What does it take to get Lebo Citizens involved? Toxic turf reports are being aired on television all over the country. A five day old baby was shot in the head while in his father's arms, in the safety of their own home. I have provided links here. I have spoken at commission meetings for over two years about the dangers of artificial turf. Since 2006, I have been going to commission meetings with concerns over guns being fired in our neighborhoods. I didn't go to last night's meeting and I heard that ONE person spoke against turf and TWO people spoke against deer culling. I look like a chump.
At one time, Chip called us "spineless bloggers." He's right. We are. When the ONE person who spoke against the artificial turf asked for an update on the turf project, John Bendel said that they are ready to start construction as soon as the permit is issued. Coaches are delivering the same message to parents. The sports cabal is breathing easier today. Parents like to use the excuse that they have small children and can't go to meetings. Guess what? Hire a babysitter for an hour. When your kids are old enough, they will be playing on these toxic fields. Have YOU done enough to stop it?
Last night, the pro-kill folks had their "Eat More Venison" signs. They stood up in unison during fellow citizens' comments to show their solidarity. They said that thousands of pounds of meat were donated to local food banks during the earlier culls. News flash. Not one pound of deer meat was donated to local food banks from the culls. Not. One. Pound. A five day old baby was shot in the head from a hunter more than three hundred yards away. That equates to EIGHTEEN houses away from my home. EIGHTEEN. Yet, TWO people spoke against the deer culling. Where is everybody? God forbid someone gets hurt or killed when these yahoos are firing guns in Mt. Lebanon. Will we all be standing around the water cooler, looking appropriately sorrowful when someone gets hurt or killed by a bullet? YOU are letting it happen.
I look like a chump.
84 comments:
I guess Ocean City loves it's children.
http://m.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/upper_capemay/ocean-city-drops-artificial-turf-plan-after-report-of-health/article_a00128ae-53e4-11e4-85a4-13969eefde0f.html?mode=jqm
Here is the hyperlink to your comment, 8:56 AM.
Ocean City drops artificial turf plan after report of health problems
It is sad that our commissioners will not see this news, since they "do not read the blog." They won't acknowledge emails received which don't support their side. What does it take? A protest? I doubt anyone will bother to get involved. Why can't Mt. Lebanon take Ocean City's position?
Elaine
You're not a chump, Elaine. I think residents, and bloggers in particular, know that the super majority of both Commission and School Board pay absolutely no attention to those in the public who disagree with them. Their minds are made up, so don't confuse them with contrary facts. This has been the case for over 20 years of my following both bodies, and it makes no difference what political party is in power or majority at any given time.
The only thing that will stop, rein-in or control them is higher authority like county, state and federal laws, regulations and courts. Elections rarely change behavior, at least in this town.
It has proven futile here to present and have opinions and supporting facts that oppose those of the elected official majority accepted. Why take time to research issues, attend meetings, express opinions and be treated like dirt ?
Some of this can also be attributed to the staff's of the organizations who often have their own agendas and biases, and spoon feed their elected superiors with only that which supports their particular bias or agenda. And then the administrative heads - many don't qualify as leaders - too often remain mute and quietly follow whatever the elected majority mandate, without question, comment or reservation.
It's a crappy system, but it needs the sunshine and forum you so courageously provide. Stay the course !
10:26 Elanie should stay the course because why?
So we can all say we exposed the nonsense so now we feel good.
I suggest Elaine takes a well-deserved sabatical. Unfortunately for her, her paid leave gets her exactly what she makes on the job... nothing!
4,000 people fought the high school project and after it was given the green light they all disappeared even though ludicrous change orders and capital improvements go on.
The turfers will get their way, Linfante will get rid of her deer.
So why should Elaine stay the course? She's not our mother.
WASHINGTON (Oct. 13, 2014) — A Democratic congressman from New Jersey is calling on the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ASTDR) calling for an official study of the potential health risks of crumb rubber from recycled tires used as artificial athletic turf.
Rep. Frank Pallone, leading Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, wrote the ASTDR on Oct. 10 based on information from an NBC News report presenting crumb rubber athletic turf as a possible cause of elevated cases of leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among teenage and college-age soccer players.
There are a few actual issues with which I agree with you. And there are a few actual issues with which I don't agree with you. But I suspect the personal attacks, the tit-for-tat, the personal vendettas, the pejoratives, and the chicken little hyperbole displayed on this blog turn off the majority of this municipality. The venom published by you and your regular commenters disengages a great deal of your potential allies. If your defense continues to be, "But they started it!," few people take you seriously.
I've got your attention, 11:56 AM.
When you use words like "majority," " a great deal of...," " few people," who is really making exagerated statements?
Is NBC Nightly News, the University of Washington soccer coach, and the family asking for donations to help the poor newborn guilty of chicken little hyperbole?
Do you feel better now, 11:56 AM?
Elaine
The question 11:56, on the issues you agree with Elaine on, do you do anything about?
Whether she and her blog engage in hyperbole, naming-calling, vendettas what are your doing on the issues?
What is that old saying: if you're not part of the solution- you're part of the problem!
I agree with 11:56. The poor child who was shot, was not shot by sharpshooter, on a controlled cull. You are comparing apples to oranges in trying to advance your objective.
Now on the turf, I agree with you, but the personal attacts, the name calling, the snide comments turn me off of doing anything to associate me with those who support your blog.
I don't believe I've ever read where Elaine or her bloggers said: "they started it."
Perhaps 11:56 can point out when they did.
I was at the school board meeting when Elaine presented the petition asking the board to scale back their HS plan. Where did the snickering, personal attacks, come from 11:56.
It isn't a -- "you started it, did not, did too" playground fight.
This is about doing the right things for the community and yes "for the children."
Hyperbole, 11:56? Elaine thinks artificial turf is hazardous to our health. NBC presents a segment that while it doesn't confirm Elaine's case, it does send up red flags.
I don't think that is hyperbole any more than Linfante asking how many people will die or be injured in MTL deer accidents!
Why aren't you publically admonishing her that more people would be her ally if she knocked off the hyperbole?
12::44 PM, like it or not, YOU support my blog. The personal attacks, snide comments, and name calling come from ESB chairs, elected officials, and staff.
As I have said before many times, Mt. Lebanon NEVER had sharpshooters during either of our deer massacres.
What exactly are my objectives? To stop any efforts to use lethal methods to manage the deer population. To protect children from exposure to toxic materials and carcinogens. Boy am I selfish.
Elaine
Elaine, I assumed the point of this piece was that you thought you spoke for many, but that when you called for action, select few showed up. And thus it appears you spoke for fewer people than you presumed.
Perhaps I made the same mistake as you by using words like "majority" or "few." So instead I'll speak for myself: despite you and I seemingly agreeing in broad strokes on the wastefullness of the Commission and the School Board, I would never join an effort organized by you. I will not contribute more acrimony to an already uncivil environment. I will not call people names or selectively impugn the characters of those with whom I do not agree. If that makes me useless or a coward, so be it. I'm much more interested in participating in a civil community than I am in getting my way.
12:44 that sounds like a fair opinion, not very indepth as Elaine points out, but you're entitled to it.
Now you say you agree with her on turf, that is great.
So tell me what are you doing to stop the turfing? Do you have a blog we can visit? Lawn signs protesting it? Are you organizing a march on city hall?
I'm curious and I'd really like to hear your suggestions as to how we stop the turfing.
Here's your chance to drown out the personal attacks, name-calling and snide comments.
While you're composing your response which post under this topic uses "chicken little hyperbole?"
1:04, you write: "I much more interested in a civil community than I am in getting my way." Really?
I'm betting you have a breaking point just like everyone else does your just have reached yours yet.
Maybe they'll have to treble your current property taxes or make you separate your trash into 10-12 appropriately labelled recycling cans.
I don't know what your limit is, but I'm certain you'll be uncivil when you reach it.
Ah yes, lets all sit around our little MTL bonfire singing in perfect harmony... Kumbaya.
The picture perfect warm, cozy community void of any conflicts.
We'll remain oblivious to potentially cancerous fields, water pollution, wasteful land purchases. It is all OK as long as we all get along together. Everyone start singing-- "Kumbaya my lord, kumbaya"
In case you haven't noticed, I speak for no one but myself, 1:04 PM.
If people choose to avoid standing up for their beliefs for the sole reason to avoid being associated with me, then I feel sorry them. And I really feel sorry for the kids who cannot be their own advocates.
Elaine
Apparently, some people stand for nothing except getting along, prettuy much explains >30% voter turnouts.
How will Mt Lebanon become a civil community that makes good, honest and ethical policies, decisions, etc? It certainly won't happen by sitting at home or by saying "I can't stand by Elaine because she swears and attacks too much".
Sure, the process of getting better could look and feel better in Mt Lebanon but Elaine, and the rest of us are up against a well-honed allegiance of municipal staff, school district leaders, elected officials and select, persuasive residents, who have no problem subjecting residents to continued assaults on our sense of fairness, equity and the greater good.
When is the next 'I'm against turf and don't associate with Elaine" meeting?
If you're planning on cordially getting the commissioners to cancel the turf project you're running out of time.
My question would be how come Castle Shannon and Dormont can do a development and not Mount Lebanon aren't we superior?
Do you see a TOD at Castle Shannon yet?
How about Dormont's? Looks like a car dealer expansion. We don't have car dealers in Lebo anymore.
Enough about TODs.
This is about how toxic turf is coming and firearms are going to be discharged in Mt. Lebanon because our commissioners are organizing their buddies to push their agendas.
Elaine
12:44 & 1:04, if you please, a question or three.
If Elaine hadn't published the NBC segment on turf would you have caught it?
Do you think the NBC segment raises legitimate concerns about turf?
And finally have you read anything from the PIO on the issues presented in the NBC news segment? It is a topic front and center in the community. I think it is a pertinent topic everyone should be thinking about and discussing cordially.
Cordial is pretty tough to be when the other party doesn't want to enter into discussions or look at evidence.
Please see the e-mail exchange between me and the Commission regarding this issue on June 9:
-Charlotte Stephenson
__________________________
Charlotte,
Thanks for sharing this information.
On Jun 9, 2014, at 5:26 PM, Charlotte Stephenson wrote:
Commissioners:
Please read the article that appeared in the Huffington Post regarding artificial turf:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/30/artificial-turf-cancer-rubber-tires_n_5412140.html
Thank You,
Charlotte Stephenson
This town stopped the crumb rubber trucks just in time to switch to Nike Grind - ground up shoes. Hope that's better.
http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/cancer-concerns-prompt-changes-new-football-field-/nhjZp/?__federated=1
From the Nike Grind link--
"Prato wrote to parents about the situation saying, "We appreciate the feedback and concerns we have heard from some of you as we were just days away from installing crumb rubber fill - the final step of the installation process on our own field. Because the news is still breaking, and it will inevitably take some time for all the scientific testing to be completed and reviewed, we have decided to make a bold move as a school to prevent any unnecessary risk to our student athletes. We are replacing the black rubber fill with a cutting edge product called Nike Grind - which is simply ground up tennis shoe soles provided by the Nike Corporation."
Do you think we'll ever see a letter like that from any authority in Leboland?
Elaine many of the soccer coaches are bulling parents over the turf issue. I've heard several times that if the turf doesn't go in that all the donated "soccer" money will be lost - Thrown away and wasted. The kids have it in their minds if the parents say anything they will suffer in playing time. I would hate to see what some of the coaches would pass out for punishment if a player would dare to say that they didn't want to play on turf. Turf burns are just a way of life. Antibiotics for skin infections are too.
How can the soccer coaches claim the money will be wasted, thrown away?
Wasn't it decided if the artificial turf didn't go in the private donations would go to improving other fields?
Some of which need a lot of improvement— to fix maintenance that wasn't done or done improperly.
Elaine,
You have become toxic to the touch yourself when it comes to matters of school board and commission. The one comment made some sense when they said they couldn't stand up WITH you at a meeting or in public because of the animosity you have created (and the board and commission have perpetuated over the years) between you and members of the elected class and administration.
The first thought I had when the NBC News article hit was that I hope anyone but you would send it to the commission.
This doesn't discount the work you do here on the blog. You have exposed countless ridiculous contradictions, lies, and bad behavior. But the manner in which conduct yourself in these disagreements ad accusations leaves a lot to be desired. Put it this way, you always seem incredulous that you never get responses or that members of the commission or school board can disagree with you. But then you come to your blog and allow people to comment and say the nastiest things about those same people that you are trying to convince. Sometimes you say the nastiest things about those same people yourself.
When reading the book, "How to win friends and influence people" I don't remember reading a chapter on publicly disparaging someone before meeting with them to try to persuade them to come around to your opinion.
Your constant attacks I think have had the opposite of their intended effect. Al Davis back in the day used to say that galvanizing the team was the easiest thing he ever did. All he had to do was to get them all to hate the same guy. For Al Davis, it was himself.
You, unfortunately, are the Commission's Al Davis.
As for me, I like what you do here with the blog but it could use less of the attacks (from you and the commenters) and more of the facts.
"The first thought I had when the NBC News article hit was that I hope anyone but you would send it to the commission." That was your first thought? Mine was, "OMG, those poor kids!"
Elaine
Some of you dont get it. "Elaine, I don't like you and hurt my feelings. Therefore, I'm going to punish you by ignoring what the commission is doingto the community".
That is the stupidest thought process I have seen in years. And it's people who think that way who are complicit in allowing the out and out corruption in our local government continue.
Want to get rid of Elaine? Get involved and change the way things are being done. If you're so offended over the "personal attacks", stop being lazy and start showing up at the meetings. Better yet, stop reading the blog.
A different position 6:45:
The first thought I had when the NBC News article hit was that I should send it to the commission.
6:45 my first thought after reading your comment: "The first thought I had when the NBC News article hit was that I hope anyone but you would send it to the commission" was I wonder if 6:45 would send it to the commission.
I'll bet not!
But let's play along with 6:45's logic that Elaine is toxic. Does that excuse the commission from reviewing the hazards of turf. Does that make the NBC news segment insignificant? Does that justify the PIO ignoring information and not making it available to the community?
Other towns, even up to the point of putting in crumb rubber, retrenched. Here in the bubble, Elaine is the bad person for doing her public duty.
I agree with 7:46, if you want to get rid of toxic Elaine step up and take her place.
Isn't the real truth of the matter that this isn't about health concerns, but rather it is about money? Go back to the beginning, and it is clear your issue is you don't want this money spent on something you do not agree with. If it were really about health concerns, why haven't you been advocating for removal of the high school turf, which as been turfed since the 70s? Of course the answer is that it really isn't about health, it is about not getting your way. Time to wake up and realize that there is no community on the planet in which you will always get things to go the way you want all the time. The comments on this thread demonstrate that the position taken here is always if you don't agree with us, you must be daft, irresponsible, a bully, someone who wants to harm children, and the list goes on. Let the name calling begin!
8:29 AM and 7:46 AM, it is far easier to criticize me than it is to do anything that is constructive. 6:45 AM has higher expectations of me, than of any elected official or official Mt. Lebanon publication. What facts were produced by the commissioners with the turf project? We kept hearing about "studies in the Netherlands."
Yes, one of the first thoughts in 6:45 AM's mind should have been, "The commissioners need to know about this NBC report before any of our kids are exposed to this."
I could use more help or more hours in the day, but I can only do so much. I guess I won't be getting that raise in pay because I am not meeting expectations.
Elaine
6:45 why wouldn't your first thought be- I hope everyone sends this to the commissioners! Then rather than trying to brand Elaine as the problem, be the first constituent to alert the commissioners of the NBC broadcast.
No your ulterior motive is pretty clear here.
Face it Elaine, you are the vocal minority. Most of us do not agree with you (again).
8:49 pretty lofty claim, back it up.
Where is your list of names for the vocal majority?
If you're so sure put the turf on the ballot next year. This year if there is still time to get on the ballot for Nov. 4th. Then we will see if you know what you're talking about or just blowing smoke.
Hell, I'll bet the PIO won't take down her silly poll on long gone MTL eateries we'd like to see back and poll on turf because they know what the outcome will be.
8:39 fyi, there was a discussion aboutgetting rid of the high school turf days ago.
So you are wrong again.
There is a lot of truth here in terms of how the message of this blog comes across and it's impact on the community.
The truth is, when you lace your blog with name calling and personal attacks it just makes it that much easier for other voters and those making decisions to ignore your voice.
At the risk of being accused of working for the Municipality (which I don't), I'll say it again, this blog could be a welcome resource for factual information and another side to the story as presented from the municipality. However, with the tone this blog typically takes these facts will have no impact on what actually happens here in Mt. Lebanon.
9:12 AM, more facts come with a price. Would you like to start a Right To Know fund for me and be the first to contribute?
Elaine
9:12 nice try.
Before there ever was a lebocitizens.blogspot.com 4,000 residents played by the rules and submitted a petition to scale back the HS project. They were cordial, offered hard copy signatures and were met by claims of an unknown majority favored the project. Same as we're seeing here.
Furthermore, as Elaine presented those signatures without name calling, without inneuendo she was met with catcalls and snickering from a now sitting commissioner.
We had "What the Kluck", claims of community hijackings, anonymous email campaigns by PTA members against SB candidates and now you're going to claim the high road 9:12.
I don't think so.
9:16 AM,
You're still missing the point. Even the most damming of facts will still be ignored by the majority (vocal or not) when presented in your typical style. It's the way in which you present things that makes it very easy to ignore, not the number facts that you have on hand from right to know requests, etc.
If it was only the facts that mattered then the High School project would cost a lot less and the turf project would be on hold, right?
9:25 AM,
You're right, with this site up and running we've seen a huge reduction in the cost of the high school project, an end to raises for the superintendent, deer culling was halted forevermore, TERC was abandoned, a new skate park was built in Main Park (privately funded of course), the turf project was abandoned, a whole new slate ran on a fiscally conservative platform and took over majorities at the school board and commission, Mt. Lebanon Magazine was cancelled, the PIO was let go, and Cedar Boulevard was widened so the on-street parking could be 8'-6" wide and striped accordingly.
Oh, wait...
Really 9:26.
You going to stick with that majority card again.
Where is this majority, surely you have a list?
A poll?
A referendum that backs up your majority claim.
To 8:39:
You mention the high school has been turfed since the 70's. I believe one of the commissioners has thrown this fact out there as well, but it's off point. The high school has not used crumb rubber since the 70's. Someone else can chime in, but I know the crumb rubber was sometime after 2000. One of the earliest crumb rubber fields in western PA that I can remember was the high school field at Ringold. Crumb rubber in western PA is a more recent phenomenon.
Responding to concerns about turf, which mainly involves concerns about crumb rubber, by mentioning that turf has been at the high school since the 70's is disingenuous. Also, who cares if the high school has turf as well? Just because something has been here a while doesn't mean it's good for our health and that we should have more of it. Elaine can speak for herself, but I'm sure she would like the high school field to be natural turf as well. And, sure, it's about money and health and making informed, reasoned decisions. Why spend a large about of money on something that has unanswered questions regarding its long-term health impact?
Your argument that Elaine is only concerned about the money and getting her way because she hasn't advocated for removing the high school turf (although I believe she might have) is an unsophisticated position. There is no hypocrisy in wanting to make sure an expensive new project to turf a previously natural field makes financial and environmental sense if she hasn't argued for the removal of an existing turf field.
You, certain commissioners, and others involved with the turf project continue to avoid discussing the core issues and merely try to distract and cloud the present concerns, e.g., turf since the 70's, we drink from plastic bottles, tire dust, etc. An expert, McNitt (PSU turf guy), continues to trot out the startlingly unsophisticated position that our tires wear and create tire dust and we should worry about that, not about putting crumb rubber in our fields. Or that we shouldn't care about crumb rubber since we live with tire dust or something. Tire dust and crumb rubber in our fields can both be bad and just because a chemical has been around a while doesn't mean it's good for us. Have there been studies on long-term risk for close contact with crumb rubber? Let's discuss that. Let's discuss what level of risk is acceptable and whether this project makes financial sense.
Let me understand what is being said here. Because of the way this blog is, the commissioners will ignore the NBC Nightly News investigation where the soccer coach from the University of Washington has compiled a list of 38 American soccer players -- 34 of them goalies – who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Elaine
9:26 let's look closely at your last comment: "if it was only the facts that mattered the high school project would cost a lot less..."
So essentially what you are saying is that the fact that there may be evidence of soccer goalies developing cancer from playing on artificial turf doesn't matter. Right?
We should ignore facts becquse you claim there is a mythical majority that wants turf.
Great, now I get your point, it's not for the kids welfare. You don't give a shit about the possiblity that we may be doing our kids great harm. The majority rules.
Double standards apply?
Mt Lebanon has a sitting Commission President that name calls in public meetings, attacks residents for speaking during citizen comments at meetings, digs up "dirt" on residents that disagree with her and sends emails that are over the top aggressive to her own colleagues.
I am not sure that anyone can point the finger at anyone in this town until they hold our elected official to some kind of decent standard.
Let me understand what is being said here. Because of the way this blog is, the commissioners will ignore the NBC Nightly News investigation where the soccer coach from the University of Washington has compiled a list of 38 American soccer players -- 34 of them goalies – who have been diagnosed with cancer.
You started this conversation. You wrote, "I look like a chump." You wondered why few are showing up and why public officials won't return your emails or calls. Why is the opposition in lockstep and we are not? And there are a few people politely saying that, "Perhaps your tone is a problem." Have you actually considered this position? Or have you just sought to deflect and questioned the motives of the criticism? If you want to ask difficult questions, you should expect difficult answers. You're being as obstinate as those whom you constantly criticize.
What about our Commission President?
6:45? Have you ever attended a meeting or watched a video?
The person that sets the tone in this community isn't Eileen. The Commission is squarely responsible for civility and respect towards town residents. The Commission President is the leader of the Commission.
She has tried to shut down a meeting because people were disagreeing with her. She has attacked residents while they are speaking during their comment time. I received a rude email from her and I wasn't inquiring about turf or deer. She is a bully and her tone SUCKS!
The comment at 9:58 AM summarizes it better than I could, and I think if you are truly concerned about looking like a "chump", etc. you'd consider what is being said.
I will say that to Elaine's credit it appears that she has quickly posted all comments as they've come in both positive and negative. Well done.
9:38 AM,
The majority of the Mt. Lebanon Commission voted to move forward on the turf project. Each of the commissioners was elected by the majority of the citizens in their respective ward that turned out on election day.
The majority of the Mt. Lebanon School Board voted to move forward with a high school renovation that cost well over $100 million. Each school board member was elected by the majority of the citizens in Mt. Lebanon that turned out on election day.
I am not in favor of either of these projects, but it's disingenuous to say that they aren't the result a of a majority decision. And yes, I vote in every election.
10:16 I might tend to agree with you if I were ignorant of recent history starting with Sablegate.
10:16 for all this conversation, pinning problems on the tone of Elaine's blog, what do you have to say about the highly-paid "Public Information Office" complete avoidance of the recent suggestion that there may be health issues with crumb rubber turf?
You may or may not be right regarding Elaine's demeanor, but the root of the issue is kids health.
Elaine is easy to ignore, just don't visit her blog.
We can't though do the same with the people that spend our tax dollars and you're not addressing that.
And as usual, my point is so eloquently demonstrated by the comments that followed my post. Yes, thanks to the administrator for posting everything, she deserves credit for that. However, these initiatives have been backed by a majority. And it really isn't about health, it just isn't. If it was, all of the opposition would have been in place when the HS turf was replaced just a few years ago. It is about money, and there is nothing wrong with being opposed to spending one doesn't agree with, but be honest. Instead, more finger pointing and blame is placed. It is the other guy's fault everything here is so nasty. I am all in support of fighting the good fight for things you believe in, but that isn't what happens here. If you don't agree with the views here, the posters here, along with the administrator label you a horrible person instead of just someone with an opposing view. People have been attacked on this site on a personal level, and children have even been mentioned. It is disgusting to say the least.
10:27 you're jumping to conclusions.
The fact that a "majority" of voters doesn't necessarily mean those voters approve of each and every position their choice takes on each issue.
My chosen commissioner may be against turf and for PAYT. Because I voted for them on one issue doesn't mean the majority is with them on EVERY issue.
10:27 why did Morgans direct McNitt not to talk about health issues in the public meeting.
If the NBC segment had aired before the commissioners election that were pushing turf do you think the election results would have been the same.
If the true cost of the high school was known not to be under $100 million can you say with certainty that we wouldn't have a different SB?
9:58 AM, so it is my fault that only one person spoke about the NBC Nightly News investigation at the commission meeting. I wasn't even at the meeting!
What about the thousands of people who don't read my blog? Yes, I said thousands. I would like to think that all 33,000 residents read my blog, but of course, that isn't true. Why wasn't there a LeboALERT about the NBC investigation report? That would have informed thousands more. I want to say that under 5,000 subscribe to LeboALERTS.
Then there are the people who don't read my blog or receive LeboALERTS but saw the report on TV or read about it on Facebook. Where were they? Have they contacted the commission?
It is easy to blame me. That's right. Go for the low hanging fruit. And keep telling yourself that there is nothing to worry about regarding artificial turf. And nobody ever gets accidentally hurt or killed when guns are fired.
I don't go to school board meetings, so am I to blame over that too? I just want to be clear on how much of a menace this blog and I are to society.
Elaine
11:01 AM, I was going to school board meetings back in 2010 when the high school turf project was approved. We had the infamous quote to Kubit, "You didn't even look at it, Ed." There were no tire crumb infill reports to reference back in 2010. I have posted photos of our high school turf and would hope that the school board remove that. I have also expressed my concern over the future plans to turf the Rock Pile. Soon after the EPA revised their statement concerning tire crumb infill, I passed out cigarette ads to the commission and asked that they post warnings on the fields and on registration forms just as cigarette companies are required to do on their packaging and advertising
Tire crumb infill just came to be in Mt. Lebanon in 2010. Yes, cost was my objection back in 2010. The school board put that in prior to the high school renovation, to avoid a referendum. But that is another story for another day. Tire crumb infill is bad news.
Elaine
I don't think anyone knew or understood the concerns about turf even three years ago no less when the last high school replacement was laid.
We have more information today and everyone should be looking at the current high school field.
I saw Commissioner Frasch with a guy just weeks ago looking at the high school field.
Maybe someone is looking at the current field you just don't know about it-watch out sports folk.
11:01am
I wonder why we can't point out the other side.
Isn't it about sharing perspectives?
We have heard yours, why can't we share ours?
Why are some perspectives evil and yours are not?
If you don't agree with the views here, the posters here, along with the administrator label you a horrible person instead of just someone with an opposing view.
The same could be said to those who disagree with the administrator....
For everyone questioning the tone of this blog and Elaine, how much do you think the tone matters? The "controversy" from anything posted here probably brought more attention to the issues. I generally agree that being nice and cordial is a good thing and usually promotes a working relationship to address concerns and issues. As someone else pointed about though, being cordial with our current set of leaders in the past didn't encourage them to be responsive and respectful to citizens' concerns. When our leaders respond in the same manner when the messenger has a more aggressive tone, is it the tone of the messenger or leaders unwillingly to listen to their constituents? Maybe some citizens are turned off by the tone of the this blog, but just as many or more become more involved because of it. The tone of this blog doesn't hamper any efforts because there isn't much of an effort to question what the commission is doing absent this blog.
From my perspective, most of the commissioners, with Kelly Fraasch as the exception, aren't interested in having working relationships with citizens and addressing their concerns. They only want to push their personal agenda. This is disappointing, but especially so in local politics. Have any of you tone complainers emailed the commission? Be nice and cordial and see if you even receive a response from them. I rarely do and have to send reminders if I want to receive a thoughtless boilerplate response. Go to commission meetings and watch how they react to polite, cordial people on issues they disagree with. Eye rolls, disinterest, whispers between each other, boilerplate response, your time is up.
For those who are interested including commissioners, municipal employees, and the community, who read this blog, I would suggest further reading on scapegoating and dysfunctional families, including civil societies and it's historical progression. Scrapegoating does not discriminate. It crosses all age groups, individuals, religions, and cultures. In a severe form, there is no one that would ever fit in. The bully uses whatever means to completely ostracize and annihilate their victim.
If there is any one person that is perfect, I would like to know the name of that person. "Let he without sin, cast the first stone!!
Lighten up everyone and give Elaine a break!!!
Ah... why are we discussing whether Elaine and her bloggers are nice people or not?
Whether some commenter is nice or not?
The issue at hand is whether crumb rubber infilled turf is safe for our children to play on? Not whether Elaine or Kristen are little witches that are screwing up the community.
Is turf safe or not?
Some communities have taken the prudent path and revised their field plans.
Here in the bubble, our PIO won't even acknowledge there ever was an NBC news segment on turf.
The commission's approach to the issue... don't talk about it.
It is easy to blame me. That's right. Go for the low hanging fruit.
Elaine, again, you brought it up. You asked why people aren’t showing up. We answer and you act like a victim, ambushed by out-of-the-blue criticism.
I figured this post was an effort to ask, “What am I doing wrong? Why aren’t the concerns voiced by commenters being presented at meetings?” Apparently, I was wrong. You seem more interested in asking questions in which the answers leave your pride intact. I just find it odd that every issue that you take on seems to have a villain. You are victimized at every turn. I think that this self-imposed martyrdom does your positions no favors. The personal attacks that you make just entrenches those who you obviously despise.
Can we get back to the real point of the blog post?
Elaine makes a solid point. Where was everyone? This isn't over till the grass is pulled from the ground.
Elaine wasn't going to be there. Not one person was there to share the concerns about the NBC program?
No one attended or spoke to continue supporting Commissioner Frasch that voted on the side of caution over greed. Why do we have decent elected officials if we are not going to support them?
I had a very good reason for not being there because a family member died, but I have been there. I can miss a meeting and expect those that share concern show up anyway.
What happened to those with the signs?
I was at the meeting and the show was the deer killing group. It was as disappointing as the sports cabal.
No facts just pleas to kill bambi so gardens can be saved from the evils of the thousands of deer in the town.
I wasn't going to sit through that time and wait for my five minutes to be ignored by three Commissioners.
I wonder if we can get a true count on emails to the commissioners after the NBC report?
After all they say you don't have to appear in person.
I'm sure they got some and an accurate count of opinions submitted could be easy to arrive at.
Tell us Ms. Morgans what is the unofficial count on turf yea or nay by people who signed their names to their opinion?
Unfortunately, the kids are the victims, 12:09 PM. Where are their advocates? Sorry, but this isn't about me. It is about our kids being exposed to carcinogens and toxic waste.
I've given you plenty of opportunities to make your personal attacks toward me. I think we're done here.
Elaine
Yep, but we're not done with turf.
Ms. Morgans, PIO what is the count for pro-turf vs anti-turf emails to the commissioners since the NBC broadcast.
You will of course, mmake the emails available for authentification.
12:23 PM, that would require a RTK. The new game in town is, your request requires legal review. You will hear on or before 30 days from your request.
That's what I got over my simple request concerning the Brewfest poster. I was advised to contact the manager at a commission meeting, which I did. I heard nothing.
If you ask our commission president, she will tell you that she received an overwhelming response in favor of the turf project. In this case, it was 18 over 9, asking the commissioners to move forward with the project. Of the 18, some were either on the SAB or were married to a SAB member.
Elaine
Well if that is the case-- 18 vs 9 we can make several assumption.
27 people cared enough to respond on the issue whatever their position. Good for them for being active in the affairs of the community.
27 isn't much of a response rate. Either you scare off a helluva of people Elaine or 33,000 and some odd residents just don't give a shit one way or the other.
You could possibly be a chump.
I think your blog would be a big loss for the community if you chose to close it down though.
12:03 makes one helluva point.
For those out there that remember, there once was a blog run by two MTL ladies and they named it RealLebo.
I don't know if it is still accessible or not, but these two ladies had a habit of slamming into anyone that submitted an opinion that didn't mesh conveniently with theirs.
Plus, if the conversation got too uncomfortable they just shut it off and eventually shut down the blog all together.
Somehow though Elaine is being branded as the impertinent child that can't play nice-nice with the other children.
In reality she welcomes and I believe relishes all conversation on her blog, that which agrees with her and that which doesn't.
Unfortunately IMO, the antagonist and censoring author of the RealLebo is now our commission president.
The same one that said she would shut down a public meeting.
Elaine I went to the Commission Meeting and saw proturfers ready to defend their precious turf. Theyre probably the ones giving you a hard time today.
That's interesting, 3:17 PM. Thank you for going to the meeting.
Elaine
Can you spot the differences between Lebocitizens blog and the introduction to that other blog run by our esteemed commission president.
"Real Lebo invites commentary, but there are rules: Play nice. Be civil. No anonymous posts and if a thread goes on too long and no longer serves a positive purpose, it will be snipped.
After all, it's our blog, says LaBalme."
The question we should have all asked right from the beginning is - whom establishes what the positive purpose is.
http://www.popcitymedia.com/innovationnews/reallebo0120.aspx
So I suppose the real question for today is are we going to allow Elaine to the chump?
I say no and you can too, it is easy.
Take 15 seconds out of your day and let the commissioners know how you feel about turf.
Doesn't matter if you don't like the cost, or crumb rubber or you really detest the color. Let 'em know.
If you love it, let 'em know that as well.
Be nice, sign your name (they don't bite..........much) and we'll see if it changes anything.
Fair enough, but please don't let Elaine be a chump.
Oh forgot.
You can reach each and every commissioner with one simple email sent to commission@mtlebanon.org
So does Linfante think she can run the community by snipping off residents she finds don't serve a positive purpose?
According to The Almanac the legal review of RTK's started in South Fayette when the board didn't want to release the cost of the high school addition. Their board and our board employ the same legal firm as MTL. Any questions, call Mr. Wolfe.
Elaine, Illegitimi non carborundum!
I have a question. Lets say in 5 years it is said that turf with crushed up tires causes or has a role in kids getting cancer. More or less what Elaine and others including those on NBC have been saying. The commissioners have been given all this stuff. They have to know about it. They have to have talked about it. The parents of these kids who get diagnosed with cancer and have ties to this turf aren't going to be nice about it. They are going to file lawsuits. Are the taxpayers going to get slammed? Insurance only covers so much. Brumfield and Franklin are Ambulance chasers and they are on the frontline fighting tort reform. How much more are WE going to have to pay for their stupidity?
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