Jonathan B. Robison

Jonathan and Mary Robison
154 N. Bellefield Ave. #66, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-683-0237 jon@jonrobison.org www.jonrobison.org
April 16, 2010

This is the Robison political newsletter, which is sent in advance of the primary and general elections to about 2,000 people by e-mail and bulk mail. If any friends don’t receive the e-mail edition, it’s probably because we don’t have a correct e-mail address (or have an ‘.edu’ address, which gives us a problem). We will be happy to add any names to the list, preferably with their e-mail address. Some of our friends contribute to help support the newsletter, and we are grateful. If you would like to help with the costs, you are invited to send a check to Robison Political Action Committee, 154 N. Bellefield Ave., #66, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Please forward or give copies of this to any interested friends. The newsletter also will be up on our website.

The Democratic Primary May 18 will feature two good U.S. Senate candidates, an excellent candidate for Governor, and two good candidates for Lieutenant Governor.

Joe SESTAK for Senate
For the U.S. Senate, we prefer Congressman Joe SESTAK over the incumbent, Arlen Specter. Both are pro-choice and supporters of lesbian and gay communities. Sestak is a solid liberal Democrat; Specter has been better since he changed to Democrat. We appreciate that Specter tried to be a moderate-to-liberal Republican. This country was in better shape when we had more of them. Sestak has offered leadership on economic and social issues. On the other hand, Sestak has supported sending more U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan, going beyond President Obama’s position. Yes, the Taliban is awful, but our current “allies” in Afghanistan do not deserve our blood and treasure. We should support and fund the various women’s groups.
Sestak enjoys top ratings from progressive organizations ranging from the AFL-CIO to NOW, and endorsements including the Jewish Chronicle. He will gain support as he becomes better known, and we think that he will be a stronger candidate in the fall against an extreme right-wing opponent. For more information or to volunteer, click on www.JoeSestak.com.

Joe HOEFFEL for Governor
For Pennsylvania Governor we warmly endorse Joe HOEFFEL. He describes himself as “socially liberal and fiscally responsible”. This includes support for early childhood education, environmental protection, affordable health care, and the other essential elements of President Obama’s Democratic program. It includes support for ending our state’s legislation that tries to undo Roe v Wade. It includes standing up to the gun lobby. It includes support for full civil rights and marriage equality for the lesbian and gay communities. Joe Hoeffel is a consistent supporter of adequate funding for public transportation. His leading opponent had said during the previous transit funding crisis that he would block funding for the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) until PAT makes “reforms.” This was strange since, as County Executive, he controls PAT.
Joe Hoeffel is, as he says, “the true progressive” in the Governor’s race. That is why we backed him in 2004 when he ran for the U.S. Senate against Arlen Specter, then a Republican. For more information or to volunteer, click on www.JoeHoeffel2010.com.

Jonathan A. SAIDEL for Lieutenant-Governor
For Lieutenant-Governor, there are again two good candidates. We prefer Jonathan A. SAIDEL over Doris A. Smith-Ribner. Both are well qualified and staunchly liberal. We supported Philadelphia Judge Smith-Ribner when she ran for state court; she would have been excellent. We think Jon Saidel is stronger on the state issues which he would work on as lieutenant-governor. We reviewed both candidates’ questionnaires as members of the Gertrude Stein Political Club, the political organization for LGBT rights. The Stein Club came to the same conclusion we did. It endorsed Saidel and gave Smith-Ribner an honorable mention. (The Stein Club also backed Sestak; Joe Hoeffel was an easy choice.)

Congress and the Legislature
For U.S. Congress, our 14th District Representative Mike DOYLE has no opposition in the primary and no strong opposition for the general election. In the South Hills 18th District, Dan Connolly is unopposed for the Democratic nomination against the Republican incumbent Tim Murphy. In the 4th District to the north, Jason Altmire has no opposition in the Democratic primary; he will probably face right-wing Republican Mary Beth Buchanan this Fall.. Altmire decided to vote against President Obama’s health care reform bill, despite all the revisions. A serious independent candidate with a base in the trade union movement is a possibility for the November election.

In our 42nd State Senate District, Sen. Wayne Fontana has done a good job and has no opposition filed for either the primary or the general. In the 38th State Senate District, which adjoins our district, incumbent Jim Ferlo also has no opposition filed for any party, which is remarkable for a long time comrade and fellow community activist.

There is no primary contest for Legislature in our election district, the 12th District of the 4th Ward, which is represented by Dan Frankel, who is knowledgeable, hardworking, and progressive. The G.O.P. did manage to find someone to put on the ballot against him in the general, possibly because he spends so much time and effort helping Democratic candidates in other districts. There is a fight for the Democratic nomination in the adjacent 9th Election District where we formerly lived. (No Republican filed.) Jake Wheatly is the incumbent in the 19th Legislative District, which is mostly the Hill. He is being challenged by Tonya Payne, who was defeated for re-election to the Pittsburgh City Council. Both candidates are good, pro-choice, and supporters of the rights of the LGBT communities. Rep. Wheatley has diligently sent staff to community meetings in Bellefield and Oakland. The Stein Club, after discussion, endorsed Payne because of her work on domestic violence prevention, while giving an honorable mention to Wheatley. Also running is Mark Brentley, Sr., who is a member of the Board of Education and somewhat erratic. Adam Ravenstahl, the mayor’s brother, is a favorite for the 20th District seat vacated by newly-elected Common Pleas Judge Don Walko. This is an “open seat,” with no incumbent running. We wish that there were a progressive woman in the race. In the 22nd District, West End and Mt. Washington, Chelsa Wagner, who has become increasingly progressive, also has no opposition filed from any party. In the 24th District, Homewood-Brushton and Wilkinsburg, incumbent Joe Preston, has two opponents in the primary and is endorsed by the Stein Club. In the 39th District, in the Mon Valley, labor activist incumbent David Levdansky is unopposed in the primary; two Republicans filed for the Fall.

Democratic State Committee
Every State Senate district will elect members of the Democratic State Committee in the primary, men and women members apportioned according to the Democratic strength in the district. The State Committee endorses Democratic candidates in the primary and gives direction to the party. We have several friends, known progressives and feminists, among the candidates. We note Pamela Macklin of the Wilkinsburg Borough Council, and former County Council member Brenda Frazier of Stanton Heights, running for one of the female seats in the 38th State Senate District, along with West Oakland-based political activist Daniel Jimenez, running for one of the male seats in that district. (Five will be elected. including at least two women and at least two men.) Another candidate we know is Robert Vincent Frank of Mt. Washington, president of the South End Active Democrats (SEAD) running for one of the three male seats in the 42nd District. Former Pittsburgh Democratic City Chairperson Barbara Behrend Ernsberger of Shadyside and Barbara Daly Danko from Regent Square, chairperson of the 14th Ward Democratic Committee, are running for the three female seats in the 43rd District. County Council President and liberal leader Rich Fitzgerald and Marvin Leibowitz from the 14th Ward, board member of the Gertrude Stein Political Club, are running for the three male seats in that district. Allegheny County Democratic vice-chair Carmella Mullen of Braddock is running for one of the two female seats in the 45th Senatorial District.

SAVE OUR TRANSIT - AGAIN
Some five years ago, we had a funding crisis for public transportation. Finally, we thought, the PA Legislature solved the problem with Act 44 – dependable, almost adequate funding for our buses and trolleys. Act 44 was to be funded by putting a toll on Interstate 80. Then the Federal Highway Administration denied permission to toll I-80. Suddenly we have don’t have money for public transit, or fixing roads and bridges. PAT has a $25 million hole in its budget. SEPTA in the Philadelphia area is even worse off. As President of the Allegheny County Transit Council, I - Jon – am working with PAT and others to find a strategy to avoid the disaster of major fare increases and cuts in service.

MS Walk – Again
Let us make a personal appeal. I - Jon – have Multiple Sclerosis. We’re still raising money for research on MS. A cure would be nice. I’m doing the 5 kilometer route in my power wheelchair, since I can’t walk. More information is available from National MS Society, www.nationalmssociety.org - or from the Allegheny District Chapter, 412-261-6347, 1501 Reedsdale St. #105, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. The MS Walk is Sunday, Apr. 18, so it will probably be over before you read this. You can still check in and support me. Please make a check payable to the National MS Society and send it to me.

In addition, two of the many fundraising appeals we received in the mail were so compelling that we want to mention them.

We had never heard of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous. It provides modest financial support to more than 1,000 needy non-Jews who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. The website is www.jfr.org. It tells 145 tales of daring deeds and amazing successes in 26 countries under Nazi rule.
The other appeal is from Madre. We have known for years of its work for woman’s rights and human rights in Latin America. We just received a letter from them with an initiative in a new and challenging area. They are working with women in Afghanistan, perhaps the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman. They are raising money for an Afghan Women’s Survival Fund. Find out more at www.madre.org/survivalfund.
As we have mentioned previously, there are one-hour vigils for peace in Iraq and Afghanistan every Saturday. I, Jon, am at a vigil almost every Saturday, usually at Noon in Regent Square, at Forbes and Braddock, or sometimes at 1 pm in East Liberty, at Penn and Highland (organized by Black Voices for Peace). There are also vigils in the North Side, and in surrounding counties. For more information, contact the Thomas Merton Center, 412-361-3022.
Mary and I have two wonderful grandchildren. Participation in the vigils will enable us to tell them that we did something about the wars. And now there is something positive to do: support Madre’s Afghan Women’s Survival Fund. Also, please join us at the vigil some Saturday.

Love and Peace,
Jon and Mary

October 12, 2009

This is the Robison political newsletter, which is sent in advance of the primary and general elections to about 2,000 people by e-mail and bulk mail. If any friends don’t receive the e-mail edition, it’s probably because we don’t have a correct e-mail address (or have an ‘.edu’ address, which gives us a problem). We will be happy to add any names to the list, preferably with their e-mail address. Some of our friends contribute to help support the newsletter, and we are grateful. If you would like to help with the costs, you are invited to send a check to Robison Political Action Committee, 154 N. Bellefield Ave., #66, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Please forward or give copies of this to any interested friends. The newsletter also will be up on our website.

Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court – Jack PANELLA
Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh – Franco Dok HARRIS

This fall we have one unusually important candidate, Jack Panella on the Democratic ticket - and one unusually interesting candidate, Franco Dok Harris for Mayor, independent, on the Franco Dok Harris label.

Why is the Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Supreme Court so important? Because this is the year of the Census and redistricting, and this court indirectly controls redistricting of both Legislative and Congressional districts in Pennsylvania. It is expected that Republicans will spend over $20 million to win this election. Jack Panella will support fair redistricting.
Judge Panella was elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 2003, having served 12 years as a common pleas judge in Northampton County. He is rated “Highly Recommended” by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. He is pro-choice and a supporter of lesbian and gay rights and is endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club, in which we are active. His community activities include service as a board member of United Cerebral Palsy of Lehigh County and past president of the Boys and Girls Club of Easton.

For Pittsburgh Mayor, we are supporting Franco Dok Harris running as an independent on his own party label. He is a graduate of Princeton and graduated from the joint law-business degree program at the Pitt Law School and CMU’s Tepper School of Business. He is articulate, independent-minded, and progressive. He also is endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club and Planned Parenthood. He is 30 and is the son of Franco Harris, star of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is biracial, like our president – ‘Dok” is short for his mother’s maiden name, Dokmanovich.
The Democratic incumbent is Luke Ravenstahl. His programs are better than his politics. He has been strong on accessibility for persons like me – Jon – who use a power wheelchair to get around. We applaud Ravenstahl for creating an advisory council to work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. We are told that his Department of City Planning is working creatively with the neighborhoods and neighborhood organizations. We don’t know why Ravenstahl is refusing to proceed with the asphalt recycling paving machine which will save time and money fixing streets and was approved by City Council. And why is Ravenstahl backing Dan Onorato’s bizarre proposal to merge the city into Allegheny County? Does he hope Dan Onorato will succeed Ed Rendell as Governor, and he will run the whole city/county government?
In politics, Luke Ravenstahl is the nation’s youngest “good old boy.” He supports the old guard. He is anti-choice and negative to campaign finance reform. His enormous political treasury both exemplifies and worsens the problem. Big money is a disease in American politics. You or I might give $50 to a candidate we thought good for the public. That’s a contribution. But when a candidate has a $200-a-plate fundraising dinner, and someone buys a table – that’s an investment.

For Superior Court, Robert J. COLVILLE, Kevin Francis MCCARTHY, Anne LAZARUS, and Teresa SARMINA
Going back to the judiciary, the Democrats are all well qualified. Judge Sarmina has eleven years experience on Common Pleas Court in Philadelphia, was previously the senior deputy Pennsylvania attorney general, and is the first Hispanic candidate for state court. Judge Lazarus has 18 years experience on Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. Robert Colville has ten years as judge. including work in the Family Division, the Juvenile Section, and on toxic substance issues. Kevin McCarthy has 19 years experience as an assistant district attorney
For Commonwealth Court, Barbara Behrend ERNSBERGER and Linda JUDSON
Commonwealth Court handles workers’ compensation appeals, appeals from government agencies, like zoning boards, and cases related to the government. Both candidates are well-qualified. Establishment ratings and evaluations often are biased against women and consumer advocates. The statewide Democratic candidates are all endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club.
Barbara Ernsberger is a friend and neighbor and a veteran practitioner of the issues that come before that court. Linda Judson’s personal background includes working her way through college as a nurse.
For the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Joe WILLIAMS, Susan Evashavik DiLUCENTE. Don WALKO, Phil IGNELZI, and Arnie KLEIN
DiLucente, Ignelzi, and Klein won both the Democratic and Republican nominations in the spring. (County judge candidates, as well as school board candidates, can cross-file and compete in both primaries.) Judge Joe Williams is an African-American, appointed to a court vacancy by Governor Ed Rendell and confirmed by the State Senate. Don Walko is now a State Representative from the North Side, with experience writing laws rather than citing them in court. The latter two have opposition on the ballot from Democrats who won Republican nominations; no Republicans filed in the primary.
Judicial Retention Referenda
Also on your voting machine are yes/no votes on incumbent judges – two state-wide judges and seven county Common Pleas judges. We know of no effort or any argument for a no vote on any of them.

County Sheriff Bill MULLEN Unopposed
After the judges, we have incumbent Allegheny County Sheriff Bill Mullen, who is unopposed. We know of no objection to his work, and no opposition filed in the primary from any political party.
For County Council, Thomas MICHALOW has the hottest fight
There are seven seats on the Allegheny County Council up this year, but only two contests. It seems that the main contest is in District 1, in the North Hills. We agree with the Gertrude Stein Political Club, which endorsed Thomas Michalow as the challenger to incumbent Matt Drozd. In the 4th District, incumbent Michael Finnerty has opposition; Democratic incumbents James R. Burn, Jr. (3rd District), Charles Martoni (8th District), Bob Macey (9th District), Jim Ellenbogen (12th District), and Amanda Green (13th District) are unopposed. Ms. Green is running for a two-year term, having been appointed to her seat. She is an outstanding new Council member from the 13th District centered around Highland Park. She was the prime sponsor of the Allegheny County Human Relations Ordinance, which bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation as well as other grounds.

For Pittsburgh City Council, two outstanding newcomers, Natalia RUDIAK and Robert Daniel LAVELLE, as well as our own William PEDUTO
For Pittsburgh City Council, we have two new people.
In the 4th District, in the South Hills wards, we have Natalia Rudiak. She is a progressive feminist independent Democrat. Natalia is endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club. Her grandfather, the late Joe Rudiak, was an old friend and an old-time progressive over forty years ago when he was just about the only liberal independent Democrat in the city wards south of the Mon River.
In the 6th City Council District, centered in the Hill, Robert Daniel Lavelle, known as “Dan,” won a tough primary against Tonya Payne, the incumbent. Dan seems to work diligently with all the organizations in his neighborhoods. His grandfather, Robert Lavelle, founded Dwelling House, the Hill’s first financial institution. He is a fine gentleman and a personal friend and is a religious conservative on social issues. This makes Dan’s views on feminist issues more praiseworthy from our perspective.
Both are unopposed this fall, as is Theresa Smith, the incumbent in District 2.
In our own 8th District, Bill Peduto, has opposition, someone unknown to us, one of the few Republicans on the ballot in the county

Pittsburgh School Board – Five Seats and No Contests
For Pittsburgh Board of Education, five districts are up but the Democrats are unopposed. They are Sharene Shealey, who defeated the incumbent in the primary, Thomas Sumpter, Theresa Colaizzi, Jean Fink, and Floyd L. McCrea.

Friends Outside Pittsburgh
Our newsletter doesn’t usually discuss local races outside Pittsburgh, but some friends are running in various municipalities. They include Pamela Macklin, Barbara J. Ervin, and Dennis Briggs, for Wilkinsburg Borough Council. I, Jon, represent Mr. Briggs in legal matters, including a successful election law case. They also include long-time peace activist Marty O’Malley, who has both nominations for mayor of Forest Hills, and Lloyd Cunningham, for Homestead Borough Council. We’re sure we have missed at least one friend.

Joe HOEFFEL for Pennsylvania’s Next Governor,
The 2010 race for Governor of the state has already started, with Ed Rendell term-limited. Candidates include Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and possibly Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, both conservative on social issues. Joe Hoeffel is a Montgomery County Commissioner and a former Congressman. He is progressive, pro-choice, a supporter of lesbian and gay rights and a solid Democrat on economic issues.

AFGHANISTAN and IRAQ
Moving from politics to issues, Afghanistan and Iraq is still nightmares. We may be leaving one, but sending more troops to the other.
People should continue act for peace, with petitions, letters, e-mails, public meetings, and demonstrations. There are now a half-dozen one-hour weekly vigils in this area with signs opposing the war:
I – Jon – vigil almost every Saturday. Sometimes I’m at the noon vigil at Forbes and Braddock Ave. Other Saturdays I’m at the 1 pm vigil at Penn Ave. and Highland in East Liberty, organized by Black Voices for Peace. Will this help? Who knows? At least we can tell our grandchildren that we tried.
Enough! Bring our troops home.

IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSIT!
As you may know, since the first of July I have been president of the Allegheny County Transit Council, the official advisory committee of the Port Authority of Allegheny County. To me, this means more then advising PAT. it means representing transit riders generally and representing their interests. PAT is completing a major revision of its structure of routes and fares - “Connect ‘09”. We successfully urged that PAT not hide service cuts to save money. If PAT cuts service on a lightly-used route, it should add service elsewhere. This they did. In fact, there will be a small increase in service.
Now we plan to take on the three Simon Properties malls – Ross Park, South Hills Village, and Century III - which are forcing riders to walk 500 feet or more from the bus stop to the stores.
The ACTC is looking for a few more active members. If you would like to help improve public transit, please contact me at 412-683-0237 or jon@jonrobison.org.
MS Walk in April 18, 2010
Let us make a personal appeal. Please participate in the MS Walk, in person or by a contribution.
There will be a Pittsburgh MS Walk Sunday April 18, starting 9 a.m. at Point State Park. There will be a five-kilometer route and a one-kilometer route.
You can also participate in the MS Walk with a contribution. Please make a check payable to the National MS Society (not to us). Please send it to us at 154 N. Bellefield Av. #66, Pittsburgh 15213
I, Jon have MS – multiple sclerosis. I can’t walk any distance, so I will go on the walk, on the five kilometer route, in my power wheelchair. I go on the walk to raise money for research on MS. A half million people have MS. It’s now controllable, but still incurable. The National MS Society for years has been funding research. A cure would be nice. That’s why we walk – or roll. More information is available from the National MS Society, www.nationalmssociety.org - or from the Western Pennsylvania Chapter, 412-261-6347, 1501 Reedsdale St. #105, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Please remind your friends to vote Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Love and Peace,
Jon and Mary
Jonathan and Mary Robison
154 N. Bellefield Ave. Apt. 66.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-683-0237 jon@jonrobison.org

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In Transit
July 8, 2009
Dear Friend,
I have been elected President of the Allegheny County Transit Council (ACTC) for the coming year. So what?
Well, for me it will be a challenge. For you and for public transportation, we’ll see. Can we can make a difference?
As you probably know, the ACTC a voluntary, unpaid, non-political citizens’ advisory council to the Port Authority of Allegheny County, PAAC or just PAT, was established by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1986. The ACTC also will provide PAT riders with a voice on transit and on the way PAT provides transit, and try to improve transit in our region.
There is a lot of work to be done. Even if I were young and healthy, and not 66 with MS, there is no way I could do half of what’s needed by myself. That’s where you come in.
Of course we have committees to divvy up the work - eight committees. The ACTC Budget Committee looks at Port Authority finances. The Legislative Committee should do more than help look for money: state, federal, and local funding for transit. Some ACTC committee should deal with SPC and with city and municipal ordinances that affect day to day operations. The work of the Membership, Recruiting, and Training Committee is primarily internal. The ACTC Operations/Customer Service and Quality Committee includes the process of handling complaints, as well as interior cleanliness. Our Physical Planning Committee looks at long-range improvements as well as implementing the Port Authority’s Connect ‘09 plan. The Policy and Environmental Planning Committee will consider transit-oriented development, land use planning, zoning, the hostility of some malls to transit, and how transit can help energy conservation. The ACTC Public Relations/Marketing Committee will look at the image of the Port Authority and public transit. Our Technology Committee considers how - and how well - the Port Authority uses technology, including the website, GPS stop calling, and the new planned “Smart Card” fare boxes. Should ACTC have a web presence? ACTC also has some committees organized by Port Authority garage or division.
If you do not have the time or inclination to be a working member of ACTC, but want to support transit, just sign up as a “Friend of Transit.” No committees, no meetings, we’ll keep in touch by occasional e-mails or you can attend our meetings on the third Wednesday of the month, 6 pm. at 345 Sixth Ave, downtown. Please contact me or Stu Strickland, our vice-president, if you have any questions. We’ll send more information on our committees.
More specifically, we will work for the funds promised to transit under Act 44 and work for our share of the federal funds under the new authorization legislation now before Congress. We hope to work for land use and development that helps transit as well as the environment. We will work with PAT to implement the Connect ‘09 plans in ways that make transit more efficient without stranding riders who have no other choice.
You see how much work there is to do. What are your ideas? Join us if you want to do more than complain about PAT. Join us if you want to help us get better public transit in the Pittsburgh area. Our revised membership is attached, in case you want to forward it to someone else. Send in the membership application.
Speaking personally. my greatest challenge will be saying “No” to worthy requests for help on non-transit issues. I must put aside all my work on the peace issue, except for my presence at the Saturday vigils. noon in Regent Square or 1pm at Penn and Highland. I must put aside work on health care, labor, glbt rights, etc. I’m still Democratic Committeeman but I will be doing much less electoral politics. Priorities are not the issue; the question is where will my help make the most difference? The answer is “Nowhere,” unless I discipline my self and prioritize. So for the next year or two, I’ll be In Transit.
I hope there will be more information, headed “In Transit.”
Love and Peace, Jonathan Robison

Jonathan and Mary Robison
154 N. Bellefield Ave. #66, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-683-0237 jon@jonrobison.org www.jonrobison.org
April 16, 2009

This is the Robison political newsletter, which is sent in advance of the primary and general elections to about 2,000 people by e-mail and bulk mail. If any friends don’t receive the e-mail edition, it’s probably because we don’t have a correct e-mail address (or have an ‘.edu’ address, which gives us a problem). We will be happy to add any names to the list, preferably with their e-mail address. Some of our friends contribute to help support the newsletter, and we are grateful. If you would like to help with the costs, you are invited to send a check to Robison Political Action Committee, 154 N. Bellefield Ave., #66, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Please forward or give copies of this to any interested friends. The newsletter also will be up on our website.

Hugh McGough for Judge

One candidate, Hugh Fitzpatrick McGough, is outstanding among many good judicial candidates. He
is running for one of the five seats on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
Hugh received the top rating, “Highly Recommended”, from the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee. He is an appointed mediator for the U.S. District Court for the western district of Pennsylvania. He crafted Pittsburgh’s anti-discrimination program. He received the Founders’ Award for his pro bono (volunteer) legal work from the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. He is endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh. In 2007 he served as Treasurer for the Allegheny County Democratic Committee Primary Campaign. He also sings in the Renaissance City Choir.
One good sure winner is Judge Joe Williams. He is an African-American, appointed to a court vacancy by Governor Ed Rendell and confirmed by the State Senate.
Arnie Klein is a stalwart, running again with the endorsement of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. He is a solid supporter of civil rights, reproductive rights, and the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (lgbt) communities.
We also recommend Susan Evashavik DiLucente, well qualified and solid on civil rights, reproductive rights, and rights of the lgbt communities.
Another good candidate is Don Walko. He is now a State Representative from the North Side, with experience writing laws rather than citing them in court.
You can vote for up to five candidates. Other hopefuls worthy of consideration include Michael Marmo, an adjunct professor at the Duquesne Law School, and Carolyn Saldari Bengel, a district magistrate in Springdale.

For the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Jack Panella’s Fight will be in the Fall
Starting back at the top of the voting machine, Jack Panella is unopposed for the Democratic nomination for the state’s top court. But in the fall the winner of the Republican primary will have millions of dollars in campaign funds. Why? Because the Pennsylvania Supreme Court controls reapportionment of the state Legislature after each decennial census. Some districts look like the product of a bad acid trip – look at the 38th State Senate District, which stretches from West Oakland to Armstrong County. Reapportionment could be even worse next time.

Barbara Behrend Ernsberger for Commonwealth Court
To continue with state judge candidates, we strongly support our friend and neighbor, Barbara Behrend Ernsberger, running statewide for one of the two seats open on Commonwealth Court. She is endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club, as is Linda S. Judson. whom we also support.

For Pennsylvania Superior Court, Judges Anne E. Lazarus and John Younge
Anne Lazarus and John Younge are well regarded as Common Pleas judges in Philadelphia and well regarded by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Both are endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club and the Democratic Party. There are three seats up on Superior Court.

No Primaries for County Sheriff or County Council
After the judges, we have incumbent Allegheny County Sheriff Bill Mullen, who has no opposition filed from any political party.
There are seven seats on the Allegheny County Council up this year, but no primary contests. In District 1, in the North Hills, we agree with the Gertrude Stein Political Club, which endorsed Thomas Michalow as a challenger to incumbent Matt Drozd. Amanda Green is an outstanding new Council member from the 13th District centered around Highland Park. She is the prime sponsor of the proposed Allegheny County anti-discrimination ordinance. She has no apparent opposition from either party.

Mayor of Pittsburgh – Two Alternatives to the Incumbent
Next is Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, which may be the most important office to be decided this spring. We are not enthusiastic about any of the three alternatives.
We are uncertain about the incumbent, Luke Ravenstahl. His programs are better than his politics. He has been strong on accessibility for persons like me – Jon – who use a power wheelchair to get around. We are told that his Department of City Planning is working creatively with the neighborhoods and neighborhood organizations. City Planning has initiated SNAP – Sector/Neighborhood Action Planning - that is making city data more available to the neighborhoods.
But most publicly assisted development goes through the Urban Redevelopment Authority, the URA (It seems that most development is assisted by public monies.) The URA is still cozy with developers, many of whom are campaign contributors. And why is Ravenstahl backing Dan Onorato’s bizarre proposal to merge the city into Allegheny County? Does he hope Dan Onorato will succeed Ed Rendell as Governor, and he will run the whole city/county government? (One opponent, Pat Dowd, is worse on that issue.)
In politics, Luke Ravenstahl is the nation’s youngest “good old boy.” He supports the old guard. He is anti-choice and negative to campaign finance reform. His enormous political treasury both exemplifies and worsens the problem. Big money is a disease in American politics. You or I might give $50 to a candidate we thought good for the public. That’s a contribution. But when a candidate has a $200-a-plate fundraising dinner, and someone buys a table – that’s an investment.
The alternatives are not exciting.
Pat Dowd has gone from one job to another – School Board, City Council, now mayor. We’ve heard criticism that he doesn’t stick with the issues of the community groups that backed him. He hasn’t demonstrated much connection with the poor or African-American communities in Pittsburgh.
Carmen Robinson is interesting. She had a father who worked at J & L Steel and a mother who worked at H. J. Heinz. She became police sergeant and then a lawyer. Now she’s running for mayor, but more experience on community issues would have laid a better foundation for her candidacy.
However, when the campaign winds down, will the incumbent’s war chest determine the winner?

For Pittsburgh City Council
Robert Vincent Frank in the 2nd District; Natalia Rudiak in the 4th District
Rob Frank is an outstanding candidate in the 2nd District, in the West End area. He is employed by the Multiple Sclerosis Service Society in Greentree. Active on neighborhood issues and organizing independent Democratic activists in his part of the city, he is president of the South End Active Democrats and an elected member of the Democratic State Committee from the 42nd Senatorial District. He is endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club and is a long-time friend of lgbt rights as well as a long-time personal friend. Another good candidate, Georgia Blotzer, ran in the special election to fill that seat but lost to Theresa Smith. We believe that Rob Frank is the best choice.
In the 4th District, in the South Hills wards, fortunately we have Natalia Rudiak. She is as an alternative to the candidates of the two factions in the big 19th Ward, which are based on their allegiance or opposition to 19th Ward Chairman Pete Wagner and his brother, State Auditor General Jack Wagner. Natalia is a independent Democrat, endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club. Her father, the late Joe Rudiak, was an old friend and an old-time progressive over forty years ago when he was just about the only progressive in the city wards south of the Mon River.
The 6th City Council District, centered in the Hill. is a tougher choice. Some friends, including the Gertrude Stein Political Club, are sticking with Tonya Payne, the incumbent whom they backed in her successful challenge four years ago. Others are backing Robert Daniel Lavelle, known as “Daniel,” who seems to work diligently with all the organizations in his neighborhoods. His grandfather, Robert Lavelle, founder of Dwelling House, the Hill’s first and primary financial institution, is a fine gentleman and a personal friend and is conservative on social issues. This makes Daniel’s views on feminist issues more praiseworthy from our perspective. There are two other candidates, including Mark Brentley, notorious as the only Board of Education member to vote against comprehensive sex education.
In our own 8th District, Bill Peduto has no opposition in the Democratic primary. Someone unknown to us, one of the few Republicans on the ballot in the county, filed for the nomination. A number of friends have expressed regret that Bill, with his Council seat up, was not in a position to run for mayor.

Sharene Shealey for Pittsburgh School Board in District 1
There is a hot primary in the 1st School Board district, with the incumbent, Randall Taylor, not running for reelection. Sharene Shealey showed up at the last minute before the Gertrude Stein Political Club, showed a good understanding of the issues, and was endorsed.

Wilkinsburg Choices
Our newsletter doesn’t usually discuss local races outside Pittsburgh, but we have a couple of old friends running for Wilkinsburg Borough Council: Pamela Macklin and Denise Edwards, who is running for her fourth term. Their teammates are Barbara J. Ervin, Dennis Briggs, whom I represented in a successful election law case, and Richard Bradford.

For Pennsylvania’s Next Governor, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham
The 2010 race for Governor of the state has already started, with Ed Rendell term-limited. Candidates include Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and possibly Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, both conservative on social issues. We are glad we have an alternative, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham. He is a good Democrat on reproductive rights and lgbt rights, as well as on economic issues.

IRAQ
Moving from politics to issues, Iraq is still a nightmare. More and more people die, or are crippled for life, on all sides. We have a word to say – OUT.
People should continue act for peace, with petitions, letters, e-mails, public meetings, and demonstrations. There are now a half-dozen one-hour weekly vigils in this area with signs opposing the war:
I – Jon – vigil almost every Saturday. Sometimes I’m at the noon vigil at Forbes and Braddock in Regent Square. Other Saturdays I’m at the 1 pm vigil at Penn Av. and Highland in East Liberty, organized by Black Voices for Peace. Will this help? Who knows? At least we can tell our grandchildren that we tried. Enough! Bring our troops home.

Health Care Looms as Barack Obama’s Biggest Battle
We think President Barack Obama is off to a good start, dealing with horrendous problems at home and abroad. But we expect that the bitterest fight will be over health care.
The voters who elected Obama expect a national program – first rate, comprehensive healthcare for all. The health insurance companies want to protect their profits. There has been a compromise on the financial fiasco and one is possible on the mortgage foreclosure disaster. Some industries may accept defeat on card-check unionization. But even though many businesses need national healthcare, the insurance companies will use every dirty trick imaginable, and then some.
The issue is being fought in Harrisburg and in Congress. For more information, please contact healthcare4allPA.org.

What is “fair compensation?” – the Hidden Question
Underlying the indignation over the million-dollar bonus paid to executives of failed financial institutions now receiving public funds, there is a hidden question: just what is “fair compensation?” This could be asked in every fight over wages for teachers, steelworkers, or hospital workers. But it’s a difficult and explosive question that our society is afraid to ask explicitly.
There is no consensus on this, in capitalist societies, Marxist societies, or any society. We need to start talking about this, some day. Perhaps I’ll do a longer article on our website.

MS Walk in April26
Let us make a personal appeal. Please participate in the MS Walk, in person or by a contribution.
There will be a Pittsburgh MS Walk Sunday April 26, Sunday, starting 9 a.m. at Point State Park. . There will be a five-kilometer route and a one-kilometer route.
You can also participate with a contribution. Please make a check payable to the National MS Society (not to us). Please send it to us at 154 N. Bellefield Av. #66, Pittsburgh 15213
I, Jon have MS – multiple sclerosis. I can’t walk any distance, so I will go on the walk, on the five kilometer route, in my power wheelchair. I go on the walk to raise money for research on MS. A half million people have MS. It’s now controllable, but still incurable. The National MS Society for years has been funding research. A cure would be nice. That’s why we walk – or roll. More information is available from the National MS Society, www.nationalmssociety.org - or from the Allegheny District Chapter, 412-261-6347, 1501 Reedsdale St. #105, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Love and Peace,
Jon and Mary
Jonathan and Mary Robison

… We agree Barack Obama needs to score in his first few months in the White House – but with what?
… Here are a score of options for short-term priorities. Twenty is a score, a good arbitrary number.
1) Iraq – get out!
2) Afghanistan – get out, at least the combat troops.
3) Darfur.
4) Cuba – normalize relations.
5) Israel/Palestine – GAZA – a U.N. major presence to enforce a real cease-fire. Then a two-state solution, along the lines suggested by Americans for Peace Now.
6) Stop torture, stop genocide. (There’s a bipartisan plan with some of the authors on the transition team.)
7) Disarmament, starting with getting rid of our own excess nuclear weapons. (We have ten times enough to eliminate the entire human population. Is that necessary?)
Increase in the minimum wage, moving towards a living wage and broaden eligibility for unemployment compensation
9) Easier unionization.. (The Freedom of Choice Act is a likely start.)
10) Equal Pay for Comparable Work,
11) Comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, including sexual orientation and whistle-blowers.
12) A decent passenger rail system.
13) Federal funding for public transportation, including operating funds.
14) End involuntary homelessness.
15) Single Payer Health Care.
16) Renewable Energy.
17) Agriculture policies and programs focusing on food and small farms.
18) Immigration and immigrant rights policies.
19) Campaign finance reform, including funding.
20) Next steps on global warming.
… These possibilities are not in order, and some might be considered multiple goals.. No doubt your priority items would be different. Mine would probably be different if I did this next week. I didn’t even include some items important to me, even some items I have worked on. I didn’t include same sex marriage or even civil unions, broad clinic access, reform of the election structure, mental health, addiction programs, drug law reform, reform of the criminal “justice” “system,’ environmental anti-sprawl land use planning, lessening population growth, gun control, a non-violent peace-keeping force, Mass transit development, such as a downtown-Oakland line, an earnings policy – what’s “fair compensation,” Pakistan, Iran, sensible anti-terrorism. I could go on – so could you. Some of these items need more policy development, some need more public consensus, some might be items for Obama’s second term. For some items, the most we can hope for is a start, and maybe a general statement of policy.
… What I think these items have in common is that I think that they were all explicitly or implicitly included in Obama’s campaign. All could arguable be in a “top three” list. Most important, every one would require work BY US – publicizing, lobbying, consensus building, organizing.
… We can’t do everything at once. Which ones should be the top priorities? In many ways, it doesn’t matter.
… I‘d like to hear your views. Pick your favorites – and start organizing
______________________________________________________________________

It is fall, 2007. George Bush is supposed to leave office after the 2008 elections, and there are several excellent candidates. The question is: What can we do NOW?

Some are already working for Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, or another candidate, and that’s great. But others will say let’s wait until we know the Democratic nominee. That wastes our advantage – time. Time is even more precious than money in a political campaign. We have ideas and people to organize around now. There are many things we can do now that will help redirect and rebuild our country and our world.

@ Work for any of the Democratic candidates helps build our future, especially since all the candidates now are mostly discussing their ideas and qualifications, rather than attacking each other. You’ve probably heard from the candidates. For reference, their web sites are hillaryclinton.com, barackobama.com, johnedwards.com, and richardsonforpresident.com.
Personally, I think the next president will probably be one of those four. I like all of them, and others are good, too.

@ Work in the 2007 campaign. The Democratic statewide judge candidates are important this fall, and excellent. There’s Debra Todd and Seamus McCaffery for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. There’s Christine Donohue, Ron Folino, and John Younge for Superior Court. All have proven records of caring about people, all are solidly pro-choice and supporters of the rights of the lesbian and gay communities. Work in their campaigns is preparation for the 2008 campaign as well as good experience.
There’s a little time to register voters. Registration forms must be received at the county Department of Elections by 5 pm Oct. 9. You can pick up blank forms from most state stores, the Elections Office in the County Office Building, or from me.

@ You can hold a house party on an issue (as well as for a candidate).
Organizations which have been working on issues, in the teeth of a hostile administration, would be happy to provide a speaker. Possibilities include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) 412-681-7736, the Thomas Merton Center 412-361-3022, especially on Iraq and other peace issues, the Sierra Club 412-802-6161, on environmental issues, Pennsylvanians United for Single-payer Healthcare (PUSH) 412-431-2075, Just Harvest 412-431-8960, on economic justice, Planned Parenthood 412-434-8957×119 on reproductive rights, and Disability Voting Coalition 412-391-5225x#2132 on barriers to voting. This is not an exhaustive list of possibilities (exhausting, maybe).
The hard part of a house party is doing the invitations. Your invitation list needs to be ten times the number of people you expect, believe it or not. That’s with a written invitation and a follow-up phone call. Don’t worry about the size of your apartment.

@ As you know, fundraising is well underway for all the candidates, and they’re looking for little donors as well as the big ones. You also might raise some money for groups like Emily’s List, www.emilyslist.org, which has been in the forefront of raising money for pro-choice Democrats

@ There are possibilities for fun. You could have a poetry reading. Lots of local poets (including me) will share their poems with anyone who might listen. There is music, classical or folk. You might have a speaker on history about the context of the messes we’re in. You could show a movie – PUSH is getting copies of the DVD of “Sicko,” for example.
Others will have more and better ideas – I’m not a “fun” person.

Contact me with questions, criticisms, or any ideas you have, jon@jonrobison.org or 412-683-0237. Remember, the only thing you can do wrong is to do nothing.

WHAT’S THIS?

This is an early, preliminary, pre-endorsement edition of the Robison political newsletter , being sent to my e-mail list. The endorsements were made Sunday, and might be said to make thie look silly, or at least futile. Most of the candidates I supported lose. But most will stay in for the primary. And then … as Napoleon said, “On s’engage. Et puis, on voit.” “You commit yourself. And then, you see.”

The later, printed and bulk mailed edition, limited to four pages, is sent to some 2000 people in advance of the primary and general elections, about half by e-mail. If any friends don’t receive this e-mail edition, it’s probably because I don’t have their correct e-mail. I will be happy to add any name or list to my e-mail list. Also, please tell us if you want OFF our list.

This is a preliminary newsletter, based on very incomplete information. Our views on the many races will certainly evolve before the primary. Later we will mail and e-mail a pre-primary edition that will be based on information that is less incomplete. Please call me or e-mail me with any additional information you think I should consider, or any factual mistakes that you identify. Of course, I’ll discuss who won the endorsements, and my take on what happened.

We are glad that people are staying involved after the important victories last November. People are not waiting passively to see who wins the Democratic nomination, and not just starting the 2008 campaign. More people are involved in local politics, and ultimately, all politics is local. We are helping elect good candidates. Equally important, we are helping develop solutions to the problems of our community and our country, both the old problems and those created or exacerbated by the Bush gang.

RICK SWARTZ