Tony admits that the archers are being reimbursed for their supplies, funded by taxpayers! Mt. Lebanon hired White Buffalo to reduce deer/vehicle collisions, not to focus on addressing residents' complaints on their properties. We all knew it is about the gardeners, and not trying to reduce deer/vehicle collisions. Tony also admits that he was hired to avoid media attention. Everything is a secret. See highlights in email exchange below.
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Tony Spills the Beans
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Desperately Seeking Susan
What would we do without the Public Information Officer? Susan Morgans sent out a memorandum to Keith McGill and shared her plans to make us feel good about solid waste and PAYT, now called SMART. Mt. Lebanon can count on Susan to put a positive spin on everything, including garbage.
PIO PAYT Memorandum
PIO PAYT Memorandum
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Missing teen found
The missing teen from Baldwin Township was found.
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Where did Guy go?
I drove by Sen. Guy Reschenthaler's office today on Castle Shannon Blvd. and the place is empty except for the "For Rent " sign in the window. I wasn't able to see if he left a forwarding address on the door. Does anyone know where he is relocating?
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PAYT in Peters - Not so much UPDATED
When I saw this article in The Almanac, I thought, "This could be us if PAYT comes to fruition."
Delinquents owe $82,000 for garbage collection
Some residents are not paying as they throw in Peters Township, resulting in this:
PAYT does not appear to be working in Peters Township. Government officials are now dealing with legal action against delinquents. On the bright side, Mt. Lebanon commissioners can take all the legal action they want because of the agreement they have with their solicitor. It won't cost Mt. Lebanon a dime extra (think MTL's case against me), but the downside is that we will see more of what is pictured above. Not only will Mt. Lebanon be dealing with delinquents, we also have hoarders here. There, I said it. There are people in Mt. Lebanon who do not part with anything. Hoarding will increase if there will be a separate fee for solid waste removal.
Peters Township is rethinking their PAYT system.
He suggested that township officials consider changing how residents are charged for waste collection.
“I think, as part of next year’s budget cycle, we should look seriously at the possibility of incorporating that into the taxes,” he said. “There are lots of reasons to do it. The downside is that it results in a substantial tax increase. But it eliminates these problems with liens, and it eliminates lot of the fees associated with trying to collect.”Susan, how does this fit in with your memorandum to Keith? Are you going to call up The Almanac and complain that they printed such "trash?" I'm willing to bet that mentioning "hoarders" and "Mt. Lebanon" in the same sentence did not sit too well with you. But this is the real world.
Commissioners, are you listening?
Update January 6, 2017 12:36 PM
Then there is this one:
I could do this all day.
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Orthodox Christmas Day
Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25, but there are many Orthodox Christians who are celebrating Christmas today, January 7, 2017.
The Almanac reported there was a Kwanzaa celebration at Mt. Lebanon Library. While the community focuses on unity, I hope there will be a celebration for Orthodox Christmas.
The Almanac reported there was a Kwanzaa celebration at Mt. Lebanon Library. While the community focuses on unity, I hope there will be a celebration for Orthodox Christmas.
счастливого Рождеста
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Yes, it's true
Woman still fighting to learn details about Mt. Lebanon deer cull
Don't worry, Folks. I'm not wasting your tax dollars. It falls well below the cap that Mt. Lebanon and Buchanan Ingersoll have set. Commissioner Steve "It's free" Silverman will tell you that it isn't costing Mt. Lebanon anything. Maybe he will mention that during the next Commission Discussion about the Unity Rally.
I have not pushed my "gofund me" because I got quite a bit of criticism for asking for help with Mt. Lebanon's appeal against me in Common Pleas Court.
One of the Trib commenters wrote "Elaine Gillen needs a job. 10 to 1 odds she gets unemployment, aid to dependent children, WIC, foodstamps, free obamacare, section 8 housing, etc." Mike, I say to you I wouldn't make any bets if I were you. It is expensive to get to the State Supreme Court, but the only government assistance I am receiving is Social Security. "Not really" joking about human culling requests is highly inappropriate. I'm surprised that the Trib approved your comment, while reporting thirteen innocent people were gunned down, killing five in the Ft. Lauderdale Airport.
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Priorities and another service eliminated
From the Manager's Recommended 2017 Budget page 6 - recommended on November 1, 2016:
At the October 3, 2013 Sports Advisory Board meeting, the condition of the aging ice rink was brought to the SAB's attention. Additionally, Commissioner John Bendel addressed the SAB members and asked how they wanted to spend their pot of gold. It was on the meeting video, but for some strange reason, that video is no longer available on the Mt. Lebanon website. Of course.
John Bendel went around the room and asked each member how they wanted to spend the remaining funds from the original $829,000 unassigned funds. The minutes show that the "consensus on the board was that Middle and Wildcat fields would be the preferred location."
Apparently getting the turf passed was more important that the ice rink. Priorities.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
At the October 3, 2013 Sports Advisory Board meeting, the condition of the aging ice rink was brought to the SAB's attention. Additionally, Commissioner John Bendel addressed the SAB members and asked how they wanted to spend their pot of gold. It was on the meeting video, but for some strange reason, that video is no longer available on the Mt. Lebanon website. Of course.
However, I have the link to that video from a blog posting:
Update November 3, 2014 3:19 PM In addition to the videos that Albert Turfstein provided, please view the October 3, 2013 Sports Advisory Board Meeting. Click on Turf Project and watch Tim White say, "Mr. Bendel pissed away all the money we had."
John Bendel went around the room and asked each member how they wanted to spend the remaining funds from the original $829,000 unassigned funds. The minutes show that the "consensus on the board was that Middle and Wildcat fields would be the preferred location."
Another service no longer provided by the Municipality is their notary service.
Keep cutting back on services, Mt. Lebanon, but take care of the special interest groups. Kill those deer. Turf those fields. Ignore the ice rink which is enjoyed by the public. Eliminate our solid waste collection service. Great job.
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Brief Evacuation at High School Today
From: Mr. Brian R. McFeeley, Principal - Mt. Lebanon HS [mailto:noreply@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 1:47 PM
To: Mt. Lebanon Parent/Guardian
Subject: Brief Evacuation at High School Due to Burst Sprinkler Head
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 1:47 PM
To: Mt. Lebanon Parent/Guardian
Subject: Brief Evacuation at High School Due to Burst Sprinkler Head
Today, at around 11:45am a fire alarm occurred resulting in the brief evacuation of the high school building. The Mt.Lebanon Fire Department immediately responded and we were permitted to re-occupy the building within a few minutes of the evacuation.
The alarm was due to a sprinkler head that had burst, due to the weather, in a closet near the auditorium. Due to the water leak related to the broken pipe, two hallway areas were temporarily closed. I commend our students and staff for their cooperation with ensuring a safe and orderly evacuation of the building. I would also like to thank the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department for their assistance and support with this matter.
Mr. Brian R. McFeeley
Principal
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January 2017 Behind The Bubble
Behind The Bubble
January 2017: The Sounds of Silence
By Jason Margolis
I wanted to begin by writing a profile of a Mt. Lebanon individual, because it is people that make up communities. The intention was to look deeper into the essence of a person in our community of some stature, and to have them reflect on life in Mt. Lebanon past, present, and future.
I first approached Dave Brumfield. I thought this would be a good person to start with, as he was incoming Commission President and beginning what would likely be his last year as Commissioner. Additionally, he and I always have had a relatively affable relationship. I emailed Dave both before and after the holidays regarding a potential interview. I never heard back. Silence.
Then, I emailed Mt. Lebanon Public Information Officer Susan Morgans. I thought that this high-profile, in-the-know local public figure would be an excellent individual to launch this monthly series, in an attempt to raise new understandings and build new bridges in Mt. Lebanon. To her credit, she did respond with a short email that declined the interview, while copying Municipal Manager Keith McGill. I then followed up with a ‘reply to all’ asking for any suggestions regarding who they might suggest I talk to, in the spirit of this new column, and never heard back. Silence.
Finally, I decided to approach an individual who a couple of years back was very active in Mt. Lebanon politics. In fact, this individual (who I will not name as they are not a public figure) had previously emailed me for an endorsement of their planned candidacy for Commissioner. I quickly responded to that email two years ago. They did not, however, do likewise in January 2017.
So, why all the silence?
There are three main reasons people bring silence into the world:
1) As a means of power and control, as men often use silence over women in abusive relationships.
2) Out of fear, as a child who somehow did not get caught with his hand in the cookie jar chooses not to tell his parents that his hand was indeed the cookie jar to avoid the consequences of the truth.
3) Because of a disability, as someone who was born, or has become, mute.
It is not clear which of the above apply in this case. Perhaps these individuals feared I would twist their words, although they certainly could have sued me for libel if I did. In fact, as a private citizen I have been threatened with being sued in the past for things I have written about controversial issues in Mt. Lebanon.
Perhaps, looking around the bubble’s edge, it is because one of the most divisive issues in Mt. Lebanon is its silence. As someone who has had to request basic public information and documents from the municipality through “Right To Knows” – and having watched numerous escalating legal battles over releasing the locations of where government-funded deer “management” is taking place – silence does seem to be the common default in Mt. Lebanon. And if this is not a policy borne of fear or disability, it must be one of power and control.
But silence by the powerful comes with costs. In a 60 Minutes interview in 1966, Martin Luther King Jr. warned America, “A riot is the language of the unheard.” Silence infers disengagement and dismissal. It is carried out by those wishing to hold on to something, and not share it, with those who have less. And when people with less feel they are not being listened to, and that this silence is hurting their well-being, sooner or later there will be consequences.
Thus far, the bubble’s walls have been thicker than I thought. But every wall of silence has a trap door – a door that lets people in and lets the truth out.
In February, I hope to find one of the bubble’s hidden trap doors.
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Warning: This might get some folks p.o. at the PIO
Warning: This might p.o. some advertisers and/or taxpayers. The mtl Magazine Ad Revenue for 2016 spreadsheet is here.
It appears that many advertisers are getting reduced pricing. Lebo Citizens reader and watchdog Nick M. ran a quick check and found the following discrepancies.
So why are some advertisers getting a special deal? Why did the PIO get a net increase of $6,430? Why does Howard Hanna get a special break? Is it because a commissioner is employed by Howard Hanna? Why does the Library get billed for advertising? Public Works? Why do Outreach and Medical Rescue Team South have to pay for advertising when they receive funding from MTL? Why does Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center pay for advertising? They are one of the larger advertisers in the magazine. How can the PIO get away with all of this?
It appears that many advertisers are getting reduced pricing. Lebo Citizens reader and watchdog Nick M. ran a quick check and found the following discrepancies.
Howard Hanna should be paying $2180 per issue, they get billed $1962…loss of $2180 per yearColdwell Banker should be paying $2615 per issue, they get billed $2353…loss of $2620 per year
Berkshire Hathaway pays full price but Howard Hanna and Coldwell Banker get a huge discount.
Sewickley Spa should have paid $1855 for their ad, they got billed $1000…loss of $855
Knepper Press should have paid $695 for 7 ads, they got billed $0…loss of $4865
Jade Grill should be paying $1755 each for 2 ads but only paid $1000 each…loss of $1510
I was happy to report that the PIO had a 2017 budget cut of $4,070, but as Nick pointed out, "There was a one-time $10,500 expenditure added as a service level in 2016 to redesign the lebomag website. That expenditure won't be needed in 2017." The PIO 2017 Budget essentially had a net increase of $6,430!Quite a few more too.
So why are some advertisers getting a special deal? Why did the PIO get a net increase of $6,430? Why does Howard Hanna get a special break? Is it because a commissioner is employed by Howard Hanna? Why does the Library get billed for advertising? Public Works? Why do Outreach and Medical Rescue Team South have to pay for advertising when they receive funding from MTL? Why does Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center pay for advertising? They are one of the larger advertisers in the magazine. How can the PIO get away with all of this?
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Pete the Cluster
A Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Saturday 11:00 AM performance of Pete the Cat at Mt. Lebanon High School began with chaos, confusion, and anger after the parking lot could only accommodate about half the audience.
“This is the worst parking situation for a venue hosting a show that I have ever seen,” said one of the event organizers from the Trust. She was also overheard commenting that Mt. Lebanon had been very difficult to work with.
By 10:40 AM, all the designated open spots were already taken. Families then began arguing with themselves, and each other, about who could use the spots with signs posted for “Superintendent Only” and “District Officials Only.” One parent said to an organizer from the Trust, “If they charged you anything for this venue, you should demand a refund.”
It was then explained to parents that the venue had been selected because it had far more seats that Upper St. Clair High School’s auditorium, which has only 800.
Meanwhile, panicked families negotiating mounds of dirt in the high school backyard, with some making spots of their own until all available land was full.
By 11:00 AM, many had dropped off half their families and gone far afield to look for a spot. Angry mothers approached leadership to beg them to delay the start time of the show so families could be reunited. One received the response, “It doesn’t matter when we would start the show – the parking here is horrible.”
Several guests arrived at close to 11:30 AM after running over a mile from distant parking spots. They ended up missing over half the show, which ended at 11:50 AM.
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I can't take it anymore.
I just published the last of the anonymous comments. From now on, you must use your real first and last name. No more initials. Real first and last name.
The trolls are out of control. It is so easy to attack me and anyone else while remaining anonymous. You know how I feel about every issue I write here. I have had enough of the abusive comments.
At one time, Kelly Fraasch said that my blog was toxic. What she didn't admit was that the toxicity comes from trolls. It was so civilized when my blog was private.
I am sure that I will be receiving more abusive comments as the State Supreme Court situation unfolds. I am funding that fight entirely myself. I believe it is the right thing to do. NO TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING USED!
The trolls are out of control. It is so easy to attack me and anyone else while remaining anonymous. You know how I feel about every issue I write here. I have had enough of the abusive comments.
At one time, Kelly Fraasch said that my blog was toxic. What she didn't admit was that the toxicity comes from trolls. It was so civilized when my blog was private.
I am sure that I will be receiving more abusive comments as the State Supreme Court situation unfolds. I am funding that fight entirely myself. I believe it is the right thing to do. NO TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING USED!
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Presenting the 2017-2018 Fake Budget
At one time, Janice Klein referred to the preliminary budget as "the fake budget."Jan Klein, whose title changed from Finance Director to Director of Business explained that the purpose of the preliminary budget is to be able to apply for exceptions to the Index limitation on real estate tax rates. I would like to present Jan Klein's 2017-2018 Fake Budget.
The Post-Gazette reports that according to the "preliminary" budget, our taxes should increase by 0.83 mills to 24.76 mills. Mt. Lebanon begins work on school budget
Lebo Citizen readers might want to do a search for "fake budget" on this blog. Read about how Mt. Lebanon resident Bill Matthews demonstrates to the Department of Education how the District annually submits a fake preliminary budget. Bill and I have attended District budget meetings, where we were both treated rudely. The audios of those meetings are still available on lebocitizens.com. For obvious reasons, those meetings have been discontinued.
For those of you who are new to this process, this is usually when the school board directors like to speak in terms of lattes or pizzas. Just cut back on buying lattes, we were instructed. From 2012, we were told about a $30 million fundraising campaign. Spin Class 101 We are still in the quiet phase of the now $6 million Century of Excellence Campaign. I would love to know how much is in that account. Maybe it will show up in the fake Final Budget.
The Post-Gazette reports that according to the "preliminary" budget, our taxes should increase by 0.83 mills to 24.76 mills. Mt. Lebanon begins work on school budget
Lebo Citizen readers might want to do a search for "fake budget" on this blog. Read about how Mt. Lebanon resident Bill Matthews demonstrates to the Department of Education how the District annually submits a fake preliminary budget. Bill and I have attended District budget meetings, where we were both treated rudely. The audios of those meetings are still available on lebocitizens.com. For obvious reasons, those meetings have been discontinued.
For those of you who are new to this process, this is usually when the school board directors like to speak in terms of lattes or pizzas. Just cut back on buying lattes, we were instructed. From 2012, we were told about a $30 million fundraising campaign. Spin Class 101 We are still in the quiet phase of the now $6 million Century of Excellence Campaign. I would love to know how much is in that account. Maybe it will show up in the fake Final Budget.
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Where are you, Tommy Dunn?
I am so frustrated with the Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon. Do you even exist anymore? What happened to your website? lebogop.com
I did a search and found this link. Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
Regular Meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 7:30pm.
Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building, 710 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, 15228.
For more information contact Tommy Dunn at 412-913-0094 or tpdunn52@gmail.com. Networking begins at 7pm and meeting at 7:30pm
You strive to keep me off your "Republican" bulletin boards at the three polling locations in Ward 3. You did it in the 2011 Primary and the 2015 General Election. You wouldn't allow Jim Cannon to use the "Republican" bulletin boards in the 2011 Primary. Is that your only purpose as head of the Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon? Did you support Dan Remely or Matt Kluck in the 2015 General Election?
I did a search and found this link. Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
Regular Meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 7:30pm.
Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building, 710 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, 15228.
For more information contact Tommy Dunn at 412-913-0094 or tpdunn52@gmail.com. Networking begins at 7pm and meeting at 7:30pm
You strive to keep me off your "Republican" bulletin boards at the three polling locations in Ward 3. You did it in the 2011 Primary and the 2015 General Election. You wouldn't allow Jim Cannon to use the "Republican" bulletin boards in the 2011 Primary. Is that your only purpose as head of the Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon? Did you support Dan Remely or Matt Kluck in the 2015 General Election?
Do you have Republican candidates lined up for the FIVE open school board seats? You couldn't come up with an opponent to run against Dave Brumfield four years ago. He ran unopposed. Are you prepared for the Ward 2 and Ward 4 Primaries? Steve Silverman is up for re-election. Who is your pick? Or will Steve run unopposed like Dave did in the last election? If you do have candidates lined up, do you think the candidates can have contact information on their websites? Ward 1's candidate, running against John Bendel, forgot to include his contact information on his website. You know it's true. You and Temp Smith verified that when I pointed it out to you at the polls at Foster School.
How about putting a little more effort into the Party, Tommy?
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Out of whack
There has been quite a bit written here about some Municipal employees and their salaries. Through a Right To Know, the 2016 earnings/compensation for all individuals in the following departments:
Administration
Animal Control
Community Development
Crossing Guards
Elected Officials
Finance
Fire
Golf Course
Ice Rink
Information Services
Library
Office Services
Parking
Police
Pool
Public Information Office
Public Works
Rec Management
Seasonal Programs
Tax Office
Tennis
Are listed here. I find it interesting that the assistant to the manager (Bonnie Cross) is making almost double what the assistant manager/planner (Ian McMeans) makes.
I'm a little confused about animal control. I know that we no longer have anyone certified to kill rats, and I was under the impression that we have an arrangement with Upper St. Clair, perhaps through SHACOG, to share those services.
Moving down to Finance, the finance director (J. A. McCreery) and the assistant to the manager (Cross) were hired to replace Marcia Taylor, the former assistant manager. Add McCreery's, Cross', and McMeans' salaries together plus full time benefits for the three, and was not the most economical decision our commissioners made.
The Library had paid out almost $1.2 million dollars in earnings last year. That surprised me.
I have skipped Fire and Police. They put their lives on the line.
I have also skipped the Pool, Ice Rink, Tennis, Seasonal Programs, and Golf Course. I cannot comment on these departments since they generate revenue.
Which leaves me to my big gripe, the Public Information Office. I remember Susan Morgans saying that only she and her administrative assistant are full time. All the others are part time. $435,357.92 for public information, which includes the magazine (no printing or photographers or freelance writers or mailing costs) and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. $435,357.92. Plus expenses.
I think things at 710 Washington Road are a little out of whack.
Administration
Animal Control
Community Development
Crossing Guards
Elected Officials
Finance
Fire
Golf Course
Ice Rink
Information Services
Library
Office Services
Parking
Police
Pool
Public Information Office
Public Works
Rec Management
Seasonal Programs
Tax Office
Tennis
Are listed here. I find it interesting that the assistant to the manager (Bonnie Cross) is making almost double what the assistant manager/planner (Ian McMeans) makes.
I'm a little confused about animal control. I know that we no longer have anyone certified to kill rats, and I was under the impression that we have an arrangement with Upper St. Clair, perhaps through SHACOG, to share those services.
Moving down to Finance, the finance director (J. A. McCreery) and the assistant to the manager (Cross) were hired to replace Marcia Taylor, the former assistant manager. Add McCreery's, Cross', and McMeans' salaries together plus full time benefits for the three, and was not the most economical decision our commissioners made.
The Library had paid out almost $1.2 million dollars in earnings last year. That surprised me.
I have skipped Fire and Police. They put their lives on the line.
I have also skipped the Pool, Ice Rink, Tennis, Seasonal Programs, and Golf Course. I cannot comment on these departments since they generate revenue.
Which leaves me to my big gripe, the Public Information Office. I remember Susan Morgans saying that only she and her administrative assistant are full time. All the others are part time. $435,357.92 for public information, which includes the magazine (no printing or photographers or freelance writers or mailing costs) and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. $435,357.92. Plus expenses.
I think things at 710 Washington Road are a little out of whack.
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Frequently Unanswered Questions (FUQ)
I hope I won't be FUQ'ed again by the commissioners. I sent many questions to the commissioners this morning concerning the upcoming "sharpshooting" phase, which will begin on February 1, 2017.
Here is my email:
Commissioners,
The archery season is to end on January 28, 2017. We're told that the "sharpshooting" phase with White Buffalo will run from Feb. 1, 2017 - March 31, 2017. http://www.mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/14630 Looking at the commission meeting calendar, the next meeting is January 23, 2017. When will the results of White Buffalo's archery program be released? Your next meeting won't be until the middle of February, two weeks into the 2017 "sharpshooting" program.
What type of bait will be used for the 2017 "sharpshooting" phase? What type of feeder will be used to bait the deer?
The 2017 contract has never been made public, but here is a link to the contract obtained through a Right To Know. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9r_1biKte_bWVVDZTBQbl9iVWc/view?usp=sharing When will you be putting that contract on the municipal website? The contract states that an aerial survey will be conducted. When will that take place?
Specifically, what will the hours be for the 2017 "sharpshooting?" All we were told is that it will take place late afternoon and after dark seven days a week.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Elaine Gillen
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"You will never be ignored again."
"Hear these words. You will never be ignored again."
-President Donald J. Trump
January 20, 2017
If those words would only ring true in Mt. Lebanon. Our elected officials ignore many of their constituents. I am not alone.
-President Donald J. Trump
January 20, 2017
If those words would only ring true in Mt. Lebanon. Our elected officials ignore many of their constituents. I am not alone.
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mtl Magazine Cost Reductions!
Baby steps, but moving in the right direction. From the weekly Administrative Report:
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Redoubling and the fake, fake budget
Mt. Lebanon schools seek guidance, engage students after discovery of swastika
Also, at Monday's school board meeting, school board directors discussed the fake, fake budget.
“We have redoubled our efforts with students,” Mr. Steinhauer told school board members during their meeting Monday night.
What does Timmy mean? Are the schools doubling or quadrupling efforts? I haven't heard that term used outside of the game, Bridge. I did a quick search and found some explanations.
Redouble is used by politicians to make it sound like they care and are working really hard on solving a problem. Thank to them, current meaning is hollow and means nothing.
Redouble is an example of malapropism. The word "malapropism" (and its earlier variant "malaprop") comes from a character named "Mrs.Malaprop" in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 play The Rivals. Mrs. Malaprop frequently misspeaks (to comic effect) by using words which don't have the meaning that she intends but which sound similar to words that do.Oh, tough call. It could go either way. Irregardless (get it?), it is nice to know that the school district has taken steps to educate our children and reinforce its policies of non-discrimination.
Also, at Monday's school board meeting, school board directors discussed the fake, fake budget.
The state’s Act 1 index limits the district to a tax increase of no more than 2.5 percent, or a new tax rate of 24.5282 mills.Is the final budget really going to be passed in June? Historically, the budget has been passed in mid-May, well before final numbers are available to the District. If this is the case, another step (baby step) in the right direction.
Because the proposed budget is 0.2318 mills over that cap, the district will seek exemptions from the state Department of Education for pension and special education costs.
Board president Mary Birks reminded taxpayers that the final budget -- to be passed in June -- may not necessarily include a tax increase of that size.
“This is a preliminary, preliminary budget,” she said.
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