Mark Singer for Magistrate

 

 

                  

Mark    A.  Singer  Announces    Candidacy  for  District  Judge  

    

Pittston   Attorney   Mark   A.   Singer,   Esquire   is       announcing   his      candidacy     for      District   Judge     of      the  Magisterial     District     Judge   for   District     11-­‐1-­‐04.     The   District   comprises   the   municipalities   of   Pittston   and  the  greater  Pittston    area,    Duryea,  Avoca,  DuPont,  and  Hughestown.  

Singer  graduated  from    Pittston  Area  High  School  in  1980  and  immediately  enrolled  in  the

University  of  Scranton  where  he  graduated  Magna  Cum    Laude  with  a  duel  Bachelor  of  Science  Degrees  in    1984.    He    earned    his    Juris    Doctorate    in  1987    from  Dickinson  School  of    Law  at  Penn    State   University.       Singer    was  admitted  into  the  Practice  of  Law  in  1987  and  in    all   courts    in   the    State    of   Pennsylvania,  the  United  States    District  Court  for  the  Middle  District,  The  United  States  Third  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals,  and  the  United  States  Supreme    Court.  

 He    began  his    career    after    Law   School   in   Lehigh   County    as    a   Public    Defender   and    Attorney  Singer has    since    served  as  an  Assistant  District  Attorney  for  Luzerne  County,  and  First  Assistant  Liaison  to  the  Lower    Lackawanna/Upper  Luzerne    County    Drug  Task  Force.  

 

In   addition,     Mark    Singer  has   served    the    Municipal  Police    Officers    Education    and    Training    Commission  (M.P.O.E.T.C.)  for  nearly10  years,  as  an    Instructor.  Mark    was  also  Adjunct  Instructor  in  Criminal  Law  and    Criminal  Procedure  at  Luzerne  County  Community  College.  He    has    also    been    an    advisor    to  the  Pittston  Area  Young    Lawyers.  

As  a  Defense  Attorney,    Singer  is    one   of   twelve    (12)   attorneys  certified    to   defend   capital  cases.    He has  prosecuted  murders,  rapists,  burglars,  drug  dealers,  child  abusers   and  those  that    prey   upon    the elderly.    Mark  is    the    only    candidate    to    prosecute    as    well  as    defend    a  Death    Penalty    case.  

Deeply  involved  within  the  community,  Mark  A.  Singer  has  been  active  in  the  Pittston  Area  School  District    having  been  involved    on  the    Board    of   Directors    and    a   Region   7    Director    to    The   Pennsylvania  School  Board    Association.  

As  a  member  of  Lions    International  Attorney  Singer  was  awarded  the  prestigious   Melvin   Jones  Fellow    Award.    He    has    also    served    as    President  of    the    Hughestown    Lions    Club.     

Mark    is  an    elder  in    the  Second  Presbyterian    Church    of  Pittston,    a  member  of  the  Keystone    Consistory  and  an  Irem    Temple  Shriner.  

Attorney  Singer  is  son  to  the  late  Francis  Anthony  Singer  from    Avoca  and  Amelia  Lena  (Foglia)  of    Hughestown.    He  is  married  to  the  former  Heidi  Baldygo  and  they  have  one  daughter  Anjelica  Nicola,  a  student  at  the    Pittston  Area  Middle  School.     

Additional  information  on  Attorney  Mark  A.  Singer  may  be  found  on  his  website  

www.marksingerfordistrictjudge.com  

    

    

###

    

Guns

The solution to gun violence is simple but not attainable. The only firearms that should be allowed are shotguns and bolt action rifles. No one needs an assault rifle with a 30 round magazine or a handgun.  

Another Chris Carney tease

PoliticsPA is reporting that the DCCC had  a poll of former 10th CD Congressman Chris Carney vs. 11th CD Congressman Lou Barletta recently without any numbers. We went through this last time. Don't get your hopes up Carney fans as he  is not running for Congress or Lt. Governor which is laughable.. He spent 2 terms in Congress and cashed in becoming as a lobbyist  with a defense contractor in Virginia. Every time one of these stories pops up he can't be reached by reporters or bloggers which tells you something.

in government affairs for BAE systems

in government affairs for BAE systems

Tom Marino needs to read the Constitution

via Think Progress:  Congressman Tom Marino wants to impeach Harry Reid because he is mad about the budget or something.

MARINO: I’ve made a suggestion that we should at least start talking about impeachment. I had my office staff do it. But we cannot find anything that permits the House to bring impeachment proceedings against Harry Reid. There’s nothing in the legislation we can find at this point to force him to vote or come up with a budget or anything like that. His membership in the Senate can call for a vote of “no confidence,” but we can’t even get a Republican senator to do that.

The reason his staff can't find anything is because it doesn't exist. The House can't remove a member of the Senate.  Article I Section 5 of the Constitution says each house makes it own rules:

Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.

Also there is nothing in the Constitution about a "no confidence vote." That can happen in the British Parliament but not the US Congress.

A few months ago 11th CD Congressman Lou Barletta stated that the President could veto a Constitutional amendment. Article V of the US Constitution says that an amendment must be passed by two thirds of the House and Senate then ratified by three fourths of the State Legislatures.

The President can not veto a Constitutional Amendment!

Barletta also wants to deny birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th amendment.

Keystone Politics:
H.R.140, the “Birthright Citizenship Act of 2013,” seeks to bar children of non-citizens born in the United States from gaining citizenship rights.

If this was applied retroactively I would not be an an American citizen as my grandparents were not American citizens when they came to the the USA . My Mother and Father would not be American citizens even they were born in this country to foreign born parents.

Be careful what you ask for

 State Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware)just won't give up. After his plan to award Pennsylvania's electoral votes by Congressional District went no where he is back with a plan to divvy them up proportionally. If this system was in place last year President Obama would have received 12 EV's to Govenor Romney's 8 instead of all 20 going to the Democrats.

It's easy to see how this plan could backfire. Although PA has voted for the Dems in the last few elections it's not inconceivable that the GOP nominee could win the Commonwealth in 2016 but split the EV's with the Democrat and deny him/her the White House. The other danger is that the 2014 State Legislature races could be nationalized. If this bill passes I can see every Democratic interest group in the country getting involved pouring lot's of money into those races.

Happy Spring Training

Forget the groundhog or the equinox, the first sign of Spring is Baseball! Today there was the first game between the Phillies and Astros .

Young Republicans have a new leader

Congrats to Frank Mazza who has been elected to succeed Bob Zaruta as Chairman of the Luzerne County Young Republicans. Bob has led the group in a conservative direction declining to endorse some Republican candidates. Bob tells me he is looking at starting an internet venture.

 

 

Dem candidate forum

The Luzerne County Democratic Committee will host a Candidate Forum on Thursday February 28th, 6:30PM at Grotto Pizza outside the Wyoming Valley Mall. Democratic candidates for County office are invited to meet with members of the Executive Committee.

RSVP on the Facebook Event page 

And the Young Dems will meet Wednesday at Rodano's on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre at 7PM.

Details on FB.

Mark Smith for Lieutenant Governor

Democratic Bradford County Commissioner Mark Smith Running for Lt. Governor

Towanda, PA - Second-term Bradford County Commissioner Mark Smith will seek the 2014 Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor. He announced his candidacy at The Weigh Station Cafe in downtown Towanda this afternoon.

In his remarks, Smith said, “I will take Pennsylvania and the office of Lt. Governor in a new direction. It’s time to re-write the job description of the Lt. Governor so it meets the needs of the people and Pennsylvania's future. The next Lt. Governor must be more than just a placeholder. As Lt. Governor I will work relentlessly as a public advocate to give a voice to those people and communities that are all too often left behind by the bureaucracy in Harrisburg.” 

A full copy of his remarks as-prepared is available at:

http://www.marksmithforpa.com/wp/2013/02/21/announcement-speech/

From 2008 to 2011, Mark Smith served as Chairman of the Bradford County Board of Commissioners, overseeing enormous economic development and job growth, while leading important government modernization and reform initiatives. He was only the second Democrat ever to be elected Chairman.

Under Smith’s watch, Bradford county's private sector employment increased by 15%, while statewide and national employment decreased by 2% and 4%, respectively. During those years, Bradford County had the second-best employment growth in the state. As Bradford County became the number one county in the state for Marcellus Shale development, Smith became a recognized expert on the state, regional and local impacts of the natural gas industry.

He has been an outspoken critic of the Corbett administration and Department of Environmental Protection's failures to properly engage with county and local leaders on the oversight and regulation of the natural gas industry.

He was a strong supporter of a tax on natural gas, which was needed revenue for communities across the shale region to meet the increased demands from growth.

While serving as Commissioner, Smith cut taxes, passed four balanced budgets, refinanced the county's debt and revamped the county's energy usage and efficiency policies, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

Before entering public service, Smith was an industrial design engineer. He grew up in Ridgebury Township in Bradford County and studied industrial design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and then at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. He is also continuing his education working toward a business degree. Smith is an accomplished musician who plays lead guitar in the rock band, One Floor Away. The band is currently signed with the studio New Vine Media where they are recording their first album.

Smith looks forward to a spirited campaign, but more importantly, he is looking forward to his June wedding when he will marry his fiancé, Wilkes-Barre native, Jane Clements.

Harry Haas for Luzerne County Council

 Harry Haas announces he is running for reelection:



I'm running for re-election to move into phase two of laying the foundation for Home Rule government.

I see it somewhat like highway paving: We're laying the smooth macadam over the more dense stone foundation.

In the first year, our council has successfully:
--transitioned into our Home Rule form of government from the commissioner system.
--hired our first professional manager, who was the most outstanding candidate.
--passed two budgets, the first of which was initially handicapped by a $3million shortfall.
--brought an unprecedented transparency to county government with open participation at council meetings and with public appointments to county
authorities, boards, and commissions.

My goals for another term on council are to:
--earmark any budget surpluses to specifically pay down our $400 million debt.
--hire the best candidates for charter-mandated division heads.
--agree upon a written vision for a 5, 10, and 20 year countywide plan.
--continue to bring decency and respect to county government.

Our campaign webpage is harryhaas.com

Our campaign's kick off event will be at Rodano's on public square on Thursday, February 28 from 6-7:30.
Fellow Republican candidates for all offices are welcome to bring their petitions.

Alex Milanes for Luzerne County Council

Milanes makes it official:

My name is Alex Milanes and I know what The American Dream is. Fleeing Castro’s Cuba, my family settled in Northern New Jersey without a penny to their names. Within a few years, my grandfather would open an electronics store and my cousin would start a fencing business. Kenny Electronics and Delta Fence Company would eventually grow into successful businesses.

I lived with my parents in an apartment over my grandfather’s store, and spent my youth in the shop, running errands and witnessing the hard work and long hours my grandparents logged each day. After graduating high school, I started working for my cousin at Delta Fence Company. Through these experiences at an early age, I can attest that hard work and discipline were the keys to realizing the American Dream.

When my work with Alliance Inspection Management brought me to Pennsylvania, I lived first in Philadelphia before moving to Easton and then Wilkes-Barre, where I found a home. For the past few years I have involved myself in local Luzerne County politics. I serve currently as the Secretary of the Luzerne County Republican Party, as well as representing the 6th District in the party’s grievance committee. I also serve as the Treasurer of the 6th District and represent the first ward of Wilkes-Barre Township in the Luzerne County Republican Committee.

I am a believer of supporting our veterans and currently an associate member of the Marine Corps League Detachment 412 “Black Sheep”, Social member of The American League Mountain Post 781 and a supporter of Vets to D.C. I am also an active member of the Luzerne County Historical Society.

I want to make the American Dream that allowed my family to rise from nothing available to everyone who is willing to work hard and play by the rules. I believe that immigration is the lifeblood of this country, and I am the only candidate that will make sure the interests of ALL people in Luzerne County are represented on the Council. I have a proven record of building bridges and serving the people of Luzerne County.

Alex Milanes

“Your County…Your Voice”

Luzerne County Council candidates

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

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

Another candidate for PA Lieutenant Governor?

A few weeks ago Harrisburg city councilor Brad Koplinski dropped his announcement for Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. in my inbox. I never heard of the guy but appreciate that he included me in his media list. I was very pleased that he accepted my invitation to Blogfest on April 19th.

Yesterday I got a teaser from another guy I never heard of. 

 "This Thursday, Democratic Bradford County Commissioner Mark Smith will make a major announcement that could have long-term impacts on Bradford County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
For several years, Bradford County has been the number one county in the state for Marcellus Shale development, job growth and impact. Smith has become a recognized and outspoken expert on the statewide, regional and local impacts of the natural gas industry."

I can't make it because of my work schedule but I'm going to make a wild guess that he is  announcing that he is  running for Lt. Gov. We hope to see him at Blogfest.

Petition Day

February 19th is the first day to circulate petitions for Luzerne County Council, Wilkes-Barre Area School board and a myriad of other local office's. You have to turn them in by March 13th then have until March 27th to change your mind.

The Republican 6th District is hosting a petition signing party at the Grotto in the Mall Wednesday:

 

 

 

From FB Petition Night

 The Luzerne County 6th District Republican Committee announces a petition night for registered Republican Candidates seeking county-wide office, or seeking office within the 6th District (Ashley, Hanover Township Ward 2, Plains Township, Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre Township).

Republican-registered candidates are encouraged to attend and should bring their petitions to gather Republican signatures.

Where: Grotto Pizza, Wyoming Valley Mall
Date: Wednesday, February 20
Time: 7PM

The public is invited.

Jim O'Meara for Wilkes-Barre Area School Board

As predicted there will be many people running for School Board this time. The first to announce is my pal Jim O'Meara. Expect many more.


From the inbox:

My name is James O’Meara Sr. and I am running for Wilkes-Barre Area School Director.

 

I am a 1975 graduate of Wyoming Area. I’ve lived in Plains Township since 1984. I attended Penn State as an undergraduate. I also attended College Misericordia (now Misericordia University) during the early years of my marriage. In each case I left college to work full-time. I have a lot of credits, but no sheepskin. Both of my children attended Wilkes-Barre Area schools and both graduated from James M. Coughlin High School.

 

Over the years, I advanced in my careers through hard work and my own initiative. I haven't been afraid to take chances. I currently work in retail sales and run a small business. I also have sixteen years of information services experience (including management) under my belt. Like many other Americans in these uncertain times, I have experienced the challenges of joblessness. I know what it is like to face the cruel economic uncertainty that comes with the loss of a job.

 

I am deaf, but my hearing was restored with bilateral cochlear implants. The first thing I did after getting my hearing back was run for office. I relished the chance to once again talk with …and especially listen to …thousands of people in a door-to-door campaign for state representative. As a candidate for school director, I will campaign the same way. I will listen to what you have to say. And I will take your message with me to every school board meeting.

 

So why am I running?

 

I have one young grandchild, and another is due any day now. I worry about the quality of education they will receive in the years ahead. I am concerned that the education of our children and grandchildren is being compromised in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.

 

The Pennsylvania state constitution mandates in Article II, Section 14 that, “The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education.”

 

I believe the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board has a long way to go in meeting this constitutional mandate.

 

The Citizens’ Voice reported in June, 2012 that Wilkes-Barre Area “…is the only school district in the entire seven-county region that failed to meet the state average in any of the 20 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests or the SAT for the 2010-2011 school year.” From where I sit the district gets a failing grade for delivering a thorough system of public education.

 

As to the efficiency mandated by our state constitution, the failures there border on the spectacular.

 

Just days ago, the Citizens’ Voice reported that Wilkes-Barre Area’s billing requirements were so derelict that a forensic audit couldn’t resolve whether the former solicitor overbilled for more than half a decade. In other words, it was impossible for the auditor to figure out whether the district was robbed, careless or both.

 

Last November, the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader lambasted five members of the board for “…refusing to recognize and prohibit the destructive influence of nepotism on a public institution.” In recent news, one board member is voting from half a world away.

 

This is a school board badly in need of a shake-up.

 

It’s time for some common sense leadership. It’s time for voters to send a clear message that politics as usual in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District must end.

 

I look forward to delivering this message personally in November, and I ask for your support.

 

Thank you, and together let’s make a difference!

 

James O’Meara, Sr.

Jim has previously run for State Rep and Plains Township Commissioner.He was the campaign manager for Laureen Cummings Congressional bid.

 

Ich bin ein Schulleiter

The latest outrage from the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board is Bob Corcoran voting by Skype from his new home in Germany. It may be technically legal to attend a board meeting by video conferencing because of a temporary absence but this is ridiculous.  As PB put it: One thing you have to say for the WBA school board, it never fails to amaze or, in this case,  amuse, make that disgust.

Three members of the board want him removed but that may take months.  His seat is up this coming election and it is safe to assume that he won't be running for reelection but anything can happen. The honorable thing to do is resign but be we are talking about the W-B Area School Board  and there are people to be hired.

In addition to Corcoran,  Christine Katsock, Lynn Evans and  Phil Latinski are up for reelection. Evans said she is not running.

Expect a big field in the upcoming primary but the key is winning a double nomination making the general election a foregone conclusion.

Alex Milanes for Luzerne County Council

Alex is the son of Cuban immigrants that landed in New Jersey via Spain and said he wants to be the Hispanic face of the local GOP much as Marco Rubio is trying to be the Savior of the national Republicans according to Time. The difference is that Alex is rational person who understands the need for compromise to make government function. He tossed out a few ideas at our meeting tonight to raise revenue such as a tax amnesty for delinquent property owners and expressed reluctance to slash county jobs sacrificing customer service. Milanes doesn't support the recent move to cut out the local tax collectors saying it needs more study. His reluctance to tow the party line got him kicked out of the local Young Republican outfit. He has been a regular at Blogfest.

Alex with a friend at the last Blogfest

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