What an idiot

Do you ever have so much to write about something that you don't know where to begin? If not, you're lucky. It is very frustrating. I am at that point with the PG's latest article Mt. Lebanon elections could mark critical juncture for municipality's deer debate. I'm particularly frustrated with John Hayes, Susan Morgans, and the Ward 3 candidates on the ballot.

First, please understand that it isn't a case of sour grapes. A press release was sent out announcing my write-in campaign. No mention of my write-in campaign. It's not that. I guess it starts with Andy Reinhart. He had said to me, when we met in Dunkin Donuts for coffee, that he was an avid reader of this blog. That is how he stayed informed about Mt. Lebanon. He also told me that he was anti-kill. It is odd that 1) Reinhart wouldn't subscribe to the blog when it went private, and 2) he told everyone else that he was pro-kill. Hayes missed Andy's page on deer "management"as pointed out by a submitted comment. However, Reinhart's website is ambiguous. I had told Andy back in the spring that he had my vote because McLean is an idiot. When I found out that I was lied to, I launched my ill-fated write-in campaign.

Second, where do I begin with Susan Morgans? Words like "rancorous" and "tempers have cooled" are over the top. "Acts [of] sabotage" is not what made national news, Susan. It was the cruel act of corralling those poor, six deer which took eleven shots to kill three of them.

Then there is Steve McLean. His quotes are insulting.

“I’ve been going door to door in my district,” Mr. McLean said. “About 10 percent of people bring up [lethal control of] deer. It’s a loud minority. I appreciate their passion, but I’m concerned about the conduct they have displayed.” 

His website touts his support for, “effective and responsible deer management with bow [hunting] and sharpshooter.” 

“It’s responsible and effective,” he said. “It has been done in the past in Mt. Lebanon — I’m not sure why they stopped it — and other communities do it.”

What an idiot. He is concerned about "the conduct they have displayed." Nothing like insulting voters, Steve. He is also for fiscal restraint and public safety, yet isn't sure why the killing stopped in the past. What an idiot. Back in 2006-2008, "sharpshooters" were killing close to schools, not counting bullets, lied to police, and were too costly. In 2008, allegedly about 200 had signed up for shooting in their yards but were denied because of their locations in our densely populated community. The yards were too small and were not suitable. "Other communities do it" is the dumbest reason yet. Where were you when we were discussing density, Steve?

I hope to stand tall tomorrow at Foster School with these idiots. I'm disappointed with all the candidates in Wards 1 and 3. November 3, 2015 will be a dark day for Mt. Lebanon.

Commission candidates on deer UPDATE from police chief

In Ward 1, John Bendel (D) pro-kill
                  Dan McNichol (R) Vote McNichol - Deer Management pro-kill

In Ward 3, Steve McLean (R) Email from Steve McLean pro-kill
                  Andy Reinhart (D) Email from Andy Reinhart AndyReinhart.com Mt. Lebanon Deer Management Issues 

In Ward 5, Kelly Fraasch (D) anti-kill
                  William Hoon (R) anti-kill

In an email exchange I had with Andy Reinhart this morning, it is not clear to me what his position is on deer management.

Update October 15, 2015 1:35 AM I have heard that while deer don't bother Andy Reinhart personally, as a commissioner he would vote for sharpshooting. He doesn't think it poses a safety problem. If that is true, then I am seriously considering a write-in campaign. Is it an omen that I just looked outside my dining room window and saw the most beautiful buck crossing the street?

From 2011:

#Throwback Thursday

Update October 15, 2015 9:10 AM I am going for it! I announced it on my website, www.lebocitizens.com Write-in campaigns are rarely successful, so I need everyone's help. Spread the word to your Ward 3 friends and relatives. This is the much needed third vote for the sharpshooting program to fail in January.

Update October 15, 2015 5:01 PM Remember the fawn with the arrow stuck in it on Segar Road?
This is what happens when our commissioners turn Mt. Lebanon into hunting grounds.

Meet the Candidates

On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, registered Republicans and Democrats will have the opportunity to choose up to five School Board Directors. Additionally, those voters in Wards 1, 3, and 5 will be voting for their candidates to serve as Mt. Lebanon commissioners. Four years ago, Mt. Lebanon voters had more options, with several candidates running for the same seat. The League of Women Voters held a Candidates Forum, prior to the May Primary in 2011, which gave voters an opportunity  to learn more about those running for office. For this Primary, registered R's and D's must rely on social media.

The race for School Board Directors includes six candidates for five seats. Those running for School Board have the opportunity to cross file.

Running on both tickets are:

Incumbent Elaine Cappucci
Incumbent Larry Lebowitz
Incumbent Bill Cooper
Hugh Beal
Sarah Olbrich
http://www.leboed.com/

Running on the Republican ticket only:

Matt Kluck
No website for Matt Kluck

For the Commission:

In Ward 1,

Incumbent John Bendel (D)
http://www.votebendel.com/

Dan McNichol (R)
http://votemcnichol.com/

In Ward 3,

Andy Reinhart (D)
http://www.andyreinhart.com/

Steve McLean (R)
No website for Steve McLean

In Ward 5,

Kelly Fraasch (D)
http://www.kellyfraasch.com/

William Hoon (R)
No website for William Hoon

If voters are dissatisfied with the actions of our School Board, this Primary gives registered R's and D's a chance to vote out one incumbent. The General Election in November will give all registered voters an opportunity for change in leadership (the majority) within our Municipality.

Police and Barbara not resetting the dialogue

According to the PG's Commissioners lament 'divisiveness' of Mt. Lebanon deer culling debate,

The most disappointing part of Mt. Lebanon’s deer management program that ended abruptly last week was “the divisiveness and mean-spirited rhetoric” that split the community, commissioners said at their meeting Monday night.

“For the good of the community, we must try to reset the dialogue,” President John Bendel read from a letter at the meeting.

It doesn't appear that some in Mt. Lebanon are ready to reset the dialogue, Mr. Bendel.

The Mt Lebanon Police Weekly Press Report dated Thursday, March 19, 2015 through Wednesday, March 25, 2015 is predicting more vandalism coming to deer killing traps in April.

Bird Park – Entry gate & receiver of deer corral damage, no trespassing sign taken. 04/15/15 1432

Power broker Barbara Logan has already made her feelings known to Democratic hopeful Andy Reinhart, running for Commissioner of Ward 3. On his website, andyreinhart.com, Andy talks about Mt. Lebanon Deer Management Issues.

Mrs. Logan writes:

Lebodeer conducted a survey in the Fall of 2014 which indicated that about 95% of residents support a lethal cull.

Where the heck did you get that statistic, Mrs. Logan? She continues with:

The anti culling crowd lies, obfuscates, and intimidates, but these tactics should not influence legislation.

Barbara, there were rumors that you contacted John Bendel and Kelly Fraasch with the same message. This time, you put it in writing. Not too smart.