Pittsburgh Dish

Dish meets DeSantis

Republican mayoral candidate candid in leadup to Nov. 6 election

Photos by Frank Kownacki

Mark DeSantis has a lot going for him. The bright and articulate 48-year-old is Chief Executive Officer of ANGLE Technology Consulting and Management. He has worked as a policy analyst to the Science Adviser of President George H.W. Bush (the first one).

He has also served as an aide to the late Senator John Heinz, the only Republican many Pittsburghers ever voted for. He boasts many advanced degrees.

But last week, DeSantis was in surroundings humbler than the corridors of power or the corporate boardroom as he hosted a $35-a-head fundraiser in the second-floor private party room of the landmark Downtown Mitchell's Restaurant & Bar.

"We beat Ravenstahl in this (fundraising) reporting period," he said with a smile. That's great, but in a city where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 5-to-1 margin, one needs ideas as well as dollars to persuade a stodgy, traditionalist electorate.

By way of ideas, DeSantis mentioned Ft. Wayne, Ind., as a model for what he promises will be a fiscally prudent, performance-based DeSantis administration. Ft. Wayne, he said, compares the cost and benefits to the public of city services to "model" city services provided elsewhere. The results are annually released to the public and Ft. Wayne resident can see, in black-and-white, the bang they get for their tax bucks. This method, DeSantis says, drives city department heads to become increasingly
efficient.

Throughout his campaign, DeSantis has beat the drum of fiscal responsibility, of doing more with less in city government. Another hallmark of the DeSantis campaign is a promise to make Pittsburgh more attractive to entrepreneurs.

DeSantis proposes to eliminate the gross receipts and payroll tax on new business for three years. But what of the revenue lost? Minimal at best. "This region has created zero net private sector jobs in the last seven years," he said.

If this and other incentives to create more private-sector growth are successful, DeSantis says, any cash lost through this tax cut will be recouped as business grows. And, as businesses grow and jobs become more abundant, other tax instruments will bring in more cash to Pittsburgh's coffers without raising tax rates or creating new taxes.

Another method of goosing private sector job growth would be to persuade local foundations and private investors to create a pool of cash for "microloans" to small business, DeSantis said. A small grant of a few hundred or a couple thousand dollars, he said, can go a long way for a small company in its infancy. DeSantis pledged to spearhead a microloan program regardless of his electoral fate Nov. 6. The private investor will be Pittsburgh's salvation, he said, not a bloated government.

If there's an unstated motto for the DeSantis campaign, it might be something along the lines of "Create, Don't Stagnate." And it was perfectly clear after 30 minutes with DeSantis (it would have been longer had his handlers not dragged him away to chat up the people who actually paid to get into the fundraiser--the man likes talking public policy) that he sees the continuation of Luke Ravenstahl's administration as an anchor on this struggling city's prospects.

"Listen, retail politics is dying. Three of the city council candidates endorsed by the (Democratic) party lost," he said. "I'm (in the race) because these guys (the traditional city power brokers) screwed up."

Photo this page: DeSantis chats with North Side residents at Mitchell's

Filling the Void – Pittsburgh Net Radio

KPNR-FM committed to expanding indie options.

by Casandra Coin

Being a recent transplant from Chicago, I've been desperately seeking indie rock. Like The M’s, Major Organ and the Adding Machine, The Black Keys. Coming from a town where there are two or three independent label concerts occurring on any given night, I found myself at a loss. Luckily, I recently discovered KPNR-FM Pittsburgh Net Radio. 

Started by Brian Cosgrove in 2001, supported by a grant from a Pittsburgh-based non-profit, The Sprout Fund, Pittsburgh Net Radio was originally comprised of only Pittsburgh-based bands and ran 24/7. However, Cosgrove quickly came to realize that Pittsburgh is not alone in its absence of diverse FM radio choices. Major cities across the U.S. are catering their playlists to what attracts the demographics advertisers covet.

“The young folks have no bucks, I guess, so there is no real Indie agenda,” said Cosgrove. “I sensed a void of sorts.” Like a DJ for the masses, Cosgrove now selectively incorporates submissions from independent labels, blogs, MySpace and message boards.

In addition to providing better tunes on the airwaves, Pittsburgh Net Radio also helps promote and bring bands to Pittsburgh . More music choices not only benefit listeners, but also allow local bands greater exposure to the various independent labels, artists, and opportunities. By popularizing venues and upcoming shows, Cosgrove hopes to bring larger and more attentive audiences to see these bands. Imagine being on tour—spending the time and money to travel for hours—only to find that you can’t afford the gas that brought you to the venue and there’s no audience. What are the chances that you’d return?

Expanded marketing outside of Pittsburgh, KPNR-FM has drawn listeners and contributors in major metropolitan areas throughout the states and other countries, including Denmark , Finland , Canada , and the United Kingdom .

In one way or another, this has been Cosgrove’s dream since junior high school. He used to spend his time in study hall creating playlists and logos for imaginary stations.

“I had always been fascinated by music and radio’s part in getting music out there to people," said Cosgrove. "Radio and the personalities just intrigued me.”

That passion was stunted for a time. Although Cosgrove wanted nothing more than a career in radio, he was overwhelmed by his “radio heroes” and entered the corporate world when he graduated from high school. Pittsburgh Net Radio is his way of building his “own little alternative.”

This is a one-man operation broadcasting from a small section of an apartment on the South Side. The non-profit funding has long since run out but the commitment remains strong.

“The thoughts and visions are still big,” said Cosgrove. “It’s a matter of getting others involved. There is something to be built here.”

Spread the word.

Photo: Indie band (and Dish pal) The Tyler Trudeau Attempt from Connecticut. Photo by Kathleen Cei.

Pittsburgh Sports League's gonna PUMP you up

Want to meet new people? No sweat. OK lots of sweat.

By Anthony Defeo

This year, I had a goal to really shake things up in my life. I wanted to try new things; meet some new people. Earlier in the year, I decided to join a gym. That's been fun and rewarding and it's certainly helped me get in better shape, but it didn't necessarily fill my "shake things up" agenda. Working out is good for the mind and body, but the gym isn't exactly a social hot-bed. I researched other avenues such as volunteering and perhaps, joining a sports league. I really like sports but where can one go if one wanted to, say, play flag football or softball? The answer is quite simple: The Pittsburgh Sports League. The PSL, created in the fall of 2000 by Drew Elste, is a subsidiary of Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP).

"I believe that Drew Elste was really the leading force behind the creation of the league," said Becky Reitmeyer, the league's director. "He also had a crew of volunteers behind him, as well as the support of PUMP. PUMP houses the PSL. The PSL fits nicely into PUMP's mission and programming as it strives to make Pittsburgh a fun place for young people."

As director, Reitmeyer has an instrumental role in every aspect of the league--including planning the seasons, hiring the officials and setting up End of Season Parties--but as Reitmeyer points out, she has a lot of help. "There's also a very dedicated committee of volunteers. They are extremely helpful with marketing, finance, event planning, etc, and help make all the decisions that require more than a single voice."

The PSL offers dozens of year-round schedules in both competitive and recreational leagues. Entire teams can sign up for a particular sport or people are welcome to join as individuals. I signed up as an individual for the recreational flag football portion of the Fall Schedule. Fall recreational flag football is being played every Sunday morning at Sullivan field, located on Liberty Avenue adjacent to the Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville. The PSL holds its various sports in numerous Pittsburgh area venues. For example, for the fall schedule, recreational co-ed volleyball is played in the West Penn Rec. center in Polish Hill and competitive flag football is played at Magee Field in Greenfield.

Signing up as an individual didn't mean I had to take on entire teams by myself. I was placed on a team with people who also joined individually. Meeting new people is fun, and dare I say, healthy.

Even though at the age of 33, I've finally given up on the prospect of someday playing in the NFL, the PSL is great outlet for my competitive streak.

Some of my "individual" teammates had similar reasons for joining the PSL. Some are also first timers like Jamie Bialor, 34 of Squirrel Hill. A transplant from California who moved here recently. "It's been fun," said Jamie. "I've met some cool people who are just out to have a good time and not only into it for the 'win'."

Others, like Tom and Erin Baker of Greenfield, have been involved with the PSL for a while. "I wanted to play softball and learned about the league through friends," said Tom, 26. "My wife and I also wanted to meet people and find a fun way to keep in shape. Our PSL experience has been amazing. We joined an individual softball team that ended up winning the Fall 2003 championship. Many of the players on the team are our closest friends today and we have gone on to win six more softball titles and one basketball championship. We have also had some tough losses on the field but it has been a great time. PSL and PUMP are instrumental in the effort to attract and retain young professionals in the Pittsburgh region."

"It's my favorite thing about Pittsburgh and I've met my best friends through it," said Tom's wife, Erin, 24, who is originally from Philadelphia.

Mike Adamski, 30, of Scott Township has been involved with the PSL since its inception in the Fall of 2000. Like Tom and Erin, he's also a multi-sport participant. "We won the softball championship on Saturdays. This Tuesday we hope to win it in hockey as well. I hope flag football for the trifecta."

My flag football teammates and I are gearing up for the playoffs. I sure hope we win, but win or lose, it's been a ton of fun and a great experience.

The average age for the PSL is 28. The numbers of participants are difficult to tally. "Hard to say since people often play more than one sport," said Reitmeyer, "but I can tell you that 2005 saw over 5500 participants (some of whom are double or triple counted)."

I'm looking forward to signing up for a winter sport in either a recreational or competitive PSL league. I'm hooked. Volleyball anyone? How about some dodgeball? How about this winter's newest sport, broomball? The sweat is unlimited in the PSL.

For more information on the Pittsburgh Sports League go to:
http://www.pittsburghsportsleague.net or http://www.pump.org

Photos courtesy of PUMP.

The War Streets Up Close

Jeff Glagowski saw different kind of beauty on the North Side. Far beyond the historical and architectural perfection on display during the Mexican War Streets Hour & Garden Tour held yesterday.

The Connecticut-based graphic designer, photographer and friend slipped away from Dish headquarters one morning three weeks ago with no compass, tourist map or pre-conceived notions about the Big Bad North Side. With camera in hand, he wandered around the neighborhood in search of nothing in particular. About 45 minutes later Glagowski returned with images of things that may seem ugly, mundane or offensive. It didn't take him long to discover the beautiful imperfections of an imperfect neighborhood. And find humor along the way.

What follows is Glagowsi's photo essay of the North Side.

All photos by Jeff Glagowski© are available for purchase. Contact him at JRGlagowski@comcast.net

 

The Little Deli debuts on the North Side

Dean Zotis is a little worried. About three weeks ago he opened a (much needed) deli just off Western Avenue and business has been slow. His renovations took months but the pay-off is worth the elbow grease and expense. And his timing couldn't have been meatier.

Zotis has opened a squeaky clean take-out deli with an impressive selection of lunch meats, cheeses, breakfast items and sandwiches (Reubens, folks!). Many of the side items have a Greek flair: stuffed grape leaves, marinated Kalamata olives, Pita Land meat & spinach pies. The menu boasts deviled crabs and industry standard deli items such as coleslaw, macaroni salad and spicy wings.

"I listen to what customers want," said Zotis. "They say 'what about this' and I try to provide it. That's why I got the biscotti." He also brews fresh coffee and cappuccino.

But business is measured up to Zoti's expectations. However, a city plan announced in today's Post-Gazette may alleviate Zotis's concerns.

Reporter Rich Lord reports:

Efforts to create a business improvement district for a two-block area of Western Avenue got a boost from Pittsburgh City Council.

Council on Wednesday tentatively approved the transfer of $1.29 million among various Urban Redevelopment Authority programs. Among other things, the transfers allow the URA to commit $500,000 to Western Avenue improvements between Brighton Road and Allegheny Avenue in Allegheny West.

Business owners in the district would partially match public funding by assessing themselves a special tax, as Downtown businesses currently do.

The combined funds would support improvements in the streetscape, curbs and lighting, said John Canning, a North Side historian who supports the designation.

The funding shifts also move money from an under-utilized loan program for assisting businesses with equipment purchases, to a more popular program that backs commercial real estate transactions, said Robert Rubinstein, the URA's director of business development. The real estate purchase loan program, known as the Urban Development Fund, makes loans ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.

A final vote could come Tuesday.

In the meantime, Zotis shouldn't fret so much. Once the word gets out, North Siders should flock. Finding a good neighborhood deli is as rare as good roast beef.

The Little Deli

910 Galveston Ave., (near the Modern Cafe) North Side, 412-231-2678

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Open for Steelers home games.

Old beer is good beer

Historically, Sam's the man.

A yellowed document hangs above the door inside Caruso's Beer Distributors. It's protected by a frame but 70 years have taken their toll. Sam Caruso can see it every day (except Sundays, of course. This is Pennsylvania) from his vantage point behind the small glass-enclosed vestibule where he stands and rings up thirsty customers.

Caruso owns one of the oldest (perhaps the oldest) known continually-operating beer distributing businesses in the region. The license was issued in1933 to his father who owned a grocery store just a few doors down from Caruso's current location on North Taylor in the historic Mexican War Streets on the North Side.

"My dad was down on Monterey and North Taylor and ran a grocery store with my mother before 1933," said Caruso, darting to and from his walk-in cooler. "He later decided to apply for license to sell beer. At that time you could sell beer at a market."

In 1950, Caruso, Sr. moved to Resaca and North Taylor and stopped selling groceries and strictly sold beer. In time father and son ran the shop. Home deliveries (which cost a quarter) and wholesale accounts made up a large portion of the business. At one time the Carusos owned 4 trucks and had 9 employees. In 1968, Caruso Beer moved to its current location and the business flourished.

"In the 1970s we had about 25 bar and restaurant accounts, with at least 10 of them along Federal Street. We sold 300 to 400 cases a week to the Shamrock Inn [on Western Avenue]." But toward the end of the decade times got rough. "With the steel mills closing and reduction of public transportation, the shot & a beer blue collars drifted away. The culture changed."

And so did the Mexican War Streets. Good for the neighborhood, but not always good for Caruso.

He explained that shortly after the Mexican War Streets gained historical status in 1979, a neighbor used political connections to force Caruso out of a parking lot he owned on a nearby street. "The neighbor didn't like looking at beer trucks. He knew somebody on the city council and our occupancy permit was denied." Caruso had nowhere to park. He fought a good fight and still has a stuffed accordion folder to prove it. Eventually inflated gas prices got the better of him and the trucks were sold.

Caruso isn't bitter about the neighbor with connections. "We're here and he's not."

In 2003, Caruso had another encounter with historical buffs. He installed a pop machine on the side of his property next to the building. He received notice that the machine violated "historical review approval" and was forced to remove it.

Yet Caruso has persevered. When the National Guard was called into Manchester during the neighborhoods violent '60s Caruso stayed put. There were times he thought of leaving the neighborhood but "things got better."

"Through it all I never had any trouble from customers. If they go to the impound to get their cars they're miserable. Here they're getting something they like."

Just as he said that, the door alarm rings signaling a customer is waiting. Sam spots the woman and whispers, "Watch this she's been coming in for years." They haggle, tease each other and finally come to an agreement.

"I know I'm difficult," yelled the woman.

"Yeah, that's why I still love ya," shouts Caruso.

Now that's historical.

Caruso Beer Distributors, 307 N. Taylor Ave., North Side, 412-321-1800. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Photos: 1933 license; Sam Caruso; family photos; 1968 walk-in cooler

New smoke shop puffs on to the scene

The ink on Tami and Aaron Warfield's grand opening banner was still wet when a man walked into their new store and spent $400.

"I couldn't believe it," said Tami. "On our first day. How often does that happen to new business owners?"

That first lucrative day is scarcely a few weeks old and already Smokin' Depot is sending up smoke signals high above Center Avenue.

While the Depot might not attract nearby Whole Foods customers, the Warfields have managed to tap a vein in UPMC Shadyside hospital employees.

"I know it's weird, but many of them smoke cigars," laughed Tami. "And many of them come in with specific requests."

The Warfields don't smoke. Never have. However, personal abstention didn't stop them

from developing a business plan and chasing after their pipe dream.

But like most businesses, risk is built into the display cases.

Premium cigar smoking become something of a fashionable in the early 1990s when images of celebs like Sharon Stone and Michael Jordan chomping on fat Churchills sparked a full court press on Americans hungry for a new trend. It's chancy for the Warfields to invest in a craze that has waned. But market analysts claim there are plenty of established cigar, pipe and loose tobacco smokers to support new ventures.

The primary goal for the “Smokin’ Depot” is to focus on the specialty tobacco market. Besides having a variety of hard-to-find imports, they also carry rolling machines, flasks, grinders, cutters, cigarette cases, rolling papers humidors. The couple hopes to phase out small convenience store items (soda, candy) and establish themselves among serious smokers. Currently, patrons can place an order for worldwide products with only a one to one-and-a-half day shipping period.

As for the risk involved? Ask the $400 man.

Smokin' Depot (5440 Center Ave., Shadyside, 412-688-0222).

--Katie Johnston & Colleen Van Tassell

Vanity Fair

In the early 80s, Disco Queen Donna Summer walked into the ladies' restroom at Chasen's, a famed Hollywood restaurant, and found an exhausted restroom attendant slumped in a chair. After chatting with the woman who was holding down two jobs, Summer scribbled "she works hard for the money" on toilet paper. Twenty-two years later, in Pittsburgh, these Women of the Powder Rooms still do.

Story and photos by Katie Johnston 

Bathroom attendants represent a fine bunch of ladies that you often see in the various local night spots. Like a mother, they are somewhat overlooked in the courtesy services they provide (who else is going to keep a tidy room for you?).

These restroom mavens all hold day jobs and have children, using their weekends (Wednesday or Thursday through Saturday night) to earn extra cash as independent contractors in your club of choice. Most attendants find work through friends and work for only tips.

Maxine and April are both double-duty working women with grown children. The women govern the restrooms at the Station Square hot-spots, where they see a younger crowd interested in ‘college nights’ complete with cheap beer specials.

The women enjoy their job and note that while most young women are nice and appreciative of their services, there are the few who look down on the attendants for their line of work. Snubbed though they are, these women are the Margaret Meads of contemporary club culture. Maxine and April said they have seen it all. They have witnessed enough self-urination, self-loathing, vomiting, and public sex acts to fill a trashy tell-all. (Ah, youth.) Maxine and April declined to be photographed.

Imagine what a gal might walk in on without these attendants: vomit covered floors, clogged toilets, enough trash to fill ten garbage trucks, and you don’t even want to imagine what kinds of vile diseases lurking around.

Not only do these women prevent unsanitary conditions, they also buy and supply (yes, with their own money) baskets full of Victoria’s Secret lotion bar-cum-convenience store items you might need during a long evening on the town.

Frankie (in photos), who has worked at the more “upscale” club Bossa Nova for four years, explains that some women have the misconception of having to pay the attendant for washing their hands. This is an unfortunate fallacy. Frankie and the other attendants who focus on service, buying their supplies with the idea of what the patrons may need.

The bottom line is that attendants don’t expect you to tip after hading you a towel to dry your hands. But if you use their products, on the other hand, you may want to repay their service with a tip.

Frankie, a well-liked attendant who has worked in 11 clubs over the years, believes two variables strengthen her popularity. Number one is location and the awareness of what each venue needs, and number two is her report with customers.

A sweet, soft-spoken manner makes Frankie a people magnet. Being around her is like going to confessional, minus repenting your sins with Hail Marys. She is more of a friend and therapist.

The ever wise and observant Frankie sees most women who hold a strong distaste for themselves. “No matter how beautiful or well-dressed most women are, they are so critical about themselves as soon as they see a mirror," said Frankie. "It’s more than a self-esteem issue. Something else is missing from their lives to make them believe they are never enough.”

Slow cookin' slow down

Depending on which direction the wind blows on the Central North Side, nosy neighbors breath in the meaty perfume of either Wilson's B-B-Q or Doug's Market.

After this Saturday, the wind belongs to Wilson's.

Please read update at the end of this post!

Carl, Doug's Barbecue Maestro, will no longer send up smoke signals to the neighborhood's hungry. After 8 years, the familiar face behind the sidewalk grill on the corner of Arch and Sampsonia streets will turn his last rib and braise his last chicken.

Saturday's sidewalk cookout finale is the first sign of change on the horizon for Doug's Market, a popular mom & pop that's been a food market since 1895. Owner Doug Nimmo is scaling back the food portion of the business in an effort to, as he puts it, reclaim his sanity.

"After working 70 hours a week for 10 years, I need to get my life back," said Nimmo. "I need to step back and see what the future holds for me."

Stepping back also means phasing out the sale of fresh meats. Nimmo, formerly a butcher in Fox Chapel, provided neighbors with myriad cuts of meat. In another month or so, Central North Side carnivores will have to go elsewhere. Many other provisions will still be available.

"This community has always supported the store," said Nimmo. "I thank everyone. But I really need to slow down."

Saturday's last BBQ will be, as always, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Due to vacationing staff, Nimmo is postponing the final cookout until Aug. 5. Same time.

Cleavers & Cleavage: A Chef Uncovered

Olga Watkins stands in the tiny kitchen at the Monterey Pub effortlessly slicing strawberries as if she's hosting a casual soiree for five friends. The casual observer would have no inkling that she's about feed upward of 250 customers.

"Last night we got slammed," Watkins smiles. "But I guess I'm used to it."

Considering she's cooked on a Navy base, yeah, she's accustomed to pressure. And considering she's performed musically almost all of her life, yeah, she can prepare 50 New York strips, 30 servings of salmon and 40 orders of crab legs. Most of us would break out in flop sweat arranging a cheese & crackers platter.

Many ingredients go into Watkins personal pot. She stirs in a lifetime of musical talent and kitchen know-how. She tosses in a longtime love affair with cooking. Add many dashes of humor and you've got all that is Olga, the self-described "Diva, Bombshell, Kitchen Goddess & Vocalist Extraordinaire." She's also not shy about proclaiming that the stove isn't the only rack she enjoys flaunting (see photo).

Nothing in Watkin's life simmers on the back burner. Naps are required after hearing her frantic schedule. A typical day might have Watkins doing a live (singing!) chef demo in the morning at Hillmon Appliance in Cranberry Township then changing out of an apron into a sultry frock and performing with Olga's Soul Kitchen, her blues jazz and soul ensemble, at the Crawford Grill in Station Square. She's also fits in time for her gig as interim chef at the Monterey Pub. Oh yes, and she a mom to daughter Ella. Oh and a caterer. And right, a party planner.

Phew.

Classically trained in music and vocals (we're talking opera and violin, honey), Watkins learned to cook before she could read. While most American kids ate burgers and fries, Watkins family were creating multicultural feasts. Her parents, both ministers, lived in a large parsonage and sponsored families and was exposed to international cooking before she was tall enough to reach the cookie jar. "We hosted families from all over--Malaysia, Thailand, and Uganda--and we all cooked together." She's taken that self-taught skills into many area restaurants.

Now she shares her own kitchen with Ella, who seems to have inherited her mom's singing skills (view "Diva Jr.'s" rendition of the Alphabet Song on Watkins website www.olgawatkins.com). The next Kitchen Goddesses is already in training.

--Colleen Van Tassell

Check out Watkins' online calendar for her upcoming projects which include cooking classes at Whole Foods Market in Pittsburgh and In the Kitchen in Wexford as well as a demonstration series for health fairs in the greater Pittsburgh area. On June 10 catch Watkins band on the KDKA Morning Show from 8 to 9 a.m.

(photos: slasher, masher, billboard, cover girl)

They Stoop and Conquer

Grant Street may be the official headquarters of Pittsburgh city government, but the real city council sits on the corner of Monterey Street and Sampsonia Way in the Mexican War Streets on the North Side.

Meet the mayor, Mr. Diggs. Mr. Diggs has been sitting astoop longer than memory serves. The 79-year-old retired railroad worker is always flanked by his councilmen, Larry, Eric and Bobby.

Eric, the junior councilman who works at Allegheny General Hospital, defers to his elders on matters of great import such as the vicissitudes of Young and the Restless. See, the council doesn't make it to their outdoor chambers until their "stories" conclude.

In addition to regular updates regarding the world of daytime soap operas, council weighs in on topics such as local politics, world events, youthful indiscretions and buffets.

Council invariably seeks out shrimp. And plenty of it.

Council enjoys the type of place where, as Larry puts it, you have to unbutton the top button of your pants before you go in. His bon mot resulted in uproarious cackles from the mayor on down the line. Mayor Diggs expressed his preference for fish and a big glass of buttermilk from Market Square's Original Oyster House.

Giggles and guffaws can be heard blocks away. Ten girls at a slumber party have nothing on these honorable gents. Their presence, as reliable as Old Faithful, though a bit noisier is a comfort to the populace. Larry says the group not only consists of the mayor and council, "we're the police, too."

As they lounge on their administrative derrieres, protected from the hard stoop by cushions, they wave to all who pass by. "Alright, alright" Mr. Diggs says to friends and neighbors somewhere upward of 50 times a day.

Reflecting on the council's role in the community, Larry sums it up thusly, "We know all. We see all." And so they do.

Tom Murphy and his cohorts have nothing on this crew.

(Photo: (l to r) Larry, Eric, Mayor Diggs and Bobby)