It was a pleasure to meet today with Chuck Bachorski and Elaine Gillen to brainstorm regarding what “he wants” and “she wants” and “they want” and “we want”. The fact is there is no real problem solving going on around here, only requests for more funding by those who yell the loudest or influence the most, and we understand how this problem-solving method has led the school district down an unfortunate financial path.
I learned some neat things today including there are many unsung heroes who give their time to maintain fields and facilities. I also learned that some of the sports groups pay for supportive equipment and for the facilities they use (including portable toilets at fields – who knew?). What I learned the most is that we can no longer sustain programs within our community without understanding the “big picture” of what we have, how to best use it and what it costs to have it.
I asked a question at the Commission Discussion Meeting this week regarding the maintenance needs of our facilities. In short, we really do not know exactly what they are; we appear to only know of the big-ticket items. There are many groups functioning independently and, most likely they are unable to take advantage of possible solutions to their constrained resources because they simply only know what they know. “Turfing” is at an all-time high at various levels in our community because of this lack of understanding with respect to what resources we do have. If we are going to make things better we must begin to work together.
So, we decided that there could be a new way of thinking. How about if the residents begin to work together and develop a plan that is fair and doesn’t break the bank? Why are we all sitting back on our laurels and looking to the Commissioners to come up with all of the ideas and solutions only to duke it out for the final vote? Our Commissioners put in long hours and have much on their shoulders. Why are those who want things to get better not proposing real solutions beyond asking for everyone to dig deeper or take on more debt?
It’s time for all of us to stop behaving like children and start coming up with real solutions. We have the talent, interest and know-how right here in Mt. Lebanon to do it. Let’s work together on a plan and ask the Commissioners for support along the way. If something requires a change in our ordinances, let’s take it to them. First thing is first, however, and we have research to do. Stay tuned because there is more to come. If you are asked to help, our guess is you will. Let’s work together and find solutions starting now!
-Charlotte Stephenson
