Last week Democratic Senate hopeful Kenneth Lewis challenged Richard Burr to a debate on health care.
This is the kind of thing you would expect Burr to ignore, especially given that Lewis is somewhat of a dark horse even to win the Democratic nomination. But he said yes, on the condition that Elaine Marshall and Cal Cunningham be invited too.
I think Burr's pretty smart on this one. Republicans are winning the health care battle in the court of public opinion and just last week we found 50% of North Carolinians opposed to Barack Obama's health care plans with just 39% in support. His response makes him look good because he's willing to engage with his opponents and stand up for his position but it's also something where a majority of the voters are with him at this point and he can throw some red meat to his base.
This is something Elizabeth Dole never would have done- and the more Burr does things differently from Dole the better off he's going to be.
Monday, August 17, 2009
G20 Protest Being Planned
A nonviolent protest is being organized to rally against next month's G20 summit. While reasons vary from lack of public input, the global economy, unemployment and war, the primary goal is to provide public education.
Thomas Merton Center Spokeswoman Melissa Minnich says they have not yet received a permit for the protest, but have received a response from Pittsburgh Police.
"If we left it up to them, they would be fine with us marching up to the City County Building. But I'm afraid they have no final say on it because the Secret Service is going to be handling all security issues. So we have no firm answer," she says.
She says they are going to march as far as they're allowed on September 25. The tentative plan is to begin in Oakland on Fifth Avenue & Craft at noon, then lead into downtown Pittsburgh near the City County Building by 2pm, and then end on 10th Street at 3:30pm, a mere block from the Convention Center.
Minnich says they expect this will be the largest event the Thomas Merton Center has organized, estimating thousands of participants.
Thomas Merton Center Spokeswoman Melissa Minnich says they have not yet received a permit for the protest, but have received a response from Pittsburgh Police.
"If we left it up to them, they would be fine with us marching up to the City County Building. But I'm afraid they have no final say on it because the Secret Service is going to be handling all security issues. So we have no firm answer," she says.
She says they are going to march as far as they're allowed on September 25. The tentative plan is to begin in Oakland on Fifth Avenue & Craft at noon, then lead into downtown Pittsburgh near the City County Building by 2pm, and then end on 10th Street at 3:30pm, a mere block from the Convention Center.
Minnich says they expect this will be the largest event the Thomas Merton Center has organized, estimating thousands of participants.
Mets don't have Wright stuff in dealing with injuries
I miss the days when Met injuries were vague and shrouded in mystery. It is still not clear exactly how Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran got hurt, much less when they will return. But August has brought Jon Niese writhing on the mound in pain and now David Wright motionless on the ground.
At least the Mets actually remembered this time that baseball rules allow a player to be placed on the disabled list as soon as he gets hurt. But as Metstradamus notes, Jerry Manuel's comments on Wright ended up disparaging Ryan Church yet again.
All teams have injuries. But most teams eventually see most of their players get back on the field. If there is anything the Mets must figure out from this miserable season, it is how to deal better with injuries.
The Mets have a football mentality of playing their players despite injuries. And we see how well that has worked out. It has taken a gruesome injury to the face of the franchise for the team finally to be cautious from the start with one of their stars.
When Wright is scheduled to come off of the DL, the Mets, as Metstradamus also points out, will be in Colorado. Presumably, the Mets will not allow Wright to fly to high-altitude Denver, as they did with Church after Church's second concussion.
Maybe two weeks of rest is all Wright needs. Let's hope so. And let's hope the Mets become an organization in which we can trust that they will make the best decisions when it comes to the health of their players.
At least the Mets actually remembered this time that baseball rules allow a player to be placed on the disabled list as soon as he gets hurt. But as Metstradamus notes, Jerry Manuel's comments on Wright ended up disparaging Ryan Church yet again.
All teams have injuries. But most teams eventually see most of their players get back on the field. If there is anything the Mets must figure out from this miserable season, it is how to deal better with injuries.
The Mets have a football mentality of playing their players despite injuries. And we see how well that has worked out. It has taken a gruesome injury to the face of the franchise for the team finally to be cautious from the start with one of their stars.
When Wright is scheduled to come off of the DL, the Mets, as Metstradamus also points out, will be in Colorado. Presumably, the Mets will not allow Wright to fly to high-altitude Denver, as they did with Church after Church's second concussion.
Maybe two weeks of rest is all Wright needs. Let's hope so. And let's hope the Mets become an organization in which we can trust that they will make the best decisions when it comes to the health of their players.
iPhone App Allows Quick Complaints to City
The city of Pittsburgh now has an iPhone app that will allow user to make 311 style complaints on the go. The application released over the weekend allows users to take a picture of a pothole, graffiti or other nagging problem and then submit it directly to the city’s 311 complaint system. That complaint will come complete with a geo tag that developer Priya Narasimhan says will let the city know exactly where the picture was snapped. Narasimhan says that not only allows the city to see a picture of the problem but it also will place it on a map along with other complaints. Narasimhan’s company Yinz Cam created the application for the city without charge. With the hope that other cities will purchase similar systems. The company hopes to soon roll out the Pittsburgh version of the application that will work on other smart phones. Right now there are three ways to make a complaint to the 311 center; calling 311, filling out a form on line or emailing a complaint. Pictures can be emailed but Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto says that often clogs up the email system. Council members do not currently have direct access to the 311 system but they can ask for reports. Public works does have access to the 311 system.
No Movement, No Budget
Nearly 7 weeks into the new fiscal year and t here is still no budget for Pennsylvania and no progress was reported last week.
Aside from rumors of informal backroom negotiations between lawmakers,here was little to no movement in Pennsylvania’s budget impasse last week. The 6-member House-Senate Conference Committee hasn't met since the end of July.
Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie, an Allegheny County Republican, says the governor should have approved funding for the line items both parties agree on, and focus the debate on education spending, where she says the real differences are centered.
"And I think he knows the only way he gets his education or new taxes is by harming those most vulnerable. And I think it’s wrong. We all agree on those most core functions. Fund them."
As more nonprofits lay off staff and cut their services, observers predict pressure will mount for lawmakers to find a solution.
Political scientist Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College says the top motivator will be the potential political fallout of the continuing impasse.
"Reelection of incumbent lawmakers. Number two, the dropping approval rating of the legislature. Number three, the embarrassment, with the stories that are coming out about how incompetent—now it’s a question of incompetence, it’s a question of leadership. I mean, all these things get thrown into the mix
Pennsylvania, Arizona and Connecticut are the only remaining states without a budget in place.
Aside from rumors of informal backroom negotiations between lawmakers,here was little to no movement in Pennsylvania’s budget impasse last week. The 6-member House-Senate Conference Committee hasn't met since the end of July.
Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie, an Allegheny County Republican, says the governor should have approved funding for the line items both parties agree on, and focus the debate on education spending, where she says the real differences are centered.
"And I think he knows the only way he gets his education or new taxes is by harming those most vulnerable. And I think it’s wrong. We all agree on those most core functions. Fund them."
As more nonprofits lay off staff and cut their services, observers predict pressure will mount for lawmakers to find a solution.
Political scientist Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College says the top motivator will be the potential political fallout of the continuing impasse.
"Reelection of incumbent lawmakers. Number two, the dropping approval rating of the legislature. Number three, the embarrassment, with the stories that are coming out about how incompetent—now it’s a question of incompetence, it’s a question of leadership. I mean, all these things get thrown into the mix
Pennsylvania, Arizona and Connecticut are the only remaining states without a budget in place.
Push for Sales Tax Hikes in Counties
The sponsor of a bill allowing counties in Pennsylvania to impose a one-percent sales tax says he’s hoping for a House vote on the measure this fall.
Democratic Representative Mike Sturla, of Lancaster County, says the expected passage of a bill increasing Philadelphia’s sales tax gives him high hopes for his legislation.
Sturla explains the Philadelphia bill, if approved, would likely block a push for a statewide sales tax increase, which he thinks would have derailed his county proposal.
"In order to do that you’d have to take Philly from what is now 7, and they would be going to 8 for the one cent that they need. You would be going to 9 and I don’t think that’s tenable in the Philadelphia region."
Sturla initially wanted to give counties and municipalities the option of imposing a one-percent sales tax in order to reduce their reliance on property taxes. But an amendment to the measure divides up the tax revenues, sending half to school districts, a quarter to counties and a quarter to municipalities.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, an early supporter of the measure, is working to restore the bill to its original form, arguing local governments need property tax relief more than school districts.
Doug Hill, the executive director of the Pennsylvania County Commissioners Association, argues school districts have “already had their bite of the apple.”
"They’ve had a couple authorizations for an earned income tax. And of course now they’re getting the gaming money, and that’s going to start going up now that the other couple casinos have opened. And we believe it’s really time to provide some relief for county and municipal property taxes."
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on a similar proposal this week.
Hill says counties and municipalities can’t keep raising property taxes, and need the flexibility offered by the legislation.
Democratic Representative Mike Sturla, of Lancaster County, says the expected passage of a bill increasing Philadelphia’s sales tax gives him high hopes for his legislation.
Sturla explains the Philadelphia bill, if approved, would likely block a push for a statewide sales tax increase, which he thinks would have derailed his county proposal.
"In order to do that you’d have to take Philly from what is now 7, and they would be going to 8 for the one cent that they need. You would be going to 9 and I don’t think that’s tenable in the Philadelphia region."
Sturla initially wanted to give counties and municipalities the option of imposing a one-percent sales tax in order to reduce their reliance on property taxes. But an amendment to the measure divides up the tax revenues, sending half to school districts, a quarter to counties and a quarter to municipalities.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, an early supporter of the measure, is working to restore the bill to its original form, arguing local governments need property tax relief more than school districts.
Doug Hill, the executive director of the Pennsylvania County Commissioners Association, argues school districts have “already had their bite of the apple.”
"They’ve had a couple authorizations for an earned income tax. And of course now they’re getting the gaming money, and that’s going to start going up now that the other couple casinos have opened. And we believe it’s really time to provide some relief for county and municipal property taxes."
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on a similar proposal this week.
Hill says counties and municipalities can’t keep raising property taxes, and need the flexibility offered by the legislation.
COMPASS360 RACING EXTENDS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD AT TROIS-RIVIÈRES
(Trois-Rivières, Quebec) -- Compass360 Racing (C360R) extended its lead in the Grand-Am KONI Street Tuner championship with solid top-ten results during this weekend's frantic race at the legendary street course in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada.
The Street Tuner race, held as part of an epic weekend of racing in this picturesque riverside town two hours east of Montreal, promised to be a battle of attrition as drivers were required to keep their cars intact within the tight confines of the twisty concrete gauntlet.
With this event's race only ninety minutes in length (compared with the usual KONI race length of two-and-a-half hours), it was clear that a variety of pit stop strategies would be employed. In order to score points, each driver is required to spend a minimum of thirty minutes on track, which meant that the championship contenders would have to pit after the thirty-minute mark. The C360R team did exactly that for current Championship leader Christian Miller, who handed his #74 Honda Civic Si over to Quebec Touring Car legend Benoit Theetge.
Crew Chief Ray Lee called a different strategy for the #75 Civic of Team Principal Karl Thomson, pitting after a handful of laps and handing over to Marc-Antoine Camirand, who is tied for the most race wins at the circuit. "We hoped to gain some track position by using this strategy," explained Thomson. "Since I'm not in the points hunt this year, it made sense to get Marc-Antoine out as soon as our fuel window opened."
The #76 Honda of brothers Gary and Tom Kwok pitted closer to the half- way mark, with the team hoping for a good result of all cars in the top-ten. Unfortunately, while running in seventh, the #76 car tagged the concrete wall in the last turn coming onto the front straight, damaging the front suspension and putting an end to a very promising run for the Kwoks in their first time in KONI Challenge competition.
Meanwhile, Theetge and Camirand were running nose-to-tail in fourth and fifth, respectively. Both knew that brake management would play a key role in the outcome of the day's race and done their best to keep a front-running pace while using as little brakes as possible.
With fifteen minutes to go, Theetge found himself on backing plates.
With Miller's main rivals (Subaru's Acquilante and Skavnes) having experienced troubles earlier in the race which had put them two laps down, Theetge knew his role was to bring the car home and gain as many points as possible for his co-driver. He let Camirand by to make a run for the podium while consolidating his own position.
Camirand made up ground on the third-place Mazda of Tom Long, valiantly attempting to pass until the last five minutes when he, too, felt the brakes go metal-to-metal. He wisely backed off, and at the checkered flag, it was Camirand and Thomson in fourth, with Theetge and Miller finishing sixth.
"I am very happy," laughed Marc-Antoine to an enthusiastic home-town crowd. "Benoit and I are the top Quebec drivers here, and we had a great battle for the fans. I would have liked to be on the podium, but that will have to wait until next year when I hope to drive with Compass360 again."
The sixth place finish for #74 extends Miller's championship lead over Acquilante/Skavnes to 25 points (256-231), while Honda remains ahead of Volkswagen in the Manufacturer's Championship by a somewhat narrower margin of 16 points (277-261). "We pushed as hard as we could today," remarked Miller. "Having to wait until thirty minutes probably hurt us a little over the guys who pitted early. But we'll take the points!" Indeed, this result means that the #74 car has finished in the top ten (winning twice) in every race this year except the first, at Daytona, where it placed 12th.
With two races to go, the KONI championship is very tight, as it's been for the past few years. The series heads west for the next event, at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 18th-19th.
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Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Brand Communications, a firm offering marketing expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The Championship-winning race team, with support from Honda of America, fields three front- running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, as well as an Acura TSX in Canadian Touring Car. For details visit http://c360r.com/.
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