One battle behind you, God knows how many more lie ahead. But together you can do it.
Yes, it would be nice if our mayor was competent and also wished to move our city out of the smoke-filled backrooms of the past. It would be such a blessing if he were something other than a Jersey barrier to our city’s success. But he isn’t and he doesn’t.
Unfortunately, in order for Pittsburgh to cross the finish line into the 21st Century, you’re going to have to drag Mayor Luke, kicking and screaming, across that finish line too. Sure, he’ll be there at every turn to claim ownership of the successes you forge. Or to defiantly pout ‘You can’t make me do it, you’re not the boss of me!’ as he does the very thing he says you can’t make him do.
But you’re going to have to ignore the infuriating antics of a self-indulgent child-mayor. You’re going to have to discount the threats hurled at you from his Yinzer posse. Instead, you must believe in the power of a mission grounded in decency. Always a thankless job, I know, but one it seems you all have eagerly taken on.
Many heartfelt thanks to each of you.
KDKA: http://kdka.com/video/?id=40172@kdka.dayport.com
PG: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08103/872691-53.stm
Trib: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_562029.html
9 comments:
So far they delayed the building of a mega electronic sign on a new building.
I'll hold off on the praise and saying 'thank you' until there is something of serious consequence accomplished.
For example, I'll scream "thanks" under the clock at Kaufman's once there is a new law that FORBIDS all NO BID CONTRACTS for the city and all associated authorities.
Yes, this isn't just about the sign. And, it isn't just about what they claim to be 'due process' with the proper zoning board meetings. This is about 'No Bid Contracts.'
Getting to the roots of the real problems is what I'm wishing for from those five you mentioned. I've seen nothing to signal that they are headed for an attack on the roots of problems. I still only see them batting at the leaves on the tree of suffering.
mark you are such a sourpuss
Let's end 'no bid contracts' -- because the sky has fallen.
Everybody who ordinarily knows what's going on continues to assure me that this slim five-member majority is due to lose its cohesion, and to fracture along it's particular interests sometime real soon. I personally don't believe them, I don't care what they say.
Bram,
I don't believe that the 5 will fracture either. Success is an intoxicating thing & they've had a few successes. They want more.
I believe them to be intelligent & in it for the good of those they represent. They must've realized by now that their particular interests are much better served when they work together.
If egos/ambitions/other are rearing their ugly heads, kick them to the curb guys. We need you to focus & to keep making the good changes you are working on. Remember 5 votes. It takes 5 votes.
People, including those who are even moderately interested in local politics, that I encounter around town, are beginning to look upon council much more favorably than in recent memory.
If they stick together, keep succeeding in their efforts, who knows? There may be 6 votes more & more often...
Think they can sway Motznik?
No. Never.
And for whatever reason I can't fathom, just like Sala before her, Tonya Payne has cast her lot with the mayor, till death do her part.
It is impossible for Deasy to be part of any conflict. When things get tough, Deasy will abstain.
Darlene is the only possible 6th vote from time to time. Call me silly, but I think she might actually be prone to vote her conscience.
Darlene's getting pressure, whether direct or indirect, from the mayor, Zober and/or her Dem cmte. pals up on the Northside.
All you Northside readers, let the gal know you want her to do the right thing. And that, if she does, you'll reward her by voting for her & that you'll continue to urge her to doing the right thing.
There's hope for Mrs. Harris, although we will have to nudge her along.
pay the damn LEGAL bill and let's get a citizens petition to have the attorney general conduct an investigation OF ALL OF THESE stupid ass goings on.
Look, these Council Members who stood up for THE LAW AND THE LEGAL PROCESS deserve a break and some PUBLIC SUPPORT INSTEAD OF DITHERING HERE IN THE BLOGS.
The LNMAR 4 have been beat up, intimidated and they have their own political limitations as well.
How's bout we, the people of Pittsburgh take the responsibility for getting to the bottom of all of this!
So here is a petition. Copy, paste, circulate, get signitures. Mail petitions to the PA attorney general.
Tom Corbett
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
16th Floor
Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
It's an of the people by the people for the people thing. Get the AG to get to work and clean up this mess.
PETETION
WE THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS RELATED TO THE FUNCTIONS OF OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. WE HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT LOCAL AUTHORITIES CAN FAILY AND WITHOUT PREJEDICE INVESTIGATE THE MATTERS BELOW.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT HAS ACTED TO ALLOW AN ILLEGAL BILLBOARD OWNED BY LAMAR ADVERTISING TO BE ERECTED.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE URA, MR. PAT FORD IS ON LEAVE AND UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION AS A RESULT OF AN IMPROPER RELATIONSHP WITH A LAMAR LOBBYIST.
MR. FORD, AS PLANNING DIRECTOR AND THE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HAS ALSO HAD INTERVENED ON BEHALF OF A LOCAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY HEADED BY A CONVICTED FELON TO ALLOW ILLEGAL BUILDING PERMITS TO BE ISSUED.
MR. FORD RENTED AN APRTMENT FROM THIS AME CONVICTED FELON'S AND HAS REFUSED TO DISCLOSE WHAT, IF ANY, RENT WAS PAID.
THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW HAS ISSUED CONTROVERSIAL LEGAL OPINIONS AND HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE THE COUNCIL WITH OPINIONS IN A TIMELY MANNER ON THE LAMAR ZONING CODE VIOLATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS.
THE LAW DEPARTMENT NOW ACCUSES OUR REPRESENTATIVES OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BASED UPON THEIR OBJECTIONS TO THE CITY CODE VIOLATIONS BY LAMAR.
WE DEMAND THAT THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONDUCT A THROUGH AND COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION INTO THESE MATTERS TO DETERMINE IF THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OR CITY CODE WERE BROKEN.
WE DEMAND THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATE WHY A STATE AUTHORITY, THE PARKING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH, ISSUED A NO BID CONTRACT, WITHOUT BOARD APPROVAL TO ALLOW LAMAR TO ERECT AN ILLEGAL BILLBOARD ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. MR. FORD WAS CHAIR OF THE PARKING AUTHORITY AT THE TIME.
WE DEMAND THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATE WHY THE PITTSBURGH STADIUM AUTHORITY SOLD PUBLIC LAND TO THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS WELL BELOW MARKET RATE ($0.80 A SQ. FT.) WITHOUT STADIUM AUTHORITY BOARD APPROVAL.
WE DEMAND THAT THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL LAW BREAKING IN THESE MATTERS BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE AND RESTORE OUR FAITH IN OUR INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT IN THE CITY OF PIITSBURGH.
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