Snow days usually mean scrambling to find a baby sitter or taking the day off of work to stay with kids off of school. They mean wet feet, longer commutes, and cranky commuters. But on March 7, 2007, snow days took on a whole new meaning at the Allegheny County Court House.

Nearly 100 people braved the elements and risked frostbitten toes to gather on the court house steps as the Campaign to Stop the Bus Cuts launched with a spirited rally. [See Photos]

Speakers from SEIU, representing the thousands of janitors that work downtown, UniteHere, representing city Hotel Workers, High School Students, and members of the Campaign all passionately relayed there stories of what the proposed cuts would cost them and their communities.

After the impassioned series of speakers, Barney Oursler, from the Mon Valley Unemployed Committee, led the fired up crowd in a March around the building, through the metal detectors and up to the door of the County Executive Dan Onorato.

Despite security’s attempts to turn the crowd away at the door Campaign leaders Khari Mosley and Gabe Morgan insisted they be allowed to enter the office to offer the petitions to Mr. Onorato.

With News Cameras keeping steady watch, Mosley and Morgan spoke with Mr. Onorato for 15 minutes, encouraging him to address the crowd and receive the petitions.

Success! Onorato came into the hall to announce that he would be going to Harrisburg within two weeks to talk to legislators about the need for dedicated public transit funding. Then he personally accepted the over 12,000 signatures, handed to him by each of the rally participants.

While the event was a success, it represents a beginning, not an end. Today started the campaign.

Keep the petitions coming and watch for what’s next, because you know it gets fun from here!