Friday, January 4, 2013

Something is up UPDATED

I feel like something is not right in the municipality. Monday's meeting is set for the reorganization. According to the agenda,

John Bendel 1. Nomination and election of Commission President for 2013.
Recommended Action: Move to nominate and elect Matt Kluck as Commission President.

Dave Brumfield 2. Nomination and election of Commission Vice President for 2013.
Recommended Action: Move to nominate and elect __________________ as Vice President. 
Why the lack of transparency for VP? Who is the mystery person? It will be one of three people, listed in alphabetical order:
  • John Bendel
  • Kelly Fraasch
  • Kristen Linfante
It is not up to us to decide, unfortunately. Sadly, it isn't up to the president either. It is done by majority vote. It also has nothing to do with qualifications or how engaged the commissioner is.  In this situation, all three are Democrats, so it isn't a party thing. It might have something to do with musical abilities, but I can't be sure. 

Who would you want to be VP? Remember, commissioners serve four years, so not everyone gets a turn.  My vote goes to the one who is respectful of residents, someone who is engaged with the community, someone who truly listens to constituents. Sorry, but my commissioner does not fit that bill.

Update January 5, 2013 2:15 PM When the comments turned to talk of a rotation, I tried calling Kelly Fraasch this morning for verification. I then emailed her this:

Kelly,

Would you by any chance know who was president and VP of the Commission by Ward? I have only been involved for the last couple of years. Is there a rotation?
Thanks.
Elaine Gillen

Here is her response:

Hi Elaine,

Happy New Year!

I apologize for not answering the phone earlier today but I was in a meeting.
I requested the listing a couple of days ago from our Municipal Manager.
Please see the attached document.

I don't find a solid rotation. One area that I do find consistent is everytime a "freshman" Commissioner's Ward comes up for President they don't take that spot.
For example, Dan Miller in 08, he did not get to be President. Dale Colby (Ward 4) took the spot as President and John Daley (Ward 2) as VP. When John Daley (Ward 2) was President, Raja (Ward 1) became VP and when Raja (Ward 1) was President then Dan Miller (Ward 5) became VP. Dan Miller was President and Joe (Ward 3) was VP last year so since Joe was not elected Dave Brumfield took the spot of President and Matt Kluck as VP.

I hope that is what you are looking for, if not, feel free to call me or email me with further questions.

Kelly Fraasch
Commissioner, Ward 5



87 comments:

  1. Mary Birks should be consulted on the best way to play Pennsylvania Political Subdivision President and Vice President Survivor.
    She even has perfect recollection of all phone calls, without question.

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  2. Kelly Fraasch ! Kelly Fraasch ! Kelly Fraasch !

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  3. Kelly Fraasch. She's fair and listens to citizens. She has resolved many problems without trashing the people who caused the problem in the first place. She's got class.

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  4. The problem is that I don't think it's Kelly's turn.

    According to conversations I had with Dan Miller, he and Raja implemented some time sharing agreement where the leadership is rotated or something.

    Of course, the problem with this is that you end up with completely unprepared individuals in leadership positions.

    Anyone think the mute John Bendel deserves to be up there? Not to insult real mute people but John talks less than Marcel Marceau in his prime! And when he does talk and ask questions it seems like he hasn't even been engaged.

    Kristen? She's passionate about deer and clueless on everything else. Plus she has been abrasive to EVERYONE even those that would otherwise agree with her.

    Kelly has worked hard on a number of issues to get them done. Think fields. Think deer where she brought together competing ideas. There have been a handful of issues where her leadership has been key to gaining consensus.

    I'd like to see the Commission move away from the rotation which rewards mediocrity and move towards a more merit based leadership reward structure.

    Putting in someone who doesn't deserve it will just make the commission look silly.

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  5. 7:08, sorry but aren't these the same people that just raised the longevity amount to $35 from $30 in a depressed economy?

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  6. The blank reminds me of the invisible agenda the school board would not post because it stated the Super's raise.

    @Elaine, there is only one person you would object to being president.

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  7. Commissioner Bendel no one has heard much from him during meetings, but he always votes with Linfante and Brumfield.

    Commissioner Fraasch has been most active this year and has done well as a new Commissioner.

    Commissioner Linfante concerns herself exclusively with deer incidents.

    Isn't it obvious who deserves the Vice Presidency?

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  8. The name of the V P would be filled in if we were talking "deserves it."

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  9. 7:08
    Wait a second! Is what you say true? That the municipal leadership is already pre-determined by an agreement between Dan Miller and Raja, two commissioners that have been gone for two years? And that all future commissioner leadership debates should be determined by this same rotation?

    Before I blow my gasket, please can people tell me whether this is true???

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  10. Yes, there is a rotation, from what I understand. At least my commissioner seems to think so. Ward 3 hasn't had a shot at president for awhile. Of course, Ward 3 controls the School Board, and Roycroft can be the most powerful street in Mt. Lebanon. Bottom line is that according to the rotation, Kelly Fraasch will never have the presidency.
    Elaine

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  11. @8:22 & 10:10 hold that thought during the up coming special election.

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  12. 10:20 AM, I don't think that is a fair statement.
    Elaine

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  13. Why not, Elaine ? Miller and Raja are no longer commissioners. Isn't that what "your commissioner" told you about the deer kill ?

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  14. Yes, my commissioner did point that out to me rather rudely when I said that Dan would never use Wildlife Services again.
    I see that as another point against Kristen. She is out of control. I watched citizen comments again last night from the Dec. 11 meeting. Kristen never looked up from whatever she was working on when the two residents gave suggestions about the deer survey. Yet, she gave her undivided attention towards the resident who spoke in favor of a deer cull.
    I would be very disappointed if Ward 3 took VP or President. In recent times, Ward 3's representation has been pathetic. That was my reason for running. They are clueless. I couldn't see either one as being capable of leading the Commission.
    Elaine

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  15. I think all three should be considered and Kelly Fraasch should be the VP.

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  16. Bendel and Linfante are far leaning D and half the time I don't know if Fraasch is a D or R.
    Brumfield is a far leaning D and Kluck is a far leaning R. Take the moderate in the group and create some balance by making Fraasch the VP.

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  17. The commission has generally rotated without disagreement amongst the wards- has nothing to do with Raja, Miller, or anyone of recent note. The commission has occasionally disagreed but it is very rare. These positions, unlike the school board, don't actually hold any real authority. More akin to our version of having a Queen of England for Arbor Day.

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  18. Well said, 11:43 AM. I also agree with Elaine's 9:58 AM comment---the leadership of both the school board and the municipality should NOT be coming from one street.

    That's just too convenient, too conniving, too controversial.

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  19. Please check the update on this post. I asked Kelly about a "rotation." She sent a document from Steve Feller when she asked the same question.
    OK, Numbers People, is there a rotation?
    Elaine

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  20. The commission has no real authority? They have enough to ram through stupid, pointless ordinances that end up costing all of us money. They also control the purse strings with respect to our illustrious municipal staff. You know, important positions like Feller and Morgans. But hey, as long as they don't have any real authority, everything is cool.

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  21. By code the commission president only assists with creating the agenda (how this differs from any other commissioner I don't know, it seems anyone of them can put an item on the agenda) and introduces to the commission topics during the meeting. The vice president has absolutely no "authority" to do anything besides to wait and see if the president fails to show up.

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  22. I disagree that the President doesn't hold much power. They clearly have the advantage on setting the agenda. Surely if Mr. Kluck doesn't want deer culling, he just doesn't have to add it to the agenda. That is clearly having "importance".

    Also, if memory serves me well, Ward 3 was represented by Joe D as VP not so long ago. This would be Ward 3's rotation as President but obviously the commission put in Brumfield. 2013 SHOULD be Kluck and Bendel as P and VP. Then 2014 Bendel and Fraasch, Then you work in Ward 3 in 2015 and 2016.

    What kind of rotation is it when turns can be so easily skipped?

    Either you have a rotation or you don't. If there is a rotation then it should be Kluck and Bendel. Not Kluck and Fraasch.

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  23. Based on the historical record provided to Kelly Fraasch by Steve Feller, the only rotation that has tended to exist since 1994 has been the VP becoming the President the following year, the only exceptions being in cases where the VP's had run and were elected to other higher non-Lebo offices (e.g. Stevenson, Crossey) or chose not to run for reelection (Mulvihill, DeIuliis).

    There has been no form of standard Ward rotation, sequence or pattern of VP's (e.g. 1,2,3,4,5,1,2,3,etc.).

    In 19 years (1994-2012 inclusive), Ward 1 has had 3 VP's, 2 has had 4, 3 has had 4, 4 has had 3 and 5 has had 5. No established policy of rotation, sequence or pattern here either.

    It's just another Mt. Lebanon myth !

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  24. Any commissioner can add anything they want to the agenda. They do not need to have the commission president's or Feller's approval.

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  25. When the PTA stuck its big noses in the school board president's election some got all upset about it. Why are we sticking our noses in the commission elections now? This is a commission decision, leave it alone.

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  26. 3:26 I agree it's another myth that people in Lebo make up to get what they want.

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  27. I don't see a rotation. I think in this case a discussion should take place amongst the Commissioners and Commissioner Kluck's choice should be at high consideration because he is P. It's really hard to believe that the P and VP have no power. I recall Brumfield pulling some fast ones this year because he was P. I also find it hard to believe that P or VP don't have more weight when working with staff.

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  28. Kluck wants Fraasch but Linfante had a melt down. She wants to be queen like her School Board Member Friends.

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  29. I don't see any advantages here on the surface as the president (as in Matt's case) could easily be out voted on any issues by the other three or four.

    I do wonder though if the president could delay or just rule out something like the school board/comission liaison meetings. Does the president have complete control over who would be a liaison? Or the sole vote on their meetings being open or closed?

    President or not, Matt's still alone though occasionally joined by Kely on some issues.

    I do hope one of Matt's objectives is getting the JMA and field sign issues set in stone.

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  30. President has absolutely no control or special powers over who a liaison is, over whether meetings are public or not, or any other decision before the commission. Unlikes the school board the commission president does not even speak for the commission without prior authorization. Three votes on the commission decides any issue.

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  31. The President does set the agenda. I am not sure what the other person is talking about. Sure, the commissioners have the opportunity to get things on the agenda but the President can say no.

    On the Mary Birks front, listen, if you don't see the difference between private citizens voicing their opinion on who should take a leadership position versus the president of the PTA using her mailing list of PTA moms to write a derogatory letter regarding a school board member poised to take the presidency, well, I don't know how you would ever see the difference.

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  32. Sorry, 6:30 PM, but you are wrong about that. Dave Brumfield appointed Kristen Linfante as School Board Liaison. Remember this? http://bloglebo.blogspot.com/2012/01/p-g-mt-lebanon-commission-names-liaison.html#comments
    Elaine

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  33. The president has no appointment powers- look in the code! The fact that the other commissioners didn't care to bring that "appointment" to a vote if they objected to it is their fault or ignorance.

    The president cannot say no to an agenda item. The code allows for the president to assist the manager in the agenda development but in nowhere does it give authority for the president or the manager to prohibit any commissioners from bring up an agenda item on their own. Even if the president attempt to throw their weight around and tried to say no, which I believe is contrary to the code, three commissioners can easily overrule them- actually ON ANY ISSUE WHATSOEVER.

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  34. From that PG article linked on the BlogLebo post:
    "will soon name two representatives to follow.

    New Commissioner Kristen Linfante will serve as the liaison to the school district and will be responsible for staying informed on its actions, including attending meetings whenever possible.

    "I personally think it's something that should have happened a long, long time ago," she said.

    Yes, Kristen, how many meetings did you attend? Let me answer that. Zero. How many representatives were named? Again, zero.

    Dave Brumfield said that he could appoint anyone he wanted. I love how the rules are constantly changing. It is like playing a board game with a little kid. They make up the rules as they go along and always win.
    Elaine

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  35. According to the Code http://www.mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3862

    111.3 No Commissioner shall address the Commission until he has been recognized by the President. He shall address himself thereupon to the President and confine his remarks to the question under discussion.

    111.4 The President may, when he deems it necessary for the expeditious handling of business, place a limit on the duration of time and number of times a Commissioner may speak on a motion or matter of business.
    Members of the public may address the Commission according to the direction and discretion of the President.

    The President does have power. There is no rotation. What's next, guys?
    Elaine

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  36. Whatever happened to the Homerule Committee that they were looking for volunteers for a year or two ago?

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  37. If there is no rotation and the President and Vice President are merely figureheads, why can't Mr. Kluck choose his Vice President ? What was that saying coined by Ms. Linfante and Company ?
    What the Kluck ?

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  38. I agree that a president can control the time of the meeting. Its hard to miss the clock on the wall. But there is no power to appoint and there is no power to prohibit agenda items.

    111.3 is not even followed- maybe you should ask the president to do so- not that it relates to appointments or the agenda though...

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  39. 7:40!

    You brought up something very rich!

    Here we see that Mr. Kluck will be serving at President.

    And he will be forced to serve his term with his Vice President being the one who PICKETED his town hall meeting!

    That's makes perfect sense!

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  40. Could explain her melt down. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

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  41. Look carefully at this picture. Recognize any of the protesters? http://www.flickr.com/photos/tmoertel/4935341680/in/pool-1014842@N23/
    Thanks for taking this photo, Tom.
    Also, Kristen's letter appeared in the PG. http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/letters-to-the-editorsouth-261092/
    Elaine

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  42. Mr. Kluck will be playing the role of sacrificial pawn when he moves to the presidency.

    Funny thing about Ms. Linfante's letter to the editor offered by Elaine above. Ms. Linfante wrote in her protest; "If the intent is to "make information available to the general public," why isn't the general public invited? I was not invited. Why? Is it my political views? "

    That's funny! If memory serves me well, Rob Papke, her campaign chairman (I believe) and vocal proponent of the high school renovation was one of the first people to ask a question in the town hall.

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  43. Another Roycroft resident protesting, (Kristen's bestie's DH)
    http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/mt-lebanon-residents-invited-to-talk-taxes-with-panel-262067/
    Elaine

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  44. Then there is the What the Kluck sign held by Mrs. Larry Lebowitz.
    http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/protest-peaceful-at-mt-lebanon-meeting-261526/

    Could this be why my baggage free commissioner wants to be VP? Because she has issues with Matt and Mrs. James Fraasch over the Town Hall meeting? Or is it so that she could fire the first shot when she kills the deer?

    I am dreading tomorrow evening's meeting. It is just another nail in the coffin for the Mt. Lebanon we once knew.
    Elaine

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  45. How much do you want to bet that not one high ranking member of the - ha, ha, ha - sorry about that, but every time I think about it I break into laughter - Mt. Lebanon Republican Party shows up to support Mr. Kluck and lobby for a VP that will support him.

    In fact, thinking about it, when have you ever seen the party stand up and support any of it's elected officials?

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  46. One might say, it would never Dawn on the MTLRC to activily push for Republican principles here in the bubble.

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  47. Fen Labalme works at Civic Actions.

    http://civicactions.com/team

    He is a political activist and one of his clients is Al Jezeera.

    http://civicactions.com/clients

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  48. I'm sick of out-of-towners coming in here and trying to change what was a great community to live in. Wake up, Mt. Lebanon!

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  49. OH MY GOD!

    This confirms my fear that Lebo was targeted for political change. It started in 2007.

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  50. 12:35 on that topic if you look hard enough you will find a comment by Linfante or Elaine Labalme that through their RealLebo blog they intended to create a sense of community. The comment was made either in their blog or in the MTL magazine article about them.
    It was funny because there was no recognition that Mt. Lebanon was and always had been a great community. Envied and admired by many surrounding communities.
    Look at the number of churches, what were No. 1 schools, a great library, Rec facilities, etc., etc.
    Now what do we have, a million dollars worth of useless property, vacant weed infested prime development space and a rapidly growing debt problem.
    But don't worry, they're not done yet!

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  51. It wasn't in mtl Magazine. http://ebooks.mtlebanon.org/mtl/mtl-032010/pageflip.html See page 20. You won't see my picture and blog in that publication.
    Elaine

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  52. This isn't the quote I was looking for, but it will suffice.
    ""I've found that you have to work a little harder to make your own community when you weren't born here," adds Linfante, a professional freelance violist who moved here when her husband took a seat with the Pittsburgh Symphony." 
    http://www.popcitymedia.com/innovationnews/reallebo0120.aspx

    I don't know call me crazy, but I always thought you moved into a community because you wanted to be a part of it, to join it. Ms.Linfante on the other hand came here and wanted to create her own community.

    To me the last two paragraphs shine a bright light on the Linfante/Labalme sense of community. Think about that last sentence especially and how it differs from Elaine's lebocitizens community.

    "Real Lebo invites commentary, but there are rules: Play nice. Be civil. No anonymous posts and if a thread goes on too long and no longer serves a positive purpose, it will be snipped. [who decides what the positive purpose is? So these two "community girls" become the community watchdogs! Deciding  when, where and how long we may speak... nice!]

    After all, it's our blog, says LaBalme."

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  53. 1:27 PM, doesn't it give you warm fuzzies knowing that Kristen Linfante may be Commission President next year?
    She will be a delight running the meetings. She will make Josie Posti look like Josie Carey! And only native Pittsburgers will understand that one.
    Elaine

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  54. What a crude, rude, and socially tactless comment, Elaine. Shame on you!

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  55. Ah yes the Children's Corner, predecessor to Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.

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  56. Do you think if Linfante does ever gain the president's gavel she will carry the RealLebo philosophy with her.

    Will she paraphrase her partner's edict with - "After all, it's our [community], when she cuts off any conversation she deems negative?

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  57. That's funny, 2:03 PM. I guess you are right. Nobody can make Josephine Posti look like Josie Carey.
    Elaine

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  58. Gee I always remember Carey as being a wonderfully cheery, creative innovator. Wouldn't Elaine's comment been a roundabout compliment.

    Maybe Elaine, you should follow the RealLebo girls' lead. Snip any comment you deem as not being positive. Or protest any "town hall" you can't control.

    That is a smarmy comment. I thank you Elaine for accepting practically every comment.

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  59. WOW! Looks like you hit a nerve there, Elaine!

    I agree with your support for Kelly.

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  60. 2:03 where was your righteous indignation when Elaine presented the HS petition to the board and Linfante and friends snickered and made rude comments over her from the audience.
    Furthermore Posti nor any other board member sole in her defense to make her presentation without interruption from the audience.
    To borrow a great movie line... To some you're a one-eyed Jack, but many of us have seen the other side of your face!

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  61. I really like Kelly Fraasch. She has been a good Commissioner this year. I looked at the listing hoping it was her turn, but I find it very obvious that John Bendel should be VP. Kelly would be his VP next year.

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  62. 11:07 PM, I agree! If there is a rotation, it should be John Bendel. But Kelly is in it full time. She reaches out to the community. She tries to find common ground. She does her homework. Kelly asks lots of questions and gets answers too. And she does this with respect. Kelly listens, collaborates and communicates. A constituent couldn't ask for more.
    Elaine

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  63. Let me show how I see it.

    Ward 3 was next up for President this year. However, Kristen being a rookie was skipped in the leadership rotation.

    So either a) the commission decides that since Ward 3 was skipped as president that Ward 3 now gets two years in a row of leadership (for 3 out of 5 years being in a leadership role) or b) the commission puts up Ward 3 as vice president and then doesn't elevate that same person to President the following year or c) the commission decides that if a person does not get reelected from his or her ward that the turn in leadership for that ward is skipped or d) the commission stops playing these games and elects the people it actually WANTS to lead them!

    I'm up for option D. Who sets these rotation rules anyway?

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  64. IMO...Rotation, schmomation the presidency should be the person with the best vision for the future of Mt. Lebanon... Period.
    It should also be the person with the backbone to stand up to the special interest and be able to handle the criticism that will surely follow.
    This- "it's their turn debate" is ludicrous and probably the least effective way to manage the community.
    What I find scary is the number of proponents for spending tons of money,even more than the $113 million we can't afford now, that are in decision making positions and advocating for even more spending. "What the Kluck" Libfante and a Lebowitz - key players on the commission and board. Labalme writing for the MTL magazine.
    It's incredible. Personally I think Matt Kluck is one of the few true republicans in the community and it's that philosophy that made Lebo the great community it was.
    If he becomes president, it will be meaningless unless the republicans and independents support him in every way possible to block the free-spending democrats that will eventually ruin the community.

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  65. Correction - auto spell check apparently has a sense of humor... it put in Libfante in the 7:43 post.
    It should be of course - Linfante.

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  66. Matt wanted Kelly to be his VP. Staff or whoever started with the rotation crap. Some are saying it is Ward 3's turn. Some are saying it is Ward 1's turn. Nobody is saying it is Kelly's turn because she has gotten people off their duffs. It is easier to have Linfante, who only gives praises in her artificial smile. I want a commissioner who works hard at making this the best place it can be.
    Elaine

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  67. So I looked into Fen's group, the Civic Action thing. It's about what you'd expect from some hippie. But looking further, one of the team mebers, Elzabeth Raley, has listed under her projects The American Friends Service Committee, which touts itself as "Quaker values in action". Now, gee, golly, who is in Lebo, elected office and a Quaker convert (used to be a Presby)? Wait for it...Wait for it...ta-da! Why, none other than Jo Po. You might also recall the consultant she retained for the much bally-hooed "capital campaign" for the school we can' afford had also done work for the Quakers...and Jo Po's old sisterhood, Chi Omega. My my my, how the universe keeps shrinking.

    And 434, we're sticking our "big noses" into the commission proceedings because we're supposed to, you dolt. They work for us. We should be dictating how the meetings go, not them. When you have a minute, google "democracy".

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  68. Exactly, Elaine!
    If we going to run the local government by some ludicrous rotation scheme why don't we eliminate elections and their expense and just rotate eligible citizens into office.
    You live in say Ward 3 and your commissioners office is up for a new commissioner all eligible voters names are put in a hat. You get picked, your name is then ineligible again until everyone has served in rotation. LOL

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  69. 9:22, now your onto what 7:34 was driving at. Isn't it funny how all these names keep popping up in connection with liberal spending agendas and taxes!
    Could there really be something to the Agenda 21 topic?
    That and how can 60-70% of the electorate sit on their duffs and not go to the polls.
    We get the government and taxes we deserve!

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  70. Wow, PK got what, $44,000 to ask <50 people if they'd donate a large sum to help with a $30 million, ooops... $15 million... Oops again... $6 million fund raising campaign.

    Gee, for free a lot of us warned the board, it wouldn't happen. Where's our cut? And whose names are connected to the MLFE?

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  71. As I wrote in the original post, we have no say in the reorganization. Citizen comments come after all the appointments. Not that it matters, but I emailed Dave Brumfield about the reorg. There is no reason to email John because his mind is made up to vote for Kristen. Well, Dave's is made up too, but I still felt the need to email him. Kristen hasn't been the easiest to get along with, so let's vote her in to be VP. Makes perfect sense to me.
    To email the commissioners:
    dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org
    Jbendel@ mtlebanon.org
    Klinfante@mtlebanon.org
    Kfraasch@mtlebanon.org
    Mkluck@mtlebanon.org
    Or all of them at commission@mtlebanon.org
    Elaine

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  72. Matt Kluck can be sure the "60 member strong" RCML has his back.

    Apparently though they'll be too busy with the 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner reservations to be of much help,according to their blog.

    Welcome!
    Welcome to the website of the Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon. The RCML is over 60 members strong, and we represent concerned [not overly concerned though since Sue Rose is still listed as a SB member) Republican men and women from every ward and district in Mt. Lebanon.
    Vision
    The Vision of the Republican Party of Mt. Lebanon is to be the Leader in terms of Elected Leadership and Voters in Mt. Lebanon and the Party of Choice [what kool aide are they drinking, they're in the minority] for all Residents of Mt. Lebanon.
    Mission
    To foster the growth and prosperity of all residents of Mt. Lebanon (and our region and country)
    To support elected leadership in effective and responsible governance [who - Mary B. and Dan R.?]
    To facilitate camaraderie and exchange of ideas among members [oh yeah, ask Gillen, Stephenson, Fraasch, Beis, Cannon how welcomed they and their ideas were!]
    To encourage and support Republican principles [#4 on their list-- "Government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn." [How those school and muni taxes/fees and reassessments working out for you Lebo? Maybe their idea of letting you keep more of your earned income was to not make you pay parking fines if you accrued a lot.]

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  73. Wow miss a lot when I don't look at the blog for a week.
    Elaine, are you saying that Kelly Fraasch will never be President in her 4 year term?

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  74. Yes, according to the alleged rotation. BUT THERE IS NO ROTATION!
    Elaine

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  75. Just as "someone" told me to check the code, there is nothing in the code about rotation. It is a bunch of crap. Sorry, buddy, but I know who wrote that and I am extremely disappointed in you.
    Elaine

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  76. Exactly why people need to start thinking and asking questions. Because someone says there is a rule or regulation or that is the way it's always been done, doesn't make it right or justifiable for Lebo in 2013.

    We've all been shown quite a bit of evidence here why Linfante may not be a wise choice for President or VP. But don't take Elaine's or the anon posters' facts for granted. Look her up, check her resume and then decide for yourself if she represents you and where you think the community should be headed.
    If she does support her, if not you have to speak up.
    Elaine can't do it for you, Matt can't, he's one man and the republican party, seriously, if you think there's anything left of it - please tell me where they meet.
    As far as Bendel, if you want a figurative deft, mute leading Lebo, you got 'em in that guy.

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  77. I saw a great "IN Peters Township" community magazine published by a private firm. We could dump the PIO's office, offload a lot of salary, healthcare and pension benefit costs to a private firm and have dollars to spend on our community. Bye, Bye Susan, Laura, Lablame and others!

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  78. Matt or Kelly in either office would be fine IMO. Both are pretty trust worthy, willing to listen and forthcoming with info as to why they've arrived at a position.

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  79. 3:04 they won't do it because they wouldn't control the media and they would have to justify the bottom line.
    Here's a real opportunity for Ms. Morgans to be a real publisher. Sell her MTL magazine, if it's the popular magazine she claims it is, she has every oportunity to make a ton of money.
    It's a win-win for everybody. Morgans get to be an entrepeneur with all the potential rewards. The municipality divest itself of a bunch of pension, healthcare obligations, office space and utility consumption.
    The magazine or it's competitor INMTL are still around and would priced a medium to get out schedules and neccessary info.
    Hell the commissioners could even negotiate with either publication (to get the best rate) for a yearly number of pages.
    It's time to sell off this - can we call it an asset?
    Maybe some of the profit can go towards Franklin's turf!

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  80. "The magazine or it's competitor INMTL are still around and would priced a medium to get out schedules and neccessary info."

    Does anyone know how this stuff gets scrambled when you hit the send button?

    The above should have (hopefully) read:
    The magazine or it's competitor INMTL if still around could offer a low priced medium to get out schedules and neccessary info.

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  81. The only way to turn this town around is for the majority (who are very nice and polite and have patience) to become as aggressive as the minority who are running this town into the ground. The majority needs to be just a little more aggressive than the bullies are. The majority can no longer sit back and be nice and polite and wait and wait for something to change because it won't. We have to play this the way they are. Being nice isn’t working for us. Being aggressive, nasty, mean and dishonest is working for them.

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  82. 10:07 I agree with you but what we need is leadership and direction. To date all efforts have failed or been trumped with things like the "What the Kluck" protest.
    Which worked so well in fact that Matt and James' wife relented and voted for a big spending democrat for VP.
    Let's take a for instance. The change order to carpet the 2nd floor lobby of the fine arts theatre. Mr. Remely co-leader on the HS renovation feins disgust and criticism of the architect for the carpet not being in the original bid. The bid by the that just came in under the cap, surprise, surprise.
    So how upset was our exulted school board director? Did he say, I screwed up, I should have known better? Did he say, I'm going to make it right?
    No his answer was, oh hell, we'll just make it a capital improvement next year. So, essentially all the stuff one would think would be included in a top notch renovation isn't. Wonder how many people would add a gameroom or new kitchen, sign off on the plans and after they start work the contractor says... oh crap we forgot to include the carpet or tile to cover the sub-floor. Oh well, just write us a bigger check.
    And how does the community address Mr.Remely's oversight and addition to the future expenditures for "capital improvements" to a brand new building?
    Why of course, we'll send him to Harrisburg where he can oversee and guide even more expensive, more complex projects.
    Hey, it's perfectly logical in Bubbleland.

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  83. Maybe we we should quit referring to Lebo as the bubble or bubbleland.

    Bobblehead world seems more appropriate after last nights commission vote.

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  84. Doctor Faber says that he expects a 10 percent correction in gold and then he expects gold to move to all time highs as the International Monetary system collapses.

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