NOTE: The following letter to the editor appeared in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
I am writing about a private "town hall meeting" that Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Matt Kluck has scheduled at the municipal building on Saturday. Since when are town hall meetings private? The exclusive invitation describes "a panel discussion relative to our current economic situation." It says: "Our goal is to make important information available to the general public inspiring attendees to accept a call to action."
If the intent is to "make information available to the general public," why isn't the general public invited? I was not invited. Why? Is it my political views? My support of the high school renovation?
Is Mr. Kluck's intent to make the meeting appear to be promoted by the municipality? It also will be videotaped and available via the Internet. Rumors say it might appear on our local TV channel. What might a viewer surmise if he sees Mr. Kluck in the commissioners' chambers speaking to a roomful of people? They would likely interpret this staged setting as a real town hall meeting!
KRISTEN LINFANTE
Mt. Lebanon
Read more: www.post-gazette.com/pg/10238/1082701-55.stm
Pages
▼
Thursday, August 26, 2010
7 comments:
PLEASE NOTE: On Blog-Lebo, we do not publish anonymous comments. You must put your name to your words. Include your full name in the text of your comment (usually at the end), and you’ll be fine. Or post from a Blogger account having a public profile that includes your full name. Either way will work. But if you don’t include your name, or if we have reason to believe the name on your comment isn’t authentic, we will not be able to publish your comment.
Why must I use my full name?
When you post a comment on Blog-Lebo, you are making a public statement. Therefore, we require that you accept responsibility for your words. Just like at a public meeting of the school board or municipal government, when you stand to speak on Blog-Lebo, you must state your full name. That way, everyone will know who is speaking, and you will know that you’re responsible for what you say.
Isn't it ironic that Ms. Linfante thinks it unfair that she will not be able to attend the "town hall meeting" this Saturday. This form the same woman who has a blog but will not allow for comments from others because they disagree with her. I guess that, in her world, it's OK to exclude the opinions of others when it suits her agenda.
ReplyDeleteJoe Wertheim
Some *fiddle* while the District burns.
ReplyDeleteHoly smokes Ms Linfante, if you want to attend so badly, just ask Matt. I'm sure he won't say no. But the best way to be overlooked in the future is probably to send letters to the P-G suggesting that something awful is going on. Wasn't it you that labeled so many as fear mongerers?
ReplyDeleteLet us know how it goes. I'd rather play golf.
And, Mr. Wertheim, you don't see any difference between someone who has a blog and a public official holding a town hall meeting? Do you honestly believe that they have equal responsibilities to include the opinions of others?--Neil Berch
ReplyDeleteMr. Berch, I don't see why a Mt. Lebanon resident, who happens to volunteer a great deal of time to serve his community, should be criticized for encouraging discussion about things that affect all who live here. That this criticism is coming from someone who, in their chosen public forum, refuses to allow anyone who disagrees with her to comment, makes her objections less than convincing. It's just another case where it's her rules or it's unfair. This meeting is not Mr. Kluck's event. He is particating, as are others who represent various community interests. The school Board president was also invited, yet declined, and the superintendent stated that "there will be no one participating on the panel representing the school district." Yes, there are differences between public officials and "someone who has a blog", but in this instance we are dealing with two Mt. Lebanon residents. The blogger can operate as she sees fit, but the other resident has not given up his right to participate in a public discussion.
ReplyDeleteJoe Wertheim
Perhaps you weren't invited to attend the meeting because the topic would not be of interest to you, Kristen Linfante. You don't believe we are living in a highly taxed community. I seem to remember you saying something about $18 a month and that we were just fear mongering. So I really don't understand why you are so upset. Or maybe it is because of your behavior at meetings that cost you an invitation. I remember trying to speak at a school board meeting when you were interrupting me and calling out from the floor during my five minutes. Totally disrespectful.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see if you show your true colors on Saturday morning.
Elaine Gillen
There are many closed meetings that go on here which include elected officials, representatives and “hand-picked members of the community”. (You know who you are.) Why aren’t people complaining about those and why aren't the media reporters being tipped off to them? Could it be because the people complaining about this meeting are included in those other secret meetings? Maybe it’s time for those folks to start inviting the whole community to their houses and other places where these meetings take place.
ReplyDelete-Charlotte Stephenson