There's a lively discussion of the "Your Move" E-mails over on the Burgh Report.
Here's what I posted there in answer to some readers' questions about the authenticity of the e-mails and the positions of various council members.
The e-mails were not obtained from anyone who hacked into the city's or the Penguins' servers; that is to say, they came from a participant in the electronic conversation. The mayor's chief of staff confirmed the authenticity of the e-mails when I reviewed their contents with him by phone. That said, confirming that the e-mails were authentic doesn't mean that any one or all of the authors' e-mails are gospel. The authors are speaking their understanding of the facts, the law and of other parties' positions. They be correct or incorrect in their understanding on any given point.
When I interviewed Councilman Dowd on Wednesday, he told me that the first he heard about the banners was in a phone call from the mayor's chief of staff around eight Friday night, asking if he would support them. Dowd told me his response was to request more information--that he wasn't able to take a position either way without learning more. Dowd's quote didn't make it into the news that day because the focus was on trying to learn who was opposed, not who was neutral.
On that same Wednesday:
Councilman Kraus said that he had not taken a position on the banners and
Councilman Burgess said he was in support of finding a way to put them up.
Also on Wednesday:
Councilman Motznik said he supported putting up the banners, but insisted the mayor's office had never informed him of the proposal.
Councilman Deasy said he was in support of the banners.
I did not have the opportunity to ask Councilwomen Harris or Payne their positions.
In response to the comment by Anonymous 05/24/08 12:49 pm on the Burgh Report:
I never heard Mayor Ravenstahl say that "there was only one councilman who had issues".
On Wednesday said there were "a couple". On that same day, Councilmen Shields and Peduto said they were not opposed to putting the banners, and said they told the administration they would cooperate in supporting a way to do so legally.
On Thursday, the Mayor reaffirmed his claim that there were council members opposed to putting up the banners. He also said that he believed the public remarks by the council members on Wednesday showed that they were opposed. In that Thursday interview, for the first time I heard the mayor say that he wanted support from council to have been "unanimous". Also, for the first time he said that council would have had to repeal the moratorium on new billboards in Pittsburgh. A repeal of the moratorium was not discussed in the e-mails.
Moments later, other reporters and I sought responses from Shields and Peduto. They reaffirmed they hadn't opposed putting up the banners--and said they had recommended ways to do so in a meeting late Monday afternoon with members of the Ravenstahl administration.
Showing posts with label Penguins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penguins. Show all posts
Saturday, May 24, 2008
"Your Move" E-Mails Chatter
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Friday, May 23, 2008
Penguins Banners Bonus Feature
Simulation by WTAE Channel 4 Action News ArtistClick here for the "Penguins Banners? The 'Your Move' E-Mails" post.
If you'd like to read the entire sequence of e-mails on which the story is based, click the "Read More..." link below.
I've removed the e-mail addresses of participants and added a few annotations. The following sequence was reconstructed from many separate e-mail exchanges, then placed in chronological order. The source material was in the reverse-order that's common in ongoing e-mail conversations. Typos from the e-mails have been left as is. Some of those taking part were apparently thumb-typing on their BlackBerries, which tends to result in more typing errors.
Again, if you're interested, click the "Read More..." link in the left hand corner, below.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Ismail, Noor
To: Tymoczko, Susan
CC: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Fri May 16 14:01:35 2008
Subject: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Susan,
I will follow this e-mail up with a call. A quick question for you. Penguins want to put up massive banners/signs for the arena to coincide with the games. The banners/signs may be equivalent to the Cleveland Stadium of LeBron James - it may depict a sponsor(s) such as Reebok, Nike etc.
Please call Ross Johnson at [----] and find out more about what they proposed to do - I am uncertain again whether this is temporary or permanent. Please walk them through the process, if possible. Time is of the essence for them given the pending games - and they would be interested to know what would be the fastest and quickest way to get this done. Keep both Yarone and me posted on the outcome. Thank you.
Noor Ismail, AICP
Director
Department of City Planning
City of Pittsburgh
-----Original Message-----
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 2:05 PM
To: Ismail, Noor; Tymoczko, Susan; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Thank you very much. These will be temporary and his name is Ross Johnson, not Miller as I previously stated.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tymoczko, Susan
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 3:18 PM
To: Zober, Yarone; Ismail, Noor; David Morehouse
Cc: Ross Miller
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
I've spoken with Ross Miller. The current proposal is for two, 40 ft. x 100 ft. banners on private property each showing a player with a corporate logo as well; each to be located on a downtown building. I've requested to see a copy of the artwork; for the permit application we will also require the exact street address and a letter from the property owner authorizing the application. We have no provision in the Zoning Code for temporary signs of this type, and in the past we have sent similar proposals to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Once I see the artwork I can make a determination on the type of permit that will be required.
Susan
-----Original Message-----
From: Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins]
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 4:19 PM
To: Tymoczko, Susan; Zober, Yarone; Ismail, Noor; David Morehouse
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Please find the banner images attached. The final size of each will be 40ft wide x 85ft high. The images will be printed on Ultra Flex Ultra Mesh Lightweight Supreme material. I am in the process of obtaining a swatch now and will share with the property owners as well as the city.
It is a perforated material that will allow light in and tenants can see out from inside the building. The installer has experience working with this material.
I have spoken with the property owner of PPG Place and we are doing a site inspection on Monday morning with the installer. They will provide an authorization letter and I will obtain the other necessities at that time.
Still waiting to hear back from Fifth Ave. Place...will keep everyone posted.
Ross Miller
Pittsburgh Penguins
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 4:26 PM
To: Shields, Doug
Subject: Fw: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
As per our discussions. This may be happening, with proper approvals and process. Will need your help.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tymoczko, Susan
To: 'Ross Miller'; Zober, Yarone; Ismail, Noor; David Morehouse
CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence
Sent: Fri May 16 17:27:31 2008
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Reviewing the proposed artwork and given the amount of advertising copy included, I cannot say that these are approvable. There is presently a moratorium in place that prohibits approval of new advertising signage; given this circumstance I would suggest consideration of revision to the proposed artwork. I've just spoken with Ross and David, and they are proceeding with some changes.
Susan
----- Original Message -----
From: Zober, Yarone
To: Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor ; David Morehouse
Cc: Specter, George ; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Shields, Doug
Sent: Fri May 16 17:42:23 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
If the moratorium is the greatest of the concerns, I would repectfully ask Council to lift the moratorium with respect to these festive banners. I have spoken with President Shields about this and he seemed to be in general support, though he should be contacted to dicsuss their concerns.
From: Tymoczko, Susan
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 6:12 PM
To: Zober, Yarone; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins]; Ismail, Noor; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]
Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Just a reminder, in addition to the moratorium issue, new advertising signage is presently not permitted downtown. I'd like to be able to see what's going to be proposed.
Susan
-----Original Message-----
From: David Morehouse
To: Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller ; Ismail, Noor
CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug
Sent: Fri May 16 18:34:33 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Just heard from Reebok and they said they are pulling out and the substantial investment from them is not worth it without their copy and that with the short window, they can't afford bureaucratic processes.
This is a shame and I can't believe we can't make this work.
I am very frustrated with this process.
----- Original Message -----
From: Zober, Yarone
To: David Morehouse; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George ; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Shields, Doug
Sent: Fri May 16 18:54:07 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Just spoke to Council Pres Shields. If we can come up with a collective quick solution, we will have all the support we need from both branches of City government and nobody will be caught up in a sign-gate.
-----Original Message-----
From: David Morehouse
To: Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug
Sent: Fri May 16 18:59:36 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
What is the solution?
-----Original Message-----
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:04 PM
To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins]; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Here it goes:
We need the law department to agree that by introducing an ordinance, zoning can rely on the introduction as law,
We need a majority of council (which we would have with pres Shields on board) to provide support for the ordinance as soon as tonight so that the sign can be manufactured,
We need an ordinance that effectively says: for the 2008 stanley cup playoffs, the following signs shall be approved.
If Law and Council ok this process, everyone should be on good solid ground to say that pens can proceed with production for installation when?
Need shields and law to sign on now.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tymoczko, Susan
To: Zober, Yarone; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Ismail, Noor
CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug
Sent: Fri May 16 19:15:07 2008
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Would it be possible to do an ordinance that exempts these particular signs from zoning approval? They would still need to get building permits for the installation.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shields, Doug
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:17 PM
To: Tymoczko, Susan
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Why not do this relevant to the sites.IIe stadium areas. Also couched in terms of "temporay" banners.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shields, Doug
To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins]
CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence
Sent: Fri May 16 19:18:16 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
I think instead of zoning maybe we go with temporay banners.
From: Tymoczko, Susan
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:21 PM
To: Shields, Doug
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Do you mean, these signs are to be permitted around the sports stadiums? These are to go on other buildings downtown. Larry Baumiller will call you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shields, Doug
Sent: Fri 5/16/2008 7:22 PM
To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
I tink zoning is not going to get this done due to time associated from moving zoning law
What have we in the code on banners? We give permits for all sorts of banners. They a re for the most part non profits but we can amend to allow for our sports teams. The city has an equity stake in all of them that's for sure
This is on the books and can be amended more readily than zone changes. Susan?
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:23 PM
To: Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Tymoczko, Susan;
'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Whatever works for you and at least four of your colleagues works for us. Susan and Larry have both indicated their approval if Council is on board.
From: Baumiller, Lawrence
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:23 PM
To: Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone;
Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
I think that Yarone and I have worked this out. What we can do is propose an amendment to the Zoning Code on Tuesday allowing "large temporary banners for regional events" and exempt them from the current sign moratorium. Since the signs are temporary, we can refrain from placing sign limitations on the banners.
This legislation will take effect immediately because of the pending ordinance doctrine associated with Zoning Code Amendments. I am on board as long as City Council agrees to pull the legislation after the Stanley Cup finals are over. That way, we won't have any lingering issues.
My cell number is [----] if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Larry
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:25 PM
To: Shields, Doug
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Larry has also cited the fact that it can move ahead if council introduces legislation under the pending legislation doctrine- once introduced, it has the force of law. By the time for final vote, the issue will be moot and the legislation can be tabled.
From: Tymoczko, Susan
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:27 PM
To: Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone;
'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
A lot of the banners are in the rights-of-way and therefore not subject to zoning - there are separate rules for them, not in our code. Longer term, we should probably get something into the zoning code that addresses temporary banners with sponsorship.
From: Ismail, Noor
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:29 PM
To: Shields, Doug
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
This has advertisement Ûn it and advertising signs are prohibited downtown. Susan and Larry were trying to work this out but the sponsors would not agree to this. Again the moratorium adds another layer to this. Susan is Ûn board if there is a way to address this legally
-----Original Message-----
From: Tymoczko, Susan
Sent: Fri 5/16/2008 7:30 PM
To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
I think it sounds like the best solution.
Susan
From: Baumiller, Lawrence
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:32 PM
To: Tymoczko, Susan; Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins];
Zober, Yarone; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Actually, we could probably put a 30 day sunset provision in the legislation.
----- Original Message -----
From: Zober, Yarone
To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug ; David Morehouse; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Sent: Fri May 16 19:32:58 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
With Pres' support, we can make this happen. A penguins nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Woo hoo hoo. What say the Pres?
-----Original Message-----
From: David Morehouse
To: Zober, Yarone; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
CC: Specter, George
Sent: Fri May 16 19:35:35 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Yes. So now I can call them and tell them it's a go?
From: Baumiller, Lawrence
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:36 PM
To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone; Shields, Doug;
Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Let's wait for a yes from Shields.
Lawrence H. Baumiller
Assistant City Solicitor
Sent via BlackBerry
----- Original Message -----
From: Zober, Yarone
To: David Morehouse; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Shields, Doug ; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Sent: Fri May 16 19:41:38 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
The other prez- Council prez...
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:43 PM
To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Just spoke to Dowd who raised "issues". If we have Pres Shields in Pittsburgh's corner, then we can do this. If not, we can't.
-----Original Message-----
From: David Morehouse
To: Zober, Yarone; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
CC: Specter, George
Sent: Fri May 16 20:47:49 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Any confirmation yet? Printer is on hold and reebok is waiting.
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 9:00 PM
To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields,
Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; rmiller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
President Shields' phone cut out. Still awaiting final answer.
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 9:44 PM
To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields,
Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Lost Doug Shields. Can't proceed without knowing that he is giving go ahead.
-----Original Message-----
From: Zober, Yarone
To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller' ; Ismail, Noor
CC: Specter, George
Sent: Fri May 16 21:59:32 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Its a go from Council Prez Shields. He will confirm by email in next ten minutes. Good work everyone.
----- Original Message -----
From: Shields, Doug
To: Zober, Yarone ; David Morehouse; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Sent: Fri May 16 22:00:40 2008
Subject: [SPAM] Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
To confirm mr zober. Yes we wil find a way
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:01 PM
To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
All right! Now we have to get an ordinance drafted ASAP. Larry or Susan- when can we get this done and what percent of banner is ad space?
From: Baumiller, Lawrence
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:01 PM
To: Zober, Yarone; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Shields, Doug;
Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Very good.
Lawrence H. Baumiller
Assistant City Solicitor
Sent via BlackBerry
From: David Morehouse
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:10 PM
To: Shields, Doug; Zober, Yarone; Baumiller, Lawrence; Tymoczko, Susan;
Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor
Cc: Specter, George
Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Great! Now all we have to do is beat Philly. I'll tell Rebok it's a go and on behalf of Penguins fans, I thank all of you. If we are fortunate enough to make the finals, I think this will make pgh look great.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tymoczko, Susan
To: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Fri May 16 22:22:36 2008
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
They estimated that it was about 2.5 percent, for the reebock only.
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:23 PM
To: Tymoczko, Susan; Shields, Doug
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
Great.
[Reporters note: the next e-mail is in response to the earlier Friday, May 16, 7:32 PM message suggesting a 30 day sunset provision in the legislation.]
From: Specter, George
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 11:00 AM
To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Tymoczko, Susan; Shields, Doug;
[David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone;
'miller'; Ismail, Noor
Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena
That is too long. It should definitely terminate after the Penguins' last game. Of course, there is the long-standing Pittsburgh problem, i.e., if they win the Stanley Cup, people will want to leave them up until at least after the Steelers' first game.
[Reporter's note: the following e-mail is from the mayor's acting press secretary Joanna Doven to Chief of Staff Yarone Zober. It appears to convey a question from a reporter.]
-----Original Message-----
From: Doven, Joanna
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:09 AM
To: Zober, Yarone
Subject: A.Gastmeyer Inquiry
How did the city get around letting the Penguins putting up a huge rally banner at 5th avenue place, with “reebok” all over it? What are the Mayor’s thoughts after the lamar issue?
Joanna Doven
Communications
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:13 AM
To: 'David Morehouse'; Mazefsky, Gabe; Shields, Doug
Cc: Baumiller, Lawrence; Specter, George; Ismail, Noor; Tymoczko, Susan
Subject: FW: A.Gastmeyer Inquiry
We’re going to pull the plug on the banner efforts. Even talking to Council has caused the following stories. Sorry for everyone’s time and effort. Maybe something like this could be done outside the City, where people know the value of Pittsburgh Pride over politics. Go Pens!
From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:32 AM
To: Burgess, Reverend; Shields, Doug; Specter, George; Ismail, Noor; Tymoczko, Susan; Baumiller, Lawrence
Cc: Mazefsky, Gabe
Subject: Thanks for efforts on banners
Ultimately, the City should probably have legislation that provides broader powers to suspend rules for temporary banners in the even of unanticipated good news for Pittsburgh (superbowl wins, Stanley cup, ticker tape parades (?), world series victories. Just kidding about the world series victories). Ultimately, this could have been fun, but not worth it on a fast track with a sensitive issue.
Yarone Zober
Chief of Staff
Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
City of Pittsburgh
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Penguins Banners? The "Your Move" E-Mails
E-mails between the Mayor's Chief of Staff, The President of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the President of City Council shed new light on the banners controversy.
Here's a link to video of my Channel 4 Action News report. The following is an expanded version of the TV story.
With Reebok logos written large, these are the 85 by 40 foot Penguins banners that would have been.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is again blaming council, saying opposition there is to blame for the plan falling through:
"Either it was something that they were going to approve or they weren't. To me it was that cut and dry, because of the time associated with it. And we couldn't build that consensus, so it wasn't submitted."
Doug Shields, Council President responds:
"Mr. Peduto and I gave them like three different ways that they would probably get passage of it and that we would support. We made that clear."
Channel 4 Action News artists show here, how the banners could have looked on Fifth Avenue Place, spanning seven stories.
E-mails obtained by Channel 4 Action News show city bureaucrats, not City Council raising red flags about the banners. The following messages were back of a lengthy exchange running from 2 PM to after 10:00 PM last Friday.
The Mayor's Zoning Administrator, Susan Tymoczko:
"Given the amount of advertising copy included, I cannot say that these are approvable".
The Mayor's Planning Director Noor Ismail:
"This has advertising on it and (new) advertising signs are prohibited downtown."
After that, Penguins President David Morehouse e-mailed the mayor's office:
"Just heard from Reebok and they said they are pulling out...
The substantial investment from them is not worth it without their copy."
Morehouse also wrote:
"This is a shame and I can't believe we can't make this work. I am very frustrated with this process."
Shields e-mailed:
"We give permits for all sorts of banners ... We can amend to allow for our sports teams."
Concerning City Council, the mayor's own Chief of Staff Yarone Zober e-mailed at 10 PM Friday:
"It's a go from Council Prez Shields He will confirm by email in the next ten minutes. Good work, everyone."".
Shields e-mailed back:
"To confirm, Mr. Zober. Yes, we will find a way."
At 9:13 AM Tuesday, after news media began asking questions, Zober e-mailed to Penguins:
"We're going to pull the plug on the banner efforts. Even talking to council has caused ... stories."
Zober then e-mailed Council:
"This could have been fun, but not worth it on a fast track with a sensitive issue."
Council Finance Chair Bill Peduto says:
"The Penguins found out that they didn't have Reebok's support in order to produce the banners. So blaming this on council is suspicious at best."
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Friday, July 20, 2007
In Plain Sight
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Credit goes to the Trib for nailing down the story that the Pittsburgh Penguins--not just UPMC--picked up the mayor's tab at the Lemieux Celebrity Invitational charity golf event. My Channel 4 Action News Report is available here.
There's a backstory here that's worth telling.
Back on July 11th, I'd contacted the mayor's office to ask whether the mayor might be reimbursing UPMC. The mayor was on vacation, but a member of his staff e-mailed me his statement, which I included in-full at the close of this blog entry.
Check out the first sentence of the mayor's second paragraph:
"I attended the Foundation Invitational as a guest of two of our region’s greatest assets: the Pittsburgh Penguins and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center."
At the time, I took the mention of the Penguins as a reference to the Lemieux charity event. We now know the sentence--more than halfway into the mayor's statement--was intended to convey much more: that the Penguins organization had also paid for the Mayor.
A mayor's office staffer told me today she was "surprised we didn't get more questions about that". She said the release had been provided to other reporters as well.
During today's question-and-answer session with the media, the mayor pointed out that the Post-Gazette had already reported on his golfing with the Penguins in a July 6th article.
The PG's reporter tells me, however, he had not taken the information to mean the Penguins had paid for the mayor's first day of golfing. The Trib's reporter had apparently not seen the mayor's July 11th e-mailed statement; he developed his latest story independently.
So, what do we take from all of this? First, there's my embarrassment over the meaning of that second paragraph not jumping out at me. (If a journalist had placed this information in the second paragraph, an editor would have called it "burying the lede".) Second, there's the cold comfort that no other reporter caught it at the time, either. Finally, there's a lesson: just as important questions must be asked precisely, the answers to those questions must be analyzed for their precise meaning.
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Tuesday, March 20, 2007
UPDATED: Mayor Ravenstahl Q-and-A On The New York Trip
"...Nothing is illegal that was done and the trip was appropriate."
-Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
-Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Channel now has raw video online of the Mayor's Q&A. Video of my Channel 4 Action News report is also now available with this Pittsburgh Channel story.
The world of new media brings new twists: the Trib has extensive video highlights on YouTube, showing the mayor face reporters' questions about his New York trip. Given that, I'll forgo my audio podcast and give you the details in digital ink. If you click on the "Read More.." link at the bottom of this post, you'll see my transcript of most of the Q&A session with Mayor Ravenstahl. The "Q"s come from a total of four reporters who took part in the eleven minute exchange. The reporters' initials follow the "Q" in lower-case.
Q-re: Mayor, did you lie to to the Tribune-Review reporter when he asked you if you went to New York City?
A: I had a discussion with the Tribune-Review reporter at which time he asked me if I went on business to New York City with the Penguins at which time I said no. Certainly I wish I would have clarified and continued to answer the question from there. But it was the only question asked, and we went our separate ways. But if I could have been more clear at that point it would have been, I think in everybody's best interest, mine included, at this point.
Q-jd: (Do you) regret going to New York and missing meeting with leaders in the Hill District?
A: I don't regret going to New York because it was an opportunity for me to further a relationship with Mr. Burkle. It's one that I was very grateful for, for the opportunity to do. It was my intention to be back in time for the meeting, but logistically, it didn't work out, and my chief of staff was there. That meeting was the beginning of a discussion with the Hill District. I've since reached out to those folks, and we were represented there, and we'll continue to have discussions with the Hill District. So, certainly that's a meeting I wish I would have been at, but logistically, it didn't work out.
Q-jd: So you thought you were going to be able to do both?
A: It was my intention to be back, yes. But unfortunately, the flight, I was on the flight back during the meeting and didn't get back in time.
( Editor's Note: the meeting took place at 8:30am the next morning at County Executive Dan Onorato's office.)
Q-bm: Did you accept this as mayor of Pittsburgh, or as a candidate, or in what capacity?
A: It was a political conversation between myself and Mr. Burkle. Understand that the two months previous, we had many opportunities to talk business, and talk about the Penguins' arena deal, and talk about specific numbers. And we both agreed at that point that there's nothing further to talk about in terms of the Penguins. And had the opportunity to speak politically with him about politics, my own mayoral race, some presidential politics. And really look to build a relationship with him, which is one that I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to begin.
Q-bm: Is it appropriate, after just striking a $290-Million dollar deal involving a public facility, that you hit him up for political advice and take a free jet ride?
A: It wasn't--everything will be documented on the political campaign contribution report, once it is filed with the elections department. So, it is appropriate. Nothing I did was illegal. Nothing that I did cost the city taxpayers a dime. And so, for that reason, I would simply say that nothing is illegal that was done, and the trip was appropriate.
Q-bm: Is it using your public office to leverage political support?
A: Understand that when you run for an office of mayor, as a candidate, i'm going to be going to Philadelphia to raise money, i'm going to be going to Washington DC, I'm going to be going to Harrisburg to raise money. So, it's not uncommon for candidates to travel to different cities to meet influential people, and to attempt to raise money and gain political support. And so, it was an opportunity that i'm grateful for, and ideally can continue to have a good relationship with Mr. Burkle.
Q-re: I don't care about where you go, but I'm more concerned about the fact that, with the Heinz Field incident, when we questioned you about that, you weren't truthful about that. You weren't truthful to ( Tribune-Review reporter ) Mr. Boren about your trip to New York. What about your integrity? What does this say about your integrity? What do you say to the people of Pittsburgh about your integrity in light of these two situations?
A: We can agree to disagree about our conversation, and myself and Mr. Boren can as well.
Q-re: That's twice, now.
A: I understand that you may feel that way. This is something that, when I'm asked a question, I've been honest with the media, from day one.
Q-re: You weren't honest with me...
A: I was honest with you...
Q-re: You weren't honest with Jeremy Boren.
A: I was honest with you: I told you I was never arrested at Heinz Field.
Q-re: Come on, you're splitting hairs.
A: That's fine. In your opinion, I'm splitting hairs.
Q-jd: But are you spitting hairs? Are you trying to draw distinctions in these words. He asks you whether you go to New York...
A: I regret, I told you here, I regret, I wish I would have just volunteered the information. But understand, you know, I have a job to do, you folks have a job to do. i have to protect, sometimes, private conversations which took place. Had this been city business, it's something that I would have volunteered when the question was asked. It wasn't asked that way. So, in hindsight, certainly I do wish I had the opportunity to just tell the story right then and there, but it didn't work out that way
Q-jd: So, what did you talk to Ron Burkle about?
A: That was a private conversation that will remain between myself and Mr. Burkle.
Q-jd: But it was political?
A: Correct.
Q-jd: No conversations at all about the Penguins?
A: No, not at that point we didn't. The commissioner was on the plane as well, so he and I had the opportunity to further our relationship. But there was no further discussion at all about the Penguins, whatsover.
Q-jd: You just cut a multi-million dollar deal with the owner of the Penguins, he's on a plane with you, his private plane, and you don't talk anything at all about the Penguins?
A: We honestly didn't, no.
Q-bm: Isn't that a bit too cozy, I mean, the taxpayer money in the deal, and you're--
A: It's not, it was not an official business trip. It was a trip for me and Mr. Burkle to talk politically. And that's what we did, and that's what will be documented. No city taxpayer dollars were used. It was not abuse of the office. And i stand behind the decision to go to New York. Now, had I wished I had presented it differently, i would have.
Q-jb: Where did you spend the night in New York?
A: At a friend's house.
...Later in the Q&A....
Q-jd: Luke, I want to be clear: in your view, you did not lie to the Tribune-Review?
A: Again, it was something I wish I had volunteered more information, but the question that was asked of me. You know, you understand, when you ask a question, I answer a question, and that's what I did. Could I have gone further and said , 'no it wasn't business, it was political'? Certainly I could have done that, and I wish I would have, because we wouldn't be standing here today.
Q-jd: But the question was specifically--
A: The question was specifically, did you go to New York City with the Penguins on business. And the answer to that question is no.
Q-jd: And what's the correct answer?
A: The correct answer is I went to New York City with Mr. Burkle on a political trip. And I just wish I would have said that at the end of the sentence. But I didnt' do it, and if anything was wrong it was just the fact that I didn't continue. But once again, it's something that you look back on now, and it is what it is.
Q-jd: Are you worried about your credibility?
A: I'm not. I know that I make decisions that are in the best interest of the residents of the city of Pittsburgh. I would argue that this has, other than the meeting of the Hill District, has no real effect on how city business operates, and nor did the Heinz Field incident. These are incidents that involve me and not city business. And I believe and I know, in fact, that when we make decisions in city hall, they're in the best interest of the residents. And they will have the opportunity to decide that and talk about the issues in the upcoming election.
Q-jd: Were there any violations of the city ethics code?
A: I don't believe so.
Q-bm: The city ethics handbook, which I printed out here, allows complementary travel for official purposes, but doesn't appear to allow gifts and favors of that sort for non-official purposes.
A: This was a political trip, and will be documented on the campaign finance report. Understand, if you look and pull any candidate's finance reports, it's very common for them to use individual's planes, for example, to go to other cities to raise money. And that's simply what I did in this case. And so it's not uncommon at all for a candidate to do that. I was acting in the capacity of a candidate for the office of mayor of city of pittsburgh.
Q-re: Will you reimburse Mr. Burkle, then?
A: Whatever's appropriate, whether it's to document it as an in-kind contribution or to reimburse Mr. Burkle. That's a question that my campaign will have answered and do whatever is appropriate.
Q-re: And the return trip back that Kevin Kinross paid for, you'll pay--
A: I already did.
Q-jd: Luke, can you explain how this whole thing came about? Was it spur of the moment?
A: Somewhat. We'd had a discussion Tuesday, and he offered to get to know me better, and thought it was an opportunity for me to go to New York and have a discussion and talk about the future of the city, my political future, and some presidential politics. And so it was an opportunity when you look at Mr. Burkle, and how influential he is on a national level in the Democratic Party, it was an opportunity that I'm very grateful for.
Q-jd: Did this occur before the press conference or during the hockey game? When did it come about?
A: Well, the offer was first given to me at some point Tuesday afternoon, at which time, so--
Q-jd: ---before the press conference?
A: Correct. It was before the press conference. But I---
Q-jd: --was it after you had concluded your deal with the Penguins?
A: Absolutely. Our deal with the Penguins was concluded Thursday evening in Philadelphia. So the deal had been done for four or five days at that point. I didn't even accept the offer, to be quite honest with you, until sometime during the game. It's something that was offered earlier, and then made the decision later on to accept it.
Q-jd: So you get to New York around midnight, because you were at the hockey game.
A: That's right. That's about right.
Q-jd: You get to New York around midnight, you go out and have dinner.
A: Correct.
Q-jd: What time did you get to bed?
A: We probably, sometime after 2 a.m. Between 2 and 3 a.m. I would guess.
Q-jd: And you were planning to be back in time for this meeting with the Hill District folks?
A: Yeah, I was at the airport bright and early, and hoped to get a flight before the 8:51 that we were able to get on. But unfortunately, logistically, it didn't work out that morning.
Q-jb: Who did you have dinner with?
A: Mr. Burkle and some of his friends.
Q-jb: Were there any celebrities there?
A: No. Other than me. (chuckles.)
Q-re: Sienna Miller wasn't there?
A: No, Sienna wasn't there.
Q-jb: With whom did you stay? Kevin's friend, who was that?
A: It's Kevin's friend.
Q-jb: I was wondering what his name was.
A: I'm not really sure, to be honest with you.
Q-jd: In Queens...?
A: I'm not really sure where it was at, to be honest with you.
Q-re: So, you didn't stay in a hotel?
A: No.
Q-jb: Did Mr. Burkle supply limousines from the airport to...?
A: We were not in limousines. There was transportation.
Q: Okay. It was cars?
A: Yes.
Q-jd: So, if you had it to do all over again, would you go on this trip?
A; If I had to do it all over again I would, because it was an opportunity for me to meet Mr. Burkle. If I could have answered the question better yesterday, I certainly wish would have done that as well. It was an opportunity for me to go there. I've stood here for the last 15 minutes and answered any questions you've had. And it was one that I think, in the long term, in terms of my political future, it's something that I'm very fortunate to have an opportunity to have a relationship with Mr. Burkle and thankful for it.
Q-jb: Would you take a contribution from Ron Burkle?
A: No, I will not.
Q-jb: What did you have for dinner at the hotel?
A: Laughs. I'm not--- (Pauses)--
Q-jd: You had a couple drinks?
A: I had a couple drinks.
Q: Are you going to pay for the dinner, too?
A: We'll take care of it. We'll take care of everything that's appropriate.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Face Off: Peduto & Ravenstahl on the Pens
Reporter Q&A
on the arena talks impasse
on the arena talks impasse
I’m posting this as a long-form Question & Answer feature; my Channel 4 Action News report is based on this material. Some questions were off-mike, and are approximated here. The answers are direct quotes. Click the highlighted "Read More" immediately below.
Q&A with Councilman Bill Peduto
Q: Who's at fault in the latest developments?
"Well, obviously, the fault goes to the mayor. You know, when Tom Murphy negotiated the deal for the Pirates, when he negotiated the deal for the Steelers, when he built the convention center, he didn't go to Governor Ridge and ask Governor Ridge to take on the responsibility. when Rendell ran Philadelphia and built the stadium for the Flyers, he didn't go to Governor Ridge. The responsibility is with the mayor. In any american city with any sports franchise, the mayor takes on that responsibility. What we're seeing now is the lack of experience in the inability to get this deal done."
Q: Under their plan, the state and slots revenue would be the source of the funding. given that, wouldn't it be appropriate for the governor to take the lead?
" Still under Philadelphia, there was state money that was being used to build the Spectrum. And Heinz Field, and with PNC Park, there was state money to build those; or the convention center, obviously, a lot of state money. No. Leadership requires that a mayor be strong and be able to get a deal done. "
Q: So, what specifically and personally are you saying that Luke Ravenstahl should be doing that he's not doing now?
" Well, there's of couple things. First and foremost, he needs to sit down with the Penguins, sit down down with Mario and get this deal done. No more negotiating with three different parties--just get the deal done. Secondly, what lost the trust with the trust with the Penguins to begin with is when left the agreement with Isle of Capri to support Plan B, and somehow that trust has to be rebuilt."
" I'm willing to offer to mediate in order to get this done for the City of Pittsburgh. But I don't think the mayor will take me up on the offer because of politics, and that's unfortunate. The team trusts me, and knows that I will negotiate in good faith with them. And I know that we can get a deal done that will be better than Kansas City."
Q: Do see any fault at all with the Penguins here? Are the Penguins playing with these public officials to try to get more taxpayer money?
" You get to the point of an impasse, there's no more playing or negotiating that's going on. You're basically saying you're at the point where you cannot talk any further. The Penguins have nothing more to gain. They're adding more into it. And the concern of "well, just let them go' is a major concern, and we shouldn't really be looking at it in that way. If the Penguins leave, there is no new arena. There is no major tenant to be contributing. And we're going to set with an empty arena in the Hill District that is not going to spur any new development. "
Q: And you individually fault Mayor Ravenstahl for a personal lack of leadership?
" No, I think that what you're seeing now is what happens when you don't have somebody who has experience. This should have been led by the mayor from the beginning. This should have been continued by the mayor in order to get the job done. But the mayor was not prepared because he hasn't had the experience to do it in the past."
Q: Have you reached out to the Penguins yourself?
" Yes, and I've reached out again yesterday to their former lobbyist. The Penguins have had no communication with elected officials, other than the mayor, the county executive and the governor since the beginning of the year. And again, I reached out, and I'll reach out again today directly to help to mediate this."
Q&A with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
Q: Your response?
" We are continuing to negotiate, myself, the county executive, and the governor. And we're going to continue to work with the Penguins., and I will be very active in those talks, as I have been from the beginning. And I believe a cooperative spirit is one that we need-- a cooperative spirit to sit down and have those discussions. And I'll continue to do that, and continue to lend myself to those discussions as I have over the last two months. "
Q: Are you talking directly to the Penguins, as Mr. Peduto says you should be-- that the failure of you to do that is what's putting this franchise at risk?
" I can tell you that I've had numerous discussions and will continue to do so. I'm not real sure what my opponent is referring to, but I've been very proactive in these discussions. In fact, took a trip to New York, earlier in January to have discussions. So I'm not real sure what he is referring to, but we've been very proactive and I've been involved in all the discussions and will continue to do so."
" This is a partnership. I do not agree with the notion that this is an issue that the mayor singlehandedly address. This is an issue that myself, the county executive, and the governor have to work together to achieve. And to suggest otherwise, I don't think is appropriate. And so I'll continue to work with those two to reach out to the Penguins, and ultimately reach a deal."
" Because no one of us--myself, the county executive, nor the governor--can do this alone."
Q: What he's saying is, why haven't you talked directly to Burkle, why haven't you talked directly to Mario Lemeiux?
" Well, I can tell you that I have."
Q: What is the difference betwween now and the negotations that led to Heinz Field and PNC Park, that make it appropriate for the governor to be the lead party here, as opposed to the mayor?
" I will tell you, and I think the governor has made this well known, that he has, since the original Plan B, added incentive, and that incentive has come from the state level. And so, without the governor at the table, there's absolutely no way that we could even be in the discussions to keep the Penguins here. So, the governor is the person that has provided the additional incentive to keep team here. And therefore, he is the leader in these negotiations, because it is state taxpayer dollars that are being offered. and so the governor has to be at the table, and the governor is the one ultimately that has to participate in these negotiationsand --ideally with myself and the county executive, through the SEA-- conclude this deal. So, to suggest that there would be one person that could do it without the other two, I just think is inappropriate, and really not applicable at this time."
Friday, December 22, 2006
Secret Mario/Jim Balsillie Video Revealed?
Not quite, but you'll want to see this.
I stumbled upon this video while researching the Penguins story.
It's a sketch by the Royal Canadian Air Farce that I discovered while googling Jim Balsillie.
As some of you may have seen, this has been my week for unusual BlackBerry connections to the Penguins/arena/slots story.
Shortly after twelve on Thursday, my BlackBerry buzzed with the arrival of Mario Lemieux's news release revealing that the Pens would "begin discussions with other cities that may be interested in NHL teams". I quickly phoned in a report for our noon news. In the middle of answering an on-air question from Sally Wiggin, I happened to spot Mayor Ravenstahl walking up the steps of the City County Building. I cut short my live report and my photographer T.J. and I dodged lunch hour traffic on Grant Street to get the mayor's response.
To my–and the mayor's–surprise, the word had been e-mailed to the media with no advance warning to local government officials. I found myself in the position of reading Mario's statement to the mayor from the screen of my BlackBerry as we stood outside next to the city's Christmas tree.
(Credit to Karlo's Blogovich for the YouTube link.)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
What A Difference A Week Makes
“I’ll help you pack your bags...” --Attributed to Gary Bettman
Contrast this portrayal of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s evolving commitment to keeping the Penguins in Pittsburgh...
...with this statement issued by Commissioner Bettman after the Gaming Control Board’s rejection of Isle of Capri.
Click Here
The former is from a report by Canada’s National Post. The latter is now displayed on the Penguin’s website.
Divining the intentions of the National Hockey League will be one of the challenges facing government officials as they attempt to lock in Plan B.
(Note: Click here for the iWeb version of this post. Please e-mail me if you have any thoughts about the differences in the two sites. Thanks.)
Divining the intentions of the National Hockey League will be one of the challenges facing government officials as they attempt to lock in Plan B.
(Note: Click here for the iWeb version of this post. Please e-mail me if you have any thoughts about the differences in the two sites. Thanks.)
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