Sunday, July 1, 2012
Pippy resigns
Last night, Senator John Pippy resigned at 11:59 PM following the budget vote. State Sen. Pippy resigns from legislative seat following budget vote This followed Democratic Nominee Greg Parks' filing papers to withdraw from the race. According to the PG, Matt Smith could run against Raja in the November election. Dems to pull switcheroo in state Senate election? Nothing would make me happier than to see a strong candidate run against Raja. Yes, I know that I am a Republican, but I think Matt Smith would be the better candidate. And if Matt wins, then I would love to see Dan Miller fill his seat as representative. Time will tell. The Democratic committee has to nominate Matt Smith first. Selfishly, I want Dan Miller as our representative since he did a fantastic job when he was a commissioner. After his term as president was over, everything went to hell, as far as I am concerned.
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36 comments:
Here in Mt. Lebanon we've uncovered a new principle in governing.
The You Must Really Love Peter Principle is a belief that in a political organization where promotion is based on name recognition, big war chest, and WAM money rather than outright merit or achievements that organization's members will eventually be promoted beyond their level of ability.
With either of the mentioned choices we're going to get $#@&%*!
You want Matt Smith to continue holdig office? The same Matt Smith who stood by idly as the school board acted like gangsters and ran over our community? The same Matt Smith who has proposed/sponsored virtually no useful bills? The same Matt Smith who has been silent on reassessments? The same Matt Smith who did absoltuley nothing during the last election when certain candidates, including you, Elaine, were being lied about and savaged by the Dems? That Matt Smith? Thanks but no thanks. And no, Raja isn't my choice either. I'm going to write in someone. Don't know who yet but anyone would be an improvement over yet another legislator that just sort of floats through his term.
AS for Dan Miller, I like him and he was always fair to the community. If he chose to run, as a Repub, I would support him. Of course, none of this would be a problem if the local R committee weren't so out of touch but that's an entirely diferent thread.
I hear you. Raja did all those things too. My first choice would be for Dan Miller to replace Pippy, but that doesn't seem to be an option.
In my opinion, Raja and his buds ruined the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee, but as you said, that is for another thread.
Elaine
One more thing about Raja. He didn't want to dissolve the Mt.Lebanon Parking Authority. To me, that speaks volumes.
Elaine
I'm with 12:48, I'm tird of settling for the lesser of two evils.
I liked Miller as a commissioner, would he be a good state representative or senator, it seems like a very good possibility.
As for voting for someone because they are a D or R, doesn't seem to matter much locally.
Neither party seems to stand for much.
Isn't it amazing how those two guys that want to be involved in the running of the whole state have nothing, absolutle nothing to contribute to what is going on today in their little corner of it!
Yep, let's kick him the political ladder where they can shake a few hands, pose for some photo ops and pass the buck when things get a little uncomfortable.
I know easy to say uncover of anon, but hey nobody's paying me $100,000+/year and $150 per diem.
Obvious question, who resigns from anything at 11:59 pm on a Saturday night?
Couldn't have been at 4:30pm Friday or 9 am Monday morning?
Odd, very odd.
Raja's ego won't let him stop running for an office especially since he has millions to spend of his own money. I can say that Smith's office has been responsive to my requests. Miller worked harder than any commissioner I've seen in my 23 years of living here. I hope that no one from the school board runs for anything higher- ever! I haven't met a good republican candidate since... Pippy?
Wonder if Elaine would be a viable write in candidate for Smith's seat?
There's no one I can think of more in touch with local affairs and willing to step up to the plate?
No, no, no! I couldn't possibly stand next to Josephine for a photo op.
Elaine
Seconded on vote for Miller.
Always the gentleman, far as I can tell always principled and always willing to at least listen to opposing opinions without throwing back barbs.
A character in limited supply here lately.
The local republican party under Raja's leadership already backed the bus over Elaine, and then ran her over multiple times when she ran for commission. No way the party would help her for anything I think. How about a Smith/Raja poll? Wonder if either one would respond to questions here?
Another thing. I have H.A.T.E. in my heart.
Halt
Artificial
Turf
Expansion
Like that? Someone sent that to me for a sign campaign.
Elaine
Elaine you wouldn't have to pose with her for another 100 years. Or at least until she came up with some egocentric PR shot.
Hey I'm thinking a Miller for Senator- Gillen for Representative campaign. A nice mix.
OK everybody - out loud- Run,Run,Run,Run,Run!
We could send Franklin to Harrisburg, that'd keep him out of our hair.
Besides Harrisburg has already tried to file for bankruptcy.
Another oddity in the Park/Pippy departures.
Why does the democratic leaning PG refer to the Park leavIng as a switcheroo?
Wiki defines switcheroo as:
"A switcheroo is a sudden unexpected variation or reversal often associated with a joke (sometimes "the old switcheroo"). It is often used colloquially to refer to an act of intentionally or unintentionally swapping two objects."
Are they telling us something?
Miller routinely embarrassed Raja on the commission because of his lack of preparation and ideas. That being said, Smith has more experience and likely the necessary deeper politics to be able to keep up with the money Raja is going to need to spend. Raja spent over $40k to win his commission spot (and quit before his term ended), then spent like $2m of his own money to get hammered for county exec, then $600k to get by a primary that he won because of Mustio’s insanity, and now how much to become senator...?
I'm all for Miller. He tried very hard to pass a bond proposal for our fields before his term expired last year. Ironically, many of the same people opposed that one too. And it was for grass. Tough crowd to figure out for sure.
Dave Franklin
HATE........snicker.
Elaine, nobody would expect you to stand next to Posti. That would imply you are equals. You would stand in front of her.
And yes, Pippy's resignation is suspect because of the timing. It's one thing to announce you won't seek re-election but to offer your resignation? And the Park thing at the same time? Something stinks in Harrisburg. I mean, more than usual. And this doen'st seem like the usual horse-trading that goes on in the swamp.
Let's get behind Miller and see what happens. I say that as someone across the political aisle. But let's get rid of Smith AND Raja. Can't stand either of them and while Smith is responsive to some things, he never steps up for the tough issues. He's a wuss (I mean that in the political sense). SO our choice will be someone like him, or some self-centered person like Raja? And here I thought the school board had dragged us to the bottom of the barrel.
Franklin, people opposed the bond Miller tried to get because people are tired of the township spending money that doesn't exist. Get with the program.
I think that was for field improvements and the pool. I was at today and soooooo wished they would improve that horrible changing room building! Also I thought there was a plan that would allow older residents the ability to walk in safely to the pool- its so hot that would be nice.
Well we agree on Miller.
Not trying to be smarmy but you seem in favor of Miller's effort to pass a grass field bond but against Fraasch's effort to do the same.
Care to explain the differences?
I think the last bond failed because Matt Kluck wanted some type of guaranteed contract with Steve Diaz to be part of it- at least thats what I recall! I also remember that there was some type of big swimming pool bond for like $12 million before that.
Although Dan Miller and I differ philosophically on a number of issues, he was interested enough in the Reason study on Sandy Springs, Georgia (Sandy Springs - the City that Outsourced Everything), to call down there and find out how they do things. He was also open to the idea of direct contributions by residents (or anyone else, for that matter) to a capital improvement fund that would benefit the town's fields (and other venues), and lessen the impact of tax increases for such things. He called me once and spent considerable time on the phone explaining the history of the McNeilly Park fiasco, and why the Municipality is between a rock and a hard place with respect to that property.
If he runs I hope it is as an Independent - there is too much foul stench associated with both the R and D parties.
There seems to be a draft Miller call from all sides.
I hope he considers, but if he doesn't - Dan you and your family should feel proud that people appreciated your service and speak so highly of you.
Thanks for showing us the way it should be done.
Just to refresh everyone's memory, read the comments in this post OK, Dan, only 'cause I like you...
I got a kick out of reading Dave Franklin's comments including "it would have required significant contributions from the youth sports associations and the other users of these facilities." and "They further asked some of these groups to pony up their (minimal) reserves to address the concerns of some residents that youth sports need to “step up”." That was before we realized that "the youth sports associations" were in arrearages in excess of $140,000 and what the 990's showed as "minimal" reserves. I also enjoyed Richard Gideon's comment, " Since the current fields are in such poor shape why not ask the local sports cartels to fix them. Or if there is a liability issue surrounding volunteer labor, ask them to pay for repairing them – now. If the cost is too great for them to fix all of the fields then ask them to pick a field and repair it."
Ironically, while writing this comment, I received a robocall saying that due to a mechanical failure, the pool will be closed for the day!!! But hey, Dave Brumfield and Dave Franklin, let's rip up that good grass at Middle and Wildcat Fields and spend over a million dollars there and keep ignoring the pool and for heaven's sakes, don't buy a mower for the golf course!
Elaine
I can disagree with an elected official on many things, but how they conduct themselves, how they interact with citizens, and how they approach open government makes up for a lot in my book!
Who mentioned the pool?
This is an important notice from LeboALERT.
Due a mechanical failure, the Pool will be closed for the day. We apologize for the inconvenience and will update when the problem is corrected.
I think part of the issue with the bond were the calls for some extravagant items like a climbing wall.
Wait a minute-just want to get this straight. Franklin complained the bond agreement would have tasked the YSA with contributing? Please tell me I misunderstood. I'd hate to think it's that easy to pick him apart. Did I get the right message or did I miss something?
No, you got it.
Elaine
So Franklin is a hypocrite. Ok, that was easy.
Sorry for the cross post. The following threat comes from Dave Franklin. Please humor me and sign you name when you take a shot at him. Of course, on his blog, he permits anonymous shots at me.
Elaine:
Please be advised that I am no longer going to comment on your blog. I'm sure
that makes you happy. However, please also understand that the next time I am
defamed by an anonymous poster, I will take appropriate action. Thank you for
your cooperation.
Dave Franklin
Ms. Gillen:
You have certain First Amendment rights, in so far as your Blog is concerned. Mr. Franklin might not like what he reads on this Blog, but if he is permitting his own posters an equivalent "personal attack" privilege he may have an interesting time of it in court; regardless of whether he is a lawyer or a regular person. My media attorney friend at AFTRA will be happy to advise you.
Still, it would be better for all concerned to attack the points and not the man. Neither Mr. Franklin nor anyone else can not prohibit the free exchange of ideas. People attacking other people ad hominem simply makes a bad situation worse. Mr. Franklin is obviously a passionate man who believes he is right; leave him alone, and go after his ideas.
Mr. Gideon and Mr. Franklin were criticized on this blog. Both with opposite viewpoints. Mr. Gideon welcomed it. Mr. Franklin took his football and went home, but threatening you before he left. Whose the better man?
Sorry folks! - this 3:11 PM entry, "Neither Mr. Franklin nor anyone else can not prohibit the free exchange of ideas" should have read "Neither Mr. Franklin nor anyone else can prohibit the free exchange of ideas."
This is what comes from little sleep!
And once again the conversation turns from not what is best for the community, what can we afford, what do we need, but rather to whom is the better man (or woman).
So much for can't we disagree without being disagreeable.
What was it George Harrison sang in "Sue me, Sue You Blues."
Bring your lawyer, I'll bring mine... get together and have a good time!"
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