Corey O'Connor announced Wednesday that he will be running for the Pittsburgh Council seat once held by his father, the late Mayor Bob O'Connor. Bob O'Connor represented the city's 5th District on Council before going to work for Governor Ed Rendell. He won the mayoral election in 2005, took the oath of office ind January 2006 before being hospitalized with cancer and dying 8 months later.
Corey O'Connor says that he has a passion to serve the city's residents. "To make our city an even better,safer, and cleaner place to live and work. I have experience and ability to bring people together, and that's what I want to do with my relationships and to bring new resources to the table. To bring people together to discuss our issues that hit us hard in the neighborhood."
O'Connor may come up against Councilman Doug Shields, a former aide to then Councilman Bob O'Connor. Shields has planned to relinquish his seat and run for a district judge seat, but there is uncertainty over whether the seat will be eliminated due to budget restraints. If the seat is cut Shields has expressed that he might run for reelection to council.
O'Connor, who has been an aide to Congressman Mike Doyle for the last 4 years, says that even though he may have to run against a family friend, he made a promise to run. "It's unfortunate what's going on with the councilman's situation, but he's a good friend of ours and he was the one that encouraged me to run. So if things changed I cant help it because I gave my word that I'm running. I am a man of my word and am going to stay in this race."
He says that the main focus on his run is to serve the people of Pittsburgh. O'Connor says that the people of Pittsburgh have been there for him and his family through good times and tragedy and have always bee there for him. He says he only wishes to give back to them.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Dermody: Dems "Will be More than Warm Bodies"
The theme of this week’s inauguration was Republicans taking control of Pennsylvania government.
But Democratic leaders insist they’ll still have a voice during legislative debates.
Republicans hold sizable majorities in the House and Senate, but House Minority Leader Frank Dermody of Allegheny County says Democrats will be more than warm bodies over the next two years.
"We are going to be their conscience. We’ll be the loyal minority. We’re going to fight hard, and obviously we want to work with them, too. We have – the people expect us to work together to accomplish some things for the commonwealth. We intend to do that the best we can."
One issue that will test Democrats right away is the AdultBasic health insurance plan, which covers 41-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but will run out of money at the end of February.
The Senate’s top Democrat, Jay Costa, wants to keep the program running through July, so lawmakers can create a replacement program during this year’s budget negotiations.
The Corbett Administration has proposed shifting AdultBasic enrollees to a more expensive health care plan that offers less coverage.
Costa says he also plans to mount an aggressive opposition to Republicans’ plan to sell off state-owned liquor stores.
But Democratic leaders insist they’ll still have a voice during legislative debates.
Republicans hold sizable majorities in the House and Senate, but House Minority Leader Frank Dermody of Allegheny County says Democrats will be more than warm bodies over the next two years.
"We are going to be their conscience. We’ll be the loyal minority. We’re going to fight hard, and obviously we want to work with them, too. We have – the people expect us to work together to accomplish some things for the commonwealth. We intend to do that the best we can."
One issue that will test Democrats right away is the AdultBasic health insurance plan, which covers 41-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but will run out of money at the end of February.
The Senate’s top Democrat, Jay Costa, wants to keep the program running through July, so lawmakers can create a replacement program during this year’s budget negotiations.
The Corbett Administration has proposed shifting AdultBasic enrollees to a more expensive health care plan that offers less coverage.
Costa says he also plans to mount an aggressive opposition to Republicans’ plan to sell off state-owned liquor stores.
Upcoming Battle Over Vouchers
Opponents of a school vouchers program are honing their arguments against a measure that’s been pegged as a top priority for Governor Tom Corbett and Pennsylvania’s other Republican leaders.
Senate Bill 1 would use money from the state’s basic education subsidy to fund vouchers for low-income students, and in his inaugural address, Corbett voiced support for the idea.
But Timothy Allwein of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and other vouchers opponents say the plan cedes control to private schools.
"As far as we know, neither Senate Bill 1 nor any other voucher proposal that we heard about would require a school to take a student who has a student voucher. So really what it boils down to is the school making the choice, not necessarily the parents of the student making the choice, which is what supporters of the legislation are always touting."
Allwein says the legislation will hurt public schools’ bottom line.
"Just because you take maybe 25 or 30 kids out of a district, or even out of a specific school, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve reduced the cost in that district or school. You still have to pay the teachers, you still have to pay the utility bills, etc, etc, etc."
The bill’s co-sponsor, Democratic Senator Anthony Williams, argues public schools are saving money when students go to private institutions instead.
Allwein counters districts and schools would still have the same overhead costs and bills to pay, and the decrease in funding would hurt education efforts.
Senate Bill 1 would use money from the state’s basic education subsidy to fund vouchers for low-income students, and in his inaugural address, Corbett voiced support for the idea.
But Timothy Allwein of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and other vouchers opponents say the plan cedes control to private schools.
"As far as we know, neither Senate Bill 1 nor any other voucher proposal that we heard about would require a school to take a student who has a student voucher. So really what it boils down to is the school making the choice, not necessarily the parents of the student making the choice, which is what supporters of the legislation are always touting."
Allwein says the legislation will hurt public schools’ bottom line.
"Just because you take maybe 25 or 30 kids out of a district, or even out of a specific school, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve reduced the cost in that district or school. You still have to pay the teachers, you still have to pay the utility bills, etc, etc, etc."
The bill’s co-sponsor, Democratic Senator Anthony Williams, argues public schools are saving money when students go to private institutions instead.
Allwein counters districts and schools would still have the same overhead costs and bills to pay, and the decrease in funding would hurt education efforts.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Fareboxes to Introduce ConnectCards
The Port Authority of Allegheny County has resolved issues with new fareboxes being installed at Collier Township Garage and is moving ahead with a smart card system. Installation of the new fareboxes was halted because the dollar bills kept getting jammed in the machines. The new smart cards will be named ConnectCards and will fully be launched in March 2012.
Jim Richie, spokesperson for the Port Authority, says the smart card system is a break from the outdated fare collection systems they have in place now. "You'll be able to go onto your home computer, recharge your card by adding more money using your credit card;or going to a local T-station or the downtown service center and putting more money on your card there."
Richie says that all buses and light rail vehicles will be retrofitted with the new system. He also says the new fareboxes also take cash for those not using ConnectCards.
Jim Richie, spokesperson for the Port Authority, says the smart card system is a break from the outdated fare collection systems they have in place now. "You'll be able to go onto your home computer, recharge your card by adding more money using your credit card;or going to a local T-station or the downtown service center and putting more money on your card there."
Richie says that all buses and light rail vehicles will be retrofitted with the new system. He also says the new fareboxes also take cash for those not using ConnectCards.
Major Sporting Events Bring Cash to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh raked in more than another AFC Championship berth when the Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens Sunday. The city will also see a cash benefit as it plays host to its third major sporting event this month.
Combined with the Winter Classic, the Steelers’ two home playoff games are expected to generate about $60 million in direct spending, says VisitPittsburgh Vice President of Sales and Marketing Craig Davis.
Davis says spending on tickets, hotel rooms, food and souvenirs will add up to millions of dollars in city tax revenue.
Westin Convention Center Hotel Manager Tom Martini says the additional high-profile game against the Jets helps a hotel industry that would normally be sluggish in January.
Davis says the three January sporting events also suggest that Pittsburgh is lively at a time when most northeastern cities are slow.
Duquesne Light Offers Storm Update Texts
Duquesne Light Company has introduced a new alert system that sends text messages to customers when a storm knocks out electricity to their homes and businesses.
Duquesne Light spokesman Joseph Vallarian says the texts will provide the same information the company gives news media in cases of power outages. He says the difference is while televisions and computers may not work at that time of the power outage, mobile phones are usually still on.
Vallarian says it's a free service ..."text messaging is one of the most commonly used communication vehicles today, so this is the next logical step in communicating with our customers."
Vallarian says the alert system will also send texts telling customers of energy-saving tips, notices of free appliance recycling and free online energy audits. Customers can receive the information by texting DUQLIGHT to 94253.
Study Ranks Cities for Online Philanthropy
Pittsburgh is the 12th most generous city per capita in terms of online giving. For the last 3 years, Convio, which provides technologies to help non-profits raise funds more effectively, has ranked 273 cities with populations of at least 100,000.
Convio's Patrick Hansen says for the second straight year Alexandria, Virginia; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and, Arlington, Virginia have topped the most generous large cities list.
Hansen says Pittsburgh has been in the top 15 in each of the three years of study, and the number of donations online by Pittsburghers has increased 35% from 2009 to 2010 and the dollar amount rose by 42%....
"That's a great trend to see for any city. That's something that everyone in Pittsburgh should feel good about."
Hansen says online in all 273 cities, $389 million was contributed in 2010...up 27% from the previous year. The average gift online went from $62 to $65. "People are definitely getting more comfortable contributing online. So, we are seeing some shift from other channels to the online channel and that's been a long-term trend over the last 10 years."
Hansen says this information can be helpful to non-profits "that they can use to their advantage, can inform the way they're pointing themselves and connecting with their donors and supporters."
While Pittsburgh was 12th nationwide, the next most generous Pennsylvania city is Philadelphia, ranked 139th.
Convio's Patrick Hansen says for the second straight year Alexandria, Virginia; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and, Arlington, Virginia have topped the most generous large cities list.
Hansen says Pittsburgh has been in the top 15 in each of the three years of study, and the number of donations online by Pittsburghers has increased 35% from 2009 to 2010 and the dollar amount rose by 42%....
"That's a great trend to see for any city. That's something that everyone in Pittsburgh should feel good about."
Hansen says online in all 273 cities, $389 million was contributed in 2010...up 27% from the previous year. The average gift online went from $62 to $65. "People are definitely getting more comfortable contributing online. So, we are seeing some shift from other channels to the online channel and that's been a long-term trend over the last 10 years."
Hansen says this information can be helpful to non-profits "that they can use to their advantage, can inform the way they're pointing themselves and connecting with their donors and supporters."
While Pittsburgh was 12th nationwide, the next most generous Pennsylvania city is Philadelphia, ranked 139th.
Allegheny County Home Price Paradox
As home prices fell across the nation, Allegheny County saw a 23% increase in both median and average prices from December 2008 to December 2010. On the other hand, prices were down in Butler and Westmoreland counties; stagnant in Beaver; and up just 6% in Washington.
The first-time homebuyer tax credit is NOT the reason for the significant increase—it hadn’t started in December 2008 and was over by December 2010. Daniel Murrer, Vice President of RealSTATS, says the reasons for the rise and why it’s confined to Allegheny County are not yet fully understood. He notes that density is higher—60% of the five-county market—and rising gas prices may push buyers to Allegheny County, increasing demand and prices.
Murrer says sales over the next few months will be down compared to 2010 figures when the tax credit was in effect, so it will be fairer to compare to prices two years ago.
Murrer says, theoretically, property reassessment in Allegheny County should have zero impact because taxing authorities will adjust their rates to keep taxes from going up.
Meanwhile, housing starts across the country for December were fewer than expected
The first-time homebuyer tax credit is NOT the reason for the significant increase—it hadn’t started in December 2008 and was over by December 2010. Daniel Murrer, Vice President of RealSTATS, says the reasons for the rise and why it’s confined to Allegheny County are not yet fully understood. He notes that density is higher—60% of the five-county market—and rising gas prices may push buyers to Allegheny County, increasing demand and prices.
Murrer says sales over the next few months will be down compared to 2010 figures when the tax credit was in effect, so it will be fairer to compare to prices two years ago.
Murrer says, theoretically, property reassessment in Allegheny County should have zero impact because taxing authorities will adjust their rates to keep taxes from going up.
Meanwhile, housing starts across the country for December were fewer than expected
Carnegie Museums Hires Head of New Ecosystem Center
Dr. John Wenzel, currently a biology professor at Ohio State University will be heading a new Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Wenzel says he'll have a duel role -- bringing the Powdermill Nature Reserve in Laurel Highlands in closer alignment with the Natural History Museum in Oakland and spearheading a new public education initiative that has scientists working across disciplines to encourage topical work instead of specialized areas. Wenzel says "usually the way research is executed is that the scholar and scientist who are doing the work pick a topic, then having executed the research somebody goes to the public education people...it's probably more effective if you were to embrace the ultimate education goal from the beginning." While working in Columbus Wenzel became known for creating the annual Insect Fairs at the Columbus Zoo, attracting thousands of people. He says making the public a part of the process is important not just from an educational standpoint, but also to compete with what's on television. "You can pick up your TV-clicker and see these spectacular natural history shows that were produced at the cost of millions of dollars, so this creates a problem...it's much more difficult for a museum to compete." The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh still has some leadership roles to fill -- Museums president David Hillenbrand is retiring and the head of the Andy Warhol Museum director Tom Sokolowski resigned last month.
Corbett Gets Down To Work
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett vowed to shrink and reform state government during his inaugural address yesterday.
As DUQ's Scott Detrow has more from the state Capitol, those won’t be easy tasks.
Corbett didn’t dive into too many specifics during his inaugural address, but he laid out his administration’s basic goal.
More details of Corbett’s legislative reform package are expected to emerge over the coming days. Corbett said he isn’t fazed by all the challenges he’ll face.
Listen to Scott Detrow's story.
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