Vote for Mark DeSantis
The Mayoral election is just around the corner and I have found the candidate that I hope wins. His name is Mark DeSantis and he is a Republican. I know what you thinking; how can a Republican run in a Democrat infested town? I don’t know, but he is going to try.
After reading this article about him in the City Paper I fell in love. Finally there is a politician that wants change in Pittsburgh. Here are a few notable quotes from the article.
“I believe we no longer have the option of staying on the well-traveled path for it has become our road to ruin.”
I agree with this. How many years do we need to be in the red to see that there is a problem with how the Democrats are running things? We need to rethink how the city is spending its money and where it’s coming from.
“I’m not anti-government by any means, but we have to revisit our notion of what our government is for. It doesn’t exist for itself, but for the people who live here and we have to reorganize it for that purpose.”
Wow that quote right there made my heart flutter. A politician that understands the purpose of government! This is not common and Pittsburgh is lucky to have someone like this running for Mayor.
“My single ambition is to change the way we do things here; to no longer be satisfied with the status quo and just being good enough,” DeSantis says. “I know that change is risky and it’s a lot to ask people to take that risk with me. But when people are willing to take big risks, you can accomplish great things.”
Listen, Pittsburgh! How many times have you said your not happy with what’s going on around you? How many of you are upset with high taxes and not seeing a difference in the budget problems. It is time for change.
I love this city and it kills me to watch it slowly crumble. I am not saying that Mark will save the city, but I think he is a step in the right direction.
Pittsburgh, Mayoral election, Change, Mark DeSantis, Republican, Democrat, November
July 6th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
DeSantis doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting to the Mayor’s office. A lot of City residents I know go into election day to just pull the Democrat lever, thinking they’ve done their civic duty without actually knowing who or what they voted for, just that they voted for the party they were raised to vote for. If I still lived within city limits, I’d probably vote for him. Sadly, that mentality, along with the myriad other problems with living in the city, have driven me back to the suburbs. Where I intend to stay.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
I agree! I was talking to people today about it and they said there probably not going to vote at all. I don’t know many people that like Luke, so why don’t they vote against him. I guess Pittsburghers have lost hope that anything can change. And that’s too bad; I really think this guy could give what this city needs. A good kick in the ass!
July 6th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Besides our budget problems, I may be one of a small percentage of people who really doesn’t think we have it that bad here. I mean, come on people, quit your complaining. This city is emerging at a rapid pace just in the past few years..count your blessings. It used to and can be far worse.
And if the only jab you have at Ravenstahl is that he’s young and indecisive, so are the same people this city is trying to keep here. I just saw an article in the PG about how he’s measured up quite nicely to all the promises he’s made and that’s the biggest change I’ve seen yet in this city. DeSantis can say all these things, but just like all politicians, how many of them actually follow through? I’d need concrete plans and details; not vague predictions of the future that he’s talking about. I think the people who vote for DeSantis over Luke are doing so just to spite the current mayer; they don’t care any more about politics than the ones who don’t vote in the first place. This current mayoral administration and our city’s view on his age is a prime example Mosley has expressed happens all the time in the workplace. I didn’t believe him, but now I obviously do since I see it in practice.
And I will admit that after reading the article Mosley speaks about, I too was interested, but then I realized it’s just the same crap we already know. Ravenstahl’s working on it..just give him some time. For christ’s sakes he hasn’t been in office that long. This city has the attention span of a small child!!
July 6th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
The bottom line, despite your views on the importance of voting in local elections (which i happen to think is VITAL if you live in the city and is young people’s absolute responsibility), is that the city of Pittsburgh is a democratic dictatorship. Choice is far too important to neglect.
One party systems don’t work. Period. Even when (gasp) it happens to be your party. I’m registered democrat, but I dont want all democrats in office! Just as much as I like to bitch about the republican ridiculousness we’ve had to nationally live through these past several years, Pittsburgh’s situation is no better. People (like Luke) feel that he has no obligation to the city’s people, because there is no one that will call him on his behavior.
While he does act with frat-boyish immaturity, Luke Ravenstahl is old blood in a young body. More of the same. People are mistaken if they think he’s the young blood that this city needs to shake things up.
That being said though, all I ask the residents of Pittsburgh to do is look at BOTH candidates (what a shame we only have 2). IGNORE PARTIES! And finally, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE! No excuse!
July 6th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I am glad to see so many different opinions on this issue. It’s nice to see that people still care, even if it’s just a little, about politics. Emily, I know that Pittsburgh is improving in some areas but its still failing at others. Like the budget and over spending.
I am not saying that you should vote for Mark because he’s not a democrat. I am just shearing my opinions hopes that other people will be inspired to come up with there own.
July 7th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Ha if my vital responsibility involves supporting a political system that is a sham, then count me out. The day I register to vote is the day that hell freezes over.
It’s nice to talk about politics and political leaders, but the people that make the real changes are ordinary citizens, not ones tangled up in the mess of bureaucracy. If politicians actually were of any use, other than being public stools for bad opinion, than all these problems they campaign for would have been changed by now. Has anyone seen affordable healthcare? Lower taxes (which is counterproductive in itself, idiots)? An end to poverty and education for all? No. And the reason why is because legislation can only do so much and politicians are allowed to change their mind once they’re in office. They can have all the good ideas they want, but when it comes to having enough power to change anything, it’s obvious without the support of 90 percent of the population, both sides of the house in agreeance and unlimited power, they can’t. These same checks and balances that serve to protect us, end up reducing the momentum of these strong individuals. But guess what? It’s unfair to let one person decide our fate anyways…oh wait. Ahem, I guess the president has shown these checks and balances are worthless anyways. So what’s my point? That despite electing someone with similar values as your own, does not mean or guarantee your particular agenda will be followed and that you will be happy with your official. It’s ridiculous to think this way of voicing your opinion is practical or results oriented.
If you feel so strongly about a certain issue, volunteer your time to fix it. Pressuring your congressman over things no one else gives a damn about, rarely accomplishes anything. He doesn’t have to listen to you, because he has enough people who will still stand behind him regardless. I mean obviously, just look at the Bush administration.
And if you’re worried about things on a local level, then get a group of people together to work on whatever it is together. If the mayor decides to endorse it, then fine; but he doesn’t have to. Which is why voting accomplishes electing someone who may have your values, but that’s about it. You don’t have to vote to try and influence the mayor; once he’s in, he’s in and he has his own agenda. He can’t make everyone happy and why do people always think it should be them??
The whole political system is just an illusion of control and if it makes anyone feel better that by voting you have a small fraction of that amount of power, then by all means assert yourselves.
P.S I haven’t always had this fatalist attitude on politics, but I have always been strongly anti-government. Our’s is just not practical anymore with the amount of people that are in this country. A true democracy requires a much more concentrated population.
July 7th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
The reality is that we live in a country that has a certain political system. If you wish to participate in it, then you have some chance to make a difference. Volunteering and changing things yourself is great, but politics is involved in that. Politics is everywhere and in everything. If people are that upset with government in general, then go somewhere without it. I know it’s a cliche, but if you don’t like it, if you don’t want to work to change it, don’t just sit around on a pedestal and complain, leave. Saying proudly that you will never register to vote is quite frankly absurd and nonsensical when you benefit from this society every day.
I’m not so naive to think that voting actually gives me some “voice” that will directly influence a politicians actions. In Pittsburgh, however, it IS vital that young people make themselves present at elections, because there are not many of us! It’s difficult to see how anyone could think this is laughable when you go to the polls and see that all the people are over 55. I do know that money influences a politicians actions. If they know that young people exist, and that we plan to stay here (spend money), then yes, it may influence actions.
It bothers me when people don’t participate in government because it’s never going to magically morph into some idealist utopian governmental situation that just happens to solve everyone’s problems, give everyone everything, all while staying out of people personal business enough for everyone’s liking. You have to work with that you have, and if you don’t want to participate, then yes, volunteer, do what you can, but the truth is that most people who don’t vote don’t do that either.
The argument of voting and whether or not our governmental system is all rainbows and butterflies does not relate to Pittsburgh’s situation. Involvement is critical on the local level. Politicians, especially at this level, aren’t evil or horrible people, for the most part they are startlingly normal.
So if you chose not to vote and somehow change ANYTHING without involving yourself in politics, let me know, because I doubt that’s likely to happen. Especially in a tradition rich city, like Pittsburgh.
Thats really all I can say, without beginning to talk in circles. I understand that other people may not see it the same way, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, no matter what I (or anyone else) may think of it. The reality of the situation is that people minds don’t easily change about issues like this, and I’m not in the business of changing peoples minds that are obviously already made up.
July 9th, 2007 at 9:55 am
I don’t know who you think is on a pedestal or complaining here. I only made a reply to this blog, because I felt that Mosley’s stance alone was not representative of this city.
I’m not sure if he told you or not, but I used to be very political. In fact I’m the one who introduced him to objectivism and I actually used to be an anarchist before that. But when you start to feel so much for something, at one point it consumes more of your life than is healthy. Which is why I’ve stayed out of politics ever since we started this ignorant war that negatively, but accurately reflects the ignorant values that some of us hold in this country. I was going to leave then, but I like to hold out hope that certain individuals in this country will redeem it for the rest of us, since our politicians obviously cannot ever since this country grew to this tremendous size.
Which brings me to the point that a person can be involved in political and societal change without voting. There is and will always be a whole bunch of us that participate in politics in our own way that does not involve voting or being a part of the system we hate. Obviously you have never been part of an underground movement or else you’d know this.
And never underestimate the power of the individual and their ability to change things without directly participating in the system they wish to change, i.e voting. Once you realize the political system you live in is not working and will probably never change, you start to realize you have to make small changes on your own to make life bearable.
Which brings me to my past history of marches, rallies, protests and fund raisers and my future aim to volunteer with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Society. I don’t think any of these activities didn’t help to at least increase awareness in some small way. And by volunteering to help adults read and to aid foreigners in their attempt to adapt to our culture, I do believe I’m making a difference. Just the impact alone of an adult who could previously not read and can, is tremendous. New opportunities will open up for them and make our society as a whole more intelligent and learned.
And just take for example Oprah no matter how much you or anyone else may possibly hate her. I’m sure she’s registered to vote, but look at all the change she’s made on her own. Sure she has money to make change, but she didn’t always and it doesn’t take a genius to realize the impact she has had on our world ever since she became generous enough to give back to the world that gave her a chance.
There are plenty of others that have not voted and have made a great change in their life and others. I’m sure if you asked them, they would tell you at one point they decided to take matters into their own hands and not wait around for lawmakers to decide what was going to happen for them.
I’ll register to vote when I lose faith in the individuals of this society, not the politicians. Politicians and the government are obviously individuals in groups, but I think the grouping that occurs is what makes them lazy and inefficient. They have to always worry about voters and pleasing their political party, which is nonsense. An individual who is outside of political legality and rules, only needs to maintain their self-respect and not their gang of followers. They may lose friends and allies, but politicians lose their power to rule when they step on toes and its no wonder they try not to.
And I have never once believed this city or others should be a utopia and if I gave that impression than I apologize. These problems exist for a reason. It’s our response to them and the meaning they give to our lives when we try to fix them, that make living worthwhile.
July 9th, 2007 at 10:54 am
First off, there is hope for DeSantis. Back in the 2005 general election O’Connor ONLY received 66% of the vote - that is not a huge majority considering that he ran against a Republican candidate and 3 independents who didn’t put much effort into winning the race. Only 59,000 people voted - who stayed home that day? The Democrats who felt they had the race in the bag or Republicans and independnets who felt that there was no hope for them?
I for one hope there are only two candidates this fall as more independents would probably take away votes for DeSantis. I am supporting for reform in the city of Pittsburgh so I am going to support Mark DeSantis for Mayor. I am a registered Democrat but how many registered Democrats are true Democrats rather than independents like myself? Even though Dems out number Pubs 5 to 1 I think that number is more like 3 to 2 if you only count loyal Democrats versus others.
2005 report on Mayoral race results:
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/elect/200511gen/rpt301.asp
July 9th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Thanks for the link to the report.I like it when people supply proof to there statments.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:03 am
I commend you on whatever volunteer/protest opportunities that you participate in that you feel are important, but I refuse to participate in a “i help people more” pissing contest. I don’t feel that it is necessary to list anything that I do now or have done in the past.
I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in your history as a very political person or who you may have influenced along the way.
Like I stated before, I am not interested in changing minds that are always made up, so I will no longer dwell on my comments in previous posts. I’m also not interested in scoring others on their community activity or political involvement. I simply expressed my view on the importance of voting. Take it or leave it, but personal beliefs/activities really have little to do with it.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Oh, and by saying that people who do not vote most likely do not participate in other facets of community I was not talking about you as an individual, Emily. I am sorry if you took this personally, but that is why I stated that it is not necessary for you as a nonvoter to “prove” yourself as a member of society.
I was talking about society as a whole, who I do believe are terribly apathetic about politics, especially local politics.
We both want the same thing, in the end: an improved society! Whatever anyone does to bring us closer to that goal I admire. I’m sorry if anything I have said offended you, it was certainly not intended to do so. I feel my point has been made and I don’t feel it’s necessary to further discuss the issue.
July 9th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Emily,
I am curious to hear your opinion on what the Governator is doing out in California in regards to green energy and alternative fuels. In my opinion he has done more than any other political leader to challenge the system and lead the way for us to become an energy independent nation. California is so far out in front on the issue it makes cities like Pittsburgh seem like they are stuck in the 1950’s.
Now, that said, does Gov. Schwarzenegger piss off a lot of people? Sure does. Not only does he challenge the bureaucracy, but he does so in an arrogant and demeaning manner, something I find funny but I am sure the people of that state find annoying.
Leadership does not equate to making everyone happy. Unfortunately most politicians fail to recognize this and that is why the difficult issues never get solved. Someone has to lose - like our automakers who failed to get on board the fuel efficiency train and instead chose to hire their top paid lobbying firms to fight the change. Did you hear about how Obama went to Detroit and challenged the auto makers right in their backyard? Not many politicians would have the guts to do that - they are too concerned about getting votes. What they do not realize is that most smart Americans recognize leadership and authenticity. I am not saying the guy is ready for the White House, but I do admire his guts and determination to change things.
So, politicians do matter. They have a huge say in how our tax dollars are put to work. They help to decide if tax money goes towards new sports stadiums or better mass transit. I too like what I’ve seen happening in Pittsburgh over the last few years but on the big issues that affect me - economic development, taxes, and drawing more people to move to the city - there is still a lot of room for improvement.
July 10th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Beth: I was only responding to your comment that, “So if you chose not to vote and somehow change ANYTHING without involving yourself in politics, let me know, because I doubt that’s likely to happen.”
So that’s what I did; I listed projects that myself as well as others have done and emphasized that individuals can promote change on their own without being involved in the voting process by giving my own personal history. It seems you weren’t aware of anyone who felt this way so I gave myself as an example. I was just illustrating that the true people who are on the pedestal are the ones waiting for the change they want to see happen.
And I understand you weren’t personally attacking me when you were talking about how it’s important for Pittsburghers to vote, but since I feel there are other ways to change things, I had to comment back. There was really nothing else to say about the DeSantis issue, because as I previously mentioned I prefer not to talk about politics anymore unless provoked.
Chris: I think California’s governor is one of the few individuals that doesn’t care about stepping on anyone’s toes and I like that he was able to retain his opinion and spirit, but this is probably because he doesn’t have the common sense to act like the other politicians, since he didn’t plan his whole life to be one. I wish we had more politicians who acted like civilians and who won’t take no for an answer. They’re really the exception to the stereotype.
And I really believe that Pittsburgh is only going to change when the people who actually live in the city want it to. Sure, they can’t really decide where tax dollars go, but they can boycott stadiums and casinos if they feel that’s a wrong way to allocate our money. Can you imagine if the revenue from the casino actually went to the city instead of a special interest group and the Penguins? Maybe then we could develop more and could afford the changes we wish to see here.
I really don’t know what else to say about this, but this is what happens when people start discussing politics online. So much room for confusion and I still don’t think certain people on here get my point at all.
July 10th, 2007 at 1:11 am
“So much room for confusion and I still don’t think certain people on here get my point at all.”
You’re right about that!
July 10th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Emily,
I think you are putting too much faith in “people.” Your typical Pittsburgher is going to support new sports stadiums regardless of the social costs. Your typical senior citizen is going to play the slots machines at casinos. That is how they enjoy themselves - if its not bingo or casinos then it is horse races.
While I think it is too much to ask the people of Pittsburgh to rise up and demand change - I do think it is going to take a significant number of people to convince their friends, relatives, and colleagues that things could change for the better if they vote for the best man this fall rather than voting for whoever has the D next to his name.
July 10th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
I love the shortsighted argument that a new arena is only going to benefit the Pens.
Are they going to benefit? Absolutely. Should they? Absolutely. They’re a huge revenue source for the region. Not only directly through tax money brought in from ticket sales and parking, but do you think places like the Souper Bowl and Cafe 5th Avenue would still be in business without it? Do you think concerts and other non sporting events are going to line up to come to an outdated venue? I don’t understand your view that this will stunt development of the city.
Do I agree with public money being thrown around for it? No. But that’s the way the game is played. If we don’t do it someone else will. That would be a huge blow to the city. And not just because I’m a Pens fan. I would say that about any of the Pittsburgh teams (despite my undying loathing of any and all things Steelers). Not only do they generate a steady stream of money into the city and local businesses during their respective seasons, but if you think Pittsburgh is hemorrhaging young people now, try taking away something they’re passionate about that they’ve had all their lives.
July 10th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I’m not against the new stadiums, I think some public money had to go towards keeping them here otherwise other cities like KC would welcome them with open arms and lots more public money. It is like an arms race for who can build the biggest and best sports stadiums these days. Funny how you hate the Steelers - the divide between Steeler fans and Penguins fans is ridiculous. Its like the Steelers fans hate another franchise getting any attention in this town, while the Penguins fans “loathe” the Steelers because they get the most attention. Talk about ridiculous.
I wore my hockey jersey on the Southside one night last year when my team (Sabres) was in the Stanley Cup playoffs. A group of Steelers fans got in my face and shouted “HOCKEY SUCKS.” Talk about yinzers. Fortunately for them they had us outnumbered 6 to 2.
July 10th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Actually, my loathing of the Steelers has nothing to do with being a Pens fan. I’ve never liked football, and I think there are far too many football fans out there that act like the morons you described.
Sabres fan, eh? You can’t be enjoying this offseason.
July 10th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Yeah it’s strange cause I’m a Steeler’s fan and I dislike watching the Penguins, although I wouldn’t say I hate them, I just find them uninteresting.
I’d rather play hockey than watch it, but then again, that’s just me.
Oh and I did a whole final project on whether the Penguins should have been backed by the casino and tax dollars and all the research showed they should not have been. It’s unlikely the casinos will make enough revenue, especially being tied up in litigation right now and that it would have been better if private investors would have almost fully funded it like it is in other cities. I guess Pittsburgh just doesn’t have enough rich hockey fans??
I can show the research via email if anyone’s interested, because I refuse to go into any of it on here and I really don’t care enough to continue debating it.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Is the funding tax dollars or casino revenues? Or both? If it is casino revenues I have no problem with it - that money usually goes to the boondogle projects anyways. I mean, the initial thought was that some casino revenues would go towards reducing our property tax bills, but then what about the senior citizens, funding for schools, and oh yeah, special projects like the pens arena. I’m not holding my breath waiting for that my taxes to go down any time soon.
July 12th, 2007 at 12:18 am
Well before they chose Barden there was going to be tax dollars involved, however with the plan they decided to go with, the only tax dollars that will be used are ones set aside as part of the state economic development fund. It’s a small percentage and involves some property tax revenue and other misc. taxes that I suppose aren’t enough to make a fuss over.
Here’s partially what I said in my paper about the casino revenues which tie into the whole budgeting thing prev. spoken of: Shouldn’t the revenues generated from gambling go towards something more important for the city, like ensuring people aren’t going hungry or that they are provided with adequate health care? “In the 2004-2005 state budget cycle, the endowment fund for AdultBasic health insurance for the entire state was taken to balance the state budget; at the time it had $330 million.” The arena is projected to cost between $290 and $310 million.
It hasn’t been that long ago that Pittsburgh was about to be sold to Allegheny County because of their budget problems. Is this just another example of poor management in our city or is this new arena worth more than that?
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