Lance: To the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Transit boss Dennis Veraldi insists the new bloat-preserving three-year contract with the bus and trolley drivers and maintenance workers "is the best agreement that could be reached under the circumstances." Balderdash. The authority preserved wages that are out of whack nationally and tucked tail when it came time to cut costs and improve service through private contracting. This wasn't a contract negotiation; this was a capitulation to organized union thuggery. For shame.
Laurel: To Pittsburgh's nonprofit community. After much teeth-gnashing, City Council finally has accepted a pledge by the city's nonprofits to pay more than $13 million through 2007. The nonprofits, tax-exempt, give more to the city than they get. Yet the council acted like spoiled children in accepting the donation. Good thing the nonprofits have a clause in their agreement that they won't pay a dime if the city doesn't have its fiscal act together.
Lance: To the local electronic media. Where, oh, where was the critical reportage on the new Port Authority contract⢠While most TV-types were busy touting something along the lines of "Christmas is saved!," a really bad contract that will come back to slap taxpayers got virtually no scrutiny. Clearly, the news was engineered to support Gov. Ed Rendell's 2006 re-election efforts. That so many in the electronic media bought Fast Eddie's propaganda hook, line and sinker should be considered an in-kind campaign contribution.
Best wishes: To Guy Costa. The Pittsburgh Public Works director has been diagnosed with a very treatable form of a cancerous brain tumor. But true to form, Mr. Costa has been on the job this holiday weekend directing the city's snow-removal efforts. And he expects to stay on the job as his treatment begins. Best wishes, sir; you are the epitome of a public servant.
An observation: Departing Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy filled out his pension papers this week. Given the shape he'll be leaving the city in, he should endorse those checks over to the city treasury.
Ready, set, shop!: The Christmas shopping season bows in full force today. And it will be craziness incarnate. But following a few simple steps can make it bearable. Comfortable shoes are a good place to start. And an extra dose of patience will go a long way -- on the road, in the parking lot and in the check-out line. Keep yourself hydrated and don't forget lunch. We can survive this day, people.
