Some people have multiple hobbies and interests. Craig Grella, on the other hand, seems to have multiple conflicts of interest. Here are just a few.
Perhaps his recent arrest and citation is only the tip of the iceberg.
Besides running for commissioner in Ward 4 on the Democratic ticket, Craig is
a paid staffer for the PA Democratic Party. See
Is this odd or what? So why is he involved with the Democratic Primary Race in the 18th Congressional District, which includes Mt. Lebanon and most of the South Hills? Mr. Grella is deeply involved with the
PA-18 Campaign Coalition - an association of grassroots activist groups tasked, all transparently of course, to find, select and support the winner of the Democratic Primary in the challenge to unseat incumbent Tim Murphy (R).
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About the PA-18 Campaign Coalition | PA-18 Campaign Coalition
The PA-18 Campaign Coalition is a group of concerned residents in Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District who...
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In fact, apart from his other roles with the Coalition, it's well known that he helped to design their website. The Coalition is supposedly neutral and claims to be run by "volunteer residents" of the District. By implication, the "volunteers" are not presumed to have a formal role with any political party or candidate. Aside from the flagrant disregard of neutrality and transparency, the notion of "paid volunteers" is absurd.
Does anybody else see a problem with this? Additionally, since Mr. Grella's activities on behalf of the Coalition are hardly a secret (he has been boasting about his "leadership" role with the Coalition at public and private functions for months), why aren't Democratic officials speaking out over these potential conflicts of interest?
Update September 10, 2017 11:00 PM Castle Shannon Police Blotter
Update September 14, 2017 6:20 PM Summary Trial is set for September 25, 2017 at 9:00 AM in front of Magisterial District Judge David
J. Barton
Docket
61 comments:
It seems as though Grella wants his hand in everything. In Mt. Lebanon, where he has rented his living space for the past two years, he is vying to be ward 4 commissioner. Now that he has been busted by the public and the cops, does he have the chutzpah to stay in the race? Election day is less than two months away. There is still time for Bob Fisher to reinforce his campaign and/or for another dem or an independent to push Grella aside.
No, Grella cannot be part of an independent panel to select Murphy's replacement if he is in the employ of the PA Democratic Party. I mean, he can be. The question is why the others on this so-called panel continue to let him sit at the table? I'm guessing that his colleagues on this panel are newbies to the political process and have no idea what is going on.
I know of two registered Indivisible groups in Mt. Lebanon (I think the two original Indivisible groups here) who have NOT been asked to sit on any committee or be part of any PAC to select Murphy's opposition for 2018.
If this PA-18 coalition is so transparent, why don't they list any of their names or organizations on their web page? I hope people are not donating money to them. That will be throwing your good money away.
The Castle Shannon police report cites that Grella was engaged in "public drunkenness" and "similar misconduct." I would love to know what that similar misconduct consisted of.
Has the media picked up on this report? I mean they've reported on Cox, the Mt. Lebo democratic committee member who allegedly stole Tim Murphy's mail/newspapers. That's a funny, albeit pathetic, story. The Grella arrest seems to be something that the public should know and has a right to know.
I think there is a bit of chicanery afoot here. The democrats already have a candidate running against Murphy!
"PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — When Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy voted for the Republican health care bill, it was, for Democrat Mike Crossey, “The straw that broke the camel’s back.”
The former Allegheny County councilman, Mt. Lebanon commissioner, Keystone Oaks teacher, and former state president of the PSEA teachers union says he will challenge Murphy for Congress next year."
So why the PA-18 Coalition to find a candidate to unseat Murphy???
This is getting interesting. So, in the span of a few days, we find that Craig Grella:
1. Has been arrested AND cited for public intoxication - and something else related to the arrest as per the public filing. Was he possibly also resisting arrest and/or harassing others in proximity? Hmmm.
2. Is seemingly involved in a candidate-packing scheme with a shadow local grassroots coalition with the acquiescence of the PA Democrat Party. Wink-wink.
3. Is, possibly, the beneficiary of collusion by the Mt. Lebanon Democrat Committee as the preferred candidate in District 4 against Bob Fischer.
How much of this is true? If you follow local politics - it's probably all true. Somebody needs to step up and clean house!
10:53---
The PA-18 Coalition doesn't know the first thing about politics. So I think most of them really believe that the decision as to who runs against Murphy in 2018 belongs to them. It doesn't, of course. They haven't figured that out.
Frankly, I think Murphy is a lock for 2018. I am not a fan of his, but I am a realist.
Mike Crossey, it would seem, will be the challenger.
Keep in mind, too, that the PA-18 Coalition as a whole may not be engaged in any chicanery. They're not smart enough or politically savvy enough to lie.
You are also assuming that the PA-18 Coalition consists of mainstream Democrats. That's not the case, although some individuals are also members of Democratic Committees and even work for the Democratic Party (such as Grella). In my estimation, the PA-18 are not the disheartened Hillary backers from 2016. They are first and foremost Bernie supporters.
Likes to keep an air of mystery about him? https://stackoverflow.com/users/1833970/craig-grella
That site is ridiculous. I feel dumber for having gone through it.
"Tim Murphy is unacceptable (but we won't tell you why)".
"Help us elect someone with our values (but we won't tell you what they are)."
"We are grassroots (but won't tell you who we are)."
And they have their own PAC? So, is this a PAC or is it a political advocacy group? Last time I checked, you aren't allowed to be both.
Get the hell outta here, "Coalition". This is a scam. It strikes me as some doofus and her three friends who thought "if we build it, they will come". Bet they're the same losers standing on the street with the Where is Tim Murphy signs.
As usual, the Lebo lefties are about three years behind the national party. Wouldn't surprise me at all to see them hold a rally for Hillary soon.
I hope this works. I received the following with the question, "If Grella and his wife have personally invested in real estate across the country, why is he renting in Mt. Lebanon?"
Grella in Nashville
Elaine
Reads like a lot of self- inflated puffery, short on specifics.
"Me, my wife and daughter...." Lousy grammar, Grella.
Yes, it appears that Grella has lived in CA, PA, NJ, TN, to name a few states. He claims to be an expert in many areas.
Why is he renting in Mt. Lebanon? Lousy credit.
7:38 AM,
My understanding is that it is a Political Action Group, formed for the purposes of raising money.
I understand that Craig bought his house in July.
Elaine
If he is such a real estate guru, why isn't Grella taking advantage of the homestead exclusion ? Even I know that !
Grella may have rented-to-buy because of poor credit.
I just looked at the Mt. Lebo Democratic Committee web site. Craig Grella is an associate member of the committee from ward 4. Figures.
Grella is pushing for Iovino.
That's interesting. You would think a candidate running for Mt. Lebanon commissioner would support a former Mt. Lebanon commissioner. Actually, he should be more concerned with his own campaign.
I hear that Craig has offended so many people with his statement, "Here in Mt. Lebanon, we have an embarrassment of riches;"
It is offensive. You'll find that on his website https://craiggrella.com/mt-lebanon-4th-ward-commissioner/.
Elaine
Grella's "embarrassment of riches" comment should be a warning to Mt. Lebanon taxpayers to what his agenda will be should he get elected.
Everything will be approached with the attitude that we have so, so much that we should feel guilty and be more than willing to give a little bit more to whatever cause or agenda Grella imagines. Global warming, recycling, public housing, public employee compensation and pensions, etc., etc., because we're embarrassingly rich.
Sorry Mr. Grella, I'm not buying your BS. I worked hard to get here and am neither embarrassed or flush enough to support a democrat's share the wealth agenda.
Craig actually has a point about the 'embarrassment of riches'. If you think about some of the nonsense that MTL spends taxpayer money on (endless deer culls, toxic turf, Public Misinformation Office and associated publications), it is embarrassing where some of the riches go (meanwhile, oversized classes at Lincoln El).
Because I interviewed him for my May BtB: https://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2017/05/behind-bubble-special-primary-double.html
... I inquired whether he wanted to be interviewed again regarding this latest incident, to tell his side of the story. Craig has not responded yet.
Craig Grella has stated that he is afraid of the deer and understands the muni's "need" to kill them. So he doesn't mind taxpayer money being used for endless deer killing.
Sorry to disagree, Mr. Margolis.
Ludicrous and frivolous spending is not an "embarrassment of riches."
Providing students with excellent schools, maintaining public property, providing good police and fire protection, supporting libraries and hospitals should never be considered an embarrassment.
Going overboard, buying large tracts of land that sits idle and off tax rolls, installing environmentally bad and toxic crushed tire rubber and plastic while leaders poor mouth while taking lavish pay hikes and whine about needing more and more money is the real embarrassment.
A school district panhandling for money for local public education but having nearly a million dollars to "loan" to the fundraiser and then losing money is the real embarrassment.
Then adding insult to injury by granting bonuses to the superintendent for his leadership.
That's infuriating! And you better believe they'll be asking for even more for more turfing.
7:06am - I don't think we are that much in disagreement. You say:
"Going overboard, buying large tracts of land that sits idle and off tax rolls, installing environmentally bad and toxic crushed tire rubber and plastic while leaders poor mouth while taking lavish pay hikes and whine about needing more and more money is the real embarrassment."
It's not the riches that are embarrassing... often times, it is the "rich" themselves.
Perhaps Jason.
I think this is embarrassing.
"writer@thealmanac.net
The Mt. Lebanon commissioners are asking the state for a $500,000 grant that would help the municipality fund upgrades to make its central business district on Washington Road more pedestrian-friendly.
The commissioners voted during their Aug. 28 meeting to submit the grant proposal to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
The DCED awards funding to communities to be used to bolster businesses and thereby enhance quality of life for residents. If awarded, Mt. Lebanon would use the money to improve the business district’s walkability by upgrading sidewalks and street lighting."
There are truly impoverished communities throughout our state that are in desperate need of improvements to essential infrastructure and services, yet we embarrassingly rich think WE need a grant!
Whew!
Trying to keep this on topic, because it pertains to the Brumfield wannabe and Silverman in Ward 2.
Here is the sad truth about grants. When a grant is awarded to Mt. Lebanon, any budgeted money then moves to the unassigned fund a.k.a. the commissioners' play money to get their wants through. Think - turf at what was once known as Wildcat and Middle fields. I have yet to see it help the taxpayer.
Elaine
I don't think that Craig Grella knows the first thing about Mt. Lebanon or its government.
I hope that Ward 4 residents understand that Craig has only lived here a couple of years. His opponent, Bob Fischer graduated from Mt. Lebanon in 1970 and is a Mt. Lebanon fireman.
Elaine
Lest anyone say you and I always agree, Elaine, I do not think that is a tick in Fischer's column... MTL is very inbred, particularly intellectually in terms of new ideas. It needs a couple of outsiders on the Commission, in my opinion. A Newcomer or two. Not saying necessarily that Craig is the outsider the commission needs, but it does not SOMEONE to shake up the oligarchy.
Kristen Linfante was a newcomer from California.
Elaine
Yikes. That point does weaken my argument somewhat.
It doesn't matter where anyone comes from in regards to geography. It only matters that incombunte's are ethical and do the right thing in regards mother community.
We need a wholesale change up at the municipality building. Way too much money is being spent for such a small return on investment. You would think for all the money we spend on IT and at the PIO, Mt. Lebanon would be light years ahead in those departments. Bob Fisher is a great guy and an enormous asset to Mt. Lebanon who definitely has my vote...on the other hand, we need fresh thinkers with new ideas. Our current commission is stale to say the least. They do nothing more than what they are supposed to do. Sorry to say, Brumfield has been a total waste to Mt. Lebanon.
To get back on topic, Grella is not the man for the job. He gets arrested somewhere on Sleepy Hollow Road for being drunk at 3:41 in the morning. C'mon now, where's the credibility? We have enough challenges in Mt. Lebanon as it is, we don't need more.
Nick M.
Please check my 11:00 PM update which has a link to the Castle Shannon Police Blotter.
Elaine
No way. Grella was arrested at 3:41 AM? I've got to agree, Nick. Something is amiss with that guy and the less we see of him in the muni building, the better off we will all be. Let's hope that Bob Fischer wins that election. Yes. Brumfield was a total bust.
2 more Elaine -
https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/MDJReport.ashx?docketNumber=MJ-49302-TR-0000743-2016
https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/MDJReport.ashx?docketNumber=MJ-05217-TR-0003943-2015
On one hand, I don't get too excited about traffic violations. You know, John 8:7...casting stones...
On the other hand, this guy is the turd in the punchbowl. Petty much standard fare for D candidates in the last decade. If the local Ds let this clown represent them, I don't know how anyone will ever take them seriously again.
That PA-18 Coalition website that Grella set up has become pretty much of a joke. Only 3-4 grassroots organizations are still actively involved. Mt. Lebanon activist groups, like 412 Resistance and Mt. Lebanon Rise Up, saw through Craig's BS immediately and set up their own system to try to find/recruit a Democratic challenger to Tim Murphy.
Most other groups just turned him down flat. And others, who were initially in, are now out. Some were never asked to join (who knows what Craig's criteria was - but it sure looks like he avoided inviting some groups to his party).
At this point, anyone still involved with this charade is risking their credibility. If they want a future in PA politics (at any level), the rats should think about bailing on this sinking ship right about now.
10:47am - "Mt. Lebanon activist groups, like 412 Resistance and Mt. Lebanon Rise Up" .... what the hell is this? Never heard of them. Can you link some articles where their activism is documented?
I find it a particularly strange time to be loaded and walking the streets at3:41 am. Bars are very strict about serving the last drink BEFORE 2 AM. All bars—new, old, big, small. While Grella MAY have stuck around for a while after 2 PM, he would be out of the bar by 2:20 AM. Where the hell was he between then (at the latest) and the arrest at 3:41 AM? I’d love to know the back story.
Grella is supposed to be a featured speaker at South Hills Community Day on 9/16:
https://www.facebook.com/SouthHillsActionDay/photos/pcb.871093303038710/871093213038719/?type=3&theater
This may be a good opportunity to ask him about his many issues & fitness for office. Voters deserve to know.
(Although since this a Mt. Lebo Democrat Committee production, they may cut your mic. I'm sure they are hoping that this will blow over - that's what they do.)
Jason, this is the first I am hearing of these groups. I did find them on Facebook.
Elaine
https://www.facebook.com/groups/412Resistance/
https://www.facebook.com/Mt-Lebanon-Rise-Up-986021778199899/?hc_ref=ARRL82qiPu9fuVyvJJiv-dKV0ExzqrJ1rlr_nU6A9sRi-QwzwCNW1-DaC-Z2kH2aOTA&fref=nf
GRELLA IS A CARPETBAGGER !
Oh my. Now there is yelling. Please keep it down. Thanks.
Elaine
It does seem like Mr. Grella is somewhat of a drifter. A complete criminal background check on him is difficult because he moves from place to place and state to state every few years.
Too funny!!
“we request that you only share this website with those you trust”
https://sites.google.com/site/indivisiblemtlebanonprivate/
I am amazed at the popularity of this post. Realizing that I am the enemy because I am a registered Republican*, I can't believe how the Dems are so divided here in Mt. Lebanon. I was reminded of this Blog Lebo post, http://bloglebo.blogspot.com/2010/08/town-hall-meeting-questioned.html?m=1
Yes, the South Hills Action Day is by tickets only and is no different than the town hall meeting that Matt Kluck held at the municipal building.
And yes, I saw who wrote the letter. Shaking my head.
Elaine
*The local R's don't like me either.
It should come as no surprise the Ds are divided. Maybe the sane half have finally awoken. They realize graft, dishonesty, personal attacks and bitterness don't benefit the community.
Unlikely but it would be nice to see the adults in Lebo unite, put aside meaningless affiliations, and start asking the hard questions. There exists an opportunity tonight. Find out where the capital campaign money is going. Ask why they lied several years ago about turfing the practice field. Ask why Birks is still allowed to serve.
Or stay home and get more of the same.
This South Hills Action Day meeting should be an enlightening event because you probably won't see a bunch of protesters marching outside with "What the Kluck" signs and inside snickering at presentations like certain real lebo ladies did when Elaine presented a 4,000 signature strong petition to the school board.
Those "What the Kluckers" love to proclaim they love diversity, differing opinions, and inclusion, but express differing thoughts from theirs and they send out the attack dogs.
They'll picket, they'll shout, they'll snicker, they'll insult and they'll steal political signs to drown out any opposition to their goals.
I'm pretty confident the people that really want to keep Mt. Lebanon great will let the Action Day event occur without protest.
Mike Crossey is the past President of the Pa. state-wide teachers union.
8:03--
Can you tie in your comment about Crossey to the topic of Grella and his transgressions?
Thanks.
I'm fairly certain that Mike Crossey has no formal ties with Grella. In fact, widely shared rumor has it that Grella has been working on behalf of another of the Democratic candidates on the sly - even while running the "neutral" and "transparent" 18-D Coalition Committee. If true, that's another unbelievable conflict of interest that can only happen with Pennsylvania politics. I think that would be too much even for New Jersey politicians.
Now, if this candidate should lose to Mike Crossey in the Dem primary, you know what happens right? Craig will probably beg Crossey to work for him. That's what he's known for - anything to build his brand. Grella is utterly shameless and lacks a moral compass.
Of course, Grella ( a "loud & proud" Bernie Sanders delegate in 2016) is not really a Democratic - he's a Socialist. So how much longer before the real Dems tire of him?
I don't think that Grella is a Dem, socialist, or is a true believer in any political party. He is Mr. Right Now. Whichever way the wind is blowing, he blows with it.
Yes, I did notice that his social media pages were full of Bernie Sanders. That phase has apparently passed for Craig. Now he is popping off about the great Democratic party platform. He follows the money.
Clueless. But perhaps not as clueless as his electorate.
Did you tell Mike Crossey this information, 7:33? Do you want his phone number?
10:58
It's probably safe to assume that Mike Crossey knows and doesn't care. Again, Grella's involvement isn't exactly a state secret in some quarters. Grella may fancy himself as a kingmaker, but few take him seriously. Just call Tim Murphy's office and hear what they have to say about this character. They are happy that he is working for the Dems - just let that sink in for a minute.
1:07---
I totally agree with you. Grella is a very small fish in whichever pond he is swimming at the moment.
10:58
What is the connection between Grella and school board candidates?
Grella has a trial date on his public drunkenness charge. It's Monday, September 25, 2017, at 9 AM, before Magisterial District Judge David J. Barton. It won't be Grella's first appearance before Judge Barton.
Public Drunkenness:
In Pennsylvania, people commit the offense of public drunkenness by appearing in public under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance (except drugs taken by prescription) when they are so intoxicated that they pose a danger:
to themselves or others
to property, or
of annoying others.
(18 Pa. Con. Stat. § 5505.)
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