It's a great place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live here

The Trib nails the Riverlife Task Force today for the civic group's opposition to selling advertising space in Pittsburgh parks and other recreational spaces:

These unelected, pompous elitists are at it again. Not content with ruling Pittsburgh waterways and river banks, intent on imposing its misguided will on Route 28 motorists, the task force now has come out against selling advertising space in parks and other city-owned recreational spaces. The idea is part of an excellent plan to raise money for the cash-strapped city. Perhaps the task force would like to donate some money to the city instead of costing it money.

Amen. You'll recall that the Riverlife Task Force also called for a laser X over the Point, and recommended putting shields on North Shore street lights to reduce excess light. It would make the city look great on a postcard, but might not do much for your peace of mind as you walk to your car at night after a Pirates game. (OK, so no one goes to Pirates games. I'm just trying to make a point here.)

I have news for the task force--there are people who actually live in the city, and who are more concerned with maintaining adequate services at a reasonable tax rate than with making sure that the suburbanites hanging out at Station Square have a nice view as they ride up the incline. And if throwing up a Coke billboard behind the outfield of a city ballfield is what it takes to keep Pittsburgh out of bankruptcy, then by all means, go ahead. If you don't like it, stay in Sewickley.