Anti-Artificial Turf Protest Planned for Saturday

Momentum is building. Word is getting out and many more Mt. Lebanon residents are questioning the use of artificial turf, not only from the health and safety aspect, but also the inappropriate use of taxpayers' tax dollars, and the lack of transparency within our local government and sports organizations. I have been asked to post the following details:

• Anti-Artificial Turf Project Protest 
• Saturday, November 8 10:00 AM 
• Clearview Common in Uptown Mt. Lebanon on Washington Road 
• Garage parking available 

The commissioners dug up this...

For this. High School Turf that is four years old.

Commissioner Brumfield on Artificial Turf

This is the one I was waiting for. Thank you, Mr. Turfstein. NBC should see this. Coach Amy Griffin should see this. Every parent in Mt. Lebanon needs to see this.

Link to YouTube video - Commissioner Brumfield on Artificial Turf 

Commissioner Linfante- Zinc is not harmful to humans

I received a link to a YouTube video from a man by the name of Albert Turfstein. It is a clip of Commission President Kristen Linfante claiming that zinc is not harmful to humans.

According to the CDC:

Taking too much zinc into the body through food, water, or dietary supplements can also affect health. The levels of zinc that produce adverse health effects are much higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for zinc of 11 mg/day for men and 8 mg/day for women. If large doses of zinc (10-15 times higher than the RDA) are taken by mouth even for a short time, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Ingesting high levels of zinc for several months may cause anemia, damage the pancreas, and decrease levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. 

Eating food containing very large amounts of zinc (1,000 times higher than the RDA) for several months caused many health effects in rats, mice, and ferrets, including anemia and injury to the pancreas and kidney. Rats that ate very large amounts of zinc became infertile. Rats that ate very large amounts of zinc after becoming pregnant had smaller babies. Putting low levels of certain zinc compounds, such as zinc acetate and zinc chloride, on the skin of rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice caused skin irritation. Skin irritation from exposure to these chemicals would probably occur in humans. EPA has determined that because of lack of information, zinc is not classifiable as to its human carcinogenicity.

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
  4770 Buford Hwy NE
  Atlanta, GA 30341
• 800-CDC-INFO
  (800-232-4636)
  TTY: (888) 232-6348
• New Hours of Operation
  8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
  Closed Holidays
  Contact CDC-INFO

The commissioners have "done all the research." Artificial turf is safe. Zinc is not harmful to humans. The link to the video is above. Additionally, I am adding it to this post. Feel free to share with family and friends. Send it to government agencies. I hope it goes viral.

Mr. Turfstein, I am looking forward to a video of Dave Brumfield next. Thank you for sharing this.

Link to the YouTube video

There's talk of a massive protest

Mt. Lebanon resident and Lebo Citizens reader, Charlotte Stephenson asked me to post this email.

From: Charlotte Stephenson 

Date: October 29, 2014 3:35:05 PM EDT

To: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>, "Daniel S. Deiseroth" <ddeiseroth@gatewayengineers.com>, Daniel Miller <danielmillerpa@gmail.com>, senatorsmith@pasenate.com, Congressman Murphy <murphy@mail.house.gov>

Cc: Matthew Santoni <msantoni@tribweb.com>, Jon Delano <jon.delano@verizon.net>, tjohnson@thealmanac.net, agoldstein@post-gazette.com, nicholaslewandowski@gmail.com

Subject: Mt. Lebanon Community Governance and Artificial Turf Issue

Dear Mt. Lebanon Commissioners, Gateway Project Engineer Daniel Deiseroth, State Representative Miller, State Senator Smith and Congressman Murphy,

Please be advised that opposition to the initiative of the Mt. Lebanon Commission majority to install tire crumb-based artificial turf in our main park is growing daily. Our residents, myself included, believe that this project potentially jeopardizes the health and safety of our children, the residents living within close proximity to the park, and the watershed that involves other surrounding communities. In addition to the unknown long term impact this may have on small developing children due to the lack of studies, the economic impact of this plan will be crippling for generations to come. These are only a few of the salient problems associated with this plan, but there are others.

Why is it that we seem to have trouble finding $5,000.00 to maintain our Veterans Memorial in a respectable condition, (as a Veterans Committee member our recent discussion was about a need for fundraising to maintain this), while it is perfectly acceptable to the Commission majority to spend the lion's share of our unassigned fund balance (some $750,000.00+) to turn our beautiful historic grass park into a toxic waste dump?

There has been a deliberate effort on the part of the Mt. Lebanon Commission and Public Information Office to suppress public awareness of the concerns that expert environmental toxicologists dealing with risk assessment have regarding this product. Such information was withheld during a public "forum" about this, even though the forum was originally intended to make factual information available to our residents. References to the artificial turf project became a "field enhancement" project as an attempt to reduce the stigma associated with the project. There has also been a deliberate effort on the part of the Commission to keep several relevant volunteer boards and authorities out of the process, our Environmental Sustainability Board and our Parks Advisory Board to name a few.

I contacted Congressman Murphy regarding this issue and have not heard back yet. Representative Miller's position is that this is a local issue and so he will not take any position regarding this, however he contacted the DEP as a favor to Commissioner Brumfield regarding the permit application status. I would like to hear from Senator Smith regarding his stance on the project, especially since I have copied him on numerous e-mails.

All you elected officials cannot turn a blind eye to what is brewing among your constituents. There is now talk of a massive protest in the near future so this growing opposition is not going away. Additionally, a community watchdog group has formed to direct any potential legal claims to appropriate resources in the event that injuries or illness occur with the children or fetuses of the pregnant mothers who will be exposed to the turf toxins and hard surface. Please be advised that all eyes and ears will be on this for the time to come. The roll call vote for this project will personally legally target the Commissioners who voted for this.

There are other options to improve the park area so children can enjoy playing sports. It's is up to all of you to represent all of us to the best of your ability. It's time for you to devise a better solution for our community. I look forward to hearing from you as to what alternative action you are willing to take.

Thank You,

Charlotte M. Stephenson
Mt. Lebanon

Packed house tonight UPDATED

Since I missed the commission meetings tonight, I am counting on you all to send in comments and tell me all about it.

What I heard so far is that Kristen is unhappy because because sharpshooting is off the table. YAY! WPXI was at the meeting. I missed the 11:00 news on WPXI because I was watching WTAE. I couldn't watch the 6:00 news, but WTAE aired their story at 6.  If readers can find the reports online, please send them in.

I am really looking forward to watching the videos tomorrow. Until then, tell us what you know!

Update October 28, 2014 1:24 PM The videos for the two commission meetings are now available for viewing.
October 27, 2014 Commission Discussion Session
October 27, 2014 Commission Meeting

Update October 28, 2014 2:09 PM I want to share a voice mail that was left on my home phone on 09.10.13 from the Pittsburgh Food Bank. I had left a voice mail asking about the Food Bank's requirements for accepting deer meat (venison). Unfortunately, he thought I was considering making a private donation. Kristen, you were caught in another lie. Do you know what is the truth anymore, oh fearless leader? See the 41:18 time stamp of the commission meeting.

This counts as an incident? UPDATED

Our Public Information Office has removed the Deer Incident Report dated 7/31/14, which showed a decline in numbers from a year ago. It has been replaced by this report by the Mt. Lebanon Police:

https://lebotools.mtlebanon.org/dit/public_incident_report.php The report shows that there are a total of 701 incidents in this report. Incidents are entered into this system on a monthly basis.

I am listed as reporting a deer with a broken leg and its fawns on 8/20/14. I DID NOT REPORT THAT!!!!!!!!! What happened was, there was a guy from animal control in the upper parking lot of Rockwood Park. He said that he was looking for a deer with a broken leg. I said that she is a mom and gets around just fine. He confirmed that after he saw her. Mt. Lebanon is counting it as an incident!

Forgive me. I am bleary-eyed from reading and watching all the news about the turf rally, so I may have missed it, but where is the incident which our blood-thirsty dictator reported at a recent commission meeting? Kristen claimed to have had the police shoot and kill an injured "baby deer" right in front of her house on Roycroft. I'm not seeing it. Does she EVER tell the truth? While fact checking, please check to see how many deaths have occurred from deer/vehicular accidents. The totals are not listed.

Deer management is on the agenda for tonight's commission meeting. Kristen has listed $68,000 for deer "management." Deer is our biggest concern here in Mt. Lebanon. Not toxic turf. Not pedestrian safety. Deer.

Update October 27, 2014 3:46 PM I emailed the commission this post since I am unable to attend tonight's meeting.

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>

To: klinfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>; cmcdonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Mon, Oct 27, 2014 2:40 pm

Subject: Re: deer incident report

Kristen, you are missing the point of my email. I DID NOT REPORT ANYTHING to the police or anyone else in the municipality. Why is that on the report? How many other incidents have been fabricated by the municipality?

As far as the doe, I have no idea what happened to her. She may have burned her hoof on the hot, rubber pavers in Rockwood Park, for all I know. Perhaps your deer expert will shed some light tonight on the various ways a deer can injure itself.

Elaine Gillen


-----Original Message-----

From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>

To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>; Coleman McDonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Mon, Oct 27, 2014 2:26 pm

Subject: Re: deer incident report

How strange. I wonder how the deer's leg was broken. Perhaps it was a rough game of soccer in Rockwood Park. Surely it couldn't have been hit by a car.

With regards to the incident of the baby deer being shot in front of my house, I don't recall the exact date, but it was clearly before 2011 if it does not appear on this report.

All best regards,

Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3
(412)561-2790

Comm. Prez @KristenLinfante aghast others opp'd sharpshooters: "He's the expert & we're going against him...we're going w/ our imaginations"
— Matthew Santoni (@msantoni) October 27, 2014

Mt. Lebanon residents rally against artificial turf UPDATED

Mt. Lebanon residents rally against artificial turf

By Nick Lewandowski
For The Almanac
writer@thealmanac.net

Flanked by heavy construction equipment and mounds of earth, several dozen Mt. Lebanon residents gathered on Oct. 26 to rally against the installation of artificial turf at Middle and Wildcat fields, in the municipality’s main park. Members of the crowd displayed signs and punctuated speakers’ comments with enthusiastic rounds of applause.

Mt. Lebanon’s turf project has progressed quickly since its proposal in November 2013, despite vocal opposition from a number of residents. Opponents see artificial turf as a pet project of commissioners and sports groups, which are determined to complete it as quickly as possible despite significant cost and safety concerns.

“This process should have been open and inclusive,” resident Jeff Heiskell said. “The commission has ignored our concerns, and instead relied upon obscure studies from other countries and sales material from turf manufacturers for information. Our Public Information Office has assumed the role of spin doctor, referring to ‘field enhancements’ rather than ‘artificial turf.’”

Artificial turf of the type Mt. Lebanon is installing uses infill manufactured from recycled tires. The tire crumbs are known to contain toxic chemicals, including lead and black carbon. Turf manufacturers insist chemicals remain well within acceptable levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency, and that there are no studies proving a link between crumb rubber infill and diseases such as cancer.

The body of research on crumb rubber infill is fragmented and inconclusive, however. While there is no research proving crumb rubber causes cancer, there are no independent studies proving it is completely safe, either. Many studies feature limited samples sizes and differences in methodology that hamper comparability.

Most importantly, turf opponents say, there are no studies involving young children similar to those who will be playing on Mt. Lebanon’s fields. Young children are inherently vulnerable to chemical exposures due to their physiology.

A recent NBC News report added further fuel to the fire after noting a number of young soccer goalies playing on artificial turf have been diagnosed with blood cancers such as lymphoma. It sparked a call from New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone for an official study of artificial turf’s impact on athletes.

Commissioner Kelly Fraasch, the only Mt. Lebanon commissioner to vote against the turf project, echoed those concerns when she addressed the crowd. She accused the commission and municipal staff of moving forward without proper due diligence.

“I asked for a materials safety data sheet for both the turf bid we accepted, and for all the bids,” she said. “Ultimately our staff decided not to provide all the MSDS sheets because they didn’t feel it was relevant. I asked about flame retardants and static applications. When I asked questions, the response I received over and over was ‘I don’t know, I’m not a turf expert.’”

Fraasch said she asked for a roll call vote on the project so commissioners would have to “own” their decision. “I was not going to let them bully me into a yes vote,” she said, to an enthusiastic round of applause.

Fraasch urged rally attendees to get involved in the political process to shut the project down.

“Contact your county council person, your congressman. We need to stand firm on this issue as leaders, not followers. There is nothing wrong with saying ‘I might be wrong, let’s go back and make sure we’re right.’”

**************

I did a phone interview today for CBS Radio. Here is what we got from our Public Information Office.

From: LeboALERT <noreply@mtlebanon.org>To: EGillen476 <EGillen476@aol.com>Sent: Mon, Oct 27, 2014 1:03 pmSubject: LeboALERT: The Nov. issue of Mt... 

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. 

The Nov. issue of Mt. Lebanon Magazine is available at www.lebomag.com. Read
about dog parks, Fire Department inspections, RED gifts & being a freshman.

Update October 27, 2014 5:15 PM My Lebo Citizens camera man sent me this video. Looks like they are having trouble digging down more than 6".

WTAE is at the fields. Story tonight at 11,

"Recede and Reseed" UPDATED

Gorgeous day for a rally. KDKA, WPXI, and WTAE cameras were there. The Post-Gazette and The Almanac had reporters present. I counted 75 people in attendance, including the two sports guys.

Thanks goes to the organizers, the speakers, ALL of the people who showed up, the media, and especially to the only commissioner who attended, Commissioner Kelly Fraasch.

Update October 27, 2014 7:09 AM Mt. Lebanon residents, commissioners dig into turf war

But David Brumfield, Mt. Lebanon Ward 4 commissioner, said the NBC report used anecdotal evidence from what some soccer players may have thought caused their cancer in place of actual scientific evidence. He also said that football players spend more time than anyone on turf, and there have been no complaints about the artificial turf used at the Mt. Lebanon High School football field. He said the artificial turf will increase the number of events and time of year the field can be used.

Update October 27, 2014 3:27 PM Lots of publicity! Thanks!

Not a little late; the municipality started a little early. They were supposed to wait three weeks after the permit was issued. The permit was issued on Thursday and construction started the following Monday.

Mt. Lebanon Parents Raise Health Concerns About Synthetic Turf

Report linking field surface to cancer elicits Mt. Lebanon protest UPDATED

Report linking field surface to cancer elicits Mt. Lebanon protest

Stephanie Strasburg | Trib Total Media

The grass on the baseball fields along Cedar Blvd. in Mount Lebanon is removed for the installation of artificial turf on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014.

Report linking field surface to cancer elicits Mt. Lebanon protest

By Matthew Santoni
Google+ Staff Reporter
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, 10:25 p.m.Updated 30 minutes ago


Construction on Mt. Lebanon's controversial $1.05 million artificial turf project began Thursday, but residents concerned about possible health and environmental effects are not giving up.

Contractors started to tear up grass on a pair of overlapping baseball diamonds in Mt. Lebanon's Main Park soon after the state Department of Environmental Protection and Allegheny County Conservation District granted the municipality a storm water discharge permit.

Mt. Lebanon Manager Steve Feller said Massillon, Ohio-based Vasco Sports Contractors could finish the project before winter sets in, despite delays of more than two months from the planned Aug. 1 start date.

A residents' group known as Mt. Lebanon Advocates for Child Health has scheduled a protest at 11 a.m. Sunday in the park, and hopes to get the municipal commission to delay or change the project.

“I'm against the turf because of the health risks,” said resident Susy Tybl, who plans to attend the protest. “The materials... contain a lot of toxins, including known carcinogens. I just wish Mt. Lebanon would wait until more is known.”

An NBC News report this month highlighted more than 30 soccer players, mostly goalies, who contracted cancer after playing extensively on artificial turf, leading them to question whether there was a link.

The report highlighted the back and forth over the topic: Environmental groups point to toxins such as benzene, lead or zinc in ground-up tire rubber used to cushion and fill in fields, while turf advocates produce studies that say those materials are locked in or aren't released in high enough quantities to affect health.

“Now with the NBC news about goalies, I'm more convinced than ever that Lebo needs to hold off on artificial turf,” said resident Dean Spahr, who originally opposed the project because he preferred grass, but became more concerned about health questions.

Jeff Heiskell, who lives near the field, said he and his wife were reconsidering having children because of their proximity to the field and their worry over whether it could affect her pregnancy.

Commission President Kristen Linfante said she and the commission knew about the goalie issue, from prior news reports, before awarding the contract in July, but felt it was outweighed by studies that said turf was safe.

“Each of us did our due diligence, and the overwhelming evidence of safety has made us feel more than confident with the decision we've made,” she said, noting artificial turf is at the high school stadium and similar material is used in local playgrounds.

Proposals for the Main Park fields included an alternative, organic infill made from ground coconut shells and cork, but contractors' bids for that option came back too high.

Dave Franklin, a coach and member of the sports advisory board that pushed for the project, said the board made its recommendation to move ahead with turf based on “the totality of the circumstances.” The board compared studies, and weighed them against the desire to create a more durable field to squeeze in more playing time and whether other institutions were choosing turf or natural grass for their fields.

“I certainly respect (the opponents') position,” he said. “Parents weigh risks for their kids every day: I don't let my kids play on trampolines; I don't let my kids swim in a pool without a lifeguard.”

In approving the storm water permit, the DEP echoed the commission majority and the EPA when it wrote that studies couldn't conclusively point to health risks from turf, though the EPA and other state and federal agencies also have said more research was needed to draw broad conclusions.

DEP approval, spokesman John Poister said, was based on whether the application met the state's regulations for runoff, which it did after Gateway Engineers modified plans for the drainage system. No one had appealed DEP's decision to the state's environmental hearing board as of this week, he said.

“The whole process was very disappointing to me,” said Elaine Gillen, who runs the Lebo Citizens blog, and said she thought government agencies would “do the right thing.”

Matthew Santoni is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-380-5625 or msantoni@tribweb.com.

Update October 25, 2014 11:27 AM Two additional and very disturbing articles were sent to me this morning.

Is Synthetic Turf Giving Athletes Cancer?

ARTIFICIAL TURF COULD BE CAUSING CANCER AMONG FORMER PHILLIES/MLB PLAYERS

ANOTHER NBC Nightly News Story on Artificial Turf

A followup story on NBC Nightly News tonight concerning artificial turf. High School Changes Plans for Artificial Turf Field

The school’s change of heart came after an NBC News investigation featuring University of Washington soccer coach Amy Griffin, who has compiled a list of 38 American soccer players -- 34 of them goalies -– who have been diagnosed with cancer, most commonly blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia.

Both parents and players were concerned. Just like they are here. I received a note from a high school student today asking about the negative effects the artificial turf may have on the community.

I am going to include my response to the student here, which may help parents understand how we got to this point in Mt. Lebanon.

Hi XXXXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me. I am delighted that you are taking an interest in this topic. I know that high school students appreciate the truth and are willing to listen. I also know that high school students understand abuse of power.

What I would like to share with you are links to various resources and let you draw your own conclusions.

Since you emailed me, you must be know about my blog, lebocitizens.blogspot.com. I have linked documents and reports that illustrate the negative effects on the community.
CBS News: School replaces artificial turf over cancer concerns
Groups Giving Second Thoughts To Those Little Black Crumbs On Playing Fields

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/nightly-news-on-nbc-at-630-pm.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/how-safe-artificial-turf-your-child-plays-n220166

http://www.today.com/video/today/56202605 

Morning Joe on MSNBC

Forbes Magazine: Buyers Remorse Surfacing Over Artificial Turf Fields
VOTERS REJECT ARTIFICIAL TURF IN THREE STATES

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/09/commissioners-and-school-board-members.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/02/artificial-turf-fields-troubling.html

These are just some of the negative effects on the community. There is the lack of transparency on behalf of the municipality discussing these potentially harmful effects.

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/no-leboalert-because-it-is-political.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/kids-health-safety-fair-is-not-correct.html

The use of excess tax dollars to fund the project, without a referendum, and the abuse of power when commissioners email constituents saying that they have three votes and that it will pass. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9r_1biKte_bLUp0dHU0bTE5eUk/view?usp=sharing

Where a commissioner lied about the ESB's stand on artificial turf. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/03/mother-of-all-rtks.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/02/audio-montage-of-nov-25-and-feb-11.html

In the audio montage above, Recreation Director David Donnellan is heard saying that there is a representative from the Parks Advisory Board on the Sports Advisory Board. Dave Franklin, Parks Advisory Board liaison, shares his perspective here. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/03/appeasing-select-few.htmlIt wasn't until Mr. Franklin was absent from a meeting, when we learned about the Parks Advisory Board push back here. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/05/finally-board-pushes-back.html

Then there is the post which shows flooding on Cedar Blvd. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/04/i-dont-know-where-to-begin.html

and the video clip of the same from August. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/08/cedar-blvd-closed-due-to-flooding.html Notice how the first comment accuses me of lying.

Sadly, the school board directors will be putting in artificial turf on the high school's Rock Pile." http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/02/more-artificial-turf-coming-to-high.html and http://www.thealmanac.net/article/20141021/NEWS/141029978

Finally, XXXXXXX, there will be a rally on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM down at the fields. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/rally-for-lebo-kids-health_22.html  I would like to invite some students to SPEAK at the rally against the turf project, if they are interested in representing the student point of view. Someone will be. There is nothing more powerful than hearing from your point of view. I hope you can make it on Sunday. If you do, please introduce yourself to me. I would love to meet another citizen exercising his First Amendment rights.

Thank you for contacting me...

Elaine Gillen.

What Mt. Lebanon residents don't know is what the DEP shared with a concerned resident.  The new storm water plan will be more expensive. A lot more more expensive. Our commissioners have not disclosed that to us. Perhaps they never thought to ask. Or Gateway engineering forgot to tell them. 

Don't forget: 

"Rally for Lebo Kids' Health"
Sunday, October 26, 2014 11:00 AM
Middle and Wildcat Fields on Cedar Blvd.

Rally for Lebo Kids' Health

"Rally for Lebo Kids' Health"

October 26, 2014 11:00 AM

Who: Advocates for Lebo Kids’ Health

Where: Middle and Wildcat Fields located on Cedar Blvd.

What: Rally for Lebo Kids’ Health

When: Sunday, October 26, 2014 11:00 AM

Why: The Mt. Lebanon Commissioners have chosen to disregard warnings about the dangers of artificial turf aired on NBC and CBS. Construction has started to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields with crumb rubber infill made with shredded tires.

**********

NBC Nightly News’ investigation “How Safe is the Artificial Turf on Your Child's Sports Field?” aired an interview with University of Washington Assistant Soccer Coach Amy Griffin. Coach Griffin found a horrible coincidence where 38 soccer players, 34 of them soccer goal keepers, developed cancer. One young woman died at the age of 25.

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/how-safe-artificial-turf-your-childs-sports-field-n221676

We continue to learn about communities not willing to risk children's health with toxic turf. Mt. Lebanon is willing to take that risk with your child.

A notice from the school district:
"We have been notified by the municipality that Dixon Parking Lot (on Cedar Boulevard) will be closed beginning October 27, until further notice due to an upcoming turf installation project on Wildcat and Middle Fields."
Map of Vehicle Traffic Patterns and Pedestrian Access

No LeboALERT because it is political

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: klinfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; cmcdonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; nsohyda <nsohyda@mtlebanon.org>; commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; smorgans <smorgans@mtlebanon.org>Sent: Tue, Oct 21, 2014 10:06 AM
Subject: Re: Kids Health & Safety Fair

I see. It is unfortunate that you consider anything about kids' safety as political. I am not surprised.

Since the purpose of the June 12 presentation was "NOT to discuss the potential harmful effect of artificial turf" as Susan Morgans wrote in her May 23, 2014 email to Andrew McNitt, I was hoping that you would take this opportunity to let others "discuss the potential harmful effects of artificial turf."

I hope you are able to attend Sunday's rally, Commissioners.

Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----


From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; Coleman McDonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; Nicholas Sohyda <nsohyda@mtlebanon.org>; Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Rep. Dan Miller <repmiller@pahouse.net>Sent: Tue, Oct 21, 2014 8:52 am
Subject: Re: Kids Health & Safety Fair

Ms. Gillen,

For clarification, w e send out LeboALERTs only for municipal events/issues or in response to requests from formally organized groups or 501C3s. For instance, we will send out a once-a-year-alert for YMCA Indian Princess/Guide Registration or for youth soccer registration or for a membership meeting for the Mt. Lebanon Junior Women's Club. In the spirit of neutrality, we do not send out anything political in nature and have repeatedly denied requests from both the democratic and republican committees to publicize their party events. We will send out an alert for something that an elected official is sponsoring that is open to the public—for instance Dan Miller's recent fair for young people seeking jobs (although we generally don't even do that prior to an election.)

I hope this helps to clarify the stance of the municipality.

Regards,

Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

Kristen Linfante

Commissioner, Ward 3
(412)561-2790

On Tue, Oct 21, 2014 at 7:48 AM, ' egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:
Steve,

I would think that a "Kids Health & Safety Fair" is the correct forum for any group concerned about kids' health.

Nothing was mentioned about my request for a LeboALERT to be sent out on Friday concerning Sunday's Rally. I had copied Susan Morgans, but as usual, I got no response from her. In fact I received ZERO responses from anyone and it wasn't until you talked with "Rep. Miller's office about this issue" did I get a response at all.

Mr. Feller, the customer service level within the Municipality is subpar. This is Brewfest Poster Request Redux.

Elaine Gillen

Kids Health & Safety Fair is not the correct forum to discuss children's safety and artificial turf UPDATED

What a day! I started out this morning with an email to our police chief and fire chief asking about getting a table for the advocates' group.

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: cmcdonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; nsohyda <nsohyda@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; smorgans <smorgans@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Mon, Oct 20, 2014 9:14 am
Subject: Kids Health & Safety Fair

According to the Halloween Parade information on the Mt. Lebanon website:

After the Parade,
visit the
Kids Health & Safety Fair
Mt. Lebanon
Public Safety Center
555 Washington Road
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
 Kids Activities
 Information from
Mt. Lebanon Police
and Fire Department,
local organizations,
county and state
departments, and more
 Health, nutrition,
wellness, and safety
information for kids
and parents
 Trick or Treat in the
Safety Center for
additional candy

Concerned parents are interested in having a space concerning the health and safety of kids' health in regard to the artificial turf at the Kids Health & Safety Fair. Who should they contact?

Elaine Gillen

No response. So I sent this email:

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: cmcdonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; nsohyda <nsohyda@mtlebanon.org>; commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; smorgans <smorgans@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; msantoni <msantoni@tribweb.com>; hfunk1213 <hfunk1213@yahoo.com>; jon.delano <jon.delano@verizon.net>; nicholaslewandowski <nicholaslewandowski@gmail.com>
Sent: Mon, Oct 20, 2014 12:27 pm
Subject: You're invited

I emailed most of you earlier this morning, requesting some space for the Kids Health and Safety Fair, but I fear it will be ignored as my Brewfest Poster request was.

Anyway, you are all invited to a rally on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Invitation is attached. I have been asked to invite you all, and I will be posting it on my blog, Lebo Citizens. Would the Public Information Office issue a LeboALERT announcing Sunday's rally on Friday?

Thanks for your consideration.

Elaine Gillen

Lo and behold, I received the following email from Steve Feller denying the parents' request for having a space concerning the health and safety of kids' health in regard to the artificial turf at the Kids Health & Safety Fair.

From: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
To: E.T. Gillen <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Coleman J. McDonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; Nick Sohyda <nsohyda@mtlebanon.org>; Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Mon, Oct 20, 2014 5:04 pm
Subject: Re: Kids Health & Safety Fair
Elaine:
Today I talked with both Chiefs and also Rep. Miller's office about this issue. From the first day that this event was proposed by then County Councilmember Gastgeb, the Municipality has indicated that we would support the event in the Safety Center provided that: 1) the event needs to be focused on having service providers give information to kids on safety issues 2) no political campaigning would be permitted in the safety center, 3) all of Mt. Lebanon's current sitting elected officials, but certainly the Congressman, state senator and state rep. for Mt. Lebanon, and county councilmembers representing the community should be invited in order to distribute information about agency services 4) other service providers including county departments, MRTSA, and Outreach should be invited and 5) it should be a small, informal event that avoids politics and focuses on service providers. Therefore, I am going to need to deny the request to have space for those who want to provide information on the safety of artificial turf. This is not the correct forum for that type of activity. Of course, anyone can exercise their first amendment rights and distribute information on the public sidewalks along the parade route. Please call me if you need further clarification. Thank you.
Steve

Since when is children's health political?
What IS the correct forum for "that type of activity?"
I guess the Public Safety Building is not public.
What a crock.

Don't forget the Rally for Lebo Kids' Health on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM on Cedar Blvd.
If anyone is interested in printing their own T-shirt, this mirrored image should be used with iron-on transfers.

Update October 23, 2014 7:36 AM I was told that this is Chief McDonough's and Chief Sohyda's event.

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Wed, Oct 22, 2014 6:00 pm
Subject: I'm confused.

http://www.pasenate.com/2013/10/14/smith-miller-harris-host-kids-health-and-safety-fair-oct-26/

Does anyone know what is going on? If this is Miller's event too, then the Advocates can have a table, right?

Elaine Gillen

Media, are you getting all of this? Another Mt. Lebanon move "NOT to discuss the potential harmful effects of artificial turf."

"Rally for Lebo Kids' Health" UPDATED

Updated flyer for the Rally for Lebo Kids' Health 

I have been asked to post this on Lebo Citizens.

"Rally for Lebo Kids' Health"

Sunday, October 26, 2014* 11:00 AM

*new date and time

Who: Advocates for Lebo Kids’ Health
Where: Middle and Wildcat Fields located on Cedar Blvd.
What: Rally for Lebo Kids’ Health
When: Sunday, October 26, 2014 11:00 AM
Why: The Mt. Lebanon Commissioners have chosen to disregard warnings about the dangers of artificial turf aired on NBC and CBS.

After the Pumpkin Patch Parade on Saturday, October 25, visit the Kids Health & Safety Fair:

Mt. Lebanon Public Safety Center

555 Washington Road 

Noon - 1:30 PM

DENIED

Advocates for Lebo Kids’ Health will be on hand to answer questions concerning the artificial turf project and the dangers of artificial turf.

• Learn more about the tire crumb infill which will be used at Middle and Wildcat Fields. 

• Read the Department of Environmental Protection’s response included with the NPDES Permit issued to the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon 

• Watch the investigation reports on NBC Nightly and CBS 

• Grab iron on transfers for Sunday’s rally. Put them on Tshirts, tote bags or print out the sign here.

DENIED