Sick of the SOS signs?

Here is the email that I sent to the Commissioners and School Board today.  I thought it would be interesting to share Josephine Posti's reply to my email.  


Mrs. Gillen,
While neither the District nor the municipality produced the signs, they're a form of expression similar to flying a flag, displaying a Steelers sign or writing a blog. You may want to check in with the folks who produced the signs to gain a better understanding of their intent.  While you may feel "the signs have no more pu(r)pose," I'm certain they'd be happy to talk to you about it.

Whether you decide to reach out to those affiliated with the group who produced the signs or reach out to a neighbor whose sign you consider an eyesore, I do hope that you take the opportunity to reach out, share your concerns constructively, listen to their point of view and engage in active dialogue.  Last night's vote was the result of years' worth of hard work by many people in Mt. Lebanon. Some have supported the project; some haven't but each, including you, played a role.  Regardless of where each of us stand on that spectrum we are all neighbors who share a very special community with a bright future.

For the Board,

Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
412.667.1479http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: to provide the best education possible for each and every student



-----Original Message-----
From: egillen476@aol.com [mailto:egillen476@aol.com]
Sent: Wed 2/9/2011 5:45 PM
To: School Board Email list; Dr. Timothy Steinhauer
Cc: commission@mtlebanon.org; sfeller@mtlebanon.org; tkelley@mtlebanon.org
Subject: VOICE website

Josephine Posti and Dan Miller,

As Ed Kubit told me back in October, since the signs are considered "political" in nature, they could stay up after the Planning Board meeting.  In their own words, "the High School Project is Finally a Done Deal."  The signs have no more pupose.  Last night, I asked Mrs. Rose if the signs could come down and her response was,  "Maybe they will, or maybe they won't."  What a fine attitude by our School Board Director.  The signs are an eye sore.  How much longer do we need to look at them?  At what point can the Municipality start citing these homes?

Elaine Gillen

From the VOICE website:
The High School Renovation Project Is Finally a Done Deal!
On Tuesday, February 8, the Mt. Lebanon Commission voted 3-2 in favor of final approval of the high school project.  Commissioners Matt Kluck and Dan Miller were the dissenting votes after their motion to table the vote failed.  The Commission voted unanimously on the conditional use to renovate and rebuild the school, the shared parking agreement and the development agreement.  The project should go out to bid in 30 days, and the hope is to break ground in May.  Thank you for your support to see this project through the approval phase!  Click on the button below to email your thanks to the Commission.


Their sign campaign was originally for the Planning Board meeting.  Here is the post from their site:

Yard Sign Campaign, Ceiling Collapse, Critical Planning Board Meeting <http://voiceofmtlebanon.org/content/yard-sign-campaign-ceiling-collapse-critical-planning-board-meeting>
Posted Wed, 09/22/2010 - 15:56 by Nancy Tashman
To All Supporters of the High School Renovation,
As you know, the Mt. Lebanon High School project is facing several hurdles in the coming months and opposition to the project is strong and far-reaching. To show our unified support, we are asking all supporters to place yard signs on their property: Save Our Schools, with a picture of a shovel and www.voiceofmtlebanon.org <http://voiceofmtlebanon.org/> . We believe a strong show of support will send a message to other residents that the Mt. Lebanon community is behind a quality education and building for our children.
Here's how you can help. Pick up a sign in one of two locations, 73 Roycroft Avenue (off Mt. Lebanon Blvd. near Foster School) and 450 Summit in Sunset Hills. Signs will be on the front porches between 5:00 PM Friday and 5:00 PM Sunday. Please sign your name on the clipboard and report how many you are taking. PLEASE PLANT ALL SIGNS ON MONDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 27th. (We need to get signs out prior to the planning board meeting scheduled for Tuesday night.) Also please ask your friends and neighbors to take a sign and spread the word. Another idea is to decorate your sign or yard with blue and gold ribbons to show support for the renovation and generate a buzz in the community.  We are still accepting donations for signs--there will be an envelope with the sign out sheet.....