Luzerne County Council election 2017

The TL has a rundown of the candidates that have so far expressed an interest in becoming Luzerne County Councilors. Democratic incumbent Council chair Linda McClosky Houck is up for another run but Eileen Sorokas will take a pass.

 I backed Eileen last time but her support of Trump as reported in this Newsweek article ( Why Did Donald Trump Win? Just Visit Luzerne County, Pennsylvania) poisoned her potential support among  local Dems. The news of the last few weeks revealed a serious lack of judgement on her part.

Incumbent Republican Harry Haas says the county has made progress on the debt and other issues and will seek a third term. Kathy Dobash is being coy but is probably in.

Independent Rick Williams is non committal about  term.

A bunch of Democrats will be circulating petitions:

Wendy Cominsky, of  Dallas Township

 John Gadomski, of Wyoming

 Philip Gianfarcaro, of Pittston

 David Popiak, of Hazleton

 Sheila Saidman, of Kingston

 The Republicans looking to get on the ballot:

Mark Dixon, of Wright Township,

 Chris Perry, of Fairview Township

 Stephen J. Urban, of Wilkes-Barre

 Gregory S. Wolovich Jr., of Newport Township

This Sunday candidate Wendy Cominsky is holding a petition party open to all Democratic candidates.

Rock the County

Dobash knocks Lawton and endorses candidates

From the email:

This letter is a plea to the Majority of County Council and the Luzerne County Citizens to hold Luzerne County Manager Robert Lawton accountable.  It is also a letter of support for five Luzerne County Council Candidates who are on the November General Election Ballot.

On September 22, 2015 Luzerne County Council was informed that since the start of this year Luzerne County was without a hazard mitigation plan.   I was surprised, shocked and angry because public safety and wellness was not Lawton's top priority.  This is the biggest error and missed deadline made by Luzerne County Manager Lawton.

 

Listen to the 9-22-2015 Work Session meeting audio.

At our meeting, County Council Chair Linda Houck, asked: "What is the usual procedure?  I can tell you I hadn't heard about it"  Houck questioned Operational Services Director Tanis Manseau about the process to get the plan on the Council agenda.  Manseau replied, "we send it to the Manager".

So Lawton ignored it! Did he put it on a pile or throw it away?

When I took my turn to comment I said: “It’s extremely alarming. I’m asking for an investigation as to why we were not notified.”

I also stated I was thinking of the potential financial disaster.  This is gross mismanagement by the County Manager. 

Lawton's failure to meet our designated deadlines gives enough reasons to replace him with a person who has real leadership skills.

I ask Chair Houck and the rest of the Council majority to wake up and open blind prideful eyes.    Lawton overspends $16.9 million, lies to Council Council and cannot meet deadlines in a responsible manner.  It is time for Mr. "Lateton" to go. 

After a man made or natural disaster we depend on and receive  the recovery money to rebuild lives.

However, to get that money, counties and municipalities need a hazard mitigation plan.

Below is a memo to help  ease our concern:

"This letter should end the concern that Luzerne County didn’t have a FEMA approved HM Plan in place.

All work had been done, the necessary municipal adoptions had not occurred once FEMA Region III provided the normal FEMA “Approval Pending Adoption” Letter.

Nancy/Lucy – Please ensure all municipalities continue to get their municipal adoptions into the county and FEMA Region III, to include the upcoming County adoption in October.  Thanks."

 

Regards,

 

Thomas S. Hughes

PEMA State Hazard Mitigation Officer

Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation

Hazard Mitigation Division

PA Emergency Management Agency

2605 Interstate Drive | Hbg PA  17110

 We need a County Manager who places  Luzerne County Citizens first on his priority list.

The future of Luzerne County  is in the hands of the voters.

The voters have a chance in the November General Election to select the incumbents and those candidates who put public safety first  and stop County Manager Robert Lawton  from crippling the area.

Re-elect Edd Brominski, Stephen A. Urban and Stephen J. Urban, incumbents who have voted against EVERY tax increase since the beginning of the new Home Rule Government.
- These incumbents  opposed the elimination of the Homestead Tax Credit.

- These incumbents supported actions to replace County Manager Lawton who has proven himself to be fiscally irresponsible four years in a row and late with every important deadline designated in our Charter.

I also ask voters to elect Mark Rabo and Ray Gustave who have dedicated their time to attend County Council meetings and know the issues we face.  

- They are the only candidates who have consistently researched the law and shared information at public meetings.

- Both gave excellent suggestions to County Council on important issues before Council took action.

Moving forward with leadership will take strong trustful individuals.

I place my faith and confidence in the people who really care.

Sincerely,

Kathy Dobash

Luzerne County Council Member

Kathy Dobash says thanks

Dear Friends,

I am writing to thank you for your vote and support during the most recent general election on November 5, 2013.

As a candidate-elect for Luzerne County Council I want to provide you my email address:  kathydobash@yahoo.com .  Please feel free to contact me regarding any Luzerne County issue which may require my assistance.

I believe in openness and transparency.  I will be glad to present your concerns to other members of Luzerne County Council at public meetings.

With your help, we can make a difference and improve our communities throughout Luzerne County.

Again, I sincerely thank you for your support.  I wish all Luzerne County Citizens a wonderful Holiday Season!

Kathy Dobash

Last minute emails

The election is tomorrow and a few candidates have sent me some stuff.

I don't cover Scranton or Lackawanna County unless a friend is running for office but the Mulligan camp has been sending things to me for months. This is the latest:

SCRANTON, PA - With just one day until Election Day, the Mulligan for Mayor of Scranton campaign continues to build momentum. And as the campaign continues to build, here is a look back at the numbers behind the momentum:

21,000            Number of doors in Scranton knocked on by the Mulligan Campaign

1890               Number of blocks walked in Scranton while going door-to-door

180                 Miles walked by Jim Mulligan while going door-to-door in Scranton

$154,165        Amount raised by Mulligan Campaign in less than three months

$66,703          How much less Bill Courtright's campaign raised than Mulligan in the last 3 months

41                   How many ideas Mulligan proposed to fix Scranton's finances

41                   How many more ideas Mulligan proposed than Courtright to fix Scranton's finance

1-0                  Jim Mulligan's record in debates against Bill Courtright

1                     Endorsement by the Scranton Times-Tribune of Jim Mulligan for Mayor

 Luzerne County Council candidate Eileen Sorokas talks about the budget:

The County Council has many issue they are facing prior to this election. In fact, all issue are important, that affect the public. Indeed, the most important issue, beside public safety, I will have to deal with is the budget. Through life experiences I have gain skills to manage budgets and understand the suffering people undertake when they lose their homes to foreclosures due to taxation or loss of jobs from budgets cuts. The hard decisions have to be made to either increase taxes or lay off people. My Goal is to “To Hold the Line on Taxes” with staff reduction through attrition. However, the county released an unbalance budget.  Consequently, putting fear into the public and employees with having an 8% tax increase or 160 employees to be lay off. Also, the unions will be asked for $2.7Million dollars concessions or 57 layoffs. Furthermore, the county cannot get a Crediting Rating for potential refinancing of their bond issue, unless they prove they have fiscal stability for at least two years. Also, no credit rating is causing our bonds fees to increase.  Appears my Goal may be out of touch with the main stream. Indeed, I will have to work harder to achieve my goal. Consequently, the County Manager and his staff should works to reduce taxes for all the citizens of Luzerne County.

The time for talking is over, we must go back to justifying all department cost.  Zero base budgeting. No more using past figures. Also, the taxation problem is state wide, but magnified with Luzerne County’s high debt. Furthermore, our State legislators should be working with our county to fine solutions. Indeed, there are some bills in the house and senate for tax relief using the States Income Tax and Sales Tax. Maybe, a local Drink Tax. However, the bills are not going anywhere. Incidentally, the Gaming Industry was for property tax relief, how much are we getting?  We have a Casino in Luzerne County and the county get very little if any benefit. We must look at other ways of taxation besides property taxes. Certainly, new taxation in the future to be equal for all citizens. By council working together and making it a goal, I believe the end result will be positive for all citizens of Luzerne County.

  Thank you 

Eileen M. Sorokas for County Council

As does Kathy Dobash:

 Luzerne County Citizens:

I attended the first public hearing about the Luzerne County Budget.

Below is the audio.  If you fast forward to the end of the meeting you will hear the intimidation thrown at citizens who stayed to speak during the public comment portion of the forum.

The County Solicitor is instructed to time everyone. 

10-29-2013 - First Luzerne County Public Budget Hearing

First I want to say, public comment should be allowed at the beginning of the meeting.  The meeting should take place in a larger room. 

A  tax hike of 8% was suggested throughout the meeting.

The majority of County Council did not want to hear the public outcry.  They are out of touch with those who live on a fixed income and working families.

The next scheduled budget hearings are:

November 12th, 18th and 19th.

My name is Kathy Dobash. I am a candidate for Luzerne County Council.

 I oppose tax hikes.  They hurt families and businesses.

On Tuesday, November 5th, help me OPPOSE the 8% tax hike.

Political Rants: 


Tomorrow is election day here in Pa. I am urging everybody to get out and vote. In particular (no fainting please) vote for Bednar for Controller and Harry Haas for council.

In the controller race, as much as it pains me to ever endorse a democratic candidate, this is an easy call to make. Sometimes the devil you don't know is a far better pick than the one we all know all too well.

For county council I am hoping everybody votes for just Harry Haas. Harry is a man of exceptional character and honesty and he deserves all of our votes.

Gloom and doom from Lawton

TL: Luzerne County Manager Robert Lawton’s proposed 2014 budget calls for an 8 percent tax increase and contains a $2.77 million gap that will be closed with roughly 55 layoffs if employees don’t offer up concessions.


 There has been something of a collective freakout online and from local politicos over this proposal. My advice is that everybody take a chill pill as this his opening negotiating position and will certainly be modified before a final budget is adopted. How many times have we seen this before from local school districts. The first draft of the budget proposes a big hike in taxes and the final one limits it to only 2 or 3 percent. Then they all slap each other on the back for "working hard" to find efficiencies that limited the tax hike.

The biggest driver of the budget woes is the debt service. The Bond Brothers, Skrep and Vondy , borrowed almost every year to just cover operating expenses and it's going to take about 15 years to dig out of the hole they dug. In the meantime costs increase every year for everything from health care to office supplies. In the end some people will be let go and taxes will go up.

Some Luzerne County Council candidates sound ridiculous about never voting for a tax increase. It's like Grover Norquist got to them.

County council candidate pledges no tax raise

 Paul DeFabo is incoherent. He doesn't want  a tax increase or layoffs. Kathy Dobash and Eileen Sorokas have said no to a tax increase ever. I expected that from Kathy but not Eileen. The rest of them said all the usual things  about cutting expenses but did not rule out raising taxes.

 

Kathy Dobash asks for your vote

From the inbox:

I have over 25 years of work experience educating and helping people.  I worked in the public school system, cared for my elderly mother and rejoined the work force as a therapeutic staff support worker assisting autistic children.  Currently I am employed as a Problem Solver for a major Fortune 500 company.

I have served the residents as a volunteer in my hometown of Hazleton with the Chamber of Commerce during annual community events.  I also served the residents across Luzerne County by volunteering many hours at the Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency during the 2006 and 2011 Flooding disasters.

I am writing to ask Luzerne County residents for their vote and support. With your help we can return trust and respect to County Government.  We deserve it.

You can vote for up to 5 County Council Candidates on Election Day.  I am asking for one of your votes.   I have worked hard to promote transparency in Luzerne County government. When Luzerne County Council first took office I requested the audio minutes from the meetings because the written approved minutes were edited. Also to promote openness I submitted a My Right to know request which revealed over 43,000 County Council emails were sent within 14 months.   Decisions and deliberations have gone on since January 2012 with the new council through email correspondence.

The Right-to-Know Law requires government agencies to provide access to public records and information.

The Sunshine Act requires official action and deliberations from a quorum of the members of an agency to be at a public meeting, unless the meeting is closed based on a permissible exception.

As a result of my efforts we now have County Council meetings on audio available on the website and County Council email correspondence posted starting on October 1, 2013.

I humbly request  your vote on Tuesday, November 5th.  Please vote for Kathy Dobash.

Sincerely,

Kathy Dobash

Candidate for Luzerne County Council

Eillen Sorokas for Luzerne County Council

Eileen Sorokas with Mrs. G in the background

Eileen Sorokas had a nice turnout for her kickoff rally in her quest to win a seat on the Luzerne County Council at the Polish Club in beautiful downtown Hudson yesterday. When I walked in the door I thought I was in the wrong place as the first person I spotted was Luzerne County GOP Vice-Chair Lynette Villano. It was then explained that Eileen generously invited all county candidates regardless of party. She's a class act.

The other 4  Democratic Council nominees showed up. Incumbent Linda Houck and the Accountability Ticket of Michael Giamber, Richard (Kick Heffron)   and Renee Zita Ciaruffoli Taffera. They were joined by Republican candidates Kathy Dobash and Paul DeFabo.

Both Controller candidates worked the crowd. Michelle Bednar (D) has already knocked off a big name in the Primary (Urban) and is now facing another one  Carolee Medico-Olenginski (R).

Councilor Ed Brominski and LC Chair Tim McGinley greeted the crowd.

More Photos at this link.

Kathy Dobash for Luzerne County Council.

From the inbox:

Kathy Dobash, 53, of Hazleton is pleased to announce her candidacy for Luzerne County Council. She is the daughter of the late Edward J. and Marie E. (Potter) Dobash. Her father was a WWII veteran. Dobash is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University.

She has worked as an Art Educator and Therapeutic Staff Support Worker.  

 

Currently Dobash is employed in the private sector as an inventory specialist and continues with her artistic endeavors. 

 

" I have attended the majority of Luzerne County Council meetings. I believe in full and open transparency. All decisions made by the new Luzerne County Council must be open and above board. The county council cannot tend to personal agendas backed by inflated egos with giant political objectives. Luzerne County must heal first to move forward in the restoration of trust.

 

While taking calls on the hot line during the  flood crisis I received callers who were evacuated.  They returned to devastation and expressed anger about the waste and greed in our government.  I believe the public realizes the Luzerne County Home Rule Charter does not contain consequences when it is not followed.  It must be more than a super-sized school board. It will take time to build trust.  Amendments can be made to improve Luzerne County government.  Steps must be taken to ensure elected officials follow the Charter.  Raising taxes is not an option.  I will work to not raise taxes and pay down the debt.  We must look for the waste in all departments and branches of government.  I invite the Judicial Branch to work with Luzerne County Council to achieve that goal."

 

Kathy Dobash

Luzerne County Council candidates

Harry Haas (R) will be running for another term and will have a meet and greet at Rondano"s Thursday February 28'th from 6 to 7:30 P.M.

Linda McClosky Houck(D) is in for another term.  Elaine Maddon Curry(D) has had enough and will not seek reelection.. Eugene Kelleher (R) will run for reelection. Democrats Eileen Sorokas and Renee Ciaruffoli-Taffera said they  will run for county council. Republicans Kathy Dobash and Alex Milanes are also mounting campaigns.

Luzerne County Councillors running for reelection

5 seats on the Luzerne County Council and the Controller's spot are up for reelection next year. Democrats Elaine Madden Curry and Linda McClosky Houck and Republicans Harry Haas and Eugene Kelleher along with Independent Rick Williams were the bottom 5 of 11 elected in 2009 so their seats are up this time. The other 6 seats will be decided in 2015.

In this story by Jennifer Learn Andes in the TL none of them definitely said they will run again but they all sound like candidates. The new form of government is a work in progress and except for 2 members the council seem to be trying to make it work. It will take a few more years to iron out all the kinks and these people want it to work.

This time around we will see plenty of candidates starting to circulate petitions starting Feb. 19th but fewer 3rd party and independent bids.

Republican candidate in 2011 Kathy Dobash sent this along:

I have gone to many Luzerne County Council meetings throughout the year, made comments and it resulted with a lack of response.

 

I remember a contingent of elderly veterans came to the Luzerne County Council meeting and had to wait over 3 hours before given an opportunity to speak because Mr. Bobeck refused to place them on the agenda.

Many left because of their age and I still recall the words: "Shame on you!"

 

The 2012 budget contained a tax increase.  Was it really necessary?  The 2013 budget gave a $1,000 bonus for non union employees.

 

Mr. Lawton was late presenting the 2013 budget and did not comply with the Home Rule Charter.  The 2013 budget revenues are questionable.  It is highly likely the revenue will not materialize without future borrowing.  I have seen Mr. Lawton keep County Council members in the dark about issues facing Luzerne County.  Updates must be provided by the County Manager on County business as required by the Home Rule Charter.  Why is the Charter ignored?

 

Throughout the year there was much discussion about the County debt, however the majority of Council has continued to spend Bond money without a plan.  Many Council members complain about the County debt but foolishly spend over $30 million of Bond money left over by previous administration.  They raised taxes and gave out bonuses. This sounds like tax the people and spend their money to me.

 

I will continue to attend Luzerne County Council meetings in 2013.  I will question our County officials on issues important to the residents of Luzerne County.

 

Happy New Year to the all citizens of Luzerne County,

 

Kathy Dobash

Hazleton, PA

Luzerne County Boards, Authorities and Commissions

This was sent along from my friend Kathy.

All:

It is my hope the newly elected Luzerne County Council does not hastily appoint citizens who do not qualify for positions on Boards, Authorities and Commissions. I also hope other citizens are given time and concern to apply and adjust schedules for interviews. Do not use this process to discourage or limit interested applicants. Below is part of a recent email I received:

"Dear Kathy,
Thank you for your interest in serving your fellow citizens of Luzerne County as a member of the new Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission.
The Luzerne County Council requests your presence at a group interview session.
Due to the number of interested applicants, several interview sessions have been scheduled.
You are invited to participate in the 8:15 interview session on Monday evening, January 23, 2012 at the Luzerne County EMA building, Water Street, Wilkes-Barre."

When I requested another date and time to accommodate my work schedule, I received notice it was the only time available.

Only one meeting time is set to interview candidates for appointments to the ACCOUNTABILITY, CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMISSION. More courtesy was given to the County Manager candidates in regard to confidentiality and interview times. Let's toss mutual respect out the window when interacting with those who live here in Luzerne County. Since, communication with County Council members is biased, my only option is to continue with public comment and keep in communication with the press. When trying to convey my concerns about several items, one phone communication resulted with a Luzerne County Council member, Mr. Eugene Kelleher raising his voice to get his message across and hanging up in the middle of the conversation. He was defending Chairman's Bobeck's violation of the Luzerne County Charter. He then was overheard that same evening boasting about it to Chairman Bobeck that he "hung up on Dobash". Mr. Kelleher broke his campaign promise. I guess this is just another average politician at work. This County Council member campaigned and gave out his phone number prior to election as a person who is approachable. This is a great disappointment. I believed in his integrity. Has power and position gone to his head? Intimidation strategy will not work with me. Your ego is very inflated.

I will not be intimidated by Luzerne County Council members. The frequent loud intonation utilized by Mr. Kelleher to give his opinion at meetings is ineffective and projects as another political grandstanding tactic. The citizens who attend meetings and make time to address issues at public comment are not children or students. Luzerne County Council members who are former teachers cannot apply teacher classroom management strategies to this position. Let's be real here.

I hope and pray The Luzerne County Home Rule Charter is followed. A precedent has been set with one breach of the charter by Mr. Bobeck. He worked for Luzerne County while serving on the Luzerne County Home Rule Transition Committee. Luzerne County Council elected him Chair. I read a prepared statement. I stated my concerns at the January 2, 2012 meeting and requested Council not to elect him as Chair. This has been deleted from the meeting minutes posted on the website. The meeting minutes do not reflect the recorded minutes which are public record. I filed a right to know request for the recordings. I am surprised at the tampering with historical record. Why are the minutes now 'watered down'? Why do you need to protect yourselves? Why throw out documented statements by citizens and elected officials? The correct minutes should be available for the public to review. Again, this lack of respect and blatant disregard of charter prohibitions can be viewed as a direct insult to every Luzerne County citizen. This is not accurate documentation of the meeting. I am grateful we have an honest Luzerne County Right to Know Officer who follows the law and provides the truthful and accurate public record when requested. Chariman Bobeck, why are you taking time to alter the meeting minutes before posting them on the County website? Luzerne County Home Rule is about open and transparent government which allows for citizen participation.

Does Luzerne County Council respect Luzerne County residents in regard to work schedules or is this another way to limit citizens to serve on Boards, Authorities and Commissions? Candidates for the hired County Executive were catered to by using Luzerne County tax dollars to pay for accommodations, etc. during the interview process. Mr. Kelleher announced at a Council meeting he gave the candidates tours. Luzerne County citizens should be given courtesy and time to interview properly for appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions. These are non-paid positions to serve the public.

I respectfully withdraw my name as a candidate to serve on the ACCOUNTABILITY, CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMISSION. I cannot attend the interview. I ask for appropriate notice with other appointments in regard to interview times and schedules so more applicants may attend the public interview.

Luzerne County is one of the poorest counties in the nation. Many people work 2 or 3 jobs to live here. Please accommodate interested citizens who strive to live here, volunteer during times of disaster, volunteer to improve the quality of life and work to make Luzerne County better.


Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Dobash,

Hazleton, PA

Haggerty responds

Gort,

Just read the Kathy Dobash post. Quite entertaining.

A couple of points:

1. Please don't fall into the trap of letting charter opponents attack the charter by ripping on me, Morelli, or anyone else. If someone wants to attack the charter, let them attack what's IN the charter. That's the question for voters: Is the plan of government set forth in the charter better than our current three commissioner/row officer system?

The charter plan is plainly better than the current system, and in dozens of different ways. Dobash cannot in any way, shape, or form make a coherent argument that the current corrupt system is better than the system set forth in the charter. Hence, the personal attacks. Don't let her get away with dodging the main issue.

2. Facts are clearly not an impediment to a Dobash argument. I was delighted to learn that I'm a "good friend" of Bob Powell. While he, like dozens of lawyers, donated to my state senate campaign in 2006, I can't remember ever meeting the man, although I can't say for sure we never crossed paths. But Dobash here is just making stuff up. She does that. Another case in point: Dobash alleged at a public meeting (as did Steve Urban to the Standard Speaker) that, under the charter, the controller can't access county books until 18 months after a transaction. Well, the charter actually gives the controller access to any county record or employee upon "reasonable notice." Somebody made up the "18 month" argument. Hey, why let the facts get in the way of an important public policy debate?

3. Steve Urban came out against the charter before we even had a charter, and Dobash is a Steve Urban acolyte. Check out her posts worshipping Urban on WILK's website. If the charter passes, Urban loses his job as county commissioner since the office is eliminated. Dobash is clearly unhappy about this.

4. I think Norton may have mentioned to you that study commission members would love to meet with the blogger community to discuss the charter. (And you can see our awesome slideshow comparing the existing form of government and the charter!) Is this something you can set up?

Thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Against Home Rule

This is a guest from my pal Kathy Dobash who is a regular poster at NewsTalkPA which is part of the ever growing GrassrootsPA internet empire.





I know it is common practice for TV interviews with local candidates and politicians. Sometimes these interviews are paid by the candidates as a commercial for their agenda and ideas about government.

These expenses are reported as part of the campaign.

The latest "interviews" on a local Hazleton TV show has Chairman Haggerty promoting Home Rule as a business run by a CEO. We all know that can be even more corrupt than the Wilkes-Barre School District. View the video at this link: http://www.ssptv.com/show.php?show_id=21

INSIDE SCOOP

Special Guest Jim Haggerty (28 minutes)
2010-06-28

Topics 1. Home Rule Charter 2. County Accountability

Does Jim Haggerty, Tom Marnell and David Sosar help pay for the air time with this show? Why? I was wondering how other citizens can be guests on this show. Is this a way for the Kingston Mayor to have the whole county pass a tax to cover the levee fee for the people of Kingston? Does the Southern Region of the county have enough population to cover other costs?

How can the Home Rule Study Commission use a TV show with the host( Rick Morelli, treasurer of the Home Rule Study Commission) to promote their new idea of government? Did the Home Rule Study Commission vote in secret to run these interviews? The citizens who disagree with important key issues about their written document do not have the money to speak out and be heard! Is this how we want to do business? Those with differences of opinion must have equal opportunity and time. All of these actions: Paying for ads to promote only the Commission's idea, waiting until someone leaves a room to address concerns, and run television programs where no one else can debate the topic give me concern to reconsider the motives of the Home Rule Study Commission members. They just want to win to save face.
The concerns about the authority of the transition team, the duties of a County Controller, Elected or Appointed County Executive and Districts are still important topics for many voters.

The study commission plans to approve a proposal on July 21.

The last meeting was about term limits. http://standardspeaker.com/news/home-rule-panel-discussses-term-limits-1.873783


Supreme power using Ad propaganda to promote a new form of government is questionable. Should Rick Morelli be involved in dedicating showtime without saying who is paying for it? Are they in violation of campaign expense laws? They fail to disclose the show sponsors. Someone is paying for the show airtime. Haggerty, an attorney and Morelli should know better. Haggerty is a good friend of Bob Powell.

He did nothing and said nothing about the Luzerne County corruption over a four year period. What is even more troubling? He has failed to change the judicial branch and the wrong doing in the DA's office in the Home Rule document.

He had no guts to talk to me when I was present in a room. Why did he wait until I left the area to address the audience about my public statements?

The use of the show "Inside Scoop" to promote the vote for the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission's new Charter is just plain wrong. Does it violate finance spending and reporting?

Is the television time donated on this TV show allowed. WHO is paying for the show?
I think having a political show is fine. I have a problem with the use to promote the work of the Home Rule Study Commission. If Rick Morelli was not treasurer of the Commission then all is well but it is a HUGE CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Does it violate any laws?

It is politically driven and the stars on the show have political interest with possible gain for power and money. The promotion to SELL their charter is obvious.

Who is fronting the money for the political airtime about Luzerne County Home Rule? It will be on the ballot November 2ND. If Home Rule passes I pray many step up to run for the 11 Council positions to keep those who wrote the Charter honest. I recommend THUMBS DOWN on Luzerne County Home Rule Charter!

State Committee

Our latest Republican hopeful also is a regular poster at NewsTalkPA which is part of the ever expanding GrassrootsPA internet empire.



Name Kathleen M. Dobash

Age 51

Residence Hazleton, PA



Reason for Running


I hope to encourage more citizens to vote and become involved with the political process.


I want to restore confidence in our local government leadership.

I want to address the issue of the local corruption. The citizens of this county cannot afford to pay for abuse of the system.

Property owners pay taxes in good faith. Wasteful spending and deception cannot continue.
I am an advocate for the elderly and for those who cannot represent themselves.

I was elected Inspector of Elections and Constable for Hazleton City Ward 1. I actively write letters printed in our newspapers to talk about local issues. Vote for me on May 18Th.