The Video of the League of Women Voters Mt. Lebanon Candidates Night will run at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily on channels Verizon 35 and Comcast 7 until next Tuesday’s election.
Tom you wrote in an earlier topic: "But to get more people to come forward, we must give them a reason to do so. " And you're absolutely right!
Apparently the incumbents specifically and several new candidates running for office are content to avoid presenting any "reason[s]" for voters to go to the polls on Tuesday.
Except for the standard, boring candidate pledges... their messages don't say a whole lot. For instance... before Tuesday I'd love for one school board candidate to post here or on bloglebo their idea for the solving high school mess.
My favorite, Cannon-- at least declares he will prioritize academics before of a costly renovation. He is of course untested on that claim.
I'd love to hear other residents chime in on their opinions of Cannon and the others. RESPECTFULLY, of course. Voters need something more to go on before pulling a lever for the incumbents that got us here or the new guys that are going to take over. Dick Saunders
Dick, I agree with you completely about the incumbents. James Cannon is the only candidate who makes any sense, and this primary is a perfect example of when "plunking" should be the orders of the day. Vote only for James and none of the other school board candidates so that we can make sure he is on the ballot in November. Joe Wertheim
Joe, I'm inclined to agree with your plunking strategy. The incumbents have had their chance to get the HS project off the ground and manage the district. Our votes are the taxpayers only real recourse to exert influence over the municipality or the school district operations. Without a clear defined direction from the people now in control its time in my opinion to let others take the reins. This doesn't mean the incumbents are necessarily bad people, just that managing a construction project or governing body isn't their forte. For commissioner, I like Elaine's commitment to transparency-- thats a good start for an official. Anybody else have an opinion? Dick Saunders
Since Mr. Saunders has solicited feedback, I'll say that I hope Mr. Cannon is not hurt by an "identity problem."
I recently received an E-mail asking for my support of Mr. Cannon's campaign. Although I can't vote in the Primary (I'm a Libertarian) I was curious about his positions on the issues, so I did a little web-searching and was briefly confused. It seemed James Cannon was both FOR and AGAINST the high school project as proposed by the Board. The confusion was cleared up when I was told that the AGAINST was James Cannon, the candidate; and the FOR was James Cannon, the father!
That should make for some interesting dinner conversation! Richard Gideon
I'm soliciting feedback here since its a quick and easy forum for residents to discuss the candidates. We actually might learn something we didn't know. I'd love to hear from others why they're voting or not voting for one candidate or another. As long as its a civil respectful opinion. Hope Elaine doesn't think I'm hijacking her blog, but I'm betting with her stance on transparency she'll enjoy the discussions. Dick Saunders
To add to that, I think (and I could be wrong on this) the candidate Cannon is the current Board President's sister.
I'm inclined to support his candidacy, because I can agree with what he is saying. However, I also agreed with Silhol, Remely and Ostergaard when they promised me a high school for around $90 million.
Can the Cannon supporters provide any additional information regarding his "plan of attack"? Specifically, how does he plan to put his academics over aesthetics policy into action? How does he curtail the high school project to a level that many people had hoped for? I'm upset about the school project too, but I certainly don't know how to fix it or unring the bell. I'm all ears, and I think some details or a gameplan would go along way in solidifying his candidacy district-wide.
Also, Mr. Saunders writes that managing a construction project isn't the current board's forte. Is it Mr. Cannon's? Is it really anyone's other than a construction professional? We seem to have plenty of those on the payroll already.
Dave, You raise good questions. Here is Jame's website. http://james-cannon.com I see that he has his contact information listed. Jim is a good guy and as I said on Blog-Lebo, he is getting my vote. And yes, I am plunking. Elaine
I don't know Dave, that's why I suggested a dialogue on the candidates. The LWV Meet the Candidates night left much to be desired in the way of info on any of the candidates. Mr. Cannon's an ex-Marine and that gives me confidence in his CAN-DO spirit. A guarantee, probably not, but its something to have faith in. May be the candidate that admits they have little construction experience and promises to enlist the CAC would collect a lot of interest. I haven't heard one say thats their goal if elected. Lets not forget the commissioners! After all this is Elaine's blog and that's the office she's running for. Dick Saunders
Just a heads up, folks. I won't be publishing any comments about candidates who are running for commissioner. I am all for transparency, but I won't go that far. Sorry. Elaine
I can see your point Elaine, you shouldn't be put in the position of appearing to endorse a negative comment about an opponent. Nor should you feel obliged to give them a soapbox. Didn't think about that, sorry. Dick Saunders
Mr. Gideon, candidate James Cannon has a Father named James Cannon and the Father has been a supporter of the HS. Perhaps that is causing some confusion about the candidate's HS position.
Divid Franklin, I too supported the Silhol, Remely, Ostergaard Team though I believe they were actually shooting for a project in the neighborhood of $84,000,000. Regardless, none of the current board members delivered on the claimed $95 million project. Putting a fresh face and eyes on the project is the taxpayers only real check and balance. The other two fresh faces one would have to assume support their 3 incumbent running mates history on the project. It's hard to imagine they'd pick people that would break ranks and be highly critical of what they've done to this point. Dick Saunders
Dave Franklin, Before Blogger lost some posts, i had said that you raised good questions about James Cannon. I had suggested that you go to his website for his contact information and ask him directly. I am not publishing your comment because you are trying to spread rumors about him. Nice try, but do it somewhere else. Thanks. Elaine
I watched the School Board candidate forum on TV because I couldn't attend because of a family emergency.
I agree that Mr. Cannon appears to be the only candidate worth my vote. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't comment on the house bills that are in the works that would force a referendum if the school board wants to raise taxes. I plan on contacting his site directly to ask, now that he's familiar with the bill, if he sees it as a good thing or a bad thing.
None of the other candidates came close to getting my vote with their answers. Of course, everyone running wants the best schools possible (why else would they run?) but that doesn't mean I support their fiscally irresponsible ideas. Their commitment to the High School plan, which we're seeing was not clearly thought out, and their fear of any public input via referendum were almost laughable if they weren't so serious.
I am disappointed at the selection of school board candidates. Is this the best Mt Lebanon has to offer in the face of the problems that we have? What does it say when we're going to end up with a "business as usual" school board? How big is that tax raise going to be in 2012 because the same people who are pushing us closer to problems feel they have a "mandate" for it? How well will the academics be if we have to cut so deep into the budget just to support a white elephant building?
Jack writes, “Is this the best Mt Lebanon has to offer in the face of the problems that we have? “ I totally agree with this sentiment. And why do we have this situation? I think the “blame” lies with the polity. If I may be permitted to make a few observations:
1. Most Mt. Lebanon residents are oblivious to local government bodies. The proof of this is in the number of people who vote, either in the Primary or General elections. This attitude is not confined to Mt. Lebanon, of course. I've lived in a number of places across America and the situation is about the same no matter where you go. Ironically, it is easier to get a person “fired up” over a Presidential candidate than it is over a School Board candidate; even though the School Board has a more immediate impact on his or her day-to-day life than does the President.
2. People who have mortgages or pay rents are often clueless concerning the amount of their monthly payments that go to taxes. Yes, mortgage companies break down a payment in terms of principal, interest, and taxes paid, as shown in a person's yearly financial statement, but you'd be surprised at how many people glance at it, complain about it momentarily, and then forget it. It's rather like Federal and State Withholding; it doesn't seem to hurt as much when someone else is handling the paperwork. Renters rarely, if ever, know what percentage of their rent check goes to the School Board or Municipality. Imagine what would happen if most people had to write checks to pay property taxes (and all people had to write checks to pay their Withholding – then we would have sport!). Some of us do it now, of course.
3. We rarely have a choice of candidates outside of the two government parties. In Pennsylvania the two major parties may snipe at each other, but it is depressing to see how often they arrive at the same destination only by traveling different roads to reach it. Pennsylvania makes it incredibly difficult for Independents or third party candidates to appear on a ballot. In the case of our School Board candidates look at how most of them “cross file,” in essence claiming to be both a Republican and a Democrat. If the two government parties had different core principles then any person running on both tickets is trying to maintain a contradiction. But as Lincoln said, you can't be both FOR and AGAINST something at the same time.
4. There is a depressing consistency amongst Mt. Lebanon residents in the belief that what is offered, in terms of candidates for local positions, is about as good as it gets. I have observed this attitude since first coming here in 1975, and it has always amazed me that so many supposedly highly educated and affluent people could assume such an attitude.
Fortunately, there is some reason to hope: the Internet has opened up a new vista in communications, and people may now compete in the arena of ideas more easily than before. We may get irritated at what others say or think, but those ideas are out there for consideration, and I for one think that's a good thing.
Elaine, thanks for tracking down the broadcast schedule. My TiVo is now ready to record. :-)
ReplyDeleteTom you wrote in an earlier topic: "But to get more people to come forward, we must give them a reason to do so. " And you're absolutely right!
ReplyDeleteApparently the incumbents specifically and several new candidates running for office are content to avoid presenting any "reason[s]" for voters to go to the polls on Tuesday.
Except for the standard, boring candidate pledges... their messages don't say a whole lot. For instance... before Tuesday I'd love for one school board candidate to post here or on bloglebo their idea for the solving high school mess.
My favorite, Cannon-- at least declares he will prioritize academics before of a costly renovation. He is of course untested on that claim.
I'd love to hear other residents chime in on their opinions of Cannon and the others. RESPECTFULLY, of course.
Voters need something more to go on before pulling a lever for the incumbents that got us here or the new guys that are going to take over.
Dick Saunders
Dick, I agree with you completely about the incumbents. James Cannon is the only candidate who makes any sense, and this primary is a perfect example of when "plunking" should be the orders of the day. Vote only for James and none of the other school board candidates so that we can make sure he is on the ballot in November.
ReplyDeleteJoe Wertheim
Joe, I'm inclined to agree with your plunking strategy.
ReplyDeleteThe incumbents have had their chance to get the HS project off the ground and manage the district. Our votes are the taxpayers only real recourse to exert influence over the municipality or the school district operations.
Without a clear defined direction from the people now in control its time in my opinion to let others take the reins.
This doesn't mean the incumbents are necessarily bad people, just that managing a construction project or governing body isn't their forte.
For commissioner, I like Elaine's commitment to transparency-- thats a good start for an official.
Anybody else have an opinion?
Dick Saunders
Since Mr. Saunders has solicited feedback, I'll say that I hope Mr. Cannon is not hurt by an "identity problem."
ReplyDeleteI recently received an E-mail asking for my support of Mr. Cannon's campaign. Although I can't vote in the Primary (I'm a Libertarian) I was curious about his positions on the issues, so I did a little web-searching and was briefly confused. It seemed James Cannon was both FOR and AGAINST the high school project as proposed by the Board. The confusion was cleared up when I was told that the AGAINST was James Cannon, the candidate; and the FOR was James Cannon, the father!
That should make for some interesting dinner conversation!
Richard Gideon
I'm soliciting feedback here since its a quick and easy forum for residents to discuss the candidates. We actually might learn something we didn't know.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear from others why they're voting or not voting for one candidate or another. As long as its a civil respectful opinion.
Hope Elaine doesn't think I'm hijacking her blog, but I'm betting with her stance on transparency she'll enjoy the discussions.
Dick Saunders
To add to that, I think (and I could be wrong on this) the candidate Cannon is the current Board President's sister.
ReplyDeleteI'm inclined to support his candidacy, because I can agree with what he is saying. However, I also agreed with Silhol, Remely and Ostergaard when they promised me a high school for around $90 million.
Can the Cannon supporters provide any additional information regarding his "plan of attack"? Specifically, how does he plan to put his academics over aesthetics policy into action? How does he curtail the high school project to a level that many people had hoped for? I'm upset about the school project too, but I certainly don't know how to fix it or unring the bell. I'm all ears, and I think some details or a gameplan would go along way in solidifying his candidacy district-wide.
Also, Mr. Saunders writes that managing a construction project isn't the current board's forte. Is it Mr. Cannon's? Is it really anyone's other than a construction professional? We seem to have plenty of those on the payroll already.
Dave Franklin
Dave,
ReplyDeleteYou raise good questions. Here is Jame's website. http://james-cannon.com I see that he has his contact information listed. Jim is a good guy and as I said on Blog-Lebo, he is getting my vote. And yes, I am plunking.
Elaine
I don't know Dave, that's why I suggested a dialogue on the candidates. The LWV Meet the Candidates night left much to be desired in the way of info on any of the candidates. Mr. Cannon's an ex-Marine and that gives me confidence in his CAN-DO spirit. A guarantee, probably not, but its something to have faith in. May be the candidate that admits they have little construction experience and promises to enlist the CAC would collect a lot of interest. I haven't heard one say thats their goal if elected. Lets not forget the commissioners! After all this is Elaine's blog and that's the office she's running for. Dick Saunders
ReplyDeleteJust a heads up, folks. I won't be publishing any comments about candidates who are running for commissioner. I am all for transparency, but I won't go that far. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteElaine
I can see your point Elaine, you shouldn't be put in the position of appearing to endorse a negative comment about an opponent.
ReplyDeleteNor should you feel obliged to give them a soapbox.
Didn't think about that, sorry.
Dick Saunders
Mr. Franklin, Mrs. Posti's maiden name is Cannon.
ReplyDeleteMr. Gideon, candidate James Cannon has a Father named James Cannon and the Father has been a supporter of the HS. Perhaps that is causing some confusion about the candidate's HS position.
John Ewing
Divid Franklin, I too supported the Silhol, Remely, Ostergaard Team though I believe they were actually shooting for a project in the neighborhood of $84,000,000.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, none of the current board members delivered on the claimed $95 million project.
Putting a fresh face and eyes on the project is the taxpayers only real check and balance.
The other two fresh faces one would have to assume support their 3 incumbent running mates history on the project.
It's hard to imagine they'd pick people that would break ranks and be highly critical of what they've done to this point.
Dick Saunders
Dave Franklin,
ReplyDeleteBefore Blogger lost some posts, i had said that you raised good questions about James Cannon. I had suggested that you go to his website for his contact information and ask him directly. I am not publishing your comment because you are trying to spread rumors about him. Nice try, but do it somewhere else. Thanks.
Elaine
I watched the School Board candidate forum on TV because I couldn't attend because of a family emergency.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Mr. Cannon appears to be the only candidate worth my vote. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't comment on the house bills that are in the works that would force a referendum if the school board wants to raise taxes. I plan on contacting his site directly to ask, now that he's familiar with the bill, if he sees it as a good thing or a bad thing.
None of the other candidates came close to getting my vote with their answers. Of course, everyone running wants the best schools possible (why else would they run?) but that doesn't mean I support their fiscally irresponsible ideas. Their commitment to the High School plan, which we're seeing was not clearly thought out, and their fear of any public input via referendum were almost laughable if they weren't so serious.
I am disappointed at the selection of school board candidates. Is this the best Mt Lebanon has to offer in the face of the problems that we have? What does it say when we're going to end up with a "business as usual" school board? How big is that tax raise going to be in 2012 because the same people who are pushing us closer to problems feel they have a "mandate" for it? How well will the academics be if we have to cut so deep into the budget just to support a white elephant building?
Jack writes, “Is this the best Mt Lebanon has to offer in the face of the problems that we have? “ I totally agree with this sentiment. And why do we have this situation? I think the “blame” lies with the polity. If I may be permitted to make a few observations:
ReplyDelete1. Most Mt. Lebanon residents are oblivious to local government bodies. The proof of this is in the number of people who vote, either in the Primary or General elections. This attitude is not confined to Mt. Lebanon, of course. I've lived in a number of places across America and the situation is about the same no matter where you go. Ironically, it is easier to get a person “fired up” over a Presidential candidate than it is over a School Board candidate; even though the School Board has a more immediate impact on his or her day-to-day life than does the President.
2. People who have mortgages or pay rents are often clueless concerning the amount of their monthly payments that go to taxes. Yes, mortgage companies break down a payment in terms of principal, interest, and taxes paid, as shown in a person's yearly financial statement, but you'd be surprised at how many people glance at it, complain about it momentarily, and then forget it. It's rather like Federal and State Withholding; it doesn't seem to hurt as much when someone else is handling the paperwork. Renters rarely, if ever, know what percentage of their rent check goes to the School Board or Municipality. Imagine what would happen if most people had to write checks to pay property taxes (and all people had to write checks to pay their Withholding – then we would have sport!). Some of us do it now, of course.
3. We rarely have a choice of candidates outside of the two government parties. In Pennsylvania the two major parties may snipe at each other, but it is depressing to see how often they arrive at the same destination only by traveling different roads to reach it. Pennsylvania makes it incredibly difficult for Independents or third party candidates to appear on a ballot. In the case of our School Board candidates look at how most of them “cross file,” in essence claiming to be both a Republican and a Democrat. If the two government parties had different core principles then any person running on both tickets is trying to maintain a contradiction. But as Lincoln said, you can't be both FOR and AGAINST something at the same time.
4. There is a depressing consistency amongst Mt. Lebanon residents in the belief that what is offered, in terms of candidates for local positions, is about as good as it gets. I have observed this attitude since first coming here in 1975, and it has always amazed me that so many supposedly highly educated and affluent people could assume such an attitude.
Fortunately, there is some reason to hope: the Internet has opened up a new vista in communications, and people may now compete in the arena of ideas more easily than before. We may get irritated at what others say or think, but those ideas are out there for consideration, and I for one think that's a good thing.
Richard Gideon