From Tom Paine:

Friends Against Counterproductive Taxation (FACT) is looking to gather signatures to land a referendum on the ballot in November to either repeal or drastically reduce the Drink Tax.  Signatures may be gathered starting on June 17.  If the measure gets on the ballot, it is sure to pass, based on HosPAC polling, and it will be a massive repudiation of Dan Onorato’s stubborn love of the Drink Tax.  There is warm liquid running down Dan’s leg as we speak, and the room is starting to smell distinctly of ammonia . . . .

From Tom Paine:

Down Goes Frazier!  The Tribune-Review’s Whispers column on Sunday, April 27, acknowledged HosPAC’s part in defeating Brenda Frazier, in a headline titled:  “BoozePAC K.O.’s Frazier!”  Though not fond of the moniker “BoozePAC,” the Whispers column was on the mark about our part in the defeat of Brenda Frazier. 

From Tom Paine:

Dan Piggie:  Can you move your snout?!!!  I’m trying to snuffle up a couple of tasty morels out of this trough!

Fitz Piggie:  Me move?  You’re the one hogging up 7/8’s of the trough!  Mr. Robinson can barely get his nose in and he’s hanging from one of the barn rafters!  I’m not going anywhere.

Dan Piggie:  I’m not going anywhere either!  And if you challenge me again, I’m going to kick your sorry snout out of here and you can pick through my excrement for your morsels!

Fitz Piggie: Please don’t do that Dan!  I’ll be good.  You just tell me what to do!  The last time you made me do that I swore I’d never eat corn again!

Post-Gazette:  Drink Tax on line to surpass goal.  Dan O refuses to reduce tax rate.  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08121/877656-85.stm 

Trib:  Drink and Car Rental Taxes net 8.3 million dollars.  http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_564392.html

From Tom Paine:

At a Hillary Clinton rally at Market Square in Pittsburgh, County Executive Dan Onorato, acknowledging public officials at the event while waiting for Sen. Clinton, completely ignored Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who was up on the stage with him.  As Onorato later introduces former President Bill Clinton to the crowd, Lt. Governor Knoll jumps to the microphone and yells:  “They never recognize the Lt. Governor.  These two men [referring to Onorato and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl] can’t stand women!”

Smooth move Dan.  CBK vs. Dan O for gov in ‘10?  Tom Paine would pay to see it.

Listen to the clip here!

SPECIAL PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - YOU’RE INVITED - FREE PENN PILSNER BEER!

HOSPAC VICTORY PARTY OVER BRENDA FRAZIER TODAY, APRIL 23, 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Jerry’s 1888 Tavern, 520 East Ohio Street, Deutschtown, North Side

WE’RE 1-O

It will be interesting to see which politicians have the courage to do the right thing and sign our Drink Tax Pledge - it’s what the majority of western Pennsylvanians want!

In a move that absolutely reeks of desperation, Brenda Frazier has sent out a press release claiming that HosPAC has engaged in “illegal” and “criminal” behavior by reminding the public of her complete abdication of legislative responsibility and civic leadership in voting for the malodorous Drink Tax.   She is also threatening criminal prosecution against those who speak truth to power. 

Here is the Press Release:

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Pittsburgh, PA, April 16, 2008:  Brenda Frazier, former Allegheny County Councilwoman and candidate for the Pennsylvania State House in the 21^st District, announced today that a complaint has been filed with the Allegheny County Department of Elections accusing HosPAC and its purported officers of not being a legal political action committee (PAC). The complaint further alleges that HosPAC and its officers accepted contributions and distributed the contributions in an advertising campaign against Frazier.  Ms. Frazier states that HosPAC is in violation of Pennsylvania State Ethics Law, as well as Pennsylvania Campaign Law, and is calling for an investigation by the Allegheny County Department of Election and a review by the District Attorney of Allegheny County to see if any criminal charges should be filed.

 Ms. Frazier is also calling for all illegal ads paid for by HosPAC to be pulled immediately by all participating media outlets including print, radio and television.  [End Press Release]

Last Tom Paine checked, the First Amendment was still in force in Pennsylvania.  Although claiming criminal conduct in the Press Release, in an interview with KQV radio Ms. Frazier could not cite a single violation of campaign finance law committed by HosPAC, and vaguely referenced that her “lawyers” were handling it.  

This is a blatant and disgusting attempt to intimidate and silence HosPAC and its members by threatening criminal prosecution for the exercise of their First Amendment right to call her unfit for office and for ignoring the will of the people of Allegheny County.  The good news?  Brenda will be watching events from her couch come Wednesday.    

TP

From:  Tom Paine

County Controller Mark Flaherty has projected massive budget deficits over the next five years, even with the collection of the unfair and counterproductive Drink and Rental Car taxes. producing revenues which far exceed projections (or claimed needs)  He calls the situation “alarming.”  More evidence of Dan Onorato and his minions’ mismanagement of County government, and the need for real reform instead of band-aids. 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08107/873651-85.stm

From Tom Paine:

Low bid on the new subway tunnel from Gateway Center to Heinz Field is almost $50 million over budget.  That drives the cost to ride the subway (amortizing project costs over twenty years) to $105,000 per passenger ride. [I made that last part up, but you get the point]. 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08107/873655-53.stm

From Tom Paine:

At the Chinese Fire Drill that constitutes a County Council meeting last night, so enamored with the flow of cash provided by the Drink Tax, the Drink Taxers on County Council cannot even agree to a paltry 1% early pay discount to restaurant and bar owners.  http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_562601.html