The best laid plans

Mike Madison discusses a Cato Institute critique of Portland's growth restrictions. Some time ago at my other blog, I reviewed Robert Bruegmann's book "Sprawl: A Compact History", in which the author discusses Portland at length.

My offer still stands

While most bloggers have taken leave of their senses over the prospect that the city's hockey team might skip town, Mike Madison continues to offer the cold light of reason:

Do the Penguins generate money for the region (does the team generate revenue that comes from outside Western PA that adds to the money that is already here)? No. Does the team provide jobs for young people? No. Are the Penguins a major draw for young professionals who might choose to move elsewhere? For the number who fill the Igloo night in and night out, maybe; for most, no again. And even for those drawn to stay by the Pens and by nothing else, why, again, should you feed at the public trough?

Also, can someone explain to me how the city's supposedly progressive candidate for mayor is in favor of writing the Penguins a check, and how he can cite Tom Murphy as an example for Luke Ravenstahl to follow? (link)

Mr. Peduto, who has been a passionate hockey fan since growing up in Scott down the block from former Penguins player Lowell MacDonald, seized on the latest development yesterday, blaming Mr. Ravenstahl for taking a back seat to Gov. Ed Rendell and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato throughout the talks.

He contrasted what he characterized as a subsidiary role by the mayor with the leading one played by former Mayor Tom Murphy in the negotiations that produced PNC Park and Heinz Field.

I guess that in Pittsburgh, "progressive" is a relative term.