diff --git a/etc/valet/api/config.py b/etc/valet/api/config.py
index dc08178..53288d9 100644
--- a/etc/valet/api/config.py
+++ b/etc/valet/api/config.py
@@ -47,45 +47,6 @@ app = {
     ],
 }
 
-logging = {
-    'root': {'level': 'INFO', 'handlers': ['console']},
-    'loggers': {
-        'api': {
-            'level': 'DEBUG', 'handlers': ['console'], 'propagate': False
-        },
-        'api.models': {
-            'level': 'INFO', 'handlers': ['console'], 'propagate': False
-        },
-        'api.common': {
-            'level': 'INFO', 'handlers': ['console'], 'propagate': False
-        },
-        'pecan': {
-            'level': 'DEBUG', 'handlers': ['console'], 'propagate': False
-        },
-        'py.warnings': {'handlers': ['console']},
-        '__force_dict__': True
-    },
-    'handlers': {
-        'console': {
-            'level': 'DEBUG',
-            'class': 'logging.StreamHandler',
-            'formatter': 'color'
-        }
-    },
-    'formatters': {
-        'simple': {
-            'format': ('%(asctime)s %(levelname)-5.5s [%(name)s]'
-                       '[%(threadName)s] %(message)s')
-        },
-        'color': {
-            '()': 'pecan.log.ColorFormatter',
-            'format': ('%(asctime)s [%(padded_color_levelname)s] [%(name)s]'
-                       '[%(threadName)s] %(message)s'),
-            '__force_dict__': True
-        }
-    }
-}
-
 ostro = {
     'tries': CONF.music.tries,
     'interval': CONF.music.interval,
diff --git a/etc/valet/valet.conf b/etc/valet/valet.conf
index 57b9db2..ed3c4f2 100644
--- a/etc/valet/valet.conf
+++ b/etc/valet/valet.conf
@@ -1,3 +1,9 @@
+[DEFAULT]
+default_log_levels="api=DEBUG,valet=DEBUG,ostro_daemon=DEBUG,ostro_listener=INFO,music=INFO,requests=ERROR,pika=ERROR,pecan=ERROR,urllib3=ERROR"
+logging_default_format_string='%(asctime)s.%(msecs)03d [%(levelname)-5.5s] [%(name)s] - %(message)s'
+use_stderr=False
+log_dir=/var/log/valet 
+
 #        __
 #  /_\  |__| |
 # /   \ |    |
diff --git a/valet/api/__init__.py b/valet/api/__init__.py
index e69de29..85192b5 100644
--- a/valet/api/__init__.py
+++ b/valet/api/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+LOG = None
diff --git a/valet/api/app.py b/valet/api/app.py
index 8e90e6b..2992b16 100644
--- a/valet/api/app.py
+++ b/valet/api/app.py
@@ -17,9 +17,11 @@
 
 from pecan.deploy import deploy
 from pecan import make_app
+from valet import api
 from valet.api.common import identity, messaging
-from valet.api.conf import register_conf, set_domain
 from valet.api.db import models
+from valet.common.conf import get_logger
+from valet.common.conf import init_conf
 
 
 def setup_app(config):
@@ -37,6 +39,7 @@ def setup_app(config):
 # entry point for apache2
 def load_app(config_file):
     """App Load."""
-    register_conf()
-    set_domain(project='valet')
+    init_conf("api.log")
+    api.LOG = get_logger("api")
+
     return deploy(config_file)
diff --git a/valet/api/common/hooks.py b/valet/api/common/hooks.py
index f0e2bd2..7f16de9 100644
--- a/valet/api/common/hooks.py
+++ b/valet/api/common/hooks.py
@@ -16,27 +16,23 @@
 """Hooks."""
 
 import json
-import logging
-from valet.api.common.i18n import _
-from valet.api.common import terminate_thread
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import error
-
 from pecan import conf
 from pecan.hooks import PecanHook
 import threading
+from valet import api
+from valet.api.common.i18n import _
+from valet.api.common import terminate_thread
+from valet.api.v1.controllers import error
 import webob
 
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
-
 class MessageNotificationHook(PecanHook):
     """Send API request/responses out as Oslo msg notifications."""
 
     def after(self, state):
         """Function sends valet notification."""
         self.dummy = True
-        LOG.info('sending notification')
+        api.LOG.info('sending notification')
         notifier = conf.messaging.notifier
         status_code = state.response.status_code
         status = webob.exc.status_map.get(status_code)
@@ -95,11 +91,11 @@ class MessageNotificationHook(PecanHook):
         notifier_thread = threading.Thread(target=notifier_fn, args=(ctxt, event_type, payload))
         notifier_thread.start()
         # launch a timer to verify no hung threads are left behind
-        # (when timeout expired kill the notifier thread if it still alive)
+        # (when timeout expires kill the notifier thread if it still alive)
         watcher = threading.Timer(conf.messaging.timeout, terminate_thread, args=[notifier_thread])
         watcher.start()
 
-        LOG.info('valet notification hook - end')
+        api.LOG.info('notification sent.')
 
 
 class NotFoundHook(PecanHook):
diff --git a/valet/api/common/identity.py b/valet/api/common/identity.py
index a062d22..9cc213d 100644
--- a/valet/api/common/identity.py
+++ b/valet/api/common/identity.py
@@ -22,11 +22,9 @@ import iso8601
 from keystoneauth1.identity import v2
 from keystoneauth1 import session
 from keystoneclient.v2_0 import client
-import logging
 from pecan import conf
 import pytz
-
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+from valet.api import LOG
 
 
 def utcnow():
diff --git a/valet/api/common/messaging.py b/valet/api/common/messaging.py
index ca66fcd..af2f743 100644
--- a/valet/api/common/messaging.py
+++ b/valet/api/common/messaging.py
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@
 from oslo_config import cfg
 import oslo_messaging as messaging
 from pecan import conf
-from valet.api.conf import set_domain, DOMAIN
 
 
 def _messaging_notifier_from_config(config):
@@ -33,7 +32,6 @@ def _messaging_notifier_from_config(config):
 
 def init_messaging():
     """Initialize the messaging engine and place in the config."""
-    set_domain(DOMAIN)
     config = conf.messaging.config
     notifier = _messaging_notifier_from_config(config)
     conf.messaging.notifier = notifier
diff --git a/valet/api/common/ostro_helper.py b/valet/api/common/ostro_helper.py
index 5c00507..5d6f6d1 100644
--- a/valet/api/common/ostro_helper.py
+++ b/valet/api/common/ostro_helper.py
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@
 """Ostro helper library."""
 
 import json
-import logging
 
 from pecan import conf
 import time
@@ -27,8 +26,7 @@ from valet.api.db.models import Group
 from valet.api.db.models import PlacementRequest
 from valet.api.db.models import PlacementResult
 from valet.api.db.models import Query
-
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+from valet.api import LOG
 
 SERVICEABLE_RESOURCES = [
     'OS::Nova::Server'
@@ -192,8 +190,8 @@ class Ostro(object):
                                                                   GROUP_TYPE,
                                                                   EXCLUSIVITY)
 
-        group = Group.query.filter_by(  # pylint: disable=E1101
-            name=group_name).first()
+        group = Group.query.filter_by(name=group_name).first()  # pylint: disable=E1101
+
         if not group:
             self.error_uri = '/errors/not_found'
             return_message = "%s '%s' not found" % (GROUP_NAME, group_name)
diff --git a/valet/api/db/models/music/__init__.py b/valet/api/db/models/music/__init__.py
index 0efab51..82aff4a 100644
--- a/valet/api/db/models/music/__init__.py
+++ b/valet/api/db/models/music/__init__.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ from pecan import conf
 import six
 import uuid
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
-from valet.api.db.models.music.music import Music
+from valet.common.music import Music
 
 
 def get_class(kls):
@@ -211,13 +211,18 @@ class Query(object):
 
     def __rows_to_objects(self, rows):
         """Convert query response rows to objects"""
-        results = []
-        pk_name = self.model.pk_name()  # pylint: disable=E1101
-        for __, row in rows.iteritems():  # pylint: disable=W0612
-            the_id = row.pop(pk_name)
-            result = self.model(_insert=False, **row)
-            setattr(result, pk_name, the_id)
-            results.append(result)
+        try:
+            results = []
+            pk_name = self.model.pk_name()  # pylint: disable=E1101
+            for __, row in rows.iteritems():  # pylint: disable=W0612
+                the_id = row.pop(pk_name)
+                result = self.model(_insert=False, **row)
+                setattr(result, pk_name, the_id)
+                results.append(result)
+        except Exception:
+            import traceback
+            print(traceback.format_exc())
+
         return Results(results)
 
     def all(self):
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/commands/populate.py b/valet/api/v1/commands/populate.py
index ec97188..b0fe9b2 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/commands/populate.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/commands/populate.py
@@ -16,9 +16,8 @@
 """Populate command."""
 
 from pecan.commands.base import BaseCommand
-
+from valet import api
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
-from valet.api.conf import register_conf, set_domain
 from valet.api.db import models
 from valet.api.db.models import Event
 from valet.api.db.models import Group
@@ -26,11 +25,7 @@ from valet.api.db.models import Placement
 from valet.api.db.models import PlacementRequest
 from valet.api.db.models import PlacementResult
 from valet.api.db.models import Plan
-
-
-def out(string):
-    """Output helper."""
-    print("==> %s" % string)
+from valet.common.conf import init_conf, get_logger
 
 
 class PopulateCommand(BaseCommand):
@@ -39,13 +34,15 @@ class PopulateCommand(BaseCommand):
     def run(self, args):
         """Function creates and initializes database and environment."""
         super(PopulateCommand, self).run(args)
-        out(_("Loading environment"))
-        register_conf()
-        set_domain()
-        self.load_app()
-        out(_("Building schema"))
         try:
-            out(_("Starting a transaction..."))
+            init_conf("populate.log")
+#             cfg.CONF.log_file = "populate.log"
+#             cfg.CONF.use_stderr = True
+            LOG = api.LOG = get_logger("populate")
+            LOG.info(_("Loading environment"))
+            self.load_app()
+            LOG.info(_("Building schema"))
+            LOG.info(_("Starting a transaction..."))
             models.start()
 
             # FIXME: There's no create_all equivalent for Music.
@@ -59,10 +56,10 @@ class PopulateCommand(BaseCommand):
             Event.create_table()
             PlacementRequest.create_table()
             PlacementResult.create_table()
-        except Exception:
+        except Exception as ex:
             models.rollback()
-            out(_("Rolling back..."))
+            LOG.error("Rolling back... %s" % ex)
             raise
         else:
-            out(_("Committing."))
+            LOG.info(_("Committing."))
             models.commit()
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/__init__.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/__init__.py
index 9cd9f40..39082f8 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/__init__.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/__init__.py
@@ -15,28 +15,26 @@
 
 """Controllers Package."""
 
-import logging
 from notario.decorators import instance_of
 from notario import ensure
 from os import path
 
 from pecan import redirect, request
 import string
+from valet import api
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
 from valet.api.db.models import Placement
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
-
 #
 # Notario Helpers
 #
 
+
 def valid_group_name(value):
     """Validator for group name type."""
     if not value or not set(value) <= set(string.letters + string.digits + "-._~"):
-        LOG.error("group name is not valid")
-        LOG.error("group name must contain only uppercase and lowercase letters, decimal digits, \
+        api.LOG.error("group name is not valid")
+        api.LOG.error("group name must contain only uppercase and lowercase letters, decimal digits, \
             hyphens, periods, underscores, and tildes [RFC 3986, Section 2.3]")
 
 
@@ -73,16 +71,13 @@ def reserve_placement(placement, resource_id=None, reserve=True, update=True):
     the data store (if the update will be made later).
     """
     if placement:
-        LOG.info(_('%(rsrv)s placement of %(orch_id)s in %(loc)s.'),
-                 {'rsrv': _("Reserving") if reserve else _("Unreserving"),
-                  'orch_id': placement.orchestration_id,
-                  'loc': placement.location})
+        api.LOG.info(_('%(rsrv)s placement of %(orch_id)s in %(loc)s.'),
+                     {'rsrv': _("Reserving") if reserve else _("Unreserving"),
+                      'orch_id': placement.orchestration_id, 'loc': placement.location})
         placement.reserved = reserve
         if resource_id:
-            LOG.info(_('Associating resource id %(res_id)s with '
-                     'orchestration id %(orch_id)s.'),
-                     {'res_id': resource_id,
-                      'orch_id': placement.orchestration_id})
+            api.LOG.info(_('Associating resource id %(res_id)s with orchestration id %(orch_id)s.'),
+                         {'res_id': resource_id, 'orch_id': placement.orchestration_id})
             placement.resource_id = resource_id
         if update:
             placement.update()
@@ -97,11 +92,9 @@ def update_placements(placements, reserve_id=None, unlock_all=False):
             properties = placements[uuid]['properties']
             location = properties['host']
             if placement.location != location:
-                LOG.info(_('Changing placement of %(orch_id)s '
-                           'from %(old_loc)s to %(new_loc)s.'),
-                         {'orch_id': placement.orchestration_id,
-                          'old_loc': placement.location,
-                          'new_loc': location})
+                api.LOG.info(_('Changing placement of %(orch_id)s from %(old_loc)s to %(new_loc)s.'),
+                             {'orch_id': placement.orchestration_id, 'old_loc': placement.location,
+                              'new_loc': location})
                 placement.location = location
             if unlock_all:
                 reserve_placement(placement, reserve=False, update=False)
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/errors.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/errors.py
index e0e3da0..47211b0 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/errors.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/errors.py
@@ -15,15 +15,11 @@
 
 """Errors."""
 
-import logging
 from pecan import expose, request, response
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
+from valet.api import LOG
 from webob.exc import status_map
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
-# pylint: disable=R0201
-
 
 def error_wrapper(func):
     """Error decorator."""
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/groups.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/groups.py
index 3e05165..0d4912f 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/groups.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/groups.py
@@ -15,8 +15,6 @@
 
 """Groups."""
 
-import logging
-
 from notario import decorators
 from notario.validators import types
 from pecan import conf, expose, request, response
@@ -27,8 +25,7 @@ from valet.api.common.i18n import _
 from valet.api.common.ostro_helper import Ostro
 from valet.api.db.models import Group
 from valet.api.v1.controllers import error, valid_group_name
-
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+from valet import api
 
 GROUPS_SCHEMA = (
     (decorators.optional('description'), types.string),
@@ -82,8 +79,8 @@ def tenant_servers_in_group(tenant_id, group):
             if server.tenant_id == tenant_id:
                 servers.append(server_id)
         except Exception as ex:  # TODO(JD): update DB
-            LOG.error("Instance %s could not be found" % server_id)
-            LOG.error(ex)
+            api.LOG.error("Instance %s could not be found" % server_id)
+            api.LOG.error(ex)
     if len(servers) > 0:
         return servers
 
@@ -292,9 +289,14 @@ class GroupsController(object):
     @index.when(method='GET', template='json')
     def index_get(self):
         """List groups."""
-        groups_array = []
-        for group in Group.query.all():  # pylint: disable=E1101
-            groups_array.append(group)
+        try:
+            groups_array = []
+            for group in Group.query.all():  # pylint: disable=E1101
+                groups_array.append(group)
+        except Exception:
+            import traceback
+            api.LOG.error(traceback.format_exc())
+            response.status = 500
         return {'groups': groups_array}
 
     @index.when(method='POST', template='json')
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/placements.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/placements.py
index 00b5cbe..497231b 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/placements.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/placements.py
@@ -15,18 +15,12 @@
 
 """Placements."""
 
-import logging
-
 from pecan import expose, request, response
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
 from valet.api.common.ostro_helper import Ostro
 from valet.api.db.models import Placement, Plan
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import error
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import reserve_placement
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import update_placements
-
-
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+from valet.api.v1.controllers import error, reserve_placement, update_placements
+from valet import api
 
 # pylint: disable=R0201
 
@@ -80,12 +74,11 @@ class PlacementsItemController(object):
         Once reserved, the location effectively becomes immutable.
         """
         res_id = kwargs.get('resource_id')
-        LOG.info(_('Placement reservation request for resource id '
-                 '%(res_id)s, orchestration id %(orch_id)s.'),
-                 {'res_id': res_id, 'orch_id': self.placement.orchestration_id})
+        api.LOG.info(_('Placement reservation request for resource id %(res_id)s, orchestration id %(orch_id)s.'),
+                     {'res_id': res_id, 'orch_id': self.placement.orchestration_id})
         locations = kwargs.get('locations', [])
         locations_str = ', '.join(locations)
-        LOG.info(_('Candidate locations: %s'), locations_str)
+        api.LOG.info(_('Candidate locations: %s'), locations_str)
         if self.placement.location in locations:
             # Ostro's placement is in the list of candidates. Good!
             # Reserve it. Remember the resource id too.
@@ -95,12 +88,8 @@ class PlacementsItemController(object):
         else:
             # Ostro's placement is NOT in the list of candidates.
             # Time for Plan B.
-            LOG.info(_('Placement of resource id %(res_id)s, '
-                       'orchestration id %(orch_id)s in %(loc)s '
-                       'not allowed. Replanning.'),
-                     {'res_id': res_id,
-                      'orch_id': self.placement.orchestration_id,
-                      'loc': self.placement.location})
+            api.LOG.info(_('Placement of resource id %(res_id)s, orchestration id %(orch_id)s in %(loc)s not allowed. Replanning.'),
+                         {'res_id': res_id, 'orch_id': self.placement.orchestration_id, 'loc': self.placement.location})
 
             # Unreserve the placement. Remember the resource id too.
             kwargs = {'resource_id': res_id, 'reserve': False}
@@ -117,9 +106,9 @@ class PlacementsItemController(object):
             exclusions = [x.orchestration_id for x in reserved]
             if exclusions:
                 exclusions_str = ', '.join(exclusions)
-                LOG.info(_('Excluded orchestration IDs: %s'), exclusions_str)
+                api.LOG.info(_('Excluded orchestration IDs: %s'), exclusions_str)
             else:
-                LOG.info(_('No excluded orchestration IDs.'))
+                api.LOG.info(_('No excluded orchestration IDs.'))
 
             # Ask Ostro to try again with new constraints.
             # We may get one or more updated placements in return.
@@ -158,7 +147,7 @@ class PlacementsItemController(object):
         """Delete a Placement."""
         orch_id = self.placement.orchestration_id
         self.placement.delete()
-        LOG.info(_('Placement with orchestration id %s deleted.'), orch_id)
+        api.LOG.info(_('Placement with orchestration id %s deleted.'), orch_id)
         response.status = 204
 
 
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/plans.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/plans.py
index 0638dec..db8da78 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/plans.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/plans.py
@@ -15,22 +15,16 @@
 
 """Plans."""
 
-import logging
-
 from notario import decorators
 from notario.validators import types
 from pecan import expose, request, response
 from pecan_notario import validate
-
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
 from valet.api.common.ostro_helper import Ostro
 from valet.api.db.models import Placement, Plan
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import error
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import set_placements
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import update_placements
-from valet.api.v1.controllers import valid_plan_update_action
+from valet.api.v1.controllers import error, set_placements, update_placements, valid_plan_update_action
+from valet.api import LOG
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 CREATE_SCHEMA = (
     ('plan_name', types.string),
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/root.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/root.py
index 1df6d2f..7211a04 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/root.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/root.py
@@ -15,8 +15,6 @@
 
 """Root."""
 
-import logging
-
 from pecan import expose, request, response
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
 from valet.api.v1.controllers import error
@@ -25,8 +23,6 @@ from valet.api.v1.controllers.v1 import V1Controller
 
 from webob.exc import status_map
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
 # pylint: disable=R0201
 
 
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/status.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/status.py
index cdf2c28..39bc1cf 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/status.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/status.py
@@ -15,15 +15,11 @@
 
 """Status."""
 
-import logging
-
 from pecan import expose, request, response
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
 from valet.api.common.ostro_helper import Ostro
 from valet.api.v1.controllers import error
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
 # pylint: disable=R0201
 
 
diff --git a/valet/api/v1/controllers/v1.py b/valet/api/v1/controllers/v1.py
index c88e095..36c4a47 100644
--- a/valet/api/v1/controllers/v1.py
+++ b/valet/api/v1/controllers/v1.py
@@ -15,11 +15,9 @@
 
 """v1."""
 
-import logging
-
 from pecan import conf, expose, request, response
 from pecan.secure import SecureController
-
+from valet import api
 from valet.api.common.i18n import _
 from valet.api.v1.controllers import error
 from valet.api.v1.controllers.groups import GroupsController
@@ -28,11 +26,6 @@ from valet.api.v1.controllers.plans import PlansController
 from valet.api.v1.controllers.status import StatusController
 
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
-# pylint: disable=R0201
-
-
 class V1Controller(SecureController):
     """v1 Controller  /v1."""
 
@@ -58,11 +51,11 @@ class V1Controller(SecureController):
             token = conf.identity.engine.validate_token(auth_token)
 
         if token:
-            LOG.debug("Checking token permissions")
+            api.LOG.debug("Checking token permissions")
             msg = "Unauthorized - Permission was not granted"
             if V1Controller._permission_granted(request, token):
                 tenant_id = conf.identity.engine.tenant_from_token(token)
-                LOG.info("tenant_id - " + str(tenant_id))
+                api.LOG.info("tenant_id - " + str(tenant_id))
                 if tenant_id:
                     request.context['tenant_id'] = tenant_id
                     user_id = conf.identity.engine.user_from_token(token)
diff --git a/valet/api/wsgi.py b/valet/api/wsgi.py
index fe89b94..7b264f7 100644
--- a/valet/api/wsgi.py
+++ b/valet/api/wsgi.py
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@
 from common.i18n import _
 import os
 from pecan.deploy import deploy
+from valet.common.conf import init_conf, get_logger
+from valet import api
 
 
 def config_file(file_name=None):
@@ -39,15 +41,20 @@ def application(environ, start_response):
 # TODO(JD): Integrate this with a python entry point
 # This way we can run valet-api from the command line in a pinch.
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    from wsgiref.simple_server import make_server  # disable=C0411,C0413
+    try:
+        from wsgiref.simple_server import make_server  # disable=C0411,C0413
 
-    # TODO(JD): At some point, it would be nice to use pecan_mount
-    from valet.api.conf import register_conf, set_domain
-    register_conf()
-    set_domain()
-    HTTPD = make_server('', 8090,
-                        deploy(config_file('/var/www/valet/config.py')))
-    print(_("Serving HTTP on port 8090..."))
+        # TODO(JD): At some point, it would be nice to use pecan_mount
+        # import pecan_mount
+        # HTTPD = make_server('', 8090, pecan_mount.tree)
+#         from valet.api.conf import register_conf, set_domain
+        init_conf("wsgi.log")
+        api.LOG = get_logger("wsgi")
+        HTTPD = make_server('', 8090, deploy(config_file('/var/www/valet/config.py')))
+        print(_("Serving HTTP on port 8090..."))
 
-    # Respond to requests until process is killed
-    HTTPD.serve_forever()
+        # Respond to requests until process is killed
+        HTTPD.serve_forever()
+    except Exception:
+        import traceback
+        print(traceback.format_exc())
diff --git a/valet/cli/groupcli.py b/valet/cli/groupcli.py
index 7d2b77b..3bcf6d6 100644
--- a/valet/cli/groupcli.py
+++ b/valet/cli/groupcli.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import argparse
 import json
 from oslo_config import cfg
 import requests
-from valet.api.conf import register_conf, set_domain
+from valet.common import conf as common
 
 CONF = cfg.CONF
 
@@ -211,8 +211,7 @@ def populate_args_request_body(args):
 
 def run(args):
     """Run."""
-    register_conf()
-    set_domain(project='valet')
+    common.init_conf("cli.log")
     args.host = args.host or CONF.server.host
     args.port = args.port or CONF.server.port
     args.timeout = args.timeout or 10
diff --git a/valet/cli/valetcli.py b/valet/cli/valetcli.py
index fab5e2b..3e8215c 100755
--- a/valet/cli/valetcli.py
+++ b/valet/cli/valetcli.py
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@
 import argparse
 import sys
 import valet.cli.groupcli as groupcli
-# import logging
 
 
 class Cli(object):
diff --git a/valet/common/__init__.py b/valet/common/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3befeaf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/valet/common/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+
+from oslo_config import cfg
+
+
+def logger_conf(logger_name):
+    return [
+        cfg.StrOpt('output_format', default="%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(message)s"),  # dict
+        cfg.BoolOpt('store', default=True),
+        cfg.StrOpt('logging_level', default='debug'),
+        cfg.StrOpt('logging_dir', default='/var/log/valet/'),
+        cfg.StrOpt('logger_name', default=logger_name + ".log"),
+        cfg.IntOpt('max_main_log_size', default=5000000),
+        cfg.IntOpt('max_log_size', default=1000000),
+        cfg.IntOpt('max_num_of_logs', default=3),
+    ]
diff --git a/valet/api/conf.py b/valet/common/conf.py
similarity index 68%
rename from valet/api/conf.py
rename to valet/common/conf.py
index 59552bc..96fbaef 100644
--- a/valet/api/conf.py
+++ b/valet/common/conf.py
@@ -16,12 +16,16 @@
 """Conf."""
 
 from oslo_config import cfg
+from oslo_log import log as logging
 
-
+CONF = cfg.CONF
 DOMAIN = 'valet'
 
 
-CONF = cfg.CONF
+def get_logger(name):
+    return logging.getLogger(name)
+
+LOG = get_logger("engine")
 
 server_group = cfg.OptGroup(name='server', title='Valet API Server conf')
 server_opts = [
@@ -70,19 +74,34 @@ music_opts = [
     # cfg.ListOpt('db_hosts', default='valet1,valet2,valet3')
 ]
 
-
-def set_domain(project=DOMAIN):
-    """Set Domain."""
-    CONF([], project)
+def load_conf(args=None, project=DOMAIN, default_files=None):
+    CONF(default_config_files=default_files) if default_files else CONF(args or [], project=project)
 
 
-def register_conf():
-    """Register confs."""
-    CONF.register_group(server_group)
-    CONF.register_opts(server_opts, server_group)
-    CONF.register_group(music_group)
-    CONF.register_opts(music_opts, music_group)
-    CONF.register_group(identity_group)
-    CONF.register_opts(identity_opts, identity_group)
-    CONF.register_group(messaging_group)
-    CONF.register_opts(messaging_opts, messaging_group)
+def init_conf(log_file="valet.log", args=None, grp2opt=None, cli_opts=None, default_config_files=None):
+    CONF.log_file = log_file
+    logging.register_options(CONF)
+
+    # init conf
+    general_groups = {server_group: server_opts, music_group: music_opts,
+                      identity_group: identity_opts, messaging_group: messaging_opts}
+
+    general_groups.update(grp2opt or {})
+
+    _register_conf(general_groups, cli_opts)
+    load_conf(args=args, default_files=default_config_files)
+
+    # set logger
+    _set_logger()
+
+
+def _set_logger():
+    logging.setup(CONF, DOMAIN)
+
+def _register_conf(grp2opt, cli_opts):
+    for grp in grp2opt or {}:
+        CONF.register_group(grp)
+        CONF.register_opts(grp2opt[grp], grp)
+
+   for opt in cli_opts or []:
+        CONF.register_cli_opts(opt)
diff --git a/valet/api/db/models/music/music.py b/valet/common/music.py
similarity index 96%
rename from valet/api/db/models/music/music.py
rename to valet/common/music.py
index d56e189..2c05dd5 100644
--- a/valet/api/db/models/music/music.py
+++ b/valet/common/music.py
@@ -16,14 +16,12 @@
 """Music Data Store API."""
 
 import json
-import logging
-import time
-
-from valet.api.common.i18n import _
-
 import requests
+import time
+from valet.api.common.i18n import _
+from valet.common.conf import get_logger
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+LOG = get_logger("music")
 
 
 class REST(object):
@@ -47,7 +45,8 @@ class REST(object):
     def urls(self):
         """Return list of URLs using each host, plus the port/path."""
         if not self._urls:
-            urls = []
+            # make localhost as first option
+            urls = ['http://localhost:%s%s' % (self.port, self.path)]
             for host in self.hosts:
                 # Must end without a slash
                 urls.append('http://%(host)s:%(port)s%(path)s' % {
@@ -81,12 +80,10 @@ class REST(object):
             full_url = url + path
             try:
                 data_json = json.dumps(data) if data else None
-                LOG.debug("Music Request: %s %s%s", method.upper(), full_url,
-                          data_json if data else '')
-                response = method_fn(full_url, data=data_json,
-                                     headers=self.__headers(content_type),
-                                     timeout=self.timeout)
+                LOG.debug("Music Request: %s %s%s", method.upper(), full_url, data_json if data else '')
+                response = method_fn(full_url, data=data_json, headers=self.__headers(content_type), timeout=self.timeout)
                 response.raise_for_status()
+
                 return response
             except requests.exceptions.Timeout as err:
                 response = requests.Response()
@@ -151,6 +148,7 @@ class Music(object):
 
         path = '/keyspaces/%s' % keyspace
         response = self.rest.request(method='post', path=path, data=data)
+
         return response.ok
 
     def create_table(self, keyspace, table, schema):
diff --git a/valet/engine/conf.py b/valet/engine/conf.py
index fd6a948..6c9a38a 100644
--- a/valet/engine/conf.py
+++ b/valet/engine/conf.py
@@ -16,7 +16,8 @@
 """Conf."""
 
 from oslo_config import cfg
-from valet.api import conf as api
+import sys
+from valet.common import logger_conf, conf as common
 
 CONF = cfg.CONF
 
@@ -27,178 +28,47 @@ ostro_cli_opts = [
                help='engine command.'),
 ]
 
-
 engine_group = cfg.OptGroup(name='engine', title='Valet Engine conf')
 engine_opts = [
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'pid',
-        default='/var/run/valet/ostro-daemon.pid'
-    ),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'mode',
-        default='live',
-        help="""
-Sim will let Ostro simulate datacenter, while live will
-let it handle a real datacenter.
-"""),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'sim_cfg_loc',
-        default='/etc/valet/engine/ostro_sim.cfg'),
-    cfg.BoolOpt(
-        'network_control',
-        default=False,
-        help="""
-Whether network controller (i.e., Tegu) has been deployed
-"""),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'network_control_url',
-        default='http://network_control:29444/tegu/api'),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'ip',
-        default='localhost'),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'priority',
-        default=1,
-        help="""
-This instance priority (master=1)
-"""),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'rpc_server_ip',
-        default='localhost',
-        help="""
-Set RPC server ip and port if used. Otherwise, ignore these parameters
-"""),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'rpc_server_port',
-        default='8002'
-    ),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'logger_name',
-        default='engine.log'
-    ),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'logging_level',
-        default='debug'
-    ),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'logging_dir',
-        default='/var/log/valet/'
-    ),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'max_main_log_size',
-        default=5000000
-    ),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'max_log_size',
-        default=1000000
-    ),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'max_num_of_logs',
-        default=20
-    ),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'datacenter_name',
-        default='bigsite',
-        help="""
-Inform the name of datacenter (region name), where Valet/Ostro is deployed.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'num_of_region_chars',
-        default='3',
-        help="""
-Number of chars that indicates the region code
-"""),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'rack_code_list',
-        default='r',
-        help="""
-Rack indicator.
-"""),
-    cfg.ListOpt(
-        'node_code_list',
-        default='a,c,u,f,o,p,s',
-        help="""
-Indicates the node type.
-
-Values:
-
-* a: network
-* c KVM compute
-* u: ESXi compute
-* f: ?
-* o: operation
-* p: power
-* s: storage.
-"""),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'compute_trigger_time',
-        default='1:00',
-        help="""
-Trigger time or frequency for checking compute hosting server status
-(i.e., call Nova)
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'compute_trigger_frequency',
-        default=3600,
-        help="""
-Trigger time or frequency for checking compute hosting server status
-(i.e., call Nova).
-"""),
-    cfg.StrOpt(
-        'topology_trigger_time',
-        default='2:00',
-        help="""
-Set trigger time or frequency for checking datacenter topology.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'topology_trigger_frequency',
-        default=3600,
-        help="""
-Set trigger time or frequency for checking datacenter topology.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'default_cpu_allocation_ratio',
-        default=16,
-        help="""
-Set default overbooking ratios.
-Note that each compute node can have its own ratios.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'default_ram_allocation_ratio',
-        default=1.5,
-        help="""
-Set default overbooking ratios.
-Note that each compute node can have its own ratios.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'default_disk_allocation_ratio',
-        default=1,
-        help="""
-Set default overbooking ratios.
-Note that each compute node can have its own ratios.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'static_cpu_standby_ratio',
-        default=20,
-        help="""
-Unused percentages of resources (i.e. standby) that are set
-aside for applications workload spikes.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'static_mem_standby_ratio',
-        default=20,
-        help="""
-Unused percentages of resources (i.e. standby) that are set
-aside for applications workload spikes.
-"""),
-    cfg.IntOpt(
-        'static_local_disk_standby_ratio',
-        default=20,
-        help="""
-Unused percentages of resources (i.e. standby) that are set
-aside for applications workload spikes.
-"""),
-]
+    cfg.StrOpt('pid', default='/var/run/valet/ostro-daemon.pid'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('mode', default='live', help='sim will let Ostro simulate datacenter, while live will let it handle a real datacenter'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('sim_cfg_loc', default='/etc/valet/engine/ostro_sim.cfg'),
+    cfg.BoolOpt('network_control', default=False, help='whether network controller (i.e., Tegu) has been deployed'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('network_control_url', default='http://network_control:29444/tegu/api'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('ip', default='localhost'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('health_timeout', default=6, help='health check grace period (seconds, default=5)'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('priority', default=1, help='this instance priority (master=1)'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('rpc_server_ip', default='localhost',
+               help='Set RPC server ip and port if used. Otherwise, ignore these parameters'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('rpc_server_port', default='8002'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('datacenter_name', default='bigsite',
+               help='Inform the name of datacenter (region name), where Valet/Ostro is deployed.'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('num_of_region_chars', default='3', help='number of chars that indicates the region code'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('rack_code_list', default='r', help='rack indicator.'),
+    cfg.ListOpt('node_code_list', default='a,c,u,f,o,p,s',
+                help='indicates the node type. a: network, c KVM compute, u: ESXi compute, f: ?, o: operation, '
+                     'p: power, s: storage.'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('compute_trigger_time', default='1:00',
+               help='trigger time or frequency for checking compute hosting server status (i.e., call Nova)'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('compute_trigger_frequency', default=3600,
+               help='trigger time or frequency for checking compute hosting server status (i.e., call Nova)'),
+    cfg.StrOpt('topology_trigger_time', default='2:00',
+               help='Set trigger time or frequency for checking datacenter topology (i.e., call AIC Formation)'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('topology_trigger_frequency', default=3600,
+               help='Set trigger time or frequency for checking datacenter topology (i.e., call AIC Formation)'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('default_cpu_allocation_ratio', default=16, help='Set default overbooking ratios. '
+                                                                'Note that each compute node can have its own ratios'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('default_ram_allocation_ratio', default=1.5, help='Set default overbooking ratios. '
+                                                                 'Note that each compute node can have its own ratios'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('default_disk_allocation_ratio', default=1, help='Set default overbooking ratios. '
+                                                                'Note that each compute node can have its own ratios'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('static_cpu_standby_ratio', default=20, help='unused percentages of resources (i.e. standby) '
+                                                            'that are set aside for applications workload spikes.'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('static_mem_standby_ratio', default=20, help='unused percentages of resources (i.e. standby) '
+                                                            'that are set aside for applications workload spikes.'),
+    cfg.IntOpt('static_local_disk_standby_ratio', default=20, help='unused percentages of resources (i.e. standby) '
+                                                                   'that are set aside for applications workload spikes.'),
+] + logger_conf("engine")
 
 listener_group = cfg.OptGroup(name='events_listener',
                               title='Valet Engine listener')
@@ -206,20 +76,14 @@ listener_opts = [
     cfg.StrOpt('exchange', default='nova'),
     cfg.StrOpt('exchange_type', default='topic'),
     cfg.BoolOpt('auto_delete', default=False),
-    cfg.StrOpt('output_format', default='dict'),
     cfg.BoolOpt('store', default=True),
-    cfg.StrOpt('logging_level', default='debug'),
-    cfg.StrOpt('logging_loc', default='/var/log/valet/'),
-    cfg.StrOpt('logger_name', default='ostro_listener.log'),
-    cfg.IntOpt('max_main_log_size', default=5000000),
-]
+] + logger_conf("ostro_listener")
 
 
-def register_conf():
-    """Function calls api and registers configs opts."""
-    api.register_conf()
-    CONF.register_group(engine_group)
-    CONF.register_opts(engine_opts, engine_group)
-    CONF.register_group(listener_group)
-    CONF.register_opts(listener_opts, listener_group)
-    CONF.register_cli_opts(ostro_cli_opts)
+def init_engine(default_config_files=None):
+    """ register the engine and the listener groups """
+    common.init_conf("engine.log", args=sys.argv[1:],
+                     grp2opt={engine_group: engine_opts,
+                     listener_group: listener_opts},
+                     cli_opts=[ostro_cli_opts],
+                     default_config_files=default_config_files)
diff --git a/valet/engine/listener/listener_manager.py b/valet/engine/listener/listener_manager.py
index 3e1944f..64f6e64 100644
--- a/valet/engine/listener/listener_manager.py
+++ b/valet/engine/listener/listener_manager.py
@@ -21,9 +21,9 @@ import pika
 import pprint
 import threading
 import traceback
-from valet.api.db.models.music import Music
+from valet.common.conf import get_logger
+from valet.common.music import Music
 from valet.engine.listener.oslo_messages import OsloMessage
-from valet.engine.optimizer.util.util import init_logger
 import yaml
 
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ class ListenerManager(threading.Thread):
         self.thread_id = _t_id
         self.thread_name = _t_name
         self.config = _config
-        self.listener_logger = init_logger(self.config.events_listener)
+        self.listener_logger = get_logger("ostro_listener")
         self.MUSIC = None
 
     def run(self):
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/app_manager/app_handler.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/app_manager/app_handler.py
index 0231f07..e83c409 100755
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/app_manager/app_handler.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/app_manager/app_handler.py
@@ -181,11 +181,9 @@ class AppHandler(object):
         return vm_info
 
     def update_vm_info(self, _s_uuid, _h_uuid):
-        """Update vm info (the ids) in the database."""
-        s_uuid_exist = bool(_s_uuid is not None and _s_uuid != "none")
-        h_uuid_exist = bool(_h_uuid is not None and _h_uuid != "none")
-        if s_uuid_exist and h_uuid_exist:
+        if _h_uuid and _h_uuid != "none" and _s_uuid and _s_uuid != "none":
             return self.db.update_vm_info(_s_uuid, _h_uuid)
+
         return True
 
     def _regenerate_app_topology(self, _stack_id, _app, _app_topology, _action):
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/db_connect/music_handler.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/db_connect/music_handler.py
index 79df55b..0a1b9ca 100644
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/db_connect/music_handler.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/db_connect/music_handler.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 import json
 import operator
-from valet.api.db.models.music import Music
+from valet.common.music import Music
 from valet.engine.optimizer.db_connect.event import Event
 
 
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro/ostro.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro/ostro.py
index 6d563d8..7e8e5e8 100755
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro/ostro.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro/ostro.py
@@ -135,26 +135,26 @@ class Ostro(object):
             resource_status = self.db.get_resource_status(
                 self.resource.datacenter.name)
             if resource_status is None:
+                self.logger.error("Ostro.bootstrap: failed to read from table: " + self.config.db_resource_table)
                 return False
 
             if len(resource_status) > 0:
                 self.logger.info("Ostro.bootstrap: bootstrap from db")
-                if self.resource.bootstrap_from_db(resource_status) is False:
-                    return False
-            else:
-                self.logger.info("bootstrap from OpenStack")
+                if not self.resource.bootstrap_from_db(resource_status):
+                    self.logger.error("Ostro.bootstrap: failed to parse bootstrap data!")
 
-                if self._set_hosts() is False:
-                    self.logger.error('_set_hosts is false')
-                    return False
+            self.logger.info("read bootstrap data from OpenStack")
+            if not self._set_hosts():
+                self.logger.error('_set_hosts is false')
+                return False
 
-                if self._set_flavors() is False:
-                    self.logger.info("_set_flavors is false")
-                    return False
+            if not self._set_flavors():
+                self.logger.info("_set_flavors is false")
+                return False
 
-                if self._set_topology() is False:
-                    self.logger.error("_set_topology is false")
-                    return False
+            if not self._set_topology():
+                self.logger.error("_set_topology is false")
+                return False
 
             self.resource.update_topology()
 
@@ -167,29 +167,31 @@ class Ostro(object):
         return True
 
     def _set_topology(self):
-        if self.topology.set_topology() is False:
+        if not self.topology.set_topology():
             self.status = "datacenter configuration error"
+            self.logger.error("failed to read datacenter topology")
             return False
 
         self.logger.debug("done topology bootstrap")
-
         return True
 
     def _set_hosts(self):
-        if self.compute.set_hosts() is False:
+        if not self.compute.set_hosts():
             self.status = "OpenStack (Nova) internal error"
+            self.logger.error("failed to read hosts from OpenStack (Nova)")
             return False
+
         self.logger.debug("done hosts & groups bootstrap")
         return True
 
     def _set_flavors(self):
         self.logger.debug("start flavors bootstrap")
-        if self.compute.set_flavors() is False:
+        if not self.compute.set_flavors():
             self.status = "OpenStack (Nova) internal error"
+            self.logger.error("failed to read flavors from OpenStack (Nova)")
             return False
 
         self.logger.debug("done flavors bootstrap")
-
         return True
 
     def place_app(self, _app_data):
@@ -263,21 +265,21 @@ class Ostro(object):
                             query_results[q["stack_id"]] = vm_list
                         else:
                             self.status = "unknown paramenter in query"
-                            self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: " + self.status)
+                            self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: unknown paramenter in query")
                             query_results[q["stack_id"]] = None
                     else:
-                        self.status = "no parameters in query"
-                        self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: " + self.status)
+                        self.status = "no paramenter in query"
+                        self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: no parameters in query")
                         query_results[q["stack_id"]] = None
                 elif q["type"] == "all_groups":
                     query_results[q["stack_id"]] = self._get_logical_groups()
                 else:
                     self.status = "unknown query type"
-                    self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: " + self.status)
+                    self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: unknown query type")
                     query_results[q["stack_id"]] = None
             else:
-                self.status = "no type in query"
-                self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: " + self.status)
+                self.status = "unknown type in query"
+                self.logger.warn("Ostro._query: no type in query")
                 query_results[q["stack_id"]] = None
 
         return query_results
@@ -313,20 +315,20 @@ class Ostro(object):
         app_topology = self.app_handler.add_app(_app_data)
         if app_topology is None:
             self.status = self.app_handler.status
-            self.logger.debug("Ostro._place_app: error while register "
-                              "requested apps: " + self.status)
+            self.logger.error("Ostro._place_app: error while register"
+                              "requested apps: " + self.app_handler.status)
             return None
 
         """Check and set vm flavor information."""
         for _, vm in app_topology.vms.iteritems():
             if self._set_vm_flavor_information(vm) is False:
                 self.status = "fail to set flavor information"
-                self.logger.error("Ostro._place_app: " + self.status)
+                self.logger.error("Ostro._place_app: failed to set flavor information ")
                 return None
         for _, vg in app_topology.vgroups.iteritems():
             if self._set_vm_flavor_information(vg) is False:
                 self.status = "fail to set flavor information in a group"
-                self.logger.error("Ostro._place_app: " + self.status)
+                self.logger.error("Ostro._place_app: failed to set flavor information in a group")
                 return None
 
         """Set weights for optimization."""
@@ -688,7 +690,7 @@ class Ostro(object):
                         app_status['message'] = "ping"
 
                         app_result['status'] = app_status
-                        app_result['resources'] = {"ip": self.config.ip}
+                        app_result['resources'] = {"ip": self.config.ip, "id": self.config.priority}
 
                         result[appk] = app_result
 
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/configuration.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/configuration.py
index 3be8f1c..9cac9e4 100755
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/configuration.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/configuration.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 
 import os
 from oslo_config import cfg
-from valet.engine.conf import register_conf
+from valet.engine.conf import init_engine
 
 
 CONF = cfg.CONF
@@ -29,12 +29,7 @@ class Config(object):
     """Valet Engine Server Configuration."""
 
     def __init__(self, *default_config_files):
-        """Initialization."""
-        register_conf()
-        if default_config_files:
-            CONF(default_config_files=default_config_files)
-        else:
-            CONF(project='valet')
+        init_engine(default_config_files=default_config_files)
 
         # System parameters
         self.root_loc = os.path.dirname(CONF.default_config_files[0])
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/daemon.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/daemon.py
index dad15d1..0c0dcb9 100644
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/daemon.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/daemon.py
@@ -17,10 +17,13 @@
 
 import atexit
 import os
+from oslo_config import cfg
 from signal import SIGTERM
 import sys
 import time
 
+CONF = cfg.CONF
+
 
 class Daemon(object):
     """A generic daemon class."""
@@ -82,10 +85,10 @@ class Daemon(object):
         os.dup2(so.fileno(), sys.stdout.fileno())
         os.dup2(se.fileno(), sys.stderr.fileno())
 
-        # write pidfile
         atexit.register(self.delpid)
-        pid = str(os.getpid())
-        file(self.pidfile, 'w+').write("%s\n" % pid)
+        # write pidfile - moved to OstroDaemon.run
+        # pid = str(os.getpid())
+        # file(self.pidfile, 'w+').write("%s\n" % pid)
 
     def delpid(self):
         """Remove pidfile."""
@@ -102,17 +105,16 @@ class Daemon(object):
         return pid
 
     def checkpid(self, pid):
-        """Check for the existence of a UNIX pid."""
-        if pid is None:
-            return False
-
+        """ Check For the existence of a unix pid. """
+        alive = False
         try:
-            os.kill(pid, 0)
+            if pid:
+                os.kill(pid, 0)
+                alive = True
         except OSError:
             self.delpid()
-            return False
-        else:
-            return True
+
+        return alive
 
     def start(self):
         """Start thedaemon."""
@@ -152,11 +154,6 @@ class Daemon(object):
                 # print str(err)
                 sys.exit(1)
 
-    def restart(self):
-        """Restart the daemon."""
-        self.stop()
-        self.start()
-
     def status(self):
         """Return instance's priority."""
         # Check for a pidfile to see if the daemon already runs
@@ -174,6 +171,11 @@ class Daemon(object):
         sys.stderr.write(message % self.pidfile)
         return status
 
+    def restart(self):
+        """Restart the daemon"""
+        self.stop()
+        self.start()
+
     def run(self):
         """You should override this method when you subclass Daemon."""
         """It will be called after the process has been daemonized by
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/db_cleaner.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/db_cleaner.py
index 1bfe300..f488618 100644
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/db_cleaner.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/db_cleaner.py
@@ -18,8 +18,7 @@
 """Database Cleaner."""
 
 from configuration import Config
-import sys
-from valet.api.db.models.music import Music
+from valet.common.music import Music
 
 
 class DBCleaner(object):
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/health_checker.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/health_checker.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a3a3939
--- /dev/null
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/health_checker.py
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+import json
+import os
+from oslo_config import cfg
+import sys
+import time
+import uuid
+from valet.common.conf import get_logger
+from valet.common.music import REST
+from valet.engine.conf import init_engine
+
+CONF = cfg.CONF
+
+
+class HealthCheck(object):
+
+    rest = None
+
+    def __init__(self, hosts=[], port='8080', keyspace='valet'):
+
+        self.tries = CONF.engine.health_timeout * 2
+        self.uuid = str(uuid.uuid4())
+
+        kwargs = {
+            'hosts': hosts,
+            'port': CONF.music.port,
+            'path': '/MUSIC/rest',
+            'timeout': CONF.music.interval,
+        }
+        self.rest = REST(**kwargs)
+
+    def ping(self, my_id):
+
+        engine_alive = False
+        try:
+            if self._send():
+                engine_alive = self._read_response(my_id)
+        finally:
+            self._delete_result()
+        return engine_alive
+
+    def _send(self):
+
+        data = {
+            "values": {"stack_id": self.uuid,
+                       "request": "[{\"action\": \"ping\", \"stack_id\": \"" + self.uuid + "\"}]"
+                       },
+            "consistencyInfo": {"type": "eventual"}
+        }
+
+        path = '/keyspaces/%(keyspace)s/tables/%(table)s/rows' % {
+            'keyspace': CONF.music.keyspace,
+            'table': CONF.music.request_table,
+        }
+        response = self.rest.request(method='post', path=path, data=data)
+        # print "SEND response: " + str(response.status_code)
+        return response.status_code == 204 if response else False
+
+    def _read_response(self, my_id):
+
+        found = False
+        path = '/keyspaces/%(keyspace)s/tables/%(table)s/rows?stack_id=%(uid)s' % {
+            'keyspace': CONF.music.keyspace,
+            'table': CONF.music.response_table,
+            'uid': self.uuid,
+        }
+
+        for i in range(self.tries):  # default: 12 * 0.5 = 6 sec.
+            time.sleep(0.5)
+            response = self.rest.request(method='get', path=path)
+
+            # logger.debug("READ respons body text: " + str(response.text))
+
+            if response.status_code == 200 and len(response.text) > 3:
+
+                j = json.loads(response.text)
+                stack_id = j['row 0']['stack_id']
+                placement = json.loads(j['row 0']['placement'])
+                engine_id = placement['resources']['id']
+
+                # logger.debug("health 'stack_id': " + stack_id + ", engine_id=" + str(engine_id))
+                if stack_id == self.uuid and engine_id == my_id:
+                    found = True
+                    break
+
+        return found
+
+    def _delete_result(self):
+        # leave the table clean - delete from requests and responses
+        try:
+            path = '/keyspaces/%(keyspace)s/tables/%(table)s/rows?stack_id=%(uid)s' % {
+                'keyspace': CONF.music.keyspace,
+                'table': CONF.music.request_table,
+                'uid': self.uuid
+            }
+            data = {
+                "consistencyInfo": {"type": "eventual"}
+            }
+            self.rest.request(method='delete', path=path, data=data)
+
+            path = '/keyspaces/%(keyspace)s/tables/%(table)s/rows?stack_id=%(uid)s' % {
+                'keyspace': CONF.music.keyspace,
+                'table': CONF.music.response_table,
+                'uid': self.uuid
+            }
+            self.rest.request(method='delete', path=path, data=data)
+
+            # print "DELETE response: " + str(response.status_code)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+
+    alive = False
+    code = 0
+    init_engine(default_config_files=['/etc/valet/valet.conf'])
+    logger = get_logger("ostro_daemon")
+    if os.path.exists(CONF.engine.pid):
+        alive = HealthCheck().ping(CONF.engine.priority)
+    if alive:
+        code = CONF.engine.priority
+        logger.info("HealthCheck - Alive, priority = {}".format(CONF.engine.priority))
+    else:
+        logger.warn("HealthCheck - Engine is DEAD!")
+    sys.exit(code)
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py
index f637bfb..1f3c5ee 100755
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py
@@ -18,10 +18,10 @@
 import os
 import sys
 import traceback
+from valet.common.conf import get_logger
 from valet.engine.optimizer.ostro.ostro import Ostro
 from valet.engine.optimizer.ostro_server.configuration import Config
 from valet.engine.optimizer.ostro_server.daemon import Daemon
-from valet.engine.optimizer.util.util import init_logger
 
 
 class OstroDaemon(Daemon):
@@ -39,6 +39,10 @@ class OstroDaemon(Daemon):
             self.logger.error("ostro bootstrap failed")
             sys.exit(2)
 
+        # write pidfile
+        pid = str(os.getpid())
+        file(self.pidfile, 'w+').write("%s\n" % pid)
+
         ostro.run_ostro()
 
 
@@ -58,6 +62,8 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
     # Configuration
     try:
         config = Config()
+        ''' logger '''
+        logger = get_logger("ostro_daemon")
         config_status = config.configure()
         if config_status != "success":
             print(config_status)
@@ -68,9 +74,6 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
                      config.app_log_loc, os.path.dirname(config.process)]
         verify_dirs(dirs_list)
 
-        """ logger """
-        logger = init_logger(config)
-
         # Start daemon process
         daemon = OstroDaemon(config.priority, config.process, logger)
 
@@ -85,7 +88,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
         exit_code = exit_code or 0
 
     except Exception:
-        logger.error(traceback.format_exc())
+        print(traceback.format_exc())
         exit_code = 2
 
     sys.exit(int(exit_code))
diff --git a/valet/engine/optimizer/util/util.py b/valet/engine/optimizer/util/util.py
index e4abfc4..1b34617 100755
--- a/valet/engine/optimizer/util/util.py
+++ b/valet/engine/optimizer/util/util.py
@@ -17,8 +17,6 @@
 
 from os import listdir, stat
 from os.path import isfile, join
-import logging
-from logging.handlers import RotatingFileHandler
 
 
 def get_logfile(_loc, _max_log_size, _name):
@@ -88,22 +86,3 @@ def adjust_json_string(_data):
     _data = _data.replace('_"true"', "_true")
 
     return _data
-
-
-def init_logger(config):
-    """Return an initialized logger."""
-    log_formatter = logging.Formatter("%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - "
-                                      "%(message)s")
-    log_handler = RotatingFileHandler(config.logging_loc + config.logger_name,
-                                      mode='a',
-                                      maxBytes=config.max_main_log_size,
-                                      backupCount=2,
-                                      encoding=None,
-                                      delay=0)
-    log_handler.setFormatter(log_formatter)
-    logger = logging.getLogger(config.logger_name)
-    logger.setLevel(logging.DEBUG if config.logging_level == "debug"
-                    else logging.INFO)
-    logger.addHandler(log_handler)
-
-    return logger
diff --git a/valet/engine/resource_manager/compute.py b/valet/engine/resource_manager/compute.py
index 5585bcc..dcd1629 100755
--- a/valet/engine/resource_manager/compute.py
+++ b/valet/engine/resource_manager/compute.py
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ class Compute(object):
                 if hasattr(hv, 'servers'):
                     server_list = hv.__getattr__('servers')
                     for s in server_list:
-                        _vm_list.append(s.uuid)
+                        _vm_list.append(s['uuid'])
 
         except (ValueError, KeyError, TypeError):
             self.logger.error(traceback.format_exc())
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ class Compute(object):
         try:
             vm_name = server.name
             _vm_detail.append(vm_name)
-            az = server.__getattr("OS-EXT-AZ:availability_zone")
+            az = server.__getattr__("OS-EXT-AZ:availability_zone")
             _vm_detail.append(az)
             metadata = server.metadata
             _vm_detail.append(metadata)
diff --git a/valet/ha/ha_valet.cfg b/valet/ha/ha_valet.cfg
index 0498ecc..70e6a8a 100644
--- a/valet/ha/ha_valet.cfg
+++ b/valet/ha/ha_valet.cfg
@@ -49,9 +49,9 @@ priority=1
 host=valet1
 user=m04060
 stand_by_list=valet2
-start="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py -c start'" % (user, host)
+start="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py -c restart'" % (user, host)
 stop="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py -c stop'" % (user, host)
-test="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py ; exit $?'" % (user, host)
+test="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/health_checker.py ; exit $?'" % (user, host)
 
 
 [ValetApi]
diff --git a/valet/ha/ha_valet.py b/valet/ha/ha_valet.py
index f15a431..0a1ec4b 100644
--- a/valet/ha/ha_valet.py
+++ b/valet/ha/ha_valet.py
@@ -66,7 +66,6 @@ max_log_size = 1000000
 # Set the maximum number of time-series log files
 max_num_of_logs = 10
 
-
 PRIMARY_SETUP = 1
 RETRY_COUNT = 3          # How many times to retry ping command
 CONNECT_TIMEOUT = 3      # Ping timeout
@@ -74,7 +73,7 @@ MAX_QUICK_STARTS = 10    # we stop if there are > 10 restart in quick succession
 QUICK_RESTART_SEC = 150  # we consider it a quick restart if less than this
 
 # HA Configuration
-HEARTBEAT_SEC = 5                    # Heartbeat interval in seconds
+HEARTBEAT_SEC = 10                    # Heartbeat interval in seconds
 
 
 NAME = 'name'
@@ -101,6 +100,8 @@ havalet_opts = [
     cfg.StrOpt(TEST_COMMAND, help='test command')
 ]
 
+# common.init_conf("havalet.log", grp2opt={api_group: havalet_opts, ostro_group: havalet_opts})
+
 CONF.register_group(api_group)
 CONF.register_opts(havalet_opts, api_group)
 
@@ -225,7 +226,7 @@ class HaValetThread (threading.Thread):
                 time.sleep(HEARTBEAT_SEC)
             else:
                 # No valet running. Wait for higher priority valet to activate.
-                time.sleep(HEARTBEAT_SEC * my_priority)
+                time.sleep(HEARTBEAT_SEC / my_priority)
 
             self.log.info('checking status here - ' + host +
                           ', my priority: ' + str(my_priority))
@@ -388,7 +389,7 @@ class HaValetThread (threading.Thread):
         try:
             self.log.info('activate_command: ' + activate_command)
             subprocess.check_call(activate_command, shell=True)
-            time.sleep(HEARTBEAT_SEC * priority)  # allow some grace period
+            time.sleep(HEARTBEAT_SEC)  # allow some grace period
             return True
         except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
             self.log.error(str(e))
diff --git a/valet/ha/ha_valet2.cfg b/valet/ha/ha_valet2.cfg
index 9d7998e..a9de2f7 100644
--- a/valet/ha/ha_valet2.cfg
+++ b/valet/ha/ha_valet2.cfg
@@ -49,9 +49,9 @@ priority=2
 host=valet2
 user=m04060
 stand_by_list=valet1
-start="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py -c start'" % (user, host)
+start="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py -c restart'" % (user, host)
 stop="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py -c stop'" % (user, host)
-test="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/ostro_daemon.py ; exit $?'" % (user, host)
+test="ssh -o ConnectTimeout=1 %s@%s 'python /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/valet/engine/optimizer/ostro_server/health_checker.py ; exit $?'" % (user, host)
 
 
 [ValetApi]
diff --git a/valet/tests/base.py b/valet/tests/base.py
index 7b94b12..052a41b 100644
--- a/valet/tests/base.py
+++ b/valet/tests/base.py
@@ -15,15 +15,13 @@
 
 """Base."""
 
+import mock
 from oslo_config import fixture as fixture_config
-from oslo_log import log as logging
 from oslotest.base import BaseTestCase
+from valet import api
 from valet.tests.functional.valet_validator.common import init
 
 
-LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
-
 class Base(BaseTestCase):
     """Test case base class for all unit tests."""
 
@@ -33,6 +31,7 @@ class Base(BaseTestCase):
 
         self.CONF = self.useFixture(fixture_config.Config()).conf
         init.prepare(self.CONF)
+        api.LOG = mock.MagicMock()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """Setup."""
diff --git a/valet/tests/unit/engine/test_config.py b/valet/tests/unit/engine/test_config.py
index 53201bd..ccf14ba 100644
--- a/valet/tests/unit/engine/test_config.py
+++ b/valet/tests/unit/engine/test_config.py
@@ -40,11 +40,3 @@ class TestConfig(Base):
 
         except Exception as ex:
             self.validate_test(isinstance(ex, cfg.ConfigFilesNotFoundError))
-
-    def test_config_io(self):
-        """Test config I/O and validate config status is success."""
-        cfg.CONF.clear()
-        config = Config("etc/valet/valet.conf")
-        config_status = config.configure()
-
-        self.validate_test(config_status == "success")
diff --git a/valet/tests/unit/engine/test_ping.py b/valet/tests/unit/engine/test_ping.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..635436f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/valet/tests/unit/engine/test_ping.py
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+import mock
+import valet.engine.optimizer.ostro_server.health_checker as ping
+from valet.engine.optimizer.ostro_server.health_checker import HealthCheck
+from valet.tests.base import Base
+
+json = r'{"row 0":{"placement": "{\"status\": {\"message\": \"ping\", \"type\": \"ok\"},' \
+       r'\"resources\": {\"ip\": \"localhost\", \"id\": %d}}","stack_id":"%s"}}'
+
+
+class TestHealthCheck(Base):
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(TestHealthCheck, self).setUp()
+        ping.CONF = mock.MagicMock()
+        ping.REST = mock.MagicMock()
+        self.pingger = HealthCheck()
+
+    @mock.patch.object(HealthCheck, '_send')
+    @mock.patch.object(HealthCheck, '_read_response')
+    def test_ping(self, mock_read, mock_send):
+        mock_send.return_value = True
+        mock_read.return_value = True
+
+        self.validate_test(self.pingger.ping(1))
+
+    @mock.patch.object(HealthCheck, '_send')
+    @mock.patch.object(HealthCheck, '_read_response')
+    def test_ping_unhappy(self, mock_read, mock_send):
+        mock_send.return_value = False
+        mock_read.return_value = True
+
+        self.validate_test(not self.pingger.ping(1))
+
+    @mock.patch.object(HealthCheck, '_send')
+    @mock.patch.object(HealthCheck, '_read_response')
+    def test_ping_unhappy_2(self, mock_read, mock_send):
+        mock_send.return_value = True
+        mock_read.return_value = False
+
+        self.validate_test(not self.pingger.ping(1))
+
+    def test_send(self):
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.status_code = 204
+        self.validate_test(self.pingger._send())
+
+    def test_send_unhappy(self):
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.status_code = 200
+        self.validate_test(not self.pingger._send())
+
+    def test_read_response(self):
+        id = 1
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.status_code = 200
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.text = json % (id, self.pingger.uuid)
+        self.validate_test(self.pingger._read_response(id))
+
+    def test_read_response_from_other_engine(self):
+        my_id = 1
+        id = 2
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.status_code = 200
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.text = json % (id, self.pingger.uuid)
+        self.validate_test(not self.pingger._read_response(my_id))
+
+    def test_read_response_unhappy_wrong_res_code(self):
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.status_code = 204
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.text = self.pingger.uuid
+        self.validate_test(not self.pingger._read_response(1))
+
+    def test_read_response_unhappy_wrong_body(self):
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.status_code = 200
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.text = ""
+        self.validate_test(not self.pingger._read_response(1))
+
+    def test_read_response_unhappy_wrong_both(self):
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.status_code = 204
+        self.pingger.rest.request.return_value.text = ""
+        self.validate_test(not self.pingger._read_response(1))