Pennsylvania Electric Bills -- 60 percent Increase

Household finances tight? Then sit down.

Pennsylvanians could be staring at increases in their home electric bills of 40, 50 or even 60 percent by the time decade-old rate caps expire in the next couple years.

Those are estimates from the state's utility consumer advocate, Sonny Popowsky, who was asked by Gov. Ed Rendell to project what the bigger bills could look like for more than 4 million residential customers.

This is what Popowsky came up with:

-Allegheny Power: 63 percent increase

-Metropolitan Edison: 54 percent increase

-Peco Energy: 8 percent increase

-Pennsylvania Electric: 50 percent increase

-PPL: 37 percent increase

Popowsky's estimates are particularly striking because some of the utilities, notably Allegheny Power, Pennsylvania Electric and Metropolitan Edison, have avoided predicting what kind of increase their customers should expect.

Asked if he thought anything can be done to avoid the increases, Popowsky said, "No."

"I think it's inevitable that we'll see rate increases," he said. "The question is, how big will they be?"

The caps, which froze electric rates at 1990s levels, were imposed on utilities as part of a deregulation designed to deliver lower bills in a competitive marketplace. Once those caps expire, utilities can bill customers for the true price of the power they buy.

Some utility officials caution that the expiration of their rate caps is far enough away - Jan. 1, 2010 for PPL; Jan. 1, 2011 for the other utilities - that no one knows what the price of electricity will be then. A few utility rate caps, such as Pittsburgh's Duquesne Light, have already expired. Allegheny Power is scheduled to phase in the total increase over the next three years.

Once the caps expire and the utilities can pass along the full wholesale price, the size of the increase will be in inverse proportion to current utility bills. For instance, Peco's increase is expected to be smaller because its bills are already relatively high.

Legislation addressing rate caps and electricity costs has bounced around the General Assembly for at least the past year. Power companies, business groups, electricity marketers, utilities, environmentalists and others have lobbied on the bills, creating a crossfire of competing interests that often slows legislative action to a grinding pace, if not a halt.

Popowsky wants utilities to be required to seek out the lowest-cost electricity on the wholesale market, which would mean giving them a freer hand to buy electricity in contracts than they have under current law.

Some legislators want to keep electric rates as they are now, increasing only with the rate of inflation. Others say utilities must be allowed to charge full wholesale prices, but the big increases should be phased in over several years.

Under one bill that the House passed in February, the state would hire a company to manage conservation and efficiency programs and meet goals for electricity savings in each utility territory across the state.

There are also competing plans in the Legislature to distribute hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives to encourage alternative and cleaner energy production, as well as efficiency and conservation projects.

Most of the money in both would go to energy businesses, while a smaller slice would help people pay for new furnaces, solar panels or other home projects that can cut electric bills.

That kind of help is sorely needed, some residents say.

Salvatore Trentacoste, a resident of the Pocono Mountains town of Reeders, said he spent $8,700 last year to buy a more efficient home heating system, including a propane furnace.

He got a meager $350 tax credit back from the federal government.

"If the government wants people to conserve energy, they've got to do more than they're doing, because nobody's going to be bothered," Trentacoste said.

The changes helped: He spent about $1060 on electric bills from October through April, compared to $2000 the previous winter.

But that doesn't include the $1.85 per gallon he spent to fill up the propane tank - a cost that rose to an average of $2.60 per gallon in March, according to federal statistics.

At the very least, people should keep energy efficiency in mind when they go shopping for a new appliance, Popowsky said.

"Those are the kinds of things that people need to think about more, unfortunately," he said.

$15 Million Pennsylvania Taxpayers Pay -- State Vehicles

Pennsylvania taxpayers pay more than $15 million a year to maintain, service, insure and fuel about 3,650 vehicles used full time by state employees, a newspaper reported.

The annual cost of vehicles used by cabinet officers, deputy secretaries, chief counsels, bureau directors, state troopers and others totals about $15.6 million, The Patriot-News of Harrisburg reported Sunday.

Some employees are also allowed to use their state cars for personal use, said Gov. Ed Rendell's spokesman Chuck Ardo, who was assigned his own state vehicle last week.

"Many of those who drive state cars travel extensively as part of their duties," Ardo said. "While some travel less extensively, they are out routinely on state business. Many others who are assigned state cars are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

But Barry Kauffman, the executive director of the public watchdog group Common Cause Pennsylvania, said the number was excessive.

"It seems there needs to be an effort afoot to totally re-evaluate the policy on state cars," Kauffman said. "It's just beyond my ability to understand why we need to have 3,650 employees with permanently assigned cars."

Two state legislators, Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, are asking Auditor General Jack Wagner to do an audit of the use of state cars.

"It appears ... there are people who may have the use of a state vehicle for what is essentially a short commute to their place of employment in Harrisburg and are permitted to use the vehicle for their personal use," they said in a letter to Wagner. "That's what we're trying to determine."

The Rendell administration said that, since 2003, the size of the state fleet has declined. The fleet had 16,544 vehicles in 2004-05, compared with 16,307 this year.

The administration also said the mileage limit for vehicle replacements has been extended from 65,000 miles in 2003, when Rendell took office, to 100,000 for passenger cars and to 120,000 for commercial and sport utility vehicles.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's 2008 Voter's Guide: Todd Elliott Koger For State Rep.

The following information is now listed on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's 2008 Voter's Guide.

Biographical Information

Home Municipality: Wilkinsburg
Current occupation: Science Teacher
Education/Degrees: Duquesne University School of Law 87-90; B.A. Cal U; A.S. CCAC
Experience/qualifications: Law Clerk; Allegheny County Planner; Wilkinsburg Civil Service Commission
Community Involvement: WTAE Gold Medal Award (Community Service)
Web Site: www.toddelliottkoger.blogspot.com
Email: kogerfriend@gmail.com

Do you favor property tax reform, and if so, by what methods?

Todd Elliott Koger: HB 1275, The School Property Elmination Act, is still in the Appropriations Committee. On March 25, 2008, Joe Preston told the Post-Gazette Editorial Borad that he "wasn't aware of 1275 . . . ? " In the end, the taxpayers have again paid the price for the ridiculous political gamesmanship of this dysfunctional legislature. They promised tax relief in 2006, but only just offered tax rebates for the senior citizen voting block (for the primary election). We have a Democratic governor and House, if the Democratic leadership (Preston) would be willing to support HB 1275 it certainly could solve the problem.

Please state your views on privatizing the state liquor stores; expanding casino gambling beyond slot machines; and regulation of smoking in public places like restaurants and bars.

Todd Elliott Koger: Key lawmakers insist they are nearing a deal to snuff out more public smoking in Pennsylvania, but delayed voting on new indoor smoking limits. They want to attract enough votes to clear the Legislature while protecting children and workers from secondhand smoke. But the surgeon general's reports have stated there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke.

The political gamesmanship here is similar to Mr. Preston's vote in favor of Act 201 in 2004, a utility-friendly bill that made it easier to cut off customers with delinquent bills -- even in the dead of winter. Just before each primary, Preston suggests that he wants to amend the utility bill.

We have been played by politicians year after year, and the rate of homicides among black males is alarming. The leadership (Preston) hasn't been there on property tax reform, the smoking ban, nor gun violence issue, I pledge change if elected. I want to inspire young black males to see "honest" change.

Do you support the state's current plan to raise money for highways and transit through higher turnpike tolls and tolling Interstate 80? If not, what alternative do you support?

Todd Elliott Koger: On October 13, 2006, Mr. Preston suggested the following to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board -- "Other transit systems have found a way to operate without Saturday service" -- as a response to $32.5 million deficit facing the Port Authority. Mr. Preston prefers Port Authority raising the base fare, cutting service and/or laying off employees, although he says he supports dedicated funding.

Likewise, most state regulators have taken a more active stance in blocking takeovers they view as potentially damaging to customers, i.e., the purchase of Duquesne Light, as well as the Pa. Turnpike and Interstate 80 (leasing) -- Macquarie's sweet spot as far as infrastructure investing.

And, although Dominion Gas made more than $5 billion in profits last year, Preston is sponsoring legislation to impose customer charges to help gas utilities bear the cost of replacing deteriorated lines.

Should the size of the Legislature be reduced? By how much?

Todd Elliott Koger: Rep. Matt Smith, a Democrat from Mt. Lebanon, and Randy Vulakovich, a Shaler Republican, have introduced a bill they say could save $66 million. That would make tax relief easier but, like most money-saving ideas in Harrisburg, it has slim chance of success.

We have the second-most-expensive statehouse in America. And as a percentage of the total state budget, no state spends more money on its lawmaking body than Pennsylvania. First among states in legislative spending as a percentage of general government spending (0.53 percent). Second in total legislative spending. Third in legislative spending per citizen, $23.01. Second in size of permanent legislative staff, 2,947. And, the walking-around money that leaders dole out, that account grows each year ($215 million a year ago.)

In the past 14 months, lawmakers introduced more than 3,500 bills, but only 118 laws were enacted and 39 of those were budget bills. I support the Smith and Vulakovich bill that will cut 20 percent of the total state budget.

Koger, Prater Holiday Makes Issue Preston's Utility-Friendly Bill

Chris Potter wrote the following article for the Pittsburgh City Paper on April 10, 2008.

Say what you want about state Rep. Joseph Preston, but you can't say he's been able to take his job for granted.

The 24th House District includes Wilkinsburg and some of the poorest neighborhoods in the East End, including Homewood, Lincoln-Larimer, Garfield and East Liberty. Not surprisingly, discontent with civic leadership often runs high, and while Preston has been in office for a quarter-century, he barely won re-election in 2006, edging out challenger Ed Gainey by fewer than 100 votes.

Preston was arguably saved by the presence of a third candidate, William Anderson, who peeled off more than 500 anti-incumbent votes. A similar split-the-opposition dynamic may take place this time around: Anderson is challenging Preston once again, and this time there are three challengers in the race. Preston also has superior financial resources: Even after spending more than $22,000 last year, his campaign still had more than $15,000 left over in the bank. His rivals -- Anderson, Lucille Prater-Holliday and Todd Eliot Koger -- had not reported any contributions as of press time.

To those who criticize the lack of progress in the district, Preston's response is, "These things take time."

While acknowledging struggles in his district, Preston points to the resurgence of development in long-dormant East Liberty as proof that that change is happening, however slowly. "Eight years ago we planted the seeds" for the East Liberty renewal, he told a crowd gathered at the Hill House for a Just Harvest candidate's forum on April 3. And he pledged to extend development into Larimer and Homewood. "It's about effectively doing it and not talking about it," he said, calling himself the "only local official who's never had a press conference."

But if Preston is shy about taking credit, few of his rivals are willing to give him any.

During his own presentation to the Just Harvest crowd, Anderson stressed a need to avoid gentrifying the neighborhood, seeking to preserve and improve the community for those who already live there. "Instead of tearing down our communities," he said, "vacant properties in our community could be job creators," especially for area youth. Anderson, who owns an automobile body shop in Homewood, also said he'd also seek to raise the state's minimum wage, and overhaul the school system.

Prater-Holliday, meanwhile, says she "doesn't intend to sit at a table and wait for a crumb, as our current representative does." She's campaigning on a reform platform to reduce the size of the legislature and prevent further legislative pay hikes.

Both Holliday and Koger have also made a campaign issue of Preston's vote in favor of Act 201 in 2006, a utility-friendly bill that made it easier to cut off customers with delinquent bills -- even in the dead of winter. (Preston has since sought to amend the utility bill and to wrest more heating-assistance money from the federal government to help low-income families pay their bills.) "I think Mr. Preston sold out to utility companies," Koger says, flatly.

Koger adds that voters "have been played by politicians year after year" on issues like property-tax reform and anti-gun measures. "The rate of homicides among black males is alarming," he says, but the legislature has done little to stop the problem. Koger believes some failed gun-control measures were unconstitutional anyway. "The leadership hasn't been there on the gun-violence issue," he says, pledging to change that if elected.

Both Anderson and Koger have delinquent taxes on properties they own, and Anderson has twice been convicted of drug charges. Still, in a race where Prater-Holliday speaks at length about her own financial troubles getting prescription drugs, such issues may not register as much. (Koger, for example, explains his tax debt by saying "I don't make $70,000 a year like Mr. Preston. I'm struggling barely above minimum wage.") Preston himself was charged with harassment by a former staffer last year; his conviction was overturned, but that hasn't stopped Prater-Holliday from listing "lawmakers who commit domestic violence and other crimes" as a public-safety issue on her campaign Web site.

And Preston is fighting fire with fire. During his own Just Harvest appearance, Preston began by asserting "I don't make sly remarks about others" -- and ended by slyly inviting constituents to drop by his house, "where the taxes are paid."

Koger: He wants to "inspire the young black males to see honest change."

Rich Lord wrote the following on April 1, 2008, for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Mr. Koger . . .

He said he wants to win in part to "inspire the young black males to see honest change."

He'd start by pushing for "a constitutionally correct way" to track handguns. He said he wants to bring job-creating development -- but not the kind that is "further isolating the most needy" by hiding troubled neighborhoods behind pretty facades.

He has taught middle school science for the Duquesne City Schools since last year, and prior to that clerked in a law office. He attended the Duquesne University School of Law from 1987 through 1990 . . .

"I think I have experienced some of the things that the most needy have experienced."

Todd Elliott Koger "I want to help the most needy. . ."

Justin Vellucci wrote the following on 3/17/08 for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Rep. Joseph Preston Jr. faces three challengers in the April 22 Democratic primary -- each a self-styled reformer attempting to use the promise of change to knock the longtime incumbent out of office.
Preston, who won re-election two years ago in the 24th District by just 93 votes, is campaigning on his experience as well as citing how officials have triggered a recent surge of development in and around East Liberty.

"It's not about giving away money. It's really about working with an area that's been neglected for years and stabilizing it," said Preston, 60, of East Liberty, a former personnel consultant who has served in the state House since 1983. "East Liberty is alive and well."

Preston's opponents say the district is not thriving and Preston is out of touch with his constituents.

"The priorities and values of our district are not reflected in the current leadership," said Lucille Prater-Holliday, 51, of Wilkinsburg, a human resources contractor and chairwoman of the Wilkinsburg Civil Service Commission. "I feel I am the candidate that can bring the change that is needed."
Prater-Holliday says she wants to focus more on domestic issues such as crime and education.

Todd Elliott Koger and William Anderson also call themselves candidates who can bring about change in how Homewood and other communities are represented in Harrisburg.

"I want to give back," said Koger, 46, a lifelong Wilkinsburg resident, science teacher and former law clerk. "I want to help those that are the most needy. That's me, all my life. I consider myself a lifelong public servant."

Koger, who ran against Preston as an independent in 2006, said he wants to tackle gun violence and repeal a state law that allows utility companies to shut off gas and electric service during winter months.

Anderson, a lifelong Homewood resident, echoed similar goals as well as opposition to the Mon-Fayette Expressway, a desire to fight the predatory lenders that triggered the recent mortgage crisis and concerns over development that resembles gentrification instead of revitalization.

"The only way I feel I can turn my community around ... is to be the representation I'm looking for," said Anderson, 35, who runs his own auto body shop in Homewood.

Anderson's background could add a wrinkle to the race.

In 1998, he pleaded guilty to dealing drugs and was sentenced to two years' probation -- something Preston says could keep him from serving if elected.

Election winners may not take office if they have been convicted of what the state constitution deems an infamous crime, said Rebecca Halton, deputy press secretary for the Department of State. The state House would determine if a winning candidate is qualified and whether to seat him.

Rep. Jake Wheatley, who serves in Harrisburg despite pleading guilty in 1992 to charges of larceny and assault and battery, declined to comment.

Anderson said he is not hiding from the mistakes of his past.

"Only people that don't know me are stigmatized by that," he said. "The gloves are off, but I'm not going to lower myself to that type of politics, that type of campaign."

The district includes East Liberty, Homewood and neighboring areas including Aspinwall and Wilkinsburg.

Todd Elliott Koger Answers Questions (Post-Gazette "My Homewood") 3/27/08

The following is taken from "My Homewood" a Post-Gazette Online Journal (3/27/08).

Three of the four 24th District candidates visited the PG Tuesday: Lucille Prater-Holliday, Todd Elliott Koger and Joe Preston. William Anderson was absent.

I had two questions from you folks, my readers.

1) What can be done from the legislator's position to develop support for HBCCO's Arts & Culture Goals and Objectives as this relates to its Strategic Plan?

Mr. Preston, the incumbent, noted that he has already been working with HBCCO and that his office has funded arts and culture events and initiatives such as the Trolley Museum and the Homewood Avenue mural below the East Busway station.

Mr. Koger said that he was not familiar with HBCCO's strategic plan, but that "any organization with a viable scope of services and positive outcomes" deserves support.

Ms. Prater-Holliday said "We need to do everything in our power to make sure that we provide funding for arts and culture programs for our children."

2) This question was on behalf of those who have expressed an interest in rehabbing a house in Homewood and using it as an investment property: Are there programs that do not require you to reside in the home you want assistance in repairing? If not, what initiative might you propose to create one?

Mr. Koger said, "There should be leadership to guide them through the process to help them identify the funding."

Ms. Prater-Holliday referred to Mayor Ravenstahl's iniitiative to demolish vacant and abandoned homes. If I heard her correctly, she mentioned the figure of $700,000 being spent to have homes torn down, and said that money would be better utilized for rehabbing properties. I say "if I heard her correctly," because I have not been able to find any other mention of that dollar amount in regards to the demo project, and perhaps she said "several hundred thousand dollars."

Mr. Preston gave the longest and most complex answer, pointing out that many of the vacant homes are estate properties that are hung up in probate court, where the estate settlement process can take six years. He also said that he had spoken with Councilman Burgess Monday about vacant homes (the councilman confirms this), and "we can't depend on people on the outside to do things for us."

I listened hard, honest, but I could not tell that any of the candidates answered the question. But so far, the short answer to the question, "Are there programs that do not require you to reside in the home you want assistance in repairing?" is "No."

2008 Current Wave Gun Violence Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

" As police arrested one suspect and sought another in the shooting death Monday of a 12-year-old Perry South girl, authorities announced an intensified effort to combat a sharp upswing in gang violence." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 31, 2008.

Todd Elliott Koger, Candidate Pa. State Representative District 24

"NO QUESTIONS ASKED INNER-CITY OMBUDSMAN PROJECT"

A RESULT-ORIENTED GRANT APPLICATION/PROPOSAL TO STOP THE CURRENT WAVE OF GUN VIOLENCE.

INTRODUCTION:

"As is always the case at rallies against violence, there will be eloquent and impassioned speeches about the need for self-esteem, the value of education and the importance of conflict resolution. What won't be in the offing are easy answers about how to deal with the plague of gun violence." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 28, 2007.

VISION:

Unemployment, poverty, declining physical structures, single-parent households, violent crime, drug-related activity, poor health, and hunger are all among the problems suffered disproportionately. The target communities have a high incidence of (1) violent crime evidenced by a high rate of calls of police service; (2) drug-related activity as evidence by sales and known crack houses; (3) economic deprivation evidenced by substantially high unemployment, food stamps dependency and public assistance; and, (4) an elevated high school dropout rate. As the litany suggests, the needs are great.

The answer is simple. It starts with one man or woman, committed to a set of specific and result-oriented procedures and good faith, coming forward and requesting nothing more than the opportunity to do some good. The answer isn't as complex as local decision makers claim. To start it will take little more than donated office space, a telephone, computer, and possibly a van. That is, our youth are not faring well! This project should have started yesterday. . . .

We don't need another politician who is visible only before election time, always followed by the media, meeting with the already self-disciplined and organized block watch groups or tenant councils. We need someone welcome by those normally "too hard to reach" because he or she produces tangible results and is trusted as a "homegrown" trying to do some good.

"Stomp the Yard," a coming of an age movie, celebrates how human spirit, brotherhood, and trial and struggle can work together to produce a positive change in the life of a young man with a hard-luck background. The film evokes strong discussion of the importance of education, tradition and contemporary culture. It depicts the college experience as a medium that can positively enhance and transform the lives of youth.

The "no questions asked" vision is to use the initial draw to camaraderie to promote close association and mutual support among youth in Pittsburgh's poorest neighborhoods. Using the success of Greek life at black colleges and universities as a model, one man or woman with a vision can instill principles of fellowship, good character and uplifting of humanity into the lives of our hardest to reach residents. In short, black fraternities and sororities arose from the hostility students experienced in the early 20th century and its support systems and social networks have shaped and nurtured our youth cultivating many of today's leaders. Through support suppression activities and a "bridge" to prevention, as well as neighborhood reclamation and restoration, job training and support service, the demonstration project will offer a greater proportion of the region's most needy population opportunity to better interact with society.

Sometimes just being there, available and willing to help a struggling individual secure a working refrigerator for his Mom, a child's bed for his kid, or curtains/mini blinds for the windows at his girlfriend's apartment, will keep a troubled individual out of harm's way!

"What's needed is a trusted advocate steadfast to the challenge of canvassing the most dangerous neighborhood [door-to-door, corner-to-corner, housing-project-to-housing-project] to redress those barriers that have systematically prevented inner-city residents from becoming productive participants in mainstream society."

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

1. One individual (man or woman) will serve as the lead applicant as part of a partnership grant application for the program, but other public and private partners whose mission is to provide job preparation and training, placement assistance, employment opportunities, and related social services and supports for youth with special needs (to help them enjoy the dignity and benefits of work and a better quality of life) will be identified and recruited to collaborate and make the project a success.

2. At a minimum to participate youth will be required to do nothing more than complete an application specifically developed to collect relevant information related to this opportunity, and every unemployed youth (and targeted communities) will be identified and approached at least once or twice. The completed applications will be screened (any ambiguity clarified with the applicant) and a second meeting scheduled immediately to determine the applicant's true interest and assess actual needs.

3. Educational and job training services and support activities are planned to provide instruction (life and workplace skills) necessarily to balance employment, family and personal needs. That is long-term vocational success is contingent upon the ability of an individual to manage the demands of whole-life activities. Attitude skills, communication, critical thinking, motivation, personal/social skills, leisure planning, self-presentation, life management skills and the use of community resources (supports and infrastructure that will be needed to maintain employment and family) are planned topics to be addressed in this component.

4. Job readiness activities will focus on preparing participants to meet employers' expectations and the region's labor market demand. Hiring trends, career exploration, networking, interview strategies, leadership skill development, job retention and career development/advancement strategies are planned topics. The educational and job training plans will be individualized to meet the expected diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and skills level of the participants. Once sufficient private and/or public funds are identified participants will begin to receive minimum wage pay (during the academic and support services educational phase of the program) as positive reinforcement.

5. Leadership development activities will be incorporated into the daily schedule. Technical and tactical proficiency; communication, professional ethics; planning; use of available systems; decision making; teaching and counseling; conflict resolution; supervision; and team development, are planned topics to be addressed in this component. In addition, each participant will be required to identify a community need that can be addressed through a group volunteer activity.

6. Counseling and support services are the primary objectives of the program. As an Ombudsman the lead applicant will keep current about community resources available to assist any youth identified. He or she will share information with, and make referrals regularly to, community-based partners which provide the needed services. In particular, these services include drug and alcohol treatment, food banks, emergency shelters and transitional housing, medical services, psychological counseling, services for abused women and children, and more.

7. Case management will be provided to instill principles of fellowship, good character and uplifting of humanity into the lives of the participants. The lead applicant will develop provision to allow daily case management/counseling contact with each participant, and intensive case management services will be provided on an as needed basis (when a participant is absent or displays any behavior that raises questions regarding the individual's motivation to continue).

8. Job coaching contacts are planned for any participant actually placed into employment to reinforce academic, leadership, job readiness, and life skills learned in the classroom.

9. On-the-job training is planned to provide the participants with work experience to facilitate an informed decision when choosing a career. In addition, the training is structured so that participants will develop confidence and realized the fruit of their labor. Planned partnerships with the region's business community will guarantee 100 percent placement of those completing the program. That is, the program will teach marketable job skills, and help neighborhood youth gain a positive and productive life (giving hardest to reach residents a beginning means of achieving a future for them and their families).

The following outline indicates the job development and placement objectives.

Identify job opportunities and secure employer commitments.

Prepare participants for job interviews, including checking references.

Match participants to jobs and arrange interviews.

Conduct follow-up job coaching, documenting results.

Conduct follow-up interviews to ensure successful placement and an employee/employer match.

10. Special provision to Map blight and decay is also planned. Many neighborhoods continued to be plagued with areas of blight and decay, often exemplified with streets of run-down and abandoned housing. Creation of affordable housing represents a major step toward a stable society.

STAFFING RATIONALE:

An established nonprofit partner will agree to perform, in a good faith and professional manner, the servicing, administration and supervision of the Project. It will immediately hire the lead applicant as the Executive Director to develop an implementation plan (i.e., within weeks he or she will develop a program manual, personnel policy, and the like), and when funding permits hire a profession and capable support staff.

The Executive Director will be responsible for the administration, management and overall operation of the program. He or she will be responsible for setting up the administrative office and training center. The office will have regular business hours, and will be located on a public transportation route. The hours will be posted and advertised. Phones will always be answered, and every concern will be immediately addressed, and the participant's success will be measured by more than just enrollment, but the overall empowerment the individual will provide to his or her family, the group, and their neighborhood as a whole.

All personnel and sub-recipient personnel whose salaries are paid in whole or in part by the funding provider will keep accurate time records. The records will be kept current and readily available for inspection. Authorized time sheets will accompany each request for funds. These time sheets will coincide with the time logs in the administrative nonprofit's files. All personal files will be protected under local, state, and federal privacy laws.

At the end of the first month of actual operation, the Executive Director will implement a "hand-on" leadership training session for any staff (based upon his or her professional study of other programs). In addition, the local university and college community will be lobbied to provide specialized staff training (lectures, classroom instruction, and special workshops).

Funding permitted a deputy administrator will also be hired for fiscal management within the first month. If not, he or she will be hired within three weeks of actual operation to implement a fiscal plan having the ability to generate accurate and timely fiscal information, and to submit such reports as required by the Executive Director, nonprofit partner, and/or any funding source.

The fiscal plan will maintain a set of accounts of original entry under a system of sound internal accounting and administrative control to the extent necessary to document all transactions and to evaluate and permit audits of the system. Such provisions will provide control and assurances as to safeguarding all assets and funds received against loss from unauthorized use or disposition. The fiscal plan will have provision and responsibility for implementing the development of private funds and/or partnerships with government and community-based organizations in a manner sufficient to achieve matching private funds for a second, third or fourth year.

A long-range plan will be established by the midpoint of the first year. The premise: It is understood that everything can't be completed and accomplished at once. Making a coordinated plan is essential. Particular goals will be targeted initially and as time goes areas will be emphasized and other areas of past success will be maintained. Within the first month of actual operation, the deputy will develop a plan for performance evaluation. Included in the plan will be provision for immediate modifications and/or revisions concerning performance when problems have been identified. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal year and/or long-term period, the program will have a measurable performance standard from which to be held accountable for success and failure.

OVERSIGHT OF PROJECT:

Those providing funds for this project will be responsible for the administration of their individual contract. With respect to substantive decisions related to the carrying out of contract activities, including the modification or termination of any contract, the relevant funding provider will act at the direction of its own administration.

A designated administrator of the funding provider will maintain oversight of all work performed by the administrative nonprofit partner and/or any designated subcontractor. The funding provider will additionally provide guidance and cooperation vis-a-vis linkage with its social service network.

The administrative nonprofit partner, by quarterly written report, will inform any funding provider of the implementation of planned activities. Quarterly financial reports will be submitted within 30 days following each quarter, until such time as all funds have been expended or the period of availability has expired. Additionally, brief narrative quarterly progress reports will be submitted within 30 days following each quarter. The progress report will provide detailed account of activities undertaken during that quarter (any obstacles encountered during the project's implementation and how these obstacles were addressed, will be identified along with the next quarter's goals). With the Third quarter report, during a full program year, the administrative nonprofit will include an assessment of the program sustainability at the conclusion of the contract, and the level of funding required, if any, to continue program operation into a second, third or fourth year. A draft final report which summarizes project activities and employment outcomes and related results of the program will be submitted no later than the expiration date of the funding. The final report will be submitted no later than 60 days after the funding expiration date.

The funding provider will furnish the administrative nonprofit partner with its procedure for "request for payment." The administrative nonprofit partner will use such procedure to itemize all personnel, project management, and consultant services expenses for the period of the cost report. The Executive Director of the project will list each invoice for personnel, project management, and consultant services, the date of, and period covered by each invoice and the applicable funding source share of that invoice as outlined in the approved cost allocation plan. All invoices must be totaled and that amount must agree with the contracted amount requested for that period of time.

Additionally, the Executive Director will complete a "Contract Status Report" to accompany each "Request for Payment." The administrative nonprofit partner understands that project management expense incurred will not be approved by the finding source unless the request satisfies all requirements described within. "Request for Payments" which do not fulfill all requirements will be returned to the Executive Director for correction. The funding source will not make any corrections. The administrative nonprofit partner agrees to make certain that all "Request for Payments" are complete and accurate prior to submission.

INCOME AND EXPENSES BUDGET:

(To be completed by the administrative nonprofit partner)

FUNDING SCHEDULE:
(To be completed by the administrative nonprofit partner)

CONTACT INFORMATION:
(To be completed by the administrative nonprofit partner)

SAMPLE DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY OF A TARGETED COMMUNITY:

The number of violent crimes in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, recorded by the FBI in 2003 was 209.

The number of murders and homicides was 6.

The violent crime rate was 1.1 per 1,000.

POPULATION:

Total Population 19,196
Square Miles (land) 2.30
Population Per Square Mile 8,335.09

GENDER:

Male 8,439
Female 10.757

AGE:

15 or younger 3,863
16-24 2,093
25-44 5,759
45-64 4,442
65+ 3,039

RACE AND ETHNICITY:

White 5,615
Black 12,768
American Indian/Alaska Nat. 72
Asian 156
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 12
Some Other Race 105
Two or More Races 468
Hispanic or Latino 216



INCOME:

Median Household Income $26,621

Per Capita Income $16,890

PER CAPITA INCOME BY RACE:

White $24,169
Black $13,923
Native American $9,129
Asian $20,599
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander $5,560
Some Other Race $6,314
Two or More Races $14,432
Hispanic or Latino $13,381

HOUSING:

Total Housing Units 10,696
Renter-Occupied Housing 5,346
Rent as a Pct. Revenue 26.8
Median Rent 407

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT:

Population 3 years and over 4,706
Preschool/Kindergarten 495
Grades 1-12 3,146
College 1,065

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:

High School Graduates 4,163
Some College/Associate's 3,935
Bachelor's Degree 1,807
Master's, Doctorate Degree 1,152

Todd Elliott Koger Candidate Pa. State Rep.: Immigrants' Rights

Public Session for Immigrants’ Rights

Todd Elliott Koger, candidate for state representative (District 24) ask that you join PFOI to protect Immigrants, Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at 10:00 A.M.. Pittsburgh City Council Chambers, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pa 15219.

To speak call: 412-255-2138.

First, a simple but often-forgotten note, in federal law, there is no such thing as an “illegal immigrant.” A person who is legally in the United States either is here as a legal immigrant or has a “non-immigrant VISA,” meaning a tourist, student or temporary worker VISA. In short, immigrants have the same rights as the rest of us. They must be treated, exactly the same as any other person. The bottom line: there are just a few exceptions: immigrants can’t become president or vice-president, and green-card holders’ can’t vote.

At issue, however, is the status of illegal aliens on the state and local level.

Congress recently passed legislation authorizing the construction of a multibillion dollar fence along the U.S. - Mexico border and appropriated money for detention centers and an additional 1,500 border agents. But, at the same time, other immigrant-friendly “rational middle ground” proposals (compromise between mass deportation and amnesty) have stalled in Washington, including legislation that will give millions of illegal aliens already in the United States a chance to become a citizen.

There is a deliberate tactic designed to advance an “enforcement first” political agenda at the state and local level that PFOI and others, will address this Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at 10:00 A.M., at the Pittsburgh City Council Chambers, 414 Grant Street.

Enforcement first advocates want to change the sequencing of border security, interior enforcement, and guest worker plans. Their strategy (partisan maneuvering) aims to force passage at the state and local level of enforcement laws in lieu of federal action. Among the policy goals of the “enforcement first” initiative PFOI protest are as follow: (1) new state laws for employment eligibility verification and denial of business licenses; (2) new state laws mandating local law enforcement agencies to identify and turn over to Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) all aliens who pass through local jails and state prisons; (3) prohibition of aliens access to social services; and (4) outlawing of “sanctuary cities” through penalties in state funding. Their plan is to elect pro-enforcement officials.

What PFOI suggests an alternative policy, to foster cooperation between state and local officials, law enforcement, the human service system and the region’s immigrant communities are needed. Without cooperation an entire segment of Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) becomes alienated from the system. That is, non-citizens, even during the recent wave of gun-violence, will be reluctant to report incidents of crime or come forward as witnesses for fear of exposing themselves to immigration related charges. Consider this, while domestic-abuse survivors are typically terrified or reporting abuse under any circumstances, in households with undocumented non-citizens, the fear is compounded by the chance that they or someone they love could be deported.

Direction and inspiration at the state and local level to foster cooperation should come from our concern for those who are most affected by the “enforcement first” initiative and partisan maneuvering. When the discrimination is truly a remnant, PFOI will be able to put down their signs and petitions and call it a day. Nonetheless, until then, don’t expect PFOI to be quiet and what they say will reverberate far beyond Pittsburgh city council chambers.

KDKA's Voter's Guide: Unequal Time, Censorship

PLEASE NOTE: FOR UNEXPLAINED REASONS KDKA FAILED TO LIST TODD ELLIOTT KOGER AS JOE PRESTON'S OPPONENT IN THEIR VOTER'S GUIDE FOR TWO DAYS.

LAST NIGHT MR. KOGER COMPLAINED.

THEREAFTER, KDKA FORWARDED ITS CANDIDATE'S QUESTIONNAIRE.

TODAY, KDKA PROVIDED THAT LISTED BELOW VIS-A-VIS AN EMAIL.


Mr. Koger:

Thank you for your submission for our 2006 voter guide. We appreciate your cooperation

Since the guide is a part of our website, we reserve the right to review all responses and edit for clarity and content.

Before we publish your responses, though, we wanted to make you aware that our voter guide is meant to give candidates the opportunity to present their platforms to potential voters, not as a forum to criticize their opponents. We do provide a link to your own campaign website.

That said, we have decided to omit some of your responses which specifically reference Mr. Preston.

I'm forwarding the revised version for your approval. If you would like to add any other comments, please feel free to send them directly to me at and I will see that they get posted. Otherwise, if you approve our revisions as listed below, I can publish your page immediately.

Thank you for your participation.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Pollard
KDKA Website Manager

Campaign Message (WILL NOT BE INCLUDED FOR REASONS DISCUSSED ABOVE):

Before Act 201 passed, utility and power companies donated $4,650 to Joe Preston. Next, Mr. Preston rushed from committee Act 201 -- made it easier for the utility companies to terminate service.

Q:

What do you think is the most important issue facing Pennsylvania?

Your Original Response:

I am a democrat running as an independent. Finding a permanent solutions for the fiscal problems of school districts (school property tax relief) is important. However, in district 24, specifically, a trusted advocate steadfast to the challenge of canvassing the most dangerous neighborhoods -- door-to-door, corner-to-corner, housing project-to-housing project -- to redress the complaints, concerns and needs of inner-city residents. Lethal gun-violence is tearing our great city apart. Every murder is a senseless loss for a family and the wave of violence is an intolerable epidemic for the region as a whole.

In district 24 the approach of nightfall is dreaded. Our fear is punctuated by sound of gunfire, screams and wailing. However, missing from Mr. Preston's is sadness, anger or outrage over the rising body count, or how close gun-violence is to our schools. In fact, when thugs began selling drugs in front of Mr. Preston's office, rather than address the issue, he moved his office!

Edited Response:

I am a Democrat running as an Independent. Finding a permanent solution for the fiscal problems of school districts (school property tax relief) is important. However, in District 24, specifically, a trusted advocate steadfast to the challenge of canvassing the most dangerous neighborhoods -- door-to-door, corner-to-corner, housing project-to-housing project -- to redress the complaints, concerns and needs of inner-city residents. Lethal gun-violence is tearing our great city apart. Every murder is a senseless loss for a family and the wave of violence is an intolerable epidemic for the region as a whole.

In District 24 the approach of nightfall is dreaded. Our fear is punctuated by sound of gunfire, screams and wailing. However, missing is sadness, anger or outrage over the rising body count, or how close gun-violence is to our schools.

Q:

Should there be a constitutional convention to reduce the size of the Legislature?

Your Original Response:

Many residents of District 24 have formed certain perceptions about our leaders and system of government that represents an overall lack of trust. That is, public confidence plays a significant role in the ability to advocate. Perceptions influence and even shape behavior. We must reform our current system of government. For example, on April 17, 2006, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board decided: "It's time for an unapologetic Joe Preston to go!" On October 13, 2006, Joe Preston continued to demonstrate a lack of remorse telling the editorial board that he, in fact, will not return the pay raise. Thus, democratic community leaders requested that I run as an independent against Joe Preston.

Edited Response:

Many residents of District 24 have formed certain perceptions about our leaders and system of government that represents an overall lack of trust. That is, public confidence plays a significant role in the ability to advocate. Perceptions influence and even shape behavior. We must reform our current system of government.

Q:

What is the best way to handle the pay of legislators, executive branch members and judges?

Your Original Response:

Legislators, the executive branch and judges are already paid too much. In fact, since Joe Preston rushed from the committee, without any public hearing, legislation (Act 201) that made it much easier for the utility companies to terminate the gas, electric and water service of poor, low-income customers and reversed the longstanding state moratorium on shutting off heat and electric during winter, a moratorium should now be applied to legislators’ pay. Nonetheless, after needed reform, pay could be tied to the rate of inflation. But only, if funding for public transit operation is additionally tied to the rate of inflation. Democratic community leaders requested that I run as an independent against Joe Preston.

Edited Response:

Legislators, the executive branch and judges are already paid too much. Nonetheless, after needed reform, pay could be tied to the rate of inflation. But only, if funding for public transit operation is additionally tied to the rate of inflation.

Rep. Joe Preston Tells Post-Gazette: "Other Transit Systems Have Found a Way to Operate Without Saturday Service"

Joe who? For decades we looked to state Rep. Joe Preston to become more accountable. But as the years have drifted by, he drifted further and further away. A good example: On October 13, 2006, Mr. Preston suggested the following to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board "Other transit systems have found a way to operate without Saturday service" as a response to $32.5 million deficit facing the Port Authority. In short, it appears that Mr. Preston prefers Port Authority raising the base fare, cutting service and/or laying off employees, although he says he supports dedicated funding. That is, to evoke public anger (pitting riders against workers) he has adopted spin that suggests Port Authority "must learn to make do with less and balance their operating budgets with service cuts and/or fare hikes."

Port Authority announced $36 million as the projected deficit for 2006-07. Because the federal government does little to subsidize urban public transit operations, the deficit burden falls on the state and local government. Governor Rendell has proposed raising the authority's subsidy 2 percent for next year, generating about $2 million. But such doesn't change the fact that the legislature must provide dedicated, predictable long-term funding. Hopes for such funding sit partly with a nine-member transportation reform and funding commission that the governor formed through executive order. The commission is looking at highways, bridges, aviation and rail freight programs as well as transit. However, its final report isn't due until November 15 (after the Nov. 7, General Election).

The familiar spin that Mr. Preston offered to the editorial board is commentary attempting to force the state's transit systems and their union employees to accept competitive bidding in their labor agreements. To impress reluctant legislators like Rep. Preston the Port Authority has reduced management personnel and administrative expenses and has made an effort to reduce the annual deficit in all the areas which are within their control. That is, Port Authority's operating costs have grown by 1.9 percent per year, well below the rate of inflation. In fact, the cost of bus service per passenger mile is 26 percent less than the average of comparable systems and the general administrative costs per unit of service were 40 percent less. Thus, Port Authority costs per vehicle hour and vehicle mile of service are considerably less than other transit agencies of similar size.

However, funding for public transit operations in Pennsylvania does not keep up with inflation. Had the state's General Fund operating subsidy grown by the rate of inflation over the past 14 years, more than $500 million would have been available to Pennsylvania transit systems, including $125 million to Port Authority (far more than would have been needed to offset current operating deficits). In short, there are two main funding streams for public transit operations in Pennsylvania. One is called the General Fund for Mass Transit Operating Assistance Budget Line Item. In 1995 this fund provided around $247 million for public transit operating assistance statewide. In 2004, the same fund provided around $270 million ( a 1 percent annual increases in funding over a 10-year period). The other funding system is called the Public Transit Assistance Fund. It is supplied by such sources as a $1 fee per tire on new tire sales, a $2 per day fee on car rentals, a 3 percent tax on motor vehicles leases, and 1.22 percent of the state sales and uses tax capped at $75 million. This funding stream has grown by only 1.3 percent over the past several years. Groups such as Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (33 congregational and organizational members) have called for dedicated funding because public transit is an essential public service, much like our education system and the construction and maintenance of our highway system. Like public transportation, those services are subsidized, and for a good reason. They benefit society as a whole. Public transportation is no different.

For almost 43 years the Port Authority has been providing comprehensive public transportation services safely and effectively to the poor and low-income of District 24 (one of the Nation's most difficult transit environments). Every year, we worry about whether we can depend on our bus being there when we need it to "connect us to life." Eliminating Saturday service as Rep. Preston suggested to the Post-Gazette editorial board is "just out of the question." Reliable convenient schedules, clean comfortable equipment, and economical fares for the 68 million rides provided annually (240,000 on the average weekday) will only come to pass with dedicated and predictable funding streams. If public transit budgets are to be balanced by reducing (non-peak) Saturday services, then potential new riders will stay in their cars and increase traffic congestion, and the costs of maintenance of our road and highway system.

Todd Elliott Koger, candidate for State Representative (District 24), requests that you take action during Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network's Public Action, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 26, 2006, at Petra International Ministries, 235 Eastgate Drive (Old East Hills Shopping Center). More than 1500 or more concerned residents from this region will be present.

http://koger.7p.com

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Time For an Unapologetic Rep. Joe Preston To Go!"

On April 17, 2006, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board decided: "It's time for an unapologetic Preston to go!"

On October 13, 2006, Joe Preston continued to demonstrate a lack of remorse telling the editorial board that he, in fact, will not return the pay raise.

It's this simple: Mr. Preston is one of the lone symbols of this controversy who still believes a nod-nod, wink-wink from the Governor, local political leaders and the media can protect him from any further public ridicule.

In short, Mr. Preston has recently demonstrated unprecedented arrogance suggesting an attitude and confidence that are embarrassing.

Possibly nothing more than just election year theatrics, at one point his Consumer Affairs Committee had the majority of us believing landmark legislation (HB 2880) calling for cable choice and competition was poised to advance to the floor of the House for a vote. Although an apparent majority of the public, education, and government access channels, and pertinent union membership groups testified during statewide public hearings that they approved the proposed legislation, last week Joe Preston pulled the bill from consideration. The proposed streamlined franchising process would better benefit customers by ushering in a myriad of TV choices and lower prices. Since 1995 cable rates have increased more than 86 percent. Since 2001 cable prices have increased four times faster than the rate of the consumer price index.

In the months before Act 201 passed two years ago, utility and power companies donated $4,650 to Preston's reelection campaign. And, after accepting lucrative campaign contributions from the utility and power companies, Joe Preston wrapped a "moral responsibility" cloak around Act 201 (Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act), and rushed from committee legislation that makes it much easier for the seediest financial interest in the country to terminate the gas, electric and water service of poor, low-income customers. That is, his leadership reversed a long-standing state ban on shutting off heat during winter. Note: Throughout the entire process, there was not a single public hearing on the measure.

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority board, under Mr. Preston's leadership voted to raise rates this year and next (third and fourth consecutive years). The increase affects around 65,000 city households that get their water from the authority. Another 30,000 households in the city's southern neighborhoods, which are served by Pennsylvania American Water Co., will also see their rates rise, because those rates are pegged to the authority's. The hikes also hit commercial and industrial users, who pay less than households, and health and educational institutions, which pay more. The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, which levies a separate charge based on water usage, increased rates 10 percent effective Jan. 1. Although voters had shot down a referendum to build two new stadiums officials proceeded with the plan anyway and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority paid $550,000 to build sewer lines for the new Steelers stadium and surrounding area on the North Side. In addition, two former Authority employees were paid $210,000 to settle whistle-blower lawsuits. Former executive director John Hanna claimed in his federal lawsuit that he had been fired for testifying before a federal grand jury that was investigating authority operations and for refusing to approve payments for a faulty sewer project at PNC Park. Dr. Michael Stallard's lawsuit claimed he was pressured to approve work that was not completed properly and fired after he protested payments. Finally, the Authority is paying Adam Filippo & Associates $90,750 to learn how customers feel about water and sewer service. At least $500 of that money was spent to treat the authority's business customers to lunch at the Duquesne Club, Downtown, during a February focus-group session. Seventeen people dined at the club.

But, in many of Joe Preston's District 24 neighborhoods the approach of nightfall is still dreaded. Our fear is punctuated by sound of gunfire, screams and wailing.

Cable Choice and Competition Act Withdrawn to Allow Comcast Free Ticket

There is a sobering reality present in Pennsylvania today, which incumbent Joe Preston and the people who blindly support him may have yet to fully comprehend – there is so much more to politics than what State Representative Joe Preston has offered District 24.

Possibly nothing more than just election year theatrics, at one point Mr. Preston's Consumer Affairs Committee had the majority of us believing landmark legislation (HB 2880) calling for cable choice and competition was poised to advance to the floor of the House for a vote. Two years ago he had surprised his constituents by quickly advancing from the committee, without a single public hearing, Act 201 (legislation that made it much easier for the seediest financial interest in the country to terminate the electric, gas, and water service of poor and low-income customers).

Nonetheless, on this occasion public hearings were held statewide to gather input and make things appear legitimate. And, together with Raymond Bunt, Jr. (R-147th District) and more than 80 additional cosponsors, the nearly flawless legislation (only lacked language to outlaw corporate redlining) was presented as an answer to the antiquated franchise system put in place decades ago. The redundant town-by-town franchises processes currently in place dramatically delays' consumer choice and, in fact, increase the cost of doing business, i.e., constituents not cable companies actually foot the franchises revenues.

Cable companies with long-standing franchises (Comcast) argued against the legislation, and opposition centered on a big lie: "municipalities won't get their franchise fees." Telecommunications firms (Verizon) and consumer agencies argued the proposed streamlined franchising process would better benefit customers by ushering in a myriad of TV choices and lower prices. And, although an apparent majority of the public, education, and government access channels, and pertinent union membership groups testified that they approved the proposed legislation, last week Joe Preston pulled the bill from consideration.

Since 1995 cable rates have increased more than 86 percent. Since 2001 cable prices have increased four times faster than the rate of the consumer price index.

JOE PRESTON MUST GO!

http://koger.7p.com

Under Joe Preston's Leadership City Water Rates Rise (Third and Fourth Consecutive Years)

JOE PRESTON MUST GO!

That is, on February 11, 2006, Rich Lord of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the following:

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority board voted to raise rates this year and next, in moves it said would hike the average household's monthly water and sewer bill by $5.

Authority Executive Director Greg Tutsock said the increases would allow the authority to weather jumps in chemical, utilities and labor costs, and continue working on improvements demanded by federal and state regulators. They may also help it reduce its reliance on debt, which devours half its revenue.

The authority's minimum monthly rate, for the first 1,000 gallons of water use, will rise from $13.88 to $14.42 on March 1, and to $14.67 on Jan. 1. Rates for each additional 1,000 gallons will rise from $6.46 to $6.99 in March, and to $7.50 next year.

For a typical household, using 5,000 gallons, that's a 12.5 percent hike by next year. That comes on top of rate increases of 19 percent in 2004 and 17 percent last year.

The increase affects around 65,000 city households that get their water from the authority. Another 30,000 households in the city's southern neighborhoods, which are served by Pennsylvania American Water Co., will also see their rates rise, because those rates are pegged to the authority's.

The hikes also hit commercial and industrial users, who pay less than households, and health and educational institutions, which pay more.

Top private sector water users include Del Monte Food, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and the West Penn Allegheny Health System. None responded to requests for comment.
To minimize the impact on households, the authority board raised some fees on businesses. It will now charge when it helps to design piping for new buildings larger than a duplex; make contractors pay for temporary meters for construction projects; and bill more for special water lines for fire sprinklers.

"We wanted to really make the increases as minimal as possible," Mr. Tutsock said.

The hikes will bring $4.6 million to the authority this year and $4.7 million next year, he said. That should allow it to reduce its dependence on borrowing, he said. It owes $622 million, a burden called "not healthy" by a consultant.

The authority is under orders from federal and state environmental regulators to improve sewer lines to stop sewage from flowing into the rivers when it rains. It expects to spend $300 million on those improvements over coming years.

Yesterday the board approved two contracts, totalling $4.9 million, with consultants on that effort.

In a submission to regulators in May, the authority indicated that its water rates were the second-highest among a dozen large public water suppliers in the area.

That analysis did not include sewer rates, which are included in water bills.

City households will still pay less than residents of some suburbs served by Pennsylvania American. Mt. Lebanon residents, for instance, pay a total of $8.18 per thousand gallons.

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, which levies a separate charge based on water usage, increased rates 10 percent effective Jan. 1.

Water authority board Chairman Joe Preston, a state representative from East Liberty, led the charge for the increase, which passed on a voice vote. He wished staff and consultants in attendance a "Merry Christmas" at the meeting's end.

http://koger.7p.com

Note: On March 13, 1999, John Bull wrote the following for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will spend $550,000 to build sewer lines for the new Steelers stadium and surrounding area on the North Side.

"I'm sure the ratepayers are in strong, adamant opposition," complained city Councilman Gene Ricciardi, a board member who voted against the plan. "This is a raid on the ratepayer."

Ricciardi, a staunch foe of new stadiums, said he is against the sewer expenditure because voters shot down a referendum to build two new stadiums but officials proceeded with the plan anyway.

The authority routinely pays for sewer and water line construction and relocation as an incentive for city economic development and housing developments, but Ricciardi insisted that it shouldn't in this case because it would benefit "million dollar athletes."

But supporters contended new sewers will benefit the entire 25-acre parcel that will house new stadiums for the Steelers and Pirates, and the expected construction of stores, restaurants and businesses that will accompany the stadiums.

"This will benefit not just the Steelers, not just the Pirates, but the entire city of Pittsburgh," said John Hanna, the authority's acting executive director.

The board voted 2-1 for the plan. Members Ann Davis and Joe Preston voted yes.

Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19990313water5.asp


In addition, on June 8, 2004, David M. Brown, Pittsburgh Tribune-review, wrote:

You might think that a government agency with a monopoly wouldn't have to pamper its customers with a pricey lunch at the exclusive Duquesne Club.

The people who run the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority don't agree. They're paying Adam Filippo & Associates $90,750 to learn how customers feel about water and sewer service.

At least $500 of that money was spent to treat the authority's business customers to lunch at the Duquesne Club, Downtown, during a February focus-group session. Seventeen people dined at the club.

Jim Roddey, a member of the state oversight board looking into the city's finances, questioned the study.

Finally, two former Authority employees were paid $210,000 to settle whistle-blower lawsuits. Former executive director John Hanna claimed in his federal lawsuit that he had been fired for testifying before a federal grand jury that was investigating authority operations and for refusing to approve payments for a faulty sewer project at PNC Park. Dr. Michael Stallard's lawsuit claimed he was pressured to approve work that was not completed properly and fired after he protested payments.


http://koger.7p.com

Todd Elliott Koger Offers Fresh, Common Sense Ideas (Candidate Pa. State Assembly)

Do you know a relative, friend or neighbor who recently experienced a utility shut-off? If so, than, Joe Preston must go!

In the months before the law passed, utility and power companies donated $4,650 to Preston's campaign, according to state records. During each of the previous two years, industry donors gave him less than a third of that.

And, after accepting lucrative campaign contributions from the utility and power companies (Allegheny Power, ARIPPA PAC, Columbia Gas, Dominion, Duquense Light, FirstEnergy Corp, PPL Corp, and the like), Joe Preston wrapped a "moral responsibility" cloak around Act 201 (Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act), and rushed from committee legislation that makes it much easier for the seediest financial interest in the country to terminate the gas, electric and water service of poor, low-income customers. That reversed a longstanding state ban on shutting off heat during winter. Note: Throughout the entire process, there was not a single public hearing on the measure.

That is, pursuant to Act 201 utility companies can now demand the balance due, a reconnection fee, and two months payment in advance. In other words, Joe Preston adopted the agenda of big business and they reciprocated with cash. All the sordid details of Mr. Preston's cosying up to the utilities in exchange for legislation that allows termination of service on all weekdays (including Fridays) even during winter months, must come out.

The residents of District 24 want to know exactly whose interests was served by leaving the poor and low-income without heat, electric and water in their homes during months when the mercury dips into the teens or lower, and wind can be howling and brutal?

By the end of December, gas companies had cut service to about 13,750 Pennsylvania homes, which is almost double the average number of homes who lost gas service during each of the previous four years, according to the Pennsylvania Utility Corporation. Another 3,795 homes in the state are relying on "potentially unsafe heating sources" like electric space heaters, kerosene heaters and kitchen stoves, the commission reported.

As per the May 2006 Primary (more people voted against Joe Preston than voted for him), it is plain and clear District 24 believes Joe Preston has become a part of the culture of corruption and cronyism in Harrisburg. The one-two punch of increased rates and the end of the moratorium of winter service terminations is shocking and, in many cases, life threatening.

---

TODD ELLIOTT KOGER OFFERS FRESH, COMMON SENSE, IDEAS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY OF OUR COMMUNITIES, PURSUE PERMANENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE FISCAL PROBLEMS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS (SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF), AND REDUCE THE SIZE OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

Last July's now repealed pay raise for lawmakers, judges and state administrators led to the defeat of a Supreme Court Justice in November and 17 incumbent legislators in the May primary. How the legislature passed the pay raise -- in the middle of the night, skirting a constitutional prohibition on mid-term raises -- angered people as much as the raises themselves. In the 24th District, Joe Preston's has further outraged residents because he has tailored legislation (Act 201)and his votes to the greed and special interest of big business.

http://koger.7p.com

Pa. Pay Raise, Act 201 Utility Terminations, No Lobbyist Disclosure Law, Bond Issue Transactions. . .

Did you know? Pennsylvania is the only state in the union that does not have a lobbyist disclosure law that monitors what lobbyists give to whom in the legislature in return for what kind of action.

$44,741

$38,080

$71,666

$26,100

$140,431

A lobbyist disclosure law is intended to make public the efforts of lobbyists and check the integrity of our elected representative. Such a law's effectiveness depends upon the toughness of its limits and the degree of openness that it requires.

Lack of such protection has resulted in some serious questions about the leadership and the attentiveness of our state representatives. The great slots legislation debate of 2003-04 came and went without a full accounting of what lobbyists spent to influence Act 71.

In the wake of the legislative pay raise fiasco, lawmakers have been especially intent about having a reform vote on their scorecard. Somehow, however, they went on summer break without enacting a new disclosure law to replace the one scuttled by the State Supreme Court four years ago.

---

For politically connected firms, routine Bond issue transactions have generated enough in attorney's fees to make Joe Preston blush.

But, hopefully, the pay raise and Act 201 issues will spur additional interest in the harmful acts of political malfeasance associated with the "pinstripe patronage" that attends every Bond issue.

Pennsylvania's track record on such matters is shameful. The Turnpike and other state agencies don't use competitive bidding for legal work.

Interestingly, Mr Preston gets the majority of his special interest money from the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association/Law PAC. The law firm Klett, Lieber Rooney & Schorling has also given Preston money.

Note: Klett Rooney received the most legal work (1.5 million) from the state Turnpike Commission over the past four years. This law firm with direct political connections to Mr. Preston has represented the Turnpike on two personal injury cases, two construction litigation cases and four cases on zoning and land use.

Klett Rooney (and Arthur Rooney II) donated about $128,300 to state Senate candidates and party committees from 1998 through 2004. Overall, the law firm contributed about $942,100 to state judicial, legislative and gubernatorial candidates and to political action committees.

An audit by the research arm of the state General Assembly in 1997 found that the Turnpike's Bond counsel fees were higher in most cases than those in six other toll states studied.

http://koger.7p.com

State Rep. (District 24) Joe Preston Hypocrite -- Utility Terminations, Act 201, Campaign Contributions

The poor and low-income residents of Pennsylvania State Assembly District 24 should be horrified by the hypocrisy of Joe Preston who parlayed his leadership position within a committee into an opportunity for lucrative campaign contributions from the utility companies.

Joe Preston wants you to believe that Act 201 protects paying customers from higher bills. With few, if any, humanistic considerations, he mistakenly believes the only problem associated with the poor and low-income freezing to death isn't a human problem but rather a problem of energy industry profits.

In short, Mr. Preston wants the voters of Aspinwall, East Liberty, East Hills, Lincoln-Lemington, Lincoln Park, Highland Park, Homewood, Point Breeze, and Wilkinsburg to gloss over the plight of those without heat and electric. He is dehumanizing the poor and low-income as "deadbeats" leaching off "good customers."

However, poverty isn't about people being bad or making bad choices. It is about having corrupt and decadent social systems that make people unfathomably rich at the expense of the rest of us.

To illustrate and humanize this issue, one must look at who is really hurt by Act 201. According to 2002 data from Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) of Pennsylvania, of the low-income households that received assistance, 80 percent of those households had either an elderly or disabled family member or a child under five.

A report issued by State Representative Dwight Evans estimated that statewide at least 20,000 households went without utility service. Additionally, the Philadelphia Inquirer on September 19, 2005, said that number multiplied as a result of utility companies exercising their rights under Act 2001.

Todd Elliott Koger believes District 24 needs a representative who will lead the fight to guarantee a future where our poor and low-income elderly, disabled, and children have heat and electric when they sleep at night, food to eat, health insurance, good schools, and all the necessary things to live meaningful life.

http://koger.7p.com

Pa. State Rep. Joe Preston Lip Server: Kingsley Community Center Funding

Former 2004 Candidate for District 24, Ed Gainey says the new Kingsley Association community center in East Liberty was promised 2 million dollars by Joe Preston. The funding never materialized.

Family Feud

Writer Brentin Mock, Pittsburgh City Paper February 5, 2005

“I could sit here and ramble off things at a young age that I did,” says 33-year-old Ed Gainey, who is challenging State Rep. Joseph Preston Jr. for the 24th Legislative District seat (covering Wilkinsburg, East Liberty, Highland Park, Larimer, Lincoln-Lemington, Homewood and parts of Aspinwall and Point Breeze). They include the New Pennley Place housing development at the eye-irritating corner of Penn and Negley Avenues; new Lincoln Park housing developments; and the East Liberty redevelopment plan that landed Whole Foods and Home Depot.

Gainey’s point, however, is that Preston assisted none of these projects while Gainey served as special projects manager under Mayor Tom Murphy and worked with East Liberty Development Inc.

The two politicians were once close: Gainey worked as Preston’s legislative aide for six years. In fact, they were close enough that “my own daughter said I treat [Gainey] better than her,” Preston says.

Preston’s office “hasn’t missed a beat” since Gainey left in 2002, he says. But Preston calls the challenge by his former aide unfortunate. He also says Gainey is linked with 12th Ward Dem Chairman Doc Fielder as part of an “old wave” of politics -- a decades-old black political machine in the East End led by Fielder and fellow ward leader Chuck Frazier. Preston was once associated with them as well, but feels they are no longer “progressive” or “aggressive” enough. Preston, a 20-year incumbent who’s also 23 years older than Gainey, says he is the “new wave” of politics.

Gainey says the new Kingsley Association community center in East Liberty was promised funding by Preston. Preston promised key Kingsley development players that he could get $2 million from the state’s capital budget for the new center two years ago, Gainey maintains. That money never materialized. Gainey meanwhile, says he was able to secure $1.4 million from the city for Kingsley, where he held his press conference to announce his run.

Says Gainey: “If I’m able to work with a city that’s broke and receive some kind of funding to secure new investments in our community, then I believe our state rep should be able to do the same thing.”

Preston says he never promised money for the Kingsley but has been working for the funds while battling the stingy administration of former Gov. Tom Ridge for it.

Preston was one of Rendell’s chief campaign managers for Western Pennsylvania. His more friendly relationship with the current governor, he believes, should help the money materialize. Preston adds that he has helped finance the Veterans Administration Hospital, a new YMCA and YWCA, and the new Carnegie Library in Homewood, all in his district.

Says Preston, “If Kingsley is the only reason [Gainey is running] … then there’s really no room to talk about anything else.”

Preston recently caught flak from the black community for legislation he introduced to rename the Downtown State Office Building after former mayor and Pennsylvania governor David L. Lawrence. The New Pittsburgh Courier ran an editorial last year saying that Preston had more pressing concerns in the district -- economic development. Preston calls that editorial “racist”; a white constituent suggested that bill, he notes. “My district is multicultural and I try to develop rapport among people of all colors,” he adds.

Preston says no one has contributed more to the 12th Ward than he has. He calls himself a ward “family member.”

“When one person in the family determines who sits at the table and who doesn’t,” he concludes, “then we’re losing the democratic process.”

http://koger.7p.com

Who is TEK, Todd Elliott Koger Candidate Pa. State Assembly District 24

The people of Pennsylvania's State Assembly District 24 want and deserve change. For decades we looked to Joe Preston to become more accountable. But, as the years have drifted by, Mr. Preston had drifted further and further away. Mr. Koger's is about bringing common sense principles back to Harrisburg.

TODD ELLIOTT KOGER OFFERS FRESH, COMMON SENSE, IDEAS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY OF OUR COMMUNITIES, PURSUE PERMANENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE FISCAL PROBLEMS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS (SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF), AND REDUCE THE SIZE OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

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Todd Elliott Koger, is a product of Duquesne University School of Law. He has a B.A., Political Science California University of Pennsylvania; and, an A.S., Labor Education CCAC. He is a former Allegheny County planner (Human Services). He was selected Who's Who Among Students of American Universities and Colleges; given the California University Distinguish Service Award and California University Progressive Leadership Award; and presented WTAE's, Channel 4 Gold Medal Award (Community Service).

There's a long-standing observation that the poor and low-income always get the government they deserve. In District 24, that has meant for a long time "NOTHING!" The incumbent, over and over, term after term, with little oversight has provided no accountability to his constituents. The result: an ethically challenged representative controlled by special interest that treats the poor and low-income like "deadbeats" or worse.

But, how can Mr. Preston side with special interest while families in District 24 struggle? How can he call his constituents "deadbeats" when there are four or five houses on each block that are fatherless homes?

The bottom line: Joe Preston is a gimmick, a package to be sold. And, Todd Elliott Koger "keeps it real!" He's from the "cut." No one can call him a "sell-out." Mr. Koger has nothing, but he is known in District 24 as someone who always "keeps his head up."

Todd Elliott Koger is a trusted advocate steadfast to the challenge of canvassing the most dangerous neighborhoods (door-to-door, corner-to-corner, housing project-to-housing project) to redress the complaints, concerns and needs of his constituents.

District 24 doesn't need another politician who is visible only before election time, always followed by special interest, meeting only with the already self-disciplined and organized block-watch groups or tenant councils. We need someone welcomed by those normally "too hard to reach" because he will produce tangible results and is trusted as a "homegrown" trying to do some good.

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The registered voters of Aspinwall, East Liberty, East Hills, Lincoln-Lemington, Lincoln Park, Highland Park, Homewood, Point Breeze, and Wilkinsburg have asked Todd Elliott Koger to challenge Joe Preston. Mr. Koger has accepted the call and will appear on the November 7, 2006, General Election Ballot.

Mr. Koger understands well what is expect of a State Representative. For example: he believes Members and staff of the State Assembly must often assist constituents in their dealings with administrative agencies by acting as facilitators or ``ombudsmen.'' Members may properly communicate with agencies on behalf of constituents:

• to request information or status reports;
• to urge prompt consideration of a matter based on the merits of the case;
• to arrange for appointments;
• to express judgment on a matter (subject to ex parte communication rules); and/or
• to ask for reconsideration, based on law and regulation, of an administrative decision.

The State Representative should always make clear to administrators that action is only being requested to the extent consistent with governing law and regulations.

http://koger.7p.com

Todd Elliott Koger's Op-Ed Article: We gathered to say

The protests outside Three Rivers were a plea to help resolve endemic poverty in our city -- which could result in real chaos.

We gathered to say: Pittsburgh, please listen

The following is an Op-Ed article written by Todd Elliott Koger and featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

This was to be a good day!

On this the 15th day of January 1995, an unseasonable 65-degree thaw had liquefied our worries into warmth and excitement. Hosting a professional football conference championship game added hopes and plans for the next couple of weeks for those who live here.

Check! Not all who reside here projected warmth, excitement and hope. Some, as shown by the Coalition of African Americans for Justice protest outside of Three Rivers Stadium, had different plans and concerns for the next couple of weeks.

Forget the basic facts that you have come to learn about our beautiful city. Sure it surprises visitors with booming banks, thriving hospitals, expanding universities and more than 600 advanced technology companies.

Word! These new industries cannot provide as many jobs as the factories and mills that dominated the city's past.

A glorious face-lift. A wonderful outlook for the future. Steeped in historical tradition, the city is poised for expansion. Pittsburgh is a city where some can put down roots and then reach for the sky.

But not all of us can put down roots and reach for the sky. Some of you forget about the blend of Lysol and body order at homeless shelters. Some of you forget about the bent spine of our fixes-income grandparents living on the edge of town. Some of you forget about the blare of TV soap operas in our housing projects, drowning out the cry of the badly diapered babies on linoleum floors. Some of you even forget the shrieks of friends and family at community funeral homes when teen-age murder victims are mourned.

Pittsburgh still suffers beyond its face-lift.

It suffers because some lack jobs. And worse yet, some lack responsible parents. It suffers because of the problem some of you have with the color of your neighbor's skin. And worse yet, because of the gang color of a person's gear.

Let's revisit the young women in the housing projects. Pittsburgh suffers when our young sisters drag their toddlers into a medical van for vaccination shots that are a year late. Why? Because bureaucratic red tape of social-service agencies that make them run from here to there, and do this or that for nothing, puts other children at risk of disease.

Such is also the case with the loss of Pittsburgh's small-town safety and previous immunity to violent crime. Now there's an epidemic: Homicide disease," caused by the spread of gang and drug activity, the increasing availability of guns, a growing fear of retaliation that led to a lack of cooperation with the police, more community tolerance of violence, a decline in values, an increase in alienation.

Word! Young people and blacks are the disproportionate perpetrators and victims of violent acts. And, while this disease may be kiling only a small percentage of the community's young people, it is threatening the health of the entire body.

It's not Pittsburgh apartheid. Such would be exaggeration. Further, the poor 'hood is not exclusive to blacks. Take an expressway from town and disappear into desolate 'hoods and encounter the civilization of menace. Pittsburgh, a dual city! The glass wonder of PPG Place is a faded memory. Here in the 'hood lives lie abandoned as far as the eye can see.

It used to be that when Pittsburgh talked about its poor, you were talking about the working poor. Today the nonworking poor are those isolated and not able to maintain social mobility now that good-paying jobs (blue collar) have disappeared.

The avenue for recourse is normally to telephone, write and knock on doors. But when politicians refuse to answer, this makes you angry and bitter. The angrier you get, the more you display your dissatisfaction.

The protest at Three Rivers Sunday was an eyesore. But Pittsburgh -- your poor citizens need assistance. They need immediate assistance. It was rage that set Los Angeles ablaze in 1992. Pittsburgh's political leaders had better realize that in many ways, the city is filled with volatile tinder that a social explosion is waiting to happen.

In the past, civil-rights legislation and affirmative-action programs have benefited primarily the more advantaged and the educated poor, as opposed to the truly disadvantaged. Welfare has enabled some to survive. But it certainly is not the answer to these problems. When you are a welfare recipient and you've been out of work for a long time, you develop the feeling of low self-efficacy. This is the feeling that you cannot accomplish the goal you set for yourself. This is different than low self-esteem.

If Pittsburgh is committed to addressing its poverty needs -- the problems that led to the protest -- the commitment must be long term, not short term.

While there is an obvious need to continue sanctions against racial discrimination, an effective long-term strategy for social justice must include race-neutral policies that can draw support in today's political climate.

http://koger.7p.com

Todd Elliott Koger's Op-Ed Article: Hope for Pgh's 'boyz/'hood

Todd Elliott Koger has a plan: Go door-to-door, corner-to-corner, housing project-to-housing project, to help inner-city residents.

Hope for Pittsburgh's 'boyz in the 'hood

The following is an Op-Ed article written by Todd Elliott Koger and featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Bust this: Recently, with hyped intensity, the boys in the 'hood started biting the scene in gangland. That's right, you're down with it: They began copying gangsters' violent, senseless behavior. Homeboy killing homeboy -- or anyone else who happened to be in the path of their nine (9mm gun). they had the usual beefs: money owed, turf wars, OPP (other people's property -- wife, girlfriend, etc.).

But really. Is the recent burst of gunfire, and resultant bodybags, so unexpected?

The Man wants you to think that it is just a provocation associated with the misinterpretation of big-screen portrayals of the inner-city life of the black man ("Boyz N the 'Hood" and "New Jack City" especially). Even some so-called black leaders have had the gall to corroborate such foolishness. All this got the usual response from Downtown: A few street dealers were arrested and labeled midlevel drug suppliers while the TV cameras rolled. As if that were sufficient to force the illegal business elsewhere.

Right. The handful of drugs seized shouldn't have even made the evening news. Maybe the police achieved their political objective, but in reality all they did was quiet the thunder of the coming storm.

You can't expect to shun the poor and disenfranchised off to the 'hood forever. It's surprising the drive-by shootings have just arrived. You know the score in Pittsburgh: (1) bypassed by expressways and opportunity (no jobs); (2) ignored and forgotten (no respect); and (3) suffering out of sight (domestic frustration).

Maybe no one Downtown realizes how bad things can get. Maybe no one realizes that "New Jack City," although in its infancy, has arrived.

The options in the 'hood remain the same: a minimum-wage job with no benefits; unemployment, because young males here who have not paid unemployment contributions receive only three months of Thornf