Looks like a few of the city's Redd Up crew were caught wearing Jeff Koch shirts on the job yesterday.
Mayor Ravenstahl quickly sprung into action suspending the workers 5 days without pay but the Bruce Kraus campaign has decided to take the matter to another level that seems very out of place.
Yes, the workers were in the wrong and clearly violated city code and they will be punished accordingly. Kraus is crying foul though.
"When city workers are used for campaigning, it hurts the people of this district, it hurts city taxpayers, it hurts the democratic process," said Bruce Kraus, the challenger to Mr. Koch in Tuesday's Democratic primary.
Come on Mr. Kraus. Do you really think that Jeff Koch being the smart guy that he is would really call up these guys and say "wear my campaign shirt's when you are working in my council district."
"It's easy for Jeff to claim innocence," countered Mr. Kraus. "But when you have his treasurer, Ray Sansone, in the pictures, it's hard to argue that he wasn't aware."
Get real Mr. Kraus. Just because someone associated with the Koch campaign is on the crew doesn't mean that Koch knows what is going on. Is Koch supposed to baby sit Mr. Sansone every minute of the day even when Koch was in council chambers while this went on?
Is the Kraus campaign desperate in the last few days of the election? I think so. I know this will be a close call race but this seems to be a bit of a reach on behalf of the Kraus campaign trying to link Jeff Koch to this.
Jeff Koch had nothing to do with it. Zip. Nada. Zilch.
Fact-Checking The Trib. Again.
22 hours ago
16 comments:
Let's review:
1. The Koch Campaign created shirts that were the exact same color as the Public Works Dept. shirts that ended up on the backs of Public Works employees.
2. Koch's own Treasurer (not just someone "associated" with the campaign) was one of the Public Works workers who wore the shirt.
3. Koch has not fired his Treasurer.
It's the Koch Campaign who is acting "desperate" here.
You are RIGHT, I propose that CITY COUNCIL BAN all neon green and organge campaign shirts! Also perhaps blue and red too, just in case those bad city cops and firemen think about getting involved in politics. After all City employees MUST live in the City, Pay the high taxes, send our kids to the crappy schools, (thanks again Patrick Dowd for your service on the board) But GOD forbid a City employee be active politically. Then we are labeled as hacks or pigs at the public teat. Perhaps Bill Peduto can sponsor the bill? This is a perfect example of the legislation he is capable of. I am calling a public meeting at the coffee house in Shadyside tonight to discuss it! It is all a conspiracy.
UNREAL.
H-bomb,
What are your thoughts on this Ray Sansone? Seems like you're saying he was to blame, then.
I just think it was a lack of judgement by the workers. I don't think they should be terminated though. That's a little dramatic for some t-shirts.
A reach?
Public Works employees on the popular Redd Up duty, with campaign shirts for the sitting councilman of the district they are working in (who also happens to be chair of the committee that affects their funding, and a former Public Works employee himself), managed by the treasurer of Koch's campaign, and it's "a reach"?
Your conclusion is a reach.
If the circumstances were different, and an endorsed candidate, or someone you liked was on the other end of this, you would be all over this story--like if in January, DPW employee's in Peduto's district had worn shirts campaigning for him.
And as far as desperation is concerned, this incident seems like a gesture of desperation on the part of the Koch Campaign.
I live in District 3, and have a prominent Kraus sign in my window, yet I keep getting Koch door hangers, and lit in the mail--so, if you know anything about politics, tell me how that is a sign of a functioning campaign.
Lets see.. You "keep" on getting door hangers and materials in the mail...
At least the Kock campaign has a sign of life. I live in district 3 and I haven't seen ANY sign of life from the Kraus Campaign. But then I don't live in the flats, so why would I ??
I put stuff in the doors for Jim Ellenbogen even when people have our opponents stuff in their yards. You never know what could change someones mind.
Matt
You have the inside track... Why is Tom Petrone supporting Lestitian in that race?
Probably cause the guy is old and out of touch with reality
Its amazing that this guy has been able to stay around for so damn long.
Get him out of office!
I am assuming that you are talking about the Honorable Thomas Petrone. Tom Petrone has dedicated much of his adult life to his district. While the district struggles due to issues outside the control of his office. Tom is loved by his constituents, as indicated in last years election. Just because someone has served for 20 plus years and is not under 40 does NOT mean he does not service his constituents or deserve to be re-elected. Does the district need some fresh ideas and new blood? YES, however if anyone wants to improve their neighborhood they can do so on the grass roots level. This is what kills me about candidates... "IF ELECTED" I will do such and such... As the old saying goes... What have you done for me lately? What have you done for our community before deciding you want to apply for a job that pays more than 100k per year after all the perks?
Now that is a reality test for all of us.
Why is he supporting Bill L?
I'm not sure. I noticed a yard sign in his front yard and I was quite surprised that he would go against the endorsed slate.
It doesn't matter though because Ellenbogen is going to win by a big mark.
I know both Lestitian and Ellenbogen and I have to disagree
that it's going to be by a large margin. Jimmy might be well known in the party because of all his Can-Do breakfasts/dinners etc. But I'm not real sure the voters know who he is. I've heard he's not really working the voters too hard?
I've heard Bill has been all over knocking on doors and then you have the incumbent factor.
If anyone bothers to look at credentials then I would have to say Bill should win hands down.
We shall see...
Youc an throw out the incumbent factor in this race because Bill L has not held that seat for too long.
Bill L is a great guy and if he does win I will work with him and include him in our community projects.
Jimmy has been working hard to win this. We did a big lit drop last week up here in Elliott. Round 2 of that will be coming up as well.
Thanks for the comments.
Bill L is a great guy and if he does win I will work with him and include him in our community projects.
Are you guys still planning to bulldoze over most of Elloitt and start over?
Two things... Lets be honest... Koch is not a polotician... He cant even keep his cool at a softball game... He has no experience with people... I dont see how in the hell he got as far as he did...... Now I liked Tom Petrone.. He is way over his political self life, but he seemed like a descent guy... That position is not supposed to be a entire career.. I think two terms should be the max... Lets face it... In two terms you are either a legend or an asshole... At least it will not take 15 years to get rid of an asshole.... Nothing bad against Tom, but we need some younger folks to make things right... Someone from this generation that is fed up... I dont think many younger people want to put the ass kissing time in to pursue running... I personally think you should have to either have a bachelors in business or finance to hold any paid seat.... This is where we get into trouble... Its ok to support a friend as long as they are qualified... THATS JUST MY OPINION!
Knowing Kraus now and being friends with him I can see why he brought this to the surface.
This was a legitimate campaign issue and I should have seen that at the time.
Sorry Bruce! And Ken!
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