It is been an extremely quiet race for school board. Dan Remely is running alone, but there is a slate for the four remaining candidates. Their website is here. I received an email this morning about one of the candidates, Durwood Hill.
Durwood Hill is running for school board and kicking off his campaign with a series of community meetings. These are intended to be informal and honest conversations. Attached is a flyer with meeting information, hope you are able to join Durwood at one of these times. Also, please feel free to pass along to other community members, especially friends and family outside the Lincoln area.When I met Durwood, I told him that I would never vote for Mary Birks and that I really didn't know anything about him. I promised that I would share his information here on Lebo Citizens. I am glad to see that he is reaching out to the community.
Durwood is running as part of a slate (http://www.leboeie.com/durwood-hill/); however, these meetings are set up by Durwood alone. If you have any questions, you can contact me at montoyase@verizon.net.
Update April 30, 2013 11:00 AM The Candidate's Forum scheduled for May 8, 2013 has been canceled. It is my understanding that the PTA canceled the forum due to lack of interest. In its place, the school board candidates will provide written responses to a uniform set of questions and the responses will be posted online.
In addition, Durwood Hill asked me to share this with Lebo Citizens readers:
I took a look at the blog and it probably should be noted that, while friends of mine organized the events, I am running with a slate of candidates and they all plan to attend some of the events. I will be at every event and will be accompanied by various members of our slate.
113 comments:
We voters all have been subjected to the same feel good, utopian platforms and so called promises in every school board election for years, with absolutely no follow through by those elected except for Fraasch and Hart who were humiliated by other members.
As a blogger years ago stated, once elected, school board members seem to be fed the district Kool-Aid laced with stupid pills by the Administration. If so, it has truly worked. What will be different with this crew ?
Most people will vote for candidates who they know...so it becomes a popularity contest.
I wonder how many people knew that none of Mark Hart's kids actually went to Mt. Lebanon schools when they voted?
First of all 12:52, in my opinion VOTERS SHOULD KNOW AND SHOULD CARE!
Before you attend the "Meet the Candidate Nights," you might want to study up on the biggest issue confronting Mt. Lebanon residents.
Here's what I personally think is a good primer on the biggest issue:
"Citizens better monitor those new millage rates
April 28, 2013 12:16 am
By Brian O'Neill / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"
"The state's anti-windfall law could use a cop, but it's written so that the people have about as much power as angry hall monitors."
""There's nothing in law that says they get thrown in jail,'' says Rep. Mark Mustio, R-Moon, who sponsored the 2005 House bill to tighten the rules. "The whole purpose was not to let them hide behind these windfalls,'' Mr. Mustio said.
But it's up to the citizenry to take it from there, he said. If your government doesn't cut its millage, or doesn't cut it far enough, throw the scoundrels out of office with your next vote.""
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/brian-oneill/citizens-better-monitor-those-new-millage-rates-685353/#ixzz2RsKCRnvD
Let it go, Mary. How many board directors and candidates have no children in Mt. Lebanon presently?
Elaine
1:44 How many of Cooper's kids go to Lebo?
Even so your comment is so much BS, was Mr. Hart a taxpaying resident of Mt. Lebanon? Then by law he was eligible to run and serve when elected.
I guess according to your dispecable logic, Birks and Remely have to get off the board... please.
Wonder how many democrats realize that Mary Birks is a turn coat Republican.
Most likely, if she can abandon those principles she ran on the first time, she probably have no qualms abandoning them once again!
I love that comment by Mustio in the PG, its worth repeating.
"The whole purpose was not to let them hide behind these windfalls,'' Mr. Mustio said.
But it's up to the citizenry to take it from there, he said. If your government doesn't cut its millage, or doesn't cut it far enough, [THROW THE SCOUNDRELS OUT OF OFFICE WITH YOUR NEXT VOTE].""
I wonder if any of those candidates can spell despicable?
My spell check for some reason can't!???
Hey its OK, PennDOT can't spell Mt. Lebanon... see Fake Lebo.
Seems very few-- Lebonites, Lebonaires, Leboburgers ??? -- can't spell either by the comments.
Mr. Hill looks interesting to this voter based on his accounting/business experience and his initiative to meet face-to-face with voters on his own.
Have the republicans abandoned the school district?
Remely is the only registered one running for school board and should he win the PA House race I assume all the empty board seats get filled by democrats.
Which is a good question. If Remely wins both the House seat and a Board seat what happens? I imagine he'd go to Harrisburg over sitting on the school board again. So does a runner up in the SB race take his spot or does another election need to be run?
Well, this is just the Primary. There is still November's General Election.
If Remely wins the House seat, he would definitely take that since it is a paying job. Last I heard, he was unemployed.
Elaine
Why in the world did Remely submit his name for both positions! This is ridiculous! Is he participating in both debates too?
Yes, it is the primary but if he were to win in both races would we be left with only 3 primary approved SB candidates in Nov. or does the loser stay in the contest?
There are 4 seats up for grabs on the board come November.
His run for SB and Smith's vacant seat really muddy this primary up for the voter. Makes one wonder who's interest Dan is watching out for?
To the best of my knowledge, Remely will be asking for our votes on May 8 for school board and then on May 15, he will be asking for our votes for the Rep seat.
Elaine
Isn't it sad that the Rep. Committee thinks the only person qualified for both seats is Remely? Others tried, but Remely would tell his Rep. buddies that they were not viable candidates. Nice guy, huh?
Of course, this is the same group that thought my old commissioner, who had his house on the market and told the media that he was moving, was a viable candidate. I would have lost anyway, but the R's are truly misguided.
Elaine
Like it or not, according to the PG MTL may be trending closer to Dormont than our upscale neighbors to the south. That should quell some of the "we're better than Dormont" comments in Fake Lebo.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/politics-state/2013-special-election-must-be-held-to-fill-district-42-house-seat-663437/
"The old and new districts are centered on Mt. Lebanon. The current seat extends from Bethel Park through parts of Scott, Green Tree and Thornburg. Its pending configuration will eliminate some of the more Republican communities, and make it a somewhat more compact district with the inclusion of more Democratic-friendly territory in Dormont, and some of Pittsburgh's southern neighborhoods."
It is pretty tough to consider the MTL Republican Party a serious force in local politics when their party web site list Vince Gastgeb, Mary Birks and Sue Rose as sitting officials and party leadership.
From a Trib article on the State Senate voting Liquor Store privatization -
"Under the state Constitution, the legislature must adopt a state budget by the end of June, Scarnati said, and leaders haven't met yet with the governor, though there are significant concerns about declining state revenue."
http://triblive.com/mobile/3888991-96/liquor-senate-state
With significant concerns about declining state revenue a good question for the candidates running for Smith's vacant House seat would be where do you plan on finding more state money for k-12 education?
It'd be nice to see Remely, Miller and Brown share their plans here.
Suppose Mr. Remely wins both the special election for the State House seat and (let's say) a Republican nomination for the School Board. Since the House seat is currently vacant, he would take office for that seat within a few days (as soon as the vote is official).
Presumably, he would then resign his present school board seat and renounce the nomination for a new four year term. He would then be replaced in two different ways. The School Board would name a replacement to fill out the rest of the current term. I believe that since there is less than a year left in that term, the Board has the option of using a more expedited procedure than it did when it filled the last vacancy.
Meanwhile, the vacancy for the nomination for the new four year term would be filled by the relevant party committee, presumably the RCML. Were Mr. Remely to also or instead win the Democratic nomination for the 4 year Board seat, then the Mt. Lebanon Democratic Committee (is that what they're called?) would choose his replacement for that nomination.--Neil Berch
If the RCML knew how Remely stuck a knife in Mark Hart's back before the school board election they would not have endorsed Remely for the legislature.
Come on, Dan, tell us what you told Mark in the meeting you had with him in your office one Saturday morning before you ran for reelection to the school board.
I also understand someone put a Remely sign in Hart's front yard and it disappeared quickly. Gee, Dan, that is what happens when you stab your own running mate in the back.
Remely will not be getting my vote.
Hill is a CPA, Moorhead claims 25 years experience in construction law and Riemer was a police officer.
Seems to be just the qualifications needed to resolve many of the issues facing the school district.
A CPA that understands money. A construction law expert that will hopefully recover some change order money paid out for uneven floors, missing piping, etc.
An a police officer,who has a better knowledge of drug &alcohol abuse and procedures to keep our kids secure.
They certainly can't do any worse than PTA moms and green weenies. Now if they'll promise to stand up to the teachers union, they might be just the ticket... sans one.
6:29 AM, five candidates, four seats. Odds are your three will win. But we still have Birks and Remely to contend with. Neither will get my vote. And if Remely wins both elections, then the out of control board can select another Kool Aid drinker for the remaining 6+ months. And if that is not a big deal, that will be when Jan will be floating the next bond and we should hear about the grievance by then.
Elaine
Absolutely!
I guess if you're happy with the "promised, most likely under $100 million" HS renovation that may not even be under the $113.4 million cap, Birks and Remely still get your vote.
In my opinion, this community cannot absorb $2 million average per year school district spending increasing much longer. Birks and Remely had their chance to control things. They didn't and there is no evidence they will in the future.
Vote Brown into the House and let Remely deal with the financial mess he helped to create. It will be unusual to watch a career politician actually have to live up to the reckless decisions they made.
Speaking of the teachers union, isn't it funny that after all the rhetoric and claims about how inferior charter schools are-- the union is now trying to enlist their teachers.
Seems to highlight that concerning unions, its not ALL about the kids!
"Teachers unions scour charter schools for new memberships"
http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/apr/16/teachers-unions-scour-charter-schools-new-membersh/
8:43 AM #2, so is it safe to say that you will be voting for both Birks and Remely so that they have to live up to the reckless decisions they made? The BandAid to that is raising taxes, ya know. They can continue to make reckless decisions.
Elaine
Sounds like a plan 8:43.
George Patton said: "If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."
So sending Brown to Harrisburg will bring a fresh perspective.
I'm not sure I'd classify Remely or Birks as career politicians since it's pretty likely neither will go beyond school board positions.
No, I'm not voting for either one, but regardless of what I do, one or the other or maybe both will win another term.
Unless a dark horse write-in shows up between now and November.
Response @9:03 was from 8:43 #1
6:29, Durwood Hill is not a CPA.
It is a crime in PA to hold yourself out as a CPA if you aren't one.
9:55, only going by his comment on the Birks, Hill, Moorhead, Riemer site - "Durwood Hill"
“As a parent with a child currently enrolled in our schools and a professional with over 25 years of experience as a CPA with an international accounting firm and finance director with a Fortune 500 company, I am uniquely qualified to help our district drive educational excellence on ever-tightening budgets. Pursuing educational excellence must extend well beyond just improving standardized test scores; it must provide our children with an inspiring and well-rounded 21st century education.”
I assume a candidate wouldn't lie about something so easily checked.
So MTL Republicans supporting Dan Remely for the state house. Are you blind to the facts or do you not know and don't care?
According to the Pgh BusinessTimes:
"Pennsylvania revenue collection down in March
Pittsburgh Business Times Tuesday 2nd April, 2013
Sales tax receipts were $677.7 million about $51.3 million below its estimates, according to data released Monday by Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser. Personal income tax revenue was $11 million below estimates at $895.5 million. Corporation tax revenue was $2.4 billion, which was $15 million below estimates for March.
Keep the above in mind while you ponder Dan Remely's big plan for education: "Ensure our local schools receive the state funding they need and deserve to lower property taxes, especially for those on fixed incomes."
We have a Fepublican governor and republican controlled house under fire by democrats and you're supporting a republican House candidate that pledges to go to Harrisburg and throw gasoline on those fires. Just where do you imagine Dan thinks additional state school funding will come from?
What in the world can you be thinking?
10:21, it is possible Mr. Hill has 25 years experience as a CPA, but is no longer a CPA, or a CPA in this state.
Very different from your assertion (or 6:29 if different anonymous poster) that he currently is a CPA.
I understand that Durwood Hill is retired.
Elaine
Shoot the messenger, 10:59, I'm guilty of assuming he Is currently a CPA.
Nonetheless, as a CPA for 25 years 'at some point' he probably still has a firm grasp on accounting, which in my opinion makes him a viable candidate.
Please note that the school board "Meet the Candidates" forum was canceled by the PTA. It was their impression that there was a public lack of interest.
Elaine
Rather than writing "It is a crime in PA to hold yourself out as a CPA if you aren't one.", wouldn't it have been friendlier to submit something along the lines of: "voters should be aware that Hill is a retired CPA, not a current CPA", instead of accusing him of lying?
Rereading his statement Mr. Hill doesn't exactly claim to be a current CPA so your accusation is not quite 'accurate' either, 10:59.
Sounds like a the subject for a poll, Elaine.
I've spoken to a few people that would like to attend a Meet the Candidates forum.
Could it be the PTA doesn't want tough questions asked?
OK, folks. Vote.
I don't think the PTA should have made this call. Aren't they supposed to stay out of elections?
Elaine
I heard the PTA plans on having Candy Crowley ask... and answer questions for the candidates. :-)
Durwood Robert Hill was a CPA in South Carolina from February, 1993 to January, 2011.
My math shows he was a CPA for 17 years 11 months.
This is 7 years 1 month shy of 25 years.
Mr. Hill's website says, "Over 25 years in business as a CPA"
With this track record, he'll fit in just fine with our other elected representatives.
Mr. Hill was licensed in North Carolina from March, 1985 to June, 1995. This adds 7 years 11 months to the South Carolina time, making it a total of 25 years 10 months.
Cancelled? Ha...cowards.
2:55 PM, thank you for verifying that. I hope that satisfies 2:04 PM. In the short conversation I had with Durwood, I sensed that he is an honorable man.
So we're good?
Elaine
Why 2:04?
Is it really necessary to go after any of the candidates, R, D or L like that? Then isn't a little embarrassing to be wrong?
If you have any issue with their biography ask politely and I'll bet all of them would be willing to set the record straight.
It one thing to have an opinion on their performance as an elected official or disagree on their campaign promises, but unless you're absolutely sure of your facts, that as malicious as political emails and hit 'n run blog comments.
It's too bad the PTA cancelled the Candidates Forum so we could get to know each one better and find out how they think in an unscripted Q&A.
It isn't fair to throw a blanket over them all as cowards.
Actually, Mr. Hill gained some points (an any appearing associate) IMO by hosting open community meetings.
It's too bad they won't be aired like past PTA forums, but that hardly makes him/ they cowards.
Searching this blog for Candidates Forum, I found the TV schedule that I had posted.
http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2011/05/candidates-forum.html
Also, here is the link to the answers given by the school board candidates. Notice how the only ones remaining belong to James Cannon and Scott Goldman. All others have been removed.
http://www.mtlsd.org/district/districtpta/schoolboardcandidatesqanda.asp
This came from my post
http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2011/11/ptas-school-board-director-candidates-q.html
Elaine
Y'all assume that the forum was canceled due to lack of interest by the public. Word I'm hearing on the street is that it was lack of interest by the candidates.
If that is true, then that just infuriates me. Where are the yard signs? Where is the effort? What the hell?
Elaine
OK, here is the scoop. The candidates received an email from the PTA last Thursday saying that the forum was canceled due to lack of interest by the candidates. Three of the five candidates had already RSVP'ed favorably. By Thursday evening, at least four of the five candidates had responded saying that they would like to participate. TODAY was the candidates' deadline to RSVP. The PTA was asked to reconsider, but their response was that it was too late. It was the PTA who canceled this prematurely.
Elaine
3:47, not wrong, just partially correct.
It would be great for candidates to explain in their bios where they got the experience being touted.
You should be happy bloggers do the work to research the facts.
The pTa canceled the open forum because the T's win without it.The p's are just the T's "plants."
The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a candidates night but the PTA canceled it. That exposes the League of Woman Voters for what they really are - puppets.
Here's the thing. To some degree you are the company you keep.
I would have liked to see Reimer and Hill split off on their own ticket and remain R's. Somehow they have both converted to D's and are running on this ticket that is being dragged down by the likes of Birks.
I can't vote for them. And I would have likely donated money had they just not formed this ticket. It's pretty sad.
My mistake. I should have said that the League of Women Voters and the PTA are co-sponsoring the Candidates Forum as I had written here two years ago:
http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2011/05/hooray-for-may.html
This goes against everything the League of Women Voters stands for.
"MISSION: The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy."
Elaine
I can't vote for them because of their supporter list. Rodella/Rose/Eberz/Evans/Lebowitz
I can't vote for Remely either.
Nobody;s left !!!!
Hey, let's stage another hilariously inept write-in campaign like we did last time! That was a riot!!
8:43 why does that supporter list bother you?
8:48 That "inept write-in campaign" produced close to 3,000 write-ins. Go ahead and check to see that the most anyone can expect to get from write-ins is 150. It had the school board bullies so scared that they turned to illegal measures in effort to derail it.
It sure will be interesting to see what happens when the voters have no real choices this time around because it's all more of the same. Check back to see how checked out the voters in LEBOland have become - unless a write in effort comes about.
I agree with 8:43 - bad vibes from that gang.
8:43 - What does bad vibes mean exactly?
6:44 AM, I think you mean 10:52 PM, correct? I know. It is tough to keep up. If you search any of those names on this blog, you might get some history. Hope that helps.
8:43 PM and 10:52 PM, 6:44 AM knows exactly what you mean.
Elaine
I would not refer to the write in campaign as "inept". However, the percentages that were being quoted are somewhat skewed, since the approach would have required voters to have multiple write in candidates on each ballot.
Why in the hell is the PTa involved in anything political? Didn't those idiots learn in 2011? They almost lost their non-profit status due to their shenanigans. Good lord, enough is enough. I say let's toss them out of OUR schools funded by OUR money.
So basically we're being forced to vote for people who refuse to answer questions from the public? This is BS. Wsy to go, Lebo. Once again we're getting the bottom-feeders we deserve.
9:00 AM, I wouldn't say that the candidates are refusing to answer questions from the public. The PTA is to blame here. The PTA will be asking the candidates questions, as they did in 2011. Who decides which questions will be asked? Which PTA person called off the forum?
Elaine
I am deleting the poll. I will try to find another poll widget that can't be hacked and is more reliable.
Elaine
Recently I contacted Mr. Durwood Hill via E-mail, asking him 14 questions that I felt would give me a good idea as to his philosophy as a member of the school board. Mr. Hill asked for a face-to-face meeting to discuss my questions. I offered a telephone discussion, due to the fact that my schedule is too erratic to commit to a meeting. Mr. Hill politely declined, but did answer four of the questions.
Here are all of my questions and the answers provided by Mr. Hill (answers in italics):
1. What is your party affiliation (the one on your voter's registration card)?
My current political affiliation is democrat.
2. Did you (or do you) support the current high school reconstruction project?
*If you did not support the project, what would have recommended be done?
*If you did support the project, would you have recommended anything be done differently
Regarding the high school project, the decision has been made regarding the size and nature of the project, it's under construction, and I prefer to not "relitigate" that decision. I plan to focus my energy on timely and on-budget completion, getting a quality product, and prudent financing of the unfunded balance.
3. Do you support changing the current state retirement and benefit system from "defined benefits" to "defined contribution"?
4. Do you support the current structure of the education system as it is defined by Pennsylvania law (i.e., the "District" model)?
5. So you support school choice, defined as the right of a parent or parents to choose the best school that meets the needs of his or her child and without the burden of concurrently supporting any other school or school district?
6. Would you support changing public school funding from a district funding model to direct funding of students?
7. How would you improve transparency in the Mt. Lebanon School District?
Many parents and taxpayers have expressed a desire to have more information about how well our district is performing in keys elements outside of standardized test scores. One simple example might be measuring and tracking parent and taxpayer sentiment. Sustainable success comes when most of the key elements are improving, it comes when progress is balanced across the key elements.
8. Would you support periodically changing the firms that audit the Mt. Lebanon School District?
9. Would you support an independent audit of the District by a firm selected by a committee consisting of residents, teachers, and administration officials?
10. Would you support alternate methods of funding public schools, and the elimination of the property tax?
11. Given that property in Allegheny County has been wildly and inaccurately mis-valued in the recent court ordered reassessment, would you support legal challenges to those Mt. Lebanon properties that have been under assessed by as much as half or more of their recent sales prices?
12. The District has a reputation for being callous and imperious towards residents and parents, especially when it comes to issues such as curriculum, school access, and addressing residents at meetings. What would you do to improve relations between the Mt. Lebanon School District and its taxpayers?
13. Although most Mt. Lebanon residents will likely be able to meet their tax obligations, a certain minority of residents - particularly the elderly on fixed incomes or those families whose breadwinners have lost their jobs - will not. What advice would you give these people?
14. Have you been advised to avoid answering certain questions and, if so, what questions?
I have not been advised to avoid answering certain question.
For the record, I advised Mr. Hill that my questions and his answers might be posted on this Blog.
RG, those are excellent questions. I am sure they will not be asked by the PTA.
Elaine
Regarding #7, sometime ago the districtsen t out a questionnaire doing just what Mr. Hill suggest. I believe it was called the Stakeholder Satisfaction Survery or something like that.
As I remember the results of the first were pretty good in the district's favor. Butt subsequent the stakehoderswere privy to less and less information and results.
The last one that I can remember, stakeholders were told they would get the results after the district had a chance to review and analyze the results.
I believe eventually we got a brief synopsis but not the actual results.
It's been awhile I believe since the district has actually done another one.
Elaine (and readers):
I would be happy to help facilitate a public Q and A forum if the candidates would agree to appear and if others, especially those who visit this blog, would assist. I'd even invite 8:48 since the individual obviously has strong opinions. And to sweeten the deal for the candidates, I will pledge to stay out of the actual proceedings and only help as far as logistics and/or financing.
Love me or hate me, I value the democratic process and think an open, transparent public meeting would be of value to voters of all stripes.
Jim,
Fantastic idea! I hope that the candidates are receptive to you all. I am out of commission this week, so if you could get the ball rolling, that would be terrific.
Elaine
On the front page of today's 'Almanac'...
"PT school board candidates address hot topics at forum."
How is it there is interest by candidates and voters in that township's school board race and here in Lebo just planning a forum becomes an issue in itself?
how much more dysfunctional can one community be?
Conveniently, once again we can thank
Elaine Gillen for making information readily accessible.
Here is the link accessible on Lebocitizens to the 2007 Harris Survey.
http://www.mtlsd.org/District/Stuff/2009/Mt%20%20Lebanon%20Exec%20Summ%20_Community_.pdf
A visit to page 2 of 4 is really interesting. There you'll find "[In 2007] 41% of community members reported that current tax rates were not acceptable to them."
It would be really interesting to survey the community today, considering the announcement of the "just like zero" millage hike to 27.65 mills, to see if that percentage has gone up or down.
While the "Candidate's Forum" scheduled for 8 May has been canceled, the "..informal community conversation about our school district" events are still on, and as Mr. Hill says, he "...will be at every event and will be accompanied by various members of our slate."
While hosting these community meetings is certainly commendable, I think a lot of people will have an issue with their schedules: Thursday, 2 May at 9:30am; Monday, 6 May at 1:30pm; and Tuesday, 7 May at 7pm. It seems to me that only the 7 May at 7pm event has the potential to draw a crowd of any size. The other two events are being held during weekday working hours. Therefore I think Mr. Cannon's offer to help facilitate a public question and answer forum is a good idea, especially if it can be held at a time conducive to the greatest community attendance.
2:44 PM, interestingly enough, one of the cuts last year, #10, is eliminating the Harris Survey.
http://www.mtlsd.org/district/budget/stuff/budgetreductions2012.13.pdf
So no more surveys.
Elaine
Dnistrict budget-
2007-08 $70.8 million @ 23.56 mills
2013-14 $83.2 million @ 27.65 mills
In just 6 years the district expenditures have risen $13.6 million dollars.
Can you imagine what the increase would have been if they weren't being fiscally responsible?
11:19 AM RG - it seems a bit odd your candidate Hill addressed only 4 of the 14 questions you posed to him ! Not a very forthcoming, transparent and open response !
He ducked the tough ones, just like all the incumbents have and would ! Looks like just another banana in the rotten bunch.
Remember, Durwood and the others are under Mary "Eyes Rolling" Birks' thumb. When Mary called me, she was quick to say that she doesn't read my blog because she works full time and doesn't have the time to read it, nor would she want to.
Cappucci was not interested in writing for my blog. I am sure she would put the kibosh on any plans for a forum sponsored by ANY Lebo Citizen reader.
I wonder if JMS is still available for May 8. Maybe the League of Women Voters would be willing to work with us.
So what is the proper venue for Richard Gideon's questions? I think his questions were excellent.
Elaine
Durwood would not answer this question from Richard:
"8. Would you support periodically changing the firms that audit the Mt. Lebanon School District?"
I'm really disappointed that CPA Durwood Hill would not appoint a new auditor, especially since the same firm has been here for 20 or more years. A good CPA would know better, Durwood.
I haven't picked my choices for the school board yet and not lobbying for Hill, but let's keep in mind he's made himself available and answered four more questions than any other candidate!
I received a message from Mr. Hill in which he felt that I had not posted the reason why he did not answer all of my questions, and that by not doing so it gives the appearance that he is dodging those questions. In the interest of fair play, here is the exchange between Mr. Hill and myself concerning why he did not answer all of the questions:
Mr. Gideon
Thank you for your questions. You are obviously well informed regarding educational issues, I would like to talk with you. I think a conversation can be much more productive. Will you be willing to meet?
Mr. Hill:
Sorry for the delay in answering. In a way, however, it exemplifies the situation I often have with going out to attend meetings, etc. I often have to stick by the phone (or E-mail) to take calls from my overseas clients in places where tomorrow for us is today for them.
I would be willing to talk to you on the phone. Monday and Tuesday evenings are out, but I have time tomorrow at 6pm or Thursday at 5pm.
V/r
Richard Gideon
Mr. Gideon,
Thank you for your willingness to discuss these items over the phone. Many of your questions are complex and I am not sure a phone conversation will do the discussion justice. I will answer the questions with less complexity here and my offer stands to meet to discuss the other issues.
Mr. Hill then went on to answer the questions he felt he could in a written response.
I hope this supplies the needed context.
9:08 PM, you are absolutely right! He also answered more questions than our sitting school board! Let's cut him some slack. There are three others on the slate. And then there is Remely.
Elaine
IMO, the two experienced incumbents should be leading the conversation, if not here somewhere conveniently online.
I find the cookie cutter, marketing directed, play the odds campaigning that all candidates absolutely useless and probably has much to do with low voter turn out.
How many ways can every candidate say -- I'm for fiscal responsibility! I''m for providing the best education possible... Blah, blah, blah, blah.
Like are their school board candidates out there professing -- I hate kids, love to spend money and think we should go back to one-room school houses?
Come on candidates step up, tell us your real thoughts and separate your self from the crowd!
If not, let's save the money on the election process and just pull names out of a hat
My question for any school board candidates with the colones to answer it--
"How long do you think the community can sustain $2.2 million average yearly increases in school district expenditures?"
cojones not colones!
After a night's sleep, I am wondering why you should even bother with planning a forum, Jim. There are five candidates for four seats. I can't come up with four votes, no matter how much more I could learn about them. Why bother, Jim? Thanks for stepping up though.
Four seats will be filled with or without a forum, and they know it. Not even one freaking yard sign. They don't have to do anything to get elected. This place is going to hell.
Elaine
Elaine, I believe some small pockets of the Birks team yard signs are beginning to show up.
Remely signs have been up for a while, maybe he's relying on those for both races?
Miller has signs all over and Brown just a few.
Personally, I find yard signs idiotic as they tell you almost nothing about a candidate. You can't even count for sure that the property owner supports the candidate in every instance. Asking some people how they could vote for a candidate on their signs some have said, I'm not, they go to my church and they asked if they could.
So I think Mencken was spot on --
"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public." -- Henry Mencken
Call me naïve, Elaine, but I still think if someone running for elected office doesn't have the resolve to appear in a public forum, they have no business being elcted. Refusal to be available for public questions also demonstrates and incredible level of disrespect for the electorate (read: voters and taxpayers).
The people running for office in our town need to explain why. That's it. Otherwise, in my eyes, they aren't legitimate candidates or, should they win, elected officials.So I once again make my offer: if someone would like to help, I'm happy to put in my two cents to see an event take place. Sure would be nice if some of the candidates would show integrity and at least chime in.
I don't believe that any candidate would want to appear at a forum patched together by a hostile blogger, let alone Mr. Cannon. I certainly wouldn't.
Are you running, 2:35 PM? If you are, you might want to consider an attitude adjustment.
Is that why the PTA canceled the forum? Because they only wanted their own kind to attend and realized that wasn't possible?
My patience is quite thin right now. Grow up. Life is filled with difficult moments.
Elaine
Four of five candidates agree to participate in the candidates forum and the PTA cancels it for lack of interest... 4 of 5 are in, one is out... and the show is off.
Does that tell you anything?
From CPA Practice Advisor:
News • May 2nd, 2013
HARRISBURG -- An estimate released Wednesday by the state's Independent Fiscal Office shows a $520 million shortfall between projected general fund revenues and Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget through the end of the next fiscal year.
http://mobile.cpapracticeadvisor.com/news/10933042/520m-shortfall-for-pennsylvania-budget
So a good question for the school board and House seat candidates that want Harrisburg to increase money to public schools... Where do you expect them to find that money?
That shouldn't be a difficult question for a candidate that is pledging to ask for it. Unless of course, they really don't know and don't care.
It just looks good on campaign literature, right candidates.
I still don't know which candidate refused to come to the forum. Did Birks roll her eyes at the PTA?
4:48 maybe Birks did roll her eyes at the PTA. Do you remember her remark, at a recent board meeting, about how much she hates to be on television twice a month. Mary you really aren't needed on the board, why don't you resign?
I understand that there was quite a bit of discussion at Durwood Hill's informal comunity meeting this morning concerning the math program. From what I am hearing, the school board and administration have done NOTHING. Would someone like to recap this morning's meeting?
Elaine
I am surprised that so many are attacking Durwood Hill's credentials without knowing his ideas. I know them well, as well as his credentials.
I have known Durwood for around ten years. Our daughters have grown up very closely together, and we have spent countless hours (literally into the 1000's) discussing a variety of topics. When you get to know him, you will find that there is not a more kind, non-judgemental, caring and genuine father and friend that a person could have. That is one half of his resume, the non-professional side.
The professional side of his resume is comprised of a man who is a genius with numbers and finance, and who is also a master strategist and analyst. He not only works well on the macro level but on the micro level as well. When you talk to him you see that he just "gets it".
He is a CPA, but he has not maintained his continuing education credits for the past 2-3 years so he is currently on inactive status. His inactive status is disclosed on his website. Does that mean that he is not a CPA? No, it means that he is not licensed to practice as a CPA currently. He can regain active status by taking the required hours in education. Do you think that he forgot everything he learned over all of his years of working as a director of finance at McDonald's? At Deloitte & Touche?
Perhaps the most important part of his resume is the fact that he has a daughter in the school system and that he wants the best education for her. If he has the ability to influence the curriculum, he would do the best job possible. He has excellent ideas already, I am not the one to discuss them here. You really should hear him speak in person, or better yet, talk to him in person. You will come away from that conversation as a supporter.
Sincerely,
Doug Harhai
Mr. Harhai thank you, that tells us something about Mr. Hill.
While not an initial supporter because of his association with another candidate I was not enthsiastic about his candidacy.
But, he stepped forward and has made himself available, answered several questions and that is definitly more than the other four school board candidates have done.
You make an excellent suggestion that we should hear him speak or talk to him in person. Unfortunately, the PTA has cancelled that opportunity to conveniently meet any of the candidates conveniently.
Mr. Harhai, both you and Mr. Hill should dispense with any serious thought or expectation that a member of the public, a group of like-minded parents, a school board member or a board majority will have any curriculum influence or authority. It will not happen. PA school boards have no influence in textbook selection either, even in the case of those with demonstrable and egregious errors or omissions. School boards are no more than rubber stamps in these scared, privileged areas of public education.
Doug Harhai, thank you for your comment. I am hearing good things about Durwood Hill. Do you know Bill Moorhead? I have never met the man and don't know anything about him other than what is on their website and feedback from the community meeting was that he was approachable and capable. I remember when "Officer Riemer" would talk with the kids at school. And of course, I know too much about Mary Birks.
Elaine
5:20 PM, Timmy, Jan, and Deb are calling the shots here. You are absolutely right.
Elaine
With due respect to those who are defending Durwood for answering four questions, when is the last time you passed a 14 question test by answering four questions?
Durwood earned a 29% grade by doing that.
No one is suggesting that Hill passed anything by answering four questions, John.
The only claim is that he has made himself available to voters, responded promptly to Mr. Gideon's questions (don't know if RG asked the other candidates) which is far more than the other candidates have done.
At least he's not hiding and that is a plus in his column in this blogger's opinion.
One would think the two Imcumbent SB candidates with their extensive insider knowledge of the problems, issues and successes in the district would have more to say than generic campaign promises of better schools, lower taxes, it's for the kids and a chicken in every pot.
According to Mr. Gideon's post at 9:09 on 5/1, Durwood Hill offered to meet with him in person to answer the remaining questions because they were too complex and would be better discussed in person. I don't know that seems pretty good to me, he is willing to take his time to sit down and talk about the issues; isn't that what we want more of?
The PSSA's require the kids to get a proficient rating - a C grade. That is a 70% passing score. If you want a 29% school director vote for Durwood.
OK John, let's say you convince us not to vote for Mr. Hill, what now?
Not trying to fight with you - just asking what you hope to achieve by killing the vote of to date, the most accessible candidate?
I have to give Mr. Hill credit for being more available than 10:44. Sign your name, I'll answer your question.
Mr. Ewing, I'm not running for office or grading Mr. Hill!
The only claim I'm making is that he's made himself avaiable more than any other candidate far as I know.
Does that make him more qualified, I dunno, but it is a refreshing touch of tranparency.
If you have an issue with that so be it.
Hello Ms. Gillen,
Unfortunately I don't know Mr. Moorehead, sorry that I can't be of help there.
Mr. Harhai, that is the unfortunate part. Many of us don't know Mr. Hill, Mr. Moorehead and some might know very little of Mr. Riemer.
We do know something about the other two candidates and many of us haven't been happy with thheir representation. But, a forum could've have introduced us to why they voted for some things or how they were going to resolve upcoming issues.
Unfortunately, the PTA for some unknown reason decided not to let us meet the four candidates willing to participate in their forum. Its a shame.
Blog Readers:
In regards to the question of whether I asked the other candidates the same 14 questions I posed to Mr. Hill, the answer is that I sent the questions to Mr. Riemer recently and received the following reply:
"Council PTA has compiled a list of questions for the school board candidates. Please visit the website and review the responses.
Thank you for your interest in our community schools."
Replies from Mr. Moorehead are still pending. I did not ask these questions of Ms. Birks or Mr. Remely, as their positions are well known.
Although Mr. Hill answered only four of my 14 questions for reasons that he has delineated in an earlier post in this thread, I give him high marks for being willing to address the remaining questions in a face-to-face meeting (I forgot to ask him if he has Skype! - that would solve the face-to-face issue).
Addendum:
The list of PTA questions and candidates' responses referenced by Mr. Riemer may be found here: http://www.mtlsd.org/district/districtpta/schoolboardcandidatesqanda.asp
Mr. Gideon, The questions you asked of the candidates remind me of questions The Almanac used to send to persons seeking office. They asked for a response of 75 words or less, on timely questions, and printed our answers in The Almanac.
I find this lack of communication disappointing on the part the candidates who did not answer your questions. I truly believe we need to hold our political office seekers to a higher standard.
Do you really believe they will answer your questions AFTER they have been elected? I don't.
John Ewing
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