Letter to the Editor

Television, radio, newspapers and social conversations are full of complaints, but we forget that we are the ones responsible for putting them there. Last November, in Mt. Lebanon's election for a commissioner, this was made very clear to me.

The Republican candidate's name is on a plaque naming him the community's "outstanding citizen." He is a life time resident. He is a very active volunteer for the fire department, (including teaching the classes for citizens and fund raising). There are very few community events he doesn't actively participate in.

The Democrat candidate has been a resident for four years. In that time, he has made no known contribution to our community but has managed to get three police citations, one involving drunkenness.

The Democrat won (14% to 12%) simply because Democrat registrations far out-number Republican. As long as people vote a straight party ticket; instead of taking the time to learn about the experience, ability and character of the candidate, we will get exactly what we've got. The strength of our democracy depends on voter wisdom and participation in all elections.

Ann Roper
Mt. Lebanon, PA

An open letter from Charlotte Stephenson UPDATED

Time for a New Chapter!

To friends of all party affiliations who helped with my campaign, thank you! To the few voters who considered the person rather than the party and responded to my invitation to “interview” me and make an informed choice, kudos to you! From recycling questions to property taxes we had important dialogue. I ran for office to understand our needs and potentially serve our residents to the best of my ability. In spite of my outreach efforts, as one of our witty community members says “Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up!”

According to the Allegheny County Elections Bureau report, 72.86% of Democrats and 26.14% of Republicans voted the straight party line. (I believe this is county-wide, no data on municipal voting.)

According to the data I received in the spring, there were 37% Republican and 51% Democrat registered voters in Ward 2. This probably changed over the past several months since people move, change party affiliations and register. Election results showed that I received 31.4% and my opponent received 68.6% of the votes.

Competition in elections is important. Unfortunately, here in Mt. Lebanon there is no real competition other than within the Democrat Committee, and there will not be any anytime soon. Yes, the local Republican Committee has been completely ineffective for some time and I attempted to change that, but our predominantly Democrat community would not shift if the RCML arose from the ashes and worked to recruit Republican registrations until the cows came home. 

When a stand up guy like Bob Fischer can’t get elected it’s clear that we have lost our way putting party labels above what is best for our community. By the way, to those who are criticizing Bob for not publicizing his opponent’s indiscretions, why didn’t you chip in and send a letter? Elaine’s blog brought candidate Grella’s citations to light but that didn’t matter, so how would Bob’s stooping have made a difference? Could you have? I don’t believe so.

From Mr. Grella’s website:

 “Our nation’s political environment has fueled hatred at local levels and we have not been immune. But the true test of resilience is how a community handles such challenges, and the residents of Mt. Lebanon have proved time and time again what real community is all about. Last year, we came together in an open forum – in the extreme cold – to denounce hate and violence in all its forms, and to show our children that love and acceptance trumps exclusion and bigotry.” 

So what about our stellar firefighter citizen who stood out in the freezing cold all day on Tuesday? Was his loss due to exclusion or bigotry? I’ll call it exclusion. The elimination of Bob’s potential leadership on the Commission was truly a disservice to our community, so to the Democrat Committee of Mt. Lebanon, shame on you! You are so drunk with power that winning an election is more important than electing winning leadership for our community. You have sold out. Lebo prides itself on celebrating diversity and welcomes everyone? – yep.

Now, it’s my turn. I am not a political statistician. Obviously, far less than the number of registered Republican voters came out and supported me. Have they given up? A thousand Republican phone banks times the Democrat Committee of Mt. Lebanon’s actual amount could never have produced the necessary number of votes for me to win. I do not blame the Republican Committee for that. My race wasn’t even close.

Additionally, Republican “pro-artificial turf on Cedar Blvd.” voters supported my opponent since he is pro-artificial turf. Republican David Franklin lobbied against me on Facebook because I opposed the installation of artificial turf. He praised my opponent’s community service record and support of artificial turf. Well done, Dave. My outstanding community service record wasn’t worth mentioning, huh? To the residents on Vee Lynn, you may want to invest in the special blinds that completely block out light when the $500,000.00+ lighting goes in. Don’t forget to purchase earplugs for the additional traffic from the 50+ added parking spaces and the loudspeaker amplifying day and night. As you are lying in bed with a pillow over your head remember, Mt. Lebanon is a community that cares!

To those who won’t support anyone unless they are a “D”, I have been a life-long Republican and registered to vote when Jimmy Carter was in office. At that time we were in a recession, gas lines/rationing and unaffordable interest rates (21%), inflation (18%),  70% marginal tax rates, and 11% unemployment limited our way of life. My father was out of work for most of my high school years due to the recession and his age. I watched him type letters every day for two years to find a job. He was a World War II vet who completed his degree at Pitt on the G.I. bill while working at J&L Steel. To this day I have remained a Republican because that is where I started. I think there are good apples and bad in every political party. My roots result from my personal experience, something that I hold dear. Can you respect that?

In many ways, I am more “Democrat” than my opponent was in the areas of environment and keeping taxes affordable to maintain diversity here – economic, racial and intergenerational. On Election Day, I chatted with an environmental activist who thought adding artificial turf to Mt. Lebanon was the best decision. Huh??

In February, I attended a “Ready to Run” workshop at the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University, of which a Mt. Lebanon woman and past Commissioner is a sponsor. However, this individual is listed on my opponent’s website as a “Friend” (supporter) and offered me nothing, zippo, zilch as I ran for office. So, I guess the hypocritical center will promote women in politics – as long as they are a D. I can hardly wait until the next Mt. Lebanon diversity celebration!

This campaign has had many peaks and valleys. Peaks, hands down, were watching my opponent’s sign being removed from a lawn once the property owner took the time to know the facts, and the positive feedback from others. Valleys were being thrown under the bus because of my friendship with Kelly Fraasch, voters’ snarky questions about how I voted in the last presidential election on their way into the polls, and seeing that some people are so entrenched in their political leanings they feel it’s OK to be rude. One neighbor said that anyone in this day who is a Republican is…..(readers can fill in that blank). I am so feeling that diversity vibe, how about you?

So, what’s next? I am pleased to have recently been elected to a talented board for a fantastic organization in Pittsburgh. That may sound like sour grapes, but it is actually true. I look forward to working with our county treasurer and other dedicated members who only want what is best for our Pittsburgh community and the organization. I’ve hitched my wagon to that star and I will also continue to work on local projects that matter to me with people who have stood by me – R’s and D’s. So, this R is not going away.

As for Mt. Lebanon politics, C’est la vie! The voters will be rewarded according to their choices. As you have sown you really will reap. I can’t wait to see how this turns out.

To quote Will Rodgers: “On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does.”

Good Luck, Mt. Lebanon!

-Charlotte Stephenson

Update November 11, 2017 6:01 AM Charlotte sent this to me last night, November 10, 2017 at 10:42 PM. The comment box provides a limited amount of space, so at Charlotte's request, I am posting it here.

9:23 I probably will not banter too much in the blog because it’s not an even playing field when people will not identify themselves. We all know that sitting at a keyboard anonymously often exacerbates poor behavior since there is no accountability involved. However, you asked an important question and I would like to respond.

In my letter, I stated “Yes, the local Republican Committee has been completely ineffective for some time…”

So, to answer your question “What did the LeboGOP do in this election to convince voters- R, D or I that it was the vehicle or had the drivers to get us on a road to successful, principled government?”

Answer - nothing.

Do I think that Democrat Mt. Lebanon voters will listen and shift their support to Republican candidates if the LeboGOP works to show them the Republican Tenants in action? – Nope.

Regarding the “Republican pro-artificial turf on Cedar Blvd.” voters running things around here as you stated, I was pointing out that Republicans throw other Republicans under the bus to protect their special interests as in the case of David Franklin. His Facebook post stated:

 “In WARD 2, please support incumbent STEVE SILVERMAN for COMMISSIONER.  Steve was a strong advocate IN FAVOR of the field renovation project on Cedar Blvd and has always been very helpful on other issues involving our parks and recreation facilities.  

His opponent lobbied against the installation of the new fields on Cedar.”

Regardless of communicating Republican tenants in action, I do not think any anti-artificial turf candidate would get anywhere with that lobby.

I believe we have an imbalance of representation due to our organizational structure. I would like to see the Sports Advisory Board be reorganized as part of a “Recreation Board”. When you look at the budget allocation for recreation and recreational facilities it really doesn’t make sense to only have representation from sports. The new Board should include residents with varied interests e.g. sports, swimming, skating, walking trails, dog park, fitness enthusiasts, etc. so there would be diversity.

Since I will not be posting after this, I would like to share some of the comments that I have received from others:

-“ Charlotte you did not lose the election the 2nd  ward

lost out on a hard working commissioner.”

-“ Thank you for sending this heartfelt letter.  I hadn’t known you long before the election and I pegged you as a class act; someone totally authentic and dedicated.”

-“ Mt. Lebanon has lost two dedicated public servants and will pay the price. So sad.”

Finally, yes, if Elaine had not posted the information about the Century of Excellence Campaign we never would have known of the school district funding and subsequent unsuccessful result. She is Mt. Lebanon’s investigative reporter!

Ward 4 Checklist UPDATED 11/817

Update November 6, 2017 9:50 AM I think Gorilla is playing to win. Prove me wrong, Ward 4. MLRC is not happy with me. Well, that's nothing new.

From: Steve Lane 
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Nov 1, 2017 6:05 pm
Subject: Commission Race

Dear Elaine,

I was very sorry to hear of your disagreement with the decision by Bob Fischer's campaign committee to take the moral high road in this election. There was a great deal of discussion within the committee regarding this very subject, but in the end we decided that the best approach was to work to emphasize Bob's accomplishments and his qualifications rather getting involved in a mudslinging contest.  As Bob's campaign chairman I wholeheartedly agree with this decision.

Personally, I do not believe there can ever be any backlash or repercussions from doing the right thing.  I also believe that the circus that our national political arena has become has only served to desensitize the voters and to turn them off to any news from either party, either good or bad.  To jump on the smear campaign bandwagon by attacking Mr. Grella's character would only serve to further this disenfranchisement and drive more people away. 

Elaine, the word is out about Mr. Grella, and your blog had a lot to do with that. You do a great job with getting the word out to the community on difficult subjects that sometimes make people uncomfortable and for that my hat is off to you. I would have to ask however that even if you don't completely agree with the committee's decision and the thought process behind it, that you will respect our position and that you will continue to support Bob's campaign for Mt. Lebanon's 4th ward commission seat.

Respectfully,

Steven. R. Lane

Chairman

People for Bob Fischer

Update November 8, 2017 6:45 AM This was my reply to Mr. Lane.

Steven,

I have taken a couple of days to cool off before responding to you. I also decided to copy Bob.

I would like to begin with the fact that I wanted to feature Bob Fischer in a Behind the Bubble feature on my Lebo Citizens blog, but nobody responded. I have also heard that your committee has said that my blog "is out there." I have supported Bob more than any other commission candidate. I have published his brochure. I have published an anonymous letter supporting Bob.

I also want to point out that Bob called me to say that he was going to print his opponent's docket sheet on the back of his latest lit drop. I have spent an enormous amount of time on the Ward Four Commission race, more than the Ward Two Commission race. There have been many people working behind the scenes supporting Bob via my blog.

I should also address your "mudslinging contest" comment. Putting a docket sheet out there is not mudslinging. It is factual. You let the voters draw their own conclusions. Talk about a slap in the face, Mr. Grella has no respect for first responders. If he wins, what message will he be sending to our community?

To say that I should continue to support Bob's campaign for Mt. Lebanon's 4th ward commission seat is a real slap in the face. I guess I haven't done enough for Bob's campaign.

Elaine T. Gillen

www.lebocitizens.blogspot.com

MORE LIES

God, I hate this place. More lies.

From the MLDC.

Long-time resident    He moved here four years ago.

Active in the community Seriously? Which boards? Which authorities?

Bob Fischer has lived in Mt. Lebanon all of his life. 

Bob Fischer didn't march in the Halloween Parade this year. Why? He was coordinating it from the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, as he has done for years. What did Gorilla do? He carried his sign while walking in the parade. 

A Mt. Lebanon Firefighter writes...

In today's mail, a letter from a Mt. Lebanon Firefighter.

Anonymous letter from an unhappy Ward 4 Democrat

This was in yesterday's mail, but I just got to it now. It was in a plain white envelope with no return address.

Saved in Google Docs


In separate, unrelated emails, were these photos.

*******

I'm really surprised. I had no idea that there are Dems in Ward 4 who feel this way about their endorsed candidate. 

Remember this? Is this the same T. Michael Brown? I got crucified over that one. He still trash talks me on Facebook, calling me crazy. Well, he ended up resigning before the election and John Bendel ran unopposed. So yeah. The Republicans have their share too.

It really sucks UPDATED 092617

It really sucks that someone like Bob Fischer is running against someone whose hearing for public drunkenness and similar misconduct is two days after the election.

It really sucks that Bob Fischer's next door neighbor is not Blaise Larotonda.

It really sucks that Bob Fischer does not have the local magistrate on his campaign committee.

It really sucks that Bob Fischer has been

• a life long resident of Mt. Lebanon
• a 2016 honoree for Mt. Lebanon's inaugural Volunteer Service Award
• 1995 "This Town Would Be Different Without..." honoree
• Chairman of the Mt. Lebanon Public Safety Building campaign, raising $1.2 million
• Mt. Lebanon Volunteer Firefighter for 15 years, volunteering thousands of of hours per year
• Past President of Mt. Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department
• Past President of Dormont/Mt. Lebanon/Castle Shannon Rotary
• Past member of the Mt. Lebanon Zoning Hearing Board
• An active member of his church for 45 years

and has to run against someone whose hearing will be two days after the election.

It really sucks if Ward 4 residents don't vote for Bob Fischer on November 7, two days before his opponent's hearing.

Update September 26, 2017 6:23 PM Another one from a Democrat. I get the feeling that there are some Dems who don't like Craig. I don't know why I think that.

2017 Commission candidates Statements of Financial Interests

2017 Commission candidates Statements of Financial Interests

Also, the website for Ward 4's Bob Fischer is votefischer.com. Bob's committee is hosting a meet and greet on May 4th at Primanti's, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. A donation of $25 per person or $40 per couple is requested.

A letter of support for Bob Lee

Lebo Citizens reader, Dave Adler provided a better photo of Bob Lee's yard sign (see Ward 2 Lee vs. Silverman) along with the following email. Thanks, Dave!

Hi Elaine,

I’m writing not only to give you the picture you asked for, but also to help my friend and neighbor Bob Lee win a seat on the Mt Lebanon Commission.

Bob is a former Marine who trained helicopter rescue crews after the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut in ‘83. He has a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon and is in charge of data for one of Pittsburgh’s biggest employers. Bob raises money for charities and families in crisis -- in March, he and his friends raised $5,000 for a disabled American veteran and his family after their house burned down.

His priorities are public health – particularly our children’s health, our environment, and being careful with our tax money. Courage, expertise and leadership are what Bob is offering. He is one of the finest human beings I know.

Once you meet Bob, I think you’ll agree that he deserves our vote, and an opportunity to serve us.

Dave Adler

P.S. feel free to use all or some of this in the blog at your best judgment, with or without my name.

P.P.S. Like you, I am a Ward 3 resident, but wish I could vote for Bob over Silverman (or Charlotte over Silverman if Bob loses), or Bob Fischer over Craig. I'm a liberal on national issues, but the local landscape is different, and Fischer - like Lee and Fraasch - is a true voice for the people.

Republican candidate for Ward 4

Bob Fischer is the Republican candidate for Ward 4. His name is familiar to many. A year ago today, April 4, Fischer became the first recipient of the Mt. Lebanon Community Service Award, which will be presented annually to a volunteer who helps improve the quality of life in the municipality. Newsmaker: Robert F. Fischer 

Bob Fischer, receiving the first, annual Mt. Lebanon Community Service Award

A volunteer firefighter, Bob also administers the Mt. Lebanon Citizens Fire Academy. Bob also served on the Zoning Hearing Board, Civil Service Board, as well as volunteers for Lebo Relay for Life, the Halloween Parade, and the Mt. Lebanon Rotary Club.

By trade, Bob is the code enforcement officer and building inspector for Scott Township.