Overloards-plank-bob

==Bob O'Connor's statement about Act 47 from his site, from November 2005==
We need the city, the Act 47 team, and the Oversight Committee to work cooperatively together. So far, that three-way relationship has been a disappointment.
Do I support the Act 47 budget? It's better than bankruptcy, but it's a far cry from what this city needs. The current Act 47 budget is an example of what happens when this city has poor relationships with Harrisburg and other important sectors of this community like labor, business, foundations and the non-profit community. I will improve those relationships. I unite people, not divide them. 
In 2001, Bob O'Connor called for a five-year financial plan for the city. Pittsburgh now has a five-year plan. Unfortunately, it did not come about because of prudent financial management principals. It was due to Pittsburgh's designation as a distressed community under Pennsylvania's Act 47 - the Distressed Communities Act. Now we all know what Bob knew then. 
Bob believes that implementing the Act 47 Report and the Coordinator's 5-year plan is the first step toward putting Pittsburgh on the right track financially. This comprehensive document defines the issues and provides reliable data to make policy assessments. 
It is incumbent upon Pittsburgh's next mayor to work closely with both the Oversight Board and the Act 47 Coordinator. Bob will be a strong and fully engaged Mayor who will help resolve the differences between these two agencies of the state rather than encouraging them. As Mayor he will be in a position to define the common ground between the Act 47 Coordinator and the Oversight Board, as well as having the ability to actually implement the necessary measures that will secure our financial stability. There is no magic wand that can achieve this. It will require hard work by all parties - including City Council. Bob views all of these organizations as assets, not impediments, and will actively engage in dialog with these organizations in order to create relationships that will foster growth throughout the city. We must not be divided. Everyone has a role to play. Most importantly all parties have to keep in mind that the city must: Reduce operating costs with a better-managed operation and increased productivity in the workforce. Further cost savings are possible with more shared services and cuts in executive staff levels should begin in the Mayors office. 
Bob O'Connor as Mayor, working with the legislature, The Act 47 Coordinator, and the Oversight board, there is hope this daunting task of finding ways to addressing a $1 Billion long term debt (24% of the budget!) will not be insurmountable.
==Links==
* Overlords
O'Connor