Why is it always the protesters' fault?

Yesterday's Trib published a letter submitted by Mt. Lebanon resident, Harvey Bower called, Mt. Lebanon residency embarrassing. Mr. Bower, a Republican turned Democrat, questioned the competency of his party by writing:

Our commissioners, after years of ignoring the problem, can't even get the deer culling right. Who hires a company that needs 11 shots to kill three deer at close range? Most hunters would only need three shots (even at 50 yards). 

Did anybody think to do their due diligence? 

But then, Mr. Bower resorted to blaming protesters for the flubbed attempt to cull the deer population.*

And after this company started the process, our commissioners allowed protesters, one of whom compared the culling to the Holocaust, to break the law by disrupting the process.

Mr. Bower, just as it is your right to submit a letter of opinion to the newspaper, it is also our right to protest. It is not that the commissioners were "allow[ing] protesters," The United States Constitution explicitly provides for "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" in the First Amendment. How is having three peaceful protests in front of the Municipal Building and one on Connor Road disrupting the process? If one protester compared the culling to the Holocaust, that is not breaking the law OR disrupting the process.

You said it yourself that Wildlife Specialists needed 11 shots to kill three deer at close range. This company blamed the ammunition, the number of shooters authorized by the PA Game Commission, the weather, the protesters, vandalism, and a police car scaring away deer. The only ones they didn't blame were themselves.

I participated in three of the protests. We never went beyond the No Trespassing signs. We helped clean up the mess that the contractor left behind. We followed the rules and for that we have people like Mrs. Logan, Dr. Narey, Mr. Bower, Ms. Linfante, Ms. Vipperman and others calling us liars and vandals, criticizing the way we are dressed, and blaming us for Benner's failures. We were the ones stopped by police for walking near parks or through church parking lots on sunny Sunday afternoons. We have been treated like criminals. We were silenced. We were treated rudely by the commissioners and staff. Will we ever get apologies? No. Will the commissioners admit that they screwed up? Never. Our commissioners have divided our town. The commissioner leading the charge, resigned as promised to her colleagues, once she got her cull. Mr. Bower, the commissioners should be the ones who are embarrassed. They are the ones governing Mt. Lebanon. They allowed this to happen. They are the ones to blame.

 *'Deer-proofing' expert to offer lessons in Mt. Lebanon

Michalina: We must cull!

She calls Sandy Baker coming to Mt. Lebanon "a Band-Aid." Michalina Pendzich wants deer dead. Sandy Baker, "The Deer Doctor" will be coming to Mt. Lebanon later this month. With last month’s trap and cull program a bust, Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Kelly Fraasch says it’s time to get some coexisting advice from the “Deer Doctor” on deer habits and needs. "Coexist" is not in Michalina's vocabulary.

In the Trib article, 'Deer-proofing' expert to offer lessons in Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Lebanon officials hope Baker's presentations can ease some of the discord that followed the flubbed attempt to cull the community's deer population.

The Almanac reports that Baker, known as “The deer doctor,” said the free two-hour seminars held each day April 25-27 will focus on practical tips for landscaping and protecting vegetation in gardens, but also understanding deer behavior.

"Deer Doctor" Being Brought In To Help With Mt. Lebanon Deer Problem

In Defense of Animals International has issued this bulletin, Tell Mt. Lebanon: No More Deer Killings. The nation is watching us, Mt. Lebanon Commissioners.

"...this is my community, this is my school district and this is where I belong,”

Memorial award nominee sees Mt. Lebanon school district as the place she belongs

Collier Township resident, Jan Klein, has received the Gary E. Reeser Memorial Award from the PA Association of School Business Officials. 

In honor of her recognition, a Mt. Lebanon student will receive a Gary E. Reeser Memorial scholarship for $2,500. 

“Ms. Klein’s recognition is indicative of the depth of business competence she brings to her work every day,” superintendent Timothy Steinhauser said. “She has successfully integrated proven best practices into the district’s core operations and this award recognizes that achievement.”

Are we talking about the same person, Timothy Steinhauser [sic]? Here are just a few Lebo Citizens posts which see things differently.

How the School District CHEATS Mt. Lebanon taxpayers

No way! UPDATED 2x

6-1 in favor of .54 mill increase UPDATED

$36 million in double counting UPDATED 3X

Far From Frugal

The Annual Budget Ritual

Are you frickin' kidding me? UPDATED 2X

Lebo needs to demonstrate fiscal responsibility

Once, twice, three times a lady...

As promised, more on the budget forum

Rover ate my homework.

A dollar not borrowed is not a dollar and 77 cents saved.

Dear Mt. Lebanon Neighbor:

Another Budget "Fast One"

Heads up

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. 

The Mt. Lebanon Area DUI Task Force will be conducting roving patrols in 6 different communities this weekend. Please don't drink & drive. [this weekend.]

Toxic turf update

It looks like construction resumes today down at the toxic turf site. Workers are showing up this morning.

Just a couple of weeks ago, USA Today had published this concerning article, Feds promote artificial turf as safe despite health concerns.

"We're using your children as part of the poison squad," said Bruce Lanphear, a leading researcher on lead poisoning at Simon Fraser University in Canada, who suggests a moratorium on installing artificial-turf fields until their safety is proved.

The health threat is substantial enough that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists artificial turf as one of seven sources of children's lead exposure along with well-known items such as paint, water and toys.

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.

New Disney Movie - SNL

The Post-Gazette played this April Fools joke. Dan Simpson: A strange start to April 

On a more local note, in Mt. Lebanon, a pretentious suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, local town commissioners were examining the early results of their latest attempt to bring the fertile, hungry deer population under control. To deal with the problem they had imported from Kenya a pride of lions, using the contacts of a senior American political figure born there. With a midnight curfew for people established, the big cats were released to hunt freely until dawn, when they were tranquilized, recaptured and re-caged. Commissioners refused to talk about reported problems with the project, although an early election to fill one unexpectedly vacant seat has been quickly scheduled. The commissioner in question had been observing the lion experiment.

Cafe IO is featuring these specials today:

Police and Barbara not resetting the dialogue

According to the PG's Commissioners lament 'divisiveness' of Mt. Lebanon deer culling debate,

The most disappointing part of Mt. Lebanon’s deer management program that ended abruptly last week was “the divisiveness and mean-spirited rhetoric” that split the community, commissioners said at their meeting Monday night.

“For the good of the community, we must try to reset the dialogue,” President John Bendel read from a letter at the meeting.

It doesn't appear that some in Mt. Lebanon are ready to reset the dialogue, Mr. Bendel.

The Mt Lebanon Police Weekly Press Report dated Thursday, March 19, 2015 through Wednesday, March 25, 2015 is predicting more vandalism coming to deer killing traps in April.

Bird Park – Entry gate & receiver of deer corral damage, no trespassing sign taken. 04/15/15 1432

Power broker Barbara Logan has already made her feelings known to Democratic hopeful Andy Reinhart, running for Commissioner of Ward 3. On his website, andyreinhart.com, Andy talks about Mt. Lebanon Deer Management Issues.

Mrs. Logan writes:

Lebodeer conducted a survey in the Fall of 2014 which indicated that about 95% of residents support a lethal cull.

Where the heck did you get that statistic, Mrs. Logan? She continues with:

The anti culling crowd lies, obfuscates, and intimidates, but these tactics should not influence legislation.

Barbara, there were rumors that you contacted John Bendel and Kelly Fraasch with the same message. This time, you put it in writing. Not too smart.

For all high school students with caffeine addictions

Students can now buy Caribou Coffee all day long in the high school cafeteria.

A Walk in the Park

I don't know why I bothered, but I picked up my latest copy of mtl Magazine. Starting with Susan Morgans' story on her former neighbor's garden, her home & garden guide, and then coming to Steve Silverman's commissioner's report, I had to stop reading.

Theoretically, the deer killing would have still been in progress, had J. Merlin Benner not ended his contract with Mt. Lebanon. What did Steve Silverman write about? How about we take a walk in one of Mt. Lebanon's passive parks? According to Steve, we have three passive parks: Bird Park, Robb Hollow, and Twin Hills. What about McNeilly Park? The Conservation District? I questioned the designation of those two areas during the deer killing. Was anyone harassed by Benner's boys or the corn patrol for being in either of those locations after 9:00 PM? Parks close at 9:00 PM, we were told. According to Commissioner Silverman and the Public Information Office which put together the magazine, we are now being told that there are only three passive parks in Mt. Lebanon. I'm so confused!

Does Mr. Silverman realize that residents were stopped by police for walking on the outskirts of Bird Park? During daylight hours! Yet, in his commissioner's report, Steve is encouraging us to visit one of our passive parks. Really, Steve? Are you in denial? How about you, PIO? Weren't you making residents out to be vandals, while they were being questioned by police and then asked for photo ID just for walking on sidewalks or in parking lots?

Is this part of the cooling off period? Is pretending nothing horrible happened in the parks part of your plan? Do you think we are stupid and will forget? Enough with the brainwashing! Thought reform in the People's Republic of China was a campaign by the Communists in the early 50's. In present day, thought reform can be found right here in Mt. Lebanon. Seriously, Susan, retire. Steve, very poor timing.

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

County wide petition that both hunters and PETA would sign

A petition to be sent to County Executive Rich Fitzgerald's office seeking a ban on trap-and-kill culling in Allegheny County was presented to the Commission last night. The resident asked if the Commission would like to sign it. Vice President Kelly Fraasch did, and some in the crowd loudly clapped. She was the only one who would sign it. Silverman and Bendel aren't feeling very sorry about their horrific plan.

The petition shared with the commission and those in attendance at the meeting last night is available here. It is available to download and distribute among Allegheny County residents.  Supporters must be at least 18 years old and reside in Allegheny County. 

Wildcat project drained us dry

During yesterday's Commission Discussion Session, Andrew McCreery, Director of Finance, reviewed 2014 Preliminary Year-end Financials.

Andrew explained that the Unassigned Funds are to be used for emergencies. Typically, the reserves should equal two months of our budget. Our unassigned fund balance is only at 11%. Remember how "Anyone But Bendel" went to the October 3, 2013 Sports Advisory Board meeting and asked how the SAB would like to spend the pot of gold? The October 3, 2013 SAB meeting minutes indicate:

The board recommended that the Commission designate the maximum amount of undesignated funds, plus any available funds that were previously allocated to Brafferton, to a turf project at Middle and Wildcat, with the balance of the project costs coming from other sources.

Isn't "Anyone But Bendel" in the banking business?

I bet Vasco Sports can't be too happy with the snow on the ground. Benner hoped for snow, while Vasco hopes for warmer weather. I just love Mother Nature.

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.

Mellon Middle School Incident

From: Mellon Middle School [mailto:noreply@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2015 12:00 PM
To: Mellon Middle School Parent
Subject: Mellon Middle School Incident

Mellon Families:

On March 23, 2015, a student reported to Mellon Middle School staff / administration that a note was found in the 3^rd floor girls’ bathroom that read, “There is a bomb here.”  The incident was immediately referred to the Mt. Lebanon Police Department.  After the initial investigation, the MLPD and school administration deemed the incident not to be a credible threat.

I informed school staff, asked them to be aware of the situation and to immediately report any information they may receive in regard to the incident.  Staff members have been asked to be extra visible and vigilant in the hallways.  We continue to investigate the incident in an effort to identify the responsible individual(s).  Should you hear any information that you feel may be relevant to our investigation, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Christopher Wolfson

Principal

cwolfson@mtlsd.net

412-344-2122