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Showing posts with label Luzerne County Commissioners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luzerne County Commissioners. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Outgoing Commissioners leaving a mess
This is a guest post from Wil Toole. Wil held various administrative positions in the City of Pittston and was a candidate for the new Luzerne County Council in the Primary. When it comes to county/municiple government he is one of the most knowledgeable people around.
Merry Christmas, You're Fired!
The outgoing County Commissioner's have finally outdone themselves. They have prepared a budget that if adopted would bring county government to its knees and bring the business of the people to a shattering halt.
.
This budget is far beyond what could even begin to resemble a working budget and in my mind is nothing less than a parting slap in the face to every Luzerne county resident.
.
I will put the cart in front of the horse and comment on the real problem of county finances. Simply put, it is the debt. The debt service in 2008 was budgeted at just over $1 million dollars. It jumped to $21.8 million in the 2011 budget and for 2012 the debt services is listed as $24.8 million dollars. And there in folks lies the problem. The solution is to remove the debt service from the general fund and treat it as the separate animal that it is. The problem was not addressed properly so as a quick fix, it must be seen as a separate issue and a debt reduction fund must be created with millage dedicated for that purpose. The general fund millage would be adjusted to reflect this change. The next step would be to renegotiate the entire debt and to try the debt reduction plan I offered two years ago. The practice of creating future debt must stop post haste and not a dollar should be borrowed that does not affect the health and safety of our residents. NO MORE SPENDING!
.
As you look at the current proposed budget, there was no thought or effort put into it. If there was then shame on the mini minds that created it. I will state a few examples of why the budget is unworkable.
.
On the expense side the budget goes against logic and prevents various departments from operating and in some cases lock horns with the law.
.
An example of ignoring the law would be the Court Stenographers. The 2011 budget is listed at just under 1.1 million dollars. They have spent as of October $876,532. The new budget is $750,286 which is a cut of 44.45%. The problem is that a court stenographer must be present and create a written record of every action taking place in the court system. This line item is designed to fail.
.
The Prothonotary's office was cut from just over $1 million dollars to $607,793 for a 68.96% cut. This office is required for the operation of the courts and maintenance of various legal documents. The other Row offices have been cut to unmanageable amounts and the reasoning that they will no long be separate offices does not hold water. The Row Officers were removed from existence but not the duties of each office. Records are still required and the fact that these offices are located in three separate buildings has not even been considered. The cost of the individual Row Officer will be eliminated but there remains a need for management and supervision. How do you maintain control and effectiveness when the cost of doing so is removed from the budget? The Register of Wills budget was cut 50%, Clerk of Courts cut 57%, Treasurer 57% and the Coroner cut by 29%. These cuts are a budget directors dream come true but they are a manager's nightmare. The Department of Probation is cut 35% and it appears that the outgoing commissioner's must think that no criminals will be placed on probation, no fines and fees will be collected and restitution for victims will be forgotten. The Magistrates are cut 53.23% and I would think part of their logic is that one magistrate office might be eliminated. Flawed thinking because if that happens, it wont occur till 2013 so they must still operate.
.
The Commissioners have given no thought to the fact that there are contracts in place but union and business. Example, of the 17 Magisterial offices, approximately 10 have leases with local municipalities and these local governments are planning their budgets with these leases in place. The remaining office have private sector leases and I doubt that these landlords are willing to cut the leases in half. Other than that, please consider that many Magisterial offices only have two clerical people so if they are cut in half, that leaves one person to run the office. If that person is sick or on vacation the office must close, there are no backup staff. The deeper you delve into this fantasy budget, the more childlike it becomes.
.
This is just a brief overview of the expense side of the ledger and I didn't even mention other big ticket items such as the prison, Moon Lake, etc.
.
The lack of thought is pretty evident when you consider that insurance and benefits remain about the same and this is after the county workforce is decimated. Is that logical?
.
On the income side, there has been nothing done in the form of creative management and the lack of effort is obvious in the numbers as they currently exist.
.
Steps that can be taken is the restructuring of the county debt, increasing probation services fees, the more active use of home arrest vs incarceration. This would result in the criminals (non violent) paying the cost of the ankle bracelets and supplying their own health care, food and clothing. The county spends millions each year on health care for prisoners. There can be an attempt to renegotiate county leases and discussions can be held with the unions to accept a temporary pay freeze or renegotiate the amount of the contracted pay increases. Probation fees for both adults and juvenile offenders must be increased. Some of these fees have remained unchanged for a number of years.
.
The thing I must caution on is that balancing the budget on the backs of the employees is never a good idea and long term, it causes a negative impact on county operations. The county must offer an early retirement incentive but they must pledge to not fill the vacated positions and the unions must agree to allow for transfers to save jobs. Employees must be allowed to transfer within the system to fill job needs and avoid layoffs in one department and hiring's in another. It is also possible to consider voluntary short term layoffs. Yes the county is self insured but the amount paid on layoff would equal the net pay of employees, not the gross. The costs of Social Security alone would be significant.
.
This is a time for creative thinking, not the simplistic approach that was used to gut the budget and give no thought to the consequences. For those incoming Council members who have taken the NO taxes approach of the Tea Party mentality, there is a reality that government is useful and serves a purpose. The problem in Luzerne county is that in recent years, little thought has been given to economic management and taxpayer responsibility. Services must be provided and in many cases are required but the delivery system can no longer be based on careless spending such as the palm reading time clocks and patronage with little thought to required funding.
Taxes are a requirement for services delivered and thoughtful frugal management must be the foundation of responsible government.
And former State Rep Kevin Blaum weighs in with his TL column
Commissioners continue to cause damage Kevin Blaum In the Arena
With only 45 days remaining in their tawdry tenure, the county commissioners brazenly made two appointments to the Luzerne County Community College’s Board of Trustees and named two more to the often pivotal county planning commission...On Monday your Luzerne County commissioners voted to create a bi-county authority to run the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. The Lackawanna County commissioners followed suit, and each body gets to make three appointments to the board with each appointee serving a four-year term...Worse, the commissioners might be leaving behind a political budget document set to explode early next year, forcing the new council to raise taxes only a few weeks in or preside over a government that makes huge cuts in the office of a new district attorney and the new judiciary in which it functions.
So let us give thanks to Maryanne Petrilla, Stephen Urban and Thomas Cooney for reminding everyone why voters marched to the polls en masse to abolish the offices they hold and to establish a new, reform government that assumes its responsibilities on Jan. 2.
Merry Christmas, You're Fired!
The outgoing County Commissioner's have finally outdone themselves. They have prepared a budget that if adopted would bring county government to its knees and bring the business of the people to a shattering halt.
.
This budget is far beyond what could even begin to resemble a working budget and in my mind is nothing less than a parting slap in the face to every Luzerne county resident.
.
I will put the cart in front of the horse and comment on the real problem of county finances. Simply put, it is the debt. The debt service in 2008 was budgeted at just over $1 million dollars. It jumped to $21.8 million in the 2011 budget and for 2012 the debt services is listed as $24.8 million dollars. And there in folks lies the problem. The solution is to remove the debt service from the general fund and treat it as the separate animal that it is. The problem was not addressed properly so as a quick fix, it must be seen as a separate issue and a debt reduction fund must be created with millage dedicated for that purpose. The general fund millage would be adjusted to reflect this change. The next step would be to renegotiate the entire debt and to try the debt reduction plan I offered two years ago. The practice of creating future debt must stop post haste and not a dollar should be borrowed that does not affect the health and safety of our residents. NO MORE SPENDING!
.
As you look at the current proposed budget, there was no thought or effort put into it. If there was then shame on the mini minds that created it. I will state a few examples of why the budget is unworkable.
.
On the expense side the budget goes against logic and prevents various departments from operating and in some cases lock horns with the law.
.
An example of ignoring the law would be the Court Stenographers. The 2011 budget is listed at just under 1.1 million dollars. They have spent as of October $876,532. The new budget is $750,286 which is a cut of 44.45%. The problem is that a court stenographer must be present and create a written record of every action taking place in the court system. This line item is designed to fail.
.
The Prothonotary's office was cut from just over $1 million dollars to $607,793 for a 68.96% cut. This office is required for the operation of the courts and maintenance of various legal documents. The other Row offices have been cut to unmanageable amounts and the reasoning that they will no long be separate offices does not hold water. The Row Officers were removed from existence but not the duties of each office. Records are still required and the fact that these offices are located in three separate buildings has not even been considered. The cost of the individual Row Officer will be eliminated but there remains a need for management and supervision. How do you maintain control and effectiveness when the cost of doing so is removed from the budget? The Register of Wills budget was cut 50%, Clerk of Courts cut 57%, Treasurer 57% and the Coroner cut by 29%. These cuts are a budget directors dream come true but they are a manager's nightmare. The Department of Probation is cut 35% and it appears that the outgoing commissioner's must think that no criminals will be placed on probation, no fines and fees will be collected and restitution for victims will be forgotten. The Magistrates are cut 53.23% and I would think part of their logic is that one magistrate office might be eliminated. Flawed thinking because if that happens, it wont occur till 2013 so they must still operate.
.
The Commissioners have given no thought to the fact that there are contracts in place but union and business. Example, of the 17 Magisterial offices, approximately 10 have leases with local municipalities and these local governments are planning their budgets with these leases in place. The remaining office have private sector leases and I doubt that these landlords are willing to cut the leases in half. Other than that, please consider that many Magisterial offices only have two clerical people so if they are cut in half, that leaves one person to run the office. If that person is sick or on vacation the office must close, there are no backup staff. The deeper you delve into this fantasy budget, the more childlike it becomes.
.
This is just a brief overview of the expense side of the ledger and I didn't even mention other big ticket items such as the prison, Moon Lake, etc.
.
The lack of thought is pretty evident when you consider that insurance and benefits remain about the same and this is after the county workforce is decimated. Is that logical?
.
On the income side, there has been nothing done in the form of creative management and the lack of effort is obvious in the numbers as they currently exist.
.
Steps that can be taken is the restructuring of the county debt, increasing probation services fees, the more active use of home arrest vs incarceration. This would result in the criminals (non violent) paying the cost of the ankle bracelets and supplying their own health care, food and clothing. The county spends millions each year on health care for prisoners. There can be an attempt to renegotiate county leases and discussions can be held with the unions to accept a temporary pay freeze or renegotiate the amount of the contracted pay increases. Probation fees for both adults and juvenile offenders must be increased. Some of these fees have remained unchanged for a number of years.
.
The thing I must caution on is that balancing the budget on the backs of the employees is never a good idea and long term, it causes a negative impact on county operations. The county must offer an early retirement incentive but they must pledge to not fill the vacated positions and the unions must agree to allow for transfers to save jobs. Employees must be allowed to transfer within the system to fill job needs and avoid layoffs in one department and hiring's in another. It is also possible to consider voluntary short term layoffs. Yes the county is self insured but the amount paid on layoff would equal the net pay of employees, not the gross. The costs of Social Security alone would be significant.
.
This is a time for creative thinking, not the simplistic approach that was used to gut the budget and give no thought to the consequences. For those incoming Council members who have taken the NO taxes approach of the Tea Party mentality, there is a reality that government is useful and serves a purpose. The problem in Luzerne county is that in recent years, little thought has been given to economic management and taxpayer responsibility. Services must be provided and in many cases are required but the delivery system can no longer be based on careless spending such as the palm reading time clocks and patronage with little thought to required funding.
Taxes are a requirement for services delivered and thoughtful frugal management must be the foundation of responsible government.
And former State Rep Kevin Blaum weighs in with his TL column
Commissioners continue to cause damage Kevin Blaum In the Arena
With only 45 days remaining in their tawdry tenure, the county commissioners brazenly made two appointments to the Luzerne County Community College’s Board of Trustees and named two more to the often pivotal county planning commission...On Monday your Luzerne County commissioners voted to create a bi-county authority to run the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. The Lackawanna County commissioners followed suit, and each body gets to make three appointments to the board with each appointee serving a four-year term...Worse, the commissioners might be leaving behind a political budget document set to explode early next year, forcing the new council to raise taxes only a few weeks in or preside over a government that makes huge cuts in the office of a new district attorney and the new judiciary in which it functions.
So let us give thanks to Maryanne Petrilla, Stephen Urban and Thomas Cooney for reminding everyone why voters marched to the polls en masse to abolish the offices they hold and to establish a new, reform government that assumes its responsibilities on Jan. 2.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Poor Skrep
I think the life story of Greg Skrepenak would make a great TV movie. Local boy with athletic talent goes off to a Big 10 school and excels at football then has success in the NFL making big bucks. After his 5 year professional football career he returns home wanting to do good establishing a foundation to spread around his wealth to worthy causes. Then he got involved in local politics and the All-American Boy becomes an admitted criminal who is now apparently broke. This is a tragedy that Shakespeare could have written.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The new Luzerne County Commssioner
Thomas Cooney was selected by the Luzerne County Judges to replace former Commissioner and admitted criminal Greg Skrepenak. Mr. Cooney has an impressive resume that you read at here. He has a BA from Kings College and a MBA from the Univ. of Scranton. He heads up the A&E Group that does business with many private, non-profits and government organizations.
He is not new to public service. He was past chairman of the county’s home rule Government Study Commission in 1974, served as a Laflin Zoning Board member from 1977 through 2000 and has been a Jenkins Township Planning Commission member since 2000.
A&E has had many government contracts over the years that are listed on it's website
TL: A&E is currently working on several government projects, including a bridge design for Luzerne County and a construction project at Luzerne County Community College.
Cooney said there will be no conflict of interest because A&E will finish these projects but will not seek any new work in county government while he fills the remainder of Skrepenak’s term through 2011. Cooney said he will stay out of any decisions involving the company’s existing county work.
He also told the judges he is “winding down” at A&E and will be a full-time county commissioner.
Cooney is a bit of a surprise selection as I expected the judges to pick a past politico or go the other way with an outsider. His experience as a government contractor and public service seem to be a good mix but with all the allegations of pay to play it's hard to trust anyone.
Let's give him a chance.
He is not new to public service. He was past chairman of the county’s home rule Government Study Commission in 1974, served as a Laflin Zoning Board member from 1977 through 2000 and has been a Jenkins Township Planning Commission member since 2000.
A&E has had many government contracts over the years that are listed on it's website
TL: A&E is currently working on several government projects, including a bridge design for Luzerne County and a construction project at Luzerne County Community College.
Cooney said there will be no conflict of interest because A&E will finish these projects but will not seek any new work in county government while he fills the remainder of Skrepenak’s term through 2011. Cooney said he will stay out of any decisions involving the company’s existing county work.
He also told the judges he is “winding down” at A&E and will be a full-time county commissioner.
Cooney is a bit of a surprise selection as I expected the judges to pick a past politico or go the other way with an outsider. His experience as a government contractor and public service seem to be a good mix but with all the allegations of pay to play it's hard to trust anyone.
Let's give him a chance.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The next Luzerne County Commssioner
68 people have applied for the vacancy created by Greg Skrepenak's resignation and President Judge Chet Muroski has stated that the judges will interview all qualified applicants and vote on replacement tomorrow. I'm sure that not all the applicants will make the cut because some will be disqualified because they don't meet the registration requirement, filed after the deadline or made mistakes filling out the application. Challenges will heard 10AM tomorrow.
I could have field day ripping apart some of the names on the list and so could you, please don't.
The judges have set themselves an ambitious goal of deciding this tomorrow. Even if the field gets whittled down to 40 and you give them each a 10 minute interview that will run into at least 6 hours. And no matter who they pick it will create a firestorm. If they pick a fresh face people will complain that they have no experience and if they pick someone with government experience the cry will be the fix is in.
The Yonk gives some helpful interview tips.
Reading the applications this one caught my eye
Joseph J Gombeda
"I honestly do not have any qualifications for the office of commissioner; however neither did anyone else for that matter."
My prediction is that Frank Trinisewski will return to the courthouse.
I could have field day ripping apart some of the names on the list and so could you, please don't.
The judges have set themselves an ambitious goal of deciding this tomorrow. Even if the field gets whittled down to 40 and you give them each a 10 minute interview that will run into at least 6 hours. And no matter who they pick it will create a firestorm. If they pick a fresh face people will complain that they have no experience and if they pick someone with government experience the cry will be the fix is in.
The Yonk gives some helpful interview tips.
Reading the applications this one caught my eye
Joseph J Gombeda
"I honestly do not have any qualifications for the office of commissioner; however neither did anyone else for that matter."
My prediction is that Frank Trinisewski will return to the courthouse.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Petrilla rakes in the bucks
Luzerne County Democratic Commissioner Chair Maryanne Petrilla has raised $54,000 this year and has $78,000 cash on hand according to her latest campaign finance report. That is more money than all the row officer candidates running this year combined.
.
Indicted Jury Commissioner Jerry Bonner gave her $500 but she sent it back. There are a few other names that are in the news listed in the report.
.
Wilkes-Barre Area School Board President Frank Pizzella kicked in $125 for her golf tournament that is also listed on his CFR. Pizzella has been charged with conspiracy in a teacher job-selling scheme in 2004. I didn't know that she played golf.
.
Michael Pasonick is the owner of an Architect/Engineering firm that does business with just about every government agency in Luzerne County made 2 donations totalling $1750 to Petrilla.
Pasonick was recently identified as the person who paid the bribe of $1400 to Housing Authority member Billy Maguire that was passed on by fellow board member Jerry Bonner. I wonder what the vig was in that deal? In one of the most creative excuses that I've ever heard Maguire said that he was reluctant to ask the housing authority for reimbursement of $1,400 he spent while attending a meeting of the National Leased Housing Association with Bonner in late January 2009 because of the debit card scandal and previous publicity that he was travelling the world on the taxpayer's dime when he was working in law enforcement. So he got Bonner to ask Pasonick to pick up the tab. At least he didn't try to double dip because records show he was not reimbursed by the authority. Bonner's attorney Mike Butera made the revelation about Pasonick. Butera has contributed $1000 to Petrilla.
.
Sometimes this gets confusing. Patrilla's committee received contributions from Hazleton State Rep. Todd Eachus' and DA Jackie Mo Carroll then her committee sent money to Eachus and Jackie Mo's campaign committees. Scott Gartley kicked in $500 and Petrilla contributed $1000 to Tina Gartley's judicial campaign. I guess this is an example of 'you wash my back, I'll wash your's.' These people don't use their own money to go to all these events, the donor's pay for it. In addition to Gartley she contributed to 2 other Luzerne County judicial candidates. She sent $250 to Joe Musto and $125 to Bill Amesbury.
.
In the row ofifce races she(her committee) gave $250 to Dem Prothonotary nominee Nancy Bellas who's husband has been indicted for taking a bribe and Democratic Controller hopeful Bob Morgan got $550.
.
Some Luzerne County officials chipped in for the boss.
.
Director of Assessments Anthony Alu $125
.
County Solicitor Vito DeLucca $375
.
Prison Warden Joe Piazza $500
.
This one I find interesting. Former Commissioner Todd Vonderheid ( Bond Brother) who is now the head honcho of the local Chamber of Commerce chipped in $250. Vondy ran as a team with Greg Skrepenak for Luzerne County Commissioners telling people we didn't need home rule because we can trust them. That worked out well. Vondy quit before his term was up.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Liz Sichler resigns
Elizabeth Sichler was the vice-chair of the Luzerne County Republican Party until she resigned on November 12th. Party Chairman Terry Casey said she quit because "business is tough."
She is famous for finding ways to get other candidates kicked off the ballot and until recently was the right hand of Rep Karen Boback.
It looks like business is tough for her company, Priority Search Inc. in Kingston. The local papers are reporting that the Secret Service is investigating the outfit because it didn't carry out it's responsibilities and some money is missing. One the people who has been burned by this outfit is 2007 Republican Commissioner candidate Bill Jones who might be giving it another try in 2011.
Remember that Liz has not been charged with a crime, yet.
She is famous for finding ways to get other candidates kicked off the ballot and until recently was the right hand of Rep Karen Boback.
It looks like business is tough for her company, Priority Search Inc. in Kingston. The local papers are reporting that the Secret Service is investigating the outfit because it didn't carry out it's responsibilities and some money is missing. One the people who has been burned by this outfit is 2007 Republican Commissioner candidate Bill Jones who might be giving it another try in 2011.
Remember that Liz has not been charged with a crime, yet.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Urban Terrorist stikes again
Luzerne County Commissioner Stephen A. Urban had the nerve to tell the people about what is in the super secret audit of PA Child Care, owner of the juvenile jail in Pittston Township. PA Child Care threatened to file a lawsuit if information from the draft audit was given to the press citing "trade secrets." I don't buy it. The state Department of Public Welfare conducted an audit of how taxpayer money is being spent and we have a right to know. According to Urban taxpayers may be on the hook for $30 million to $40 million because of the lease.
County Children and Youth director Frank Castano and County Manager Sam Guesto refused to give a copy to Urban so he got a copy from the Dept. of Welfare. Commissioner Chairman Greg Skrepenak backs them up hiding behind the lame excuse of a threatened lawsuit if information from the audit was given to the press. Let them sue, what are they afraid of? Or a better question is, what is Skrep afraid of?
In an attempt at damage control the county Dems are in full insult mode:
Skrepenak said Urban could not be trusted with a copy of the draft audit, and on Thursday, Skrepenak said Urban proved him right. He called Urban “a coward.”
Skep also called him an “albatross,” a “liar” and a “sneak.”
Skrepenak said he will sue Urban if he is sued.
County Commissioner Rose Tucker said he’s a “bum” and said she wants to “strangle him.”
A law firm representing PA Child Care, which owns the Pittston Township center, said Urban’s audit release was “a desperate act by a desperate politician trying desperately to get re-elected.”
And to add to the nonsense:
“This would be displeasing in the eyes of the individuals who trained Mr. Urban in the military,” Guesto said. “You don’t call the press if you should move your battalion forward.”
Urban's response
“Rose can call me whatever she wants. I like Rose. She’s a sweet lady, but she has a responsibility here and she should not have shirked her responsibility by refusing to see the audit. She has a responsibility as an elected official to get involved in matters, no matter how difficult they are.”
Urban said Skrepenak is the one who put the county “at risk” with the lease.
“He’s got this county in a serious situation because he did not act prudently. He’s going to attack me because he has to cover it up.”
Remember that in 2003, Urban and then-Commissioner Tom Makowski voted to borrow roughly $9 million for a new county-owned juvenile facility. And then the money was pissed away on other projects.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Luzerne County Commissioner's race
Bill James said he is running a write-in campaign after losing the Republican nomination in May. James and incumbent Steve Urban deny that they are in cahoots but Democrat Greg Skrepenak smells a rat:
“It’s Steve Urban’s way of taking votes away from Bill Jones. Obviously Steve Urban must be scared,” he said.
It just may be a coincidence that Steve Urban plans to join picketing Crestwood School District support workers on Thursday. Bill Jones is a Crestwood School Board member and the union workers have been working without a contract for 6 years. It's good to see a Republican office holder stand with the working man.
Urban said the county would never allow negotiations to drag on for six years. He pointed out that Jones was on the board for eight years.
“This tells a little about his leadership and not being able to sit down and negotiate in good faith,” Urban said of Jones. “To me it shows a lackadaisical attitude on his part.”
Jones said it's not his fault.
“Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s going on way too long. I’m not on the negotiating team.”
And Urban still wants to see the super secret audit of the juvenile detention center in Pittston owned by an outfit called PA Child Care. The owners of the company are Robert Powell and Gregory Zappala who claim the audit is “private and confidential,” and contend that the audit report is inaccurate and “reaches conclusions that are unjustified.” County Chief Clerk/Manager Sam Guesto said he won't give Urban a copy of the audit because PA Child Care might sue if the information becomes public and Skrep backs him up. Never mind that this about a $58 million, 20-year contract paid for with taxpayer money. I think it should be public. And don't forget the names Powell and Zappala, they are part of the group that wants to build a cargo airport near Hazleton. That project is already looking to use some of the slots revenue that is supposedly going to be used to lower property taxes. This time I smell a rat.
“It’s Steve Urban’s way of taking votes away from Bill Jones. Obviously Steve Urban must be scared,” he said.
It just may be a coincidence that Steve Urban plans to join picketing Crestwood School District support workers on Thursday. Bill Jones is a Crestwood School Board member and the union workers have been working without a contract for 6 years. It's good to see a Republican office holder stand with the working man.
Urban said the county would never allow negotiations to drag on for six years. He pointed out that Jones was on the board for eight years.
“This tells a little about his leadership and not being able to sit down and negotiate in good faith,” Urban said of Jones. “To me it shows a lackadaisical attitude on his part.”
Jones said it's not his fault.
“Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s going on way too long. I’m not on the negotiating team.”
And Urban still wants to see the super secret audit of the juvenile detention center in Pittston owned by an outfit called PA Child Care. The owners of the company are Robert Powell and Gregory Zappala who claim the audit is “private and confidential,” and contend that the audit report is inaccurate and “reaches conclusions that are unjustified.” County Chief Clerk/Manager Sam Guesto said he won't give Urban a copy of the audit because PA Child Care might sue if the information becomes public and Skrep backs him up. Never mind that this about a $58 million, 20-year contract paid for with taxpayer money. I think it should be public. And don't forget the names Powell and Zappala, they are part of the group that wants to build a cargo airport near Hazleton. That project is already looking to use some of the slots revenue that is supposedly going to be used to lower property taxes. This time I smell a rat.
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Urban Terrorist keeps asking questions
“I’m going to ask questions because that’s my job.”-Commissioner Stephen Urban
It looks like the Luzerne County budget is not balanced after all. Last year the Bond Brothers (Skrep and Vondy) presented an election year "balanced budget" that relied on some questionable revenue projections that included some hoped for money from land sales that haven't happened yet. They were also counting on another $3 million from beefed-up tax collection. How's that going? The previous 3 years they had to float a bond to just meet payroll and it looks like that will happen again but not until after the election.
They are also looking at borrowing an enormous amount of money to build a new prison but have started eminent domain proceedings to pay the owner of the Huber Breaker a kings ransom in the hope of turning that big pile of junk into some sort of anthracite magical mystery tour. Paid for by another bond.
It looks like the Luzerne County budget is not balanced after all. Last year the Bond Brothers (Skrep and Vondy) presented an election year "balanced budget" that relied on some questionable revenue projections that included some hoped for money from land sales that haven't happened yet. They were also counting on another $3 million from beefed-up tax collection. How's that going? The previous 3 years they had to float a bond to just meet payroll and it looks like that will happen again but not until after the election.
They are also looking at borrowing an enormous amount of money to build a new prison but have started eminent domain proceedings to pay the owner of the Huber Breaker a kings ransom in the hope of turning that big pile of junk into some sort of anthracite magical mystery tour. Paid for by another bond.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
I watched the 6 o'clock news
Something I almost never do because I'm usually at work at this time. But I'm still sneaking over to TCM to watch Alexander the Great starring Richard Burton. I'm a history geek, what can I say.
The only reason I'm even watching the local news is for the political commercials and they are sparse on Channel 16. Before we get to the break it's the usual crime blotter, car crashes, and nonstop weather updates with someones house burning down and lawyers blaming your misfortune on someone else.
The ads.
Some woman who wants to be a Judge said the reason she wants to be one is because she is a woman.
The first local one up has Skrep and Petrilla say that they are cleaning up corruption and saved $10 Million by cutting wasteful spending then claim credit for creating 4000 jobs then go into the usual claptrap about drugs and crime.
Washo and O'Brien have nice ties and want to open up government. Then say they won't make promises they can't keep.
That's it! What a boring election.
The only reason I'm even watching the local news is for the political commercials and they are sparse on Channel 16. Before we get to the break it's the usual crime blotter, car crashes, and nonstop weather updates with someones house burning down and lawyers blaming your misfortune on someone else.
The ads.
Some woman who wants to be a Judge said the reason she wants to be one is because she is a woman.
The first local one up has Skrep and Petrilla say that they are cleaning up corruption and saved $10 Million by cutting wasteful spending then claim credit for creating 4000 jobs then go into the usual claptrap about drugs and crime.
Washo and O'Brien have nice ties and want to open up government. Then say they won't make promises they can't keep.
That's it! What a boring election.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Luzerne County poll
The mysterious poll that was taken over a month ago but no one would take credit for finally has a father. The Skrepenak/Petrilla campaign manager, Mike Prociak, has admitted that they paid for it, like there was any doubt about it. Who else has the money? They won't make it public but it appears that the Citizens Voice and Times-Leader have seen it.
The surprise was that it has numbers on 2 of the row office races. In the Sheriffs race Republican incumbent Barry Stankus is leading challenger Mike Savokinas as expected. Savokonis is the only county candidate with a website and he raises questions about the finances of the office. The poll also said that Recorder of Deeds Mary Dysleski and Democrat Red O'Brien are in a close race.
Prociak said that Democrats Greg Skrepnak and Maryanne Petrilla are win and place but wouldn't tell us who is show. The 3rd place candidate said it was bullshit: "It was their poll," Steve Urban said. "I doubt any of the questions benefited me. So, you can't judge anything by what it says." The other Republican candidate Bill Jones could not be reached for comment as usual.
The surprise was that it has numbers on 2 of the row office races. In the Sheriffs race Republican incumbent Barry Stankus is leading challenger Mike Savokinas as expected. Savokonis is the only county candidate with a website and he raises questions about the finances of the office. The poll also said that Recorder of Deeds Mary Dysleski and Democrat Red O'Brien are in a close race.
Prociak said that Democrats Greg Skrepnak and Maryanne Petrilla are win and place but wouldn't tell us who is show. The 3rd place candidate said it was bullshit: "It was their poll," Steve Urban said. "I doubt any of the questions benefited me. So, you can't judge anything by what it says." The other Republican candidate Bill Jones could not be reached for comment as usual.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Urban Terrorist in Luzerne County
But that terrorist is a retired Marine officer and elected official. Poor choice of words Greg.
According to the CV Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Steve Urban got into another argument about reassessment that included Skrepenak calling Urban "a terrorist" for trying to "strike fear" into county residents.
Urban has oppossed Skrep's plan to send out a notice of assessed property values without telling the homeowners how it will affect their taxes. What is the sense of telling you how much the local government thinks how much your house is worth but not tell you if your taxes are going up or down, and by how much?
Skrep has criticised Urban's management of the reassessment process and took the project away from him then told everyone he has restored calm to the process. He said "That's the sign of a leader"
Urban responded... "He's not a leader. He's a bully."
And what is this about Democratic appointed commissioner Rose Tucker showing up at a fundraiser for Republican commissioner candidate Bill Jones?
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According to the CV Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Steve Urban got into another argument about reassessment that included Skrepenak calling Urban "a terrorist" for trying to "strike fear" into county residents.
Urban has oppossed Skrep's plan to send out a notice of assessed property values without telling the homeowners how it will affect their taxes. What is the sense of telling you how much the local government thinks how much your house is worth but not tell you if your taxes are going up or down, and by how much?
Skrep has criticised Urban's management of the reassessment process and took the project away from him then told everyone he has restored calm to the process. He said "That's the sign of a leader"
Urban responded... "He's not a leader. He's a bully."
And what is this about Democratic appointed commissioner Rose Tucker showing up at a fundraiser for Republican commissioner candidate Bill Jones?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Quick hits
The Phillies topped the Cards 7-4 in 14 innings. St. Louis used 11 pitchers (record?) and 53 players saw action for both teams.
The Eagles have hit the rocks.
Why does County Commissioner Steve Urban need 1,000 absentee ballots? The printer said "it's not unusual" for candidates, party officials or citizens to buy absentee ballot applications. But,"We make them pay first, before we ship them."
U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski said he was unaware LCCC wanted to buy the Kanjorski Center, until he was invited to a recent press conference, in trying to justify his pulling the money for the project. But nobody believes him.
The saga of Judge Ann Lokuta continues. The mystery witnesses were not named and she was offered early retirement but refused. She has been accused of some bizarre behavior but her attorney assures us that she is not nuts.
Gotta love this headline: Arlen Specter likes virgins
And Gort42 made the list, at number 20, of Pennsylvania's Most Influential Political blogs. That's nice but they don't reveal how they decide on the rankings. I don't think I can trust a list that doesn't include Capitol Ideas.
The Eagles have hit the rocks.
Why does County Commissioner Steve Urban need 1,000 absentee ballots? The printer said "it's not unusual" for candidates, party officials or citizens to buy absentee ballot applications. But,"We make them pay first, before we ship them."
U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski said he was unaware LCCC wanted to buy the Kanjorski Center, until he was invited to a recent press conference, in trying to justify his pulling the money for the project. But nobody believes him.
The saga of Judge Ann Lokuta continues. The mystery witnesses were not named and she was offered early retirement but refused. She has been accused of some bizarre behavior but her attorney assures us that she is not nuts.
Gotta love this headline: Arlen Specter likes virgins
And Gort42 made the list, at number 20, of Pennsylvania's Most Influential Political blogs. That's nice but they don't reveal how they decide on the rankings. I don't think I can trust a list that doesn't include Capitol Ideas.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Luzerne County's "balanced budget"
County: $4.3M of land can be sold
Luzerne County officials say they’re well aware that $4.3 million in county-owned land must be sold to stay within budget.
The dollar amount is realistic and attainable, but the challenge will be making it happen before the end of the year, county Chief Clerk/Manager Sam Guesto said Monday.
They're also counting on $3 million from "beefed-up tax collection," how's that going? This year's budget was full of holes that counted on $7 million of questionable revenues and included pushing off bond obligations to get a break this year. With $309 million in debt and the need to borrow another $100 million to build a new jail our commissioners are not going to be able to pull that rabbit out of the hat again.
I've been involved in a few real estate transactions and know that it takes time to work out the details and finally close the deal. With a government agency involved it has to be even more complicated and time consuming. And if they can't sell the land the land by the end of the year I'm sure they will float yet another bond to meet payroll just like every other year. If they do find a buyer look for the new owner getting a ten year property tax break because the property will be developed and provide "good jobs."
Luzerne County officials say they’re well aware that $4.3 million in county-owned land must be sold to stay within budget.
The dollar amount is realistic and attainable, but the challenge will be making it happen before the end of the year, county Chief Clerk/Manager Sam Guesto said Monday.
They're also counting on $3 million from "beefed-up tax collection," how's that going? This year's budget was full of holes that counted on $7 million of questionable revenues and included pushing off bond obligations to get a break this year. With $309 million in debt and the need to borrow another $100 million to build a new jail our commissioners are not going to be able to pull that rabbit out of the hat again.
I've been involved in a few real estate transactions and know that it takes time to work out the details and finally close the deal. With a government agency involved it has to be even more complicated and time consuming. And if they can't sell the land the land by the end of the year I'm sure they will float yet another bond to meet payroll just like every other year. If they do find a buyer look for the new owner getting a ten year property tax break because the property will be developed and provide "good jobs."
Sunday, July 08, 2007
The Bond Brothers exposed
Jennifer Learn-Andes has a great story in the Times-Leader today about how the commissioners have been borrowing money left and right. I've been complaining about this practice since I started blogging. They keep borrowing for one purpose then spend it on another.
They have borrowed $29.5 million to cover general fund budget deficits and $11 million to fund the so called Life Transition Plan that resulted in all the people that had been let go being hired back through OneSource Staffing Solutions.
That's $40 million bucks to just meet expenses that will be have to be paid backed later.
Some highlights:
The county already owes roughly $309 million in bond principal and interest over the next 19 years.
Commissioners could have opted to return that $10 million in unneeded bond money but have apparently decided to use it for other things. The county gets away with this deviation by adding a clause in most bond documents that gives commissioners freedom to add or subtract capital projects.
The county’s master capital plan prepared by Skrepenak and Vonderheid calls for the county to take on another $161.4 million in new bond debt from 2007 through 2011 – $100 million for a new prison and $61.4 million for other projects.
$9.2 million in bond money that had been earmarked for a new juvenile detention center has already been spent on other projects because Skrepenak and Vonderheid decided to lease a facility in Pittston Township.
And on and on.
$309 million in debt and they want to add more.
They have borrowed $29.5 million to cover general fund budget deficits and $11 million to fund the so called Life Transition Plan that resulted in all the people that had been let go being hired back through OneSource Staffing Solutions.
That's $40 million bucks to just meet expenses that will be have to be paid backed later.
Some highlights:
The county already owes roughly $309 million in bond principal and interest over the next 19 years.
Commissioners could have opted to return that $10 million in unneeded bond money but have apparently decided to use it for other things. The county gets away with this deviation by adding a clause in most bond documents that gives commissioners freedom to add or subtract capital projects.
The county’s master capital plan prepared by Skrepenak and Vonderheid calls for the county to take on another $161.4 million in new bond debt from 2007 through 2011 – $100 million for a new prison and $61.4 million for other projects.
$9.2 million in bond money that had been earmarked for a new juvenile detention center has already been spent on other projects because Skrepenak and Vonderheid decided to lease a facility in Pittston Township.
And on and on.
$309 million in debt and they want to add more.
Monday, June 18, 2007
It's Rose Tucker
WNEP: Luzerne County has a new commissioner and she is a familiar face.
Former commissioner Rose Tucker was named to the post Monday. Tucker, a Democrat from Nanticoke, takes over for Todd Vonderheid who resigned to take a job with the chamber of commerce.
It's no surprise that Skrep got his pick and Rose has always been a team player. Many people were pulling for former state rep Tom Tigue and the other candidates never had a chance. And speaking of not team players Steve Urban and Bill Jones are running against each other instead of the Democrats.
Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano tries to put a good face on it in a CV story. She points out that the Republicans hold 2 of the row offices and expect to retain them. But they couldn't even find candidates to run for judge, district attorney or coroner. Red O'Brien will give Mary Dysleski a run for the money with 2 long time employees confessing to pocketing large sums of money from The Recorder of Deeds office. But I think Barry Stankus should be reelected as sheriff over Michael Savokinas especially if sore loser George "Nipper" Nowakowski mounts the write-in effort that he is threatening to do.
Bill Jones says the county GOP “is in total disarray.” Hard to dispute that. Most people I talk to blame Lynette for the state of the local Republican Party. That's probably unfair as this bunch has been dysfunctiona lfor a long time. And Urban is floating a conspiracy theory that the Dems are backing Jones to get rid of him calling Jones a RINO.
Former commissioner Rose Tucker was named to the post Monday. Tucker, a Democrat from Nanticoke, takes over for Todd Vonderheid who resigned to take a job with the chamber of commerce.
It's no surprise that Skrep got his pick and Rose has always been a team player. Many people were pulling for former state rep Tom Tigue and the other candidates never had a chance. And speaking of not team players Steve Urban and Bill Jones are running against each other instead of the Democrats.
Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano tries to put a good face on it in a CV story. She points out that the Republicans hold 2 of the row offices and expect to retain them. But they couldn't even find candidates to run for judge, district attorney or coroner. Red O'Brien will give Mary Dysleski a run for the money with 2 long time employees confessing to pocketing large sums of money from The Recorder of Deeds office. But I think Barry Stankus should be reelected as sheriff over Michael Savokinas especially if sore loser George "Nipper" Nowakowski mounts the write-in effort that he is threatening to do.
Bill Jones says the county GOP “is in total disarray.” Hard to dispute that. Most people I talk to blame Lynette for the state of the local Republican Party. That's probably unfair as this bunch has been dysfunctiona lfor a long time. And Urban is floating a conspiracy theory that the Dems are backing Jones to get rid of him calling Jones a RINO.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Luzerne County Commissioner
Eight people have applied to fill out the term of Todd Vonderheid who quit before his term was up to move on to the Chamber of Commerce. So now he can lobby the various local governments to grant tax breaks for economic development projects that promise "good jobs." He knows the lingo; KOZ, LERTA, etc. and will use his knowledge of local government to get more tax forgiveness for our local titans of industry. I'm not going to miss this half of the Bond Brothers.
The eight are:
The eight are:
- Charles V. Hatchko, a retired corrections officer from Jenkins Township
- Tom Tigue, a former state legislator from Hughestown
- Rose Tucker, a former county commissioner from Exeter
- Antonio Rodriguez, retired teacher from Hazleton
- Thomas Dombroski, a consulting firm president from Kingston Township
- Beth Ann Wenner, an educator from Freeland
- Thomas P. Cooney, a Jenkins Township resident and the development director of the A+E Group Inc.
- Bob Kadluboski, a towing contractor from Wilkes-Barre
It's either going to be Skrep's Favorite Rose Tucker or everybody else's choice Tom Tigue. Our county fathers in the form of 9 Judges will make the decision Monday. Should be an interesting meeting since some of our jurists don't have a high regard for each other and they all seem to have problems with Ann Lokuta.
My pick would be Wilkes-Barre's favorite tower Bob Kadluboski just for the entertainment value.
Bob brings a lot to the table. He has rammed his tow truck into suspected criminals and apprehended a fleeing felon at gunpoint showing his commitment to fighting crime. When his dogs escaped from his compound and mauled someone he defended them proving he is an animal rights advocate. When you have to deal with him after he towed your car a you get a lesson in customer service. He placed an ad before the last election without disclosing who paid for it, and the paper that published it let him do it, affirming his commitment the first amendment. He wears great sunglasses and listed getting Commissioner Greg Skrepenak to lose weight as one of his top goals on the vacancy application paperwork
Friday, June 01, 2007
Who wants a new Luzerne County prison?
At least 12 people do according to a story in the CV today. Those 12 want to sell the county the land to build a new one but we didn't get any details about who or where. Selling land to the local government is very profitable. The old prison on Water Street in Wilkes-Barre has had a lot of problems including the the Hugo Selenski escape. Fortunately, I've never been inside the place (except to visit) but I think it's over a 100 years old. Commissioner Steve Urban thinks that the old juvenile detention center should be renovated and turned into women’s prison and the Water Street jail could be made into a male only facility after a face lift. The Bond Brothers (Skrep and Vondy) have been pushing for a new facility that may cost $100 million plus.
Maybe it's time to look at other ways to deal with some of our "criminals" as the stories about the Drug Court in both papers illustrated today.
Drug Treatment Court graduates’ big day comes
First drug court graduation held
Congratulations to Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak for his leadership on this issue.
Maybe it's time to look at other ways to deal with some of our "criminals" as the stories about the Drug Court in both papers illustrated today.
Drug Treatment Court graduates’ big day comes
First drug court graduation held
Congratulations to Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak for his leadership on this issue.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Luzerne County Commissioner
“While an appointment to the interim post would be an honor, I strongly believe that it must be those same Luzerne County residents who should elect me as their commissioner.”-Controller Maryanne Petrilla
Her commitment to the democratic process is very touching. But outgoing Commissioner Todd Vonderheid sort of put a dent in that process by quiting before his term was over. Now President Judge Mark Ciavarella and the county’s eight other judges get to pick a replacement. I find it curious that the Governor nominates replacements for row officers, which in many ways are functionaries of the courts, but the Judges get to fill the most political office in the county.
The TL is reporting that Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly and Prison Board Chairman Wister Yuhas are applying for the job and former state representative Tom Tigue that he is seriously considering submitting his resume. Some other names being tossed around include 3 former commissioners– Frank Trinisewski, Rose Tucker and Tom Pizano. The most interesting name on the list is Bob Reilly. If he was appointed to the post wouldn't he have to resign as Clerk of Courts while at the same time running for reelection to the office?
But the politicians want a say. After first saying he would stay out of it, Petrilla's running mate Commissioner Greg Skrepenak said Tuesday he expects the “courtesy of a conversation...The individual chosen will have some very difficult decisions to make that will have some long-term impact on the county,” Skrepenak said. “I would think you would need someone who has experience and can take office and hit the ground running. There is not going to be a learning curve.” And Luzerne County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Bufalino said the party should be part of the process.
Her commitment to the democratic process is very touching. But outgoing Commissioner Todd Vonderheid sort of put a dent in that process by quiting before his term was over. Now President Judge Mark Ciavarella and the county’s eight other judges get to pick a replacement. I find it curious that the Governor nominates replacements for row officers, which in many ways are functionaries of the courts, but the Judges get to fill the most political office in the county.
The TL is reporting that Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly and Prison Board Chairman Wister Yuhas are applying for the job and former state representative Tom Tigue that he is seriously considering submitting his resume. Some other names being tossed around include 3 former commissioners– Frank Trinisewski, Rose Tucker and Tom Pizano. The most interesting name on the list is Bob Reilly. If he was appointed to the post wouldn't he have to resign as Clerk of Courts while at the same time running for reelection to the office?
But the politicians want a say. After first saying he would stay out of it, Petrilla's running mate Commissioner Greg Skrepenak said Tuesday he expects the “courtesy of a conversation...The individual chosen will have some very difficult decisions to make that will have some long-term impact on the county,” Skrepenak said. “I would think you would need someone who has experience and can take office and hit the ground running. There is not going to be a learning curve.” And Luzerne County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Bufalino said the party should be part of the process.
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