Linsenmayer applauded by the room of Democrats

A first look at Lamb, Linsenmayer as candidates in new 17th

Do you want Murphy again? That's what you will get if you vote for Lamb, Democrats. As one person said in the comments, Lamb needs to be challenged on energy too.

Ray for PA!

LETTER: Residents oppose Mt. Lebanon’s proposed parking ordinance UPDATED

LETTER: Residents oppose Mt. Lebanon’s proposed parking ordinance

As Mt. Lebanon taxpayers with a combined total of 53 years residency, we are offended and outraged by the newly proposed parking ordinance (“Mt. Lebanon continues to pursue parking crackdown” in March 21 edition). It is clear from the updated ordinance that poorer and more congested areas in Mt. Lebanon will be disproportionately affected. The idea of allowing “three requests per license plate per year” for on-street parking is ludicrous. Those homes and dwellings in Mt. Lebanon that do not have large driveways and/or garages need on-street parking for necessary life situations: work (which sometimes necessitates overnight shifts or early morning departures), visitors (such as family visiting for holidays, or friends caring for ill loved ones), and other unforeseen circumstances which are frankly no one’s business.

On the Mt. Lebanon website, the “Overnight Parking Changes” FAQ suggests that “Residents may purchase affordable parking passes.” These parking passes to park in lots located mainly in Uptown Mt. Lebanon cost $38-40/month – or $456–480/year – are not insignificant to many struggling families. Making residents pay to park in front of their own homes is an unjust hardship and seems like a deliberate tactic to disenfranchise.

To hear our commissioners belittle our neighbors’ needs to work and fit cars into their driveways, which is a very real problem with homes built in the early 1900s, frankly lessens their stature in our eyes. While clearly there are some individual cases and systemic issues that need to be addressed, there is no need to punish the entire municipality. Mt. Lebanon is neither a gated community nor a police state.

Amelia Baisley, Mt. Lebanon

Zanna Fredland, Mt. Lebanon
If residents have several cars, do not have garages or have very short driveway, what are they expected to do? Residents may purchase affordable parking passes in several municipal surface lots and zones, as well as in the north and south parking garages. Day, 24-hour and night permits are available.  A night permit costs $38 a month for a lot and  $40 for a garage. For further information, go to  http://www.mtlebanon.org/2056/Permits or call 412-343-3705.
Ryan Keeling, Mt. Lebanon

Update April 4, 2018 8:47 PM FAQ Prepared by Mt. Lebanon Public Information Office

I love this one:

If residents have several cars, do not have garages or have very short driveway, what are they expected to do? Residents may purchase affordable parking passes in several municipal surface lots and zones, as well as in the north and south parking garages. Day, 24-hour and night permits are available.  A night permit costs $38 a month for a lot and  $40 for a garage. For further information, go to  http://www.mtlebanon.org/2056/Permits or call 412-343-3705.

 If you don't have a garage or have a very short driveway, park in the parking garage and then take the T or bus to your home. Is that right? Good one, PIO.

Public Space Kills Breakdown UPDATED 04/05/18

For those interested in the details, I used the word, "Killed" not "removed." Also, I want to point out that even though the "Sharpshooting" program is over, there is at least one sign remaining by The Goddard School, part of the Gun Free School Zone. They can kill there because preschoolers are not protected, under the law.

Here is the final count of deer killed in our public spaces.

From: Ian McMeans <imcmeans@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Keith McGill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Tue, Apr 3, 2018 8:45 am
Subject: Mt. Lebanon Sharpshooting Program Question

Ms. Gillen,

Per your e-mail to Municipal Manager Keith McGill, you requested a breakdown of the deer removed from public spaces as part of the Sharpshooting portion of Mt. Lebanon's Deer Management Program. The Final Sharpshooting Report stated "Thirty one deer were harvested from private properties while 26 were removed from the three public properties available." Those 26 were removed from the following sites:

Robb Hollow - 10
Golf Course - 14
McNeilly - 2

Sincerely,

--

Ian McMeans

Assistant Manager/Planner
Mt. Lebanon Municipality
710 Washington Road
Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228
412-343-3620

Update April 3, 2018 6:49 PM The deer invasion in Mt. Lebanon is out of control

I am surprised by this letter and comments. We just finished another year of "sharpshooting" at a cost of $1352.81 per deer. Comments like the one below just amaze me.

IF you could keep the protesters out of Mt. Lebanon, you might just have a shot at culling the herd. If you could get the councilpersons to just shut up and get on with the cull, you might have a shot at culling the herd.

What protesters? We haven't protested in years. Nobody even goes to commission meetings anymore. Councilpersons need to just shut up and get on with the cull?? What are you talking about? We have been killing deer for years. I have shared the numbers here. We are not the deer capital of the state. If we are, Tony DeNicola can't find them.

D. McMahon, I don't know where you live, but here are Tony's recommendations for next year.

1. Add Williamsburg Park and Hoodridge Park to discharge high powered rifles.

2. Extend the shooting hours of high powered rifles on private and public property to seven days a week and 3:00 PM to midnight.

3. Non-traditional Trap and shoot in areas such as Morrison Drive and Virginia Manor's Valleyview Drive. (Remember Merlin the Magnificent?)

4. Conduct another deer population estimate*

*The last estimate was done by Tony's buddy (who estimated on the phone, had never stepped foot in Mt. Lebanon, nor knew the size of Mt. Lebanon) to be between 700-900 deer.

I am sure that our "councilpersons" will try to appease you. Commenters keep talking about whiners. The only whining I am hearing these days are from people like D. McMahon. You are getting exactly what you want and you still aren't happy. I'm pointing out the results and what it is costing taxpayers. No whining from me. I can't afford it.

Update April 4, 2018 11:58 AM It looks like I am going to pay dearly for publishing Craig Grella's arrest for public drunkenness and similar misconduct.

From:	egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To:	cgrella <cgrella@mtlebanon.org>
Cc:	kmcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>; commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; imcmeans <imcmeans@mtlebanon.org>
Subject:	Re: Kills by Public Spaces
Date:	Wed, Apr 4, 2018 11:49 am

---

Craig, wow, great start. I was referring to a very long email exchange with Tony DeNicola, who promised to tell me what kind of bait he was using, only to be told that it is proprietary information.

https://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2016/04/winding-down.html

I see what you mean about "your communication seeks only to insult people." Your email is a perfect example.

Elaine

-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Grella <cgrella@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>; Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Ian McMeans <imcmeans@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Wed, Apr 4, 2018 11:35 am
Subject: Re: Kills by Public Spaces

Elaine.

It takes time to confirm information and then publish it online. Especially if that information contains data that we need to review before it is published publicly. There is way too much information out there in print and online that is published before it is fact-checked. The timeline with which information is published may not be to your liking, and I'm sorry if that is the case you have experienced previously.

If you feel there is specific information that is not being published in a timely manner I encourage you to contact the commission directly via email or your ward commissioner via phone. If there is a question in your message I'll answer it the best I can. But if your communication seeks only to insult people, I think you'll find a less warm reception to your messages.

Craig

Craig Grella

Commissioner, Mt. Lebanon Ward 4

cgrella@mtlebanon.org

(412) 343-3400

On Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 2:23 PM, 'egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:

Keith, I have gone down this path before. 

Elaine

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Ian McMeans <imcmeans@mtlebanon.org>

Sent: Mon, Apr 2, 2018 9:28 am
Subject: Re: Kills by Public Spaces

Good morning Elaine,

Ian McMeans is handling your request. I'm sure he will provide you with a response as soon as one is available.

Keith

On Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 9:10 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Keith,

Any idea how long it will be to get the answer?

Elaine

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Ian McMeans <imcmeans@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Mon, Mar 26, 2018 7:33 am
Subject: Re: Kills by Public Spaces

Good morning Elaine. Ian McMeans is the staff lead for our deer management program. I am copying Ian on this reply so that he is aware of your request.

Keith

On Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 5:47 PM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Keith,

The 2017 Final "Sharpshooting" Report http://www.mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/14818 did not include the kills by Public Spaces. I had to ask for that information.

The 2018 Final "Sharpshooting" Report http://www.mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/16042 (virtually the same as 2017) did not include the kills by Public Spaces. I am, once again, asking for this information.

Elaine Gillen

Update April 5, 2018 5:29 PM Still no update on the municipal website, Craig. Exactly how much time is needed? This is why I have so many readers, Craig.

 From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: cgrella <cgrella@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: kmcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>; commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; imcmeans <imcmeans@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Wed, Apr 4, 2018 1:56 pm
Subject: Re: Kills by Public Spaces

Craig, please show me where the information that I had requested has been published online, other than my blog. http://www.mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/16042

Lose the attitude.

Elaine

Salvo collects a pension!

I want to throw up. Nick Salvo, the Former teacher sentenced for soliciting sex from cop he thought was 14-year-old is still collecting a pension. The PG reported this morning that Salvo is still on the PSERS payroll.

 Why are some banned Pa. educators still collecting pensions?

PSERS is the largest part of the district's budget. Disgusting.

High School Upper Practice Field Update

I'm a little behind. sigh.

High School Upper Practice Field Update

Posted 03/26/2018 04:04PM

The School Board has asked the Facilities Department to move forward with plans to construct a competition, artificial turf field on the Upper Practice Field at the high school.

Work is underway to complete the field design and obtain storm water management permits. A committee is being formed to evaluate differ types of artificial turf to help inform the Board's decision.

Contract pricing will be brought to the School Board to consider, possibly in May. 

Challenger Says Lamb Doesn't Represent Suburban Democrats' Views

Challenger Ray Linsenmayer Says Conor Lamb Doesn’t Represent Suburban Democrats’ Views

School Resource Officer to Begin on Tuesday, April 3 @ High School

From: Mr. Brian R. McFeeley, Principal - Mt. Lebanon HS <noreply@mtlsd.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 12:45 PM
To: Parent/Guardian and Student
Subject: School Resource Officer to Begin on Tuesday, April 3 @ High School

Dear Parent/Guardian and Student:

I am pleased to share that as a result of our ongoing partnership with the Mt. Lebanon Police Department a School Resource Officer (SRO) is being assigned to Mt. Lebanon High School effective April 3, 2018, until the end of the 2017-2018 school year. The officer’s role is to serve as a presence in the high school throughout the regular school day and strengthen relationships with students, parents, and staff. The addition of the officer is not in response to any specific issue but rather to improve upon the many safety measures already in place.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Brian R. McFeeley
Principal

If you haven't voted yet....

Please vote for me for Best of the 'Burgh for Best Blog - Elaine Gillen - Lebo Citizens. Voting ends at Noon on April 20, 2018.

Vote here: http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Best-of-the-Burgh-Blogs/The-Best-Blog/March-2018/Vote-for-the-Best-Pittsburgh-Magazines-2018-Readers-Poll/

It took this long for the media to touch this story

Mt. Lebanon to start over with capital campaign fundraiser

"When the campaign started in 2012, the original goal was to raise $6 million." WRONG

The original goal was $30 million.

The feasibility study was in 2012.

Pursuant Ketchum was hired as counsel for the capital campaign in March 2013.

Alyssa DeLuca was hired in August 2013 as Capital Campaign Director.

"Riemer said the goal of the district-wide fundraising effort was to 'provide funding for other innovative programs without imposing additional tax burden onto our community.'” SORT OF. 

The original goal was to avoid a second bond issue.

"While the campaign wasn’t a success, Riemer said more than 250 donors have contributed to projects like Matt’s Maker Spaces, STEAM initiatives and the athletics and fine arts programs." UH, YEAH...SORT OF.

Yes, there were more than 250 donors, but not one dime was raised due to the high administrative costs. Almost $1,000,000 from the General Fund was used as "seed money" or "loan" or "investment," all words used at various times by soon-to-retire Director of Business Janice Klein.

“I too believe strongly that it is in the best interest of the district to recognize the achievements and the people in the past but move it forward,” board member Larry Lebowitz said. “I look forward to the presentation where we’re going to learn about the ideas for the reset with the idea being that we will then decide how to answer a lot of these questions (we have).”

What board member Larry Lebowitz really means is that he is really excited for the opportunity to come up with answers for this failed initiative.

A year ago, Nick Meduho and I were working hard to expose this, but the newspapers never said a word. Nick, I wish you were here. I bet you are smiling down at us. Miss you, Buddy.

Exit Stage Left UPDATED 3/29/18

That's Conor Lamb at Saturday's March For Our Lives in Pittsburgh. He skedaddled when asked if he would support a ban on assault weapons.

Lamb, a former prosecutor and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said on the campaign trail he wanted more effective background checks but not a ban on assault weapons. On Saturday, he wouldn’t discuss whether he would support such a ban as he alighted from the stage into a throng of people eager to greet him.


“I’m not here to talk to the media,” he said.

Read more: Marchers call for gun reform at Pittsburgh event

Conor Lamb, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, should watch this video.



Update March 27, 2018 2:41 PM Retired justice urges repeal of Second Amendment

Update March 28, 2018 6:11 PM Beth Tarasi dropped out. http://www.timesonline.com/news/20180327/tarasi-drops-out-of-congressional-race

Update March 29, 2018 10:49 AM Don't worry, President Trump. Not all Democrats want to repeal the Second Amendment. If we end up with Conor Lamb, you have one less Democrat to worry about.

March For Our Lives #Never Again UPDATED 5:58 PM

Signs for today's march, courtesy of a neighbor.

On Monday, our commissioners are passing Resolution 4-18 supporting Mt. Lebanon High School Students. On that note, the final report of deer being killed by high powered rifles which recommends starting to shoot while children are either walking home from school or are still in school next year has been posted on the municipal website. 

We'll see how many support Ray Linsenmayer, the ONLY candidate running for Congress who supports Assault Weapons Ban Legislation.

Update March 24, 2018 5:58 PM This is for the people who say, "It's foolish to think that voting for an anti gun candidate in the primary will help." This is for the people who think that young people don't care. This is for people who think that young people can't make a difference. This is for people who want to have high powered rifles discharged in a community that pretends to be anti-gun. This is for the commissioners who pass resolutions which state:

And then consider extending "sharpshooting with high powered rifles" hours to seven days a week, starting at 3:00 PM and ending at midnight. This is for candidates running for Congress who will not ban AR-15 weapons. I dare you to watch this and not start crying.

Are you sitting down? $1,352.81 PER DEER KILLED

Mt. Lebanon has posted the final report for the 2018 "Sharpshooting" Program. FIFTY SEVEN deer were killed for a total cost of $77,110. That comes to $1,352.81 PER DEER. 31 of those deer were killed on private property, costing taxpayers $41,937.11. Are you f-ing kidding me?

Here is the report.

2018 "Sharpshooting" Final Report

Recommendations for next year:

1. Add Williamsburg Park and Hoodridge Park to discharge high powered rifles.

2. Extend the shooting hours of high powered rifles on private and public property to seven days a week and 3:00 PM to midnight.

3. Non-traditional Trap and shoot in areas such as Morrison Drive and Virginia Manor's Valleyview Drive. (Remember Merlin the Magnificent?)

4. Conduct another deer population estimate*

*The last estimate was done by Tony's buddy (who estimated on the phone, had never stepped foot in Mt. Lebanon, nor knew the size of Mt. Lebanon) to be between 700-900 deer.

Come on Mt. Lebanon residents - WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pa. Teachers Learn Of Possible Data Breach From Credit Monitoring Company

State Offers Free Credit Monotoring to Teachers

Data breach for 330,000 Pennsylvania teachers

Suddenly, it's all about guns, one way or another

First, it was about the walkout and the shootings in Florida. Then, I posted that the high powered rifles being fired in undisclosed areas of Mt. Lebanon has ended. Followed that with the Democratic candidate who supports Assault Weapons Ban Legislation.

Now, it is about the "conversation about school safety" with Tim Steinhauer and Aaron Lauth.
From Facebook:

Thank you to all who braved the snowy night to attend the Community Conversation About Safety and Security last night. Dr. Steinhauer and MLPD Chief Aaron Lauth shared information about our school safety programs including ways we secure our buildings, train students and staff along with prevention strategies.Click here for more information and to watch a video of the program. https://www.mtlsd.org/page.cfm?p=578&newsid=1593

Ray Linsenmayer Candidate for PA-17 supports Assault Weapons Ban Legislation in Senate UPDATED 03/22/18

Ray Linsenmayer (D) supports Assault Weapons Ban Legislation. Should Conor Lamb be worried?

Ray Linsenmayer on the issues




There are three Democrats who are running in the May Primary
Conor Lamb
Ray Linsenmayer
Beth Tarasi

Against incumbent Keith Rothfus

Meet the candidates

Update March 22, 2018 8:07 PM Right here in Mt. Lebanon - "Students for Change"