I filed a Right To Know for the list of tax liens for 2011 on Monday evening. My RTK was granted this morning. Josephine Posti sounded giddy during Monday's meeting when she singled out the media to say that this list will be available to publish. I apologize in advance if this causes any heartache for those individuals who can't afford to pay their taxes and have filed bankruptcy. My heart goes out to you. The taxes here are outrageous and it is a struggle to pay them. I do see a familiar name who was endorsed by the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee, instead of me. For that reason, I am publishing this list.
2011 liened properties
Tim Steinhauer, Tom Peterson, and Jan Klein were cc'ed on the email. I never saw a RTK granted so quickly.
Once again, it's OK to publish a list of people, many, though not all, have probably fallen on hard times.
ReplyDeleteThat's it Steinhauer, Posti- kick your neighbors when they're down! I guess you just have love in your heart, right JoJo?
But let's not ever, ever publish the name of the person that thinks our laws apply to them, the individual with 159 overdue parking fines!
Is the School District on the list for the Illinois Avenue 97-E-309 property?
ReplyDeleteIt is not tax exempt, and the District does not pay taxes on it.
From: Jan Klein (JKlein@mtlsd.net)
Sent: Fri 6/08/12 5:36 PM
To: David Huston
Cc: landhelp@alleghenycounty.us (landhelp@alleghenycounty.us); School Board Email list (SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net)
We don't pay taxes on that property v
Respectfully,
Jan Klein
From: JKlein@mtlsd.net
To: David Huston
CC: SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net
Subject: RE: Illinois Ave property
Date: Fri, 8 Jun 2012 15:56:27 +0000
Yes I have. It is not being used for a tax exempt purpose.
Respectfully,
Jan Klein
Director of Business
Mt. Lebanon School District
7 Horsman Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
412-344-2098
I prefer the errors of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom - Anatole France
From: David Huston
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 4:18 PM
To: Jan Klein
Cc: School Board Email list
Subject: Illinois Ave property
Ms. Klien,
Have you thought about submitting the attached form for the
Illinois Ave property situated at 97-E-309 ?
David Huston
Ok, I got it to load.
ReplyDeleteThe top 3
131 Mt Lebanon Blvd
628 Washington Rd
2 of the 3 in the business district and one that's an apartment building.
Another in the top 10 is in the business districts as well.
670 Washington Rd
Luma Restaurant (or whoever owns the building) appears to be in arrears also.
186 Castle Shannon Blvd
Pretty sad stuff.
So...I feel really bad for all of the poor people who can't afford their taxes and have had to go through the humiliation of bankruptcy...but because a guy I hate who beat me in an election is on the list, to hell with them and their feelings!
ReplyDeleteHow very neighborly.
1:15 Elaine didn't create or publish the list initially.
ReplyDeleteNor did she create or approve the raises, pensions or construction that are creating the burden.
Nor is she castigating the governor and state representatives for trying to exert some fiscal restraint.
So spare us your misplaced aggression and sarcasm.
@1:59, tell me how this:
ReplyDeleteA) Helps improve the tone of discussion in Lebo?
B) Is any better than turf supporters demanding what they want?
"I do see a familiar name who was endorsed by the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee, instead of me. For that reason, I am publishing this list."
Translation: I didn't get what I wanted so I'm going to humiliate a bunch of people!
I didn't get that from the translation 2:57. Elaine isn't demanding anything. She published the list. Don't shoot the messenger. What I get is that the MLRC are a bunch of turkeys for endorsing someone who habitually does not pay taxes. Raja had 2 homestead exemptions, ward 1 had a guy with a record, Cannon had signs ripped down and wasn't endorsed, Birks was pushing dems, ward 3 lied about his taxes and threatened Elaine and Houston. Are you going to compare her to Paterno again? I assume that you won't be reading the list.
ReplyDeleteTo 2:57PM:
ReplyDeleteWhether you like it or not, this is considered public information. The media was invited to publish the list on Monday night (see the post).
I think Elaine handled this as gently as she could. She even commiserated with those who had lost their jobs.
May I remind you that those who do pay end up paying more for those who don't. These costs include publication, legal help, additional mailings, etc., as well as lost interest.
It looks like many are landlords. I also noticed that a few are repeat offenders.
ReplyDelete2:57 PM, my gripe is with the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee. When I lost, I never shed a tear. I didn't put my head down at the bar and start crying. There are worse things in life than losing an election. So let's not make this about me again, OK?
Elaine
Based on what Elaine wrote, she would not have posted the list on her blog (where a lot of folks would see it) if the Republican committee had endorsed her and not her rival who happens to appear on the list. Her posting of this is entirely politically motivated (with a side of revenge!).
ReplyDeleteI'm not making this up. This is EXACTLY what she wrote. It was more important to her to slam her rival than it was to show some compassion for the people she claims she has compassion for.
Whatever.
ReplyDeleteElaine
True or false: If the Republican committee had endorsed you, you would not have posted this?
ReplyDeleteIf the Republican committee endorsed me, I still would have published the list. If I had won, there would be no blog to post anything. I would have had to give it up. I suggest you do the same.
ReplyDeleteElaine
I'm done publishing your comments, Pal.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Please take the 2011 Tax Lien list with a "grain of salt." I see a couple of names on that list that, as of today, would not be on a 2012 listing. Those people sold their homes and are gone. If they had outstanding taxes I'm sure it was disclosed to the buyer and probably some sort of arrangement was made to clear the lien, if it had not been cleared already. In one case I know the children payed the taxes. Also, a rather large number of liens are against real estate companies, with the largest lien against Realty Acquisition Group at $26,763.14. Then there are all those "fractional pieces" of land that somehow got away from the original owners, or are in old estates. The Board discussed this at the last meeting. It may be that some of these "land owners" don't even know they owe five bucks.
ReplyDeleteHaving written the preceding, I'm not discounting the misery that he District has caused people who have fallen on hard times. In fact, I dare say that in this town failure to pay property taxes is seen by some as a heinous crime! Perhaps our board president can add praying for those disadvantaged folks, along with Elaine Gillen's soul. Better yet, maybe the Board can "pass the hat" at the next meeting and provide some relief for a few of the people on the list. Several of the board members are wealthy enough to help out a few folks.
On second thought helping out retired people who want to stay in their homes to be near their children is definitely out of the question. The plan is to force these people out and replace them with young, fertile, breeders with high earned incomes. Win Win!
"I'm not making this up. This is EXACTLY what she wrote. It was more important to her to slam her rival than it was to show some compassion for the people she claims she has compassion for." — July 19, 2012 4:03 PM
ReplyDeleteSorry 4:03 the following IS exactly what she wrote.
"I do see a familiar name who was endorsed by the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee, instead of me. For that reason, I am publishing this list."
Now then in your myopic "I'll view the world as i see it" sheltered little existance you twisted it to suit your hateful little position. That's fine, you're entitled.
I see Elaine's post as a comment on the republican party. They endorsed a candidate that voted and would now had he won, be setting the tax rates that apply to all of us here.
The only problem is that he doesn't pay those rates as evidenced by the list.
Sure there might be a bit of revenge in her post, I don't blame her. For all the effort, time and money involved in running for office to be shunned by her party for a tax evader makes her expose justified.
Far, as anyone knows that guy is still an active leader in the MTLRC, don't you think people should know?
I suspect from your comments you enjoy wallowing in your own ignorance.
Richard, pass the hat... are you kidding. That'll take another $44,000 study, during which upon finding there isn't much support for it, they'll decided to put any money raised into the district's general funds to be distributed later on administration raises and vacation days.
ReplyDeletePlus the running coffee tab at Panera's.
Maybe PK/MLFE/MLCE can fundraise enough money to bail out the delinquent taxpayers. How about that for a win-win outcome? Only those who volunteer donations would be on the hook, nobody would owe any taxes, and the taxpayers would not have to fund anything except PK/MLFE/MLCE's 5-7% fee and PK's $21,000 plus travel costs.
ReplyDeleteWait a minute- that last part isn't fair to taxpayers.
Now fess up- who looked for my name on the lien list?
David Huston
Q: If the parking authority had 20,000 sq. ft. of unoccupied space on Washington Road, why is the district magistrate and court renting space in am office building with a tax lien.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it makes sense to pay rent for the municipal parking authority to collect rent from the municipality rather than putting it into the pockets of a landlord that doesn't pay taxes?
To be honest Mr. Huston, I looked for my own name first. Only kidding, I knew it wasn't there... yet!
ReplyDeleteBut I'll you what, I'm getting tired of footing the billsl for people living in McMansions and parking for free!
I'm confused. Am I supposed to feel bad for people who can't fulfill their obligations, or be angry at people who don't fulfill their obligations?
ReplyDeleteThis is all really quite perplexing.
Don't sweat it 6:09 somebody will figure it out for you since you can't discern the fine distinction.
ReplyDeleteI am not seeing the distinction (I am also not anon 6:09). Both the delinquent property owners and the YSA have "agreements" with the township. Both are not honoring them. Doesn't really matter why. Either way the rest of us are left holding the proverbial bag.
ReplyDelete6:09, I said I wasn't going to publish any more of your comments, but for sure, I won't be publishing your latest at 6:38. Don't you have anything better to do?
ReplyDeleteElaine
The distinction is the YSA signed onto an agreement to pay a fixed amount every year for a fixed term, which they didn't do.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand property owners are subject to annual rates set by the commissioners and school board. I doubt had you told a senior citizen 20 years ago that the school expenditures would be $80 million and the district would be building a $111 million high school, they might have located elsewhere.
@7:22, when you buy a house you know that taxes might go up. When you buy a house in Lebo, you know your taxes will be high, and you know you are moving into a township full of people who want bigger-better-faster than everyone around. So you know that the likelihood of taxes going up are better here than they are just about anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like that deal, you are always free to move. Or to not pay your taxes and be exposed on this here blog.
The assumption is that the tax non-payers are all seniors. You have facts to back that up?
ReplyDeleteNo homeowner knows what the tax schedule will be 20 years from now ( nor do any of us know what income taxes will be). That doesn't change the fact that said homeowner chooses to stay here. Making that decision is agreeing to pay the taxes, however high they may be.
I see we're back to the old "if you can't afford the taxes, you're free to move" bit. Right out of Posti's playbook.
ReplyDeleteHow about an alternative--NOT SPENDING SO MUCH ON UNNECESSARY CRAP! How about that, genius? why not address the actual problem instead of the symptom? The "free to move" thing is one of the dumbest arguments and yet a handful of small-minded dropouts keep using it. It's boring now, guys.
8:14 I don't have to back up the assumption that The non-payees are all seniors because I never said it!
ReplyDeleteI said if a senior had purchased a home 20 years ago... Etc., etc.
I didn't think you'd need to be hand led thru the thought like a child. Obviously many on the list are companies that invested in commercial property.
A logical group running the school or commission would look at the economy, the unemployment rate, the rash of municipal defaults, the federal deficit, collapse of Greece, Spain and Think long and hard before borrow more money for things like artificial turf that no one will die or lose theirhome if they don't have it.
Yes, you're right we could move if we don't like your extravagant wish list. But the same holds true for you, if you don't like our fiscal prudence there are plenty of communities with ritzier amenities than we have here.
Maybe sometime you should take a deep breath, read your nonsense and then ask yourself... am I really that stupid?!
Hey 8:52, I actually happen to be against the Taj Mahal high school and the turf. I happen to agree with Elaine on most of what she posts. Just because YOU can't grasp that both the YSA and the delinquent taxpayers are both stiffing the community doesn't make me a bad guy. Unfortunately if a resident cannot afford their taxes, they need to move, not expect others to carry their weight.
ReplyDeleteYes I suppose you are right, what should care about the people and businesses that made errors in what they could afford. I'm just wonder what Washington Road will look like when we board up all the properties on the list and put them up for sheriffs sale. It might be that investors will rush in and equilibrium will be maintained and life will go back to the normal bubble.
ReplyDeleteI still maintain that while both are stiffing the community for not paying their taxes. The difference is that the YSA.and big spenders that purchase MCNeilly and lobbied for the high school are impacting those that stretched themselves to thin or underestimated their ability to keep up.
On the other side those delinquent property owners aren't, I suspect lobbying to buy things and make it even mote expensive to live here.
There is a fine line, I believe on keeping Lebo the community it has always been and forcing it into decline.
Making rash decisions like the Twin Hills and McNeilly purchases don't help. Putting huge amounts of borrowed money into HS stone and mortar rather than books, teachers and supplied doesn't keep Ed. standards at the top.
I'm not advocating letting everything fall into disrepair to save delinquent homeowners, but I don't think making Lebo, how'd Linfante refer to San Jose, "wickedly expensive" is the answer either.
Hey, 9:24, thanks so much for explaining your position. Of course, if your position were so crystal clear, you wouldn't have to explain it.
ReplyDeleteI'll go slow this time so you understand. Telling people to leave if they can't afford the taxes, taxes that have increased at a blinding pace and maximum rate, is dumb. Just dumb. Again, why not address the actual root of the problem which is (hold on because I know this is difficult) --local elected officials. Now let's see, why would they be the problem and not people who can't afford their taxes? (I'll give you a seconde because you obviously need it)...Here's the answer--because the local elected officials are the ones raising the taxes in the first place. Whew, I know that was tough, especially for those of you with an inferior education like USC grads or you riff-raff from the places we don't talk about in Lebo (KO, Seton-Lasalle, Bethel). If we didn't have greedy little piggies feeding their egos at the publci trough, well golly, I guess residents would be able to afford staying in their homes. Honestly, people like you, 9:24, are also part of the problem.
9:24 does make a point, MTL has historically been an affluent expensive community. It was the location that for the most part high-achievers hoped to raise there families in. No arguments there right 9:/4?
ReplyDeleteThe situation is that we've arrived at a strange unfamiliar environment and no one is quite sure how to deal with it. Levine no longer the top of the education totem pole, we're competing with USC, N Allegheny and others that are improving. Highways are making communities with large lots, new home stock andmlower taxes accessible. Essentially the old familiar Lebo brand doesn't hold the monopoly it once did. Similar to Cadillac's position in the 80s. Once it was the premier car to drive, now it competes with Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar.
The decisions our leaders make today will decide if the brand survives or fails.
Now you can ignore your loyal customers that helped build the brand, and will promote the brand to new drivers thus keeping it alive or roll the dice an try to attract a new segment. It's a risky business to be sure.
Hey 10:04, no argument that the elected officials are the problem with the ridiculous out of control spending that is causing some to be taxed out of their homes. Doesn't change the fact that if someone chooses to live in Lebo, they have to able to pay the taxes.
ReplyDeleteAnd, hmmmm, maybe if your position was so crystal clear you wouldn't have to go slow(ly) to explain it.
So 11:22 if someone doesn't pay their obligations they shouldn't be allowed to live here right?
ReplyDeleteThen I guess that means the YSA shouldn't be allowed to "live" here either. I can live with that.
And they most certainly shouldn't be allowed to present plans for spending $1.3 million on artificial turf.
But unfortunately Lebofields and associates don't see it that way. They want to skip on there obligations and dictate what amenities we can afford.
Maybe you should go over to Lebofields and tell them to pay up or get out of Dodge.
You said it, 11:51!
ReplyDeleteThere are payment plans for those who have had a run of bad luck but are committed to staying here. However, those who thumb their noses at paying taxes or reneging on agreements while still demanding the sun, moon and stars need to find another universe.
11:22, nobody questioned my position. mayeb you should learn to read before trying to be smarmy.
ReplyDeleteAnd good point about the YSA. If, as Mr. Know-it-all contends, the people on the lien list are just deadbeats being carried by the rest of us, guess that means any entity that owes money can be considered the same, correct? Wow, so by that logic, we should close down the schools because they're now saddled with debt. And half the business distrcit should just shut their doors because I'm pretty sure a good portion of them don't outright own the spcae in which they operate. What about the dirtbag who had 159 parking tickets? And the list goes on and on. Mayeb yo'ure right--let's round up everyone who owes any money and run em outta here. that'll work out well for the next round of municipal budget discussion.
Keep your eye on the ball, people. It's the school board, it's Matt Smith and it's three of the commissioners. Start with getting rid of those folks and we'll be on our way to fixing our issues.
What about those underassesed properties? The School District was so quick to publish the liened properties. Those properties are also causing us to foot the bill. Why don't they make a list of underassessed properties available?
ReplyDeleteI bit the bullet and paid my taxes taking the 2% discount. Someone recently explained to me that I need to take the discount if I have the money to pay my taxes before the end of the month. Ms. Taylor and Ms. Klein would be thrilled to get the full amount from taxpayers. Looking at the list of liened properties, the School District is charging $82,000 in interest and penalties. That is twice as much as the feasibility study.
So take care of yourselves first and do what you have to do regarding your taxes. In the final analysis, the School District wins no matter what.
Elaine
Elaine, Posti wanted this list in public hands. She made special mention of it at a board meeting and referenced three properties on Washington Rd that are in bankruptcy. Also, your RTK was filled in quick time instead of the 35 day waiting period you are usually subjected to.
ReplyDeleteWhy JoJo wanted the list in public hands is beyond my understanding. Why would a director admit there are three properties in bankruptcy in your core central business district when you are begging for fundraising donations?
As to those on the list, many have been on the list for 20 or more years. Others are good citizens who will pay when they can. They are not like the jerk with 150 unpaid parking tickets.
You did the right thing publishing the list. We just have to wait to see what political motive Posti has for wanting the list to be public. All unfaithful dealing come out in time.
We don't have to wait to find out the political motive for the list being published here...
ReplyDelete"I do see a familiar name who was endorsed by the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee, instead of me. For that reason, I am publishing this list."
You don't give up, do you? it is sad that you invest so much of your time here. I have filed RTKs and posted them here. I tried to get the list of scofflaws too. I would have published that list too if the Republican Committee endorsed me.
ReplyDeleteElaine
10:47: JoJo is in power. Elaine is not.
ReplyDelete