tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post8249206897076258451..comments2023-12-24T05:26:48.861-05:00Comments on The Pittsburgh Comet: #TransitionWatch: Person your Stations!Bram Reichbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-40389665961176891582013-12-11T18:13:52.587-05:002013-12-11T18:13:52.587-05:00I'm sure some of the city's most caustic f...I'm sure some of the city's most caustic folks at the director level - who are going to have to look at their career plans with energy they haven't felt probably in years - are going to call Council, 911, and everyone else to complain about their removal. And? Are Harris and Burgess really and truly concerned about that? As if these people are going to exempt them because of this vote? Wow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-20642069102160248912013-12-10T17:57:41.934-05:002013-12-10T17:57:41.934-05:00Ok, so, Tuesday's meeting was more fuel for th...Ok, so, Tuesday's meeting was more fuel for the fire. Burgess made accusations about Peduto. You know what, I can't even put into words the passive-aggressive inferences that Burgess was suggesting. I'll have to try to catch the 7pm repeat, but I do know that Peduto did take the high road and inferred that he gets Burgesses bait and switch. He did state clearly that the Authorities are fair game for reappointment (specifically Housing) and I'm loving Bill more each day!<br />OMG, this is working out great. I can't wait to see Gilman join in.<br />Please Luke, take Ricky with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-88516473986726598332013-12-10T16:03:07.246-05:002013-12-10T16:03:07.246-05:00My impression is that if the City has a bunch of p...My impression is that if the City has a bunch of positions open at the start of the year that its about to eliminate (to make room for new positions in planning and performance management), that wastes a lot of money. So, are the taxpayers supposed to take a hit because a former Assistant Director who is going to be upset in any event, will be a upset also at Council members for having said "Okay" to cooperating with the new mayor's plan instead of boycotting it and making him do it a more painful way? Asked another way, how quickly can City leaders stop thinking like that forever?Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-41633382347252425422013-12-10T13:57:01.122-05:002013-12-10T13:57:01.122-05:00Huh? They must be pretty isolated if they thought...Huh? They must be pretty isolated if they thought they were going to hang on to a non-protected position with a new mayor coming in. If they are this out-to-lunch, then does the City really need them in a position of importance anyway?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-6428056665426886062013-12-10T13:24:22.601-05:002013-12-10T13:24:22.601-05:00I think Burgess makes a point. The final vote on ...I think Burgess makes a point. The final vote on these measures will, in effect, fire people. Why should council wear that? Shouldn't that be the responsibility of the new administration. Spoke to someone this effects yesterday and they are convinced that Council just fired them. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-84080576514832965322013-12-10T11:13:21.242-05:002013-12-10T11:13:21.242-05:00I only caught the 2nd half of that meeting, twice....I only caught the 2nd half of that meeting, twice. I'm guessing it's another indication that that Presidency vote is looking alright for Kraus and company but that's a sideshow. Burgess may have had a constructive point on the employees covered under 180.03e, but he obviously shifted his complaint enough to make sure there was always something he could be assailing in broad strokes at any given moment. Gives lie to the fact that his issue is partially political and deeply entrenched. I would get extraordinarily irritated were I Peduto, but it's the kind of strategic, multifaceted adversity he'd better be prepared to face every day. Fighting fire with fire is for suckers; flood the room with water.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-70665021849855888212013-12-10T10:25:21.913-05:002013-12-10T10:25:21.913-05:00Bram, Did you happen to catch the city council bud...Bram, Did you happen to catch the city council budget meeting on Monday? Harris and Burgess were very obstinate towards Bills reorganization changes. The thing that stands out to me was Bill nearly losing his cool with Burgess by stating that Burgess was grandstanding to angle for 5 votes and council prez position. Burgess was flabbergasted at the accusation. To me it was Burgess's typical "passive-aggressive" reaction, the whole "who me". How do you think the whole prez race is going? Burgess could not muster any votes. Is that indicative of the big picture? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-64571665487545697892013-12-08T18:56:38.893-05:002013-12-08T18:56:38.893-05:00That is why you need real world people who deal wi...That is why you need real world people who deal with real world ethics issues and have the backbone to do something about it. I would also suggest setting a up a process that allows for someone to prosecute and defend the case and then a decision.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-60331701156170519352013-12-08T14:16:09.132-05:002013-12-08T14:16:09.132-05:00That's never stopped us before.That's never stopped us before.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-8917560137335714212013-12-07T11:09:44.231-05:002013-12-07T11:09:44.231-05:00What is funny about the comments section is that a...What is funny about the comments section is that almost everyone think that they know the solution to the problem but have never been there themselves. Reminds me of back seat car-drivers who do not know how to drive and lack the skills to - but want to tell others how to drive - and think that they have the solution to it all.<br />There are some pretty decent folks in the city, though not many, and I hesitate to stereotype or generalize like some have done here. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-62042442798764580932013-12-06T16:19:36.714-05:002013-12-06T16:19:36.714-05:00These people deserve no severance. They should ge...These people deserve no severance. They should get the same courtesy at the door that they showed their predecessors --- NONE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-8252269452128788282013-12-06T14:06:55.731-05:002013-12-06T14:06:55.731-05:00It seems to me that the proper thing to do right n...It seems to me that the proper thing to do right now is take any pension enhancement off the table.<br />Discussions should begin for a FAIR severance package for the personnel that are "at will " .<br />Some weeks of extra pay in lieu of possibly 10 years of pension payments and there's a good bet that the ICA wouldn't have to get involved.<br />Maybe 3 months pay with an extra month of Medical Coverage.<br /><br /> <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-18151067496529175172013-12-06T10:08:41.098-05:002013-12-06T10:08:41.098-05:00So Bill and Kevin are now relying on Kunka and Ash...So Bill and Kevin are now relying on Kunka and Ashley for financial advice. Great!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-539358504669179962013-12-05T21:27:02.725-05:002013-12-05T21:27:02.725-05:00Ethics Hearing Board trouble point...,
EB ignore...Ethics Hearing Board trouble point..., <br /><br />EB ignores candidates for city posts. <br /><br />EB had a gag order on all who make a complaint. Free speech zapped. <br /><br />EB had / has no ability to investigate. Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-31793743529034122442013-12-05T17:20:58.998-05:002013-12-05T17:20:58.998-05:00Statement from the Mayor-elect's office:
&quo...Statement from the Mayor-elect's office:<br /><br />"<i>The early retirement plan Mayor-elect Peduto introduced was first suggested to us by Mayor Ravenstahl’s Director of Operations, Duane Ashley. Our work on the legislation was assited by Mayor Ravenstahl’s Budget and Finance Director, Scott Kunka.<br /> <br />As the Mayor-elect’s incoming Chief of Staff, I have been working with Mayor Ravenstahl's staff, the Act 47 coordinators, and the ICA for several weeks to make sure this proposal is financially viable and in the best interest of the city. <br /> <br />As recently as this morning, we made substantial progress with Harrisburg in addressing the concerns raised by the Act 47 team, and we have been in numerous discussions toward that end yesterday and today. <br /> <br />This proposal would help many people who Mayor Ravenstahl has hired and promoted over the past seven years, and was a good faith effort by Mayor-elect Peduto and the new administration to help with a smooth transition.<br /> <br />If Mayor Ravenstahl is planning to veto this legislation, without the votes to override that veto, Mayor-elect Peduto will have to consider taking it off the table.<br /> <br />We simply will not tolerate games being played with the lives of city workers.</i>"Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-29270352448203610192013-12-05T16:55:43.071-05:002013-12-05T16:55:43.071-05:00If the veto threat applies to all possible permuta...If the veto threat applies to all possible permutations (and even Burgess stated, "I believe some version of this will pass") it would have been super helpful to hear it a month or two ago.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-67295098121337193622013-12-05T16:14:27.819-05:002013-12-05T16:14:27.819-05:00Exactly why the veto notice is meaningfulExactly why the veto notice is meaningfulAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-28374972721126981322013-12-05T16:08:38.221-05:002013-12-05T16:08:38.221-05:00There's got to be several views between "...There's got to be several views between "<i>Etched in Marble Suicide-Pact</i>" and "<i>Let's Not Have One Altogether.</i>"<br /><br />What if somebody stole all of Pittsburgh's money? Like, a cat burglar? Would we still need to follow the Recovery Plan to the letter anyway?Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-2583642229013507222013-12-05T16:00:08.857-05:002013-12-05T16:00:08.857-05:00A bolder statement than you suggest given that Mr....A bolder statement than you suggest given that Mr. Act 47 Peduto is now saying the Act 47 plan is just a recommendation. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-71052215637173303492013-12-05T15:12:20.793-05:002013-12-05T15:12:20.793-05:00As it happens, there is news:
http://triblive.com...As it happens, there is news:<br /><br />http://triblive.com/mobile/5201249-96/employees-peduto-plan<br /><br />Not a bold statement since Peduto and the State agreed yesterday on the necessity of taking it back to the lab, but there it is.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-29601968208332023322013-12-05T15:02:14.062-05:002013-12-05T15:02:14.062-05:00Anon 4:37 you are absolutely correct.
At will empl...Anon 4:37 you are absolutely correct.<br />At will employees do not have protections.<br />Everyone one of them knew it when they took their positions.<br />Bram, the hypothetical you mentioned about employees possibly "suing and subpoenaing records" evidently for things they witnessed and did not report? If so why didn't they?<br />Sounds like blackmail. "Give us a early pension and we won't tell." <br />Let them.<br />We want a clean start don't we?<br />I really don't think anything is owed to these people. They got paid didn't they ?<br />Every other Friday (payday for the City), they, and we who pay them with our taxes, were even.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-89379986216303768342013-12-04T23:44:58.122-05:002013-12-04T23:44:58.122-05:00I would love to talk with you about the history if...I would love to talk with you about the history if the Ethics Board as I filed few of the earliest ethics complaints to that lame board. I think mine were #2, 3 and 4.<br /><br />One ethical complaint was that the ethics board was un ethical itself. They didn't know what to do except nod. <br /><br />There are a number of fatal flaws with that board. Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-24418994432434943392013-12-04T21:30:10.091-05:002013-12-04T21:30:10.091-05:00Sister Hughes and Rabbi Schiff as I recall did abo...Sister Hughes and Rabbi Schiff as I recall did about as well as anyone could on that Board given its circumstances -- but yes, the subcommittee is aware that we may not need FOUR religious leaders on our 5-member Ethics panel.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-73845565082242114452013-12-04T21:24:36.444-05:002013-12-04T21:24:36.444-05:00Helen - It's helpful that we've belled the...Helen - It's helpful that we've belled the cat. But I'm comfortable waiting to see if anything untoward actually develops before raking a fellow Pittsburgher over the coals for working for an Authority, for being pro-active and for having once gotten swept up in some <a href="http://www.briem.com/files/LAMAR_COUNCIL_2.pdf" rel="nofollow">epic and all-consuming silliness</a>.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-86363095579747262962013-12-04T21:18:40.372-05:002013-12-04T21:18:40.372-05:00Thanks. It doesn't even have to be "tota...Thanks. It doesn't even have to be "totally anonymous." the other suggestion is to get rid of the idea that you need a nun, a priest and a rabbi. I suggest asking around in the legal world and banking world and other professionals that have strict ethics codes. You find out pretty quickly who everyone says are the people that play by the rules. Get a few of them on the board. Nuns don't deal with real world ethical problems that aren't always cut and dry. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com