Monday, March 31, 2008
Project Vote Smart tries to survey Pennsylvania politicians.
Project Vote Smart has sent every primary candidate in Pennsylvania a survey that aims to find out where they stand on issues that could come before them if they are elected. The survey starts with the question, “Are you willing to tell citizens your stance on issues you will likely face if elected?” If they say “yes” there are three pages of questions that follow. One set of questions focuses on state issues another deals with national issues. The questions hit on broad topics such as gun control and abortion but do not talk about specific legislation. Mike Wessler is the spokesperson for Project Vote Smart. He says the number of candidates responding has been dropping over the last 10 years. 2 years ago only 33 percent of Pennsylvania candidates responded. That compares to 48 percent nationally. In 1996 69-percent of Pennsylvania candidates responded. The national number that year was 72 percent. Wessler says the response rate among democrats and republicans is about even but incumbents are less likely to respond than challengers. The candidates have until April 9th to respond.
Study to Look For Drugs, Hormones in Water
The Associated Press investigations into waterway contaminants has spurred Pennsylvania into action. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is teaming up with the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Pittsburgh public health researcher Conrad Volz to monitor trace amounts of hormones and pharmaceuticals in waterways state-wide, including the Allegheny River.
The 3-year study will examine samples from 27 streams, rivers, and lakes to help determine how these contaminants are finding their way into the water. DEP spokesperson Helen Humphreys says recent technological advances allow them to detect the trace amounts. She says the public doesn't need to panic, as the contamination level is the equivalent of a grain of salt in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The state already has some of the safest public water, but Humphreys says they want to know more.
She says it's easier to prevent contamination than to clean it, so people should be careful about what they flush or dump down the drain. The study's findings will help the state determine what, if any, new regulations are needed.
The 3-year study will examine samples from 27 streams, rivers, and lakes to help determine how these contaminants are finding their way into the water. DEP spokesperson Helen Humphreys says recent technological advances allow them to detect the trace amounts. She says the public doesn't need to panic, as the contamination level is the equivalent of a grain of salt in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The state already has some of the safest public water, but Humphreys says they want to know more.
She says it's easier to prevent contamination than to clean it, so people should be careful about what they flush or dump down the drain. The study's findings will help the state determine what, if any, new regulations are needed.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Barack Obama Begins State Tour in Oakland
Wildly cheering supporters filled Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall this morning for Barack Obama's first campaign appearance in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, who endorsed Obama at the event, called him the one person uniquely qualified to lead the country in a new direction.
Sen. Barack Obama told the crowd they're going to have to work very hard to help him win Pennsylvania and then set out policies he advocates: helping people avoid foreclosure, job creation and retention, fair trade, health care for all, clean energy, infrastructure investment, improved education and closing the achievement gap. Obama said his most important task as president would be protecting Americans, and he wouldn't hesitate to strike those who would harm us. He said he not only wants to end the Iraq War, but the mindset that got us into it and says we need to use the power of diplomacy by talking to those with whom we disagree.
Obama says special interest money in politics is the reason America's problems are not being solved, and his campaign, which does not accept donations from political action committees or federal lobbyists, proves his presidency could change the way things are done.
Sen. Barack Obama told the crowd they're going to have to work very hard to help him win Pennsylvania and then set out policies he advocates: helping people avoid foreclosure, job creation and retention, fair trade, health care for all, clean energy, infrastructure investment, improved education and closing the achievement gap. Obama said his most important task as president would be protecting Americans, and he wouldn't hesitate to strike those who would harm us. He said he not only wants to end the Iraq War, but the mindset that got us into it and says we need to use the power of diplomacy by talking to those with whom we disagree.
Obama says special interest money in politics is the reason America's problems are not being solved, and his campaign, which does not accept donations from political action committees or federal lobbyists, proves his presidency could change the way things are done.
Business Ethics
Running a business these days often means operating globally. But an increasingly globalized economy is creating new ethical quandaries for businesses. DUQ's Katherine Fink has this report on how businesses in Pittsburgh are responding to those new challenges.
Listen to the full-length story here.
Listen to the full-length story here.
Business Ethics
Running a business these days often means operating globally. But an increasingly globalized economy is creating new ethical quandaries for businesses. DUQ's Katherine Fink has this report on how businesses in Pittsburgh are responding to those new challenges.
Listen to the full-length story here.
Listen to the full-length story here.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
President Bush Honors Local Volunteer
On his swing through southwestern Pennsylvania for a private fundraiser, President Bush is bestowing the President's Volunteer Service Award on Lydia Humenycky of North Huntingdon.
Humenycky left her job in advertising in 2005 for a more independent experience in the Peace Corps. She was assigned to serve in Togo in West Africa. She says there was the intial shock of adapting to a new culture, but over time she found her footing and made close, meaningful friendships. She spent two and a half years abroad serving as an adviser to small businesses.
When she returned to Pennsylvania she says she reveled in things like running water, electricity and internet access. Her experience abroad was profiled in a local newspaper and somehow the White House got wind of it. She says she couldn't believe it when the email appeared in her inbox--it's not everyday a person receives an email from the White House. Today she'll greet the President when he arrives and will have a moment to chat with him before he gives her the award. The President's Volunteer Service Award was created in 2002 and has been given to over 400,000 volunteers.
Humenycky left her job in advertising in 2005 for a more independent experience in the Peace Corps. She was assigned to serve in Togo in West Africa. She says there was the intial shock of adapting to a new culture, but over time she found her footing and made close, meaningful friendships. She spent two and a half years abroad serving as an adviser to small businesses.
When she returned to Pennsylvania she says she reveled in things like running water, electricity and internet access. Her experience abroad was profiled in a local newspaper and somehow the White House got wind of it. She says she couldn't believe it when the email appeared in her inbox--it's not everyday a person receives an email from the White House. Today she'll greet the President when he arrives and will have a moment to chat with him before he gives her the award. The President's Volunteer Service Award was created in 2002 and has been given to over 400,000 volunteers.
Pittsburgh ranks 4th nationally in tourism
Visit Pittsburgh released it's annual report of tourism and announced Pittsburgh now ranks 4Th in the nation. Pittsburgh passed New York to take the 4Th spot nationally. Joe Mcgrath, President and CEO of Visit Pittsburgh said that 10 million people visited Pittsburgh in 07 bringing in 3 Billion Dollars to the region. Visit Pittsburgh says that even though Pittsburgh does well comparatively with cities of similar size a new larger hotel near the convention center will help bring in larger conventions.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Arena Design Adjustments Announced
There have been some adjustments to the Pittsburgh Penguins' new arena design since approval of the Master Plan in January. Urban Design Associates President Don Carter says a pedestrian connection has been added on the west side, between Fifth and Centre Avenues, at the request of the Planning Commission. A reduction of ten feet in the height of the building will save money and lower the neighborhood profile, and Carter says other revisions were also well received at a public meeting in the Church of the Epiphany on March 17th: more windows on the east side of the arena facing the Hill District, and banners along Centre Avenue.
The revised Project Development Plan will be discussed at a public hearing on April 8th at 2 p.m. before the City Planning Commission, which will give their ruling on April 22nd. Carter says this is the final approval required from the Planning Commission--subsequent approvals will be by the Department of Building Inspection.
The revised Project Development Plan will be discussed at a public hearing on April 8th at 2 p.m. before the City Planning Commission, which will give their ruling on April 22nd. Carter says this is the final approval required from the Planning Commission--subsequent approvals will be by the Department of Building Inspection.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Fewer Cars, No Reimbursements for Council Members
In today's Pittsburgh City Council meeting, members approved measures that reduce available take-home cars by half and restructure travel reimbursements, while counting themselves out.
The two bills were introduced by Rev. Ricky Burgess, but Councilman Dan Deasy was not satisfied with the original reimbursements ordinance. It changed the system from a $150 limit to a 750-mile limit with rates adjusted for inflation, which would pay more than $300. Deasy called that a "backdoor raise," and proposed an amendment that excludes elected city officials from any reimbursements. During discussion, members took turns showing off their virtues in not taking any reimbursements yet for this year. Burgess and others also pointed to Deasy's run for a seat in the state House as his motivation behind the amendment. Deasy maintained that it was about leading by example. The bill with Deasy's amendment passed with only one abstention.
Certain City personnel are allowed to take home cars for official use. The Act 47 of 2004 instructed the city to reduce its cars to 29. In 2005, the number was cut from 81 to 41, but has since floated back up to 61. Burgess' other bill mandated the complete reduction. Last week, city solicitor George Specter said a bill passed by Council without orgininating from the Mayor's office would be illegal. Members were still divided on the issue, causing a narrow passage of 5-3-1.
The two bills were introduced by Rev. Ricky Burgess, but Councilman Dan Deasy was not satisfied with the original reimbursements ordinance. It changed the system from a $150 limit to a 750-mile limit with rates adjusted for inflation, which would pay more than $300. Deasy called that a "backdoor raise," and proposed an amendment that excludes elected city officials from any reimbursements. During discussion, members took turns showing off their virtues in not taking any reimbursements yet for this year. Burgess and others also pointed to Deasy's run for a seat in the state House as his motivation behind the amendment. Deasy maintained that it was about leading by example. The bill with Deasy's amendment passed with only one abstention.
Certain City personnel are allowed to take home cars for official use. The Act 47 of 2004 instructed the city to reduce its cars to 29. In 2005, the number was cut from 81 to 41, but has since floated back up to 61. Burgess' other bill mandated the complete reduction. Last week, city solicitor George Specter said a bill passed by Council without orgininating from the Mayor's office would be illegal. Members were still divided on the issue, causing a narrow passage of 5-3-1.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Gang and Drug Violence Targeted
Measures to combat gang violence and thwart drug dealers are just two facets of a new legislative strategy to fight crime in the Commonwealth.
The legislative package comes out of a series of public hearings the House Democratic Policy Committee held across the state on public health and violence prevention.
Democratic State Representative Eddie Pashinski of Luzerne County says his measure would prevent drug dealers from using prepaid cell phones to avoid prosecution.
"This legislation would require anyone purchasing a prepaid cell phone with cash would have to show proper id and fill out forms. The main tool that drug dealers use in continuing this perpetration of drugs throughout our communities is the prepaid cell phone. The reason for that - it's purchased with cash, and there is no trace back to the purchaser."
Mercer County Democratic Representative Mark Longietti's bill would make it a crime to belong to a gang, and allow authorities to seize the assets of convicted gang members.
"PA needs to join 17 other states that have enacted laws to suppress gang violence while taking away their power and by hitting them in the pocketbook, taking away their funding.
Longietti says the money would go to gang membership prevention and community programs.
The legislative package comes out of a series of public hearings the House Democratic Policy Committee held across the state on public health and violence prevention.
Democratic State Representative Eddie Pashinski of Luzerne County says his measure would prevent drug dealers from using prepaid cell phones to avoid prosecution.
"This legislation would require anyone purchasing a prepaid cell phone with cash would have to show proper id and fill out forms. The main tool that drug dealers use in continuing this perpetration of drugs throughout our communities is the prepaid cell phone. The reason for that - it's purchased with cash, and there is no trace back to the purchaser."
Mercer County Democratic Representative Mark Longietti's bill would make it a crime to belong to a gang, and allow authorities to seize the assets of convicted gang members.
"PA needs to join 17 other states that have enacted laws to suppress gang violence while taking away their power and by hitting them in the pocketbook, taking away their funding.
Longietti says the money would go to gang membership prevention and community programs.
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