-submitted by Bill Matthews
Re: Observation - 2013 General Election
Re: Observation - 2013 General Election
Turnout for this election was again low, 22.5%. However, this is not the observation I find most interesting.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Observation - 2013 General Election
Letter To The Editor
About one third of the voters making time to vote, did not vote for any school board candidate. Further, more than one than one third of the total votes available to residents and taxpayers actually voting, were not cast for any school board candidate; remarkable to me.
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57 comments:
I would suggest that the current pool of candidates is exceedingly poor. And I would further suggest that the pool is so wretched because anyone with half a brain wouldn't dare run for office. Why subject oneself to juvenile ad hominem attacks? Why expose one's family to the negativity, gossip and backbiting?
Kind of like what I have endured here. When you stand up for what you believe, it comes with the territory.
Elaine
"Kind of like what I have endured here. When you stand up for what you believe, it comes with the territory."
So two wrongs make a right?
Did I say it was two wrongs make a right? The difference here is that I am a private citizen. The others are public officials. When you are elected to serve, or are paid as public employees, it comes with the territory.
In my case, it is my right. Ask Timmy about First Amendment Rights. When you are a public servant, it is to be expected.
Elaine
5,726 voters, each having 4 votes to cast for school directors.
That means each candidate COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE gotten 5,726 votes.
Dan Remely got just 51.6% of the total votes eligible to him.
Guess what I'm driving at might your assumption that 30% of actual voters not voting for ANY SB candidate be an over simplification, Mr. Matthews?
If 30% of the voters didn't vote for ANY candidate, then another 18.4%
chose not to vote for Dan as well.
I'm betting the vote is more complicated than your observation, though I don't know how one could flesh out the numbers.
I'll bet a number of voters pulled the straight party lever, either R or D, so we have no idea of whether they liked any of the board candidates. Cross filers like Birks get all those straight party votes, both R and D.
What I'd be interested in knowing though is how many voters went in and voted for one, or two, or three SB candidates and left the others unchecked.
Did we have a number of people that pulled the lever for Reimer and Moorhead, but did not for Remely or Birks?
Lets say- 1,000 Ds and 1,000 Rs voted straight party.
Birks, Moorhead and Reimer each receive 2,000 votes because they crossed filed.
Remely only gets 1,000 R votes because he didn't cross file.
Eliminating the above theoretical straight ticket votes leaves:
Birks - 1,864 votes
Moorhead - 1,709 votes
Reimer - 1,630 votes
Remely - 1,952 votes
Does this mean a hill of beans other than crossing filing shouldn't be allowed or the straight party lever should be eliminated, I don't know.
"When you are a public servant, it is to be expected."
That might be true. But the lie that personal attacks should "[come] with the territory" coupled with our willingness to engage in them is precisely why we get such a low caliber of candidate. We get the candidates we deserve. We stoop to their level and they stoop to ours. And down and down and down we go. Real courage would be to stick to the issues.
12:43
There were 474 straight
Republican ticket voters in MTL yesterday.
There were 676 straight Democratic ticket voters.
10 voters chose straight Constitution Party.
This means that the three cross-filed winners from the primary gained an extra 676 votes from the get-go.
Source: County website.
And since you're interested in knowing, I only voted for three SB candidates. Remely, as a registered R, could not get my vote. (I did not vote by the straight ticket option.)
So what were/are the 'real' issues, 1:00pm.
Starting off we had Sablegate.
Then we have the HS renovation
Then we have administrative raises and bonus and the lack of justification for them.
How about change oders?
Improper bidding?
Stormwater mismanagement.
Just for starters.
Along with the data provided by Bill Matthews, here are some additional facts to consider:
* Ward 2 was the most active; out of 5,442 registered voters, 1,863 cast ballots (34.23%). The single highest District was Ward 2, District 3 at 36.99%. Ward 2 had the only actual "race" - that being for a seat on the Commission - and therefore generated the most activity.
* Ward 5 was the least active; out of 4,914 registered voters, 894 cast ballots (18.19%). The single lowest District was Ward 5, District 5, at 11.92%.
* Ward 4 also had a seat on the Commission up for grabs, but with only one candidate running there was no actual race. Out of the 4,960 registered voters in Ward 4, only 969 of them cast ballots (19.54%); and out of that number Mr. Brumfield received 709.
I'd like to take a slightly different track with respect to the school board. If one relates the votes of each candidate received to the total number of registered voters in Mt. Lebanon a much darker picture emerges. Theoretically, because each ballot cast could have produced a collective four votes (vote for four - and only four were running), each school board candidate could have received 5,726 votes. This means that each candidate would have represented 22.48% of the registered voters of Mt. Lebanon (25,472 out of a total population of 33,176+). However, given the number of votes each candidate actually received, and relating that number to the total number of registered voters, here is the actual representation of each candidate:
Dan Remely: 11.59%
William J. Moorhead: 14.56%
Mary D. Birks: 15.17%
Michael Jon Riemer: 14.25%
To put it another way, between 12% and 15% of the registered voters in Mt. Lebanon impact the lives of the other 88% to 85%.
This really wasn't an election (except for Ward 2), unless one has the old Soviet Union style in mind; this was more like a coronation.
Elected politicians should not engage in any personal attacks in way way, even if the attacks are directed towards them.
Always stick to the issues and always be rational even if the issue is near and dear to your heart. Only when people start thinking objectively is when real change and progress can move forward.
Mt. Lebanon needs to move forward and get out of the stereotype that has been cast to our town.
1:16 this is comment on the election. Please stay on topic. Elaine failed to promote a Republican treasurer because she was voting for the four stooges. Wow! Maybe they got all 195 votes, not even 50 votes each. So what difference does it make how many votes the winners got? Elaine promoted the losers. So much for the influence of this blog.
1:29 PM, do you feel better now that you got that off your chest? Actually, there were three R's running for Treasurer. I didn't promote anyone for Treasurer. I did a write-in for that office too. I didn't promote the R who was running for School Board either. My bad. I had four write-ins for School Board, with only two of them being R's and I will never say who they were.
Thank you for keeping everyone on topic, 1:29 PM. You did a fine job of that on Real Lebo. Keep up the good work.
Elaine
Thanks 1:15, I wasn't aware that info was available so promptly.
474 straight R party votes means Remely managed to convince 2,478 voters he was worth keeping on the board.
With 1,150 straight party R&D votes, the cross filiers--
Birks convinced 2,714 voters
Moorhead convinced 2,559
Reimer convinced 2,480
So, if you extract straight party voters that accepted whoever ran on their party's ticket the race was very, very close among the the four candidates.
Had Remely crossed filed he would have been the top vote getter by a pretty good margin.
Based on the above numbers, the dearth of candidate campaign literature and postions... what exactly made voters chose for one or the other?!
By the way, I didn't vote for either Remely or Birks, if it interest anyone.
Damion - I like what you said "Only when people start thinking objectively is when real change and progress can move forward.". Those of us that have been challenged to maintain a civil discussion, need to remember how to look at the issues objectively and courteously.
1:29 your logic escapes me!
You wrote: "Elaine failed to promote a Republican treasurer because she was voting for the four stooges."
Reminds me of that old prank question we used to play on friends in Jr. High,
"Did you walk to school or carry your lunch?"
To stay on topic, I'd be curious why you or anyone chose one oofthe SB candidates over another.
If you voted for Birks and not Remely or vice versa... why?
What is Real Lebo? Never heard of it.
And Damion, as I read your comment, I just wanted to pat you on the head. I mean that in a good way. No kidding elected officials shouldn't engage in personal attacks. Unfortunately, it's the way things are. So we get low-caliber, low-intellect candidates for various offices who get voted in buy low-caliber, low-intellect voters. To Gideon's point, we have a tiny minority of clueless, angry people running our town into the dirt. You can run next time but you won't be able to fix it. And as much I'd love to blame it all on the Dems (because let's face it, they really are ruining things), the Repubs are so lost right now they didn't put up a fight. The Dems can only operate as long they don't have any opposition or people exposing them.
Speaking of which, considering the local R committee has once again proven itself worthless and inept, can we please get rid of Tommy Dunn now? Can Dunn be Done? Or do Rs want to make damn sure they lose head librarian and Municipal Barista, too? Nah, on second thought, let's just fade away. What the hell. I guess it's the new hip and trendy thing to pay too much in taxes and wave a white flag to the people who just want to keep spending.
Elaine I see Dave B is posting here.... Guess there's not much "lawyering" to do.
To my knowledge Remely did cross file but lost in the primary election to that guy that dropped out.
It would have been an interesting battle between that guy (who would have only been on the D side) and Remely.
As for me, I cast my vote for the two non-incumbents even though they are both Ds. I can't stomach the two that are already on there.
3:45 PM, Real Lebo was a blog here in Mt. Lebanon run by two women, Elaine Labalme and Kristen Linfante. You might say that it was the start of, as you say, the"tiny minority of clueless, angry people running our town into the dirt." You are in for a treat. The posts and comments in 2010 are especially revealing. I asked a question about the district budget numbers and I was told to ask that on another blog. My personal favorite post was from April 20, 2010. http://www.reallebo.com/2010/04/my-mother-toaught-me-never-to-lie.html when my now commissioner called me a liar.
Elaine
3:11PM, I thank you for your positive comment and agree with you that it is even more difficult when people are pressed to maintain civil discussions, especially when that person's dearest issue is being challenged. My main issue is infrastructure, being a civil engineer is is understood. There is nothing more in the political realm that I would want more than perfect roads, storm water mgmt, etc. Would I love our parking lots and tertiary roads to be paved with porous pavement to reduce runoff and stormwater surge? Heck yes, but I also know that it is not always fiscally responsible, being a cost estimator helps in that aspect. We would need to make sure that there is money to do it, albeit from unassigned funds or reallocation of funds.
3:45 PM, I may be low-caliber, but I can assure you that I am not low-intellect. I know that I would not change a lot but I would hope that if I do decide to run and get elected that I could create an environment that welcomes change and transparency.
2:23
I don't think you can extract all of the straight-ticket voters from the totals. You wrote that the candidates got so many people to vote for them by discounting straight ticket voters. It's highly likely that some of those straight ticket voters did so absolutely knowing that the 3 Dems or 4 Reps would get votes--and they wanted it that way.
any thoughts on the Silverman win? all Dems now sit on Washington road..very liberal commission..
I predict 5-0 votes.
I don't think you will have 5-0 votes. There are still very different interests/personality/etc. among the commission members.
Damion - If you are serious about running for office please register as a Democrat. Otherwise, you won't have a chance. They are running this town and there is no end in sight.
Here's a thought on the Silverman win:
Mt. Lebanon has transitioned to a predominately Democrat base. Even though Doyle ran a good race obviously capturing a portion of the D vote and getting support from the minority Republicans, it wasn't enough to stand up to the D-lever pulling D's.
So, since Mt. Lebanon has become a Democrat community, why have any elections? The D's have a stranglehold on the community and there is really no contest anymore. Why should anyone invest their time and resources into a stacked deck election? Time to quit?
Will all these Democrats be the demise of Mt. Lebanon just like the Dems in the big cities or are they a different type of donkey...more hippie like with chickens in their yards...and a single trash can in front of their home on trash day..
10:27 wow.. what a true statement, the Republican base of businessmen and engineers have moved or retired.. we now have mainly liberal attorneys musicians and teachers ( there are 5 on my street) who insist on unlimited spending..
10:27 here:
And we also have a number of seniors who built this community but now have to decide whether to pay their ever-increasing taxes or buy their medications. It's heartless and sad to put people in this situation. What would Brumfield or Franklin think about that choice for their own elderly parent? Would they want turf or an intergenerational community? My guess is turf.
On Facebook, mtl magazine forgot Dave Brumfield!
"Congratulations to new Ward II Commissioner Steve Silverman and also to the four school directors elected: Mary Birks, Bill Moorhead, Dan Remely and Mike Riemer. These are tough volunteer jobs, requiring large amounts of dedication to the public, patience and humility; long hours of listening, evaluating and compromising; lots of open-mindedness, creativity and respect for others' opinions. And a thick skin does not hurt either! Thanks for your service, and good luck!"
Don't worry, Dave. The school district made you president again!
"Hoover Second Grade classes had a chance to learn what it takes to be a community leader during a question and answer session on Nov. 4 with Dr. Tim Steinhauer, School Board member Bill Cooper, Commission President Dave Brumfield, Hoover Principal Mary Ann Schnirel, and Athletic Director John Grogan. "
Elaine
No doubt wishful thinking on the part of the AD, Elaine !
Timmay told the kids he was offended by their questions.
Cooper told them the cost of things in "pizzas".
Brumfield told them their field was inadequate because it wasn't turfed.
Grogan told them that Brumfield was president.
10:20PM, I actually am a registered Democrat, but that doesn't mean I strictly vote for Democrats or stick strictly to the party platform. I am my own man and that probably won't get me a lot of friends that are left-leaning Democrats.
MtL actually tried to assign "humility" to members of the school board? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...
Susan, you're delusional. Time for you to go. Dave and Dave, you want to pay for turf? Shut down the community "magazine" (that's actually now 50 percent advertising as opposed to content).
Actually, we're the ones who are delusional, 8:30 AM. The manager is recommending another bond for turf. That is why the trolls are thanking Franklin for all his efforts. I am still waiting for all that signage revenue to start kicking in.
Elaine
I know not to trust the PIO when she went out of her way to discourage a friend of mine not to sign up to speak at a Commission Meeting. She often stands by the sign-up sheet and I wonder if that's because she wants to discourage the newbies.
I was at the meeting and the PIO was standing by the sign up sheet.
What does the PIO standing by the sign-up sheet have to do with speaking at a meeting?
A solution to your dilemma would be to not sign up and speak when the president of the commission asks for additional comments from those who did not sign up to speak.
Connie
Connie - I think anyone who wants to sign up to speak, should just sign up to speak but you are right, if there are opportunities for additional comment, the person who was discouraged by the PIO could speak up.
What I am saying is that the PIO was trying to get people not to speak by telling them not to sign up.
I don't think that is appropriate.
Youre claiming a municipal employee (and the public information officer to boot) was actually telling people to not sign in to speak at a Commission meeting? Do you have any witnesses? Have you filed a complaint?
What kind of complaint is filed for the PIO?
My witness is my friend and others who heard her disclose this experience at the meeting.
I don't know if my friend wants to file a complaint or not because we already knee deep in problems. That's why we were at the Commission meeting in the first place.
However, I am glad to tell the PIO: Back off of the residents at the sign up list. Everyone has a right to speak at Commission meetings no matter how long it takes or uncomfortable the topic.
9:33 PM, if you have concerns about speaking at the commission meeting, Connie did give you good advice. At the end of the comments from residents who signed up, the president will ask if there are any others who wish to speak and hadn't signed up. I have done that a few times. Sometimes, something would come up and I would ask a question or make a comment. The PIO works for the manager. The commissioners only manage the manager. The manager manages everyone else. If you feel the need to pursue this, the person to speak to would be Steve Feller. I don't think that would do any good. I am curious. Did the PIO know why you were there? Years ago, the PIO asked me why I speak at meetings. I just say the same thing over and over. It was about deer culling. I told her that I will continue to say the same thing over and over because of what had happened. 9:33 PM, I don't think it will happen again. But if it does, say something to Steve.
Elaine
Just say it to the President of the commission and your voice will be heard! Constance Spicuous Consumption
The President will always encourage residents to express their concerns regardless of the topic. Feel enabled!
My point is, don't make allegations like that if you're not going to back it up or follow through. I'm no fan of Morgans but make your claims against her credible. As for how you file a complaint against her, Elaine laid out that Feller manages the PIO. Write him a letter and copy all the Commissioners.
Elaine, I thought the bond was for other capital improvements:
"Capital improvements. The manager proposes issuing a bond to fund capital improvements, including extensive renovations to both parking garages, a new roof for the municipal building, repair to the embankment along Lindendale Drive, a new electric Zamboni and municipal building security system replacement."
http://lebomag.com/15040/budget-2014/
I hope that "including" in that statement doesn't mean "we're not mentioning turf because we know people will be coming with the tar and feathers for us if we do."
9:23 am. Point well taken. Thanks.
I'll bite and actually answer your question, Elaine. I voted, but did not vote for two of the SB candidates, primarily because I hoped their percentages would reflect a lack of confidence. Voting for any of the candidates was an academic exercise anyway, as all were being shuttled into office. So, I'm happy to see that I wasn't the only person who chose not to press Mr. Remely's selection button. I'm pleased to see he posted the lowest percentage of the group. As for the other button I didn't touch, oh well...
I voted but I didn't vote for any of the school board members because I don't think the board is working. I think the board should recognize that they have a right to their opinions and should seek to express it rather than the current situation which is "well, i can tell you this as a resident but i can't tell you that as a school board member". The PTA says the same thing.
I tell people the same thing no matter what position I have assumed. These restrictions on the board and PTAs undermine the purpose of their position/organization. They have to change these situations before I can endorse either group as effective.
Jack, Steve brought it up at a meeting. I understand that John Bendel has a proposal for turfing Middle and Wildcat. The reason why they want to artificially turf the best fields in Mt. Lebanon because of their location. Lots of traffic on Cedar Blvd. could lead to lots of sponsors. Here we go again with the signage. The sports people are getting turf, thanks to the taxpayers of Mt. Lebanon. And I waste our tax dollars?
Elaine
I really don't like "signage". How does this keep with the historic aspects of Mt Lebanon? How will we avoid marketing toxic foods/ideas to children? Will I have to continue telling my children "no" to McDonalds and Gatorade while their field suggests the contrary? Who would be an appropriate sponsor? Or won't "appropriate" matter if all that matters is that the field is made of turf?
#exasperated
what we have here is a demonstration that the show elections in Lebo are the result of the conviction among eligible voters that there is no difference among the candidates and that whomever is elected will not listen anyway....democracy dies when fear is the primary instrument of "persuasion" in public life....the unopposed school directors should refuse to take their seats for the disgrace of such an obvious rejection by the body of constituents....but, since they have no shame and don't care what the people think anyway, i am sure they will assume a new term in triumph, at least in their own minds...
Jack Milliken: Wasn't repair to the embankment on Lindendale Dr was supposed to be covered by the sewer tax we have been paying?
10:29 AM, likewise, the municipal building security system, to come out of 2013 unassigned funds, was voted down by the commissioners.
Elaine
The status of various municipal projects should be posted on the internet -- lIke the embankment on Lindendale Dr -- I haven't heard a thing about it. The tick-tock of time within the municipality doesn't seem to work so if you want the Lindendale thing fixed, rally your neighbors and help the municipality remember what they promised.
PTA should end in fifth grade.
From Richard Gideon: " Ward 4 also had a seat on the Commission up for grabs, but with only one candidate running there was no actual race. Out of the 4,960 registered voters in Ward 4, only 969 of them cast ballots (19.54%); and out of that number Mr. Brumfield received 709."
So does Brumfield even care or wonder that 260 people did not vote for him?
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