Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

An earlier comment suggested I contact the ACLU concerning my Commonwealth Court affirmation.

If you are still interested in pursuing this case, I would suggest that you give Vic Walczak, the legal director of PA's ACLU, a call. I think he lives in Upper St. Clair, and see if he would be willing to take this case to the Pa Supreme Court. 

Thanks for all of your efforts to identify these hunting and shooting locations so that residents can warn their children to stay out of harms way, and try to protect the safety of their family and pets.

December 12, 2016 at 11:10 PM

I contacted the ACLU and received this reply:

From: Info <Info@aclupa.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Dec 14, 2016 8:59 am

 Thank you for contacting the ACLU with your question.  Unfortunately, the ACLU does not currently have a confidential system by which to process email complaints, or the resources to answer general questions about the law. 

 

The ACLU is a privately funded organization relying heavily on the services of volunteer attorneys.  We seek to preserve and extend certain constitutional principles, most of which are found in the Bill of Rights.  We are not a general provider of legal services.

 

We generally take only those cases in which the facts are not in substantial dispute and, more importantly, in which there is a significant civil liberties issue.  We give priority to cases where our participation can benefit a large class of people or lead to a positive change in the law.  Scarce resources are an unfortunate constraint, preventing us from taking many meritorious civil liberties cases.  As a result, we must be very selective in choosing which issues to address.

 

To obtain an answer to your question or other legal advice, we advise you to contact a private attorney or other legal services provider.   If you believe that your rights have been violated, you can complete and submit an online complaint form on our website at http://www.aclupa.org/our-work/legal/fileacomplaint/electronic-complaint-form , or you may fill out and mail in a general complaint form, which is available athttp://www.aclupa.org/downloads/intakequestionnaire.pdf More information about the types of cases we take is available at http://www.aclupa.org/legal/fileacomplaint.htm.

 

 

Info

ACLU of Pennsylvania

PO Box 60173

Philadelphia, Pa 19102

p: 215-592-1513

www.aclupa.org

Taking this case to the State Supreme Court is very expensive. I still haven't recovered from the first round at the Court of Common Pleas, thanks to our commissioners who appealed the PA Office of Open Records Final Determinations. My gofundme was helpful (thanks again to all who contributed) but left me with quite a legal bill. Unless Santa leaves me a check under the tree, I don't see how I can continue to pursue this. We don't have the right to know where or when arrows are flying or bullets are discharged in our densely populated community. I'm arranging a bus trip to Rolliers to meet with John in the paint department, so that he may advise us on soothing colors to paint our basements.*

Thanks, Kristen Linfante, for the sage advice.

*In case there are readers who do not recognize sarcasm, there is no bus trip to Rolliers.

Behavior Lesson by the Mary Larsen Party of Six

Dear Mary Larsen and five other Mt. Lebanon residents,

Looking back at those dark times in 2006-2008 and again in 2014-2015 when Mt. Lebanon was trying to kill deer, I would like to comment on the behavior of some of the commissioners, excluding Dan Miller, Keith Mulvihill, and Kelly Fraasch. 

Our elected officials took it upon themselves to play God. They decided how many deer should die in Mt. Lebanon. The commissioners ignored scientific data. They put residents in danger by permitting the use of weapons in our community. One commissioner urged residents to take matters into their own hands.

This particular commissioner was rude, interrupted residents, and quite often lowered herself to personal attacks. Frequently, she would email commissioners with "dirt" on those who would disagree with her during citizen comments. She went after people's professions and backgrounds. Ironically, she was elected promising to cooperate, communicate, and collaborate.

Through the years, Kristen has lied to constituents, violated the Sunshine Law, and treated her colleagues and constituents in an unprofessional manner. This was the final straw for me. In a never before published email exchange, Kristen Linfante was over the top. Since then, Kristen Linfante resigned from office, citing health problems. 

So you see, Mrs. Larsen, the behavior lesson should be directed toward our commission. Notice too, Mrs. Larson, I made no personal attacks toward you or the five others who allegedly signed your letter. I am a law abiding citizen, exercising my constitutional rights. You are correct, Mrs. Larsen. We should all be willing to play by the same rules.

Elaine Gillen

Mt. Lebanon

Behavior Lesson
Looking back on the brouhaha that was the deer culling in Mt. Lebanon, we would like to comment on the behavior of some of the people, especially those opposed to the deer culling as proposed. 

Our elected officials should not have to put up with rude and boisterous behavior. Shouting will not make them change their minds. Interrupting does not make a point more valid. Personal attacks prove only that one has run out of legitimate arguments. And all of this was part of the public meetings. 

Each elected official represents hundreds of voters and is generally aware of how those voters feel. They set aside time at each meeting so that other points of view can be made. They listen to you in silence. They usually don't interrupt. They will seldom lower themselves to personal attacks. 

As fellow human beings, we should all be willing to play by the same rules. 

Mary Larsen
Mt. Lebanon 

This letter also was signed by five other Mt. Lebanon residents.

The show must go on

Call it dedication or the spirit of Good Friday, but whatever it is, consider it great news. Our former commissioner, Kristen Linfante, will be performing tomorrow in concert in Shadyside. Bach concert in Shadyside celebrates devotion for Good Friday

Even though Kristen is now a private citizen, many people have been quite concerned about her serious medical condition. I wanted to share the positive news. It is true that Kristen and I did not agree on anything except the Williamsburg Park dog issue, I am happy to read that her health is improving. Best of luck, Kristen.

Come again?

I got my copy of The Almanac today. Love the headlines. Turning to page 3, Linfante resigns from Lebo board, the statement from John Bendel has me confused. (I can't provide the link, but it is from the March 25-31, 2015 issue, The Almanac, page 3)

"Bendel said the township will begin looking for an interim replacement for Linfante, who is in favor of deer culling."

Am I to take it that only those in favor of deer culling should apply? Those opposed to deer culling need not apply?

I had received this comment on March 17, 2015 through the blog.

Dear E Gillan, 

Why have you not posted my wife's email in regards to the deercull? She even signed it. Was it because she is for the culling? 

Regards, 

Chuck Vietmeier | vietmeierchuck@gmail.com

I wrote back to say that I had not received anything from her. After all this time, she finally figured out how to submit a comment. She writes:

concerned citizen has left a new comment on your post " Consider the following":  

Dear Ms. Gillen: 
Is there anything about Mt. Lebanon that you do like? Your neighbors, your library, the school system, the public services, the volunteer efforts? This community has so many wonderful attributes and I am grateful that I grew up here and continue to reside here. I have not seen a pleasant comment anywhere on your blog about our community. Why do you stay here if you hate it so much? Moreover, your personal attacks on the commissioners are unprofessional and hateful. We have a democratic system and our volunteer officials were elected by the community to serve. If you disagree with their decisions, please run for office instead of resorting to personal attacks (e.g., "murderers", "liars", etc.) That type of conduct does no one any good. Best, Kirsten Rydstrom  

ps. why are there so many "anonymous"comments instead of people standing behind their comments. 

Posted by concerned citizen to Lebo Citizens at March 25, 2015 at 8:16 PM

Sorry, Kirsten, but I would never be selected to replace Kristen Linfante, since I am opposed to deer culling.  I'm also opposed to artificial turf. I need not apply.

So residents of Ward 3: If you are for: 

deer culling

artificial turf

reckless spending 

keeping the Manager and PIO

Send your letters of interest and resumes to:

Mt. Lebanon Manager Stephen Feller

710 Washington Road

Pittsburgh,  PA  15228

Mark your sealed envelope with  “Commissioner Application.”

The deadline to apply is April 13, 2015 at 10 AM. Interviews begin on April 14, 2015, which is the next Commission meeting.

Mt. Lebanon commissioner steps down, citing health

Kristen Linfante resigned

It is true. Effective immediately, Kristen Linfante has resigned as commissioner of Ward 3. The commission has 45 days to fill the position. Any Ward 3 resident interested in serving may submit a résumé and letter of interest to Manager Feller.

March 24, 2015 11:00 AM Pro-deer culling Mt. Lebanon commissioner steps down from post

March 24, 11:58 AM This is an important notice from LeboALERT.

Applications & resumes accepted for Ward 3 Commission seat thru April 13. Must be US Citizen, 25+ years old and a Lebo voter for 2 years. Instrux online.

Consider the following

Tomorrow's protest will start at 5:30 in front of the municipal building, across from Sesame Inn. The Commission Discussion Session begins at 6:30. According to the Commission Discussion Session Agenda, Commission President Bendel has allotted himself another thirty minutes to discuss goals. At the previous discussion session, John scheduled forty five minutes to discuss goals and allocated a whole FIVE minutes for Commissioner Fraasch's presentation on non-lethal methods of deer management. He then cut her off because they were running short on time. Tomorrow's agenda is void of any deer discussions. In light of recent events concerning deer, John's lack of transparency has left many residents feeling outraged and unrepresented.

Those from both in and outside Mt. Lebanon who opposed the deer kill have lived a tough lesson in Constitutional Law. Threats of arrests and fines by the Mt Lebanon Police Department persisted throughout the culling period, for the sole purpose of suppressing activists’ civil liberties. John Bendel has denied non-residents the ability to speak during Citizen Comments, pulling the non-resident sign up sheet minutes before the last meeting. To Mt. Lebanon business owners, not living in Mt. Lebanon: You're out of luck. Mr. Bendel permitted non-residents to speak in two consecutive meetings prior to March 10, 2015. Non-residents have been permitted to speak on several occasions in the past. Cutting off Kelly during her presentation during the March 10 Discussion Session is unconscionable. Mr. Bendel, by pissing off residents over sidewalks, turf, reassessments, and now permitting a firm to inhumanely fire eleven shots to kill three deer, I predict that your chances of being reelected as a Ward 1 commissioner are bleak.

For the Public Information Office to decide what residents need to know is appalling. “We see no value to Mt. Lebanon residents of releasing daily reports,” said municipal spokeswoman [Public Misinformation Officer] Susan Morgans. She said officials worry about inflaming those opposed to the culling and don't want them to “put themselves in harm's way” to protest or disrupt the program. She continues to spew out unsubstantiated claims as to how many deer are in Mt. Lebanon, when Feller himself admitted he had no idea. The PIO perpetuates Benner's stories of vandalism to the media, yet quickly crushed Benner's accusation of Mt. Lebanon Police scaring off four deer. We are tired of your continual misinformation. Where is the LeboALERT announcing the end of the deer cull? Perhaps you should consider following Tom Kelley and Coleman McDonough's lead, Mrs. Stroyd Morgans.

Steve Feller, you've got to go. Lying to a commissioner by telling her that the corrals were being relocated, instead of reporting the end of killing, is grounds for a pink slip. You have been deceitful to residents and frankly, we've had enough of it. Surely, you can see the handwriting on the wall.

Kristen Linfante, please resign. You have done considerable damage to Mt. Lebanon. If you are too ill to serve, then resign. Flight attendants warn passengers, “In case there is a loss in cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment located above your head…” We are to take care of ourselves before trying to help others. Learn from that, Kristen. And no, I'm not into you. In fact, I have more than enough evidence to personally sue your sorry ass.

Dave Brumfield, you are a disgrace. You told us that you would never permit guns to be used on deer. Thanks to you, six deer died horrific deaths. For some strange reason, you permit Feller and Linfante to manipulate you. What do they have on you, Dave?

Steve Silverman, while we have you to thank for limiting Benner's fee to $500 per deer, it did cost taxpayers $15,000 for this yayhoo's "expertise." You claim that this was the number one issue when you were campaigning. I don't think what you approved was what your constituents had in mind. Do you think hearing reports of keeping deer trapped in corrals for an average of ninety minutes and then being tortured with multiple gunshots (eleven bullets to kill three deer) will make our Junior Commissioner proud? How about getting those twenty or so Deer Crossing signs sitting at Public Works installed? Open your mind to non-lethal methods for a change. At tomorrow's meeting, how about sitting up and looking at the public for a change. Directly answer a question when asked, for once.

Coleman McDonough, thank you for your years of service in Mt. Lebanon. I don't think guarding corn, allowing Benner to blame your police force for chasing away four deer, falsely accuse residents, who you are paid to protect, of vandalism, being manipulated by Kristen Linfante, and encouraging residents to have private hunts were the best decisions you ever made. You have turned Mt. Lebanon into a war zone. Unfortunately, this will be your legacy.

This cull has left our community deeply divided and will taint its reputation for years to come.

Linfante called me a lesbian

I really didn't want to post these emails, since Kristen thrives on this kind of attention, but I have been advised to publish them on my blog. In my first response, I copied the commission, the manager, the solicitor, and two members of the Democratic Committee of Mt. Lebanon.

From:	egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To:	klinfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
Cc:	sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; philip.weis <philip.weis@bipc.com>; hugh_beal <XXXXXXXXX>; michwin <XXXXXXXX>; commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject:	Re: Break the news
Date:	Tue, Feb 24, 2015 1:09 am

---

Kristen, please leave me alone.

Elaine Gillen


-----Original Message-----
From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; philip.weis <philip.weis@bipc.com>; hugh_beal XXXXXXXXX; michwin XXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Tue, Feb 24, 2015 01:03 AM
Subject: Re: Break the news

First the obsession with my FB photo, then the posters tonight! What next!  It's getting a little embarrassing.  Obsession is not too strong a word.  Surely there must be better hobbies out there.  I'm not that special.

Regards,

Kristen Linfante 

Sent from my iPhone

Please forgive any texting typos 

On Feb 24, 2015, at 12:48 AM, "' egillen476@aol.com' via Commission" < commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:

Commissioners,

Kristen Linfante is a disgrace to your office and a disgrace to your party.

Elaine Gillen


-----Original Message-----
From: Kristen Linfante < klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 < egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Feb 24, 2015 12:39 AM
Subject: Break the news

Dear Ms Gillen,

I feel compelled to remark on the immense amount of attention
that you devote to me. Wow - posters and everything!   It really seems quite
obsessive.  More than a few people have suggested to me that your incredible
obsession over me is perhaps fueled not by hate but by love. I felt I should
probably break the news to you myself.  You're not my type. 

Best wishes to
you,
Kristen Linfante 

Sent from my iPhone
Please forgive any texting typos

"When WE see the deer," Kristen? UPDATED

Mt. Lebanon Puts Plan In Place To Begin Culling Deer Population

“When we see the deer are in there, we send a text message back to the gate and it closes,” Linfante said. 

Since Pennsylvania doesn’t allow relocating the deer, a wildlife team will go to the corral at night and shoot the deer. 

“Because of the close range, it’s a very immediate result and there are very few risks or concerns involved,” Linfante says.

Update January 29, 2015 12:45 PM Wildlife Specialists, LLC proposal and signed agreement has been uploaded on to the municipal website. A link to the proposal and agreement has been added to this update.

Her shoes melted.

Last time I had one of these was two years ago. Call it my meltdown I guess this is "Call it my meltdown 2.0." A friend sent me another article about the dangers of artificial turf. Is Artificial Turf Safe for Your Children? Jenny Chamberlain, a Los Angeles mother, avoids artificial turf because her child's shoes kept melting from the heat that artificial turf gives off.

Turf companies claim artificial turf is safe because kids don’t ingest the crumb rubber. Chamberlain, however, doesn’t buy it because she has seen kids drop an orange, brush it off and eat it—putting them at risk of exposure. Kids also fall on the ground constantly in sports and risk ingesting the crumb rubber that way, too.

Yet, the SAB AHs all think that our concerns are "much ado about nothing." Watch the SAB video and you can see them all nod in agreement with the SAB AH who made that statement. I tried to inform the community about how we are being bullied, but the bullies won. [See Call it my meltdown.]

I wrote to Manager Steve Feller, and copied the police chief, PIO, commissioners, and Rep. Dan Miller today asking when the public was going to be told about the archery program extension being denied and heard nothing back from Mr. Feller. In a Mt. Lebanon Google alert, I learned that Matt Santoni asked the same question. At least he got an answer. Mt. Lebanon awaits formal letter nixing extended deer season In the meantime, Kristen Linfante's favorite paint experts have signs near their registers promoting deer culling. They couldn't say no to the three pushy women who were approaching Washington Road storefronts. I tried to inform the community about how we are being bullied, but the bullies won. [See Call it my meltdown.]

Speaking of Kristen Linfante, I saw this on Facebook tonight.

I was reminded of this Lebo Citizens comment. 

Mrs. Linfante won't give up her elephant ivory bow. She considers it an extension of her arm. http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2015/01/18/How-tiny-bits-of-ivory-snare-symphony-musicians-crossing-borders/stories/201501180065

Kristen is just itching to have the deer killed with that loathsome slaughterhouse killing method called trap and bolt. Why would she ever want to give up her viola bow when she travels outside of the country? I tried to inform the community about how we are being bullied, but the bullies won. [See Call it my meltdown.]

I really need a vacation from this place. It is a horrible place to be right now.

It's in the news

Matt Santoni is reporting Mt. Lebanon residents reportedly plan private deer hunt. The question of the day is...well, I won't go there. Kristen Linfante is on record saying that it is happening and she is encouraging more of it.

I tried to inform the school district today about the hunt. In an email sent to the school board, superintendent, commission and municipal manager:

Since the Commission's School Board Liaison Kristen Linfante is going on a leave of absence, I wanted to bring this to your attention. This is a walking community, and the district has identified safe walking routes. Every street in Mt. Lebanon is listed. Here are the recommended safe walking routes. "For students in elementary school, locate your school map and find your address. You may then follow the blue arrows to the school." Following the blue arrows takes on a whole new meaning now, doesn't it?

Elaine Gillen

I only heard back from Kristen Linfante.

Dear Ms Gillen, 

I am not sure where you heard that I am on a leave of absence. You are mistaken. I am not. Please check the commission meeting video of January 5 where a clear explanation of my circumstances is available. I am facing a serious medical issue which *may* cause me to have to miss some meetings. For the sake of transparency, I wanted to make this known in the event that I do, in fact, miss any meetings. That is all.

As always, thanks for your good wishes, especially during this very challenging time. 

Best regards, 

Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

Of course I would hear from Kristen. Where is everyone else? Why isn't anyone calling her on this? Is there a freaking hunt or isn't there? Instead of condoning Kristen's efforts to terrorize parents with a secret cull, why didn't any commissioners put her on the spot during the discussion session? Was/Is there a hunt in reality or just in Kristen's mind? Why didn't Kristen say that, as school board liaison, she had it covered with the school district? No, I am mistaken. How did I ever get the idea that Kristen was taking a leave of absence? Why are our leaders putting up with this behavior?

Steve Feller was quoted in the Trib as saying, "There is no requirement for property owners to notify or consult with municipal officials about hunting.” Should property owners notify the school district, in order to update safe walking routes? Obviously, it isn't exciting school board president Larry Lebowitz and it is nothing for Timmy to tweet about. Mt. Lebanon is totally insane. Welcome to Mt. Looneytown.

Q&A about Kristen's Hunt UPDATED 2X

I emailed Commissioner Kelly Fraasch today, hoping to get some answers. Here is the email saved in Google Docs.

Kelly,

I am sorry that I chose to miss last night's meeting. It sounds like it was a humdinger! I am hearing lots of rumors and I have lots of questions. I hope you can answer them for me and clear up any rumors.

Where is the hunt occurring that Kristen spoke of last night?
Who was responsible for getting the program up and running? How did they do it?
Did other commissioners know about it? Did you know about it? Did Steve Feller know about it? The Chief? Public Works?
When we had the deer culling in 2006-08, Public Works was responsible for visiting the killing fields to make sure that the area was cleaned up. Is this being done for the private cull?
Who is responsible if there is an accident?
Have there been any complaints or reports concerning this activity?
The video of the meeting has not been posted. Is it being pulled?

Elaine Gillen

Kelly's response:

Hi Elaine,

First, I was very surprised last night hearing about such a program potentially being conducted. I didn't know anything about it.

I will say someone did ask me about conducting such a program (months ago) and I referred them to our Police Chief for information.
I never heard it amounted to anything, but if I did, I would have notified my fellow Commissioners and the staff right away.
I do believe if the staff knew about a serious inquiry or program actually being conducted they would have shared that information with the full Commission.
Even though we have no say as a municipality, I believe we all should have knowledge about such a program being conducted to help address any questions.

I am gathering from emails from Steve Feller that our staff is not aware of any program actually being conducted.
So that leads to your first question, where? I don't know and I am not 100% one is actually being conducted or was conducted in recent weeks.

Who was responsible for getting the program up and running? A private property owner can seek permission from the Game Commission without the municipality being notified.
However common sense would be with all of the municipality's communications with the PA Game Commission in recent weeks we would certainly hear about an inquiry or program within our neighborhoods.
Again, I am saying that would make sense, but I could be wrong.

Other Commissioners know? I don't know for sure, but I will say a couple of them looked just as surprised as I was.

I received an email earlier from Steve Feller and he indicated that he did not know about a program being conducted.
Chief McDonough was on the email chain and he didn't indicate that he had knowledge of such a program being conducted.

A couple of these I will need to verify with Phil.
Your next question is a guess, but if the program is on private land than all costs, maintenance and liability would be on that private property owner.
I checked with Phil, and it appears this is correct.

Who is responsible if there is an accident? My guess is the property owners that are hosting the program and complied with the Game Commission.
Information from Phil, Mt Lebanon has no liability to any accidents and therefore cannot also regulate any such program.

We have had complaints and notifications of potential hunting in Robb Hollow and McNeilly this year, but that is all that I have heard about.
When tree stands were discovered in McNeilly I alone heard from a handful of people, so I don't think someone can conduct a program without some neighbor being aware.
Obviously Steve Feller would know if complaints had come in, and again, he clearly stated by email that he had no knowledge of such a program being conducted in Mt Lebanon.

I am not sure why the video isn't up, but probably later today. If not by the end of the day, I will inquire.

You are not the only person inquiring about this issue today, so I will try and get back to you with any information as soon as I can.

This is my individual opinion that the PA Game Commission has regulations and rules for hunting but not for communities like Mt Lebanon.
All of these questions, which are basic/appropriate need to be addressed by the Game Commission.

The regulations/restrictions the Game Commission does have could be very appropriate for places that have acreage, but most definitely we cannot compare to such demographics with our smaller property sizes.
I hope the PA Game Commission will make amendments/review their process and program and seek some clarification on hunting regulations for places like Mt Lebanon. Obviously we cannot be the only community in PA trying to seek clarification and address these issues.

I am copying Phil if he has anything to add.

Best, Kelly

As of 5:49 PM on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, there are no meeting videos available. I did not hear anything from Phil Weis.

Update January 7, 2015 8:29 AM Latest email exchange with Kristen Linfante.

Update January 7, 2015 9:03 AM This is the last email exchange that I will be adding to the blog today, since I am just "fanning her flames." Kristen Linfante 8:52 AM email

Lebo neighborhood has taken matters into their own hands UPDATED

We don't know where, but an entire street has decided to hire archers and have killed quite a few deer. That was brought out during the deer discussion tonight. No signs have been posted. No mention of which neighborhood. So when you go out to walk you dog, look up in trees and watch for hunters. Feeling safe?

Merlin Benner could not be reached by phone this evening. Hunting could start this month and will be done at parks and at the golf course before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM. More information will be shared at the January 13 meeting. Details are sketchy.

Kristen will be available by phone and email for the next three months. If she feels up to it, she may come to a meeting. Kristen's leave of absence was approved unanimously.

Update January 6, 2014 11:25 AM Our helpful PIO has provided clarification to a Lebo Citizens reader on Facebook.

What is so special about tonight's discussion session?

I have received a few emails asking about the latest LeboALERT.

From: LeboALERT <noreply@mtlebanon.org>
To: EGillen476 <EGillen476@aol.com>
Subject: LeboALERT: There is a special o...
Date: Mon, Jan 5, 2015 11:15 am 

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. 

There is a special open Commission discussion session at 7 p,m. tonight in Room C, municipal bldg., prior to the reorganization meeting at 8.

Normally, the organizational meeting is light and upbeat with no other business scheduled beforehand. But tonight, there will be a deer management discussion at 7:00 PM.

Following the discussion session,  we will move into the commission chambers where we get to hear from all the deer hating gardeners telling us about how the deer are the number one threat to our public safety. The good news is that Kristen will no longer be presiding and John Bendel will be more professional.

We'll wrap up by watching the commissioners make a tough call as to whether to grant Kristen a leave of absence. Will Kristen be able to collect her stipend even though she has collected it every summer when she is in Jackson Hole? Will she bully her fellow commissioners again? We'll find out tonight.

Commission agenda posted

The agenda for Monday's commission organization meeting has been posted on the municipal website.

John Bendel will be our next president and Kelly Fraasch will be vice-president for 2015. 

Additionally: 

Consideration of a request from Commissioner Linfante. 

The Home Rule Charter provides that Commissioners shall not miss three consecutive regular meetings of the Commission without being excused by the Commission. 

Due to a health issue, Commissioner Linfante has asked to be excused from the regular commission meetings in January, February and March of 2015. 

Recommended Action: Move to approve the request of Commissioner Linfante to be excused from the next three regular commission meetings.

From Manager Steve Feller's weekly report:

Commissioners did not actually vote on the archery component

Finally, something truthful from our commission president. Mt. Lebanon calls off controlled deer hunt

Commissioners did not actually vote on the archery component, Ms. Linfante said.

Kristen is on a roll. A major, major roll.

“This is a major, major safety issue we’re dealing with,” Mt. Lebanon Commission President Kristen Linfante said.

The PG article continues with:

Since 2011 there have been 765 reported incidents involving the herbivorous menaces in the municipality, ranging from dead and injured deer to deer stuck in fences to deer “tearing up” a yard, according to an online tracker.

The "765 reported incidents" is a fictitious number. Deer sightings are being included as "reported incidents." For some unknown reason, I am included as one of those residents who reported an incident. That is a goddam lie. I NEVER REPORTED ANY INCIDENT!  How do I get that removed?

Kristen continues on Facebook.

Where the hell did 600 deer in Mt. Lebanon come from, Kristen? If deer are such a "major, major safety issue" in Mt. Lebanon, and there are "765 reported incidents," shouldn't you be reporting a negative number of deer? When filing Right To Knows, Lebo Citizens, please keep in mind that social media communication is to be included. That is why I ask for ALL communication, but Mr. Feller never includes that. Seriously, why do we have mtl Magazine on Facebook?

Kristen continues with the PG reporter by throwing Kelly Fraasch under the bus with another lie.

“On one hand I really hold some of my colleagues responsible who were resistant to coming up with any kind of deer plan at all,” Ms. Linfante said. “At least one of my colleagues is very happy that this thing fell through. I find that unfortunate.”

That colleague would be Ms. Fraasch, who favors a sterlization [sic] approach and said she had proposed a plan in 2012.

“I’ve obviously had concerns about doing anything lethal in Mt. Lebanon because of the density of the population, so I thought this was actually a bit of a relief,” Ms. Fraasch said. “I think it’s good for Mt. Lebanon to take a moment and make sure this is the right way to go with dealing with our deer-management issue.”

From Kelly Fraasch's December 7, 2012 blog posting, Deer in Mt. Lebanon,  Kelly met with over 30 people (some pro-cull, some anti-cull, and some in-between) trying to find mid ground. This year, Kelly has been working with six communities to institute a regional deer management plan to include sterilization. Kristen is well aware of that.

Many residents have concerns about doing anything lethal in Mt. Lebanon, especially on the golf course and in passive parks adjacent to elementary schools. The golf course was to remain open for business during the archery program, in hopes to collect additional revenue. In addition, the golf course attracts many families, who enjoy sled riding there, when there is snow on the ground.

What about our Public Information Officer?

Ms. Morgans said she “knew nothing about it.” She added that she learned Friday afternoon from the municipal manager about the lack of licenses. It is not clear why it took a week after the news release announcing the hunt for the municipality to learn that no licenses were available.

And the question we have all been asking, "Wouldn't the municipal staff who volunteered be licensed archers already?"

Some Mt. Lebanon employees who planned to volunteer for the bow hunt might already have licenses.
But, Chief McDonough said, “just because of the very small number of deer tags available we decided it wasn’t worth taking four or five.”

Late start? UPDATED 2X

It is highly unusual for the Commission Discussion Session to start at 7:00 PM. There must be some hot topics scheduled for Executive Session. Could it be lethal vs. non-lethal deer management discussions? Or how are they going to deal with PETA?

Or is it related to the lawsuit filed against the Commission and Steve Feller? United Police Society of Mt. Lebanon v. Mt. Lebanon Commission; Stephen M. Feller Marcia Taylor should have been fired.

How about hiring a new Public Works Director to replace retiring Tom "I'm too old for this bullshit" Kelley?  http://www.apwa.net/workzone/career/28231/Public-Works-Director-Pennsylvania-Pa-Mt-Lebanon

Will Dave Brumfield try to convince fellow commissioners that Zamagias deserves another extension? (Number 8?)

Since when does "Consideration of Ordinance (Bill No. 21­-14) amending municipal park rules" involve First National Bank? I thought it had to do with the use of guns in our parks.  Speaking of parks, perhaps the commission will be discussing the removal of crumbling toxic rubber tire pavers in Main Park, now that NBC Nightly News continued their investigations concerning tire crumb in playgrounds and artificial turf.

How about how the toxic turf change orders will be funded?

Or will the commissioners be celebrating the end of Kristen Linfante's term as president? I know I will be celebrating.

The deer must die!

Update December 7, 2014 12:59 PM This appeared in today's St. Bernard's Church Bulletin.

Update December 9, 2014 11:32 PM The commission voted 3-2 to extend the Zamagias agreement. A resident asked Dave Brumfield why he voted to extend the agreement and his response was something to the effect of "Do you want to waste $450,000 to buy back the property?" 

Mt. Lebanon approves archery, trapping to cull deer population UPDATED AGAIN

I moved this topic "above the fold" and added this photo to go along with the November 29, 2014 at 3:39 AM comment.  Thank you for your series of comments, 3:39 AM.

OK Kristen, you win. Now go away.

The commissioners approved the deer management plan that I shared on this blog. They have approved archery and "trap and bolt,: as their lethal deer management plan.

Mt. Lebanon is applying to the Game Commission for a broader archery program and the use of “trap-and-bolt” methods that can take place on public or private land with the homeowner's consent. With trapping, deer are lured into a corral with bait, shut in with an automatic gate, then killed with a captive-bolt gun to their heads similar to those used in slaughterhouses. 

The commission will then submit a second application for using surgical sterilization to control the deer population, though Benner's report noted that Pennsylvania has never approved it before.

Read more: Mt. Lebanon approves archery, trapping to cull deer population

http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/mt-lebanon-council-votes-how-deal-growing-deer-pop/njFZ7/



Update November 29, 2014 6:56 PM

The game commission requires any deer-management plan to include controlled hunting on public land, which the staff and Mt. Lebanon commissioners decided could be implemented fastest by signing up municipal employees who are experienced hunters.

Read more:  Mt. Lebanon staffers become hunters to attack deer problem

For those who enjoy reviewing contracts

A full set of specifications for the Wildcat Turf Project was obtained through a Right To Know. The requester has graciously offered to share it with Lebo Citizens readers here. Vasco Full Set of Specifications

Anyone who has knowledge of contracts, construction, bids, etc., please review the documentation. Dave Brumfield told the requester that he never looked at it. Boy, does that have a familiar ring. Think Ewing and Kubit. Allegedly, Kristen Linfante and John Bendel reviewed it with Gateway. Kelly Fraasch was not privy to it. Nothing from Steve Silverman.

What better way to spend Thanksgiving weekend than by reading 555 pages of a Right To Know?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't be misguided.

There is a new blog in town. Just like all the other blogs that have come and gone in the past four years (four years on Saturday) I have been doing this, I am announcing this one too. It is called Lebo Citizen, not Lebo Citizens. I have nothing to do with this blog.

Check it out. It has a Real Lebo blog feel to it. Real Lebo was a blog run by Elaine Labalme and Kristen Linfante.

It is unfortunate that the anonymous bloggers have chosen a name so close to this blog. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Kristen Linfante, you should be so lucky UPDATED

I'm blessed. I met and married my soulmate, have fantastic kids and grandkids, and was raised by the coolest parents. I live within my means and am still able to do what I love to do. I have a wonderful life. But according to my latest Right To Know, Kristen Linfante makes it a point to say that I have a miserable life. Wow. All this because of my September 15, 2014 request of a copy of this year's Brewfest poster in a different electronic format.

What follows is remarkable. The time and energy wasted between our public information officer and our commission president slicing and dicing me in their email exchanges, could have been spent more productively by taking the ten or twenty seconds to convert the file. What I don't understand is this. If I went to the website that Susan Morgans suggested to Commissioner Fraasch, couldn't I convert the poster into a different format and say that "Brewfest is called off" anyway? And why would I even want to do that? Fortunately, Kelly Fraasch's husband helped me, by doing a "save as" and saved the file in a different format, which took a whopping twenty seconds or so. I'm embarrassed that I didn't know to do that. What is worse is that our public information officer didn't either.

During Citizen Comments at the September 23, 2014 Commission Meeting, Steve Feller said that if I am not receiving information from the Public Information Office, to contact him. So I did and heard back nothing from him, and still nothing from the public information office. Wanting to know if Manager Feller followed up on his end, I filed a Right To Know on October 5, 2014. (Spoiler alert. He did nothing.) Here is the October 5, 2014 Right To Know that Steve Feller sent to me on November 6, 2014, which was due to a 30 day extension to do a "legal review" of my request.

Susan Morgans, like it or not, you are being paid (and very well, by the way) to field inquiries from the public. Please visit the Public Information Office webpage. You also handle media relations. Since you are a board member of the Press Club of Western PA, you must be aware that there is a category called "Continuing Blog/Online" for the Golden Quill Awards. (See page 14.) The Press Club of Western PA treats bloggers as media. In fact, as a member of the Press Club of Western PA, I had several submissions for the Continuing Blog/Online category. Did I ever have a chance of being considered with you on the judging panel? Yes, Kristen Linfante, I may have been "delusional," but I gave it a shot. How do you know, if you don't try, Kristen? I don't like to go through life saying that I would've, could've, should've.

Ms. Morgans, with the dozens of blogs in Mt. Lebanon, how many others pestered you about BrewFest? Ironically, you also serve on the Community Relations Board. Fostering a sense of community is not one of your strengths, especially with the ethnic slurs for which you were forced to apologize. Unfortunately, with Bottom Dollar closing, where "Friends will avoid you because they’ll think you’ll think they’re poor or cheap or both (and you’ll be thinking the same thing.)" you will be bogged down in chitchat in other grocery stores where fostering a sense of community is part of the shopping experience. By the way, Susan, I wonder if your mandatory apology is noted in your personnel file. Or the two incidents where you "accidentally" sat on my recorder. I hope your boss didn't drop the ball on that, as well.

I still maintain that when I die, I want to be reincarnated as a Mt. Lebanon Public Information Officer. I would be well compensated and be permitted to have a bad attitude toward residents and volunteers, at the same time write about my curly hair and other useless information. The commission president would have my back and would make personal attacks about a resident's "lonely and pathetic life," and "miserable life" in my behalf. Fortunately, we have one more month of her presidency. Thanks to our narcissistic commission president and public information officer, as well as an inept municipal manager, Mt. Lebanon has reached an all-time low.

Update November 9, 2014 6:51 AM Looking through the Lebo Citizens Spam Folder, I came across the lonely and pathetic life comment. You tell me who wrote these two unapproved comments.

Update November 10, 2014 7:14 AM Another Linfante classic.