tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post6278356948659651349..comments2023-12-24T05:26:48.861-05:00Comments on The Pittsburgh Comet: Bill Peduto campaign themes & vision: Courage, Efficiency, Collaboration and Clean UpBram Reichbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-73651556954425501732012-12-27T22:50:57.400-05:002012-12-27T22:50:57.400-05:00Anon Dec. 17th 9:17 PM - And even to the extent th...Anon Dec. 17th 9:17 PM - And even to the extent that the misleading and wasteful design of the (cough) "multimodal" Grant Street Transportation Center was initiated under a previous mayor, apparently it was set into motion by his present <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/breaking/new-mayor-puts-his-stamp-on-boards-commissions-421770/" rel="nofollow">chief of staff!</a>Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-52682344796269576632012-12-27T00:25:31.062-05:002012-12-27T00:25:31.062-05:00That's what I keep saying.That's what I keep saying.MHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-11463803577162321822012-12-24T23:45:31.196-05:002012-12-24T23:45:31.196-05:00Anon 11:01--
You need a handle!Anon 11:01--<br /><br />You need a handle!Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-11564694438662117362012-12-24T23:01:36.366-05:002012-12-24T23:01:36.366-05:00Shawn, one and the same...the true progressives no...Shawn, one and the same...the true progressives not those who claim to be to enrich their<br />Cachet , were up in arms with Bill P and he went out and cajoled them into believing that<br />Veon was like them forward thinking progressive and not corruptAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-60213950548209633092012-12-24T16:05:36.025-05:002012-12-24T16:05:36.025-05:00Damn warmongerers!Damn warmongerers!Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-39050376025138624212012-12-24T16:01:22.657-05:002012-12-24T16:01:22.657-05:00I also am sad and shocked that the URA's solut...I also am sad and shocked that the URA's solution is always more guns. :)<br /><br />http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jack-coleman/2012/12/23/pittsburgh-city-councilman-tells-maddow-school-violence-doesnt-existBram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-37981765856549646732012-12-24T15:48:47.552-05:002012-12-24T15:48:47.552-05:00Anonymous 3:16PM:
I read that yesterday, and as a...Anonymous 3:16PM:<br /><br />I read that yesterday, and as a matter of fact, I am...<br /><br /><br /><br />Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-7197741901054771612012-12-24T15:16:08.717-05:002012-12-24T15:16:08.717-05:00Rev. Ricky got a write up on newsbuster.org for hi...Rev. Ricky got a write up on newsbuster.org for his appearance on Rachael Maddow's show. What a hoot! Shawn, you must be proud.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-46893250637286515482012-12-24T14:37:30.159-05:002012-12-24T14:37:30.159-05:00Anonymous 11:55AM:
How I wish you had identified ...Anonymous 11:55AM:<br /><br />How I wish you had identified yourself with that commentary. That was much better than Anonymous 1:28AM's protestation... I'm hoping you two are not in fact the same person. If so, those two comments should have been combined into one.<br /><br />But some background on that event in October 2006 for the uninitiated:<br /><br />Pennsylvania Democrats were trying to regain the majority in the state House.<br /><br />That is the election cycle that saw Lisa Bennington, Chelsa Wagner and Matt Smith win elections to the state House. Matt Smith's victory over, Mark Harris, I believe, was especially sweet. <br /><br />Harris toppled Republican state Rep. Stevenson in the Republican primary before going to cede the seat to Smith and the Democrats.<br /><br />The Pennsylvania Democratic Party did go on to win enough seats in the state House to reclaim the majority, and Altmire beat Melissa Hart, in a wave electory of victories that gave Pennsylvania a Democratic house of Representatives to go along with its' Democratic governor, and gave America a Democratic Congress for GWB's last two years, one the Party increased in 2008 in eventually building the 60-vote majority in the US Senate to get Obamacare passed in early 2010.<br /><br />Having said all of that, for the unitiated, I think that Anonymous 1:28AM's point will remain unrevealed for just a little while longer...<br /><br />But I wait with anticipation...<br /><br />Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-55201922652766004292012-12-24T11:55:47.713-05:002012-12-24T11:55:47.713-05:00Agent SkaJuly 12, 2008 11:09 AM
I also think that ...Agent SkaJuly 12, 2008 11:09 AM<br />I also think that maybe the term, "progressive" needs to go on holiday for a couple of months. <br /><br />Case in Point--this event listing from 2006 in an LOYV Email: <br /><br />Councilmember Bill Peduto Rally for State Rep Mike Veon! <br /><br />Sunday, October 15th, <br />1:00 PM-2:30 PM <br /><br />Shadow Lounge, East Liberty <br /><br />This event is being sponsored, so food and drinks are on the house! <br /><br />Come join the next progressive <br />leaders in Western PA.<br /><br /><br />....ah yes, Veon...the next progressive leader.<br /><br />Reply<br /><br />Bram ReichbaumJuly 13, 2008 2:44 AM<br />DING!<br /><br />Reply<br /><br />Agent SkaJuly 13, 2008 10:22 PM<br />ding?<br /><br />Reply<br /><br />Bram ReichbaumJuly 14, 2008 11:18 AM<br />Like, wow, you really dinged him.<br /><br />Between this and the former staffer ensnared by the prosecution, I'd recommend to Bill some kind of statement of reflections on the "culture of corruption" among regional politicians would be in order. We could all learn some things.<br /><br />Reply<br /><br />Agent SkaJuly 14, 2008 4:38 PM<br />Well it wasn't meant as an insult, it was just meant as a frank comment. <br /><br />Secondly, it's good that you've appointed yourself Bill's newest PR consultant.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-54442484550417784782012-12-24T01:51:17.848-05:002012-12-24T01:51:17.848-05:00Now, now, Anon 1:28--
Too funny. Now that you men...Now, now, Anon 1:28--<br /><br />Too funny. Now that you mention it, I remember that Shadow Lounge event...<br /><br />Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-83445048766818150262012-12-24T01:28:11.949-05:002012-12-24T01:28:11.949-05:00I recall when Wall Street Willie had mike " p...I recall when Wall Street Willie had mike " prisoner 320976" Veon speak on WSW's behalf back at the shadow lounge.<br />The cops were closing in on Veon even then and yet Bill P spoke highly and positively of Veon. Did he know Veon was dirty, I'm sure. did he care, apparently not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-54731007751961068502012-12-21T18:27:08.633-05:002012-12-21T18:27:08.633-05:00Of course, we all know that Rev. Ricky doesn't...Of course, we all know that Rev. Ricky doesn't have a political bone in his whole body.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-88317543054682966362012-12-21T00:29:25.099-05:002012-12-21T00:29:25.099-05:00If it's permissible to talk to a reporter at t...If it's permissible to talk to a reporter at the office or meet with anybody with concerns, it's just as permissible to "mess around on here." It's all community engagement. Now, Anon 8:28, if you're implying you've had problems contacting Burgess's office, well I guess that would be a different story.<br /><br />Thanks for the informed comment Anon 4:09.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-29295521832401336892012-12-20T22:50:39.879-05:002012-12-20T22:50:39.879-05:00@Shawn
I often justify my commenting time on blo...@Shawn <br /><br />I often justify my commenting time on blogs as "participating in community discourse and online public education." Most of the time I buy that line. <br /><br />:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Helen Gerhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07010369817073080001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-41661564558058537692012-12-20T20:40:24.420-05:002012-12-20T20:40:24.420-05:00Anon 8:28--
Shhh! That's supposed to be a se...Anon 8:28--<br /><br />Shhh! That's supposed to be a secret!Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-50629183229452717292012-12-20T20:28:29.373-05:002012-12-20T20:28:29.373-05:00Nice to see Shawn Carter wasting time on a blog in...Nice to see Shawn Carter wasting time on a blog instead of doing real work for the District his boss represents. Take meetings with residents in the office before you mess around on here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-71409894081311855582012-12-20T16:09:28.285-05:002012-12-20T16:09:28.285-05:00The fire studies that say the city can cut houses ...The fire studies that say the city can cut houses IF they build new houses in more centrally located areas.<br />I'm more intrigued by Lamb going directly after minimum staffing than sticking with the safer, less contentious route of attacking the city's lack of hiring leading to vacancies needing filled by overtime.<br />The mandatory minimum staffing only came about after the city cut as many stations and jobs it could going into Act 47. When you consider the size, age, terrain, and many special features(major highways through downtown, chemical & gas companies, bridges & tunnels, etc.) I have no interest in the hero argument, but inadequate manpower increases risks to firefighters and civilians. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-13758990004930038512012-12-19T20:12:07.280-05:002012-12-19T20:12:07.280-05:00@Bram
As regards the Taibbi article, I was begin...@Bram <br /><br />As regards the Taibbi article, I was beginning to research private/public partnerships as they might affect state funding for the transportation bill to be put forward by Corbett in February, and this particular Taibbi article is indeed more relevant for that wider context than here in Pittsburgh, for many of the reasons you mentioned. The Taibbi article that MH linked to is definitely more usefully on-topic for your own article and for this thread. <br /><br />But I do think that there are useful passages to consider, such as: <br /><br />In Chicago, <i>...when the new ownership told Alderman Scott Waguespack that it wanted to change the meter schedule from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, the alderman balked and said he'd rather keep the old schedule, at least for 270 of his meters. Chicago Parking Meters then informed him that if he wanted to do that, he would have to pay the company $608,000 over three years...the city is now forced to cede control of their streets to a virtually unaccountable private and at least partially foreign-owned company. Written into the original deal were drastic price increases. In Hairston's and Colon's neighborhoods, meter rates went from 25¢ an hour to $1.00 an hour the first year, and to $1.20 an hour the year after that. And again, the city has no power to close streets, remove or move meters, or really do anything without asking the permission of Chicago Parking Meters LLC.<br /><br />Colon, whose neighborhood had an arts festival last year, will probably avoid festivals in the future that involve street closings.</i><br /><br />Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/exclusive-excerpt-america-on-sale-from-matt-taibbis-griftopia-20101018#ixzz2FWDhDBHw<br /><br />An enormous portion of that extra parking profit goes into those overseas Sovereign Wealth Funds, rather than into fulfilling Chicago taxpayer needs. <br /><br />I do think Taibbi's article provides several relevant cautionary tales that would be useful for us and our elected leaders to consider, on city, county, and state levels. As private-public partnerships are considered, we must all practice vigilant diligence on transparent, quality-based processes for project bidding, evaluation, and selection of who actually controls leasing and funding mechanisms. Contract negotiation should set up public interest limitations on how such multiple funders and leasing entities continue to exercise power over labor conditions and asset use decisions that affect project workers and taxpayers for many costly decades after the initial payment to fill stopgap funding holes. The entire process should be fully public, thorough and deliberate, directly inviting engagement by all stakeholders and affected communities.<br /><br /><br />Helen Gerhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07010369817073080001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-37223878301945356272012-12-19T16:31:03.851-05:002012-12-19T16:31:03.851-05:00The Rev rules over his own Authority, housing. If ...The Rev rules over his own Authority, housing. If he displeases Widdle Wukie he might lose his little kingdom. <br />His shear hatred of the "rich" neighborhood is divisive and counter-productive to true dialog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-29446228039166443262012-12-19T15:36:52.967-05:002012-12-19T15:36:52.967-05:00Somebody call Jim O'Toole ... Shawn Carter'...Somebody call Jim O'Toole ... Shawn Carter's thrown his hat in the ring! <br /><br />And here's a 135-character gospel tweet for ya: <br /><br />A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Muggernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-65315062098983799262012-12-19T14:09:20.794-05:002012-12-19T14:09:20.794-05:00Does anybody else hear that?
Next time Rev is bei...Does anybody else <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHAOkDamRzU" rel="nofollow">hear that</a>?<br /><br />Next time Rev is being <i>consistent in his fight for the poor</i> in any way which accidentally politically discomforts the Mayor which happens to sit at the head of this <i>system that tilts in the direction of the not poor</i>, be sure to send me a text.<br /><br />We will probably need to wait for Mayor Peduto for Rev to so spring into action, but on the other hand I'm sure the same arrangements can be forged between them after a short interlude.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-57585266203472080522012-12-19T13:56:52.358-05:002012-12-19T13:56:52.358-05:00Well,
Reverend Burgess isn't going to increa...Well, <br /><br />Reverend Burgess isn't going to increase these line items on the backs of the Fire Bureau. That's a dead-end argument.<br /><br />Same goes for Police and EMS.<br /><br />It's not hero worship. It's the firm belief that we're better off having these guys sitting around and not need them than to need these guys and not have them.<br /><br />Reverend Burgess has been consistent in his desire to see nighttime enforcement extended. He voted to suspend it now for the third time because he is not unreasonable. He understands that some changes must be made, system-wide, and he is aware of that. <br /><br />He has also been consistent in his fight for the poor that we have a system that tilts in the direction of the not poor, to the detriment of the poor.<br /><br />Some may not like that, but as he is unlikely to change that and he has the record to prove it, you can expect more of the same, not less.<br /><br />So for those out there who seek out the lowest common denominator in an attempt to marginalize the Reverend's position on this or many other issues, I'd strongly advise that they dig deeper and stop merely accepting Peduto's 140-character tweets as gospel, writ large, with no suuporting evidence or documentation....Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-62937069995883374642012-12-19T13:47:12.469-05:002012-12-19T13:47:12.469-05:00Sure am!
Hasn't the ICA and independent exper...Sure am!<br /><br />Hasn't the ICA and independent expert studies also recommended repeatedly we close some fire stations (NOT lay off firefighters, close stations), our rivers and hills or notwithstanding?<br /><br />I'm sorry, I don't respond well to "hero" arguments a la carte... firefighters do dangerous and important work and deserve all the healthy compensation due to well-organized public safety workers, AND costs need to be controlled in line with best practices, so we have money for their own pensions and for things like summer youth employment. Hold both thoughts in head at same time and shake, not stir.<br /><br />Rejecting any argument that there is money to be saved at the Fire Department out of hand because of hero worship, memories of fire trauma, and "Not In My Backyard" affection for the fire station around the corner is just as bad as not wanting to raise parking meter rates because you're a business or a shopper in Shadyside.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-41454917836695247492012-12-19T13:35:54.867-05:002012-12-19T13:35:54.867-05:00Bram --
Not going to argue with the COntroller th...Bram --<br /><br />Not going to argue with the COntroller that we spend alot of money on firefighter overtime.<br /><br />As soon as we can get ICA approval (who after 2 commissioned studies over the past 7 years, recommends downsizing) to agree to hire more firefighters, I'm sure it will meet with unanimous approval of all concerned stakeholders.<br /><br />I do worry, as per the Controller's audit, about work comp/time-off injuries and the like, but we ask these guys to sit around and wait, sometimes for days at a time, for a call to run into a burning building and save lives. That is extremely dangerous work.<br /><br />I certainly don't want to be tasked to do it.<br /><br />I'm sure anyone who has had to be pulled out of a burning building would likely not argue the point, and since, when I was 18, the Bureau had to pull my 94 year old great-grandmother out of one when the vacant house next door caught ablaze, perhaps I'm partial to their issues.<br /><br />There are over 100,000 residential structures in the City. Certainly if we mandated that every single one of them be retrofitted with modern fire suppression systems, we would have fewer critical incidents. As soon as you find 5 Councilmembers who are willing to impose that cost on every single Pittsburgh homeowner, then maybe the overall cost of firefighting would be more in line with our population.<br /><br />Our topography is always an issue, and those damn waterbodies requireing the bridges and the mountains requiring the tunnels and the dense manner in which the City was laid out are all militators of our issues with firefighting.<br /><br />But you're not suggesting that we tap firefighter allocations for other purposes, are you?Shawn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199246577083781115noreply@blogger.com