Pennsylvania: City Council

Well now, that didn't take long.

The good press garnered by the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh -- especially the "Eds and Meds" meme -- is being countered with this headline in today's USA Today:

The article notes that the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education plans to challenge Lil Mayor Luke's 1% college tuition "privilege" tax in court.

Moreover, our Overlords will likely reject Ravenstahl's budget partially based on the probable unenforceability of this tax (seems that they've been getting some letters about this issue).

And, what does City Council think about the proposed tax? Here's one vote it won't get (from an email from City Councilor Bill Peduto):
Thank you for taking the time to email me regarding the proposed student tax.

The P-G endorses Mayor Luke.

After describing Luke's two opponents, the P-G praises by the process of elimination:

Both Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin are informed, committed Pittsburghers. While they could have an impact as City Council members, it's hard to argue that either has a shot at winning the mayor's office and the ability to take charge of the city's $453 million budget and 3,500 employees.

That leaves the incumbent, with whom we have had our differences. After three years as mayor, he has yet to articulate a vision for the future. He does not have a reputation for working with the state legislative delegation.

(Click graphic to view larger image)

Looks like I picked a bad day to watch the live Sotomayor hearings instead of the live City Council meeting.

[sigh]

Today, the majority of the City Council of Pittsburgh decided to deny the public the right to hear from nominees to the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Historic Review Commission and the Shade Tree Commission.

Today, the majority of the City Council of Pittsburgh decided to deny the nominees the right to appear before the public.

Today, the majority of the City Council of Pittsburgh decided to themselves forgo interviewing twelve nominees for these boards.

Today, the majority of the City Council of Pittsburgh decided that "the mayor appoints and we approve.

There are a few:

• Labor

On Saturday, PA's newly Democratic Senator, Arlen Specter, was in town to address the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee but first he had to face Labor.

SEIU, PA AFL-CIO, the Allegheny County Labor Council, the Communication Workers of America, Local 13000 and others rallied for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) before the committee meeting and Specter spoke to the union members. There's video of his speech below courtesy of a Daily Kos diary.

Specter said that he is "'committed to finding an answer' on legislation making it easier to organize unions" and "If you want to become elected in this state, you have to come to labor, and I know that.