Against Home Rule

This is a guest from my pal Kathy Dobash who is a regular poster at NewsTalkPA which is part of the ever growing GrassrootsPA internet empire.





I know it is common practice for TV interviews with local candidates and politicians. Sometimes these interviews are paid by the candidates as a commercial for their agenda and ideas about government.

These expenses are reported as part of the campaign.

The latest "interviews" on a local Hazleton TV show has Chairman Haggerty promoting Home Rule as a business run by a CEO. We all know that can be even more corrupt than the Wilkes-Barre School District. View the video at this link: http://www.ssptv.com/show.php?show_id=21

INSIDE SCOOP

Special Guest Jim Haggerty (28 minutes)
2010-06-28

Topics 1. Home Rule Charter 2. County Accountability

Does Jim Haggerty, Tom Marnell and David Sosar help pay for the air time with this show? Why? I was wondering how other citizens can be guests on this show. Is this a way for the Kingston Mayor to have the whole county pass a tax to cover the levee fee for the people of Kingston? Does the Southern Region of the county have enough population to cover other costs?

How can the Home Rule Study Commission use a TV show with the host( Rick Morelli, treasurer of the Home Rule Study Commission) to promote their new idea of government? Did the Home Rule Study Commission vote in secret to run these interviews? The citizens who disagree with important key issues about their written document do not have the money to speak out and be heard! Is this how we want to do business? Those with differences of opinion must have equal opportunity and time. All of these actions: Paying for ads to promote only the Commission's idea, waiting until someone leaves a room to address concerns, and run television programs where no one else can debate the topic give me concern to reconsider the motives of the Home Rule Study Commission members. They just want to win to save face.
The concerns about the authority of the transition team, the duties of a County Controller, Elected or Appointed County Executive and Districts are still important topics for many voters.

The study commission plans to approve a proposal on July 21.

The last meeting was about term limits. http://standardspeaker.com/news/home-rule-panel-discussses-term-limits-1.873783


Supreme power using Ad propaganda to promote a new form of government is questionable. Should Rick Morelli be involved in dedicating showtime without saying who is paying for it? Are they in violation of campaign expense laws? They fail to disclose the show sponsors. Someone is paying for the show airtime. Haggerty, an attorney and Morelli should know better. Haggerty is a good friend of Bob Powell.

He did nothing and said nothing about the Luzerne County corruption over a four year period. What is even more troubling? He has failed to change the judicial branch and the wrong doing in the DA's office in the Home Rule document.

He had no guts to talk to me when I was present in a room. Why did he wait until I left the area to address the audience about my public statements?

The use of the show "Inside Scoop" to promote the vote for the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission's new Charter is just plain wrong. Does it violate finance spending and reporting?

Is the television time donated on this TV show allowed. WHO is paying for the show?
I think having a political show is fine. I have a problem with the use to promote the work of the Home Rule Study Commission. If Rick Morelli was not treasurer of the Commission then all is well but it is a HUGE CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Does it violate any laws?

It is politically driven and the stars on the show have political interest with possible gain for power and money. The promotion to SELL their charter is obvious.

Who is fronting the money for the political airtime about Luzerne County Home Rule? It will be on the ballot November 2ND. If Home Rule passes I pray many step up to run for the 11 Council positions to keep those who wrote the Charter honest. I recommend THUMBS DOWN on Luzerne County Home Rule Charter!

Home stretch for Home Rule

Read the Luzerne County Home Rule Charter at this link.

In our last poll I asked you if the home rule charter would be approved and it is a dead heat. Both sides are holding many events to persuade voters. The Yonk moderated an informational meeting with members of the study commission and WVIA had supporters James Haggerty and Rick Morelli and charter critics county Chief Solicitor Vito DeLuca and county Controller Walter Griffith debate the merits yesterday.

Even more events are scheduled. The details are on the pro and con websites.

Friends of Home Rule

Charter No

Most ballot questions (bond issues for fire companies, etc.) pass easily for some reason which is why I usually vote no but this one is different. Luzerne County has a habit of voting down progress such as the last home rule charter that Skrep and Vondy said was unnecessary because we could trust them. Before that a group labeled itself Taxes No defeated a bond issue that would have given us a bigger Arena.

Former State Representative Kevin Blaum was the driving force in building the arena and favors the home rule charter.


In 16 days you get to decide the future of Luzerne County government. Will voters choose to remain where they are – stuck in a ditch and mired in muck – or will they break free from the past, turn out in large numbers, vote YES enthusiastically and usher in a new era of professional stewardship that your children and grandchildren so richly deserve? It is up to you.

One thing is certain; those in control of Luzerne County government and the power, benefits and contracts it bestows do not want the system changed. They and their political supporters will be out in force come Election Day. No amount of wind or rain will stop them. They intend to defeat your new constitution and its professional council-manager form of government used so widely throughout the United States. If they get their way, this wonderful regional opportunity will be lost and tragic fiction will be reality.

My inbox has been flooded with anti-home rule opinions but not one pro missive. Here is an anti view and I welcome guest posts from those of you who favor the charter.

Folks,

While the opportunity continues to be available, I would like to offer another "guest post".

I have written letters to the editor numerous times and the bell that I'm trying to ring right now is the Home Rule warning bell.

Aside from a finance career in private industry, I worked in government for over 20 years including federal, county and local government. This appointed manger situation is the most dangerous threat to the taxpayers that has ever faced us.

The appointed manager will be the now often quoted "mini king". The manager will be appointed, not voted on and he will have powers and authority that no government official ever had or should have. He can hire and fire with no oversight. He can move money from one department to another without oversight. He can make contracts up to $25,000 without oversight. He can do these things behind closed doors and without the requirement of doing so at a public meeting. There are other powers he will have but I'll just address these few.

Appointed, not elected. This means that the voters and taxpayers of Luzerne County will be controlled by a public official that answers only to himself and the Council majority who appointed him. Kinda reminds me of a Superintendent of Schools but without public oversight and much more authority.

Let's take a closer look at these powers:

Authority to hire and fire. Having the absolute authority to hire and fire, what is to stop this manager from selling jobs such as happened in the school districts? What's to stop him from hiring friends and family, not just his own but those of the Council majority? What's to stop him from firing people who are a political pain to the Council Majority? This authority will allow majority Council members to get family members hired and then have the luxury of standing up and saying, "I didn't hire my son (or daughter), I don't have a vote. That Council member is correct, he does not have a vote on the hiring of relatives but he absolutely does have influence over the manager his Council majority hires. The appointed majority will always be in a position of intimidation by the Council majority and he will dance to their tune to keep his high paying job.

Authority to move money within departments. This would be like the current commissioners taking money out of the Road and Bridge department budget and moving it to the Clerk of Courts department. How does the Road and Bridge department operate effectively? This authority alone is enough to destroy county government.

Authority to make No Bid contracts up to $25,000. Isn't that a sweet deal? One man can spend up to $25,000 and the elected Council will have no input or oversight. There is a term used in government that is used to avoid public bids, it is called "Bid Splitting". An example would be an anticipated year's cost of office supplies to be $40,000. Bid Splitting would be issuing a contract for $20,000 and later writing a second contract for the remaining $20,000. Thus, the manager just made a deal that required no oversight because he stayed under the $25,000 maximum expenditure for a single transaction. But even without the danger of Bid Splitting, the manager can spend up to $25,000 for any item regardless of value for dollar spent. This is a major step backward. Look at the number of purchases made in the county each year that is over $10,000 but under $25,000. You will find that the number of transactions are staggering and we will now make those purchases without benefit of public bids. Absolutely unbelievable and terrifying for the taxpayers.

Perhaps it is time for Luzerne County to operate under Home Rule but this proposed Charter is not the vehicle to get the job done. An Eleven member Council with NO minority representation is simply a bad form of government. How can we possibly elect enough people to change the direction of an 11 member Council? Right now, we have one county commissioner (minority) watching the actions of two county commissioners and to make a change we simply have to elect one new Commissioner to effect a change. We can't control our school boards of nine members so how do we control a county Council of eleven members?

If you like the way your School Board operates, you will love Home Rule.

Wil Toole

Luzerne County Home Rule

A guest post.

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Home Rule - An important question for the voters

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The question on the May 19th primary election ballot regarding the Luzerne County Government Study Commission presents a unique opportunity for the voters of Luzerne County to have a direct, positive impact on the quality of their government. Since it is a non-partisan question, all voters, including registered Independent voters, will have an opportunity to approve or reject the question and to select 11 candidates to serve on the Study Commission. A "no" vote on the question will ensure that the current form of county government stays in place and the voters will have no reason to expect anything other than "more of the same" will continue to dominate the Luzerne County Government. A "yes" vote, on the other hand, will result in the establishment of a Government Study Commission to study the current form of county government, see what works and what doesn’t, and then develop a recommendation that fixes the current problems and establishes a form of government that works fairly for all of the residents of Luzerne County. That recommendation will then be submitted to the voters for approval.

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There are 20 concerned residents on the ballot for the 11 Government Study Commission positions. These are voluntary, unpaid positions. Most of the candidates have completed a questionaire for the Luzerne Home Rule Organization. These questionaires provide insights into the candidates and can be viewed online at _www.luzernehomerule.org_ <http://www.luzernehomerule.org/> . I urge the voters to review the information posted on each candidate, vote "yes" to establish the study commission, and to vote for the 11 candidates that they believe will best promote an open, effective, and fiscally responsible government for the residents of Luzerne County.

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To acquaint voters with "home rule" and the candidates for the study commission, the Luzerne Home Rule Organization has held four candidate forums throughout the County, the fifth being on Wednesday, April 29th at 7:00 at the West Wyoming Town Hall. The time and place of future home rule forums will be announced in the local newspapers and posted on the home rule organization web site, _http://luzernehomerule.org/events_ .

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If you haven’t already done so, please plan to attend a future forum to meet the candidates and to find out about this important question on the May 19th ballot.

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Ray Gustave

Swoyersville, PA.

Home Rule meeting tonight

Thursday February 12, 2009 @ 7pm Hazleton City Council Chambers

Luzerne Home Rule Committee Meeting and GSC Information Session

Luzerne Home Rule is holding a committee meeting and Government Study Commission information session, open to the public. If you have any questions about Home Rule, the process, helping with the movement, or running for the Government Study Commission, come join this free event. The primary agenda item is determining how the committee will be endorsing a GSC ticket. Members of the 2001 GSC will be available to answer questions about serving on the commission.


Commissioner Steve Urban objects to the group endorsing candidates "I think this will turn off a large portion of interested candidates if people who aren’t endorsed have to raise money and campaign against a group." Luzerne Home Rule Chairman P.J. Best said the endorsement is intended to support viable candidates who don’t have political experience.
“I understand what the commissioner is saying, but a lot of people are going to be running because they’re against home rule,” Best said.

Two of the requirements the group has listed:

Not currently on the county payroll

Not interested in running for county office beyond the GSC

Home Rule petitions

In 2003 the Luzerne County Home Rule charter was defeated 54%-46% with the help of both political parties. Democratic Commissioner candidates Greg Skrepnak and Todd Vonderheid argued the structure of the county government wasn't the problem but the people in charge had let us down. Trust us they said, we are a breath of fresh air. Well, we all know how that has turned out. Fictitious county budgets full of lies about imaginary revenues. Sweetheart deals to the well connected. State and Federal investigations into the business practices of the county and the people charged with keeping the public trust. Debit Cards used at strip clubs, no-bid contracts, falsifying tax liens, a fantasy airport, cronies hired for important jobs and when their incompetence was exposed they were shuffled off to other less visible county jobs. The list is almost endless. And bonds, bonds and more bonds just to meet payroll and keep the county operating.

We have a chance to fix this reign of incompetence.

Luzerne Home Rule

Luzerne Home Rule is proud to announce that it is now time to start circulating petitions to place Home Rule on the ballot in May. Click here to download yours today!


4,790 valid signatures are needed to get it on the May primary ballot that would elect another study commission that would draft a new home rule charter. If they use the 2003 Charter proposal with some tinkering it could be on the ballot in November.

Luzerne County Home Rule

A crowd of about 50 people attended the Luzerne County Home Rule meeting at the NEPA Organizing Center in Wilkes-Barre tonight.

Luzerne Home Rule Chairman PJ Best (left) gave a tutorial to the candidates running for the Government Study Commission (GSC) on how to file nominating petitions and stressed the importance of electing the right people. He said the the outfit would be working to educate the public about the need for a GSC and a yes vote on the question that will be on the May primary ballot. He promised that all candidates will be given access to the website to post their qualifications and put their video presentations on YouTube. He hopes that an interactive forum can be developed. A voters guide and DVD are in the works and a big fundraiser is being planned for late March/early April.

Some of the prospective GSC candidates then were given an opportunity to address the crowd.

Phil Struzerri warned that there are some people that are running for the GSC with the intention of making sure that Home Rule is scuttled.

Courtdale Mayor James Gaughan is also a high school government teacher who said he always gave his salary back to the town much to chagrin of his wife.

Walter Griffith brought along a copy of the county code from 1955 that is still the governing document and made the obvious point that it is antiquated. To change anything it requires an act of the PA Legislature and we know how quickly those guys act.

Ed Transue is Social Studies teacher who got pissed off over the reassessment when it "made me a millionaire on paper." He stressed that "without integrity you have nothing."

CJ Kersey is a Government teacher at Wyoming Seminary and a volunteer for the Obama campaign who said he will be open minded.

Rick Morelli was a member of the Hazleton Area School Board a few years ago and pointed out that he doesn't have any relatives employed by Luzerne County. He repeated the oft heard phrase government should be run like a business.

Ray Gustove wants better internal financial controls.

Frank Sindaco, the host of the event, explained that he is not a politician but felt compelled to run for the GSC.

Paul Krumbel is a union electrician that was uncomfortable speaking in front of a crowd.

Recent W-B council candidate Pete Gagliardi gave a mercifully short pitch.

Only one woman came forward to volunteer to be a candidate for the GSC and she pointed that out. Meghan Godwin is a philosophy teacher that would give the GSC a different view.

After the program I asked PJ Best who was on the Luzerne County Home Rule Committee and he gave me a vague answer. He named the officers but I neglected to ask who elected them to their positions. I also asked the director of the NEPA Organizing Center who was paying for the place, he told me that it was coming out of his pocket.

Home Rule Kickoff

The NEPA Organizing Center will be working in collaboration with Luzerne Home Rule in order to develop the movement toward Home Rule in Luzerne County.


Together, we are sponsoring a Home Rule Campaign Kick Off Event at the Center on Thurs., January 29th at 7:00 p.m. The event will be open to the public, and we encourage anyone interested in joining the movement to attend. The Center is located at 198 S Main St. Wilkes-Barre.


Home Rule made it onto the May 19 primary election ballot. With all the bad news coming out of the Dingdome I think there is a good chance of it passing. Also on the ballot will be the candidates for the 11 spots on the study commission. It will be interesting to see if any of the 'good old boys' try to win a spot on the commission.

Home Rule meeting tonight

Meeting for GSC Candidates

Luzerne Home Rule will be holding a meeting on Tuesday March 3rd 2009 at 6:30 PM at Colarusso’s Pizza 300 Wilkes-Barre Twp Blvd, across from Wegmans, for the purpose of helping anyone that has circulated petitions to be placed on the May 19th Primary Election Ballot for the Luzerne County Home Rule Government Study Commission.


This meeting is for those candidates to have their nomination papers reviewed, and to assist in any way, to make sure their are nomination Papers are ready to be returned to the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections on March 10 2009.

It is good that they are offering help to all candidates interested in running for the Government Study Commission and abandoned the idea of endorsing a slate.

Luzerne Home Rule is now on Twitter and you can also stay updated by subscribing to the RSS feed or joining the e-mail list and text list.

I've asked PJ Best to let all the candidates know that they are welcome to write a guest post for Gort42 on why Home Rule is a good idea and why they should be on the Commission.

Home rule event tomoorow

My favorite radio talking head asked me to post this and I'm happy to oblige. Unlike some other people on WILK she is up front about her loyalties and biases, I can respect that. Plus she is a Red Sox fan, we'll get 'em next year.


Gort,
If you are blogging, can you give a shout out to a:




Home Rule Forum
King's College
Monday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center
Third Floor Walsh Room


Sponsored by the King's College Pre-Law Society
Moderated by Dr. Jayne Klenner Moore, King's Professor of CIS
10 minute opening statement, then questions from the audience
Open to the public!


Featuring Jim Haggerty and Rick Morelli on behalf of Home Rule yes and Attorney Vito DeLuca on behalf of Home Rule no


Coordinated by Dr. David Sosar of the Political Science Dept.
Thank You,
Sue

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If you are blogging?


The above pic is from the Arlen Specter airport rally in April with VP Joe Biden. (L to R) Attorney and past Judge candidate Joe Terrana, the lovely and talented WILK newstalk radio host Sue Henry and fellow blogger Steve Urbanski who writes SPPE who is talented but not lovely.

You will notice that they put them in a cage.

A challenge

Responding to the challenge of Robb Henderson in a LTE published in the Times-Leader who was one of the leaders that helped draft the Home Rule Charter that got shot down I found a copy and link to the report. It looks better everyday.

Here is his letter:


It’s time for county officials to move out and move on


As a former member of the Government Study Commission who helped draft the Home Rule Charter a few years ago, I just wanted to remind the voters of Luzerne County that there are copies of that wonderful document floating around.

I say this just in case anyone would like to dust off one and see where we might be instead of where we are.

We thought we had a good shot at passing the charter, but should have known that many voters would listen to the naysayers and fall for the line of bull-droppings from the candidates at the time.

Remember how Skrep and Todd told everyone how we do not need such a document and that it is not the system, but the people?

Well, let me see ... those who knocked the charter were put in office and now we see the same good-old-boy network: lies, deceit, “honest mistakes,” a sneaky $20-million weight on the taxpayers’ shoulders, a $14-million surprise that pops up right after Election Day and no one volunteering to resign. Go figure.

But this is the way Luzerne County works. First, pick a high-profile name. Don’t worry about expertise, or experience or common sense. Who needs those when you have a “D” on your voter registration?

Then let “The Machine” brainwash voters to vote a straight ticket. One click and you’re out the door. Quick and painless, right? Why waste time studying the candidates’ backgrounds or where they stand on issues?

It is obvious now, isn’t it?

Maybe people will take voting seriously next time, stop listening to the so-called hotshot politicians, forget about big names and favors and knock “The Machine” into oblivion. See where voting “D” got us?

But whether the person is a “D,” an “R” or an “I” should not matter. It is the integrity of the person, something we are lacking as far as politicians go in this Valley.

This latest fiasco with the current leadership should embarrass them to resign immediately. If you are too stupid not to know what should be charged and what should not be charged, or if you can’t tell the difference between a county debit card and personal debit card, you should not be in a position to make decisions for thousands of people.

It is time for all involved to step up and step out. Saying they are not going to resign over this is just pure arrogance and shows they have no regard for the people they represent.
It’s a no-brainer. All leaders involved need to step down now. Their trust is shot, and it shows they have no common sense or character. They are admitting and finding receipts only because they got caught.

Skrep needs to lead the parade out the door. This went on for 21 months under his leadership (and Todd’s, who bailed out early, hmm?) Sorry, I digress.

So let’s get the TV crew there at the courthouse for the resignation parade next week and watch the stars of the county walk into the sunset. (Just make sure they don’t take the county credit/debit cards with them or drive off in a county vehicle. They would probably want to be reimbursed for gas to the unemployment office.)

Anyway, if you can find a copy of the proposed Home Rule Charter, read it for yourself and see the kind of county we could have been living in.

Maybe someone will step up and bring it to the people again. We did all the work; a new commission could take it and run with it.

Then maybe – just maybe, because of the pathetic record of the current majority, the financial nightmare we are facing and the never-ending political games – people will wise up.
So find a copy of the Home Rule Charter and head for the courthouse next week for the resignation parade and fan the stars of the parade with them as they go into the real world and find jobs that will not be protected or defended when they lie, steal or screw up big time.

One final thought: Tim Grier, have you thought of running for commissioner?

Robb Henderson

Home rule opposition

I was a big proponent of the last plan that called for an elected county executive and a 9 member council with 6 positions elected by district and 3 at-large. It met the goal of separating the legislative and executive functions of the present 3 Commissioner system plus it got rid of electing row officers.

I have some reservations about the new proposed Luzerne County Charter . My biggest objection is not having an elected but appointed county manager. I don't like having a "Mayor of the County"that is not accountable to the voters. And I have concerns about the changes to the Controller's position

The part I like is that the coroner, register of wills, recorder of deeds, treasurer and sheriff would all be hired based on qualifications not elected. These are management/clerk positions with no policy responsibility. After all there is no Republican or Democratic way to perform an autopsy or register a will.

But I'm still reading the document and will reserve judgement.

I was privy to an email exchange between home rule opponents (how quaint) recently and I was surprised that many goo goo (good government) types that supported the last charter are opposed to this plan.

What is not surprising is that local Democratic and Republican party members are oppossed. Democratic Commissioners Maryanne Petrila and Tom Cooney are on the record opposing it and I understand that Republican Commissioner Steve Urban is also against it. Republican Prothonotary Carollee Medico-Oligarchy and Controller Walter Griffith have also have come out against it. Walter has a good argument because it changes the responsibilities of his office. The rest of them seem to want to protect their jobs.

This quote from Luzerne County Democratic chair Mark Buffalino both amuses and infuriates me...“I think our current office holders, especially Commissioners (Thomas P.) Cooney and (Maryanne) Petrilla, have taken steps in taking the county in the right direction, and I think those efforts would be impeded by change for the sake of change.” In 2003 the Dems asked us to trust Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid to fix the system telling us that home rule wasn't needed because we could trust these guys to fix the system. That worked out well. Vondy quit before his term was up and Skrep is headed to jail.


2nd District Democrats nix charter

Charter attacks blasted

Take a look at who’s opposing home rule plan MARK GUYDISH OPINION

Luzerne County Home Rule

PJ Best asked the Commissioners to put the Home Rule question on the ballot this May but Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla said they had to earn it by gathering signatures. “I respect what you’re trying to do. I truly do, and should the voters get the required signatures to have this on the ballot I will stand back and allow the people to speak,” Petrilla said.
“There have been a lot of things going on, and I think the people should have an opportunity to speak and let us know how they want things run because, after all, it’s their money.” Thanks Maryanne, now that you are the top dog it sounds as if you like the way things are being run.

Republican Steve Urban said he had no problem putting the question on the ballot. The last time it was put to a vote both parties opposed the plan with Democrats saying things are fine the way they are because they win most of the elections but the Republicans reason was downright funny. They were afraid they would lose the only office they are guaranteed to win, minority commissioner.

Minority Commissioner Greg Skrepenak said he opposed home rule in the past but is open to the possibility, though he needs a few days to mull the issue before Wednesday’s regular meeting. When the question was on the ballot in 2003 Skrep and his fellow Bond Brother Todd Vonderheid said it wasn't necessary because the problem wasn't the the system but the people in charge. 'Trust us' he said. That worked out well. Skrep has been playing to the gallery over reassessment and even defending the Judges in the budget dispute and every Commissioner's meeting is an exchange of insults with Petrilla. Here is his chance to turn the tables and vote with Urban to put the question on the ballot.

The transition

I've been on bit of hiatus for the last week or so and it may continue into the future as I decide if I want to continue to do this solo blog or sign on to another platform. Maybe I just might throw in the towel altogether. Mrs G points out that I get in this funk after my sports team or political party comes up short in the latest contest. Double whammy from the Phillies and the Dems this time.

Looking forward the Luzerne County government has been changed and we will now be electing 11 council members next year but not have elections for row officers. It's a new world in the land of the Wyoming Indians. In the near future (5 years) the new charter can be amended so the county executive can be elected and the council can be elected by districts if that is what the people want but we have to deal what is in front of us. The May 2011 primary election will have dozens of candidates running on both tickets then in the fall we may see a few Libertarians, Greens and independents in the mix.

Right now the transition committee of 5 home rule commission members and the sitting commissioners have to pick 3 people to help them out. 47 people applied for the 3 unpaid spots.

Some of the applicants from the TL that caught my eye.

The Yonk!


David Yonki, Wilkes-Barre, has a bachelor’s degree in government, politics, communications and marketing. David has written 3 books and is our local political historian. He writes one of the best blogs in Luzerne County.

Peter Gagliardi, Wilkes-Barre, has a master’s degree in government and politics. He has 17 years of experience with the federal government, 20 years as a freelance writer and has held various customer-service and sales positions in private industry.

Robert D. Seeley, Jackson Township, has a Ph.D. in economics and has been an associate professor of economics at Wilkes University since 1989. He was a member of the commission that drafted the proposed 2003 home rule charter.

• Betsy Summers, Wilkes-Barre, has an associate’s degree in animal science and has worked as territory manager for Midwest Veterinary Supply since 2005 and as manager of three rental properties since 1985. She was also a member of the commission that drafted the 2003 charter.

• Edward Chesnovitch, Jackson Township, has been an outspoken watchdog and served as treasurer of the Friends of Home Rule organization. He served on the township planning commission for 15 years and the Board of Auditors for four years.

• Susan Shoval, Kingston, has a bachelor’s degree in economics and was co-founder of GUARD Insurance Group. She is co-chair of the Luzerne County Diversity Commission and serves on other boards.

• Casey Evans, Lehman Township, studied political science, is second district chairman for the Luzerne County Democratic Committee, was a staffer for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and has worked on others.

• Charles Hatchko, Jenkins Township, worked as a correctional officer in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for more than 16 years before retiring in 2006. He also has experience in union negotiations and in the trucking industry.

• Barry P. Finn, Swoyersville, worked as a television meteorologist for almost 25 years and later worked as a career school admissions director for seven years.

Victor Kopko, Hanover Township, has a doctorate in business administration and currently teaches college courses in communications, business and management part-time. He has owned and operated several businesses and has a pending lawsuit attempting to throw out the county’s 2009 reassessment.

• William M. Gagliardi, Ashley, has a bachelor’s degree in biology and has management experience, most recently as a supervisor with the U.S. Postal Service until December 2009. He recently passed a national certification exam for massage therapy.

• Raymond P. Gustave, West Wyoming, has a bachelor’s degree in biology and retired from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2007, after 37 years of employment with the federal government.

Luzerne County Boards, Authorities and Commissions

This was sent along from my friend Kathy.

All:

It is my hope the newly elected Luzerne County Council does not hastily appoint citizens who do not qualify for positions on Boards, Authorities and Commissions. I also hope other citizens are given time and concern to apply and adjust schedules for interviews. Do not use this process to discourage or limit interested applicants. Below is part of a recent email I received:

"Dear Kathy,
Thank you for your interest in serving your fellow citizens of Luzerne County as a member of the new Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission.
The Luzerne County Council requests your presence at a group interview session.
Due to the number of interested applicants, several interview sessions have been scheduled.
You are invited to participate in the 8:15 interview session on Monday evening, January 23, 2012 at the Luzerne County EMA building, Water Street, Wilkes-Barre."

When I requested another date and time to accommodate my work schedule, I received notice it was the only time available.

Only one meeting time is set to interview candidates for appointments to the ACCOUNTABILITY, CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMISSION. More courtesy was given to the County Manager candidates in regard to confidentiality and interview times. Let's toss mutual respect out the window when interacting with those who live here in Luzerne County. Since, communication with County Council members is biased, my only option is to continue with public comment and keep in communication with the press. When trying to convey my concerns about several items, one phone communication resulted with a Luzerne County Council member, Mr. Eugene Kelleher raising his voice to get his message across and hanging up in the middle of the conversation. He was defending Chairman's Bobeck's violation of the Luzerne County Charter. He then was overheard that same evening boasting about it to Chairman Bobeck that he "hung up on Dobash". Mr. Kelleher broke his campaign promise. I guess this is just another average politician at work. This County Council member campaigned and gave out his phone number prior to election as a person who is approachable. This is a great disappointment. I believed in his integrity. Has power and position gone to his head? Intimidation strategy will not work with me. Your ego is very inflated.

I will not be intimidated by Luzerne County Council members. The frequent loud intonation utilized by Mr. Kelleher to give his opinion at meetings is ineffective and projects as another political grandstanding tactic. The citizens who attend meetings and make time to address issues at public comment are not children or students. Luzerne County Council members who are former teachers cannot apply teacher classroom management strategies to this position. Let's be real here.

I hope and pray The Luzerne County Home Rule Charter is followed. A precedent has been set with one breach of the charter by Mr. Bobeck. He worked for Luzerne County while serving on the Luzerne County Home Rule Transition Committee. Luzerne County Council elected him Chair. I read a prepared statement. I stated my concerns at the January 2, 2012 meeting and requested Council not to elect him as Chair. This has been deleted from the meeting minutes posted on the website. The meeting minutes do not reflect the recorded minutes which are public record. I filed a right to know request for the recordings. I am surprised at the tampering with historical record. Why are the minutes now 'watered down'? Why do you need to protect yourselves? Why throw out documented statements by citizens and elected officials? The correct minutes should be available for the public to review. Again, this lack of respect and blatant disregard of charter prohibitions can be viewed as a direct insult to every Luzerne County citizen. This is not accurate documentation of the meeting. I am grateful we have an honest Luzerne County Right to Know Officer who follows the law and provides the truthful and accurate public record when requested. Chariman Bobeck, why are you taking time to alter the meeting minutes before posting them on the County website? Luzerne County Home Rule is about open and transparent government which allows for citizen participation.

Does Luzerne County Council respect Luzerne County residents in regard to work schedules or is this another way to limit citizens to serve on Boards, Authorities and Commissions? Candidates for the hired County Executive were catered to by using Luzerne County tax dollars to pay for accommodations, etc. during the interview process. Mr. Kelleher announced at a Council meeting he gave the candidates tours. Luzerne County citizens should be given courtesy and time to interview properly for appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions. These are non-paid positions to serve the public.

I respectfully withdraw my name as a candidate to serve on the ACCOUNTABILITY, CONDUCT AND ETHICS COMMISSION. I cannot attend the interview. I ask for appropriate notice with other appointments in regard to interview times and schedules so more applicants may attend the public interview.

Luzerne County is one of the poorest counties in the nation. Many people work 2 or 3 jobs to live here. Please accommodate interested citizens who strive to live here, volunteer during times of disaster, volunteer to improve the quality of life and work to make Luzerne County better.


Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Dobash,

Hazleton, PA

Luzerne County

With all the fun in the PA 10th CD race I've fallen behind on the latest Luzerne County news.

After his challenge to latest bond issue got tossed on the grounds that he doesn't have standing to make such an objection Tim Grier filed an appeal with the Commonwealth Court. After the decision by the state Department of Community and Economic Development dismissed the complaint Democratic Commissioner Greg Skrepenak couldn't resist tossing insults at Grier and accusing the Republican Commissioner Steve "the terrorist" Urban of a conspiracy. Now Skrep and the other walking ad for weight watchers Attorney Pete Moses are acting like bullies. They are threatening to seek reimbursement for county legal fees and court costs and want Grier to post a $80 million bond to pursue the appeal.

There’s no way I’m going to have to post a bond. That would make it impossible for anyone to challenge borrowing,” Grier said.

Out of this whole mess there is a renewed call for Home Rule.

Home rule redux?

More than four years after home rule’s defeat by a margin of 54 percent to 46 percent, David Capin is gathering support for another try.

Check out the website:

HomeRuleYes.com

Home Rule on the way

Luzerne County’s Government Study Commission unanimously voted Wednesday to take the next step and draft a proposed home rule charter.

I liked the last plan.



Panel unanimously votes for home rule

The challenge is to get a new charter on the ballot in 2010.

Home Rule news

The third of the weekly Home Rule forums will be held tonight, April 8th, at 7:00 PM in the Kingston Municipal Building.
This event is free and open to the public. If you have any questions about Home Rule or would like to meet the Government Study Commission (GSC) candidates this is your chance.


There is now an online voters guide with information about most of the GSC candidates.

Candidates who have submitted information for the Voter’s Guide:


Ray Gustave, Swoyersville

Frank Sindaco, Wilkes-Barre

Edward Transue, Dallas

Darlene Duggins, Wilkes-Barre

Rick Morelli, Sugarloaf Township

Walter Griffith Jr., Wilkes-Barre

Charmaine H. Maynard, Sugarloaf Township

James Thomas Gaughan, Courtdale

Paul P. Krombel, Conyngham Township

Christopher C.J. Kersey, Kingston

Phillip Struzzeri, Jenkins Township

Veronica Ciaruffoli, Larksville

Frank E.P. Conyngham, Kingston Township

Jeffrey Niemiec, Wilkes-Barre


Candidates who have NOT submitted information the our Voter’s Guide:


Jim Haggerty, Kingston John Adonizio, Hughestown Richard “Kick” Heffron, Dallas Jack Schumacher, Kingston Robert Whammer Wanyo, Forty Fort Joe Wizda, Freeland

Home Rule on the way

The Home Rule question was overwhelmingly approved by the voters of Luzerne County in last month's primary election and we elected 11 people to serve on the Government Study Commission to come up with a better way of doing things. Kudos to PJ Best and the team at Luzerne Home Rule that convinced the Commissioners to put it on the ballot and campaigned to get the voters to approve the question.

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The GSC members are; Jim Haggerty, Walter Griffith Jr., John Adonizio, Veronica Ciaruffoli, Frank E. P. Conyngham, Jack Schumacher, Rick Morelli, Richard “Kick” Heffron, Robert “Whammer” Wanyo, Christopher “C. J.” Kersey, Charmaine Maynard (pictured above)

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Now the hard work begins after Luzerne County President Judge Chet Muroski swore them in.

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They have nine months to decide if a change of Government is needed then another nine months to come up with a Charter. I think the first part should take about 10 minutes and the last commission came up with a pretty good plan that could just be tweaked a bit. A new charter must be completed 13 weeks before an election so the earliest we can expect a new form of government to vote on is probably next May or November.

Home Rule forum tonight

In preparation for the public question on the Home Rule Government Study Commission in May, we will be hosting weekly educational forums. This will provide citizens an opportunity to learn more about Home Rule and how it can affect the county as well as an opportunity to meet the candidates for the Government Study Commission.


The first of these weekly forums will be held March 25th at 6:30 PM in the Luzerne County Community College Conference Center.

This week's events

121st Republican State Rep candidate James O'Meara is having a Wing Thing tonight at
Dan's Keystone Grill, 162 Union Street, Plains, PA 6-8 PM

The 120th District hopefuls are busy

Tomorrow you can find GOP candidate Bill Goldsworthy at Gober’s Art Deco Lounge, Schooley & Wyoming Ave., Exeter 7-10PM

Incumbent Democrat Phyllis Mundy will be at the Fox Hill Country Club, Thursday, September 23 from 5:30 to 7:30

On Saturday Libertarian Tim Mullen has a shindig at Grandaddy's Cafe, Vaughn and Buckingham St. in Luzerne 7:00-10:00pm

116th Republican challenger Tarah Toohill is hosting an old-fashioned 1950s Sock Hop on Wednesday at Byorek's Knotty Pine Restaurant, North Church St. (Route 309) Hazleton 6-9PM. Incumbent Todd Eachus doesn't have anything on the calendar this week but you can join him in Harrisburg next month.

Friends of Home Rule, a political committee in favor of the proposed home-rule charter for Luzerne County, is planning a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Hoyt Library in Kingston

In the 119th there is a South Valley Mixer to meet/greet Republican Rick Arnold on Sunday at Alden Manor. 4-6 pm, Middle Road in Nanticoke.

Also on Sunday the 4th and 6th District Republicans have gettogethers. You can read the details on the Luzerne County GOP website.

Finally GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett will be at the American Legion Post 609, 320 Lee Park Ave., Hanover Township on Thursday