A Comprehensive Letter From A Mt. Lebanon Resident UPDATED
The following recommendation to withdraw the Capture and Euthanize Contract was sent to our Mt. Lebanon Commissioners, Municipal Manager, Mt. Lebanon Police Chief, Solicitor, and president of Wildlife Specialists, LLC.
I might be inclined to write something asking for specific responses to all the questions raised over the past few weeks, rather than a "how could you?" format.
Something along the lines of, "In light of potential risks to public safety, financial liability and overall efficacy of managing a purported deer problem, please provide answers for the following questions.:
1)... 2)...
and so on.
Everyone understands it is an emotionally charged issue. A thorough listing of specific questions places the onus on the commissioners to do their due diligence. Failure to respond to specific questions from constituents places them in an unenviable position on many, many levels.
I would bet my bank account that only one commissioner will read that letter. And she is the one that didn't actually vote for this.
Brumfield doesn't care. He votes and doesn't look back nevermind that he voted for something that breaks the law he promises to enforce.
Bendel? Please! Does he even read any email, much less one that disagrees with his position to support Barbara Logan's threats of running someone against him in his 1st Ward Primary?
Linfante? Ahem...nevermind
Silverman? Mr. See No Evil, Hear No Evil, vote with the majority every time so I don't get in trouble?
The purpose of a letter can be more than asking for assistance. It can be used to document concerns, address them to specific individuals and place those same individuals in a position of being unable to claim ignorance and be potentially liable on an issue should things go wrong.
Please note that not everyone is able to personally send letters due to outside conflicts. Documented cc'ed letters are one way to hold officials accountable for their actions. Certain organizations are well-versed in dealing with obstinate governments. The ACLU or others may help.
I'm sure that the author of this letter means well, and I agree that this misguided corral deer killing program should be canceled. However, I don't agree that an "independent" committee should be set up to develop a comprehensive deer management plan, and I disagree with the statement that, "The Deer Management plan prepared by Wildlife Specialists is thorough ..." In addition, the author seems to give some credibility to the totally disingenuous "safety" campaign scam ran by Commissioner Linfante. Furthermore, the impression I got from this letter was that the author didn't oppose lethal solutions, but just the incompetent way that Mt. Lebanon has tried to implement them.
First, Wildlife Specialists' Deer Mgt. Options - Feasibility Assessment, was a complete joke. It was not only a totally pro-kill biased plan, but it was full of inaccurate and misinformation. It was not based at all on science or facts. The few references inc. were to other biased game agency or committee info. This "assessment" was nothing more than a paid for white paper to support the killing agenda that the Mt. Lebanon admin. planned on implementing. Even their initial facade of Wildlife Specialists being an "independent" and "objective" consulting firm was blown when Mt. Lebanon allowed them to write the RFP and awarded them the contract.
An "independent" committee has never worked to resolve these issues; i.e. it's impossible to set up an "Independent" committee. First, Mt. Lebanon's Commissioners considered Wildlife Specialist LLC, the Pa Game Commission, DeNicola/White Buffalo, and the USDA Wildlife Services as independent and objective groups and agencies. Who decides who sits on this "independent" committee? A pro-kill Commission will appoint a pro-kill "independent" committee. What residents would be appointed to this committee, Kristen Linfanti, Barbara Logan, Carolyn Byham, and Bonnie Vankirk? These "independent" committees have never worked, and are typically launched by pro-kill Commissions to use as cover to implementing a pro-kill solution.
There are no safe places to hunt, shoot, or use any lethal weapons in Mt. Lebanon. Plus, killing deer doesn't resolve deer-humane conflicts, and is a totally ineffective population management solution. So I won't support the use of lethal weapons in Mt. Lebanon, or any ineffective or inhumane deer killing population mgt program regardless of what an "independent" committee recommends.
The only solution is to remove the pro-kill Commissioners who want to turn Mt. Lebanon into a private bow hunting club and shooting gallery, and support candidates that will support and implement the safe and effective solutions that Laura Simon, The Humane Society of the United States' wildlife biologist has repeatedly presented to the Commission, but to date have been ignored.
The Most Effective Solution The main problem is the smorgasbord of irresistible flowers and plants that residents grow in their yards, and that Mt. Lebanon plants in its 30+ flower islands throughout the community. It's this abundant food resource that is the major attractant causing deer to cross the roads (car-deer collisions) to come into Mt. Lebanon to browse (eating flower complaints). Mt. Lebanon has to reach out to its residents and ask for their help; hold deer proofing seminars, and show the residents how they can have beautiful gardens and landscapes by planting deer resistant plants and flowers, and using repellents and other effective deterrents. In addition, Mt. Lebanon, should also track deer crossing hot spots and put up effective flashing deer crossing warning signs, and educate residents not to veer if they see a deer. These are all proven recommendations that Laura Simon, The Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) wildlife biologist and deer expert has made repeatedly, but which have been ignored and not implemented.
Below is a brief summary that HSUS' wildlife biologist made in a letter to the Mt. Lebanon Commission on November 8, 2011:
"On behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and our 638,000 Pennsylvania members and supporters, I am writing to voice our firm opposition to the proposed plan to allow hunting or deer culling (bait and shoot) as a means of reducing deer-related conflicts. Arbitrarily plucking deer out of the environment will not achieve the Township’s goals. Instead, this misguided plan is likely to expose the public to increased safety risks and the trauma of seeing wounded deer. There are far better ways to resolve this (and any other) ―deer problem."
- Holding deer-proofing seminars - Reaching out and asking residents to plant deer resistant flowers and ornamentals - Planting deer resistant flowers in the 30+ flower islands throughout the community - Identifying deer crossing hot-spots and putting up electric/flashing deer warning signs - Lowering the speed limit - Implementing a drivers education program for residents - Educating residents on deer - Expanding the fence ordinances - Implementing roadside habitat modification to increase visibility
Laura Simon gave an example where Rochester Hills decreased car-deer collisions by 25% through a resident education program, and the strategic placement of deer warning signs. This program only costs $5,000. Why does Mt. Lebanon ignore these proven safe and inexpensive solutions?
Mt. Lebanon should implement these proven solutions recommended by HSUS' wildlife bioloist, and give them a chance before considering any next step alternative strategy. And the only safe, effective, and humane next step strategy for a community as densely populated and developed as Mt. Lebanon is a deer contraception or sterilization program.
Allen Rutberg Ph.D., Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy, and a leading deer contraception scientist wrote that, "suburban deer populations have been stabilized and reduced over time by 35-50% ... The most dramatic reduction so far ... has been associated with a population reduction of 44% in five years." These studies are published in peer reviewed scientific journals. A deer sterilization program should result in a even more dramatic population reduction, because sterilization is 100% effective. Tony DeNicola, President of White Buffalo, estimated a 10 - 20% annual population reduction during Mt. Lebanon's deer forum, and has noted a 30% reduction in other written comments.
Bottom line, "The Humane Society of the United States urges the Mt. Lebanon community to show true leadership and invest in an innovative, effective, humane and long-term solution. That is, one that utilizes deer-resistant gardening strategies, state-of-the-art fertility control options and successful collision reduction strategies already in operation elsewhere."
I wonder if Carrie Doe, er Kristen LinFibte would we willing to sumbit to a lie detector test at the next meeting. Yo Carrie, you bankrupted the San Jose Symphony, you bankrupted MTL, you aren't talented enough to earn a spot here in Pittsburgh, so how about packing up and moving on to bankrupt the next unsuspecting town. Your legacy? Kristen Linfante, the vile, wretched witch of Mt. Lebo with no true friends to care for or about you. Run along vile witch, your days here are over.
6:11, folks like you are what's new to (and wrong) with Mt. Lebanon. Come out of the shadows, be a man, and engage in an adult conversation. Or remain an irrelevant rock in everyone's shoe.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. It doesn't matter who you are, as long as you write to the commissioners and school board directors and/or speak during Citizen Comments. But you must do something besides complain here. Elaine
Actually, Dave, people like you are the problem. Wah. Did you take offense to disparaging comments about Linfante? Haha, so suddenly you're a man of virtue? Maybe you should pass along that attitude to the other members of your treehouse gang and tell them it isn't polite to bully women. Come on, Dave, be a man.
Unfortunately, and I hate to say I agre with Franklin, but 6:11's comment isn't a step in the right direction, nor does it make this a better community. I dislike Commissioner Linfante as much as the next person for reasons too numerous to spell out here, but telling her to move... come on, think! Want to neutralize Linfante and her friends. Organize, make her the lone vote on the commission. When she's in the minority she'll get tired, walk away on her own according or self destruct at some point or perhaps sit and choose to be a dissenting voice. We can't force her to resign or move, she's ours for the remainder of her term. But her voting block isn't, we can vote them out.
How did they arrive at the conclusion that killing 150 deer would result in a 50% reduction in deer/vehicle incidents over five years. My professors always required we submit proof with our papers... as in "show me the math." In the work place, my bosses or clients always demanded proof that an investment in a machine or product would show a return. They'd never accept the conclusion without seeing the numbers and research. Somehow though, our elected officials and hired employees don't think they have to answer to anyone.
Collecting and discussing concerns serves a useful purpose as it may lead to discovering additional perspectives and problems with this program.
Elaine is absolutely correct that directing them to the board is necessary.
Some are not in a position to do so as they may have to deal with the commissioners in their regular day jobs.
Trying to draw out names is an old canard used to silence opposition. Governments frequently retaliate against those not in lockstep subservience to their will.
The debate is about the actions being taken to address a perceived problem. Not the identities of those who might dare question it.
Submitting specific questions, then following up with asking the status of said questions at public meetings places them into the official record.
This opens the door for other actions down the road, including due diligence, negligence and so on.
This also puts a rein on commissioners' appetite for arbitrary actions. Putting officials on notice that actions will be scrutinized is a time-honored tradition. But you must do it and document, document, document.
10:27 pm I can honestly say I have never seen people make more things up than I have the Mt Lebanon municipal government and certain commissioners. They throw ideas out there to see if they can stick...a lot of times they do. With lots of questions and challenges, they defend and refine a little bit.
They made this 50% reduction in car accidents up because they thought it would help justify killing 150 deer. It's just right: they aren't guaranteeing drivers won't continue to hit deer but they are taking driver concerns "seriously".
I know Elaine and nearly everyone who has ever commented on here has been attacked or belittled in some manner on this Blog. It's the nature of the beast unfortunately. But good Lord, 7:46 a.m., that comment was so uncalled for. Can't we try to keep it civil and keep this community from going even lower than it already is? Would you let your kids make comments like that on social media? We can disagree. We can be pissed off at each other - but for the love of God - that comment was so completely inappropriate. Any comments like that against Elaine, Mr. Franklin, or anyone else who posts on here are disgusting.
9:45 AM, I removed the comment. I wish our local newspapers would be that considerate and remove some of the comments posted by the pro kill people. Pretty despicable. Elaine
I was contacted by someone who attended the Baldwin meeting last night. Apparently, Chief Coleman McDonough had notified Baldwin and assured them that it is perfectly safe. Even their solicitor had visited the site and doesn't have a problem with Merlin's people shooting bullets. They also had no concerns with the gas station being 300 ft. away.
This is certainly a loser for everyone. Merlin, why don't you go to the commission and ask to be reimbursed for your expenses and get the heck out of this contract? I don't think you would get much resistance from too many people. Please consider it. Elaine
Priorities Commissioners. At least one of them has it right:
Please pay mind to our accidents. This is why looking at the evidence is so important. The number of deer/vehicle accident that sustained severe injury pale in comparison to pedestrian/vehicle accidents. If we are going to address our public safety issue of accidents, we need to look at the accidents that have resulted in severe injuries or death which would be our vehicle/pedestrian incidents.
Look at the map on Fraasch's blog!
The argument Kristen made about vehicle/deer collisions is a red herring given all the vehicle/pedestrian accidents that have showed up in the news the past few years.
What would Linfante do if Fraasch proposed to reduce vehicle/pedestrian accidents by 50% over five years instead of going after the deer? This is the true public safety concern!
On March 2nd, I posted the following comment on Lebocitizens: "The following commissioner's report appeared on Lebomag on May 2014.
The question residents-- how many of those $130,000 in improvements for pedestrian safety have been implemented?
We know pedestrians have been seriously injured in MTL recently, we're not talking about a rare incident in Cecil that occurred more than a quarter of a century ago! These incidents are happening now Commissioner Linfante and they involve your neighbors. What... safety for MTL lives aren't important unless deer are involved?
http://lebomag.com/17627/commissioners-report-3/
"As most know, we have had some very serious accidents between cars and pedestrians. These accidents have resulted in permanent or long-term effects, physically and emotionally, for all involved. Let’s use our safety resources, be alert and be safe. Additional Resources and Enhancements Traffic safety experts have given a number of presentations to the Commission regarding opportunities to improve safety throughout Mt Lebanon. Some of these items do cost money but should be addressed. It would be great to find the funds to tackle all the items at once, but the cost is great.
The estimated cost for potential enhancements would be around $130,000 but roads would be safer. I believe safety should be one of our top priorities and the money would be well spent. If you are interested in knowing the list, please contact me.""
I was surprised to read that Commissioner Fraasch through the help of Tom Moertel have taken on the task of really evaluating traffic incidents and hopefully applying some common sense establishing where we'd get the biggest 'bang for the buck' (pun intended) to make residents safe on our roads. One commissioner proclaims she is trying to prevent serious accidents by budgeting $75,000 annually to cull deer. But, wouldn't it be wiser to spend Fraasch's $130,000 in an effort to reduce ALL accidents on our roads. Plus, wouldn't it logically follow that if you reduce speeding, increase driver attentiveness you'd make a substantial dent in deer-related accidents as well?
Rather, than bickering back and forth on our issues, what if we sit down, work together to honestly view problems and then come up with smart, educated solutions?
Here's another suggestion that I believe would reduce the animosity in our community. I'd love to hear comments on the idea.
What if at the end of the year our public information office published an "honest" "year in review?" A... what we achieved, what needs to be done... where we fell short... and what we should look at for the future. That way everyone starts out on the same page as we discuss or comment on the state of our community. It'd sure eliminate misinformation flying around.
Here's a sample of what I'm suggesting: http://patch.com/new-york/tarrytown/greenburghs-year-review
The story of the anti-ccull people breaking the law sounds like a case of "wagging the dog." They can't identify the culprits (maybe its one of Benner's people posing as a protester), it "looks like" a container that could be used to spray deer repellant ansd Benner has no idea what kind of urine might have been used. Hey maybe it was ginger ale from a soda cup. Put up the photos on the district website, let the court of public opinion decide if laws have been broken. To have this hired consultant disparaging residents with no proof of a crime being committed is a travestry.
It's a good start.
ReplyDeleteI might be inclined to write something asking for specific responses to all the questions raised over the past few weeks, rather than a "how could you?" format.
Something along the lines of, "In light of potential risks to public safety, financial liability and overall efficacy of managing a purported deer problem, please provide answers for the following questions.:
1)...
2)...
and so on.
Everyone understands it is an emotionally charged issue. A thorough listing of specific questions places the onus on the commissioners to do their due diligence. Failure to respond to specific questions from constituents places them in an unenviable position on many, many levels.
Then do it!
ReplyDeleteElaine
Isn't that what a newspaper reporter should be asking, too?
ReplyDeleteWell done on the letter.
ReplyDeleteI would bet my bank account that only one commissioner will read that letter. And she is the one that didn't actually vote for this.
Brumfield doesn't care. He votes and doesn't look back nevermind that he voted for something that breaks the law he promises to enforce.
Bendel? Please! Does he even read any email, much less one that disagrees with his position to support Barbara Logan's threats of running someone against him in his 1st Ward Primary?
Linfante? Ahem...nevermind
Silverman? Mr. See No Evil, Hear No Evil, vote with the majority every time so I don't get in trouble?
They should all be just plain embarrassed.
The purpose of a letter can be more than asking for assistance. It can be used to document concerns, address them to specific individuals and place those same individuals in a position of being unable to claim ignorance and be potentially liable on an issue should things go wrong.
ReplyDeletePlease note that not everyone is able to personally send letters due to outside conflicts. Documented cc'ed letters are one way to hold officials accountable for their actions. Certain organizations are well-versed in dealing with obstinate governments. The ACLU or others may help.
If they don't read your letter, then take it with you to a commission meeting and read it there.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that the author of this letter means well, and I agree that this misguided corral deer killing program should be canceled. However, I don't agree that an "independent" committee should be set up to develop a comprehensive deer management plan, and I disagree with the statement that, "The Deer Management plan prepared by Wildlife Specialists is thorough ..." In addition, the author seems to give some credibility to the totally disingenuous "safety" campaign scam ran by Commissioner Linfante. Furthermore, the impression I got from this letter was that the author didn't oppose lethal solutions, but just the incompetent way that Mt. Lebanon has tried to implement them.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Wildlife Specialists' Deer Mgt. Options - Feasibility Assessment, was a complete joke. It was not only a totally pro-kill biased plan, but it was full of inaccurate and misinformation. It was not based at all on science or facts. The few references inc. were to other biased game agency or committee info. This "assessment" was nothing more than a paid for white paper to support the killing agenda that the Mt. Lebanon admin. planned on implementing. Even their initial facade of Wildlife Specialists being an "independent" and "objective" consulting firm was blown when Mt. Lebanon allowed them to write the RFP and awarded them the contract.
An "independent" committee has never worked to resolve these issues; i.e. it's impossible to set up an "Independent" committee. First, Mt. Lebanon's Commissioners considered Wildlife Specialist LLC, the Pa Game Commission, DeNicola/White Buffalo, and the USDA Wildlife Services as independent and objective groups and agencies. Who decides who sits on this "independent" committee? A pro-kill Commission will appoint a pro-kill "independent" committee. What residents would be appointed to this committee, Kristen Linfanti, Barbara Logan, Carolyn Byham, and Bonnie Vankirk? These "independent" committees have never worked, and are typically launched by pro-kill Commissions to use as cover to implementing a pro-kill solution.
There are no safe places to hunt, shoot, or use any lethal weapons in Mt. Lebanon. Plus, killing deer doesn't resolve deer-humane conflicts, and is a totally ineffective population management solution. So I won't support the use of lethal weapons in Mt. Lebanon, or any ineffective or inhumane deer killing population mgt program regardless of what an "independent" committee recommends.
The only solution is to remove the pro-kill Commissioners who want to turn Mt. Lebanon into a private bow hunting club and shooting gallery, and support candidates that will support and implement the safe and effective solutions that Laura Simon, The Humane Society of the United States' wildlife biologist has repeatedly presented to the Commission, but to date have been ignored.
The Most Effective Solution
ReplyDeleteThe main problem is the smorgasbord of irresistible flowers and plants that residents grow in their yards, and that Mt. Lebanon plants in its 30+ flower islands throughout the community. It's this abundant food resource that is the major attractant causing deer to cross the roads (car-deer collisions) to come into Mt. Lebanon to browse (eating flower complaints). Mt. Lebanon has to reach out to its residents and ask for their help; hold deer proofing seminars, and show the residents how they can have beautiful gardens and landscapes by planting deer resistant plants and flowers, and using repellents and other effective deterrents. In addition, Mt. Lebanon, should also track deer crossing hot spots and put up effective flashing deer crossing warning signs, and educate residents not to veer if they see a deer. These are all proven recommendations that Laura Simon, The Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) wildlife biologist and deer expert has made repeatedly, but which have been ignored and not implemented.
Below is a brief summary that HSUS' wildlife biologist made in a letter to the Mt. Lebanon Commission on November 8, 2011:
"On behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and our 638,000 Pennsylvania members and supporters, I am writing to voice our firm opposition to the proposed plan to allow hunting or deer culling (bait and shoot) as a means of reducing deer-related conflicts. Arbitrarily plucking deer out of the environment will not achieve the Township’s goals. Instead, this misguided plan is likely to expose the public to increased safety risks and the trauma of seeing wounded deer. There are far better ways to resolve this (and any other) ―deer problem."
- Holding deer-proofing seminars
- Reaching out and asking residents to plant deer resistant flowers and ornamentals
- Planting deer resistant flowers in the 30+ flower islands throughout the community
- Identifying deer crossing hot-spots and putting up electric/flashing deer warning signs
- Lowering the speed limit
- Implementing a drivers education program for residents
- Educating residents on deer
- Expanding the fence ordinances
- Implementing roadside habitat modification to increase visibility
Laura Simon gave an example where Rochester Hills decreased car-deer collisions by 25% through a resident education program, and the strategic placement of deer warning signs. This program only costs $5,000. Why does Mt. Lebanon ignore these proven safe and inexpensive solutions?
Mt. Lebanon should implement these proven solutions recommended by HSUS' wildlife bioloist, and give them a chance before considering any next step alternative strategy. And the only safe, effective, and humane next step strategy for a community as densely populated and developed as Mt. Lebanon is a deer contraception or sterilization program.
Allen Rutberg Ph.D., Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy, and a leading deer contraception scientist wrote that, "suburban deer populations have been stabilized and reduced over time by 35-50% ... The most dramatic reduction so far ... has been associated with a population reduction of 44% in five years." These studies are published in peer reviewed scientific journals. A deer sterilization program should result in a even more dramatic population reduction, because sterilization is 100% effective. Tony DeNicola, President of White Buffalo, estimated a 10 - 20% annual population reduction during Mt. Lebanon's deer forum, and has noted a 30% reduction in other written comments.
Bottom line, "The Humane Society of the United States urges the Mt. Lebanon community to show true leadership and invest in an innovative, effective, humane and long-term solution. That is, one that utilizes deer-resistant gardening strategies, state-of-the-art fertility control options and successful collision reduction strategies already in operation elsewhere."
I wonder if Carrie Doe, er Kristen LinFibte would we willing to sumbit to a lie detector test at the next meeting. Yo Carrie, you bankrupted the San Jose Symphony, you bankrupted MTL, you aren't talented enough to earn a spot here in Pittsburgh, so how about packing up and moving on to bankrupt the next unsuspecting town. Your legacy? Kristen Linfante, the vile, wretched witch of Mt. Lebo with no true friends to care for or about you. Run along vile witch, your days here are over.
ReplyDelete6:11, folks like you are what's new to (and wrong) with Mt. Lebanon. Come out of the shadows, be a man, and engage in an adult conversation. Or remain an irrelevant rock in everyone's shoe.
ReplyDeleteDave Franklin
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. It doesn't matter who you are, as long as you write to the commissioners and school board directors and/or speak during Citizen Comments. But you must do something besides complain here.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Actually, Dave, people like you are the problem. Wah. Did you take offense to disparaging comments about Linfante? Haha, so suddenly you're a man of virtue? Maybe you should pass along that attitude to the other members of your treehouse gang and tell them it isn't polite to bully women. Come on, Dave, be a man.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, and I hate to say I agre with Franklin, but 6:11's comment isn't a step in the right direction, nor does it make this a better community.
ReplyDeleteI dislike Commissioner Linfante as much as the next person for reasons too numerous to spell out here, but telling her to move... come on, think!
Want to neutralize Linfante and her friends. Organize, make her the lone vote on the commission. When she's in the minority she'll get tired, walk away on her own according or self destruct at some point or perhaps sit and choose to be a dissenting voice.
We can't force her to resign or move, she's ours for the remainder of her term. But her voting block isn't, we can vote them out.
A note related to the deer incident reports:
ReplyDeleteI learned today that when a resident calls animal control in Mt Lebanon, you are likely to end up with a 911 operator.
Yes, this is true. Calling about an injured owl in Allegheny County involves a discussion with a 911 operator.
Perhaps, this call system could lead to an overestimate of life/death wildlife concerns in Mt Lebanon?
Just sayin'
How did they arrive at the conclusion that killing 150 deer would result in a 50% reduction in deer/vehicle incidents over five years.
ReplyDeleteMy professors always required we submit proof with our papers... as in "show me the math."
In the work place, my bosses or clients always demanded proof that an investment in a machine or product would show a return. They'd never accept the conclusion without seeing the numbers and research.
Somehow though, our elected officials and hired employees don't think they have to answer to anyone.
Demand that the next survey be done and signed off by someone with a P.E. License.
DeleteNot self-ordained professionals recycling reports to pump business.
10:27 PM, as Kristen said, this will be ongoing. Up to 150 deer this year, more next year, and so on.
ReplyDeleteElaine
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteCollecting and discussing concerns serves a useful purpose as it may lead to discovering additional perspectives and problems with this program.
ReplyDeleteElaine is absolutely correct that directing them to the board is necessary.
Some are not in a position to do so as they may have to deal with the commissioners in their regular day jobs.
Trying to draw out names is an old canard used to silence opposition. Governments frequently retaliate against those not in lockstep subservience to their will.
The debate is about the actions being taken to address a perceived problem. Not the identities of those who might dare question it.
Submitting specific questions, then following up with asking the status of said questions at public meetings places them into the official record.
ReplyDeleteThis opens the door for other actions down the road, including due diligence, negligence and so on.
This also puts a rein on commissioners' appetite for arbitrary actions. Putting officials on notice that actions will be scrutinized is a time-honored tradition. But you must do it and document, document, document.
10:27 pm I can honestly say I have never seen people make more things up than I have the Mt Lebanon municipal government and certain commissioners. They throw ideas out there to see if they can stick...a lot of times they do. With lots of questions and challenges, they defend and refine a little bit.
ReplyDeleteThey made this 50% reduction in car accidents up because they thought it would help justify killing 150 deer. It's just right: they aren't guaranteeing drivers won't continue to hit deer but they are taking driver concerns "seriously".
I know Elaine and nearly everyone who has ever commented on here has been attacked or belittled in some manner on this Blog. It's the nature of the beast unfortunately. But good Lord, 7:46 a.m., that comment was so uncalled for. Can't we try to keep it civil and keep this community from going even lower than it already is? Would you let your kids make comments like that on social media? We can disagree. We can be pissed off at each other - but for the love of God - that comment was so completely inappropriate. Any comments like that against Elaine, Mr. Franklin, or anyone else who posts on here are disgusting.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesonline.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/deer-culling-plan-is-despicable-inhumane/article_0e3b2e24-c1c1-11e4-afb1-e3d6f93d7eec.html/?REFER-MI=Home
ReplyDelete9:45 AM, I removed the comment. I wish our local newspapers would be that considerate and remove some of the comments posted by the pro kill people. Pretty despicable.
ReplyDeleteElaine
I was contacted by someone who attended the Baldwin meeting last night. Apparently, Chief Coleman McDonough had notified Baldwin and assured them that it is perfectly safe. Even their solicitor had visited the site and doesn't have a problem with Merlin's people shooting bullets. They also had no concerns with the gas station being 300 ft. away.
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly a loser for everyone. Merlin, why don't you go to the commission and ask to be reimbursed for your expenses and get the heck out of this contract? I don't think you would get much resistance from too many people. Please consider it.
Elaine
Priorities Commissioners. At least one of them has it right:
ReplyDeletePlease pay mind to our accidents. This is why looking at the evidence is so important. The number of deer/vehicle accident that sustained severe injury pale in comparison to pedestrian/vehicle accidents. If we are going to address our public safety issue of accidents, we need to look at the accidents that have resulted in severe injuries or death which would be our vehicle/pedestrian incidents.
Look at the map on Fraasch's blog!
The argument Kristen made about vehicle/deer collisions is a red herring given all the vehicle/pedestrian accidents that have showed up in the news the past few years.
What would Linfante do if Fraasch proposed to reduce vehicle/pedestrian accidents by 50% over five years instead of going after the deer? This is the true public safety concern!
On March 2nd, I posted the following comment on Lebocitizens:
ReplyDelete"The following commissioner's report appeared on Lebomag on May 2014.
The question residents-- how many of those $130,000 in improvements for pedestrian safety have been implemented?
We know pedestrians have been seriously injured in MTL recently, we're not talking about a rare incident in Cecil that occurred more than a quarter of a century ago! These incidents are happening now Commissioner Linfante and they involve your neighbors. What... safety for MTL lives aren't important unless deer are involved?
http://lebomag.com/17627/commissioners-report-3/
"As most know, we have had some very serious accidents between cars and pedestrians. These accidents have resulted in permanent or long-term effects, physically and emotionally, for all involved. Let’s use our safety resources, be alert and be safe.
Additional Resources and Enhancements
Traffic safety experts have given a number of presentations to the Commission regarding opportunities to improve safety throughout Mt Lebanon. Some of these items do cost money but should be addressed. It would be great to find the funds to tackle all the items at once, but the cost is great.
The estimated cost for potential enhancements would be around $130,000 but roads would be safer. I believe safety should be one of our top priorities and the money would be well spent. If you are interested in knowing the list, please contact me.""
I was surprised to read that Commissioner Fraasch through the help of Tom Moertel have taken on the task of really evaluating traffic incidents and hopefully applying some common sense establishing where we'd get the biggest 'bang for the buck' (pun intended) to make residents safe on our roads.
One commissioner proclaims she is trying to prevent serious accidents by budgeting $75,000 annually to cull deer.
But, wouldn't it be wiser to spend Fraasch's $130,000 in an effort to reduce ALL accidents on our roads.
Plus, wouldn't it logically follow that if you reduce speeding, increase driver attentiveness you'd make a substantial dent in deer-related accidents as well?
Rather, than bickering back and forth on our issues, what if we sit down, work together to honestly view problems and then come up with smart, educated solutions?
Here's another suggestion that I believe would reduce the animosity in our community. I'd love to hear comments on the idea.
What if at the end of the year our public information office published an "honest" "year in review?" A... what we achieved, what needs to be done... where we fell short... and what we should look at for the future.
That way everyone starts out on the same page as we discuss or comment on the state of our community. It'd sure eliminate misinformation flying around.
Here's a sample of what I'm suggesting:
http://patch.com/new-york/tarrytown/greenburghs-year-review
More news:
ReplyDeletehttp://triblive.com/news/allegheny/7891131-74/deer-corrals-lebanon#axzz3TTW1cYQn
Next week is really going to ____________________.
This comment is priceless from J Merlin Benner:
ReplyDelete“I don't trust them (anti-cull citizens) to abide by the law, because they haven't so far,” Benner said.
Gee, I wonder how many of the conditions Benner has violated or will violate that are contained in the permit that was issued?
ReplyDeleteThe story of the anti-ccull people breaking the law sounds like a case of "wagging the dog."
ReplyDeleteThey can't identify the culprits (maybe its one of Benner's people posing as a protester), it "looks like" a container that could be used to spray deer repellant ansd Benner has no idea what kind of urine might have been used.
Hey maybe it was ginger ale from a soda cup.
Put up the photos on the district website, let the court of public opinion decide if laws have been broken.
To have this hired consultant disparaging residents with no proof of a crime being committed is a travestry.