In a race this crowded I think we could start a grassroots movement and ELECT HOAGIE!
I can see the yard signs now....
"It won't be easy following Deasy, but Hoagie is the one for the job, fo sheezy!"
Hoagie,
You've been wanting to be part of the old school machine since you went to your first (bad) spaghetti dinner.
Secondly, didn't folino run for something before?
A folino (I don't know if it is the same one) contacted me about helping them sometime ago-- a year or two ago, I believe.
They told me that they would be at the new YDAC HQ...so I was polite and said I would give it thought. But um, the new YDAC or Dem. Cmt. or whatever it is, HQ don't make me jump for joy.
I dunno much about the others.
There was a Folino who ran for Judge, but I don't think he was related to this guy. What happened to John Paul Jones, I love that name. He almost beat Deasy for State Rep. Why isn't he running and why is this the entire field? Can't find anyone else? They are all connected to other politicians, how about someone running who isn't part of the system?
John Paul Jones isn't taking a 50 percent pay cut from his state job to work on City Council.
Like it or not, this race is going to be about one thing. The endorsement.
Which is SAD.
The Burgh Report endorsement?
Thanks for the nice comments. A lot of people have always been bugging me about running for city council. One day I might do it but not right now.
I am more than likely going to run for Pittsburgh School Board in the spring against our horrible Director Skip McCrea.
The Folino that ran for judge was Ron Folino. He was running for Pennsylvania Superior Court. Folino was a Common Please judge when he ran for the position.
John Paul Jones is a great guy but he is not running for this seat. As someone said earlier it would be a big pay cut for him and there is no guarantee he would win. Some people were pushing me hard to work for him and help him if he would run. Jones ran a strong 2nd to Dan Deasy in the primary. Jones got out and knocked on a ton of doors in this area. In this area that's what wins voters over.
The endorsement will be big but it's not the end all. Bob O'Connor didn't get the endorsement in his 2nd run for Mayor and nearly won without it.
Any good Dem wants the endorsement and will push hard for it.
Battle lines are already being drawn in this race. Look for the race to come down to Schubert & Smith. Smith has been out in the neighborhoods for years and is well known in the district. She is best known for her community activist work.
A big knock on Schubert that I'm hearing from fellow Committee members is that he hasn't put his dues in with the party like Smith has.
This race should be interesting but like I said before...I'm not running. Look for an announcement regarding my intentions in the very near future.
When is someone going to put together and effective anti-endorsement message and put an end to this nonsense.
List off all the felons and crooks that have gotten the endorsement, the debt accumulated under endorsed mayors and ask folks if they want some change.
Take down a round of candidates and the committee endorsement will fade pretty quickly
That matches up with what I've been hearing, Matt. It sounds like T. Smith has assembled an unusually broad array of supporters. For a grenade-thrower like myself, that's not necessarily a recommendation, but it may make her the one to watch.
Smith has a lot of supporters. The type that actually go and get things done. Not ones who just put their name on paper or letters and think that is good enough.
The people behind Smith will actually go out and knock doors and get the job done. Most community organizers from around the neighborhoods are behind her from what I understand.
A big knock on Schubert that I'm hearing from fellow Committee members is that he hasn't put his dues in with the party like Smith has.
I swear if another committee person tells me so and so "hasn't paid his dues" and therefore should not get the endorsement I'm going to flip out on them.
Depends what they mean by that, Schultzy. Meanwhile, upon further review, this Felino seems to have an intriguing bio. Here is the business he is involved with: LINK.
Banksville is also interesting.
Schultz,
people mean that like he hasn't done enough in the community to warrant his sudden leap to the council seat.
That's what people tell me and I just shrug my shoulders lol
I asked my friends in city hall about Schubert and they all said he is Luke's hand-picked choice for this eat. So much so, that they have told the other candidates if they did not agree to support Luke in all votes as a Councilman, they would have no chance at getting his hein-ass's support. Seems Schubert was the only one foolish enough to agree to this type of blackmail. Looks like Schubert has Luke's almighty blessing. Enough for me to look for anyone who can beat him.
Instead of flipping out Schultz, why don't you become a committeeman?
Matt H said-
I am more than likely going to run for Pittsburgh School Board in the spring against our horrible Director Skip McCrea.
That is great Matt. I hope do well.
Any good Dem wants the endorsement and will push hard for it
I'm not sure what you mean by "good Dem". How would one differentiate a "good Dem" from a bad Dem as far a the endorsement is concerned?
Because if your around the party and value the party it's a great endorsement to get. It's not what it used to be but it's great. Especially in a special election.
Judging from Schubert's Facebook page (will youngsters never learn?) he's not very appealing. Another Catholic High School grad (I'm Catholic too, but come on. DanO and Luke are quite enough.); he's way too steeped in the Founding Fathers (bet he reads Colin McNickle on the sly); and there's a nice cheesy photo of him and Luke. Like me though, Brendan is interested in women.
To wit:
Basic Information
Networks:
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Alum '06
Sex:
Male
Birthday:
August 3, 1983
Relationship Status:
Single
Interested In:
Women
Political Views:
Democratic Party
Religious Views:
Christian - Catholic
Personal Information
Interests:
Work out, Read books and the News Paper, Politics
Favorite Books:
A collection of Essay's by Thomas Jefferson, The Federalist Papers, Collection of Essays by John Locke, and You Won Now What.
Favorite Quotations:
"We are not enemies but friends. Thought passion may have strained, it must not break our bounds of affection." Abraham Lincoln
[Brendan - Please learn to spell. It's "though" and "bonds". This is particularly important for someone whose job it is to "write and re-write legislation for the City of Pittsburgh." See below]
College:
* Pittsburgh '06
* History, Political Science
High School:
* Central Catholic High School '01
*
Employer:
City of Pittsburgh
Position:
Zoning Officer for Legislation
Time Period:
June 2007 - Present
Description:
Write and re-write legislation for the City of Pittsburgh; also attend to other various duties around the office.
There is nothing bad about his facebook page.
Just basic information.
I also looked for dirt in his Facebook profile (through you, I think, PMcK) and came up empty-handed.
Now excuse me as I go rejigger my Facebook settings so that one has to be an approved friend to see it -- and to see if I need to disqualify any friends.
In light of what we got from having a boy mayor....someone please place an age limit on running for public office! Graduated in '06?!?!?! Would like to know if he owns a home, has to pay taxes for anything....ect. The problem is that we don't have enough for these younguns to do in the city!!
Found a portion of his resume on this site:
http://www.ihirelegal.com/t-Law-...gh-
resumes.html
B Schubert
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Brendan Rodgers Schubert
Objective To utilize my life, work, and educational experiences to further help people. The aid that I hope to provide people can certainly come from a variety of avenues, either public or private sector.
Experience
May 13, 2006-February 20, 2007
Thomas C. Petrone Pittsburgh, PA Legislative Assistant
-Respond to constituents via email, phone, and letters
-Work with non-profit organizations on State Grants
-Attend Public/Private meetings, rallies, presentations, and out reach groups for the Representative
-Coordinate meetings with lobbyists and community groups
-Conduct House Bill research and analysis
Not sure the idea of a zoning administrator with a work history that includes coordinating meetings with lobbyists is the best thing for the City of Pittsburgh at this point in time.
Especially if this post from Anony is true:
I asked my friends in city hall about Schubert and they all said he is Luke's hand-picked choice for this (s)eat. So much so, that they have told the other candidates if they did not agree to support Luke in all votes as a Councilman, they would have no chance at getting his hein-ass's support. Seems Schubert was the only one foolish enough to agree to this type of blackmail. Looks like Schubert has Luke's almighty blessing,
What causes Pittsburgh to find it nearly impossible to find candidates who are educated, intelligent and experienced?
Many Allegheny County municipalities generate competent candidates for council, yet Pittsburgh -- the largest municipality -- cannot. Is the difference part- vs. full-time commitment? Is the city's Democratic Committee a major problem? Is there something peculiarly unattactive -- for strong candidates, at least -- about Pittsburgh's council? Is there another factor that disinclines nearly every smart, educated and accomplished Pittsburgh resident to avoid council service?
Until something changes, it appears Pittsburgh is stuck with garbage in, garbage out.
Except, of course, on garbage day.
We had one you moron, his name was Tom Murphy and idiots like you just couldn't understand it!
He cites John Locke's Essays and The Federalist Papers as his favorite books which gives me a favorable first impression of the guy. I think it's important that our public officials actually have an understanding of the ideas and philosophies that influenced our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. That's not too much to ask, is it?
I don't vote for people based on what books they read. 
I do not believe that Tom Murphy was greatly experienced or accomplished before he entered politics. He had sold some aluminum (or something similar) and worked as a small-scale community organizer, as I recall. An undistinguished record in low-level politics probably constituted most of his pre-mayor career.
Infin, your ignorance of the basic facts about what you are talking about is astounding, but not surprising.
Matt H...gee, what a surprise, book learning ain't high on your list of priorities...
"Matt H...gee, what a surprise, book learning ain't high on your list of priorities..."
You are twisting my words here. I read tons of books. I just don't look at a candidates reading list and choose who I am going to endorse or vote for based off of that.
Please set us straight, "wrong again."
In what respect was Mayor Murphy greatly experienced and accomplished before he became mayor?
Perhaps in some (relatively small) worlds a short stint as a salesman at Alcoa, or a period running a North Side community group, or a stint as a state legislator is perceived as big-time achievement. In the context of preparation for mayor of a declining city, however, that comes up short, as the results have demonstrated.
If my view is wrong, facts and debate would diminish it far more than unsubstantiated insults.
Do any of the candidates have a web site ? With so many candidates, I would think that at least one of them would have a website?
Not that this should disqualify him from running for council, but Citibank filed suit against a Mr. Brendan Schubert in Dec. 2005, chasing him for $5,000. (AR-05-008448 - Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. There's a pretrial statement that I'm having trouble opening on the Prothy's website.) The Crucible St. address for the defendant is in the West End, and the parties finally settled last month.
Good luck and all that, but really, shouldn't the young constitutional scholar get a grip on his own financial affairs before attempting to tackle the city budget?
Also of possible interest, Brendan was represented by Richard Schubert, Esq. The attorney has made thousands of dollars of contributions to local and national Dems in recent years.
And from the PG, in a story about medical malpractice:
"Led by Pittsburgh attorney Richard Schubert, president of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, demonstrators repeatedly chanted "no caps" as they waved signs saying, "Don't Take Away Our Rights" and "Medical Mistakes Kill 100,000 A Year.""
And from another PG piece, this one about fire station closures:
"Richard Schubert, a member of the Troy Hill Citizens Council for more than 35 years, vowed the neighborhood will try to reopen the station next year, after a new mayor takes over."
[Not sure if this is the same Schubert, of course, but Troy Hill is interesting in relation to Ravenstahl.]
Any more input or dot connecting, Burgher readers? Is Richard Schubert Brendan's Dad or other close relative? Is Atty. Schubert connected to Ravenstahl? When will Schubert drop out of the race?
The Schubert kid is the same guy who went after the Lamar 4 saying they strong armed him and made him file their protest of the big, electric billboard going up without the necessary permits, process or public participation. Is he the one in charge of permits? How did he let that one slip by and why did he protest when the Lamar 4 made their stand? I am told he is "very close" with one, Yarone Zober.
"Do any of the candidates have a web site ? With so many candidates, I would think that at least one of them would have a website?"
I don;t think anyone does yet. I don't think that is high on anyones list yet. Most are focusing on the endorsement. I hope all of the candidates put up a web page though.
Richard J. Schubert is Brendan's father. I don't know if the Troy Hill guy is though.
Brendans Dad is a lawyer as well.
Brendans family has lived here in Elliott for a while.
So apparently, Schubert's living at home with his parents. That's fine, but can't we at least require that the city be run by self-sufficient adults?
Bram, fyi, "Paul McK" is not me, though it sure seems someone is playing games.
And good for Brendan for having a facebook - something scores of other candidates and electeds maintain, including Patrick Dowd, who just joined last week. In fact, the grassroots genesis of President-elect Obama's campaign had a lot to do with social networking sites like facebook. File all the negative nonsense to the contrary under the axiom that "all is yellow to the jauniced eye."
Schubert does not live with his parents anymore.
Theresa Smith will have a web page during the campaign.
Ha Ha, Matt H mulls running for School Board and then leaves us with this gem, "Folino was a Common Please (sic) judge when he ran for the position." Garbage in garbage out indeed.
Hack-a-rama, hack-a rama, ho ho ho !
Thank heavens we have the open Deasy seat election to occupy us since the presidential election is over. I only know two candidates and should not be interested. I do not live in the district served by Deasy. I can tell you as someone who has seen Ms. Smith operate for students, she is tenacious. Mr. Frank has a strong desire to serve and keeps coming to the plate to be elected. The other candidates probably have much to offer. Personally, I am encouraged by the number of candidates interested in the seat. It speaks well of the value of our fair city.
"Ha Ha, Matt H mulls running for School Board and then leaves us with this gem, "Folino was a Common Please (sic) judge when he ran for the position." Garbage in garbage out indeed."
Wow, a spelling mistake. Let's just throw me into the fire for that. Internet spelling police make me sick.
where does theresa smith work?
Schubert's relationship with Tom Petrone is enough to give second thoughts about this guy!!
Tom Petrone may have been an old timer, but his constituents loved him and would have continued voting for him until the day he died.
Is there a list yet of all the contenders for Motznik's seat, since he is planning on becoming a magistrate?
Hoagie spewed:
"Wow, a spelling mistake. Let's just throw me into the fire for that. Internet spelling police make me sick."
Entitled hack wannabees make me sick. I saw your blog with all the little pics of you posing with all the SWPA lesser luminaries. You ain't shit son, so stop dreamin about higher office. The spelling error just points up your mediocrity.
I live in the Motznik district and I get the impression everybody and their uncle think they are next in line to serve.
"Tom Petrone may have been an old timer, but his constituents loved him and would have continued voting for him until the day he died."
Which is awful because he provided services that all State Reps provide. He was great with the seniors but he was less than average as far as helping the city neighborhoods. The only reason he kept winning was because no one stepped up to take it away from him. Deasy would have beat him head on.
"Is there a list yet of all the contenders for Motznik's seat, since he is planning on becoming a magistrate?"
I would think that Tony Coghill would have to be the biggest name out there for that seat.
Matt H.
Don't go there Matt. I like Deasy. But he is an underdog now. Alot of folks think he will fail. He may not have won if he was only facing one opponent. John Paul Jones and Ryan split the vote that could have beat him.
The 27th district is a district of "haves" and "have nots". Is Deasy going to turn Elliot into a Mt Washington? It's impossible. What the "haves" aka residents of the westwood type neighborhoods want is for Deasy to keep the section 8 trash and crime out off thier streets so that they don't have to become the next elliot or sheraden.
What is Deasy going to do for the 27th neighborhoods that Petrone didn't do? Petrone had a ton of seniority which brought $$$ cash $$$ along with it.
I will not be up all night with anticipation of what this freshman legislator will be doing in his first term. Once again, I support Deasy, he will do well once he gets oriented to Harrisburg. Hopefully the leadership in Hbg sets him up with some experienced staff. I also suspect that other local House staffers will help his staff out here at home.
What's your beef with Petrone? Did he not give you a job or something?
You can't blame him for the crime in Elliot, unless you have information to prove that he "INVENTED" crack cocaine!
Deasy would have never beat Petrone head on- one on one. Some say Deasy would have had trouble keeping his Council seat had he stayed local.
Once again - I support Deasy and hope he does well. Just my two cents.
"...the grassroots genesis of President-elect Obama's campaign had a lot to do with social networking sites like facebook."
Oh no. Here we go again. Netroots for Schubert!! How'd that work for DeSantis?
And what's this? A Facebook page is a feather in a candidate's cap? And Dr. Dowd just signed up?! Then I'm voting for the chick with the backwards B on her cheek. She had a really cool Facebook page.
I'm pretty sure Paul Mckrell didn't say that Schubert's campaign will be based on facebook - but it is a tool -kinda like you're a tool. 
(I kid!)
Pat Dowd and Bill Peduto have Facebooks, while Chelsea Wagner has a MySpace. Cool politicians use those places.
The rest of your post is like DeSantis' campaign - completely irrelevant.
PS Georgia Blotzer is the best candidate in this race, but I don't think she can win.
"What's your beef with Petrone?"
He was in office since I was a boy and you can't put his name on anything in this area that he was apart of. He was an ineffective legislator even though he ran with the slogan the effective legislator. What pieces of legislation in Harrisburg was he apart of?
"Did he not give you a job or something?"
Not the case at all. I have never asked anyone for a job. Petrone actually did try to employ me when I was younger but I really wasn't that interested doing errands around his house.
"I like Deasy. But he is an underdog now. Alot of folks think he will fail."
What type of shoes does he have to fill though? Empty ones. All Deasy has to do is show up for work and throw candy at the parades to equal what Petrone did while in office.
I really really did try to like Petrone but I just couldn't do it. I never really felt that he cared as much as he should have for Sheraden and Elliott.
You can trash Sheraden/Elliott all that you want to but there are far too many good people in these areas for you to trash. The good folks outnumber the bad ones ten fold. We are actually in the midst of forming something (CDC) that is going to help our end of town like it should have been. We have been neglected on this side of the river for far too long.
"What causes Pittsburgh to find it nearly impossible to find candidates who are educated, intelligent and experienced."
If you want experience and intelligence, you have to come to grips with the fact is that for a lot of those potential candidates over 40 a seat on Council is a big step backwards in earnings (see John Paul Jones)
Another is that those with the practical life skills and wisdom needed for the job are also wise enough to know that getting anywhere in a special election is that you better have a relationship with the party. That isn't as big a barrier in a regular election but still an up hill climb.
So you have the field you have. I am for a minimum age for elected office -- say 50. lol
But, there are many more disincentives to run for public office. It's a tough grind.
Hoagie - read what I said about his reading list, I said it "gives me a favorable first impression of the guy." because I don't see too many people listing John Locke's or Alexander Hamilton's works as their favorite books.
We shouldn't judge a book by its cover but if my choices are between someone who claims Green Eggs and Ham as their favorite book versus someone who favors The Federalist Papers I'll take the second candidate.
What, ya got somethin' against Green Eggs and Ham?
Question above: Where does Theresa Smith work?
Off the top of my head, I've known her in her past jobs as:
- campaign manager for Dan Deasey
- Neighborhood coordinator (advocate / outreach) for Wireless Neighborhoods
- Staffer with Pgh Public Schools and manager of the Parent Education Resource Center that was one of five in the district. She was at the one in Langley H.S. Those were cut by Mark Roosevelt, BTW.
I also know she helps to run the baseball assn as a volunteer with her husband.
She set up a couple (or more) nonprofit groups. She was working to get recreational opportunities to the western parts of the city -- where there is not a single city operated Rec Center.
I'll seek her full resume for ya.
The best candidate isn't running. Melissa Rossiter is the only candidate that would clean up all of district two. She has the name recognition from the last election. She is educated; she is a community organizer and has dealt with city issues head on for over 15 years. The bonus with her is she can work with all of the current politcians but she is no way beholden to them -- as a matter of fact they won't even try to make a swetheart deal with her because they know she wouldn't bite. She did have the postgazette endorsement the last time and their were five people running. She also came in third with 19 percent of the vote in a five way race. Not too bad for the first time out in a council race. It's too bad good people don't want to touch city politics.
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