Today's exchange with my commissioner

After last night's commission meeting, I felt the need to contact the Commission concerning my commissioner's behavior. Meeting after meeting, Kristen Linfante makes some reference about me whether she specifically mentions my name or she makes it clear as to whom she is talking about. Citizen comments have always been the only time when residents are permitted to speak on issues. It is the only time we are given. The rest of the meeting is when Commissioners express their views or positions. Executive Session and the Discussion Session is also a time exclusively reserved for the Commissioners to share their opinions.

The email exchange follows.

From egillen476 egillen476@aol.com
To commission commission@mtlebanon.org
Cc sfeller sfeller@mtlebanon.org


Subject: We know how you feel

Kristen,
I would like to add to my comment from last night concerning public hearings and citizens comments. Your behavior is appalling. You are hostile to those who do not share your viewpoints. May I remind you of your values as posted on your website:

A Good Neighbor – As a professional musician, my role is to listen, collaborate and communicate. These are qualities I will bring to the Mt. Lebanon Commission and I believe they will serve me well as your representative. We value good neighbors and open and honest dialogue in our community and I am willing to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work necessary to ensure a brighter future. It is my goal that our many voices achieve true harmony.

This is the beginning of a conversation and I am interested in hearing your thoughts

The discussion meeting agenda was revised so that we could hear, once again, your views on a deer survey. Your peers want to follow the budget process. During Citizen Comments, you interrupted speakers or interjected your opinion with those you disagree. During the public hearing, we got your input concerning deer management. We get it. We know how you feel. But these segments are OUR times to comment. It is YOUR time to LISTEN to our voices. Our solos have been replaced with Linfante obbligato. Is that how you want to achieve true harmony?

Last night was not an isolated incident. It is ongoing. As one resident pointed out, you interrupted her at the September meeting and treated another resident last night the same way. What that resident failed to mention, was that you were just as rude to me at the October meeting. I shutter to think that one day, you will be president of the Commission.

Elaine Gillen

At 12:24 PM, Kristen sent the following response:

Dear Ms. Gillen,

Thanks for contacting the commission.  I regret that you see my
dialogue with residents as anything other than an effort to
communicate.

When residents come and speak with the commission, I am acutely aware that there will be residents watching at home as well who do not
necessarily follow every meeting as some people do.  I feel it is
important, in the spirit of open dialogue and transparency, to
represent where I stand on issues brought forth in any meeting -
especially when they are directed to me.

You may attend most meetings and know my stance on a variety of
issues, but there is an entire community that may not.  It is my job
to let the community know where I stand.

I know your opinion about me,  skateboard parks, Dan Miller, the
school district, etc.  However, I would never ask for you to sit down
and not be heard simply because I already know where you stand.  You
refer to "we" several times in your email to me. "We know how you
feel. We get it."  I am not sure to whom you are referring when you
say "we".  We have a community of almost 35,000.  I serve all of them.

I stand by my approach as a commissioner.  I am always willing to
allow anyone to express his/her opinion.  It is my job to express mine
too.  Not everyone will like what I have to say.  However, I didn't
become a commissioner to make friends and gain admirers.  I became a commissioner to help our community, and  I have made a commitment to the hard work it takes to make tough municipal decisions.

Again, thank you for your comments.  You are certainly entitled to
your opinion.
Best regards,
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3