The Luzerne County primary is boring

Steve Urban announced today that his running mate will be Bill James. The other Republicans are Christine Katsock, Bill Jones and Dave Shipula. With Steve Flood very ill the Democratic primary will be won by Greg Skrepnak and Maryanne Petrilla. I'll go out on a limb and predict that our next Commissioners will be Skrep, Petrilla and Urban.


The hottest race in the county is for Cororner. I'm sure there was a reason in the past why the Coroner was elected but it doesn't apply today. Forensic science is such a technical specialty that maybe we shouldn't not elect this office but hire the best person available.

Mike Gravel for President

The last time (2004) we voted for President in the primaries the Democrats chose John Kerry. Supposedly he was "electable." That worked out well. I went through the whole year saying "if we only had a candidate." In the Pennsylvania primary that year I voted for Howard Dean and Mrs. G went with Dennis Kucinich because they were the candidates that we agreed with even though the contest had been long been decided -almost 2 months.

This year PA is looking at moving up the primary to February 5th to create more or less a national contest. My advise would to move it up but have a week or two later. The chances are no one candidate will win every contest on February 5 so the next big contest could decide it. That could be us. The last time the PA primary was decisive was 1976 when Jimmy Carter beat the field in a big industrial state after winning the early skirmishes. It clinched the nomination for him.

My early favorite is Mike Gravel because he says what's on his mind because he has nothing to lose. Novel huh, take a position and defend it.

Keep paving

Yet another flood watch has been issued for Luzerne County. The river is not going to jump it's banks but small streams and runoff may cause some problems. We had a big scare in June and two other events in August and November that were called "minor flooding" by everyone except the people who had their houses damaged. At least our local leaders are paying some lip service to the problem:

Todd Vonderheid said an estimated $50 million to $100 million in public infrastructure damage has been caused countywide by four floods that occurred since he took office in 2004.
Devastating flooding is occurring where it has never happened before, he said.

Hey points out "the causal relationship between the disorganized and uncoordinated development patterns and this damage that has already cost the taxpayers and private individuals and insurance companies millions and millions of dollars in Luzerne County."

The solution is to use the countywide storm water management plan but it is not mandatory. Instead of handing out tax breaks and taxpayer loans to every company that promises to produce a few jobs the state should look at the consequences of paving everything in sight.

UPDATE: From The Central PA Gazelle

(PARADISE) - A developer today announced plans to purchase the entire Lancaster County community of Paradise, pave over it and put up a parking lot.

Get well everybody

Congressman Paul Kanjorski had a triple bypass, former Luzerne County Controller Steve Flood is in the hospital with a serious illness and Elizabeth Edwards has had a recurrence of cancer. Best wishes to all.

Chris Carney to be on the Colbert Report

From the Daily Item via the No Fact Zone.

Our local guy has the balls to go on the Better Know a District segment of the Colbert Report despite what Rahm Emanuel thinks.

U.S. Rep. Chris Carney is ready for his close-up, even if a veteran
colleague is advising freshmen Democratic members of Congress not to go on the
Comedy Central show, “The Colbert Report.”

In January, Mr. Carney told The Daily Item that he received an invitation to appear on Steven [sic] Colbert’s
satirical show that usually features Washington politicians.

But according to The Hill, a newspaper that covers the Congress, Democratic Caucus chairman Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, is telling newcomers to Capital Hill to stay off the show and, apparently, avoid any embarrassing situations.

Mr. Carney isn’t worried, though. His spokeswoman, Rebecca Gale, said Friday that he’s “shown himself to be a leader” and will follow his own instincts and do “the best for the people of his district.”
And if that means going on a television show, Mr. Carney’s up for it.

“He really is an independent,” Ms. Gale said, adding
if he does appear on “The Colbert Report” he’ll do fine. “He has a great sense
of humor.”

The Barack Obama 1984 ad

Mike Gravel for President

The Hillary 1984 video

Mike Gravel for President

More fun with reassessment

A $7.2 million contract followed by a $850,000 extension and 21st Century Appraisals Inc. is in line for more. The Bond Brothers don't want them to include a statement called a tax-impact estimate to help property owners figure out if reassessment will cause their taxes to go up or down. The result will be more appeals than anticipated. But Commissioner Todd Vonderheid had this brilliant statement about the process, "It’s about whether property is assessed correctly, We have been trying to communicate that. People believe it’s about taxes.” Of course it's about taxes Todd. People want to know how much they will have to pay at the end of this yellow brick road if we ever reach it.

Do you like being used Lou?

Rick Santorum had his way with you and now a Colorado group is using your face to raise money.

It looks like a letter sent from Mayor Lou Barletta.

Inside the envelope, it becomes more clear that this is not a note sent from Hazleton or the mayor. It’s a fundraising effort from a Colorado-based legal group giving free legal advice to the city to defend its illegal immigration ordinance. The money raised from this mailing does not go into Hazleton coffers.

What's the old saying, if you lie down with dogs you get up with fleas.

Blue Cross of NEPA

Another example of Blue Cross spending your premiums on something other than insurance.

CV: Blue Cross gave the Democratic Governors Association two contributions of $35,000, according to U.S. Internal Revenue...Unlike donations made by Blue Cross Voice PAC, the non-profit health insurance company’s employee-funded political action committee, the money for the governors association came directly from revenues Blue Cross earns through premiums paid by its 600,000 subscribers and investment income from its surplus...The decision to contribute to the governors association was made by Blue Cross CEO Denise Cesare.

Blue Cross has a PAC that is funded by employee contributions and can give to whoever they want. But using premiums to contribute to political campaigns is another diversion of the surplus they have accumulated and should be out of bounds. They are also planning to spend $175 million of the surplus to integrate local health-care systems and support the creation of a local medical school. Worthy projects but that's not we paid our premiums for.

State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, who has repeatedly criticized Blue Cross for building a surplus instead of lowering its rates or offering rebates to subscribers, said she was “100 percent opposed to this kind of activity.”“This seems extremely egregious if it came out of ratepayer dollars or money earned on ratepayer dollars through investment,” the Kingston Democrat said.

Blue Cross of NEPA is also very stingy when it comes to health care coverage of it's employees and retirees. They just settled a lawsuit over a promise to provide lifetime coverage that they reneged on.

Benefits lawsuit vs. Blues settled

The buck starts here

No matter what goes wrong in the Luzerne County District Attorney's office the head of that department won't take responsibility. The latest screwup is over issuing of a warrant for a person who recently murdered someone. Mr. Lupas blames it on Public Defenders Office for the delay but the PD says he made no such request. Is this guy paperwork challenged? The Hugo escape charges, the Holdren case and many others just show a lack of attention to detail. His opponent in the upcoming election for Judge is asking the Attorney General for an investigation.

Marsilio Campaign Calls for the Attorney’s General Office to Investigate District Attorney David Lupas

When David Lupas lost the Hugo Selenski murder trial he blamed the Judge.. He made up allegations that had no factual basis in order to have the Judge remove himself from the second Selenski Trial.

When Mr. Lupas had a case dismissed because it was not brought to trial on time he blamed an Assistant District Attorney and said it was the Assistant’s fault.

When the newspapers ran a story on all the cases that have been dismissed because they weren’t brought to trial on time, Mr. Lupas blamed the Police.

Now a man, Lewis Jones, has been murdered because Mr. Lupas ignored a Court Order made on March 5th to issue a Warrant for the arrest of the man who killed Mr. Jones. This Court Order was made 8 days before Mr. Jones was killed. Mr Lupas has blamed the Public Defender’s Office and said he ignored the Judge’s Order because they asked him not to issue the Warrant.

Where does it end? When is Mr. Lupas responsible for something?

Mr. Lupas is telling the voters he intentionally ignored a Court Order because he was asked to. What right does Mr. Lupas have to ignore a Court Order because someone allegedly asked him to?

The Attorney General’s Office should be called in to conduct an investigation of Mr. Lupas and the District Attorney’s Office and make an independent determination of the culpability of Mr. Lupas for the death of Lewis Jones. The Attorney General’s Office should decide if criminal charges are warranted against Mr. Lupas in the death of Lewis Jones. No one, not even the District Attorney, is above the Law.

Snow Daze or another edition of Queer Eye for the Blog Guy

After the great St Valentine's Day massacre snow storm we are now into the St Patrick's Day eve late winter blast. In addition to their other duties are these guys also the patron saints of snowstorms? My first reaction to a major weather event is to get to the beer store then fire up the BBQ grill. PSoTD was seduced by last weeks warm temps and asked "The weather's warming up. So what's your favorite thing to cook on the outdoor barbecue?"

Some of my favorite blogs have moved, redecorated or quit.

Rick Santorum's favorite reporter Brett Lieberman has had a wandering URL that hopefully has found a home at Pennsyltucky Politics. John Micek has brightened up his place at Capitol Ideas with new drapes, wallpaper and may have even trimmed his beard. Thanks for all the shoutouts guys.

Northeast PA media news and gossip has revamped the layout and launched a new message board. Another Monkey is back to posting pictures and artwork that I enjoy and has added some seasonal pics to NEPA Blogs.

On the down side my friend Randy Potter has decided to spend more time on what's is really important and stop blogging but will keep PennPatriot Online up to prevent the spammers from taking over the domain. And adding to my reputation as the kiss of death of local blogs I listed a few new ones at NEPA Blogs that stopped posting right after I linked to them. Also my old friend and nemesis Dr. Rick seems to have been anesthetized.

Back to winter. On this cold, snowy night I give you this picture of Rudy Giuliani in drag to keep you warm.

Hazleton Cargo Airport

"Who’s getting rich here?”- Steve Flood, a former county controller who is running for county commissioner, said the creation of the authority will be “rammed through” like the county’s leasing of a Pittston juvenile detention center owned by Powell and Zappala.

The people who live near the proposed site of the Hazleton Cargo Airport predictably started yelling NIMBY and doubting the job creation numbers that have been floated. The potential environmental damage hasn't even been explored. Paving a big chunk of forest is going to create runoff problems. Gladstone Partners is already trying to put one local business, Paragon Adventure Park, out of business and many other property owners worry that they may get screwed by the use of eminent domain by John Doe and company.

Just the facts

But Mayor Lou Barletta couldn't provide any in his testimony yesterday.

CV: But Barletta also admitted he lacked statistics, evidence or research to support his main reason for proposing the ordinance — that illegal immigrants are destroying the quality of life in Hazleton. He also conceded he does not know how many illegal immigrants live in Hazleton, using city services like fire protection, sanitation and code enforcement.

I guess this is the faith based approach to law making.

Morning Call: But Barletta admitted he had no idea how many illegal immigrants live in his city of about 32,000 and that he didn't rely on any data to conclude they are the root of its problems.

As I've said before this was a stunt to help Rick Santorum's reelection campaign that has taken a life of it's own. The local rags are trying to depict him as a local hero playing on the fear of people who look different. Bloggers call him out.

Lou Barletta Doesn’t Need Your Stinkin’ Facts,

A Big Fat Slob,

Lies. Damn Lies. And Hazleton Immigration Statistics,

Today was Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta’s moment of truth,

And the Hazleton Legal Defense fund is running out of money: Barletta has frequently said that the ordinance is meant to save the city the cost of providing city services, such as police protection, for those who are in the county illegally.Besides the cost of defending the suit, Hazleton taxpayers could be on the hook for more than $1 million in legal fees from the other side if the judge rules against the city. It’s unlikely the city’s insurance company will pay those fees, as the policy specifically states it does not pay out for these costs.When asked about how the city would pay for those possible expenses, Barletta has said he would make public appearances and solicit donations.

To reassess or not to reassess

That is the question
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outraged senior citizens , Or to take arms against a sea of troubles in an election year, And by opposing end them?

Or just kick it down the road. Our Hamlets on the Susquehanna have found another way to delay the long overdue property tax assessment for the 3rd time. The last one was in 1965 so what's the hurry? The Bond Brothers aka Luzerne County Commissioners Todd Vonderheid and Greg Skrepenak voted Wednesday to delay reassessment another year. What the hell, they found some cover from the appraisal company that said it's alright because of more time needed to review properties because of declining real estate values in some areas, a recent flood and new growth indicators. The contract with 21st Century Appraisals Inc. expires March 31 and they're willing to extend it for a mere $850,000 because they want to get it right. But no political considerations affected this decision. Republican Commissioner Steve Urban has been screaming "politics " since the first delay but Skrep denies that. Who do you believe?

New Mayor in Laflin

Laflin is a little town in Luzerne County were the biggest problem lately is how to pay for garbage collection. The Mayor resigned to take another position following the departure of my old high school buddy Dave Parsnick as Police Chief. The fact that a little town of 1500 people can support a police and public works department is something I find amazing and predict it won't last much longer. They're maxed out on the property tax that is allowed without going to court and the only new revenue stream is the EMS tax that they were reluctant to levy but now have no choice.

Laflin is a nice place with well kept properties and one of my favorite restaurants, Dan's Keystone Grille. It has forest and creek and trails but I think it the most well known for is having one of the first upscale developments in the area called Oakwood Park or "millionaires row" as the locals call it. When I was a kid that was one of the best addresses around. I have no idea who lives there now but the houses and yards are well kept but nothing spectacular.

Now Dorothy Yazurlo is the new mayor and I wish her well. I don't know her very well but I've dealt with her professionally. I found her to be hard headed, detail oriented and fiercely loyal to her employees. Many tell me they miss her. She's also a ton of fun leading her Red Hat ladies all over the place.

Undertakers and barkeepers

Mike McGlynn had a good column about the background of some of our elected officials over the years. He also points out that Insurance Agents have the time and money to run for elective office. Funeral director Jim Desiderio is running for Coroner by hosting happy hours at some of the local watering holes that have been advertised on the entertainment page of the CV. This week he is getting up early to host a breakfast on Sunday but will revert to the night life for a cocktail party next Sunday. It reminds me of the old joke that Wilkes-Barre has 2 bars and a church on every corner with a funeral parlor down the street.

Dr. Jack Consalvo has the job now after being appointed by the Governor to fill out the term of late, great Dr. George Huddock. I had the pleasure of having lunch with Dr. Huddock a few times when he wanted to talk business, needless to say I didn't eat much. We'll never see the likes of him again. A trained pathologist who never had to spend a dime to get reelected. W-B Area School Director and undertaker John Corcoran is also running for the job.

Paul Golias recently suggested that Coroners position should be eliminated and a regional medical examiner's office should be created. I'm for that. There was probably a time the coroner should be elected but it has passed. In this world of highly technical forensic pathology the coroner should be hired not elected.

Get me rewrite

For the fifth time Hazleton is rewriting the Illegal Immigration Relief Act. Which is fitting because this whole show has degenerated into a bad B-movie or a soap opera. When you find a hole in the script you try to patch it. The question in this trial was summed up nicely by ACLU attorney Witold J. Walczak;

The only issues in this case are whether Hazleton's ordinance violates federal and commonwealth law" by addressing immigration policy, a power normally reserved to the federal government, similar to foreign policy and trade, Walczak said.

If Hazleton loses this case the city's taxpayer will be liable for some hefty legal bills then we will see if people still consider Lou Barletta a small town defender or a publicity seeking irresponsible fool. What started as stunt to help Rick Santorum's reelection chances has taken on a life of it's own. After being on 60 Minutes it must be hard to admit that this is not a wise course of action.

Who's the media whore?

The CV today has a long list of cases that have been dismissed because one error or another by the the Luzerne County District Attorney's office. His opponent in the race for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Tom Marsillio, likes to point out “No one I ever tried for murder was ever acquitted.” And Hugo Selinski has an LTE today that Dr. Tara pointed out.

Selenski rips DA for delay tactics, denies he’s seeking publicity

Hugo is a keen observer of the local political scene as it relates to him. Some choice quotes:

It appears we’re headed for a systematical slow walk through the system that’s been pre-ordained to allow you to scurry out of the DA’s office leaving the mess you’ve made to the future DA...You hid behind closed doors in the first trial and you’re going to run from this trial...

He makes a couple of good points. Mr. Lupas didn't prosecute the first trial and wants to run out the clock on this one. And he says he wont appeal the next ruling on the escape charges but puts out this challenge:

The escape issue has been an arduous battle between us. Don’t let us all down by handing the case to an assistant to argue at trial.

And this:

One last thing, you continuously accuse me of “seeking publicity.” That seems to be your “cure all” statement toward dealing with me. The truth of the matter is that I only speak to the media on occasions that you irritate me to the point of speaking out. (I guess we can say it’s a weakness of mine that I have a short temper when it comes to you.)

Hugo has turned down many requests for interviews by the big media. Too bad. Imagine him on the Nancy Grace show? And he has another issue with Lupas:

If you continue to run your mouth with this asinine statement that I’m “seeking publicity” I’m going to show you how quickly you can become a national comic instead of just a local one.

Lynn Evans for Plains Twp Commissioner

She's been a Wilkes-Barre Area School Director for a few years and wouldn't go along with all the tax giveaways that have been proposed. Plains has a windfall because of the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs that promises to put another $2 million into the coffers of our local Burgh. Our present town fathers/commisioners want to spend it as a fast as it comes in. Maybe they should take some of the money and put it into what has been called a rainy day fund. Stashing away a few bucks to cover the costs of a major snow storm like the one we got on Valetines Day or the summer flooding is a good idea. Right now there are no plans to do that.