you allege your enemy uses will result in different or better government, I have a bridge to sell you. The only thing that will be different will be the people carrying out the same old tired game of retribution and reward for political reasons. I don't know that Wagner is a great candidate or that Luke was anything special, but I certainly can tell that Bill is self centered and spiteful. If that is what people want in their leaders then god help us.

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  28. Anon 442pm

    Amen I say, amen!

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  29. Anon 4:42 wrote - "If he wasn't 'bullying' people into doing what he wants, why would he need to do that?"

    Well I think it is probably a fact that most (not all!, but at this point most) of the people on City boards now are there to either foster a close relationship to get more city business, or more generally, to push a right-wing privatization agenda or a borrow-and-spend-as-much-as-we-can-in-the-private-sector agenda. I think that's probably what Bill meant by "the Downtown people looking on government differently."

    The same anon also wrote, "I think if you ask most people the boards and commissions and vast majority of people in City government are doing an excellent job. If they weren't, then how do you explain how wonderful Pittsburgh is doing in so many regards?"

    That'd be an interesting question. But guessing, no, I doubt people would attribute much of the City's success to city government. They'd probably attribute it to UPMC, Pitt and CMU, trees and rivers, friendly people, low property values and stuff like the green Convention Center and the trail system and sports teams. I'm not going to try and convince you EVERYBODY hates city government, but I bet most of them don't consider it much of a player in the comeback. And I bet (this is the gamble, isn't it?) I bet that's an easy thing to understand when you're voting. It's certainly easy to understand if you gauge Pittsburgh based on your block, not the magazines.

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  30. "Peduto voiceover: "It's 4,000 miles from Italy to Pittsburgh...To this quarry where my great grandfather worked...Our family's produce store in Homewood...This is where my grandfather died at J&L Steel."
    "That Pittsburgh is gone now. "

    This is the Pittsburgh slamming BS you're getting out of Peduto's first TV ad. Someone explain to him that the mills have been gone for 30 years. If his family had a produce store in Homewood, it's probably been gone for 40 years. But remember,PITTSBURGH came out of the mills closing better, just like we've weathered the most recent recession better than most of the nation. Without Luke to attack, this is the best the brain squad at Team Cappy's can do .and btw tell him to at least put a suit on when he's whining so people will recognize him.

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  31. @Anon April 13 10:21am

    So lame it's sad. As a fan of alliteration myself, why not try including an idea or concern for our city in your next fanfare of PPPs.

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  32. I think Luke should replace Ricky Burgess on the Housing Authority now. The audit and more frequent stories lately seem to indicate that Housing needs to clean house! Is Luke even in town anymore? Oh, he's probably still in Augusta with his posse.

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