VOTE!

Been poll-watching since 6:45 AM, just taking a ten minute break now to post my usual election day post. Here it is:



VOTE!
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Not really a glowing endorsement (or any other kind)

By the stack on my desk, there's been at least three Chelsa Wagner for County Controller flyers put out by the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee. The first two tout her experience and family connections -- fine and dandy -- but the latest one is problematic. Here's a scan of the relevant portion (provided by a reader of this blog -- thanks!):


(Click to enlarge)
While it certainly doesn't say that Wagner was endorsed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one could be forgiven for thinking that she was endorsed by the P-G. I showed it to a couple of people on Sunday and both said they thought the flyer was saying that Wagner was endorsed by the P-G.

In fact, the Post-Gazette endorsed Valerie McDonald Roberts for County Controller. Moreover, the third quote on the flyer pulled from the P-G endorsement for McDonald Roberts was proceeded by a "but" and given as a reason why the P-G was not endorsing Wagner:

She is very well informed on local issues, but her view of what the controller can accomplish, as articulated during a meeting with Post-Gazette editors, seemed broader than the tasks that are the statutory responsibility of the officeholder.

It is the third candidate in this race who has the most grounded notion of what it means to be county controller.

By "third candidate" the P-G was referring to McDonald Roberts.

Not cool, Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee.
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McDonald Roberts Plan: Lean, Green and Clean

Valerie McDonald Roberts, who is running for Allegheny County Controller, announced her plan for bringing more transparency and accountability to that office at a press conference on Monday.

It includes:

Mandate the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) to regularly conduct an external quality control review on the Audit Divisions

Provide accurate, timely recommendations for any lack of financial compliance in county contracts

Instill a process of "look-backs" on outcomes of reviews and audits which would evaluate them six months later

Launch a "green" (paperless where possible) initiative within the Controller's office to explore ways where the technology we already have can be used to save taxpayer dollars

Increase collaboration with the City Controller, County Council, and County Executive offices to promote the sharing of resources and information to result in greater efficiencies

You can see more on her plan here.

McDonald Roberts is currently manager of the Real Estate Department of Allegheny County and has received the endorsements of Pennsylvania NOW PAC, Gertrude Stein Political Club, Georgia Berner, Dan Onorato, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette which called her "an experienced manager with a broad background that has prepared her to be county controller" and "who has the most grounded notion of what it means to be county controller."

Rallies, Protests and a Happy Hour

It's that time of year -- lots going on!

Protest Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, April 27 · 10:00am - 1:00pm
WHERE: Rachel Carson Building, rm. 105 - Harrisburg PA
WHAT: Protest Governor Tom Corbett's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission meeting. More info here

Don't Make Us Work Till We Die!
WHEN: Wednesday, April 27 · 12:00pm - 1:00pm
WHERE: Social Security Office, 921 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
WHAT: Action and Funeral Procession, "Bring: Skull and Crossbones, Death Masks, Skeletons, Wheelchairs and Walkers, anything that signifies Seniors Worked to Death! We have a coffin! After the rally, volunteers will gather petitions downtown and pass out Flyers for the May 3rd Rally, Sponsors so far: Strengthen Social Security, Health Care for America Now, The National Organization of Women, SEIU, ARA, SOAR, CLUW, looking for more!" Sign the petition at http://www.worktillwedie.org/ RSVP here


Rally for Valerie and A Community Call to Action
WHEN: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 12 Noon
WHERE: Freedom Corner (Centre Ave. and Crawford St. intersection), Pittsburgh PA
WHAT: 'Why a "Rally"? To support Valerie McDonald Roberts, the most qualified candidate for Allegheny County Controller.
Why a "Call to Action"? To effect the inclusion of African Americans in Allegheny County leadership positions.' http://allieswithvalerie.com/main/

The PAC is Back -- P2pac Happy Hour
WHEN: Thursday, April 28 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: 3705 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201-1819
WHAT: "Join us at Eclipse Lounge Pittsburgh on Thursday from 6-8pm. Reconnect with long-time supporters, welcome new ones, meet our board, and discuss the important May 17 primaries. Mingle, ask questions, learn about the races, and donate to the P2pac (donation not required, but very much appreciated) so that we can support the best local candidates for Pittsburgh's future in the coming elections!" P2pac on Facebook here. RSVP here
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I do declare!

It must be that time of year as my inbox has been full of candidates declaring a run for office this past week. As the Post-Gazette pointed out, Dan Onorato's decision to not seek a third term for Allegheny County Executive has started a game of musical chairs. Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb and County Council President Rich Fitzgerald may run for his seat; County Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty has already declared. Flaherty's decision to run for County Executive leaves the door open for county Real Estate Manager Valerie McDonald Roberts and State Rep. Chelsa Wagner to declare their candidacies for his current position with State Rep. Matt Smith also considering a run.

Then, there's half of Pittsburgh City Council up for re-election this year and State Auditor Jack Wagner hinting at a challenge to Lil Mayor Luke in 2013...

Here are the candidates who have sent us press releases so far:

....Valerie McDonald Roberts
Currently Manager of the Allegheny County Department of Real Estate, Valerie McDonald Roberts has announced her intention to run for Allegheny County Controller. She has a long record of public service including: Pittsburgh School Board Director, Pittsburgh City Council Member, and Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds. I was a poll watcher for her race for Lt. Governor (she was endorsed by the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). I miss her extremely rational and intelligent commentary on the now defunct offQ show.

From her press release (full version here):

Ms. Roberts states, “I have been blessed to have had many years of corporate, legislative and administrative experiences to make me uniquely qualified to be the best candidate for County Controller in addressing Allegheny County’s challenges. The breadth of my career experiences prepares me to handle the essence of the County Controller’s job – independent fiscal responsibility for Allegheny County. ‘Good government’ and ‘reform’ are great concepts, but I have actually implemented them, and will always strive for nothing less than excellence in government.”

....Bruce A. Kraus
Bruce Kraus is seeking a second term on Pittsburgh City Council for District 3. This is my district and I'm a longtime supporter of Kraus (poll watcher, heck, I've stuffed envelopes at his house) and I couldn't be happier with my choice. He's a solid member of the progressive alliance on Council. I can't count the number of times I've seen him walking my district. I also greatly appreciate his efforts to get a handle on the vandalism and violence that have unfortunately become features of the South Side's nightlife.

From his press release (full version here):

In a letter to constituents, Councilman Kraus cited—among other accomplishments—a few examples of the many successes that he has had in his first term:

Protecting libraries in our district—we will soon see a renovation of our South Side branch library. In addition, efforts are underway to bring a new state-of-the-art library building serving Knoxville, Carrick, and our other Hilltop communities

Responding to our neighbors’ needs more efficiently with the opening of our Hilltop District Office on Arlington Avenue

Working to reduce gun violence through responsible gun ownership legislation that requires reporting lost and stolen guns

....Patrick Dowd
Patrick Dowd is also seeking a second term on Pittsburgh City Council for District 7. He was formerly a high school history and economics teacher and a member of the Pittsburgh Board of Education. I've had my ups and downs with Dowd (supported his mayoral bid; had some issues with his actions on Council), but I thought he acted admirably during the parking-pension crisis.

From his press release (full version here):

As a councilman, Dowd has also worked hard to address the city’ legacy issues. With his colleagues, he was able to find a solution for the city’ pension crisis that maintained important public assets, and worked to address debt and infrastructure problems that have been kicked down the road for too long. On a regional level, Dowd was instrumental in the creation of the Council of Neighboring Communities, also known as CONNECT. CONNECT is the first serious effort to bring together the City and its 35 adjacent municipalities to solve problems in an organized and collaborative way.

....Lucille Prater-Holliday
Lucille Prater-Holliday is challenging Rev. Ricky Burgess for Pittsburgh City Council for District 9. I'm not familiar with Ms. Prater-Holliday so I'm especially glad that she sent me a press release.

From that release (full version here):

“I’m looking forward to running a campaign focused on addressing the needs of low- and moderate-income families,” Prater-Holliday said. “We deserve a representative who will focus on increasing community and economic development opportunities and actively work to empower communities by giving ordinary people a voice in our political decisions.”

Civil Discourse

The Pittsburgh City Paper conducted a roundtable (rectangle, really) with two Obama supporters and two Clinton supporters on Sunday. Excerpts are in the paper today (I haven't seen it yet, but Dayvoe has).

It's an outgrowth of the "The Third Round" series and there will be video available later (tomorrow?).

The conversation was remarkably civil (unlike on this blog).

Hosts: City Paper Editor Chris Potter and Jackson/Clark Partners Managing Partner and Ground Zero Action Network (G0) core member Pat Clark.

For Obama: Valerie McDonald Roberts, Manager of the Department of Real Estate and OffQ panelist, and Jason Tigano, URA Public & Legislative Affairs Manager (and former staffer for Rep. Mike Doyle).

For Clinton: Barbara Ernsberger, City Democratic Committee Chair and attorney, and moi (Maria Lupinacci).

UPDATE:
Online story link here. Video will be available tomorrow.
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I endorse...ME!

Yeah, I don't believe that I've mentioned it here before, but on the off chance that anyone reading this blog lives in my district (16-2) I'm running for Allegheny County Democratic Committee female member.

In case you don't know what a committee member does, their official duties are to vote on committee endorsements and hand out slate cards on election day. It's an unpaid position.

So if you vote in the first room at Morse Garden on Sarah & 24th Streets on Pittsburgh's South Side, vote for:

Maria T. Lupinacci

My opponent has been in office for quite some time so this ain't gonna be a walk in the park.

Oh yeah, in case you haven't noticed, I'm for these folks as well:

Allegheny County Democratic Committee:
(About 50 new folks running this year. WDUQ interviewed some of them and it will be replayed throughout the day.)

Mark DePasquale, ?
Janis Williams, ? (North Side)
Matt Preston, 9-2
John Riegert, 9-3
Erika Fricke, 9-4
Gloria Forouzan, 9-5
Josh Punchur, 9-5
Rebecca White, 9-6
Heather Sage, 9-7
Maria T. Lupinacci, 16-2
Benjamin Ragheb, 16-2

State Democratic Committee:
Robert Vincent Frank, 42nd District www.voterobfrank.com
Christopher J. Bowers, 8th District (write-in) http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/5/11/132550/883
Kevin W. Scott, 8th District (write-in) http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/5/11/132550/883

PA House:
Susan Banahasky, District 20 www.susaninthehouse.com
Lisa Bennington, District 21 http://www.lisaforhouse.com
Chelsa Wagner, District 22 http://www.chelsawagner.com
Ed Gainey, District 24 http://www.electedgainey.com
Dan Cindric, District 27 http://www.cindric2006.com
Steve Karas, District 34 www.karasforpahouse34.zoomshare.com
Harry Readshaw, District 36 http://www.pahouse.com/readshaw
Anne Dicker, District 175 http://www.annedicker.com/ (Tell your friends in Philly)

PA Senate:
Jim Ferlo, District 28 http://www.jimferlo.com

US Congress:
Georgia Berner, 4th Congressional District http://georgiaberner.com
Mike Isaac, District 14 http://www.isaacforcongress.org

US Senate:
Chuck Pennacchio www.chuck2006.com

Lt. Governor
Valerie McDonald Roberts http://www.valerieforpa.com

Governor:
Ed Rendell http://rendellforgovernor.com

Philadelphia Inquirer endorses VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

That leaves VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS. As a former Pittsburgh city councilwoman and school board president who is now Allegheny County recorder of deeds, she is far and away the Democrats' most plausible choice.

She's had to balance government budgets and manage a bureaucracy. She's been on the front lines of decision-making about crime, community development and education.

The two main roles of the lieutenant governor are leading the state's emergency services and chairing the parole board. After the Hurricane Katrina debacle, no state should be cavalier about the former duty. Of the four, Roberts promises the steadiest hand in a crisis.

Knoll admits that the parole board has become swamped by a backlog of cases, meaning taxpayers are paying to keep locked up people who've served their time. She speaks vaguely of wanting the board to meet more often, but hasn't made that happen.

Roberts, 50, also promises to be a better salesperson for a state that must send a national message that it is about youth and the future, not just gray hair and the past.

The primary is almost here so we have EVENTS!

WEDNESDAY 5/3/06:

Chuck & Valerie Visibility!
When: Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Mario’s South Side Saloon (outside) 1514 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
What: Hold signs and pass out lit along E. Carson St for Chuck Pennacchio and Valerie McDonald Roberts.

Meet the Candidates for Lawrenceville’s Democratic Committee
When: Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Where: Perk Me Up coffee shop, 4407 Butler St. Lawrenceville
Cost: Free (NOT a fund raiser)
What: Meet Matt Preston, 9-2, John Riegert, 9-3, Erika Fricke, 9-4, Gloria Forouzan, 9-5, Josh Punchur, 9-5, Rebecca White, 9-6, Heather Sage, 9-7

Democracy for Pittsburgh Monthly Meetup
When: Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Mario’s South Side Saloon (upstairs), 1514 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203
What: Our guests will be members of Western PA for Pennacchio to fill us in on what we can do to make sure Chuck wins May 16.

THURSDAY, 5/4/06:

27th District Candidate Forum
When: Thursday, May 4th, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Crafton American Legion, 1 American Legion Plaza, formerly corner of Crennell Ave and N. Linwood Ave., Crafton, 15205
What: Candidate forum to be under the direction of the League of Women Voters and sponsored by the Crafton American Legion, for all candidates running for the PA House of Representatives, 27th District

League of Young Voters Candidate Forum
When: Thursday May 4th, 2006 @ 8pm
Where: Union Project, located at 801 North Negley Ave.
Food and Drink will be provided!
What: Candidates who have been invited to make presentations:
U.S. Congress (4th District & 14th District), Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania, PA State House of Representatives (District 20, District 21 & District 24). Endorsement Vote: To be eligible to vote in the endorsement you must have attended a Pittsburgh League of Young Voters Meetings or participated in a Pittsburgh League event, activity or project. *All endorsements are made on behalf of the League of Young Voters PAC, 226 W. 135th St., NY, NY 10030
RSVP @ [email protected]

FRIDAY, 5/5/06:

SEAD (South End Active Democrats) Old Fashioned Democratic Rally
When: Friday from 7:00-11:00 p.m.
Where: Resurrection Church, Father Quinn Social Hall, 1100 Chelton Ave. in Brookline.
Cost: Tickets are $5/person and can be purchased at the door.
What: D.A. Stephen Zappala will be guest mc. Free parking available on the side of the church. All Democrats are welcome! Elected Democratic Officials, Committee Members and party supporters are all welcome. Menu includes Chickenpasta, Hot Sausage, Beer and Pop There will be door prizes and D.J.. And, some special guests.

SUNDAY, 5/7/06:

Planned Parenthood Letter Writing Event
When: Sunday May 7th, 1:00 PM
Where: Kiva Han Coffee shop (corner of Forbes and Craig in Oakland - UPSTAIRS)
What: Write a Letter to the Editor (not only on choice issues, but on any issues that affect the progressive, democratic community). They'll have articles from various newspapers, writing paper, dictionaries, thesauruses, a laptop and lots of help if you want it. They'll help you craft a letter that is powerful ! They'll proofread it for you too and then you can submit online as soon as you are happy with it. You can also bring any articles that you have read lately and they'll have Sunday's Post-Gazette.

Chuck Pennacchio Event
When: Sunday, May 7th, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: TBA
What: TBA: Please just block off the time on your schedule. This will be a kid-friendly event. We really need everyone to come out and bring a friend or two.

MONDAY, 5/8/06:

Democratic Primary Candidate Forum
When: Monday May 8th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Where: Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Street, Regent Square
What: Sponsored by The League of Women Voters. Candidates: Paul Costa, Steve Karas, Marilyn Messina For further information, call the League office: 412-261-4284

Democracy for Pittsburgh Meeting This Evening

Event Title: Democracy for Pittsburgh Monthly Meetup
Event Type: DFA-Link Meeting
Event Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Event Time: 7:00 PM
Venue Name: Mario's South Side Saloon (upstairs)
Address: 1514 E Carson St
City: Pittsburgh
State: PA
Zip Code: 15203
Phone Number: 412-381-5610

Join Democracy for Pittsburgh for a visibility event for our endorsed statewide candidates Chuck Pennacchio and Valerie McDonald Roberts. Hold signs and pass out lit along E. Carson St. from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3. Meet in front of Mario's South Side Saloon, 1514 E. Carson St. Then stick around for the monthy DFA meeting upstairs in the party room. Our guests will be members of Western PA for Pennacchio to fill us in on what we can do to make sure Chuck wins May 16.

R.S.V.P. here!

Valerie Receives Post-Gazette Endorsement!

From the the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

That leaves Valerie McDonald Roberts, 50, of Churchill. The Allegheny County recorder of deeds is an energetic and articulate public servant well-known in Western Pennsylvania. She spent five years on the city school board, seven years on City Council and is in her fifth year with the county. She's had private-sector experience, too, as a chemist for Gulf Oil Corp. and USX Engineers and Consultants Inc. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Pittsburgh, both summa cum laude.

Last June we cavalierly dismissed her notion to run for lieutenant governor and recommended that she consider another office closer to home. What a difference a year makes.

In this field, in this primary, she is the standout candidate. She would be a fiery, intelligent teammate for Ed Rendell (and not just because she's an African American and he'll be facing an African-American opponent). She is not running so much against the incumbent as she is running for the office -- something the incumbent this spring has chosen not to do.

In the aftermath of the pay-raise debacle, elected officials cannot take their office for granted. Now more than ever, candidates must present themselves to the public, interview for the job with the people. Catherine Baker Knoll hasn't done that. Valerie McDonald Roberts has -- and that's why she's earned the Post-Gazette endorsement.

www.valerieforpa.com

Peduto Endorses McDonald Roberts

Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto officially endorses Valerie McDonald Roberts' campaign for Lieutenant Governor



"It is my pleasure and honor to endorse a true progressive, Valerie McDonald Roberts, for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. In her vast experience as a School Board Member, City Councilwoman, and as an elected County official, Valerie has consistently demonstrated a dedication to promotinga reform minded agenda," Councilman Peduto said.
Peduto joins a long list of progressives endorsing Valerie:

The Pennsylvania National Organization for Women
Democracy for Pittsburgh
Philly for Change
Capitol Area DFA (Harrisburg)
Steel City Stonewall Democrats
Gertrude Stein Club of Pittsburgh
Liberty City Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club
14th Ward Independent Club of Pittsburgh
Philly Neighborhood Networks
PA ACORN
chicomax.com

You can compare Valerie to other candidates at a DEBATE TOMORROW:

Wednesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., co-sponsored by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, the Heinz School, and the local League of Women Voters chapter. Candidates who agreed to participate: Valerie McDonald Roberts, Gene Stilp, and Bill Hall.

The debate will be held in the Hamburg Hall Auditorium, Room 1000, at 4800 Forbes Avenue, between Craig Street and Morewood Avenue, directly across the street from the large Morewood Parking Lot.

Want to Help?

You can contribute online at http://www.valerieforpa.com/contribute.asp or you can send a check to: Valerie for PA, 1801 Centre Ave Ste. 302C, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Make checks payable to: Valerie for PA (please no corporate checks).

You can lit drop for Valerie by contacting Lou at (412)281-2800 or [email protected]

To volunteer at her office, contact Diane at [email protected] or 412-281-2800.

Already working the polls on election day for a candidate? Why not hand out lit for Valerie too? I'm collecting names of people who can do this. Contact me at [email protected]

www.valerieforpa.com

PENNACCHIO, MCDONALD ROBERTS, BERNER AND OTHERS RECEIVE DEMOCRACY FOR PITTSBURGH'S ENDORSEMENT

Seven Candidates Get A Thumbs Up At Endorsement Meeting

Democracy for Pittsburgh (the local coalition group for Democracy for America) announced today the results of an endorsement vote that was held on Saturday, February 18, 2006.

"Candidates need to jump a high hurdle in order to win our endorsement. They needed to receive at least 75% of the votes, not counting abstentions. I believe that no other progressive endorsing group in Pittsburgh requires this level of agreement from their membership," said Lou Takacs, member of Democracy for Pittsburgh's Organizing Committee and "meeting host" for the day. "Setting such a high standard also helps to ensure that winning candidates receive not only an endorsement, but a base of volunteers to draw from," he added.

Chuck Pennacchio was endorsed for US Senate (90%). Valerie McDonald Roberts was endorsed for Lt. Governor (100%). Georgia Berner was endorsed for US Representative - 4th Congressional District (91%). Susan Banahasky was endorsed for Rep. District 20 (92%). William Sargent was endorsed for Rep. District 42 (79%). And, two longtime members of Democracy for Pittsburgh were also endorsed for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: Dan Cindric was endorsed for Rep. District 27 (96%) and Steve Karas was endorsed for Rep. District 34 (96%).

No endorsement could be reached in the following races: 14th Congressional District, 18th Congressional District, Rep. District 21, Rep. District 24 and special election for Pittsburgh City Council District 3.

During the meeting, the host asked for a show of hands of those members who were planning on running for Allegheny County Democratic Committee and nearly a quarter of those in attendance signaled their intentions to run - most for the first time.