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

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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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

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. 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 very 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 should be up on our website.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden
There are so many reasons to support Barack Obama.
The first is peace and security. After eight years of arrogance and lies, we have a mess. But one thing is clear – we must start by bringing our troops home from Iraq. Certain elements want an additional war, in Iran or Pakistan, and talk about “preemptive self-defense.” That sounds like a rationale for Germany’s invasion of Poland. A wider war in the Middle East is no way to protect Israel.
The second is economics. We have meltdowns, not only of Wall Street, but of the entire credit structure, engendered by promiscuous deregulation. McCain’s response was bizarre and confused. Our tax policies are widening the gap between the top 5% and the bottom 20%. This is destabilizing as well as immoral.
The third is protecting the Constitution, starting with rational appointments to the Supreme Court and other judgeships. McCain and Palin want to overturn Roe v. Wade. Palin is even more extreme on choice than McCain. She wants to outlaw abortion even in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother. Keep in mind that experience proves that the law can’t eliminate abortions – all it can do is change who performs them, how, and where. Before Roe v Wade, one-third of the beds at Magee Womens’ Hospital were occupied by women injured by botched abortions. Add to that an administration which has trashed Constitutional rights for every threat of terrorism, real or imagined.
The fourth is healthcare; the fifth is workers’ rights; and so on….
What can we do? Volunteer.
Obama’s downtown headquarters 213 Smithfield St., near the Boulevard of the Allies, 412-867-6673. There are also ten neighborhood headquarters. The website is www.barackobama.com.
How can you help? Show your support with a button or bumper sticker. Try to counter swift-boating lies, like “Of course he’s anti-Israel – he a Muslim.” (Some people still believe that.)
Most important is turnout. A relatively high percentage of new voters, young voters and low-income voters DON’T VOTE. Therefore a high priority of the campaign between now and Nov. 4 is targeted GOTV, maximizing turnout in this polarized election. Help get OUR voters to the polls. You can talk with anyone you know, especially in these crucial groups.
You can help from home. You can phone canvass and help identify likely Obama voters. You can get a phone number list from the website, www.barackobama.com. You can call the headquarters if you have problems using the website.
We have been asked: “Why is this election even close?’ In one word, racism. Otherwise, it would be easy. After the disasters of this administration at home and abroad, do the anti-Bush voters outnumber the anti-Black voters? Part of our job is telling friends and neighbors that there are issues at stake more important than skin color.
Steve O’Donnell for Congress – and keep Mike Doyle & Jason Altmire
For Congress in the 18th District, we urge active support for Steve O’Donnell, with his strong campaign to unseat another Congressional supporter of the Bush administration policies. O’Donnell is a Navy veteran who wants to bring our troops home from Iraq and use the money for important domestic priorities. We need, he says, health care coverage for all Americans, better schools, support for local police, and research on renewable energy sources. Based on a woman’s Constitutional Right of Privacy, he supports a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion. He supports extending the civil rights statutes to protect sexual minorities. O’Donnell works in several business ventures. His past experience includes service as executive director of the Westmoreland County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens. He can be reached at 724-216-6831; his web site is www.electodonnell.com.
The two Democratic Members of Congress from Allegheny County are easy choices for re-election. Jason Altmire.is a solid progressive who defeated incumbent Republican Melissa Hart in 2006. He faces a rerun against her. Mike Doyle has no Republican opposition; his only opponent is Titus North of the Green Party Doyle has been strong on progressive issues, especially economic justice and the rights of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgendered (lgbt) communities. His position on abortion rights is steadily improving. After all, his predecessor in the district, Bill Coyne, was originally anti-choice but was a solid feminist by the time he retired. North is great on the issues, but Doyle is a proven leader.

Statewide Races – McCord for State Treasurer
To our mind, the most significant statewide race is State Treasurer. Rob McCord is a retired businessperson and was CEO of the Congressional Institute for the Future, co-founded by Al Gore. He raised money for Democrats including Ed Rendell, Bob Casey, and Congressman Jason Altmire. McCord is a liberal Democrat who supports reproductive rights and lesbian and gay rights. He was a financial business executive, with an MBA from the Wharton School, which should be a qualification for the position of State Treasurer, even today.
You can contact Rob McCord at 610-251-5768. His website is www.mccord2008.com.
For State Auditor General, incumbent Jack Wagner is sure to win. He is conservative on social issues and may be a candidate for governor in 2010 when Ed Rendell cannot run for re-election For Attorney General, the Democratic nominee, John Morganelli, is pretty sure to lose, and in his case, that’s good. His claim to fame is fighting immigrants. We are casting a protest vote for Marakay Rogers, a Green on the Libertarian Party ticket. She is pro-choice, and considers that the laws against same-sex civil marriages are unnecessary and discriminatory like the laws against interracial marriages thrown out by the Supreme Court in “Loving v. Virginia.”. In her family law practice, she represented lgbt clients in custody cases. As Pennsylvania Attorney General, she wants to stop prosecution of victimless crimes and urges a moratorium on the death penalty.

For Legislator - Ayanna Lee and Others
An outstanding legislative challenger is Atty. Ayanna Lee in the 44th State Assembly District, which includes Moon Township and Sewickley. Lee is an African-American and a feminist, running against an establishment Republican incumbent. She is the daughter of the late Mamie H. Lee, the distinguished community organizer and candidate for City Council. This may be both the hottest legislative race in Allegheny County and one of our best opportunities to pick up another Democratic seat in the State Legislature. She can be contacted at http://www.ayannalee.com/ , 262-2461.
I, Jon, got somewhat involved helping Jason Petrella, an independent Democrat running for State Senate in the 47th District primarily in Beaver and Lawrence counties. Petrella was picked as the nominee after the party nominee, State Rep. Sean Ramaley, was forced to withdraw. Before the primary, Petrella’s nomination petition was challenged and I was hired as his lawyer for the successful defense of the petition.
Several legislative candidates are unopposed in the general election after winning their primary fights. They include Jake Wheatley in the 19th district, centered on the Hill and Joe Preston in the 24th, centered on Homewood, East Liberty, and Wilkinsburg. Don Walko has only a Constitution Party opponent and Chelsa Wagner is unopposed. Dan Frankel is a super bright super progressive leader of statewide importance. His only opposition on the ballot is Mary (Liz) Hughes running as a Green. She would be an excellent candidate in another district. Class act that he is, Frankel is using his time and energy to help other Democratic candidates.

IRAQ
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.
The Republican candidate says he may continue Bush’s war indefinitely. Barack Obama will get us out of Iraq in 16 months or less.
We should also act now for peace, with petitions, letters, e-mails, public meetings, and demonstrations. There are now a half-dozen one-hour weekly vigils with signs opposing the war:
I – Jon – on some Saturdays, am at the Noon vigil at Forbes and Braddock in Regent Square. Other Saturdays I am at the one organized by Black Voices for Peace, 1 pm, at Penn Av. and Highland in East Liberty. Other vigils are held on the North Side, Oakland, the North Hills , and the Beaver County Courthouse Will this help? Who knows? At least we can tell our grandchildren that we tried..
Call the Thomas Merton Center, 412-361-3022, for more specific information.
Iraq … enough.

A Look Ahead.
For starters, a special election is expected in the new year. Dan Deasy Jr., City Council member from the 2nd District, is running for State Representative from the 27th House District and is virtually certain to win. Then he will have to resign from City Council, and there will be a special election, probably in January or February. This has already started to attract candidates, including excellent hopefuls whom a good feminist could support. The Democratic party nominee will be chosen by a vote of the Democratic Committeepeople from the election districts in the 2nd Council District..
One is our old friend, Robert Frank. He is employed by the Multiple Sclerosis Service Society in Greentree. 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 active in transportation and union issues, pro-choice, and works to fight discrimination against the lgbt communities.
Other good candidates include Georgia Blotzer, community activist from Sheraden, and possibly Erin Mulcahy from Mt Washington.
Next, the May 19 Primary will include, the Pittsburgh mayor and City Council districts 2,4,6, and 8.
Luke Ravenstahl, who suddenly became Mayor of Pittsburgh after the death of Bob O’Connor, has been a disappointment, a good old boy despite his tender years. His weaknesses and failures have attracted speculation about possible opposition when he runs for a full four-year term next year. City Council President Doug Shields has been mentioned. So has City Controller Michael Lamb, although others say that he has his eye on the County Executive position. Others mention State Rep. Chelsa Wagner, the new, well-regarded State Representative. Some wonder if Ravenstahl’s campaign war chest will deter any serious challenger.
There will be perhaps five seats open on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and many potential candidates have emerged. Staunch civil libertarian Hugh McGough is at the head of our list. , Others we are considering include Arnie Klein, a Democratic Party loyalist and a supporter of the lgbt communities. A good important African American candidate will be Judge Joe Williams, just appointed by Gov. Ed Rendell and confirmed by the State Senate. An old friend, Shirley Novak from the North Side may run again, as may Wrenna Watson, who is prominent in the African-American community. Allan Opsitnick and Mike Marmo are running. Don Walko may try to move from the State Legislature to the judiciary.
Like it or not, the 2010 race for Governor of the state has already started. Candidates reportedly include Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, both conservative on social issues. Two other possible candidates are strong Denocrats on reproductive rights and lgbt rights, as well as economic issues. Don Cunningham is the Lehigh County Executive and Tom Wolf is the Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue. To run, Cunningham will need financial support. Wolf has personal money, but he would need the blessing of Governor Ed Rendell, who appointed him.

New Person Award Dinner Nov. 12
The Thomas Merton Center is, after the ACLU and Amnesty International, one of the most essential organizations we can think of. It keeps countless local peace and social justice organizations in communication. If it did not exist, it would have to be created, and what a pain that would be.
The New Person Award Dinner, a major fundraiser, will be Wednesday, Nov, 12, at the IBEW Hall, 5 Hot Metal St. on South Side. A social at 5 will precede a vegetarian dinner at 7:20, catered by the Fluted Mushroom. The “New Person” is Malik Rahim, who stayed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to organize the struggle for social justice and environmental sustainability. Also to be honored is the Hill District’s Community Benefits Agreement coalition. Tickets are $45, $26 for low-income. For more on the Merton Center or to order a ticket, call them at 412-361-3022, on the web at www.thomasmertoncenter.org.
MS Walk in April
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 in April, probably on a Sunday. Specifics are being negotiated with the City. There will be a five-mile route and a one-mile 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 go on the walk, on the five mile 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.

Primary Newsletter

For State Representative in the 21st district, we now have an easy choice in a weird election. Two years ago, Lisa Bennington defeated Frank Pistella, an excellent incumbent, largely on public outrage over the legislative pay raise. She did a good job, then suddenly decided not to run for a second term. Frank Pistella filed for election to his old seat, then suddenly withdrew. with County Councilmember Brenda Frazier and
Dom Costa won – the less said, the better.
That leaves Brenda Frazier as our candidate. She is a smart, feminist, independent-minded and active African-American, even though we are still unhappy with her vote against the proposed Allegheny County Living Wage ordinance. You can contact her at 412-852-9114 or www.friendsforfrazier.com
Another is John Paul Jones. NOT running 10/6 who was a progressive, pro-choice and pro lgbt rights candidate in the 27th Legislative District. He was for 11 years a union staff attorney with the Pennsylvania State Employees Union. He also worked for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services helping local municipalities get state funding. will work to amend state anti-discrimination laws to protect the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgendered (lgbt) communities.

How did we do last year? Pretty well. We have several good new City Council members: Patrick Dowd from Highland Park, Bruce Kraus from South Side, and Rev. Ricky Burgess from Homewood Brushton. Pat Dowd defeated the incumbent, Len Bodack, Junior. Bruce Kraus in the 3rd District is an articulate voice for the gay community. We also kept our excellent president of City Council, Doug Shields
For the essentially unpaid County Council, we kept Joan Cleary, a nurse and a newcomers elected in 2003 in the 6th District with the strong support of the Service Employees International Union. More easily, we re-elected County Councilperson at-large John DeFazio, County Council President Rich Fitzgerald, and Brenda Frazier, who is now running for State Rep.
We helped add several good judges. On the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas are Cathleen Bubash, Jack McVay, and Michael E. McCarthy,. Important Democrat victories were Deborah Todd for the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court and Christine Donohue for Superior Court. Both are solidly pro-choice and supporters of the rights of the lesbian and gay communities and were endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh

Well, the only remaining major primary is Pennsylvania, and we still have two wonderful candidates in contention. Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are committed to leaving Iraq promptly, to reversing the widening gap between rich and poor, to civil liberties, to reproductive rights, to lesbian and gay rights,
We think both have the ideas and experience to make excellent presidents.
There’s one definite difference. On one hand, it’s time the U.S. had a non-white President. On the other hand, it’s past time we had a woman President. They are, after all, the majority.
Which is the better bet to win in November? Both have their strengths, which others will analyze exhaustively. Barack has involved many new people in politics. On the other hand, Hillary has most of the political establishment, starting with her husband. Hillary has people who hate her, mostly because of years of vicious attacks on her and her husband. On the other hand, the right wing is just beginning to launch vicious attacks against Barack. We understand that some of our neighbors are already worrying about the harm to American foreign policy, “because Barack Obama is a Muslim,” even though Barack is no more a Muslim than we are. Hillary has the support of most of the women’s movement. Barack has the support of most of the Afro-American community.
The competition may well continue after the Pennsylvania primary, until the Democratic Convention. We just hope that the two candidates and their supporters will not engender such hostility between the two that it becomes increasingly likely that we will get neither a Black or a woman president, just another pale, stale, male Republican. It could get worse if the nomination comes down to lobbying the superdelegates and deciding what to do about the Michigan and Florida delegations.
The two candidates’ websites are hillaryclinton.com and barackobama.com. You don’t need our advice which of the two should get your vote April 22. We will make one plea.
PLEASE, if you hear any friend trash Barack or Hillary, ask them not to do the dirty work for the right wing. Either would make a fine president. We should work hard for whichever one wins the nomination

Possibly the most important local race is in the 18th Congressional District, where Beth Hafer, a good, progressive woman, has a chance to replace another Bush stalwart. But first she has to win the primary. The Allegheny County Democratic committeepeople, endorsed Monroeville businessman Steve O’Donnell. In Westmoreland County, Beth Hafer was endorsed. No one is endorsed in Washington County. Beth Hafer is a public school teacher and a member of PSEA and the daughter of Barbara Hafer, former state Auditor General, feminist gubernatorial standard-bearer, and recent Democratic convert.
Both Hafer and O’Donnell appear to be progressive Democrats. Both made commitments to abortion rights and lesbian and gay rights to the Gertrude Stein Political Club and the Stonewall Democrats. Beth Hafer first hit the campaign trail with her mother when she was 5, and since then was active in campaigns including Georgia Berner for Congress, Joe Hoeffel for Senate, and Rendell for Governor. If you wish to help her, she can be reached at 412-992-0809, www.haferforcongress.com.

There are three statewide races, but only one primary contest. Rob McCord is a retired businessperson and was CEO of the Congressional Institute for the Future, co-founded by Al Gore. He raised money for Democrats including Ed Rendell, Bob Casey, and Congressman Jason Altmire. McCord is a liberal Democrat who supports reproductive rights and lesbian and gay rights.
Jennifer Mann is also in the race, and also a pro-choice Democrat whom we backed in the past. But she is also running for re-election for State Representative. Even though she is unopposed in that primary. it may detract from her focus. John Cordisco, Bucks County Democratic chair and businessperson, has the Democratic establishment support and appears to be a respectable, main-line candidate.
You can contact Rob McCord at 610-251-5768. His website is www.mccord2008.com.

For State Representative in the 21st district, we now have an easy choice in a weird election. Two years ago, Lisa Bennington defeated Frank Pistella, an excellent incumbent, largely on public outrage over the legislative pay raise. She did a good job, then suddenly decided not to run for a second term. Frank Pistella filed for election to his old seat, along with County Councilmember Brenda Frazier and Len Bodack, Jr. Len Junior is the son of the former State Senator and county Democratic Party chair. After Len Junior was defeated for re-election to City Council, he got the Democratic Party endorsement for State Rep. We had had a tough choice between Pistella and Frazier. Then suddenly Frank Pistella withdrew.
That leaves Brenda Frazier as our candidate. She is a smart, feminist, independent-minded and active African-American, even though we are still unhappy with her vote against the proposed Allegheny County Living Wage ordinance. You can contact her at 412-852-9114 or www.friendsforfrazier.com

In the 27th District, centered on Pittsburgh’s West End, John Paul Jones is an attractive newcomer – at least new to us. He is an important progressive candidate running against two party establishment candidates. He was for 11 years a union staff attorney with the Pennsylvania State Employees Union. He also worked for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services helping local municipalities get state funding. He is active in his homeowners’ association, in the Kiwanis, and volunteer work to help children in school. He is strongly pro-choice and will work to amend state anti-discrimination laws to protect the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgendered (lgbt) communities.
If you can help him, call him at 412-735-6560 or e-mail him at johnpauljones@aol.com.

We still have two attractive candidates in the 19th District, centered in the Hill. The incumbent, Jake Wheatley, has good positions on the issues, including reproductive rights and lesbian and gay rights. Deidra Washington claims he has not been active enough on those issues. While he has kept in touch with some community groups, it is claimed that he does not work with others.

Joe Preston in the 24th District is another candidate with w good voting record with opposition in the community from people who think that he should be more of a progressive activist. His opposition includes Lucille Prater-Holliday, who has feminist credentials, as well as William Anderson and Todd Koger.

I, Jon, have gotten somewhat involved helping Jason Petrella, an independent Democrat running for State Senate in the 47th District in Beaver and Lawrence counties. The incumbent is not running; the party endorsed candidate is State Rep. Sean Ramaley. I was hired as a lawyer to defend successfully Petrella’s nomination petition when it was challenged.

The two Democratic Congress members from Allegheny County are easy choices for re-election. Jason Altmire, a solid progressive who defeated incumbent Republican Melissa Hart in 2006 faces only a rerun against her. Mike Doyle has no opposition on the ballot from either party. He has been a leader on progressive issues, especially economic justice and lgbt rights. His position on abortion rights is steadily improving. After all, his predecessor in the district, Bill Coyne, was originally anti-choice but was a solid feminist by the time he retired.
Dan Frankel. a super bright super progressive, also has no opposition filed. Class act that he is, he is using his time and energy to help other Democratic candidates.

A race to watch in the fall is the 44th District in Moon Township and the West Hills. There Ayanna Lee, and African-American lawyer and a feminist, is running against an establishment Republican. She is considered by the party leaders to be one of our best opportunities to pick up another seat in the State Legislature.

Please help these candidates. They all want volunteers to hand out their literature at the polls on primary day.

How did we do last year? Pretty well. We have several good new City Council members: Patrick Dowd from Highland Park, Bruce Kraus from South Side, and Rev. Ricky Burgess from Homewood Brushton. Pat Dowd defeated the incumbent, Len Bodack, Junior. Bruce Kraus in the 3rd District is an articulate voice for the gay community. We also kept our excellent president of City Council, Doug Shields
For the essentially unpaid County Council, we kept Joan Cleary, a nurse and a newcomers elected in 2003 in the 6th District with the strong support of the Service Employees International Union. More easily, we re-elected County Councilperson at-large John DeFazio, County Council President Rich Fitzgerald, and Brenda Frazier, who is now running for State Rep.
We helped add several good judges. On the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas are Cathleen Bubash, Jack McVay, and Michael E. McCarthy,. Important Democrat victories were Deborah Todd for the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court and Christine Donohue for Superior Court. Both are solidly pro-choice and supporters of the rights of the lesbian and gay communities and were endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh
IRAQ
Iraq is still a nightmare. More and more people die, or are crippled for life, on all sides. We have to say a word – OUT.
The putative Republican candidate promises to continue Bush’s war – maybe for a hundred years, he says. Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will get us out, soon.
We should also act now for peace, with petitions, letters, e-mails, public meetings, and demonstrations. There are now a half-dozen one-hour weekly vigils with signs opposing the war:
NorthSide Peace Vigil, Allegheny Unitarian Church, 416 West North Av. at Resaca, Saturdays at 11;
Regent Square Peace Vigil, Forbes and Braddock, Saturdays at Noon;
Black Voices for Peace, Penn Av. and Highland in East Liberty, Saturdays at 1;
Beaver County Peace Links, Beaver County Courthouse, 3rd Street in Beaver, Saturdays, also at 1;
North Hills Peace Vigil, Grounds of Divine Providence, 9000 Babcock Blvd. Mondays at 4:15; and
Counter-Recruitment Picket, Military Recruiting Station in Oakland, 3712 Forbes Ave. Dates and times vary to keep the recruiters off balance, but are on the web at www.organizepittsburgh.org.
I – Jon - am usually at the vigil in Regent Square or the one in East Liberty. Will this help? Who knows? At least we can tell our grandchildren that we tried..
There is also counter-recruitment. Tell young people the truth about enlistment. Tell them that there are alternatives. Call the Thomas Merton Center, 412-361-3022, for information about counter-recruitment.
Iraq … enough.

The MS Walk April 20
Let us make a personal appeal. Please participate in the MS Walk, in person or by a contribution.
We will meet at 8 and step off at 9 from Heinz Field, the Great Hall. on a five-mile route. There is also a one-mile 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. I can’t walk any distance, so I go on the walk 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.
About This Newsletter
This is the newsletter for the primary, sent to about 500 people on our e-mail list. Some people don’t have e-mail and for some we don’t have their correct e-mail addresses, so we send the newsletter bulk mail. Please forward or give copies of this to any interested friends. Of course, we’ll be happy to add any names to our list. The newsletter should also be up on our website, www.jonrobison.org

Oct. 15, 2007

Dear Friends,

In the November 6 election, the most important contests may be the races for two statewide courts.

The five Democrats are all excellent and top-rated by the Bar Association. Debra Todd and Seamus McCaffery are running for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Christine Donohue, Ron Folino, and John Younge are running for the Pennsylvania 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. Consequently, all were endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh, except for Ron Folino who we think would have been endorsed except that he did not get his questionnaire in.

Judge Todd is celebrated for her dissenting opinion when a majority on the Superior Court prohibited “second parent” adoptions by lesbian and gay couples. On appeal, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed, agreeing with Judge Todd that LGBT couples are real families and can adopt in accordance with “the best interests of the child.”

These court races, while obscure to many non-lawyers, are important. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court interprets state law. The Superior Court decides many individual rights issues, subject to possible appeal, including family law, adoption and custody, and criminal convictions.

There are four seats up on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Three of the Democratic nominees have both the Democratic and Republican nominations: Cathleen Bubash, Michael E. McCarthy, and Kelly Eileen Bigley. The fourth nominee, Jack McVay, has opposition from Arnie Klein, another Democrat who won the Republican nomination, but is apparently not campaigning actively. (All five candidates cross-filed with both parties.) All the candidates are excellent.

Not much is happening in the races for Allegheny County offices. For Allegheny County Executive, incumbent Dan Onorato has both the Democratic and Republican nominations. He has done a good job, except for complaints against the Port Authority of Allegheny County, and threats to defund PAT unless PAT “reforms.” This is strange, coming from him, since as county executive, he appoints all the members of the PAT Board of Directors. You may want to skip this office.

For the next three county “row offices,” the Democratic nominees are unopposed. They are Mark Flaherty for County Controller, Steve Zappala, Jr., for District Attorney, and John Weinstein for County Treasurer. For Sheriff, Democratic primary winner Bill Mullen has fairly nominal opposition from Edward Kress.
There is an interesting contest for Allegheny County Council-at-large. The Democratic incumbent, John DeFazio, has done an excellent job and is considered a shoo-in. But the top two candidates will be elected, although you can vote for only one. The Republican nominee has serious legal as well as ethical problems with his work as a lawyer in handling an estate. Various Republican leaders consider that he would bring shame on their party, so they are supporting a strong candidate running on the Reform label, David Tessitor. Tessitor is bright and articulate. We have known him personally for years. He is worth consideration. After all, if he finishes second, he will be elected.

For Allegheny Council by district, there is no contest in two-thirds of the nine districts up this year. The unopposed candidates include two good friends: our own Rich Fitzgerald in the 11th and Brenda Frazier in the 13th. One friend who does have opposition is Joan Cleary in the 6th County Council District, which sprawls from Baldwin and part of Mt. Lebanon to South Park and Clairton. Joan, a health care worker, was elected with strong union support from SEIU as well as progressive and feminist backing. She had party organization opposition in the primary and is now opposed by Donald Lacek. The strongest Democratic attempt to pick up an additional seat may be in the 5th District, where Barbara D. Logan is trying to unseat one of the Republican leaders, Vince Gastgeb.

For us, the most difficult contest is for mayor of the City of Pittsburgh.
The Democratic nominee is Luke Ravenstahl, who ascended to the office after the death of Bob O’Connor and was unchallenged in the primary. I, Jon, am an elected member of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, and we normally support our party’s nominee. But we have problems.
The dissolution of the Department of City Planning, which is under way, will benefit no one except possibly some of the sleazier developers. The elevation of acting city solicitor George Specter to the top job was another victory for the ‘good old boys’. Specter showed no strength as acting solicitor, especially in enforcing the city’s housing and zoning codes.
Some people like Luke Ravenstahl because he is young – only 27. Others say he fits in with the ‘good old boys.’ One example is the promotion of three police officers with apparent domestic abuse problems. There was also his personal use of the Police Department’s Homeland Security SUV, and declining to release relevant documents on ‘national security’ grounds. He has over-publicized himself, putting his picture everywhere.
The Republicans have a good candidate in Mark DeSantis, although he does not have much experience with city issues. He is on record in support of lesbian and gay rights and reproductive rights, which won him the endorsement of the Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh. He would face difficulty governing with a Democratic City Council – the Republican Party did not even field any candidates. (Three Democratic City Council nominees have opposition – from two independents and a Libertarian.) DeSantis has claimed to be a better Democrat than the incumbent. However, we’re reluctant to have a Republican mayor during a crucial national election.
This election is only for the two years remaining on the term of the late Bob O’Connor. The usual mayoral election will be in 2009. Councilman Bill Peduto, who ran in 2005 and considered challenging Luke Ravenstahl in the primary for the current special election, may run in 2009. Peduto has new ideas and a lot of activist young supporters. There are other possibilities, including Mike Lamb, who will presumably be City Controller. Lamb had been elected Allegheny County Prothonotary before the County Charter was amended and most county “row offices” abolished.

One important victory for progressives and independent Democrats was in the 3rd District, centered on the South Side, where Bruce Kraus won the Democratic nomination and is opposed only by Libertarian Mark Rauterkus this fall. In the 7th District, which includes Highland Park and Lawrenceville, Pat Dowd won a tough primary fight against an incumbent from a major Pittsburgh political family. In the 9th District, centered around Homewood, we expect Ricky Burgess will be an improvement over troubled Tawanda Carlisle. Rev. Burgess’s only opposition this fall is independent David Adams. In the 5th District, Democrat Douglas Shields is unopposed.
The hottest local fight in November may be in the 1st District, which is most of the North Side. Again, the challenger is an independent, David Schuilenburg. He is articulate and progressive, running against Darlene Harris, the incumbent, who has mostly been part of the Democratic organization. He is endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club.

All School Board contests were settled in the primary. There was a contest in the 6th district, but the candidate on the Republican line is trying to do a late withdrawal; he says he is moving out of the district.
There are ten yes-or-no judicial retention elections – 7 statewide and three in Allegheny County. None have serious opposition.
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In the Nation – a look ahead
Speaking of the national administration, that disaster is coming to an end next year.
There are four leading candidates: Clinton, Obama, Edwards, and Richardson. For reference, their web sites are hillaryclinton.com, barackobama.com, johnedwards.com, and richardsonforpresident.com. We like all of them, and will enthusiastically support the Democratic nominee. We think any Democrat will get us out of Iraq promptly. That’s essential. We think any of the four would reverse the ruinous economic policies that are dividing this country between the rich and poor. And they would all protect Constitutional rights, protect our environment, and so on.
Which one do we like best? We lean to Hillary Clinton. It’s about time that our country had a woman president – way past time,. This may be the best chance to elect a woman president in our lifetimes.
More important, we don’t have to wait until 2008. Here are suggestions for possibilities NOW
Some are already working for a presidential 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.
>> Work in the 2007 campaign. We discussed the excellent Democratic statewide judge candidates. Work in 2007 is preparation for the 2008 campaign as well as good experience.
>> 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. They 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.
>> Political Training is always useful and pits you in contact with good people. Various groups are doing training, including the above organizations.
>> 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, http://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, Jon) 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 – “fun” is not our specialty.

Peace Vigil Every Saturday
There are one-hour vigils for peace in Iraq every Saturday. I, Jon, am at the vigil almost every Saturday, either at Noon in Regent Square, at Forbes and Braddock, or at 1 pm in East Liberty, at Penn and Highland. There are also vigils in the North Side, Beaver County, Westmoreland County (on Fridays) and the North Hills (on Mondays) For more information, contact the Thomas Merton Center 412-361-3022.
The vigils every Saturday won’t influence George Bush – nothing will. But the vigils will help ensure action by the next president. Please join us some Saturday.

M.S. WALK SUNDAY MORNING APR. 13, 2008
To add a personal note: please support research on MS – multiple sclerosis.. I – Jon – have MS, so this is a personal issue for me. I will be on the MS Walk Sunday, Apr. 13, 2008 – on my power wheelchair, on the five-mile route. We check in at 8 am in the Great Hall at Heinz Field¬¬¬¬ on the North Side, and start at 9. Please join me, or join by making a contribution to help support medical research into a cure for MS. You can send a check to me, made payable to the National MS Society.
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About This Newsletter
Because this newsletter is a political tool, it is sent out free. Mary and I send it to about 2,000 people in advance of the primary and general elections. We are sending about half of the newsletters by e-mail, but some people don’t have e-mail and for some, we don’t have their e-mail addresses, so we print the newsletter, and send it via bulk mail. Some of our friends contribute to help support the newsletter, and we are very 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.
This newsletter extensively uses hyperlinks to various websites.. We hope that they work. If your email system allows hyperlinks, try them. Ours links with a mouse click while holding the control key..
The newsletter should also be up on our website. Also, please tell us if you want OFF our e-mail list for ANY REASON. Of course, if you have a friend or a list you would like to share this with, please do.
If you want more information on a candidate, or are interested in helping a candidate, you are invited to contact us at 412-683-0237 or jon@jonrobison.org.

Love and Peace,
Jonathan and Mary Robison

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.

Christine Donohue, statewide Democratic primary winner and a standard-bearer for the Lesbian/Gay/Bi-sexual/Transgender (LGBT) community in November, will be the featured guest at the Gertrude Stein Political Club fundraiser Sunday, 1-3 pm, Sept. 16, in Shadyside.
The event will be at the home of Jeanne Clark and Tim Sullivan, 414 Stratton Lane.. The contribution requested is $10 for members and $25 for non-members.
This is an opportunity to meet and talk with Atty. Donohue. The state court seats are in some ways the most important contests in the upcoming general election, and Atty. Donohue is a key part of the growing strength of women in politics. She is a supporter of lgbt rights, pro-choice, and anti-racist, as a candidate endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh.
Atty. Donohue is running for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court, which handles appeals on subjects including family issues and criminal convictions. As a candidate, she received the top rating – “Highly Recommended” - from the Judicial Evaluation Commission of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
“We are pleased Christine Donohue can join us and members of the lgbt community Sept. 16, especially since she has to travel all over the state in her campaign,” said club president Harriet Stein. Ms. Stein is the newly elected president of the Gertrude Stein Political Club, and no relation to the famous North Side writer.
There will also be a representative of Debra Todd at the fundraiser. Judge Todd was elected to Superior Court and is now running for Pennsylvania State Supreme Court. She is also a supporter of lgbt rights, pro-choice, anti-racist, endorsed by the Gertrude Stein Political Club, and won the Democratic nomination in the May primary.
If you would like more information on the Gertrude Stein Political Club, including the club’s other endorsements and endorsement process, you are welcome to call 412-521-2504

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