Comedian Earthquake said, “Being in debt is worse than being broke. When you’re broke, you simply need money. When you’re in debt, you need money so that you can have an opportunity to be broke.” Comedian Jimmy “JJ” Walker said, “Interest rates better go down soon or the murder rate is going to go up.”
Americans are drowning in debt! In the past when people found themselves in a financial jam, they’d tap into the equity of their home to do a debt consolidation. If the situation was extremely dire, they’d file bankruptcy. Now that mortgage lenders and the bankruptcy code have tightened up their guidelines, millions of people are running out of viable options that would allow them to reduce their monthly payments and get a better handle on their money.

RICH FITZGERALD

As always, when Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald speaks at the African American Chamber of Commerce PowerBreakfast, it’s a command performance.
But his April 19 appearance was even more so. Not only were all the county government department heads present, but so were Fitzgerald’s parents, as was former Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Director Kathleen McGinty, who recently announced her candidacy for governor.
 Fitzgerald almost immediately spoke of shoring up the Port Authority of Allegheny County, noting his part in helping to avoid a 33 percent service cut last year. But he wants to do more.
“U-Haul just released its report that said more people are moving to Pittsburgh than any other destination in the country right now, so I’d like to see us get to where rather than just maintaining service, we can expand again,” he said.

He said the residents of the Hill District, Uptown, and Oakland should have the same rapid transit options that commuters from the South Hills have with the T, especially given plans to revitalize that corridor with business, retail and housing development. But there’s a catch—cost.
“That tunnel under the river was the last of the 80-percent federally-funded transit deals. If you want light rail in the Hill, you’ll have to wait 15 years because that’s how long it will take us to raise the $1.5 billion that would be our share,” he said.
“But Bus Rapid Transit is basically rail on wheels; dedicated lanes, timetables, stations. It could be done for a tenth the cost, in less than four years. The Rockefeller Foundation just recommended four cities for BRT, Pittsburgh was one of them.”
Fitzgerald praised the growth in the city and surrounding areas, praising the development in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, East Liberty, Larimer and Bloomfield. He also noted companies upgrading facilities and expanding to meet new orders created by Marcellus Shale development, like Dura bond, a pipe company in Duquesne and US Steel with the $750 million upgrade to its Clairton Coke Works.
“Workforce development is key to getting our people especially those in the African-American community ready for these jobs,” he said. “We have Alex Johnson over at CCAC working on that.”  
Fitzgerald also said since he has become county executive, more African-Americans are being included.
“With African-Americans historically underrepresented on authorities and boards, 26 percent of my appointees are African-Americans and 17 percent of county employees are African-Americans,” he said.
He summed up by saying he would be holding a forum with Black Political Empowerment Project founder Tim Stevens at Duquesne University on May 13 focusing on compelling private corporations to adopt a “Rooney Rule” when interviewing for top executive positions.
Chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams thanked Fitzgerald and his parents for coming and reminded members that the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement executives still needs volunteers to help with its National Conference, which is coming to Pittsburgh in August.
“And our annual meeting and luncheon is May 1 at the Omni William Penn hotel,” she said. “And our mayoral candidates forum is the following day right here at the Rivers Club.  We’ll open at 4 p.m. and begin at 4:30. All the candidates have confirmed.”
(Send comments to cmorrow@new­pittsburgh­courier.com.)

MARK A. PARKS JR.

Cleveland, OH (BlackNews.com) -- In an unprecedented move, Ohio swore in its first African-American County Treasurer. Mark A. Parks Jr. took the oath of office on March 27th, 2013, from Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald before a group of 11 council members and community supporters.

"Mark continually demonstrates his value to county government with his wide ranging experience and effective management in a variety of areas. His experience, professionalism and knowledge in financial management are a true asset for Cuyahoga County and its citizens. He is one of our very best," said Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald.

Parks served as the interim Cuyahoga County Treasurer since mid-December, 2012. His appointment began one month prior to him taking the oath. He is the first African-American county Treasurer in any county in Ohio. His responsibilities include managing the billion dollar investment portfolio for Cuyahoga County, collecting its property taxes and distributing funds to municipalities.

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge said that it is outstanding that Cuyahoga County is leading the state in diversity and inclusion. "Mr. Parks is well-qualified and will do a great job. I hope it will set the stage for the country to follow the lead of Cuyahoga County," continued Fudge.

For more than two years, Parks was the Council President for Orange Village and has served as Chairman of the finance committee for more than six years. He also served as the Director of special projects. He counted among his duties: assisting the Chief Fiscal Officer and serving as Controller for the fiscal office.

"Of course it's satisfying to make history," offered Parks, "but even more satisfying is knowing that County Executive FitzGerald made his decision solely on me being the best qualified for the position. I am really looking forward to making the Cuyahoga County Treasurer's Office a model for all others to emulate."

Parks received the Dr. David C. Sweet, Distinguished Elected Official award in 2010 from the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University for his commitment to regionalism.

"Mark has the training, experience, and drive to get the job done as the County Treasurer," said Cuyahoga County Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Sharon Cole. "Now that he has been appointed, he will simply continue the great work he has been doing for the residents of Cuyahoga County."

A Certified Public Accountant, Parks received a BA in Accounting from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Masters in Business Administration from The University of Phoenix. He is a member of the regional advisory committee for Ohio Auditor David Yost, the endowment fund committee of Lander Circle Kiwanis, the Cuyahoga County Transition Committee, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Shaw High School Alumni Association.

He has served on several boards including Continue Life, Inc., the National Black MBA Association and Community United Headstart.

"I am excited about the opportunity for him," said Congresswoman Fudge about Parks' appointment. "I know he will be excellent. It is well deserved."

Parks and wife Connie have two sons, Mark III., and Charles.

Network Convention
APRIL 26—Talk Magazine will host its 2013 Pennsylvania African-American Network Convention from 6-10 p.m. at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Ave., Oakland. This two-day event will include speakers, panelists and more. There will be a dialogue addressing employment opportunities and workforce development in health care, finance, manufacturing and energy. Registration is required by April 17. For more information, call 412-823-4007 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .