Reaction to Murphy's remarks mixed, but most agree timing of racism charge was poor

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^

[drella8566]

When Tom Murphy talked to a crowd of fellow government wonks about suburban racism Wednesday, he meant to spur discussion. It worked, but not in the way the mayor intended.

As far as his timing goes --he is now trying to woo suburban support for city budget reform -- the statements will go directly into the pantheon of impolitic, even inept comments made by the mayor over the years.

But as for their importance and impact, the results were more muddied. They spurred denunciations from suburban legislators who felt targeted, but hurrahs from people who deal with race relations every day.

Yet even the latter group noted that Murphy's exact words went too far.

"You can question how politically astute he was and the way he said it, but the fact is I'm pleased he raised the issue," said Esther Bush, the president of Urban League of Pittsburgh.

"I agree the timing and the choice of words was questionable, but we all know that race is an issue we have to confront," she said. "We treat it as such a taboo, it makes it difficult to discuss on a regular basis."

During a panel discussion of city-county consolidation Wednesday morning, Murphy said racism in the predominantly white Pittsburgh suburbs will be a major hurdle in implementing any such plans.

"It's as if people in the city of Pittsburgh have horns and so we're going to rape their kids and rob their houses," Murphy said in reference to opposition in Hampton to a proposed methadone clinic, but suggesting broader implications.

[martin_fierro]

	It's a 'Burgh Thing.TM
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Learn Pittsburghese!

[Bikers4Bush]

Pittsburgh is just trying to get their hands into some more pockets. The burbs should tell them to go to hell.

Cleveland tries that crap around here. If you want to use their water system you have to agree to become part of a "regional economic zone" or some such crap. Bottom line is that they expect the cities to surrender from an 1/8 to a 1/4 of the local income taxes to them.

Total BS.

[Glenn]

The burbs should tell them to go to hell.

They did.

Everytime I go downtown, I pay the appropriate parking taxes which are the highest in the nation. They want to raise them more. I do no shopping in the city because of that. They'll never get it: Higher taxes leads to lower revenue over time.

[Bikers4Bush]

Good for them. Cleveland finally figured that out and on the weekends there are some lots (mostly at malls) where you can park for free.

The single largest complaint from those coming from the suburbs was about the high cost of parking and when asked in surveys if they would come downtown to shop again most answered no. That led to the free parking on weekends.

Of course the city still bangs all the workers that come in from the suburbs to work during the week for their cash and have a number of streets around Jacob's field and Gund arena that have VERY small signs posted that read "no parking 2 hours prior to a following an event". The signs are, I kid you not, maybe 8 1/2 by 11 inches and are posted about ten feet off the ground.

I can't tell you how many times I've seen people walking around looking for their cars or running up to a cop car trying to find out what happened. To pay the ticket and tow is about $150.00 and if you don't get the ticket paid and to the impound lot by 11:00 p.m. its no car for you until the next day.

[mountaineer]

Mayor Smurphy said Allegheny county people are such racists that even his friends are afraid to visit his North Side home. First of all, isn't he saying he associates with racists? Second, I've heard his North Side address is just a front, that he moved out and really lives in rural Butler County. Can anyone confirm this?

[freedomcrusader]

Yes, Murphy has property in Cranberry. I don't have a source handy.

I hope the PA legislature doesn't cave in to the moron. I will be incensed if they do.

[Badray]

"Yes, Murphy has property in Cranberry. I don't have a source handy.

I believe that is true also. Nothing spectacular, but I hear that it is his primary residence.

"I hope the PA legislature doesn't cave in to the moron. I will be incensed if they do."

You and me both. It'll be ass kicking time.

Jane Orie, are you listening? I love you, but I'll go against you if you cave.

[freedomcrusader]

Orie's my state senator as well, and I hold the same sentiments. Cave in to Moonbeam Murphy and lose my vote.

[Ayn Rand wannabe]

Yes, Murphy has property in Cranberry. I don't have a source handy.

I suppose I might as well comment, since I live in Cranberry when I'm not at school. I've actually heard from my AP English teacher in high school ('cause I went to Seneca Valley not too long ago) that Murphy owns property, but it's in Forward or Lancaster Township. As far I as know, it's just property though, since there still is open space up there. It would be interesting to know if he actually has a house in Cranberry though. I think when I get home for Christmas break, I'll look for it. ;-D

ARW

[Badray]

"I think when I get home for Christmas break, I'll look for it."

Good. Consider that your Christmas break project. We'll be expecting a report.