Laurels & lances: Showing up & going on
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Laurel: To getting involved. People talk about fighting the government. Winning a battle like that is the stuff of movies and TV shows. Losing the encounter is more expected. But how often do people really engage?
This week, Monroeville council denied an application for a controversial development after multiple meetings where Garden City neighborhood residents raised their voices about a change that would turn quiet dead-end streets into throughways for bigger, more expensive homes.
Then there is the crowd that turned up for the Allegheny County council meeting Tuesday in response to County Executive Sara Innamorato’s proposed 46.5% property tax increase, which would address a shortfall in the $3.1 billion budget of more than $100 million.
Estimates from TribLive news partner WTAE put the number of speakers at about 200.
Generally, when a crowd shows up after a tax increase announcement, it’s protesting in favor of the status quo. This time, most people were supporting the increase in favor of keeping important programs.
Council has not voted on the budget or increase yet. In fact, while President Pat Catena has said there are not enough votes for the proposed number, no counter proposal has been put forward.
But while council isn’t talking, it hasn’t stopped people from showing up and raising their voices.
Laurel: To defying gravity. No, we aren’t talking about the “Wicked” movie musical hitting theaters nationwide this week. We’re talking about something much more down to earth. Literally.
In a clip on “Inside Edition,” comedian and former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno sported an eye patch, a wrist brace and a spectacularly bruised face, prompting the obvious question: How did this happen?
Leno, 74, was playing a show at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg and staying at the Hampton Inn Greensburg off Route 30. While walking to a nearby restaurant, he decided to take a shortcut. The celebrity fell down a deceptively steep hill, encountering several rocks.
Despite his injuries, Leno — who is known to do hundreds of live events annually — was on stage playing to a full house.
“What a classy professional,” said Daniel Stainer, director of marketing for the Westmoreland Cultural Trust.
Let’s hope Leno visits the area again — but remembers that the law of gravity will win every time. No shortcuts!