Financial concerns have canceled this year's Annual Celebration of Lights at Hartwood Acres. Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald made the announcement this afternoon. He said in a statement that the holiday tradition, which started in 1991, was just too expensive.
It is rumored that the County heard about Jan Klein's 6.9% raise and is trying to help cut back. I heard someone mumbling something about Mt. Lebanon's 20 administrators receiving raises. But that is just a rumor I heard.
33 comments:
It has been said that the reason for cancelling the holiday lights is due to Mt. Lebanon's growing list of change orders. Could be another rumor, Elaine. Quick ! - someone alert the Center Court Blog of the latest rumor !
The YSA will come up with a way to keep the light display in exchange for turfing the polo fields and posting advertising signs.
"Those damn republicans taking the spirit out of Christmas."
"what... Fitzgerald isn't a republican?!!!"
"Never mind."
Blame it on the Bush administration.
Speaking of YSA, did you know that as of this morning, the Municipal Manager still does not have a fully executed document? No signature from Timmy and not even names typed in for the YSA, let alone YSA signatures. What was the rush, Josephine? Joint Maintenance Agreement
Elaine
News Flash--
After unfavorable criticism for turning the Christmas lights off at Hartwood, Fitzgerald called in the Democratic National Committee to take a vote on whether to turn the lights back on or not.
"All those in favor of the lights say aye!"
"Aye"
"All those opposed say No!"
"No"
"I'm, ah, let's try that again."
"In favor say aye!"
"Aye"
"Opposed say no!"
"No"
Ah, hmm, ah, OK one more time"
"in favor say aye!"
"aye!"
"opposed say no!"
No!"
"Unh looks like 2/3 said aye. The aye's have it!"
"What were we voting on again?"
Oh yeah, Christmas lights!"
Financial concerns, Mr. Fitzgerald?
You mean everything isn't hunky dorey in Allgheny County? There didn't seem to be any financial concerns when the county believe my home's value doubled in the reassessment.
Elaine, I'll bet you won't find anything written up about the particulars of the recently passed sign ordinance either.
Who's managing it?
Who's marketing the spaces?
Who's collecting the money?
Who determines what is appropriate advertising?
Had to rush that one through too!
This blog had "jumped the shark"!
Oh, thank you. You have said that repeatedly. Why do you still read it?
Elaine
Because it is amusing to see you all foaming at the mouth to no end!
Crap you mean to tell me there's a shark in the high school reflecting pool!
Just funnin' with ya, 5:23.
Yeah, desperate attempts to remain relevant to readers.
Elaine's really has to work hard to keep up with RealLebo, Voice of Mt. Lebanon, Center Court, Dr. Tim's Post It Noteism.com, Bloglebo and last but not least... MTLmagazine online.
Elaine, I think 5:23 PM commentor has "jumped the shark", and just refuses to accept the fact and has nothing more substantitive to say.
Elaine: it's your blog and I'm not telling you what to do, but here's a suggestion.
Let 5:23 name the topic. Lets them try to be relevant... Jump the shark if you will, by doing something other than accusing other people of jumping the shark.
I'm pretty sure we'll find out real fast who they are.
5:23/5:54 PM I hope I am so lucky. Read about the JTS website being sold for over a million dollars. http://www.bonethefish.com/whathappenedtoJTS/JumptheShark.php
As far as actually jumping the shark, as long as we have corruption at the local level of government, I won't be running out of material any time soon. And do people still say, "Jump the shark" or are you dating yourself?
Elaine
The local government "corrupt."? I don't believe that is a claim that you can substantiate. You don't agree with them , but that doesn't signify corruption. There have been no arrests, convictions, or even investigations into this alleged corruption.
Can you be sure there are no investigations? Can you substantiate your claims? Two can play that game.
Elaine
Maybe this should be a separate topic altogether.
The anonymous poster at 5:23 misses the point that this board is a valuable resource for members of the community to share their concerns and solutions.
But I will acknowledge that the 2012 trend of anonymity has drastically lowered the level of discourse. I rarely post, but regularly visit; and gain nothing from Elaine's detractors making rabies jokes, or volunteers from youth sports groups being called "deadbeats" or "deceitful". And anonymous sarcasm isn't much better than outright insults.
Almost everybody here is concerned about the state and direction of our town, and everyone wants to make it better. We just disagree about the methods. What should be improved? How best to allocate our limited resources?
Elaine, the contributors that identify themselves (e.g. Chuck, Richard, Charlotte, James III, Dave F, and Bill, to name a few) provide meaningful insight. And their respective willingness to stand up next to their words enhances their credibility tremendously.
I encourage you to require every commenter to identify themselves. If we gain no other benefit, we'll at least have an easier time following the conversation... it gets hard to remember who said what in a shouting match between 2:03, 2:23, 2:57, 2:59, and 3:07.
Thanks for your consideration, and also for your time and effort in maintaining theis forum.
David Adler,
I appreciate what you are saying and also hope that others will come out of the shadows to voice their opinions in their own names. There has been cowardice on all sides of the serious issues we face as a questionably financially sustainable community when it comes to expressing views. It’s not easy to understand why our community has become so dysfunctional this way, but it would be refreshing to see people voicing their opinions they way our forefathers intended by standing up for what we believe, finding qualified candidates to hold office and going to the polls on election day.
When I threw my hat into the ring as a write-in candidate for school board, something that is completely within my rights to do, a malicious e-mail was circulated through our community with the intention to attack my and the other candidates’ characters. This e-mail was written under a fictitious name of “Bill Zellers”. I received a phone call from concerned PTA member that this e-mail had been written by our school board president, Josephine Posti with input from two other sitting school board members. In a cowardly fashion, various PTA’s piled on as this made its way around the community and beyond.
That action was far reaching compared to the postings on this blog where only those who intend to read it do so. In the case of the malicious e-mail, that one was blasted into cyberspace and landed in far more inboxes than you or I even know.
So, let me challenge you a bit if I may. What action are you willing to take against sitting elected officials who have dug their heels in and will go to the lengths I described above to tear down others who are willing to step up to serve just protect their turf? In my opinion, someone willing to deceive in such a way should be removed from office and banned from holding any other elected position. Is it time for Josephine Posti to step down?
What say you?
-Charlotte Stephenson
Mr. Adler, two questions and then I'll pause to hear Elaine's decision on allowing anonymous post.
I find it funny that many of the people that think people should sign their comments never seem to show up at board, commission or political party meetings. Some of the people you mention, sign and show up religiously and deserve a big hand for doing so.
Then you have people like the guy at Lebofields that admonishes anonymous post here, but finds it perfectly acceptable on his own blog.
But here's the real kicker for me. Anonymous post on Elaine's blog are a big problem for people and that's OK if that's the way you feel. But on the other those same people have no problem with Ed Kubit or Jo Posti saying they have an equal number of supporters to cancelled the 4,000 that SIGNED the petition.
Nobody needed to see names, no one was worried whether these supporters even existed. No one needed proof that Ed talked to anybody.
So I'll retire Mr. Adler. Make your post, sign your name and see what you can do.
I have been having issues with Comcast and cannot upload the recordings from last night's meetings. The upshot is that there IS a sinking problem with the high school project and it is where the basketball court is going. We are lied to every day. Posti and Steinhauer are condescending to constituents. And I am tired of the bullshit. Having anonymous comments here should be the least of our worries. I don't like them anymore than you do, Dave. I appreciate what you are saying, but there is no other forum in this fine land of Lebo where people can be heard. I am sick of the Board's attitude, including the little digs that are said in the board meetings by directors. I am sick of being accused of spreading rumors and quite frankly there should be jail time starting at the top.
Elaine
Neil Berch here. I'm putting my name at the beginning of my comment just so I don't forget. I'm a frequent reader, but I haven't commented in a while. Probably part of the reason for that is that I don't see much purpose in debating anonymous people. I also (as Mr. Adler pointed out) have difficulty following who said what when the discussion is simply several anonymous people responding to one another using time stamps to denote who they are. I don't know whether 2:12 is the same person as 1:53, whether they're following up on an earlier argument or making a new one.
I generally think anonymous comments are bad (in all blogs) because people are frankly meaner and snarkier behind the cloak of anonymity. The argument that people will only post anonymously because they're afraid of the powers that be is, for the most part, nonsense. People spend so much time on this blog documenting and/or caricaturing the SB as the gang that can't shoot straight, but you assume they'll be accurate in their retribution. I don't think so. So, if it's anonymous, I pay it very little mind.
Does that mean I think Elaine should ban anonymous comments? Not really. She's been allowing them, not forcing people to make them. In fact, she seems to encourage people to put their names on their comments (she still has the note that anonymous comments are not allowed, even though the policy seems to have clearly changed). Anyway, I'm all for personal responsibility. Just because Elaine allows you to comment anonymously doesn't mean you have to do so.
Some of the issues raised on this blog about the high school project cause me great concern. How much concern is hard to say, because it's hard for me to follow all of the conversation, much less evaluate it. If you want to persuade others to agree with you, you're going to be most effective by putting your name on your comments. Kudos to those who have done so.
Yes, Neil, you summed it up quite well. In a perfect world, I wish people would sign their names. It is really difficult to some follow conversations. I have asked in the past, but have just given up. Thanks for noticing that my policy hasn't changed.
I have to pick my battles. Sure, I get snarky comments from cowards and as some have figured out, I don't publish every one. Right now, I am more concerned with how taxpayers' dollars are being spent here.
The good news, I have finally gotten the podcasts published.
Elaine
Grrr. I meant to say that it is really difficult to follow some conversations.
Elaine
I've spent enough time with Commissioners and SB members lately to know that some read this blog all the time, some occasionally and others rarely. However, regardless of their frequency, they all feel the same about anonymous comments - they are largely ignored. As one commissioner told me, it would be virtually impossible for him to do his job if he paid attention to (or took as gospel) every anonymous post on a blog.
Elaine, as for your suggestion that there are no other venues for people to be heard, I say nonsense. You know as well as I do that the posts on this site outnumber citizens comments at public meetings probably 8 to 1 on most issues. You may be 100% correct in your assessment of the current SB, but until more than one person shows up at a school bboard meeting to complain about it, nothing will change. That's true with almost every issue in a representative form of govt. The public meeting is still the best and most efficient means by which to send a message and effect change. You know full well that the anonymous posters never show up to make their points or express their frustration in public. If they did, there might be the critical mass necessary to make a difference. Trust me, I see thecsame thing with the people who want something done about fields too. Everyone complains to me, but rarely do they show up and offer their input in a forum that really matters.
Dave Franklin
Q: if the building being out of plum is negligible, imperceptible... why are they in discussions with the gymnasium floor manufacturer over warranties?
Something's not kosher in the explacating. Is it out of plum to acceptable tolerances or is that there may be future settling that will ruin the basketball floor?
Charlotte,
Although I never saw the malicious email that circulated in response to your candidacy, its mere existence disturbs me tremendously.
But to actively campaign against Ms. Posti solely on those grounds would imply that
a) I believe the vitriol comes almost entirely from the incumbents, and
b) The policy issues facing the electorate are trumped by character
When it comes to the governance of Mt Lebanon, I evaluate each issue on its own merits, and it might distress you to know that I disagree with you and Elaine on a few key points. That as may be, I respect your views, and believe that the best outcomes are created when opposing forces reach consensus. The "us vs them" mentality has been growing in the United States for generations, ramping up heavily since 2003. Mt Lebanon is not immune.
So what do I do? Because of family, job, and non-civic volunteer time constraints, I do far less than you. And I applaud your civic action. When I see an issue that motivates me more, I re-prioritize. Regretfully, I guess that means I didn't meet your challenge sufficiently.
But my post was more about tone. About the much-mocked concept of "disagreeing without being disagreeable." And about the difficulties echoed later by Neil and Elaine.
I've been guilty of being disagreeble in the past. I've been called far worse, probably accurately. So now I try to swing my pendulum in the opposite direction, and encourage others to do so -- whether on a ballfield, an internet discussion board, or in my living room (I have two adolescent sons).
As you might guess, such efforts often fail. But civility is always a worthwhile endeavor.
Dave (Franklin) I showed up at a public forum with the signatures of 3,333 of my neighbors agreeing with me. How did my representatives respond? By lying and letting their allies mock me from the audience. I went the following month and presented more signatures. Where did that get me? More of the same.
Last night, there were three people in the audience. All three spoke. One man mentioned how he would like to see a vote that has some opposition. It isn't healthy to have every vote unanimous. Did Josephine address that? No. Another man asked about a peculiar post on Tim's blog. What did he get? The usual eyes rolling, arrogance, and condescending tone. A woman asked some questions. She had to be mindful and choose her words carefully so that there weren't any opportunities for the board to dodge her questions. Is this the way it is supposed to be? I don't bother going to those meetings anymore. It is a waste of my time. My guess is that I am not alone. Why don't you go to school board meetings, Dave? If you spend so much time with commissioners and school board members, yet don't go to meetings, how can you be critical of others who don't attend? I am confused.
Mr. Adler, you have two young children, why not teach them some American history they won't learn in school.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana
THE TRIAL OF JOHN PETER ZENGER
No democracy has existed in the modern world without the existence of aFREE PRESS. Newspapers and pamphlets allow for the exchange of ideas and for the voicing of dissent. When a corrupt government holds power, the press becomes a critical weapon. It organizes opposition and can help revolutionary ideas spread. The trial of JOHN PETER ZENGER, a New York printer, was an important step toward this most precious freedom for American colonists.
John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant who printed a publication called The NEW YORK WEEKLY JOURNAL. This publication harshly pointed out the actions of the corrupt royal governor, WILLIAM S. COSBY. It accused the government of rigging elections and allowing the French enemy to explore New York harbor. It accused the governor of an assortment of crimes and basically labeled him an idiot. Although Zenger merely printed the articles, he was hauled into jail. The authors were anonymous, and Zenger would not name them.
In 1733, Zenger was accused of LIBEL, a legal term whose meaning is quite different for us today than it was for him. In his day it was libel when you published information that was opposed to the government. Truth or falsity were irrelevant. He never denied printing the pieces. The judge therefore felt that the verdict was never in question. Something very surprising happened, however.
The first jury was packed with individuals on Cosby's payroll. Throughout this process, Zenger's wife Anna kept the presses rolling. Her reports resulted in replacing Cosby's jury with a true jury of Zenger's peers.
When the trial began and Zenger's new attorney began his defense, a stir fluttered through the courtroom. The most famous lawyer in the colonies, ANDREW HAMILTON of Philadelphia, stepped up to defend Zenger. Hamilton admitted that Zenger printed the charges and demanded the prosecution to prove them false. In a stirring appeal to the jury, Hamilton pleaded for his new client's release. "It is not the cause of one poor printer," he claimed, "but the cause of liberty." The judge ordered the jury to convict Zenger if they believed he printed the stories. But the jury returned in less than ten minutes with a verdict of not guilty.
Cheers filled the courtroom and soon spread throughout the countryside. Zenger and Hamilton were hailed as heroes. Another building block of liberty was in place. Although true freedom of the press was not known until the passage of the FIRST AMENDMENT, newspaper publishers felt freer to print their honest views. As the American Revolution approached, this freedom would become ever more vital.
Copyright ©2008-2012 ushistory.org, owned by the Independence Hall Association in Philadelphia, founded 1942.
Please reread the trial information above. Notice any similarities?
Then pay close attention to what Alexander Hamilton demanded of the prosecution - prove the accusations false."
So while people are quick to prosecute anonymous posters maybe we should follow in Hamilton's footsteps and demand proof their claims are false before trying them in the court of public opinion.
And no Mr. Adler, disagreeing and being disagreeable are the building blocks of this country. That's why we fought King George, why we had a Civil War. Why we have democrats, republicans and independents.
Dave Adler,
I appreciate your response to the malicious e-mail. I understand your point a) because without a doubt there is vitriol on both sides.
However, when it comes to your point b), I believe that deceptive communications (e.g. distributing lies about others using a fictitious name) by elected officials calls into question their character in a way that violates the public’s trust. So, character really is at the basis of what is important in governance, in my opinion character certainly does “trump” policy.
Honestly, David, if a person is willing to step over that line to ensure their political status quo the question is what other lines are they willing to step over to have there way and would you trust them with the responsibility of establishing policy?
I agree that civility is a worthwhile endeavor, but given the escalating costs of the already too-expensive high school renovation project if you ask me, I don’t see it happening anytime soon.
I talked with a woman today who lives in Ohio and wants to move here to be close to her grandchildren, but she is looking only for a rental because the taxes are a real shock to her. Alas, I have been stating my opinion on this for almost three years now and it won’t be changing anytime soon, especially as the change orders continue to rack up.
-Charlotte Stephenson
5:32, it's Andrew Hamilton; not Alexander Hamilton. Thanks for sharing the story.
Thanks for the correction. Don't know how that slipped by as Alexander was a New Yorker not a Philadelphian.
Both were though lawyers.
7:26 for me the key point made in the Zenger Trial article is: "When a corrupt government holds power, the press becomes a critical weapon. It organizes opposition and can help revolutionary ideas spread."
Whether the school directors or the commissioners are corrupt is certainly debatable and depends on your definition of corruption. It is not debatable that both hold power. They have the power to tax us, spend our money on land for ballfields, appeal or not appeal your assessment appeal at their pleasure and their constituents are pretty much powerless to stop them.
So now on to the press. Ask yourself why either entity needs a public information officer and then review the Information they deliver.
Ever see and honest debate in MTLmagazine? The pros vs the cons of say artificial turf. How about the environment. We get lots of stories on global warming, solar roofs, green light bulbs. But you won't see an article about the pollution and CO2 created by taking down a building and trucking it off to a landfill.
See they control press and will certainly use it to their advantage.
Post a Comment