We’ll start with the absolute biggest news of the day.  It just so happened to make national news it was so huge.  Soon to be FORMER Senator Arlen Specter lost to Congressman Joe Sestak yesterday in what could be considered a shocker.  Arlen Specter is the longest running Senate member in the United States.  He’s been around long enough to see the JFK assassination and even give it a theory.  For the young readers out there, check out the “Magic Bullet Theory,”  Specter was the one that made it up.

During Specter’s conceding speech he made mention of a few points worth repeating here:

“It’s been a great privilege to serve the people of Pennsylvania…”

“I have just called Congressman Sestak to congratulate him and to tell him that I think it is vital that we keep this seat with the Democratic Party and I will support him in the election,”

“This election is about you,” he said. “It’s about you and everyone in this great Commonwealth who stood up and wanted their voices heard. This is what democracy looks like – a win for the people over the establishment, over the status quo, even over Washington, D.C.”

Now that Sestak is in control and running for the Senate seat, he’ll have to face Republican Pat Toomey in what should be a very close race.  Pat Toomey stated yesterday after finding out about Specter losing in the primary:

“I want to put those aside for a minute and acknowledge a man who has spent 30 years working very, very hard,” he said. “He’s worked hard for the people of Pennsylvania and I want to tell you, I will pledge to you that as your senator, I will carry on the work ethic – the tremendous work ethic that Sen. Arlen Specter demonstrated for the people of Pennsylvania.”

Moving on to the Pennsylvania Governor position, it’s now clear as to who will be running against each other for the seat.  Dan Onorato(D) and Tom Corbett(R).  We’ll start with Corbett first, who one in a landslide taking 70% of the vote with 90% of the districts reporting in.  His opponent, state Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-128, took the remaining 30 percent of the vote. That’s literally a blow-out.

Dan Onorato had resounding success as well.  He beat out three other hopefuls to take the Democratic bid for Governor.  Of the three he beat, one of them was Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, who after the defeat responded in a phone interview as saying:

“I called Dan Onorato earlier this evening and congratulated him on his impressive victory and told him I would fully and enthusiastically support him,” Hoeffel said in a phone interview Tuesday evening. “I look forward to doing everything I can to help.”

So now that we’re all set in terms of voting in the upcoming election, it was a great day by all.  Pennsylvania had a decent turn out and even kinda sorta shocked the world.

I’d like you to read a little article that the Post-Gazette posted today about Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.  He’s come out in the public and said he supports the Sugary Drink Tax.  Now, what’s the Sugary Drink Tax you might say?  The Sugary Drink tax is a potential bill that could tax a soft drink per ounce, which has the potential to double the cost of all sugary drinks.  Which is a major reason it has come under fire.  It’s provided heavy skepticism and even made the Coca-Cola company come out and say that they are being treated like the cigarette companies.

For once, this is a situation where I must stand by the company.  I don’t feel that the taxes that could potentially be imposed are worth it.  Sure it promotes “healthy” living, and sure it’s for “health reform,” but I don’t trust it.  I don’t believe that companies should be forced to have their profits cut into because they make so much money and the government wants a ride because they know they can get some cash.

It’s everything I’m against personally, and that’s all I see from the government.  Coca-Cola, by all means has some pretty sugary drinks, along with Pepsi, however both companies provide suitable drinks to the masses that promote healthy living as well as a better alternative to enjoy on a daily basis.   So why do we feel the need to take more money from a public company?  Tell me it isn’t just because the government is out of ideas regarding health care reform.  Tell me it isn’t because the government see an untapped market of potential that they can’t get their grubby little hands on.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today expressed support for Philadelphia’s proposal to enact a tax on sugary drinks.

Pittsburgh estimates it could get $25 million annually from a tax of 2 cents per ounce, Joanna Doven, the mayo’s spokeswoman, said.

Mr. Ravenstahl will discuss the possibility with state lawmakers during a visit next week to Harrisburg, she said.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has proposed the tax to raise money and promote healthy living.

What’s to say this isn’t treated like the Fair Share Tax? The Fair Share tax around Pittsburgh came under fire as well, and practically still is. Not just because it ruffled anyone feathers, however they ended up using the money on other things outside of the Public Transportation.

The WHOLE reasoning with the Fair Share Tax was to correct the Port Authorities potential bankruptcy, once the Port Authority became stable, the government as always looked for other ways to spend the money, infusing it into road and budget money. Many, including myself was questioning this move, wasn’t this just solely for the Port Authority? Of course, the people that mattered the most in this city felt otherwise, and the money is being spent on transportation as well.

All I’m simply saying is, is that if this new Tax does come into light, and is passed.  What’s to stop them from doing other things including everything elsewhere.   Taxing things to the point of absurd is the opposite what we were told when it came election time.  I guess that really doesn’t matter.

Muhtar Kent the chief executive of Coca-Cola had this pretty funny thing to say back in September of 2009:

“I have never seen it work where a government tells people what to eat and what to drink,” Mr. Kent said, according to a report by Bloomberg News. “It if worked, the Soviet Union would still be around.”

I just can’t believe a thing that man says, but it makes more sense as to why the older people voted for him.  He gave them the pathway to providing mindless entertainment with their social security checks.  Sounds like a win win for them and him.  Regardless getting back on the topic it hand, an excerpt from the Post-Gazette’s website stating just exactly what is and what could potentially happen withe proposed table game bill:

Democratic leaders said yesterday that the Democrat-controlled House had “reached a consensus” with the Senate Republican leaders on the measure during a conference call yesterday.

Erik Arneson, a spokesman for Senate Republican leader Dominic Pileggi of Delaware County stopped short of saying there was a consensus but said that a bill could be approved in the next few days. “We are optimistic,” he said.

The announcement came as Gov. Ed Rendell said he may be forced to lay off as many as 1,100 state employees if a deal wasn’t reached by Friday. He asked Cabinet members yesterday to develop a plan for layoffs, starting Friday if there is no agreement. Most of the layoffs would come from the state prison system and the Department of Public Welfare.

A key disagreement between House and Senate members was whether to add a third license for a resort casino. The 2004 slots law permitted two of these smaller casinos, which could have up to 500 slots and perhaps table games like blackjack, poker and roulette. One of the two existing licenses has been awarded.

The bill also would increase the number of slot machines a resort casino could operate to 600 from the current 500.

Legislative officials said leaders agreed on a provision of the bill that would create an open application process for the remaining resort license, which would give Nemacolin Woodlands resort in Fayette County a chance to compete for it. A convention center near Gettysburg may also seek that license, which has prompted strong opposition from historical groups because of its proximity to the Civil War battlefield.

There will also likely be another license created in 2017 under yesterday’s agreement, officials said.

Really, I’d love to be optimistic about this, and saying that the lay-off crisis would be diverted if the bill was passed would be great.  However, the change wouldn’t affect anything short-term, and the issue with the lay-offs would still be relevant?  It’s all a wishy washy subject, as one second a politician says he’s not going to tax us, and then three months later he taxes twice as much as he said he wasn’t going to do in the first place.

Personally, I’m for the table games bill.  There really was no point in adding an electric casino to an area that gets little traffic volume with the exception of the Pitt Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers football season.  Now maybe, just maybe I’d pay a visit to a casino that actually felt like a real casino.  The last thing stopping me is the ludicrous alcohol charges while you are gambling, as most casinos comp you free alcohol as long as you are gambling.  They need to fix that because I’m not spending $7 on a captain and coke that’s 2 ounces in total.

Finally the last little bit from that article states:

The Legislature approved a budget last fall that depended on $250 million in license fees and taxes from the legalization of table games at state casinos, which only have slot machines. The House and Senate have approved different versions of a table games bill, but had been unable to settle differences over the past six weeks.

Under the agreement forged yesterday, officials said, licensing fees would range from $7.5 million to $16.5 million depending on the size and type of the casino. Casinos would pay a 14 percent state tax and a 2 percent local tax in the first two years.

Good deal, just as long as more money goes to the state, and the people that live in this state get some kind of reprieve.  I’m tired of the constant tax increases.  I’m still a little bit steamed over the Turnpike increase.  While my route only went up by 5 cents, it’s still stupid I have to pay it for a road that’s really barely taken care of in most spots.

It was proven again yesterday that they couldn’t handle a 3rd string QB and let the score get close enough for an upset.  Even though the Steelers secondary had three interceptions yesterday, the game was closer than it should of been up until the end.  Either way though, the Steelers essentially left their fate to other teams and paid for it.

Here’s to next year and a middle first round draft pick.  I have faith that the Black and Gold will turn it around, as Tomlin all but assured it in his press conference and even body motion during the ending of that game.  He had seen enough.  On another note, most people who haven’t watched the Pens so far this year because of the Steelers, will now start making the switch.  They are on a 5 game slump, and look to break out of it soon.  Without a doubt in my mind the Pens are so close to being my favorite team of the Pittsburgh it’s not even funny.

Moving on to the University of Pittsburgh, they beat up on the number 5 Syracuse Orange(men), pretty handily and have shown that they are a very scrappy team willing to get what it has to do done, to win.  I’m pumped for them as their season goes on and into the longer months of Big East play.  Them beating the Orange, should start to open people’s eyes, that they are a good fresh team of new faces. 

Well, aside from sports that’s about it.  The biggest issue glaring with me is that the Pennsylvania Turnpike fees have gone up yet again.  Reasoning, well I have no reasoning, the roads are full or pot-holes and terrible road crew working regardless when it’s bad outside.  I’m not sure what I’m really paying an extra 15-30 cents for.

I thought the whole reasoning of leasing the name of the turnpike to whoever was to off-set the charges being raised for drivers.  I guess nothing is untouchable for Mafioso Rendell.  I can’t wait until he’s out of office.  He’s a crook to the max.

Well, that’s about all I have for this Monday morning special, being back to work in full-on get stuff done mode is hard enough.  Here’s a few links for you guys to read while you trudge through the day.  Welcome to 2010 Pittsburgh!

Coach considered a hero after plane incident – PittsburghLive

Pirates Money Being Spent Strategically….what?

LaVelle assumes Pittsburgh Council seat

Malkin takes blame for Penguins’ 6-2 loss at Florida

I strongly disagreed with the situation that Mayor Luke Ravenstahl proposed a few weeks ago regarding his ideas for a new tax.  He wanted a 1% tax in order to recover money and funds for pensions.  They called it the “Education Privilege Tax” or something or other.  All this did was create even more controversy with the Mayoral office, just right about the time that the news broke that Ravenstahl and his wife were splitting.

It also brought up a basic outrage from the students who went to school in this city.  Most of the political officials that pushed for this

Dan Onorato

tax/tuition increase stated that this was because the non-profit businesses weren’t sharing enough(like they have to anyways).  So they wanted to enforce it on the students who wanted to attend the schools inside the city and not on the actual businesses themselves.  Idiotic at best, but what can you do.

Well, Democratic governor hopeful and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato says taxing the students is wrong.  The real situation must be worked out with the Non-profits and the city together, and keeping the students out of it.  I’m on board with this, and being a gray area voter, sounds pretty good.  Regardless, there most likely isn’t a chance in hell I’d vote for the man, and that’s solely based on the decision to tax us drinkers.  Petty I know, but when you live and work in Pittsburgh, this city is practically built around beer and steel.

Onorato was stated as saying:

“I support the mayor, and I support the city’s effort to get the $6 million that a lot of people thought was coming back in 2004,” Mr. Onorato said.

Ravenstahl also has had some doubts lately and is offering to work with various universities and non-profits to find a way to
secure proper funding to help the city.

I will make this very clear in what I’m saying.  If the non-profits want to help the city and give more money that they make then by all means, more power to them.  I do not feel that by way of government power they should have to pay more, because the city is struggling.  The government does not and should not have the power to enforce higher standards for a non-profit.  It’s absurd.

Luke Ravenstahl

Anyways, the Steelers play tonight against the Cleveland Browns.  Not much needs to be said, if they win great.  If they lose to the Browns however, good bye 2009 season.

Quotes and information used from: http://post-gazette.com/pg/09344/1019823-298.stm

*UPDATE*

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has made a public demand of the universities.  He says that if they cover 5 million, he’s willing to let the 1% tax increase slide on the tuition and call it clean.  If I were the non-profits at this point, I’d be giving him the middle finger all the way to the bank.

It’s not even an a demand, it’s more of an ultimatum, do this the easy way, or we’ll do it the hard way.  Mayor Ravenstahl, the non-profits don’t have to do anything for you.  You either tax them or tax something else, get with it.  I’ve never seen a Mayor push so hard for someone else do something they technically don’t have to do.  I just don’t get it.  Seriously, who voted this guy into office?

Article of the update can be found here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09344/1019998-455.stm?cmpid=latest.xml&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Now I’m not one to laugh at dismal situations, but I can’t help but laugh at this one.  Mayor Dudenstahl is full of fail, and I wonder if this

Luke Ravenstahl hanging with Snoop Dogg

separation happened before election?  I’m just not sure people enjoy hearing the man they elected, is basically falling apart, asking for obscure taxes, and going on T.V. and letting the world know the news.  Why not just do a press conference, why do you have to give an exclusive to a certain station?  Let all media around the city report it.  Exclusives are for celebrities, your nothing more than a mayor.  Please understand that Ravenstahl.  I know your thinking Luke, “I’m a celebrity, I hang out with Snoop Dogg, the Steelers, the Pens, and yes even the Pirates…I’m the man!!!”  Well look what you just had to do on a city wide television station.  You had to proclaim, that you were separating from your wife.  Not to mention that you two just had a kid.  From an elected official stand-point, it looks all but bad coming from a guy who is supposed to have his crap together.  Oh well though, mo’ money- mo’ problems…

After reading the article, one important question was asked after his press release:

In the KDKA interview, Mr. Ravenstahl was asked to respond to rumors of infidelity that have followed him.

“Erin and I have made a decision … we’re not going to sit here and answer questions and rumors … Those things have been out there for some time. We have agreed to deal with this in a very personal way and will continue to do that,” he said.

Seems to me like it’s all but over and he got caught screwing around.  I’m sure reports of cheating and affairs will come out soon.

The article for the separation can be found here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09328/1015910-53.stm

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Next up on the agenda is some Steeler news that’s going to make everyone breathe a sigh of relief…Big Ben Roethilisberger “seems to be doing fine,” per the report from the Post-Gazette.  That’s just wonderful on the health front.  Tyler Palko has been signed and the official announcement is expected to come this afternoon.  He will supposedly be starting out on the practice squad and moved up to third string quarterback if it’s shown he can handle the play-book.

James Harrison is none to happy with the recent play of the team, and is voicing his frustrations.  Good for him, but I’d hate to be standing in front of him if I were his teammate:

“I just think we need to start playing team ball, whatever needs to be done for the team.”

Asked if that were not happening, Harrison said, “I don’t think it has.”

However, Harrison was at a loss to explain exactly what it is they have not been doing.

“I don’t know. Like I said, I think we need to do what it is we’re doing well and continue to do whatever it may be that game, passing the ball or running the ball. If we’re playing defense well without pressuring, then we need to continue to do that.

“We just have to play better as a whole team.”

“I don’t think I would have pictured us going out like that,” Harrison said of the stunning loss in Kansas City. “We just had way too many turnovers and lapses on defense. It just wasn’t a good situation.”

Look for the Steelers to bounce back this week.   Things got even easier for the Steelers as the Texans lost last night too, which in turn, will make the wild card race in the AFC a last minute thing.  The Steelers have a shot, and it involves them winning out.  If they don’t it will be increasingly hard to do and a longer golf season.  Obvious statement is obvious, but when you haven’t played the Ravens twice yet this year, it’s worth stating.

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The Pittsburgh libraries that were in jeopardy have been given some help via the Pittsburgh Council.  They have been given $600,000 for next year, and it’s half of what’s actually needed. Wait a minute though, where did this money come from?  Wasn’t it just last week that the city council and Mayor Infedilityenstahl so boldly said something along the lines of them going out of business next year, if the private colleges and health companies, didn’t donate more or were taxed?

Article and report can be found here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09328/1015867-53.stm

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Well as far as other news, I’ve got nothing.

Most people complain that selling alcohol is not needed in various places, as it creates the “image” of an alcoholic area.  Who cares?  Mostly everyone drinks beer(this is Pittsburgh after all) and usually has to drive out of the way to get to a beer distributor if you live far away from it.  Providing a grocery store with the ability to sell this extra perk in life will surely raise their profit and likability throughout the area.  I see nothing but good things coming from this.  Good luck to Giant Eagle as this could be the door way to making selling beer in gas stations as well.  That way we can be caught up to our surrounding states and get with the 21st century!

Article below from TribLive.com detailing the information about the application process Giant Eagle is undergoing to sell beer in their stores:

Six more Giant Eagle supermarkets were approved today for state liquor licenses that will allow them to sell beer.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board granted restaurant liquor license transfers to stores in Homestead, Monroeville, Pine, West Mifflin, West View and in Harborcreek, Erie County.

Earlier this month, the O’Hara-based grocery chain’s new Market District store in the Settlers Ridge retail complex in Robinson became the first Pittsburgh area grocery store to sell beer.

A store in South Strabane, Washington County, also has been approved for a license.

Stores with the licenses can sell beer or other drinks for consumption in restaurant areas on the premises, or sell up to two six packs of beer for carry-out.

The LCB must do inspections at the stores before they can begin beer sales, spokesman Nick Hays said.

If they could do anything to make this city more unattractive in terms of payments and taxes, this man could certainly think of a way to do so.  Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has been uninspiring at best, and anyone who says he isn’t following in his fathers, or even his parties footsteps, is crazy.

I’ll make this known right now, I’m for neither political party.  I’m registered Republican but see myself following in the middle of the gray area.  I do find it that both parties are out there to distract people from their real issues and create more issues by sparring and feuding with each political side.  Mayor Luke made this glorious comment the other day:

“When Carnegie Mellon students spend their Friday night on the South Side, get a little rowdy and Councilman Kraus calls the police to break them up, who pays the bill,” asked the mayor.

Umm, correct me if I’m wrong, but were paying taxes already for this kind of thing.  So what’s the real reason?  It’s also not ALWAYS college kids that mess things up.  There are a ton of dirtballs and skeezers that go to the bar that are out to cause issues as well.  However, the real reason for this tax increase is that it’s needed for:

The new revenue would generate $16 million to cover required extra payments toward the city’s pension fund. One million of that money would support the city’s libraries.

Oh OK that makes all the more sense with what Luke Ravenstahl was saying then, so for all the issues those rowdy college kids are creating at bars during the night, the money is going to the libraries and pension funds.  Makes all the sense in the world.  The fact of the matter is, Ravenstahl knows that the colleges in Pittsburgh are attractive colleges to attend, so he decides to add the tax on there because he knows it’s easy money.

It’s gotten to the point where it’s not even funny to make fun of the political and justice system anymore.  Both are corrupt, and both are full of people to get their much needed power and personal gain out of this.  After all, what’s the point of making it better for college kids to adapt to the big change and adjustments for themselves, when we could just charge them more money and blame them for their drunken rowdy nights?

I’m really starting to believe that the G-20(ps.  where did that $35 million go?) was so readily accepted to bring a name to the city and show that the University of Pitt students are hoodlums and we need the tax because of this one time issue.    It will certainly be said that they caused a ruckus and the city had to pay, so “TAX THEM!!!!”  However, it’s a fairly evident and a known tactic by protesters that had arrived  to disperse into a crowd and start the riot themselves in order to make the police look like belligerent idiots and the students an uprising force tired of “TEH GOVERMENTS MAN”, which they accomplished by the way.

What can you do I suppose?  I feel bad for the kids that have to attend college and pay for others mistakes.  Oh wait, we do that every day.  I mean after all, who pays for all those name changes, free rides, and free events Mayor Ravenstahl enjoys to do?

/end rant

But at any rate, a congrats is in order and here’s to another 4 years of Lukedom in the city.  On a side note I’m still highly skeptical on the

Luke Ravenstahl celebates win

Onorato for governor thing.  I can’t dislike that man anymore than I do now.  Well, I guess I could if he were to ever propose and increase on the alcohol tax again, and I’m sure everyone has their different reasons as to why he’s a shyster, but I’m supposed to be unbiased as possible so either way, good luck to him and whoever decides to run against him.  In the end, I would love to have a governor who cares about the whole state rather than just the eastern half(here’s looking at you Rendell).

Getting back on topic, here are some quotes regarding Boy Wonder’s re-election as Mayor:

“He can’t be perceived as young Luke anymore,” said Gerald Shuster, a professor of political communication at the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Communications. “He can’t go off on negative behavioral antics anymore. He’s got to prove that this city has some problems, he is attempting solutions, and he has to bring results.”

This is actually how I feel on the subject.  While you can’t deny that he has actually done some good things for the city, the time is now more than ever.  He needs to drop this whole “celebrity status monger” thing he has and actually get to work regarding serious issues with UPMC, PITT, and Carnegie.  I can chalk up his past offenses of using government vehicles to being a young guy and all that, however what I can’t pass up is his attitude towards pressing issues, which most of the time is non-existent.

I guess time will tell on this subject.  He certainly is no longer the guy young guy with little to no experience.  It’s time to actually get things done, and get them done right.  I guess you can say he can exhale however with no election looming for another 4 years:

“This will be the first time in three years he’s been without an election hanging over his head,” said political analyst William J. Green. “It gives Luke and his people time to exhale.”

However, the exhale is going to stop this upcoming Monday as Ravenstahl has to propose a $452.8 million budget to city council that will include specific tax proposals that could be a nuisance to the public of Pittsburgh that already pay various wage taxes and the like.  Make no mistake about all of this though. The City Council means business.  They have been as feisty as they could over the past two years with Ravenstahl and I’m positive that’s not going to change.  Various times there have been bickering between Mayor and council, with both parties even making fun of each other and insulting each other in the public eye.

It’s time for a change, let’s hope Mayor Ravenstahl can help make this city grow and expand into even something better than it is now.

All quotes used from the Post-Gazette website – http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09308/1010652-181.stm

Just like everyone else, Ravenstahl is tired of seeing the reports on the television about some firefighter busted for drugs:

“The reality is they’ve had some instances in their fire bureau that were unacceptable to me. It had to change and we needed to have it in the contract,”

Good deal, I’m glad that this is actually going to be in the next labor contract they sign so there is no way to get out of the issue.  Out of all the drug issues, the past few months have seemed to of been the breaking point for good old boy wonder:

In April, a firefighter was arrested at Dan McGibbeny Memorial Field in Brookline after waving a gun. Drugs were also found in his car.

In July, there were two incidents. A firefighter was accused of calling in false alarms to his own firehouse. When the trucks left, he admitted to robbing fellow firefighters. He told police he was on heroin and his life had fallen apart.

Two weeks later in Beechview, an on-duty firefighter was accused of making a drug deal in the firehouse.

It’s also great to see that since then, the city council has made no exceptions and has been adamant on the fact that if random drug testing isn’t in the new labor contract, they will not sign it.  I never understood why the police had to have random drug testings while the fire department didn’t.  All officials that work for the local government should be subject to all those tests.   Also, to be included in the new contract are even more stringent rules for new recruits.

They will be drug tested thoroughly through the means of urine, hair and skin samples.  These particular tests can determine drug use for up to three years and in some cases five years.  Intense stuff, but if that’s whats needed to keep us safe from ourselves then by all means, go through with it.

Information about this article used from KDKA.com – http://kdka.com/local/Pittsburgh.firefighters.drug.2.1272257.html