Friday, July 24, 2009

They're Back!

You've got to give it to Northside United. They're stubborn, yet they can also adjust their tactics. They started with angry gatherings at planned meetings regarding Continental's North Shore developments, followed by a bus tour of the North Side where they invited politicians to see the blight of the neighborhood first-hand. After multiple arrests from last weeks shenanigans at the Del Monte headquarters (a Continental Real Estate property), they've moved on to the Mayor's office. Next stop, the governor's house in Harrisburg? The White House? I admire their determination in this issue. They've said "Enough is enough." And at this point, no one can doubt they mean it.

Mayor Ravenstahl, can you do us a favor and listen to their cause? After being involved in the landmark Hill District Community Benefits Agreement, it'd be a shame to throw all that goodwill out the window. You want to be viewed as a brokerer of deals, not a stomper of human rights, right?

And if you don't, they could sure make a mess of things when Obama and friends come to town for the G20 in September. That'll make a bigger impression than potholes.

2 comments:

Bram Reichbaum said...

Zober warns that it's Northside United and their unreasonable demands that could imperil the G-20. Video on the way...

Bram Reichbaum said...

Say now that I think of it, I wonder if spreading such chatter (CBAs are bad for business and CBAs can hold back a town) is bad for our reputation? Because there will continue to be CBA talk in Pittsburgh for some time, that much is near certain. Community organizing principles are considered to be the next generation of the labor movement.

I also wonder if it will make a difference G-20wise that Obama was a community organizer. I think he'd give us double-kudos.