Wow

Testimonial of support from April, 2004

We don't live in the city (Penn Hills) but I must say that if we did, we would certainly be willing to pay more taxes to keep the amenities functioning such as pools and community centers which are so important for the children and their families.

I just have to note that it is so discouraging that we are probably the wealthiest country on the face of this earth and we can't afford such things as good recreational opportunities, good mass transit, a good effective public educational system, universal health care and the list goes on and on. The U.S. is destined to be the next third world country if this keeps up.

Anne Schifferle

Testimonial of support from Carrick from March, 2004

Mark,

I am always concerned about what I say at meetings. I don't want people to tune me out for any reason. I am also new at meetings and I want to learn how to properly assert myself. Mark if you scare people THAT'S GREAT!!! What ever it takes. Maybe that's what we need. Me and Terry talk all the time about people and what we would like to accomplish. We also both agree we like your style. Knowledgeable, concise and to the point. I know I want to be careful that my low keyed temperament isn't interpreted as a weakness but rather a firm desire to construct an open dialog. But if no one wants to listen to me or just blows me off like what seems to be going on with city and school board officials, I may get a little frustrated but I won't give up.

Bob Michel

Another thread from the same helper

Mark,

I was discussing the meeting with Terry and we feel that your assertion about getting the keys to the recreation center to let the kids in is completely correct. It is wasteful and ridiculous if these expensive buildings, that belong to the taxpayers anyway should be left idle all summer. We also discussed the possibility that in light of the financial problems with the city would the payments have been made to procure the insurance to keep the city from being sued. I don't know. I really sincerely hope that we can find a way to assist the kids this summer because to do otherwise would be unthinkable. Please if I can be of any help I'll make every effort to do so. I can't help feeling betrayed by Mayor Murphy. Just like the CEO of a company he bears the responsibility of keeping the city financially sound. I'm sure many people feel the same way I do. Thanks for what you are trying to do this family appreciates your efforts. I can't help feeling a little frustrated myself. I want to do something I just don't know what!!!

Robert E Michel

Cecil Township, it's not the same.

Mark , thanks for keeping us updated and on your email list.
We are J**** and C***'s parents from the market house.
Your son was on Jennas hockey team and we also played rookie ball, the bingo, movie night , anything they had at the market house. We loved it there and so did the kids. We have since moved to Cecil Tshp. But it's not the same out here. There was only one Market House!!! Please keep us on your email list , we can only hope it gets better for everyone in the city.
Thanks M***** and G**** H**********

Thanks for the note.

There is a lot of gloom in Mudville -- or Pittsburgh -- about the situations with recreation.

Give the kids a warm hello from me and our kids. Our big family news is that we're all going to go to CHINA for 5 weeks starting May 1. We are excited.