A group demanding an end to back-room dealings in Pittsburgh city government launched a petition drive yesterday in hopes of getting a binding referendum on the November ballot.

If the referendum passes, said Pittsburghers for Open Government spokesman Shawn Carter, "the mayor and the council will have to explain to us, before they spend our money, why they want to spend it."

Their proposed amendment to the city's charter would require that all public documents and video of public meetings be made available on the city's Internet Web site.

It would also create a citizen advisory panel, open to any city resident, property owner, taxpayer or business owner. The panel would receive legislation before its formal introduction to City Council, with the exception of emergency legislation, and could request information prior to any council vote. A panel designee would sit at council's table during meetings, and could speak but not vote.

The legislation is the brainchild of Squirrel Hill resident David Tessitor, a longtime activist. The referendum campaign is being organized by Celeste Taylor, a veteran of many advocacy campaigns, now with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. It has been endorsed by the Pittsburgh chapter of Democracy for America.