Alan Howe for Congress

At Kirby Park

With Lou Barletta deciding to run for Senate there is a lot of speculation about who will run in the PA 11th Congressional District. I'm going to resist getting into all that and cover candidates that have actually announced that they are running.

Alan Howe is a USAF veteran who rose to the top enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant. That's E-10 for my friends that are vets of the other services. He lives in Carlisle with his wife and dogs and is an avid fly fisherman.

He entered the race as a Democrat a few months ago before Barletta decided he needs a promotion.

From his website:

We must help our local communities grow

Our nation was founded on the idea of equality for all and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To help protect those rights, we formed a Democracy that had as its principle aims: “to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”
Your Representative to the US House should be working diligently on these tasks. He or she should be making sure that your government does things for you, not to you. You should see, hear from, and talk to your Representative routinely. You should know that your Representative is doing right by you, your community, and your nation.
Twenty-five years ago, the Air Force asked me to internalize the core values of “Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.” You can expect that as your Representative, I will to the right thing always for our district and for our nation, and I will do it as well as it can be done.
As a candidate, I am hard at work traveling throughout the 11th District to hear from as many of you as I can. As your elected Representative, I will continue to work hard to craft and sponsor policies to see that your government does its best for you—just as it should, so you can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with your family and friends.

Facebook page:  

Alan Howe for Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District

 

                                                                                          

Kathi Cozzone for Lt. Governor

Present Lt. Gov of PA Mike Stack is in all sorts of hot water lately. From billing the taxpayers for hotels in Philadelphia, catering bills and mistreating state troopers and other state employees. He owns a house in Philly.

Aryanna Berringer has already announced a challenge and Bradford Mayor John Fetterman is thinking about it.

This dropped into my inbox a few days ago. Someone on her staff must remember my glory days of blogging.

Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone Announces bid for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania

Cozzone brings government experience, business acumen and a record of bi-partisan accomplishments to a potential Wolf/Cozzone Ticket

West Chester, PA – Surrounded by supporters in Chester County, County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone announced her bid for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania today at the Historic Courthouse in downtown West Chester.  “Today, I ask the voters of the Democratic Party of Pennsylvania to support a new partner for Governor Wolf,” said Cozzone, announcing her bid. “The Governor needs an accomplished elected official who knows how to work in a bipartisan manner to produce real results, to serve with him in Harrisburg.  He, and our Party, need a strong ticket in the fall to ensure our success at the ballot box and to help advance the Governor’s agenda in the hearts and minds of Pennsylvanians.  I believe I have the skills and the record to serve on that ticket, and be that partner for Governor Wolf.”

 

“Like Governor Wolf, my background before running for public office is in the business world.  I have spent 10 years learning how real-world principles can be applied to government to improve the lives of our citizens.  I have also learned that governing is a unique skill requiring experience and practice.  That is why I believe my balance of private and public sector experience will make me an asset to Governor Wolf’s administration.

Luzerne County Council-The Republicans

A list of the Republican candidates with links.

Marc Dixon

                                             

Facebook: Marc Dixon for Luzerne County
No website

Greg Wolovich
                                         

Facebook: Greg Wolovich for Luzerne County Council
No website

Harry Haas

                                     

Facebook: Haas for Luzerne County Council
Website: Harry Haas

Chris Perry
No FB page or website

Stephen Urban
No FB page or website

Luzerne County Council-The Democrats

I have had the good fortune of meeting all of the Luzerne County Council candidates of the years. Most of them recently and for a few it's been a while. Here is a rundown:

The top vote getters in the primary:

17254 votes cast in the Republican primary

1. Harry Haas (Inc)
2. Chris Perry
3. Marc Dixon
4. Stephen J Urban
 5. Greg Wolovich

23480 votes cast in the Democratic primary

1. Sheila Saidman
2. Linda Houck(Inc)
3. Wendy Cominsky
4. Matt Vough
5. John Gadomsky

Only 6000+ votes more Democratic votes than Republicans.

Some links and obserations.

Wendy Cominsky  

Website:  Wendy Cominsky for Luzerne County Council
 Facebook: Wendy Cominsky for Luzerne County Council

Matt Vough

Website: Matt Vough Luzerne County Council
Facebook: Matt Vough Luzerne County Council

Linda Houck



Facebook:Llinda Mcclosky Houck for Luzerne County Council
No website

John Gadomsky

Facebook: John Gadomsky for Luzerne County Council
No website

Sheila Saidman

Facebook: Sheila Saidmain for Luzerne County Council
No website

That's it for the Democrats. Republicans coming up.

Mark's Pub has been sold

Mark's Pub on N. Washington St. in Wilkes-Barre has been the venue of choice of the Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society  and Gort42 fans for many gathering over the years. We were all heartbroken when the owner and good friend Mark Rogers passed away at an early age.

Now it looks like Marks' family has found a buyer. The Liquor License application was hard to read but it's either Guri, LLC or Gurl, LLC. I need to check out the property transfers.

The Committee and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Nescopeck Pass wish the new owners every success and look forward to having a cocktail there soon.

Immigration

This comment was on a FB friend's wall. She may want to do some research, outside of Paris many people spoke to me in broken English and I answered in ridiculous French

Patricia Collins O'Reilly Please don't tell me that President Obama didn't have an ego. He was Mr. Slick. If you go back in American history, people that immigrated in the late 1800's or early 1900's had to pass a lot more than what President Trump is asking for. If people want to immigrate here, then follow the rules. Why do people that have lived here for 20 years still speak only Spanish - because we accept it - we have special education for people with English as a Second Language. When you live in a country, you should conform to their ways. Go to Germany or France and see how they refuse to speak English to visitors - they know it but won't. All we ask is that people are not wards of the state. That was the phrase that was on my mother and father's immigration permission letter in 1925 when they came to this country.


 This caught my eye and reminded me of my childhood growing up in the North End of Wilkes-Barre.


 Why do people that have lived here for 20 years still speak only Spanish 

From an earlier post:




 I grew up the north end of Wilkes-Barre. In the 1960's people spoke language's I didn't understand. There were stores I had had a hard time buying things because I didn't know Russian or Slovak. I miss that. Yes Grandma didn't speak English but her kids did. And their kids were fluent in the English language but couldn't speak the the native tongue. What a loss. My father encouraged me to learn a different language and after 4 years of taking French I went to France. I wish I had paid attention because I had no idea what they were talking about.

My point is that the immigrants of today will assimilate just like our grandparents did. Even if the first generation doesn't grasp the language the next will.
 

Lou Barletta for Senate

If the reports are true PA 11th CD Rep Lou Barletta of Hazleton  is running for the US Senate against incumbent Bob Casey of Scranton in 2018. After Rick Santorum flamed out in the 2016 primary Lou endorsed Donald Trump and has been a big supporter ever since. Many people say that Trump has urged him to get into the race.

Barletta getting into the Senate race will probably knock out a few of the minor Republican candidates but I doubt he will have a clear field.

On the other hand the next primary  election in the  Pennsylvania 11th Congressional District will be a donnybrook on both sides.

The only declared candidate in the 11th CD until now was Democrat Alan Howe. 
That will change in the next few days.

The Republicans have a deep bench in a district that stretches from Wyoming County to down past Harrisburg and Carlisle. There are many Republican Legislators and County officials that will be looking for a promotion.

Of course some rich guy/girl  who could self finance might  get in on it.


My archive/oppo research on Barletta

Here

 

Is Tom Marino running for reelection?

In his latest FEC filing Republican Rep.Tom Marino  (PA-10) reports that his campaign raised only $3500 in the 2nd quarter of 2017 and has $113K cash on hand. Even a candidate in a safe seat usually raises a lot of money and hands it off to competitive campaigns. His campaign site has not been updated since January and the Facebook page has been dormant.

2016 Democratic candidate Scott Brion is running again but has not raised much money.

Another Democratic candidate announced on July 5th.

Counselor announces candidacy for seat in 10th 

   “This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Judith Herschel, shortly before she was due toride in a Fourth of July parade in Montrose. This is her first foray into elective politics. She is a certified drug and alcohol counselor.......Under the proposed new health care bill, she said, “those recovering from substance use disorders will lose access to the necessary support that is required to recover from this devastating disease, and that affects all of us. It is imperative that we expand programs and access for individuals who suffer from mental and behavioral health issues, particularly our veterans. The new proposed bill affects most everyone and hits the most vulnerable the hardest. Children will go without food, and our elderly and disabled neighbors will go without medications, fuel assistance and medical care.”

 Her Facebook page: Judy Herschel for US Congress 

 Website: Judy Herschel for US Congress 

 

H/T to Jerry Kairnes

1000 words

Opioid epidemic and Medicaid

 This is now working backwards. From Facebook

                                                                  

Listening to Sue Henry who has our representatives talking about the opioid epidemic and cuts in Medicaid. Apparently, those who support the philosophy of the Republican Party don't have relatives who have addictions or who are intellectually disabled or old. Well, aren't you a lucky buck. Have you got a solution to this problem? How to stop addiction, prevent intellectual disabilities and stop people from growing old? Other than needing revenue to finance it?
Come on now, you voted for Trump. Give me a solution. Bet you can't.-

Bev

Young Dems getting together

This is great.  Luzerne County Young Democrats  are having a meeting at

Rodano's

53 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18701

Thursday, July 27 at 6 PM

 

LCYD Meeting at Rodano's 

 A night to celebrate local Democrats, engage in current events, and increase membership in the LCYD!

 

 

 I have always been a supporter of our local chapters of the Young Democrats and Young Republicans in Luzerne County . Both outfits have been  very generous to me over the years.

 Just looking at their Facebook pages they both have been dormant for a while so it's good to see one of the organizations getting back in gear

                                                                                                                                         

President: Beth Gilbert
Vice President: Dominick Butchko
Secretary: Matthew Ford
Treasurer: Kyle Kocher
Immediate Past President: Thomas Shubilla

This is why we do it

To make a difference for our kids.

Some politicians with some kids. 

The whole idea is to give them a better world than we found it.

Luzerne County Council

The thing about the the latest Luzurne County Council race was the lack of acrimony. With a few exceptions the candidates avoided trying to tear down their opponents. It was a race about ideas to make our county a better place to live.

The 2 people that impressed me most were Republican Marc Dixon and Democrat Wendy Cominsky. They have some ideas to improve
our lives and are running to do something not be somebody. You may disagree with them but they will listen to your ideas and try to come to a solution.

On the Republican side 5 candidates advanced for 5 seats. Incumbent Harry Haas may just win another term.Gregory S. Wolovich Jr. is running hard. 

Linda Houck was near  the top of the ballot on the Demcratic side and Sheila Saidman topped it. Matt Vough and John Godamski round out the field

Looking to the Fall- Luzerne County Controller

.
The headline race in Luzerne County will be the contest for Controller. Incumbent Democrat Michelle Bednar is being challenged by former Republican Controller Walter Griffith.
I hope I'm wrong but this one may get a bit nasty. Both candidates have been friends for many years and I would hate to see that. My advice to supporters of both candidates is to stick to issues and qualifications. Skip the personal attacks

Nobody reads Blogs on Saturday

Just Alex Milanes

The return of Blogfest

A big Thank You to Brian and the staff of Ole Tyme Charley's for hosting great event. The Green Party came out in force in addition to  many Democratic and Republican candidates,  labor leaders, bloggers  and most importantly voters. More in the AM.

Wilkes-Barre Area School Board Meeting

About 70 people attended the school board meeting tonight. I got there late and had to leave early because of another commitment. I expected it to be a lot more contentious but for the most part it was civil. The board applauded the speakers and answered their questions. There was a lot of back and forth between the board and Attorney Kim Borland of Save our Schools. I was surprised to learn that many board members have not visited the sites under consideration for the new school. Most of the public speakers asked that they delay any decision and gather more data. Board member Joe Caffrey said this issue has been kicked down the road for over 15 years and it was time to act.

In the end they voted 7-2 to start the  process of  building a new  high school on the 80-acre site between Maffett and Main streets in Plains Twp. Shawn Walker and Christine Katsock voted no

 

 

W-B Area Board narrows site selection for planned consolidated high school

 

The return of Blogfest

It was so much fun in the past people have been asking us to do it again. Started as an informal political mixer it became a networking event for bloggers, voters and political candidates.

Past events have drawn crowds of 100 to 150, including political and non-political bloggers, politicians from every party as well as independents, and those curious about politics and blogging.

Since its inception Blogfest has been described as the best political event of the season. The rule is "agree to disagree, but don't be disagreeable." Many local and statewide candidates will be attending. All are welcome, and there is no charge for admission.

 This a joint venture of NEPA Blogs, The Lu Lac Political Letter and Gort42.

Ole Tyme Charley's Restaurant & Pub

31 S River St, Plains, Pennsylvania 18705

Saturday May 6th starting at 5 PM

Rock the County-Wendy Cominsky for Luzerne County Council

Wendy Cominsky is one of those very special people who decided to run for office. She doesn't have money or powerful friends just a desire to make a difference. I asked her why she would want to do such a thing and she told me she has been an activist about issues she cares about and people suggested she should run for office. So she listened to them and threw her hat into the ring. She is a middle class worker who owns her own business and she said if she is successful it will encourage more people like her.

She organized a great event and invited other candidates to circulate  petitions. The other council candidates gathering signatures were incumbent Linda Houck and newcomers Phil Gianfarcaro, David Popiak and Sheila Saidman.

Michelle Bednar is running for reelection as Controller and said she is proud of the job she has done. She has reorganized the office and has done more with less people because of the county financial problems. The audits are on time and she will be looking at the  books of the local tax collectors next. The audit of the Homestead exemption has netted $100K in back taxes.

A couple of Wilkes-Barre Area School Board candidates also were seeking some ink.Melissa Etzle Patla and Jarvis Wright. More on Jarvis tomorrow.

 

Another update from Walter

"I never denied that I did something wrong and I paid my fine as well as served my probation, and resigned from the job that I loved doing for the people of this County I think I left my guard down and was very stupid in allowing them the opportunity to get me out of office. I think it was truly an honest mistake that cost me dearly financially and emotionally and I am truly sorry for my mistakes."

 

Harry Haas, Carolee Medico, Walter Griffith, Stephen J.A. X. Y .Z Urban, The Judge, Charlie Lemmond