Resident Steve Diaz offered a challenge to Commission President Kristen Linfante. In the name of fairness, Mr. Diaz asked Kristen to pay her fair share and to write a check for $8,000 for her underassessed home, which is on the market for $495,900.
The "intro" where Madam President says his name was struck from the sign up sheet, and Mr. Diaz says he did not do it, was included in the sound clip.
Update May 15, 2014 10:58 PM Mt. Lebanon residents criticize 'newcomers tax,' turf project for fields
169 comments:
Oh, I didn't realize that DMS decides tax policy in place of the Commission. Who voted for DMS? They don't make municipal policy, the elected commissioners do that.
Consider for a moment just how convenient that is as the hired contractor just coincidentally picked the year after the commissioner's last purchase as the year to start the "fairness" in taxation appeals. I am quite sure that the commissioners had no say in that decision, and did not question either the appearance it creates or the fairness of protecting the elected from the tax policies they impose.
Just write the check, Kristen
How many others are under assessed by almost $200,000? It sure sounds like Kristen Linfante is one of the most favored tax avoiders in Mt. Lebanon.
Someone should ask DMS how many, if any, homes in Mt. Lebanon are under assessed by a larger amount? Is Kristen the worst offender who does not pay her "fair share"?
Just write the check, Kristen.
Is it a conflict of interest, or just an abuse of power that the Mt. Lebanon Commission is willing to allow the line for assessment appeals to be drawn just so as to exclude all of them?
Haha, maybe Commission President Linfante doesn't really believe her home is worth the $495,900 that she is asking someone else to pay for it. She does not appear to have any problem asking other people to pay for things she will not - including her "fair share."
Shame on you, Kristen!
What is "magic" about 2006 anyway? The only thing special I see about that is that it allows the members of the commission to go after others without having to pay-up themselves.
Maybe Kristen and the others should stop whining about "anonymous" posts because we are not required by "the protocol" to give our names. Sound familiar, Kristen?
Just write the check.
For a political body so consumed by "fairness," resorting to lego-technical defense that "it is not required by the protocol" is slightly ridiculous. Come on Kristen, Dave, and all the others, behave like grown ups.
Are you disclosing "the protocol" to your prospecitve buyers, Kristen? Or do you feel no more obligation to be candid with them than you do with the rest of us.
There is a certain consistency in "DMS did it, not us" and "my realtor told me the price." Kristen doesn't seem able to make any decisions, or to take any responsibility. Why does she want to be on the commission?
Talk about a loss of legitimacy and credibility, Kristen. You declined to agree to the very program that you say is fundamental to meeting our social obligations to the community? You have a very peculiar sense of what is "fair!"
Kristen takes the term NIMBY (not in my backyard) to a whole new level.
Just write the check, Kristen.
Well, I have a definition of "fair:" I am not voting for Kristen ever again.
I too believe it's time for the Commission President to stand behind her vote and...
Just write the check!!!
(and I am not a newcomer)
if it ain't fair for her, it isn't fair for anyone else, either
No, Kristen, you cannot pay the $8,000 fairness tax on your grossly underassessed house from campaign funds.
Just write a check.
No checkie, no artificial turfie!
I'll bet more than a few of you are under assessed as well. Why don't you be the role model and write your check as well?
So much for all that "government of the people, by the people, for the people" stuff.
6:31: Nice try, but the FACTS on Kristen are out in the open, and she is an elected official accountable to everyone (it is no defense even if someone else were also guilty, say Mr. Brumfield?.....so, keep your innuendo and unfounded name calling to yourself---focus on the undisputed situation of our commission president.
Understand also that the newcomer tax objectors are in fact being coerced by the government headed by Ms. Linfante to pay property taxes to a standard she will not live up to herself---or did you come into the movie too late to get that? So, it is we who are paying who are looking to those of you who have not paid, but yet have the temerity to call us "greedy." Just like you, Ms. Linfante and company have the shoe on the wrong foot.
Shame on the tax shirkers, and that is not we newcomers--you have made us your indentured servants. You are the greedy ones, my friend.
Linfante, the spendthrift of public money, is assessed at 315,000 but tells the public she should be paid 495,900 for her house. That is pure greed and social irresponsibility from the president of our local government.
Well, 6:31pm, we aren't going to write a check because we didn't go and file appeals for assessments on people's houses. The Commission President authorized a 3rd party to do this through her vote. With her vote, she's clearly saying what she thinks is "fair."
Just remember 6:31pm, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
It depends which "people" you have in mind 7:29. If you are referring to those who worry about the health and welfare of our children and protecting them from the clear and unacceptable hazards of artificial turf, they don't count under this commission. If you refer to those who think it is not fair that they be taxed double or triple what people who live in essentially similar houses pay, they don't count under this commission, either.
If you are referring to those who slink around trying to do the public's business in secret and with special deals for the insiders, those who go along with all the expenditures whether they serve any legitimate purpose or not, then you are talking about the only ones who count in this little town.
But you know, we have to be grateful to our present commissioners for one great gift: they are demonstrating why it is important to all of us to go out and vote. When "all" of the people do that, these scoundrels and spendthrifts who got into office on pitiful turnouts and tiny vote counts will be sent out of office in favor or people who will represent and serve the community. It is only a shame that we have to pass through such turmoil and abuse to get there.
7:36 But we have written our checks, my friend, checks much larger than our neighbors because the commission has decreed it to be so, but not for themselves. We have paid and that is precisely why the check is now due from Kristin Linfante as "they" have knocked on all the neighbors' doors and finally have come for her check, too. 2006 is a mere line in the sand. Fairness they say is the marker, so fine, let fairness be done and conscience mandate that those who would play tax Mikado should tremble at the awesome abuse of the power they wield against the rest of us. I think, 7:29, that the apt phrase is that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Just write the check, Kristen. Do the right thing and people will admire you for it, they may even forgive some of your spiteful and petty ways as we all believe in redemption. Just write the check.
I think it is important to point out that Kristen's assessment was in question even before it went on the market.
Elaine
Elaine: it is very important to note that she knows that she has been underassessed all along and that, in the face of such knowledge, still felt no conscience or shame about going after others who are, now that the facts are out, far less underassessed than is Ms. Linfante. Almost $200,000 underassessed, someone should win a prize for finding anyone more underassessed than the Tax Queen herself, Kristin Linfante (who should be known as Unfair Tax Maiden of the Mountains for here scurrilous treatment of her neighbors even when she knew that she was the biggest "offender" of all).
Mirror, mirror, on the wall,
Who is the Fairest of them all?
Why Kristen of course it has to be,
she is the one more underassessed than you and me!
And has "Madam President Transparent" disclosed in her property listing where the taxes are listed that the "protocol" of which she is the sponsor if not the author, will cause any buyer to pay twice the tax she now pays?
Kristen, Kristen, where forth art thou?
Don't you think you owe it to the people whose votes you ask for, and whose taxes you spend, to explain why your house should not be assessed at your own published valuation? You said $495,900 (ok, so you picked that round number with advice, the number is still yours). You said fairness is paying current market value, not what others similarly situated pay. And, your house demonstrably has the largest known discrepancy between self-stated fair market value and assessment. So, explain yourself, justify why you should be exempt from the exactions you expect from others.
Don't hide, we know you peek at this blog, or have your friends do so. Come, out! Come out! Wherever you are, come out and respond on the merits to the moral, ethical, political, and social implications of the 2006 gambit. Tell us why you have not forfeited all credibility and respect. Come out, you politician, and meet fairly in the marketplace of ideas those who challenge the legitimacy, the fairness, and the justice of the conduct of your office. Come out and meet us, mind to mind. You are unlikely to do so, because it is not your style. You have only one major problem: you must come out for the next election, should you chose to run. We will meet you in the neighborhoods then with rationale discourse, facts, and a demand for equality and respect. And when that happens, Kristen, you will be defeated at the polls for reasons you should full well anticipate and understand.
Just write the check, Kristen. It is your honor bound duty as citizen and commissioner.
We should demand an answer: is Kristen Linfante's house the most under assessed residential property in Mt. Lebo? DMS seems to show great initiative in everything else, where is Dom now? The commission should require him to appear before the next meeting and report if he can identify any more under assessed home(s), and let us know exactly where she stands in the sweepstakes! I am sure she wins, just as all of us lose.
Civility, Kristen, like fairness, is a concept that requires engagement and interaction. You cannot hide behind the palace gates screeching that the people cannot touch your position, while all the while you pretend to represent the people. The first rule of courtesy, or manners, is to treat no one as you would not be treated yourself -- the simple but Golden Rule. Without such courtesy and manners, you cannot be civil or fair.
You love to lecture the public on how showing support for one another is somehow "uncivil" to the commission, yet you have no compunction about setting special rules for yourself and setting your own interests apart from the way you want to treat the rest of us. It is you who lack civility, Mme. President. You need to fix your manners and the best way for you to do so is just to write the check.
Yes, the commission should know, by dollars of underassessment who the biggest malefactors may be. The commission should ask DMS to report, not by percentage as that is too easily manipulated, but by dollars, where the unfairness really lies--without the artificial limitation of a random cut-off year. And yes, DMS should identify if Kristen, based on her asking price, is not the most underassessed homeowner in Lebo.
Almost $200,000 underassessed! Wow! Now there is a whopper that would make even UPMC and Highmark blush!
Who indeed is more underassessed than by $200,000, that is a "one percenter" all right....not even Liberals can excuse this one.....what would Eric Holder say? What would Nancy Pelosi say? This is not paying your fair share, Kristen, and you are a Liberal, too, right?
I have been told that Kristen should have a pass since she is selling her home for personal reasons. I am not sure why she deserves a pass, since there are many newcomers who were not given the same consideration. Certainly, Brumfield showed no compassion when I told him that "He Who Shall Not Be Named" had just threatened me. I am not sure why Kristen received a pass when she was vice-president and tore into me during Citizen Comments. She had showed no sympathy to me when I was begging her to not shoot deer next to my house. Yet, we are all expected to be sympathetic to her situation. The sad part to all this is that I have not approved all the comments that were about her personally.
Elaine
I am not absolving Kristen of all the problematic behaviors/policies/etc. that she is responsible for contributing to in Mt Lebanon. However, I do not think she is going to get any better. I think she is fairly checked out -- like a figure head -- voting for this or that but not really thinking or actively crafting plans.
The active evil-doers are Brumfield and Bendel. Whether they have converted Silverman entirely to their team, is what I don't know.
I think that everyone who thinks Mt Lebanon isn't fair, which I agree with, should ask to see the POLICIES behind these ridiculous procedures. When did the Newcomer's Tax become a policy? Where were the procedures created, by whom and when did they become a practice?
This commission shoots from the hip, constantly, unless a resident comes forward asking, begging, for something. Then they create policies -- tough ones -- so that no one ever can recreate the same demand on the current or future commission.
Evil.
Perhaps when Lifante does sell her under assessed home she can donate the difference to the wreck center, for fields and improvements?
Dear 7:29-I think people are starting to get it. At least you are and keep up the heat.
To everyone else: You cannot be fair with an agenda and everything is personal when you cross a progressive liberal. Until you disagree everything will be just fine and dandy in this fair town.
As a much wiser person than I once said, This philosophy is of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy! Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery-Winston Churchill
The facts are out there and ignorance should not be treated fairly!!!
Constance Spicuouos Consumption
Is Kristen on the delinquent tax list?
Elaine; It does not matter why Kristen is selling her house. What does matter is that by setting the asking price she has admitted that in her own view her house is worth $200,000 more than the value at which it is assessed. She has been underassessed all along, and she knew it when she voted to appeal the assessments of other people's homes, and she also voted or supported a 2006 cut-off that would insulate her from the very re-assessment standard she insists is "fair" to everyone else. The problem is the hypocrisy, the sneakiness, the lack of concern for others while she protected herself, and the abuse of power. Kristen has received all of the consideration due to her. It is now time for Kristen to show some consideration for others.
Some people say that Kristen should be left alone about her gross underassessment because of her "personal" situation (whatever that may be, I don't know). Yet, when a young resident tells the commission that he and his wife have to choose between paying the tax based on their reassessment or moving so they can afford to have children, that is personal, too. Compassion begets compassion, Kristen. The writer above who said that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones hit this nail right on the head. Remember, Kristen chose this fight against the residents, she picked the time, the place, and the method. It is not right for her to now try to hide behind some excuse as to why she should not live by her own rules.
Just write the check, Kristen.
If Kristen's personal problems are so big she needs to be excused from paying her full property taxes, she must also be excused from the burdens of commission service. If things are that bad for her, Kristen should resign. So, Kristen, either write the check or resign, please.
Perhaps we should start a fund to help poor Kristen pay her fair share of property tax. Let's all raise money to help Kristen pay her taxes!
If you recall, Kristen said nothing about her own $200,000 under assessment when she claimed that the municipal assessment appeals were responsive to "complaints" that some people did not pay their fair share. All those "people" are anonymous, did anyone else ever see or hear "more than the newcomers" requesting the commission to initiate these appeals? The problem is that Kristen wants others to pay, but does not want to pay herself. She also seems to have a problem in general with sticking to the facts.
Kristen should come clean about the "executive sessions" in which she is reported to review, by the name of the resident, which assessment appeals should be filed by the municipality and which should not. She wants to pick and choose who to appeal and then ask for "personal" consideration when it comes to her own $200,000 underassessment. Kristen has taken "personal" to new highs when it comes to assaulting other people.
"Fair" would be to pay tax on what you know your property is worth if you want to complain about "underassessment" of other people. Kristen is all about what other people should do, what about what Kristen should do? Lead by example, Kristen. Show us how fair-minded you are.
If the shoe fits, Kristen, wear it. Pay the tax you owe as your fair share. Just write the check.
Elaine at 9:02PM 5/14: Did your home get assessed based on your own "personal" situation? Of course not. Kristen should stop hiding behind her own secrets and face the music (after all, she called the tune).
$200,000 underassessed is a lot!
What would Kristen say if Elaine's home were underassessed by $200,000? I bet I could guess.
Secrets, would Kristen keep secrets? Ms. Transparency herself, Kristen could not possibly have secrets anymore than she could be the most underassessed homeowner in Mt. Lebanon. $200,000? Really?
Good for the goose is good for the gander. Write the check and pay the tax, Kristen.
It is a $200,000 question.
WRITE THE CHECK OR RESIGN. YOU HAVE 29 DAYS. THIS IS NOT GOING AWAY. WRITE THE CHECK OR SUFFER FURTHER PUBLIC SHAME, EMBARASSMENT AND HUMILIATION. OTHER COMMISSIONERS: YOU ARE NEXT. WRITE YOUR CHECKS.
Next on the list should be Silverman who lives on James Place. He isn't culpable for the 2013 appeals of Newcomers, because he was only running for, not yet elected a Commissioner. However he is culpable for the 300 additional properties being appealed this year ! See when he bought is house, what he paid for it, etc.
7:13 AM, actually, there is Allegheny County tax relief available for my "personal" situation. Mt. Lebanon, however, offers no breaks.
9:44 AM, I don't understand the "29 days."
Elaine
The sad thing is that we wouldn't be half as worked up over assessments if the millage rate in Mt. Lebanon was even close to reasonable. The taxes are so high here (the highest in Allegheny County) that the topic of assessments become so fraught with emotion because people are literally facing the possibility of having to move or downsize just to keep living here. It's sad. We should all keep our eye on the prize -- we need more fiscal responsibilty. We shouldn't have all these bells and whistles (ahem, turf) when our taxes are so high. Once we learn to spend and tax reasonably, we can think about our "wants". Right now, we should focus only our needs and certain wants that benefit the greatest number of people in the community.
And "Constance Spicuouos Consumption" -- there's no need for these ridiculous digs at progressive liberals. We're all in this together. The people banding together on Elaine's blog come from all political backgrounds. We're a diverse group, but we all agree that Mt. Lebanon spending is out of control and it's hurting our citizens - including our most vulnerable citizens - the working class and seniors. Seriously, grow up.
Kristen could start by giving back her pay as a municipal commissioner.
9:48: Silverman is definitely under-assessed but he voted no to this program.
9:44 - that kind of comment is not helpful. Kristen is NOT the most underasseed - not at all. Anyone can find this info - just look at some homes on hoodridge.
In fact, before you crucify her (and I am NOT on her side) just look up the houses on the market on Howard Hanna for upwards of $500K and then look at their assessments. She is not the worst. The system is broke and they are NOT the ones to fix it.
Newcomers had 30 days to submit their "back taxes" for 2013. Some received their invoices on Christmas Eve.
WRITE THE CHECK OR RESIGN, LINFANTE.
All the people who believe the commissioners resign, need to go to the next commission meeting, fill up the front rows, and repeat the same mantra. Nothing else is going to get their attention, nor the media's. You must do this.
Writing letters to them doesn't help . I know for a fact that their attorney suppresses emails from RTK that reveal moderately bad things about the commission.
You can also file complaints regarding municipal elected officials breach of ethics as you see fit but I am not sure what happens beyond fines and bad PR.
10:00 AM, yeah Silverman voted "no" but he knew the vote would pass (they determine that in pre-meeting phone calls, texting or executive sessions). He voted "no" so people like you would give him a pass and not hold him accountable - he knew he was vulnerable! He's just another politician acting like a concerned and caring citizen.
Oh boy, people like me. Kelly voted no to the turf, did she only do that because she knew it would pass anyway?
No, Kelly has been getting a lot of grief from sports people. She is truly against the toxic turf.
Elaine
In my opinion, Kristen, at a self-admitted $200,000 underassessment deserves public reprobation because she is one of those who started this whole "pay your fair share" nonesense as cover for their scheme to raise taxes as much as they could ON OTHER PEOPLE. It it Kristen the "I don't have to pay what you have to pay" advocate of unfairness that is the proper subject for this discussion because she seeks to create inequity and unfairness while keeping her own chips off the table and out of the game. People need to see this elected official for exactly what kind of person she is.
Just write the check, Kristen. Show us you are part of the solution, not just part of the problem.
"Only the little people pay taxes" - Leona Helmsley a.k.a. Queen of Mean
Or maybe Silverman voted no because he didn't want to be assessed.
Throwback Thursday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KDcuEtqjKc
Loves dialog and green spaces. That's rather funny. It's also funny how she throws that "fiscal responsibility" in there as if "yea, not really."
Wonder if Miller regrets the endorsement?
The earlier commenter who said this is not a partisan matter is absolutely right. This issue is not Left vs. Right, Liberal vs. Conservative, or Republican vs. Democrat; this issue raises questions of simple right vs. wrong. It is a moral and ethical matter.
Kristen: just write the check or have the decency to resign.
A $200,000 underassessment makes Kristen an obvious target for her own "protocol."
Write the check, Kristen.
Someone should ask Dan Miller to speak on this issue: does he support Kristen Linfante's position or does he not? Does he think she should pay or not? Does he think that leaders should go first before they send others in? Dan, tell us where you stand on this.
Why doesn't Kristen Linfante respond on this blog? There she goes again, hiding behind some "protocol."
Dan Miller currently serves the 42nd District as State Representative. He is running for re-election in 2014.
Where do you stand on this, Mr. Miller? Inquiring voters want to know.
5:07 While you are asking, where does Senator Smith stand on these same questions? Matt, you also should make your views known---your constituents want to know where you come down on these issues.
So too should the County Executive advise of his views on President Linfante's policy and conduct! Let's hear from him!
5:08 PM, Kristen has told me that she doesn't read my blog. If she would just learn to say the truth, no one would believe it anyway.
She is on record saying that she is not writing the check.
Kristen also believes that it is her duty to continue to serve her constituents. I don't think she is doing anyone any favors.
Just an FYI, if she does resign, the commission appoints her replacement. I am sure it would be a Democrat who supports turf and lives in an underassessed house.
Elaine
Elaine: Bravo! Exactly the point. This commission can't resist repeating the same mistakes time and again. We all know what Einstein said about such behavior: "It is insanity to repeat the same mistake and expect a different outcome." Let's give this commission every opportunity to show their own primary colors and then let the people be the judges.
Elaine: I guess what you are saying is that you don't think that Kristen is capable of changing her mind once she opens her mouth. Now that is a true sign of maturity and reasonableness.
I would be very interested in hearing from Dan Miller and Matt Smith on this issue before I vote for them again.
All I can say is that $200,000 is a lot of underassessment for anyone, let alone an elected "insider."
She is not going to get $500K for her house so technically she is not overassessed by that much...we won't know until she sells and then the new owner will be asked to take on the burden that she hasn't been paying. Her house is overpriced. Her agent always prices houses too high.
I also find it interesting that there is not a For Sale sign up. Maybe she doesn't want her neighbors to know??
There is an old saying, "one is judge by the company they keep."
That isn't partisan as it applies to both parties and everything in between them.
Personally, I feel a personal responsibilty to my friends or associates when I endorse something or someone.
Whether it is something like a restaurant or a golfing buddy. If that endorsement doesn't work out I feel it is in everybody's interest to find out why and do what I can to fix it if I can.
5:49: The point is not what YOU think her house is worth, but what Kristen thinks her house is worth. It is simply intellectually dishonest for her to hold the property out as a half million dollar home while she fails to pay her fair share of community expenses. This fact is underscored by her role in seeking to increase the assessments of the homes of other residents that she labels as "greedy" and says "don't pay their fair share." It is a position that she staked out by herself that she now has to reconcile with the unfairly low tax that she is content to pay while demanding more of others.
It is interesting that after hounding her predecessor directly and through proxies, Ms. Linfante is no more forthcoming than he was about why her house is for sale and exactly where she intends to go. De Iulius was ridiculed and made the subject of unfavorable rumors for doing exactly what Linfante is doing now. Just another example of how there is always a special "protocol" for her that is less onerous than the rules she imposes on others. Not a very civil approach to public life.
This is about Fairness. Unequal treatment is not Fair. Kristin is in a position to assure that the rules apply to her as they do to others, but instead she abuses her authority to shield herself from the "protocol." This is not honorable behavior. As a politician she ought to be able to see the obvious appearance here, but she cares more about the cash than she does about what anyone thinks of her.
It is time to pay the bill. If you don't pay, Kristen, who will pay? Why should anyone listen to anything you say while you act to exempt and protect your own personal interest as you attack the financial security in our homes and of our families? How can you face this community after doing this?
Mr.Deulius was ridiculed by the likes of you 6:24, not Ms. Linfante. She by no means owes anyone an explanation as to why she is moving. She had said that she is staying in the ward, that should be enough. Once she purchases her home she will be a "newcomer" as well.
I'm perplexed by the comments that declare our issues like school expenditrrs or taxes aren't Republican or Democrat or involve Smitt, Miller, Fiztgerald or even Corbett.
These issues don't come up in a vacuum!
On Linfante's assessed value-- if we had an equitable system, what would we be debating?
So who has a role in this play?
Certainly Fitzgerald, the county runs the reassessment. They pick the company that sets the values, Fitzgerald chooses to accept them or refuse them.
But who are the real players in the system?
Our representaives in Harrisburg, that is who! For decades our state representatives and governor's have acknowledge property assessments are an unmanageable system of taxation. They promise reform, but every so many years they do the same thing over and over again expecting fairer results.
The definition of insanity-- right?
Millions spent reassessing, then more millions spent appealing them and reassessing the reassessments.
I say it is time to knock off the bickering if its fair to pick on democrats... Or republicans.
It is time to rather demand that our elected representatives work for us.
Fix the damn system! I don't care if they're democrat, republican, rep, senator or governor.
Fix it. I'm betting a lot of other problems like school reform and financing will get fixed at the same time.
The candidate that proclaims they will come up with a plan and change the broken system gets my vote in November.
8:39 She owes all of her constituents an explanation as to why she will not allow herself to be taxed as she taxes us. No one cares if or where she moves (out of the Ward would be a welcome event)....
8:43 The system is broken, but only the municipal commissioners are suing us!
8:39 PM, uh not so fast. Kristen does not have a For Sale sign in her yard BECAUSE of how she ridiculed Joe about his sign.
Elaine
Kristin gets $3,600 per year to be a commissioner. That is almost one-half of the $8,000 you are asking her to pay.
return of her stipend is only a downpayment on the cost of her defective "services"....she makes her predecessor look good by comparison--at least he did not dodge the obligations he sought to impose on others....and keep in mind, she DID ridicule the man for have a for sale sign in his yard as a serving commissioner-how about an explanation from her as why she is, again, subject to a different "protocol"....what a sophist....
I for one would gladly spread the word that her house is a great buy, IF she would promise to move out of Ward 3, or better yet, out of Mt. Lebanon entirely!
Someone help me here: if all our homes are to have our taxes doubled, and this is not "for the revenue" then why is the municipality suing us? Given the deal with the school board, maybe its to help them out of the deep financial hole they have dug for us all? Maybe it's because they want also to double the municipal budget--but on what do we need to spend so much money? Are we trying to make it difficult or impossible for young families and seniors to live here? Exactly what is the purpose?
Kristen, your agents are trying to bail you out on this blog, but where are you? Why don't you answer this criticism and defend your actions? Maybe for the same reason you won't write the check: you are above the protocols!
Let's be fair to the last commissioner from Ward 3, let's have Kristen formally and publicly apologize to him for doing what she now is doing herself. Or is this another case that the rules don't apply to Ms. Linfante?
Just write the check, Kristen. People see right through your smoke and mirrors.
Perhaps the "Newcomers' Tax" is misnamed. May I suggest it be more aptly dubbed the "Linfante Tax?"
Still no word from Miller or Smith--maybe they do agree with Kristen, or maybe they think the voters won't consider their failure to speak out on this when they are on the ballot themselves...but we will....
Dave Brumfield called his buddy yesterday to call me and ask me to, in so many words, back off because she is going through a difficult time. I told his buddy that I have gone through it all, don't wish it upon anyone, but nobody cut me any breaks. I also reminded his buddy that her house was underassessed from Day 1. Also, why am I asked to play softball against someone who plays hardball?
Elaine
Look at it this way: would you pay $16,000 a year for the same services that Linfante paid half that amount for? There has to be a better deal. She just might sit on her listing as long as her predecessor sat on his (which was 3 years, wasn't it?). Poor Kristin, no way to turn when everyone is watching your every public move. You are very influential, but unfortunately for you only as an inspiration to the people you hurt. There will be more vigorous campaigning as a direct result of this, and Kristen's allies on the commission should take note of the constituency she is building to replace them all.
Elaine: That is very interesting. Kristen the tax avoider is going through some secret "bad time" --- well maybe she (and Brumfield) should be more sensitive to the bad times they are putting the victims of the Linfante Tax through.
They say misery loves company, but she should keep her private life private, no one is interested. What we are interested in is the public damage she is doing in this town. The ones who should "back off" are Linfante, Brumfield and their cronies on the commission. "Let my people go!"
A question about "difficult times." What is more difficult than being ordered to pay out $6,000, or $8,000, or $10,000 dollars within 30 days for nothing you don't already have, when your neighbors are already paying half of your old tax and calling you a cheapskate? Kippling said it" If you can keep your head while all those around you are losing theirs and blaming it on you" The only "difficult times" we have in this town are the result of living under the rule of a commission that does not even understand the concept of fairness and equality.
Kristen needs to play a consistent hand. Either she is a public person, or she is a private citizen. One cannot be both. Her unwillingness to pay her fair share is fair game for the people she sues to tax excessively. If we don't need the money, why tax? If there is a surplus, why not cut taxes for everyone? Kristin needs a moral compass.
From the Mt. Lebanon Magazine, June 25, 2012, Kristen’s view:
“In the musical arena, the essence of music-making comes down to listening, collaborating and communicating. If those components don’t exist, the goal of presenting a wonderful, meaningful concert cannot be achieved.”
“The whole collective experience among musicians and audience becomes an amazing dialogue of human expression without a single word ever spoken. In my mind, the goal is achieved when musicians and audience members alike can walk away with a feeling that through this collaborative dialogue, their lives are somehow made better—that through collective participation in the process, a positive outcome was achieved, whether emotional or otherwise.”
“Of course, one final component remains. In a musical collaboration it is the audience, and in a municipal collaboration it is the community members. You play a vital role in helping us to do our job as well as we can. Your input into the discussion brings the true voice of the community to center stage!”
-How sad that Kristen has alienated so many of our community by not fully engaging them, seriously considering their input, or allowing public opinion to influence her decisions. No one is walking away from Commission meetings with a feeling their lives are somehow made better. Kristen’s best intentions upon her election are a distant memory to the reality of politics when a person is too weak to stand for their principles. Kristen, you have sold out and you are morally bankrupt. Just write the check, Kristen.
"I will not write a check." Imagine if any of us said that when they came to collect the Linfante Tax!
Kristin the Tax Avoider needs to do some serious introspection about justice, fairness, and community before she further divides our small burgh.
Back off Kristen. We deserve the same treatment you do when it comes to tax equity and fairness. You don't want to play by the same rules and then to call that "fair?" Well, safe to say most fair-minded people would not agree with you. Just write the check.
My wife and I would like to ask Kristen to write the check so we don't feel like we are subsidizing her half-million dollar lifestyle. Walk the walk, don't just talk, Kristen. Just write the check.
Remember, this is the woman who said that the ESB is not opposed to artificial turf. Just write the check, Kristen.
Elaine
Kristen the Tax Avoider and author of the Linfante Tax wants us to feel sorry for her, indeed! Did she ever think twice about the bad times she would put my family through when she doubled our taxes? It puts me in mind of the ringing phrase: "I am Saddam Hussein, President of Iraq. Can we negotiate?"
In the name of civility, humility, and decency, just write the check, Kristen. Back off your attack on our young families and seniors. You are a social train wreck in our community. Back off and write the check.
Bill Clinton had the sense to say: "I feel your pain."
Kristen Linfante can only say: "I am not covered by the protocol," and "I will not write a check."
Hmmm. Learn something, Kristen. You don't have to be a monster if you don't want to be one.
"Like a good neighbor." Just write the check, Kristen.
Hey, its Miller time! and Smith time, too! Come on guys, show your solidarity with the community or throw your hats in with Kristen. Either way, let us know which it is. This question will be asked at the candidate forums until you actually give a straight and complete answer, so may as well get it out now. Thanks, guys.
Why just ask Kristen? Dave, Steve and John (according to Zillow) - write the checks! There will be more money for your frivolous special interest plans!
“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times … and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK. That’s not leadership. That’s not going to happen.” — Barack Obama
Interesting that Barak Obama's philosophy isn't in line with our local Dems. Where are the Commissioners getting their direction from? Does anyone know? Is it Matt Smith?
I can tell you who Miller supports... Brumfield! Two of a kind. BFFs.
My neighbors are in the throws of a nasty divorce. Can they get the same treatment as Kristen? Can they have a friend call Brumfield to demand the commissioners back off and that they be removed from the Newcomers Tax rolls? If only California kept its trash and not exported it!
Elaine I sitting at my kitchen table drinking my coffee and reading your blog and noticed that you said that you are rejecting comments about a certain commissioner. Do you think that ANY of commissioners refrain from attacking you in public? Wonder how I found your blog? My husband and I were at a neighborhood gathering and Brumfield was bragging on how he would finally be able to get the "Job Done" after the election because they would only have (1) one loser left. Finally big money would go towards sports. His sports! Well he wasn't lying was he? But he also made jokes about you and your silly little blog. All lies... A sad lonely Republican that can't understand that democrats rule the town. But I'm sure you knew this already. But have the last laugh. Many of his neighbors see him for what he is... A sad joke of a lawyer.
Wow, 6:03 AM. He is calling Kelly a loser? Or was it a previous election and was referring to Matt Kluck as the loser because he is a Republican?
Oh, I know what he says about my blog. He complains to our state rep about it and Dan's response is, "Dude, start your own blog."
May I give you anti turf yard signs for you and his neighbors? I think he would get the message.
Elaine
28 DAYS LEFT. WRITE THE CHECK.
Exactly what is going to happen in 28 days when she doesn't write the check? these posts are making me uncomfortable.
I was wondering the same thing, 9:48 AM. I was thinking it's a personal lawsuit. No doubt, Kristen Linfante has already filed another police report against me.
Elaine
Failure to pay within 30 days will result in an unabashed confirmation that Linfante in fact values the cash more than fairness. After the 30 day window has passed, she will be unable to use fairness as a red herring to defend her money grubbing and self-exempting policy decisions. If she files a police report, she should file it against herself as we are all victims of her condescension and double-standards. 4 legs good, 2 legs better!
6:03pm, you definitely need to get some signs and make sure your neighbor knows how you stand on his ballfields.
I only wish the signs had a picture of someone being given a tar and feather suit.
--Tom the Tinker
If Elaine is being honest that Brumfield asked a friend to speak with her (is there reason to doubt her?) to take it easy on Linfante- I'm angrier and more disappointed in this community than ever before.
Where was good neighbor Davey boy, when Elaine stood at the podium and presented the petition to the school board while Linfante snickered, sneered and made snide comments?
Did one board member enforce the rules of order, did the President gavel Linfante quiet or they'd clear her from the room? No way, only enforce the rules and 4 minute speaking limit when the speaker is against the agenda.
Elaine spoke somewhat about the hardships the extravagant renovation spending would have on her, seniors and residents that lost jobs or had medical problems. Where was Brumfield asking for compassion for people having problems? I'll tell you where, pushing for an even more expensive high school project? He didn't care then, apparently he doesn't care about people now. He says he doesn't even need to follow the advice of his hand picked advisory boards. He doesn't need to heed advice from anyone, but take his delivered by a friend.
My perception of this guy if anyone cares is that he is a sad, embarrassing officer of the community. Brumfield has made comments about anonymous bloggers... here's a question for him. Why wouldn't he contact Elaine himself? Scared, Dave?
I'll offer this warning, follow it if you wish. It has been claimed this guy is being groomed for higher office or a judge spot.
I think we had better find out whom the se people are that even remotely think he's a good candidate for anything and start countering their objective.
5:23, I think you're wrong about Miller and Brumfield being two of a kind. Not even close!
Dan, from my experience has always shown respect for people and opinions that aren't in line with his.
I believe he has after listening to opponents, studied the facts and alter his position.
You may not always win with Dan, but you'll always get his undivided attention and utmost respect.
I believe experience has shown me that is never the case with Brumfield.
I will say Miller's endorsement of Linfante has always baffled me.
Elaine is honest.
Off topic, but certainly pertinent to the issues like the "newcomers tax" and artificial turf.
"■ Commissioners introduced three ordinances to amend Mt. Lebanon’s home rule charter. Public hearings on each measure will be held May 27.
An Ad Hoc Home Rule Charter Study Committee recommended that the document’s language be changed to make it gender-neutral, and that the municipal treasurer no longer be an elected position, as administrators could handle the duties."
Over 200 years ago this country's founders penned this: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence,... "
And after all the history of our great country, as we look to alter our local government what is first and most pressing issue in the Home Rule Charter.
Let's make it gender neutral!!!
Like any educated resident of Mt. Lebanon cannot figure out on their own that our codes and ordinances apply to both males and females equally, without having it spelled out in political correct language.
No, let us not figure out how to learn from our founding fathers and establish a civil means - can you say recall - to "abolish it, and to institute new Government" when needed.
Really the most important thing is we need to make sure our Home Rule Code isn't misogynistic.
Second thought, maybe we are that stupid.
12:03 PM, I didn't have a chance to respond since I was at the convention center all day today for International Quilt Market. (YAY!)
It is true. Dave and Dan are very good friends. But Dan will tell you that all of the commissioners are his friends. He is friends with Matt Kluck too. He may not agree with them all of the time, but he is friends with them. When I mention Dave and Kristen to Dan, I always preface it with "Your friend, Kristen" or "Your friend, Dave." He knows how I feel about them. By the same token, he knows how they feel about me. But I'm a big girl. I can still get along with Dan, in spite of his friendship with Kristen and Dave. I am not sure if they can handle it though. I don't think Dave is doing Dan any favors by getting Dan involved with municipal affairs. Dan has bigger fish to fry now and Dave needs to stop whining to Dan about my blog.
Elaine
So Dan was messenger to back off?
Sigh. You picked up on that, huh?
Dave always complains to Dan about my blog. Dan reminds him that he can start a blog too. Dan always had a blog as a commissioner. Kelly has a blog. Dave should have a blog.
Elaine
That is unfortunate.
I would have expected Dan to advise Brumfield that this is a good time to bury the hatchets and see if the two of you can work towards common goals.
Who the hell is "Dan"?
Dave doesn't necessarily need a blog, but he does NEED to learn to talk to and hear people that don't agree with him.
Some advice for Dan, perhaps.
From http://i.word.com/idictionary/statesman
states·man
Pronunciation: \ˈstāts-mən\
Function: noun
Date: 1592
1 : one versed in the principles or art of government; especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies 2 : a wise, skillful, and respected political leader"
I guess Dave was being protective of Kristen. Of course he turned his back on me, when I told him that "He Who Shall Not Be Named" came after me down at Dixon Field.
I don't think that Dave realizes that I don't approve every comment that comes in about him or Kristen. Some of them have been pretty personal. I have saved all the horrible emails from Kristen and Dave. I either get ignored or I get some pretty brutal emails from them. Regular Lebo Citizens readers can pick out the anonymous comments from Dave and Kristen.
BTW, in my RTKs where Kristen is attacking Kelly, I have never seen any emails from Dave asking Kristen to back off. Have you?
Elaine
Write the check, Kristen.
Write the check, Dave.
Elaine
Among other things, Brumfield protecting Linfante confirms my analysis that Brumfield is at the root of all these problems.
Likewise, Brumfield admits that he is OK with toxic turf b/c his child plays on it 10 hours a week.
Where does everyone think his son gets 10 hours of week on turf? Who supervises his son's play? Who organizes it? Who benefits? Who has a business in lacrosse and has had a strong hand in this turf plan? When will the 10 hours of Brumfield family lacrosse be moved to Middle Wildcat once the turf is installed, ya know, Dave, at least during the summer, right?
The state municipal code spells out conflict of interest. Dave says he isn't going to benefit in a fiduciary manner. But how is that? He is an active lacrosse coach of his son's team, his son is extremely active in lacrosse as an 8th grader, and the 10 hours of turf lacrosse his son plays may move to Mt Lebanon. At a minimum, those are his benefits. Whether it's explicitly fiduciary as determined by a court doesn't matter. The man has a conflict of interest, denies it, has divided the community, and won't stand down. The law was intended to prevent showdowns like this one. You know that Dave, but just deny it.
File a complaint with the State Ethics Commission http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/complaints/11416.
Restricted Activities:
(a) No public official or public employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is defined as use by a public official or public employee of the authority of his office or employment or any confidential information received through his holding public office or employment for the private pecuniary benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family, or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated. "Conflict" or "conflict of interest" does not include an action having a de minimis economic impact or which affects to the same degree a class consisting of the general public or a subclass consisting of an industry, occupation, or other group which includes the public official or public employee, a member of his immediate family, or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated.
And you have done this, 9:58 PM?
Elaine
27 DAYS LEFT. WRITE THE CHECK.
the best check to write is one to support opposition campaigns and then help get out the vote when these people are up for re-election....you can get elected in mt. lebanon with a pitiful number of votes because we the citizens don't turn out....we have to make it impossible to win with the mere few hundred votes that swept these tyrannical monsters into power...clean sweep reform is only possible with large voter turnouts.....let's all vote to clear the air
kristen's realtor is saying she has it "on very good authority" that the commission will back of the appeals -- let's only hope it's true and not just a planted rumor to lull us all
write the check, kristen, you can only lead by example
If Kristen's realtor is so "in the know" then why were the Howard Hanna realtors who attended the Commission meeting so "in the dark"?
You'd think this would be a topic of discussion here in Leboland.
the issue is what kristen shares with her confidants, not with who is not a confidant of hers....
You're right. She shouldn't be telling her realtor anything that she won't share with the rest of the community. Who wants to email Kristen and ask her to confirm what her realtor said?
I cannot do it due to circumstances.
Experienced realtors know assessments have been appealed in the past. The commission used to appeal residential property and the school district used to appeal commercial property because it was a more expensive process.
yes, the school board does have that "extra" $8.9 million it has to do something with....
Still nothing from President Linfante. You wanted the power, now show some responsibility. Respond to your constituents, or is your answer "No, I won't" to that, too? You don't hesitate to propose, speak out, lecture the public, and vote in the most aggressive manner possible Ms. "I will shut down the meeting," so why should you stonewall us now? Respond to us! Pay your fair share (for the value YOU say is in your property, so you can't complain that you don't agree with the basis for the assessment). You may well be remembered as "President NO" or perhaps as the deadbeat commissioner.
Just write the check, Kristen.
Does anyone know if Dominick or his employees contributed to Kristen's campaign, or Brumfield's, or Bendel's? It would be interesting to know.
And, where are Miller and Smith? They want us to vote for them today, but they don't respond on the most urgent local issues. Do you support Kristen Linfante or not on this tax appeals matter, and on her duty to pay her fair share before she seeks to raise the property taxes of others?
Come on, guys, where do you stand on this?
The Democratic Machine just lost 3 votes in this household.
If Kristen is not an embarrassment to them, then they are telling us that they DO support her, just as all four of the remaining commissioners did at the last meeting. This is the cue for the rest of us to understand what they really believe in.
Good night, commissioners. We will let you know what we think of your conduct at the ballot box. Have a nice campaign.
Of course they will back off thw appeals now! That way Kristen will never be affected. No surprise there.
"I will not write a check."
MY next check is for opposition candidates to reform the commission.
This might explain why the municipality's representation has reportly started to not show up to the appeals hearings recently.
Dom's troops ARE still showing up to enforce the Linfante Tax --- I know of at least two in the past week....
KELLY---we still have not heard from you on this????
Post a Comment