Bob Reilly is a used car salesman

This is both funny and infuriating.

From The Lu Lac Political Letter:

For weeks WILK's Steve Corbett had heard rumors that long time Clerk of Courts Robert Reilly was selling cars as a side job at a Wilkes Barre Twp car dealership. Nothing wrong with supplementing your income. We’ve all done that at one time or another. But apparently Reilly was selling cars during the hours he was supposed to be administering the Clerk of Courts office. The intrepid Corbett called the auto lot at 10:26AM and got Reilly on the blower. After a brief conversation, Reilly told the radio host he’d call him on the air at 5:06PM later that afternoon and explain what was going on. Needless to say, the call never came.

He is spending his/our time at Nationwide Car Sales on Mundy St. behind the Mall next to the defunct Ground Round. Go say Hello.

A few year ago I would stop by a local beer distributor on a weekday afternoon to pick up a few adult beverages and spotted Reilly working there.


The subject of work hours has been a hot topic in the Luzerne County Controller race.

At the recent LWV forum at Wilkes University the only Democrat in the race, Bob Morgan, was noncommittal on spending 8 hours a day in the office. “I think we sometimes get too focused on the idea that we’re there from a certain time to a certain time. The reality is: Can you do the job? Do you have the ability to do the job?”

Republican Edd Brominski said he was retired so he had nothing else to do and cited his experience as a Democratic County Commissioner claiming he would be in the office 7Am until 11PM if necessary.

Nanda Palissery said he finds the question about whether or not he will be a full-time controller “offensive” and said he will be in the office when needed.


Water Griffith said he wasn't offended by the question and committed to being in the office 8:30M-4:30PM and later every day. “For $38,000 a year, which is probably double what a normal citizen of this county makes, if I can’t commit to you to be in that office every single hour that you would be in your job, then shame on me.”


Bob Sypniewski also said he will show up for work saying; "You put me there to serve. How dare me then on your time do my business?”

CPA Alice Coffman also wouldn't commit; “Will that mean I’m in that office everyday eight hours? I’m not going to sit here and promise that to you, because I don’t think that that is likely.

Walter sent along this guest post on the subject.






Dear Gort42,



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I would like to write in regarding the story about Bob Reilly " Luzerne County Clerk of Courts" and his ability to have a job as a Automobile salesman in addition to his County Row Office.
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Mr. Reilly is a disgrace to the County Row Officers and the taxpayers for his behavior and he should immediately quit his job as a salesman or County Row Officer. This is the same person that has stated "on the record" that his job requires more money from the taxpayers and he has demonstrated that he isn't even on the job "Full Time". This is the same person that used the County Taxpayers money to fund a lawsuit against the taxpayers to stop the Clerk of Courts budget because it was not enough funds for his office.
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The Luzerne County Courthouse has had its time in the sun for to long for all the wrong reasons, and this is just another case of the abilities of a few, that tarnish the entire beauty of the wonderful building that will be celebrating its 150.year's of existence.
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My time has been spent the past 3 years trying to hold the elected officials of this County accountable to the taxpayers, by attending County Commissioner meetings, and asking for accountability and transparency in government, when all the rest of the candidates that have now come on the scene have been silent.
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The County Commissioners have never held anyone accountable for their abuse of power in government in the past, and I as a taxpayer advocate, have been trying to have them do this since attending the first meeting regarding the issue of the Debit Card abuser's in which I call the "magnificent seven".


The taxpayers of Luzerne County should and must have elected officials that are "Full Time" and should not accept anything less, and this can be accomplished by instituting a policy in personnel that requires everyone to "Log In" and "Log Out" and show mileage for all travel to designate their time out of the office.


I have been asking for the use of a " Badge Scanner" or "time Clock" to verify the attendance of all County Employee's and I feel with the abuse of this type with Mr. Reilly it is long over due for the taxpayers.


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I, as a taxpayer advocate, the past three years in the County, and the past 7 years in the City of Wilkes Barre, have taught me several lessons about our government regarding our Elected Officials like Mr. Reilly and Ms. Moran, as well as a few others, that feel they are above the same rules of employment as the people they supervise, and that is that we, as taxpayers, are always being taken advantage of by a few people in government that can get away with it, and we need people to always be there asking questions and holding our government accountable.
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I, as your taxpayer advocate, have attended the meetings at my own cost, and have been a taxpayer advocate for the taxpayers of Luzerne County on many issues that concern abuse of power by the elected officials. I spoke out for the taxpayers regarding the "Debit Cards" and tried to have the "Abuser's" fired for their actions, however the Commissioners chose to turn their heads and wink and nod at this type of corruption.
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I, as a your taxpayer advocate, represented everyone in the County. at my own cost, regarding the court case to borrow over 16 million dollars because of the Commissioners reckless spending and was successful in having the courts rule in the taxpayers favor to lower that to 5 million.
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The reason for my bringing this to light is because at election time, we always seem to see candidate ask for the taxpayers confidence and vote, and then we never hear from them again after the election. I have demonstrated that I will always be there for the taxpayers "AT MY OWN EXPENSE" because I truly care about them and its not about myself or the money.
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I vow to all the taxpayers that I will be a " FULL TIME" Controller, and that means that I will be in the office at the same times that I expect my staff to be there, and I will lead by example. I will not abuse the taxpayers like Mr. Reilly or Ms. Moran or the others that are pledging to be "FULL TIME" just to get elected and then "Thumb their noses" at the taxpayers once they are elected. I will be the right person for the job and will not pay a vendor for work if they don't follow the contract like what happened with 21st Century and our botched reassessment for the profit of our corrupt officials.
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I would like to conclude by saying that there are several people that are professionals running for public office, and are asking for your support to get the votes required to win the election on May 19th.I would suggest that each taxpayer ask this one very important question on election day and that is " Where were these people that are asking for our vote when we needed them when our elected officials were abusing their power and our money" ?


Walter L Griffith Jr
Candidate for Luzerne County Controller

121st District candidate interviews

The Times-Leader is running a series of interviews with the candidates hoping to succeed Kevin Blaum in the district encompassing Ashley, Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre Township, Plains Township and parts of Hanover Township. They have also posted the audio from the candidates in this race and the 20th State Senate District contest here.

First up was Jim Hayward former Wilkes-Barre firefighter and city administrator who now practices law. The highlight of his interview was a proposal to expand the sales tax to pay for property tax relief. Increasing taxes on food and services is certainly not a popular idea but if you are going to cut property taxes the money has to be made up somewhere.

WILKES-BARRE - Property tax relief; it sounds like music to a homeowner's ears. ...What’s Jim Hayward’s answer, or a least part of it? Tax food.

He ranked property tax relief as his number two priority. It’s right behind attacking the crime and drugs .... "I don't know if anyone has the one right answer," said Hayward. He has high hopes that slot gambling in the state will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a year... But if that’s not enough, he suggests broader sales tax. The state imposes a 6 percent state sales tax, but exemptions include food, clothing, prescription drugs, textbooks, and residential heating fuels. Hayward wants to remove the exemption for food and open up professional services to the sales tax... It may be possible to decrease the 6 percent tax if the scope of taxable items were expanded, he said.

Wilkes-Barre Area School Director Brian O'Donnell stated the obvious about drugs and crime and pledged to provide more money to local law enforcement.

W-B-Brian O’Donnell said Wilkes-Barre area residents don't feel as safe as they did in the past, which is why he listed public safety, crime and drugs as the top three issues he'd address if elected...O’Donnell said he would look for ways to help local police departments acquire better vehicles and equipment...He'd also get the state Attorney General's Office more involved because the agency is "wonderful in aiding local police." O’Donnell said he wants to change Pennsylvania's distinction as the only state that doesn't allow local municipalities and law enforcement to use radar to nab speeding motorists. He likes New York City’s approach of tackling low-level criminals to crack into bigger criminal activity. O'Donnell's also a supporter of a more regional approach to policing but knows the idea is a tough sell to individual departments.

Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly (no website) wants more gambling.

W-B- Bob Reilly is not shy about tipping his hand. Would he support a gambling expansion from slots to table games? Definitely, said Reilly...How about legal sports betting? He'd consider it.
"Let’s face it. People gamble," he said Everyday state residents leave Pennsylvania to gamble in Atlantic City or at American Indian-run casinos in New England, and they're not just pulling slot levers. Expanding Pennsylvania gambling to include the table games and possibly sports betting would only increase the state's revenue stream, Reilly said.

Politicians are eying that money to fund property tax relief and economic development initiatives. Reilly suggested expanded gambling revenue could also be harnessed to solidify state pension funds that could be stressed in the future....But if Pennsylvania offered sports betting it would put the Keystone State in league with just one other-Nevada...Sports betting is a more than $125 million-a-year industry in Nevada, and even though it's illegal in Pennsylvania Reilly said it's happening everyday.

Bob Reilly got Luzerne County contract

Incredible. Admitted criminal former Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly formed a company called Tri-State Chemical March 21, 2011 that was awarded a county contract to provide cleaning supplies valued at $6500 on August 23, 2011. Reilly plead guilty to lying to a FBI agent and was sentenced to probation November 4, 2010. He was originally charged with accepting a bribe from Barton Weidlich but cut a deal with the feds.

Controller Walter Griffith discovered the ownership of the company and has asked the Commissioners to cancel the contract and put it on a no bid list. Various lawyers quoted in the media are not sure if that is possible and Commissioner Chair Maryanne Petrilla points out that the county contracts with thousands of companies. The challenge is to develop a vetting process to prevent this type of thing from happening again if possible. Reilly's lawyer argues that the guy has to make a living.

You have to wonder what this guy is thinking by putting in a bid for county business after disgracing himself. As Michelle Bachman would say, he has a lot of choot-spa.


Commissioners probe how firm owned by former clerk of courts won county contract


Controller wants to void bids from Reilly-owned company

Bob Reilly admits he is a liar

Reilly pleads guilty to lying charge

Reilly says he’s guilty of telling lie

But he still denies he broke any laws.

Reilly was originally charged in April with soliciting bribes from Pittston contractor Barton J. Weidlich, who was paid more than $53,000 for 19 no-bid county government construction jobs between July 2006 and December 2008. Most of the work was connected to a records-retention initiative headed by Reilly that remains under federal investigation.

Reilly faced up to 10 years in prison on that charge. But following months of plea negotiations, federal prosecutors replaced the soliciting charge with one of lying to federal agents and Reilly agreed to plead guilty in June.

Weidlich pleaded guilty Wednesday to threatening a grand jury witness in the case. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Weidlich and Reilly are among more than 30 people charged in an ongoing federal probe of public corruption.

No politics in the Luzerne County Courthouse

This letter was in the CV: The Committee to Elect James "Red" O'Brien ran a political ad in your paper on Aug. 31, regarding a rally. I find it very disturbing that a Luzerne County phone number (825-1755) and employee are listed to obtain tickets from.

The employee works for Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly who said it was "a simple mistake"...According to a county personnel policy, county employees can only work on political and campaign matters on their personal time, not while working as county employees.

Yeah Bob, we all believe that no politics happens on county time.

Bob Reilly is looking good for a sixth term facing Butler Township tax collector Republican Sue Rossi, not Gina Nevenglosky as the CV said. She is running for Treasurer against Mike Morreale.

Red O'Brien is running a competitive race against incumbent Republican Mary Dysleski who has seen 2 long time employees accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her office. One is awaiting trial and the other pleaded guilty and was sentenced to house arrest. I still can't believe someone who steals thousands from the taxpayers receives a slap on the wrist while some idiot who sticks up a Turkey Hill for 40 bucks gets time in the slammer. Only in Luzerne County.

121st District debate

Is it a debate if no one disagrees? They all agreed that crime, drugs and jobs are the pressing issues for Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding towns. What a freshman state representative can do about those things is the hard part. A summary of their positions from the CV and TL.

The best known of the contenders is probably Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly. An informed Dominicks Cafe waitress told me he has a website but I can't find it. Education, including better workforce training, is key, Reilly said. Better and earlier education is one possible solution to the district's drug problem, the candidates agreed. Reilly proposed looking to how other countries such as Canada and Australia successfully coped with their drug problems. Questioned on the future of gambling in the state, all candidates said they believe slots are here to stay. Reilly said he expected the scope of gambling to expand. Reilly said he would vote for anti-abortion legislation but respected the decision of the courts on the issue.

Wilkes-Barre Area School Board member Brian O'Donnell has received some press over a push poll and his ties to Scientology. Bringing in companies for better employment opportunities begins with making people feel safe and changing the perception of the area, O'Donnell said. O'Donnell would like to see more grant money for police and first responders to get better equipment and training, and rewarding departments with bilingual officers. The need for insurance reform came up several times. O'Donnell cited a recent Los Angeles Times article that 2005 was the most profitable year ever for insurance companies.

Eddie Day Pashinski is best known for his music. Pashinski, who reminded the audience of his musical career in his closing statements, came back repeatedly to the issue of health insurance costs and the cost of pharmaceuticals. The insurance industry and drug companies are behind the increasing cost of health care that is inflating municipal and state budgets, he said. "Until we stop them," he said, "I guarantee you we're going to have budget problems from now until the day we pass."

Former Wilkes-Barre administrator Jim Haywood was Tom McGroarty's top guy. Hayward said state legislators must look at how insurance companies pass their costs on. In 2001-02, OB-GYN medical malpractice insurance doubled, but payouts from lawsuits declined, he said. On how to achieve regionalization - municipalities combining services or working together -Hayward said hard legislation from the state would be the answer. Hayward spoke most forcefully about crime and drugs, calling them the number one problem in the district.

The lone Republican Christine Katsock said her top priority would be property tax reform. Better and earlier education is one possible solution to the district's drug problem, the candidates agreed. As a teacher of young children, Katsock said she believes the DARE program is good, but it only starts in fifth grade."When a 3-year-old comes in and asks you what crack is, that's when you need to worry," Katsock said. On how to achieve regionalization Katsock said there should be more state incentives to support councils of government, using the Back Mountain Area Council of Government as an example of successful municipal cooperation. Katsock also spoke out against what she called unnecessary expenses of legislators in Harrisburg. She called for legislatures to "cut the fat out of budgets."

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.

Bob Reilly wants a pension

Used car salesman and part time Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly wants his pension from the county after being convicted of corruption. That takes some balls to even ask. Salute.

His lawyers argument is that he lied to to feds but not the locals so some loophole applies.

If The Facts Are Against You, Argue The Law.

121st district race

Bob Reilly finally got a site up ( thanks Mark). Christine Katsock is the only one not joining the internet age.

Bob Reilly

Brian O'Donnell

Eddie Pashinski

Ed Hayward

Political ghost

Tom Pizano did such a bang up job as Luzerne County Commissioner that he didn't even try to get re-elected and returned to his farm to grow pumpkins and azaleas. But like a scene out of Night of the Living Dead he will again be haunting the halls of the courthouse. A press release from Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly said:

"Tom's knowledge and understand of county government, along with his ability to work well with others make him a fantastic choice for deputy."
After years of making sure the well connected were put on the payroll he gets his payback. First Frank Pizzella is hired by Judge Lokuta, now this. The good old boy network is alive and well in the courthouse. Bob Reilly is in the running to replace Kevin Blaum in the state house and I guess he thinks this will help him with the Democratic party establishment. That may be true but he just lost my vote.

More Luzerne County corruption

I have to tip my hat to reporters and editors of the Times-Leader and Citizens Voice for keeping us informed of the the latest outrages. I know I can't keep up on it all.


Today we learn that

TL: Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Robert Reilly rejected a plea agreement offered by federal authorities to charges related to the ongoing corruption probe, a source knowledgeable with the investigation said.

I have to say good for him. It's about time that one of these cases actually goes to trial so we can learn who is paying the bribes not just who accepting them. He will probably cave before trial.

The Little Red Wagon company of Wayne, PA is the center of the latest questionable contracting practices or lack of in the county.


County commissioners initially approved payment of $107,000 to LRW. They later voted to extend the contract, but the new terms did not detail what work would be done, set a timeframe or cap for payments. The extension also was never signed by the county.

The original contract was signed in 2005 since then LRW has been paid almost a million dollars for advice on how to put papers in boxes. No change orders or extensions were ever approved by the Commissioners.


Controller Walter Griffith has stopped paying their invoices.


Prothonotary Carolee claims credit for blowing the whistle

Medico: I called feds


Medico Olenginski loudly expressed her concerns about the payments at a Jan. 27 records improvement committee meeting – the first public committee meeting in years.

However, fellow committee members Reilly, Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla and acting Sheriff Charles Guarnieri voted to continue paying LRW, also known as Little Red Wagon, to complete more work. Deputy Treasurer Dominick DePolo, representing Treasurer Michael Morreale, also voted in favor of continuing.


LRW has a website that has client testomnials including this one from Bob Reilly:


"After a lengthy search, I finally found a professional company who understands County government and provides the unique records management services we needed. LRW was able to help many of our offices free up valuable office and storage space and develop easy to follow guidelines for maintaining departmental retention schedules. The Records Improvement Committee and County Departments are extremely pleased with the work they have done. I can depend on LRW to get any job done."

— Robert Reilly, Luzerne County Clerk of Courts

Mischief maker

The source of the last minute attack ad that appeared in the Citizens Voice on Monday has been identified as City-Wide Towing owner Bob Kadluboski. It turns that the ad violated the election code by not identifying who paid for it.

CV: The advertisement was extremely critical of two candidates — optometrist Brian O’Donnell and Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly — who ran unsuccessful campaigns for the Democratic nomination for state representative in the 121st Legislative District. The bottom of the advertisement identified it as a “paid political ad not authorized by any candidate.”....We regret we made a mistake and it’s never going to happen again,” Citizens’ Voice Publisher Scott Lynett said. “We make our best efforts to ensure all ads are factually accurate.”O’Donnell and Reilly said Thursday they might take action against the person who placed the advertisement, identified by the newspaper’s advertising director Mark Altavilla as City-Wide Towing owner Bob Kadluboski. Altavilla also admitted the paper made a mistake by publishing the anonymous ad.Kadluboski declined comment Thursday, but hinted he may say more at a press conference he is planning.

Bob Reilly wants to work

Stop your snickering.

TL: But Reilly doesn’t want to receive a pay check for nothing, according to his attorney, Mike Butera....“He doesn’t want to take the pay without working,” said Butera. “We’re hoping he can take leave as clerk of courts and do other clerical work in the office so he can earn his pay.”

Reilly, 57, of Wilkes-Barre, won’t resign because he is maintaining his innocence, Butera said.

“He is not guilty of the charge they have accused him of,” Butera said.

He is no longer listed as a salesman on the used car company website so he needs something to do. I hope one of these cases finally goes to trial. His accuser is Barton Weidlich who has also been indicted for threatening a witness and is a convicted felon.

Mike Sesak has a brief bio of Weidlich

Incarcerated businessman had access at courthouse

Some surprising endorsements

The Times-Leader made a pick in the 121st District State Representative race that pointed out the same things I think about:

And all three candidates besides Pashinski have political ties that are deep and, in some cases, troubling. We hope that voters will see Pashinski as a bit of an outsider - his own man - with few politically-connected pals and family members.

Of all the candidates, he has the most potential to be a successful state representative - and the least political baggage.

As the WB-Keeper pointed out O'Donnell has the most money. From the TL:

The campaign finance report of candidate Bob Reilly, was not available Friday evening.

Contributions to O'Donnell $148,000.

Pashinski's political committee $36,500 in contributions .

Hayward, raised just more than $4,000.

The story points out that most of O'Donnell's money went to Ed Mitchell. The feel I'm getting is that Reilly is fading. People can sense when a candidate is running to do something vs. to be somebody. And Hayward just reminded me too much of McGroarty. Then the Blogfather weighed in. Eddie Day got his vote the old fashioned way, he asked for it:

There was a minute part of me that was hesitantly leaning towards voting for another candidate, but Ed bothered to press the flesh and he all but forced me to remember that he's a quality person. He's got my vote. You can e-mail me and spark all sorts of further debate, but I seriously doubt that it'll resonate much with me. Much like Mayor Tom Leighton before him, I would prefer to vote for the people who have their hearts in the right place.

And in my mind, Ed Pashinski has his heart in the right place.

Let's vote!

Nancy, we hardly knew ya

15 down and hundreds to go.

The TL and CV are reporting that Wyoming Valley West School Board President and executive director of the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority Allen Bellas has signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors and is expected to be charged soon with accepting money for an official action. He also served on the LCCC Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2007 and the feds are also looking at that outfit. If you are keeping score at home that makes it 15 people that have now been charged with corruption in Luzerne County this year.

His wife, Nancy Bellas, is the Democratic nominee for Luzerne County Prothonotary. Not knowing her connections I was surprised that she won the primary against Duryea politico Art Akulonis and the most qualified candidate Gerald Mullery. Now it makes sense or should I say nonsense.

I have been predicting for months that Republican Carolee Medico Olenginski would win the election and fair or not this probably just sealed the deal.

I spent the afternoon browsing Bellas' campaign finance reports that ace Election Bureau honcho Leonard Piazza has posted on the county website and they have many familiar names. She accepted money from Bob Mericle after he was identified as being one of the two bribers of the Juvie Brothers. Other highlights are contributions from Maryanne Petrilla, Bob Reilly, Jim Blaum, Frank Crossin, Murry Uffberg, Bill Joyce, Mike Pasonick, AJ Lupas, Mike Butera and other cast members of the local Democratic establishment.

Gina has a website

Republican candidate for Luzerne County Register of Wills Gina Nevenglosky is up on the intertubes.

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Gina Nevenglosky

Luzerne County Candidate Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphan's Court

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Tired of Elected Officials Not at work receiving full time pay and benefits? Fill this seat with the person who will be at work every day serving the citizens of Luzerne County. The news articles and information from the recent FBI investigations have given evidence of theft, money missing and tampering with paper work. It is necessary to oversee staff in each Row Office. That is the job of a Row Officer. Elect Gina Nevenglosky for Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans' Court to restore employee accountability in government.

Her opponent is long time Democratic office holder Dottie Stankovic who doesn't have website as far as I know. I called her office earlier (about 12:15) today to ask why but nobody answered the phone. Some wag later told me she was having lunch with Bob Reilly at the Olive Garden across the street from Nationwide Car Sales but I can't verify that.

The Yonk is exercised about this lunch break policy asking What if? Julius Caesar might have survived because Brutus might’ve been on a rigatoni run.

So far I can't find a website for the Democratic Row officer candidates Bob Morgan and Nancy Bellas. GOP Controller nominee Walter Griffith has a site as does independent Wil Toole and they are both on Facebook. Republican Prothonotary candidate Carolee is on Facebook
but doesn't have a website up yet.

Luzerne County Clerk of Courts

Today the CV had short article on the 3 candidates running for the Clerk of Courts position. The Democratic incumbent seeking his sixth term is Bob Reilly. He was a Wilkes-Barre city councilman before his elevation to the court house and a past 6th District Democratic chairman. Last year he ran for the 120th District House seat of retiring Kevin Blaum. Many say he split the vote with Brian O'Donnell of the old guard Democratic machine enabling Eddy Day Pashinski to win the nomination. Bob has always had ambition, not a bad thing, even threatening to run against Paul Kanjorski for Congress when people were mad at him for something that I can't remember. He is unopposed in the primary and will face either Butler Township Tax Collector Sue Rossi or Northwest Area School Board Member Randy Tomasacci.

It's good to see 2 Republican candidates trying for county office. Rossi says she's very organized and good with paperwork. Tomasacci is another fellow with ambition who also ran for the state house in the last election in the 117th District but lost the nomination to Karen Boback in a crowded field. In that race he was endorsed by PACleanSweep even though there was no incumbent running. Although it has no bearing on his administrative abilities the thing that bugs me about Randy is that he was advocating teaching intelligent design even after the Dover decision. It was a reckless idea that could have ended up with the school district being sued over nonsense. As the Judge in the Dover case said: The students, parents, and teachers of the Dover Area School District deserved better than to be dragged into this legal maelstrom, with its resulting utter waste of monetary and personal resources.

Political guru

When I was first involved in politics you had to get the blessing of the local political boss if you wanted to run for office. In Luzerne County that man was State Senator Marty Murray. He demanded 2 things, loyalty and obedience. If you paid you're dues and he thought you were ready he would back you for elective office. Former Controller Steve Flood tells a funny story about the time he told Marty he was going to run for office. Murray told him not to until he gave him the OK. When Flood pressed the issue Murray told him the lamp on his desk would beat him if it had his blessing. Steve ran anyway and the breathing equivalent of the lamp won the election.

The new political guru is Ed Mitchell, he doesn't demand loyalty or obedience just money. In the last county election Luzerne County Controller Maryanne Petrilla paid his company over $100,000 to get elected. His clients are are a who's who of the local political establishment. Congressman Kanjorski, Bob Casey Jr., Prothonatary Jill Moran, DA Dave Lupas, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, State Reps. John Yudichak, Phyllis Mundy, Kevin Blaum, a bunch of Judges and many more.

His new project is Brian O'Donnell, a Wilkes -Barre Area School Director who is running to succeed Kevin Blaum as the 121st District Represenative in the General Assembly. Mitchell describes him as "new blood." I just think he's got the best chance to win," Mitchell said. "I like the fact that he's somewhat of an outsider." If my memory is right he is part of the establishment of office holders and his brother Brian ran against Ralph Musto a few years ago but was torpedoed when Trini entered the race splitting the anti-Musto vote in some sort of deal with the devil.

So O'Donnell won the Mitchell sweepstakes and must have the cash to pay his company what it will take to win.

In addition to O'Donnell, six Democrats have expressed interest in their party’s nomination in May. Potential candidates include Wilkes-Barre Councilman Mike McGinley, Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly, city Administrator J.J. Murphy, city Solicitor Tim Henry, former city Administrator Jim Hayward and Plains Township resident Jim Williamson, a junior at Princeton University. On the Republican side, only Christine Katsock, who lost to Blaum in 2004, has announced a campaign

Tom Pizano to retire

Luzerne County interim Election Director and Clerk of Courts Tom Pizano will retire on Monday.

This is a big surprise especially since the election is just over 6 weeks away and he was picked to run the Elections Bureau after Leonard Piazza got canned in April. Pizano is a former controller and county commissioner who was brought back into the county government by convicted criminal Bob Reilly.


I don't want to jump to conclusions like some of the people that comment on the TL and CV websites. I don't have a formal comment policy but I would delete many of those comments if they appeared on this blog because they are accusing him of crimes without any evidence. His friends say he is dealing with health issues.


This may have nothing to do with his decision to go back to his farm to grow pumpkins and azaleas but the Voice filed an open-records request asking for copies of his emails. The county is stonewalling saying he is a judicial employee and "Mr. Pizano email can contain DNA and RNA records" and a "Pizano email can contain a record identifying the location of an archeological site or an endangered or threatened plant or animal species if not already known to the general public."


I'm not sure what to make of that last sentence.


The county had no problem providing the CV with former elections chief Leonard Piazza's emails . They document the pissing contest he had with Controller Walter Griffith over time clocks and a turf battle with new county manager Robert Lawton which led to Lawton giving him the boot. I like this reference to Griffith "He can be a real pain!" I've been calling Walter a pain in the ass for years. shttp://gort42.blogspot.com/search?q=pain+in+the+ass


A nationwide search has been underway for the next director of elections but only received 6 responses.

Jim O'Meara campaign kickoff tonight

Jim O'Meara, Republican candidate for state representative in the 121st District, is holding his official campaign kickoff party at 7:30 p.m. April 27 at Luzerne County Republican Headquarters, 41 S. Main St., in Wilkes-Barre.

O'Meara is a local conservative businessman who decided to run because he knows he can make a difference and was tired of seeing an uncontested race for the seat. O'Meara believes he can right the ship in the 121st District and bring common sense back to the statehouse.

Good luck with that common sense thing. He is unopposed for the Republican nomination and will take on 2 term state rep Eddie Day Pashinski in the fall. Pashinski has had success in getting legislation that he authored actually passed into law including tracking illegal scrap metal and reforming the way Liquid Fuels Tax funds are used. He is a guy with a big toothy smile who has become a hero to Dental assistants throughout the Commonwealth. Pretty good for a 2 term rep.

Yes Pashinski was unopposed in 2008 but he won a spirited primary in 2006 against Brian O'Donnell, Ed Hayward and used car salesman Bob Reilly who has been arrested for taking bribes in connection with his other part time job as the Luzerne County Clerk of Courts.

In the fall of that year he defeated former reformer Christine " please vote for me for something" Katsock. When Katsock finally did get elected to something after countless tries she wasted no time in disappointing all the people who supported her over the years.