It’s over – the elections, but change has happened

The Pittsburgh Mayoral election is over now, so we can all go back to looking for 50% off Halloween candy at Wally World.

Luke was elected, so nothing has changed, right??

Wrong!

Much has changed with Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin having run.  They captured enough of a percentage for Pittsburghers to say “we notice and want people working out of the box” loud and clear.

Now we get to see:

1. If the Mayor can gain enough respect to stop people from calling him names like Opie (SWB) and Lukey (thatschurch.com) …. along with a few others I cant print here due to WordPress’s Terms Of Service.  That will take actually associating with the common folk and not just Snoop Dogg (we actually have nothing against Snoop …. but I couldn’t think of anyone else).  I’ve actually my O’Conner and even Murphy – they both have given me the time of day at some point in my life.  I’ve never really seen Luke around except for a photo op.
2. If the Mayor can really up his game and prove to everyone that he will be good overall for Pittsburgh (don’t blow off what he has done well, but don’t forget the mistakes either).  This means following through on all of the current projects in a way that is at least acceptable and profitable for Pittsburghers.
3. If Luke can land us all free tickets to Snoop’s next Pittsburgh concert (and not lawn seats either) ….. then we’ll really know he DOES have connections.

 

Is this just a concern for those living in the city proper … no.

The mayor should be a concern of all that use the city services for work, shopping, dining, or play or we all end up paying for

-SWB

We are actually glad Luke is back …… we need material for the blog.

Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin – Back to the basics

Capture from City Paper’s “Street Wise” article. Click it to go to the City Paper article.

SWB just wanted to highlight another one of the excellent articles that The Pittsburgh City Paper has been putting out lately. It’s about Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin going back to the basics of appealing to the actual voters personally for their votes.

Hmmmm … amazing how going back to the simple things actually works.

Now, since neither of these guys is a typical political running dude … they may actually give Luke Ravenstahl some competition – so ya might want to watch closely getting near the voting date.

-SWB

PS – What these guys are doing to get votes makes sense … which I though was made illegal about a 100 years ago in Pittsburgh.

This article was also added into Pgh Mayoral Race 2009 section of SWB.

Food For Thought – Allegheny County Primary Elections

Just a quick note here, based on this article by Rich Lord of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Only a little (and I mean a very little) over 20% of the voters showed up for the primary elections in Allegheny County.  Voters, have for years complained about the sense of hopelessness about their vote meaning anything in this area.  SWB thinks this low of a turnout, especially with a very high profile competition between Revenstahl, Dowd, and Robinson for the Democratic party significantly highlights that issue.

Do you think if maybe the voters didn’t see things like the subway under the river they didn’t want going through just to get money for a project, and things like museums and parks being fought for by our politicians, instead of scheduled for dropping of funds and shutdown … people may actually show up at the voting booths?

-SWB

PS – Food for thought that the politicians still won’t get …. but we pray for them anyway.

Media Mayoral Debates – 2009 Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

The picture in this post is to give you, more or less, a visual of where the Pittsburgh Mayoral Elections are probably headed as the official debates in the media have started (this is a nice way to say “the mud slinging has now commenced”). It never fails. No matter how good the P.R. people, or how qualified the candidate … they all end up covered in excrement and we just vote for who smells the least (or had enough sense to carry a can of Lysol).

Luke, who SWB had higher hopes for in the beginning seems to have a pretty good P.R. firm working for him. It the election was based on decent, cool commercials, I might vote for him.

Carmen, we’re honestly not sure of, because there there just isn’t enough tabloid material on her to make up any pre-conceived notion on what she is about. Voters rely on tabloid material, not real stuff. Maybe that’s why the people seem to like Luke and Patrick more … they do good with that style of media.

Patrick is digging up some dead, but unsettled issues, like the Billboard Debate as seen here in an article by Rich Lord of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (BTW, the look on Dowd’s face is absolutely precious in that article). Although, the way the billboard got there may be wrong …. in most of the polls taken, the people of the city wanted it completed anyway. It really looks stupid now. So, if Patrick is successful in correct the wrongs done in local government on issues of that type, and can get the sign working – he may be the lead.

“Dok” Harris we like simply because he talked to us, and talks to the other small guys also. He may be the only one that may listen to the small, unheard masses in Pittsburgh. The other three didn’t bother to complete the list of questions we send, nor did they care to. Dok took the time immediately to do so.

Click Here to get to our page that includes all of the candidates sites.

Here are a couple of related polls, check ’em out:

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… And the five year olds start to battle …

I thought to myself, just for once, maybe this year we will have intelligent enough mayoral candidates that we will be able to hear good news bites and debates about who is best for the job. SWB is sorry to inform you that it’s not going to happen. The battle of the five year olds has started. Although it’s beginning a little less intense that the last Pittsburgh mayoral election, I compare this to a baby food battle and I’m sure they will progress into a full out “Animal House” style food fight. Carmen is now calling the Luke and Patrick “divas”. Hmmm … maybe there is some dress fetishes the men have that only Carmen knows about. They are also fighting about the May 19th primary date not being moved because “Luke is too busy” … must be starting into his golf outing schedule for this year.

Oh well, I’m hoping for maybe a few on camera full out food fights between the primary candidates this year. I think we should have blueberry and cherry jam just in case the “divas” are wearing anything white.

Click Here for the latest from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the start of the election food fights. The candidates did promise to stay with organic foods this year to promote health.

And don’t forget to Click Here to take our poll on who you want for mayor. The page also includes links to our interviews with them (of course only Dok has had the courtesy to accommodate so far), and links to their campaign sites.

We stuck this under “Utter Nonsense and Such” because we are fairly confident that the mud-slinging will go far beyond that label.

-SWB

PS – Do you remember when candidates could use two syllable words? … I don’t, it was too long ago.

Carmen L Robinson for Mayor

Capture from Carmen L Robinson’s campaign site – click on it to go there. We have another Candidate on the Democratic side for Mayor of Pittsburgh. That candidate is Carmen L Robinson. Just as we did with the other Candidates that we have found so far, we e-mailed Carmen a request for an e-mail interview. The first six questions are the same first six Dok Harris answered, and the last three are optional as they are more on the fun side.

We will be awaiting Carmen’s reply …. and make sure you check out her site linked above so you get to know her better. Click Here for a quick link on what she stands for.

You also can follow her on Twitter.

-SWB

PS – you gotta check out her new slogan on Twitter. It’s just so worth it.

Interview: Pittsburgh Mayoral Race Candidate Questions

As you know we sent out interview questions for three candidates for Mayor of Pittsburgh. One (Dok Harris) completed his over the phone and had the option to redo via e-mail for accuracy. Patrick Dowd’s group did get back to us, but has yet to return the e-mail with questions. Luke Ravenstahl has yet to respond. Needless to say we are losing a little faith in Luke this year.

Check them all out at their links below ….. remember, you need to look into all of the candidates, and not just depend on opinions from blogs and the media.

Candidate Links:

• Franco Dok Harris
• Luke Ravenstahl
• Patrick Dowd

-SWB

PS – We do not plan in any way to use the power of the internet to push any of the candidates into answering any of our question against their will, but we will use the acquired skill handed down by my Italian grandmother ….. guilt.

I hope they all remember the little guys will probably be making the decisions this year. {note the hint of grandma guilt here}

Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

Alrighty then …

We sent requests out for either a phone or e-mail interview to all major runners for the 2009 Pittsburgh Mayoral Race around March 11th. Those three were Luke Ravenstahl, Patrick Dowd, and Dok Harris. The requests were sent either via their campaign websites or discovered e-mail addresses. The only one that almost immediately replied was Dok Harris – the other two have not given even a reply from a campaign intern saying that they can’t talk to us now. This pretty much shows you who really thinks a little more “highly” of the common person, and points out who is just status quo. Or course, it could also point out who really needs e-mail going to their Blackberry.

As a “citizen reporter” SWB has an ethical responsibility to keep things balanced when pointing out things during an election timeframe (the same as the commercial media) – which we are going to totally ignore, but we will give all candidates the time of day and the change to have their say via our blog …. if they so wish or care to communicate to actual Pittsburghers.

*UPDATE* – Kudos for Mr Dowd’s group for getting us an update e-mail address very quickly! Gotta give credit where credit is due.

*UPDATE 03/24* – Click Here for update post.

But anyway … here are links to all three major candidates campaign sites:

Franco Dok Harris

Luke Ravenstahl

Patrick Dowd

-SWB

PS – If there more candidates you would like to given a chance or needing reference links on this blog, please comment to this post ….. we’d love to give them a chance also to ignore us, thus giving the excuse to drop a bunch of pigeon crap on them too. Our trained pigeons are getting cranky. See ….. we do our best to be fair at SWB.

BTW – “buy a new mayor day” is May 19th, 2009 if yinz iz wonderin’

Interview: Dok Harris for Mayor

Capture from Dok’s site … click to go there

Here is Dok’s interview with SWB. This was done quickly over about 20 minutes (SWB had to pick up step-kid so his note taking wasn’t immaculate). Dok agreed to reply to our e-mailed questions to him as time was available so you get his true views from his own typing. Those will be posted when we get ’em. SWB would like to thank Dok for allowing us to be his first blog interview. Anyway, here ya go:

Standard Questions:

1. Since favors (or what some like to call political bartering) seem to be a mainstay in all parties, and at some points can be seen as acceptable for getting business done, what is your take on this attitude both politically and personally?

Dok believes that big government should not run the city and insists on an open door policy. A favor for a favor (networking for example) is something that can be acceptable, but a favor such as a place in a political office or a government job is something that is not acceptable.

2. There are two projects that come to mind where Pittsburghers were of the opinion collectively that those projects were a possible waste of money and indicated they did not want them started (two stadiums, instead of one for the Steelers and the under-river North Shore connector project) due to major lack of benefit to the city overall. Whether the citizen’s opinions may or may not be right, would you make sure that those opinions would be considered heavily along with what you would consider the best plan of action and how would you do that?

Corrected at 9:20pm 10/10 due to bad cut-n-paste: The two areas need to looked at differently as later successes may not be apparent at the beginning. A project like the north shore connector could have been done easier with reusing existing infrastructure. Explaining of projects better to the residents and not going forward with doing a project just to get funding before examining that project more closely would make residents feel more comfortable about the projects the city does.

3. With of of the haute (sometimes meaning high-class) living options appearing more and more in Pittsburgh, would you create a plan for affordable (not subsidized) living options to be available in or near those same areas? In other words, would you set the city up to give middle class residents the same chance for contacts and opportunities as high class residents?

Dok indicated that without federal and state funding can be hard to accomplish. The possible burden on the city may hinder this happening without the said fund. He felt good landlords, etc are more important to attract more tenants into the city opening up rent opportunities at various levels. Sophisticated renters do encourage better properties to be opened. You need bid developers to bring in money for that and small business development is more important to bringing in all levels of living space.

4. How would you encourage all political parties to weigh in productively (not just trash talking) on issues for the purpose of compiling the best plan of action to resolve city issues?

Dok is running as an independent for this very purpose, but believe strong leadership at the top and the ability to converse even with those that did not show any support or did not contribute funds to the election campaign is important.

5. Pittsburgh has always had the ability to reinvent itself by attracting new industries, but it has not always been as successful in retaining those industries after the perks to the companies are gone (no taxes, deferred taxes, etc) – how would you change that?

People and businesses moving away after the perks are gone may be an indication that they did not feel like the established a real “home base”. A smart tax structure is needed to keep people and businesses, not drive them away. That is also needed encourage people to live in the city – not just vist new stores, etc.Smart tax structure to keep people living in the city. It is important that every project gives the best possible economic benefit to everyone – residents and businesses.

6. Would you consider offering perks to students that have attended colleges or universities outside of Pittsburgh to move back? And how would you do that? (for example in some other countries, students may receive such perks as repayment for their education, and free housing for a period of time, etc as a reward for bringing their new skills back into their home city)

This works well in a developing economy, not necessarily developed ones as in the United States. This would actually be a huge burden to the city and would be better accomplished with things such as available good jobs, good transportation, a great art community, a vibrant night life, and of course lots of coolness in the city.

Light-Hearted “SWB Style” questions:

1. Would you consider making Parma Italian Sausage the official Pittsburgh city food, and if not, why?

Dok can’t remember if Isaly’s contract for that has run out or not, but actually feels the *big* fish sandwich is really Pittsburgh’s favorite.

2. Since we have always had a pigeon problem, would you encourage residents to feed them in a way that attracts them away from Pittsburgh and to a more appropriate place like the Cleveland Browns stadium?

Dok feels that Pittsburgh has it’s unique attributes, but indirectly indicated that the pigeons might add some color to Cleveland (this answer was paraphrased by SWB – so don’t go hating on Dok).

Candidate Specific “SWB Style” question:

1. (for Dok Harris) Since you have a fairly good contact with a prior and famous Steeler, will you be using free Steelers tickets as bribes (or shall we say “inspirational promotional materials”) to get residents to vote for you?

Dok said he just wouldn’t have the space, although he admits to having great seats – and honestly feels that sometimes Steelers football is just better and more fun to watch at your local bar with friends… so no – plus he doesn’t like bribes. Sorry, fans 😦

Candidate comments:

n/a — will come later when Dok responds via e-mail

A New Thing On SWB

A new category will be added to SWB due to the upcoming elections for Mayor of Pittsburgh.  We will be attempting to interview all of the candidates via phone or e-mail. Preferably e-mail so we get their exact words published correctly. Tentatively we are planning to use 5 to 7 standard questions to allow voters a chance to judge the candidates by their responses. After that there will be 2 to 3  more light-hearted questions that may be directed specifically to public knowledge of the candidate so voters can judge a little bit about their personality by the responses, etc.  And finally each candidate will be alloted some space to comment freely about themselves.

Dok Harris has been kind enough to quickly respond to a request for an interview, which SWB is currently scheduling and will be posted as soon as it has been completed.

So, if you think you have a good question that can be asked of all candidates, please comment to this posting and if it comes in soon enough, we will try to get it into the mix. Please keep away from typical stuff like, “Do you like the Steelers?” and “What are you going to do about the potholes?”, because this is Pittsburgh and we already know the answers to those questions. Candidates are also more than welcome to answer any comments from readers added to this post.

-SWB

PS – Any questions/responses reflecting hate, distastefulness, and just plain meanness, etc will be disregarded – but you may ask about preferences to fast food items.

Son Of Franco Harris running for Mayor

Clip of Dok’s site … click to go there

…. ahhh, a breath of fresh air ….. an honest person running for office that cares about the area ….. and as an independent.

Nothin’ like coming into the political limelight by taking on the the underdog status at 150%! So that means two things are going to happen:

• He’ll bump everyone else off the ticket and win
• or – He’ll get bumped into oblivion immediately

Being younger and with a very well respected father in the area – “Dok” might have a fighting chance. He’s also lacking in “hot air”, which may give him an even better chance.

He has the background needed … let’s see what he can do.

Good luck “Dok”. SWB will be following ya! Let’s see if a real Pittsburgher will pull through!

Here is the highlight article from WTAE News online.

.. and here is Doc’s website.

Please click here for the SWB interview (with e-mailed interview coming soon)

-SWB
PS – Ya gotta vote for a guy that spells his nickname “Dok” instead of “Doc”. It’s a sign of the “silent but powerful for the good of the people type”.