Do you like being used Lou?

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

It looks like a letter sent from Mayor Lou Barletta.

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

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

Blue Cross of NEPA

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits lawsuit vs. Blues settled

The buck starts here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hazleton Cargo Airport

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

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

Just the facts

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

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

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

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

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

Lou Barletta Doesn’t Need Your Stinkin’ Facts,

A Big Fat Slob,

Lies. Damn Lies. And Hazleton Immigration Statistics,

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

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

To reassess or not to reassess

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

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

New Mayor in Laflin

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

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

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

Undertakers and barkeepers

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

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

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

Get me rewrite

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

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

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

Who's the media whore?

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

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

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

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

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

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

And this:

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

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

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

Lynn Evans for Plains Twp Commissioner

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

Luzerne County Commissioners race-Republicans

From the inbox: Don't look for the Republicans to help each other very much in the County seat because its rumored a certain commissioner doesn't want to be in power because it's easier to yell about things so look for another Republican to be pushed for that seat, problem is he is well-liked by Democrat voters.-A Source

That seems to sum up the rap I've heard on the only Republican Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban. He's running for another term but has a bunch of competition which is probably good news for him.

Bill James will make the race which is good because we would be dissapointed if he didn't. Dave Shipula is learning computer skills courtesy of the Hanover Area taxpayers and defends the rights of beer distributors. He is the President of the Malt Beverage Distributors Association and reminds us that "Alcohol is not like other consumer goods. If not properly controlled, alcohol can be dangerous!" Crestwood School Board member Bill Jones may not have all the answers but he asks the right questions. He is the only candidate that has the aversion to debt that I have.

Christine Katsock's entry into the race has thrown the whole thing up into the air. The conventional wisdom is that she will eat into Urban's vote and may sink them both.

I hope I'm wrong but the way I see it shaking out is that Skrep and Petrilla win the Dems nod and Urban and one the others are the GOP's nominees and the after the general election the commissioners are Skrep, Petrilla and Urban.

random thoughts

Luzerne County and beyond.

If a guy convicted of perjury who used to work for the VP when many agree he was covering up for his boss but took the fall then changed a name on a tax lien and married another candidate for election in the same jurisdiction and recorded record profits after pitchers and catchers reported to the Yankees camp in Moosic who's team didn't get picked for March Madness after Al Gore appeared on the Weather Channel after he worked out in Spring Training.

I'm a bit confused.

No sex, drugs or rock n' roll

Just an old fashioned cooking the books for a friend. At least one question has been answered, Luzerne County Prothonotary Jill Moran does show up at the office once in a while. What she does when she is there is another question.

DA: Feds eyeing ‘Doe’ flap

Changing the name on a tax lien for a pal may or may not be a crime but it sure doesn't look good. Our crusading District Attorney/Judicial candidate typically punted the issue, “Because it involves federal Internal Revenue Service issues and federal liens, it would be looked at by officials at that level,” he said.

A Big Fat Slob and The Lu Lac Political Letter have more. Like many of us Mark wants to see Jill in a tube top.

Who's running for what?

Sadly the most important elections that we have are the one's the least people vote in. Most of the governing that goes on that affects your everyday life is done by the the town, county or school district that you live in.

Everybody is up in arms over the response to the Valentines Day snow storm from all levels of government but there will be very few changes. You can't fire the Governor even if he might deserve it. The Mayor of Wilkes-Barre is up for reelection but no serious candidate is taking him on. A few weeks ago the Yonk did a rundown of politicains getting sunk by some weather event. My little Burgh of Plains Twp did an outstanding job but I don't give any of the politicians credit or blame them for the streets that got missed the first time plowing. Our DPW guys cleared the snow as best as they could. It's not everyday that 2 feet of snow is dropped on your head.

El ensayo de la inmigración de Hazleton comienza lunes

The federal trial of Lozano v. City of Hazleton begins Monday in the U.S. Middle District Court in Scranton. Senor Lou Barletta and his allies including Judicial Watch will be defending the Illegal Immigration Relief Act against an odd assortment of groups including the ACLU and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The CV has a rundown of some of the players involved. Opponents of Hazleton’s controversial Illegal Immigration Relief Act will stage a rally Sunday and another at the courthouse at 3 p.m. Monday.

To me the question comes down to Article I, sec. 8 of the US Constitution: The Congress shall have power...To establish a uniform rule of naturalization.

Can a political subdivision of a state supersede the authority of the Congress?

Mayor of Wilkes-Barre

No one seems to want the job except Tom Leighton. To my great disapointment the man in the shades with a quick hook, Bob Kadluboski, passed on the race. The quick hook refers to his talent of towing any illegally (or not) parked car when he is not busy playing batman ramming into cars. He also dropped an anonymous attack piece in the CV just before the last election. The ad was a clear violation of election law. Pennsylvania election code requires political ads to clearly identify the people or groups who pay for them. Haven't heard a thing about it since.

Former Police Chief Tony George will not run because "I would rather spend the time with my family." Can't blame him for that.

Tim Grier has filed petitions to run for city council and Mayor. We'll see what office he wants to run for.

There's a Republican!

Republican Linda Stets said she will run for city council and mayor with a focus on on the neighborhoods. I did a Google search but didn't come up with much.

A list of who's running for what is available at the Luzerne County website.

Copyright claim

Has anyone else received a claim/demand for payment over an alleged copyright infringement? Please email me if you have.

The Good ole boys/girls

Luzerne County Prothonotary Jill Moran filed an IRS tax lien notice under another name – John Doe – for her law partner Robert Powell. A $279,322 Internal Revenue Service lien. She said she thought it was an error on the part of the IRS.

She said she did not give her law partner special treatment and would treat others the same. Yeah, right. LV Dem's Beware of the Good Ole Boys tells us how it works.

This guy is involved in just about everything, the Hazleton airport, the sweethart deal of the juvi prison in Pittston and other projects that the taxpayers financed.

Another reason why this job should not be an elected position. Chris reminded me of it.

Chilling Effects Clearinghouse

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some individuals and corporations are using intellectual property and other laws to silence other online users.

I'm in that boat right now. I don't want to go into the details-YET! But we're all subject to some sort of intellectual property dispute by publishing a blog. This might help some of my fellow bloggers.

Do you know your online rights? Have you received a letter asking you to remove information from a Web site or to stop engaging in an activity? Are you concerned about liability for information that someone else posted to your online forum? If so, this site is for you.

Chilling Effects

Chris Carney in the Middle East

A few months ago I said Chris Carney would be a different kind of Congressman than we are used to in northeastern Pennsylvania. Not just worried about pork but a national leader involved in the decisions of war and peace. Brett Lieberman chidded me for that assertion but he has hit the ground running. Carney was the only Pennsylvania Democrat invited to a White House session on the Iraq war. On his recent trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and

other countries in the region he got the same message, the United States needs to open a dialog with Syria and Iran on the war in Iraq, echoing the message delivered to him and other visiting congressmen by leaders in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey. “It was pretty remarkable. It was the same message from three different national leaders,” he said. Now Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Tuesday that the United States would join the meeting and that Washington supported the Iraqi government's invitation to Iran and Syria. And the congressman said he is drafting legislation that would require the Bush administration to report on the progress of shifting responsibility for securing the country from American to Iraqi military forces.

On the home front he has helped get Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for severe storms and flooding that occurred from November 16-17, 2006.

Thanks to his Communications Director Rebecca Gale for the pics of Congressman Carney in Kuwait with Towanda resident Keith Gallew, his wife Yvette and Joseph Donahue from Williamsport. Wilkes Barre residents Chief Warren Officer Deaven and Lieutenant Colonel Gail Vonderheid. And one in Iraq at Balad Air Force Base with Brigadier General Mike Terry from Dickson City.

This week in Hugoland

The escape charges that were reinstated by a three-judge panel are being appealed by the defense to the entire Pennsylvania Superior Court. Hugo Selenski's defense team cited four reasons for the appeal. The most important one is The district attorney’s office, by its own admission, did not file its policies and procedures for joining the cases. This part of the case will drag on for a while.

The trial on the murder charges may also be delayed because of defense motions which is probably fine by DA David Lupas. Just get past the primary for Judge. And Paul Weakly's attorneys want a separate trial. The media coverage of the latest hearing focused on Hugo's supposed "outburst" in the courtroom. Dr. Tara calls bullshit on the coverage.

“Set a trial date already,” Selenski said. “I’m sick of this."

We're in the money

PLAINS TWP. — The township on Monday received its first cut of gaming revenue from the state’s first casino. Ron Filippini, chairman of the Plains Township Board of Commissioners, said the township received a $295,800 check from the state Department of Revenue, which is based on business at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs from its opening Nov. 14 through Dec. 31.

As a resident of Plains Twp I just want to say "Thanks Suckers."

But I question if our town fathers will spend this new windfall wisely. Last fall they included the anticipated the slots revenue in the annual budget. This first chunk of money is to be used for normal housekeeping expenses such as overtime costs related to the storm that should have killed us all with the leftover used to pave a few streets. But the original purpose of reducing property taxes is still on hold until the reassessment is finished, if ever.

The gaming revenue could eventually be used to lower township property tax bills, but that could depend on whether the county imposes new assessed property values in 2008, Filippini said. The county commissioners last year decided to delay the county’s first reassessment of property since 1965.

1000 posts

I just noticed that I just passed 1000 posts on the site. I've been a bit remiss lately but will pick up the pace as we approach the primary. And no, I'm not going to go back and tag them all.

Hazleton this week

Where's the beef?

CV: In documents released last week, the plaintiffs challenging the immigration laws argue Hazleton has no factual basis to believe illegal immigrants adversely affect the quality of life in the city...Deposed from more than eight hours over two days, Mayor Lou Barletta conceded the city has no data on how many illegal immigrants use municipal services such as code enforcement, fire protection, garbage collection and road maintenance.

I really thought this nonsense would be dropped after the 2006 election. It was an obvious stunt to help Rick Santorum retain his Senate seat. Instead Mr. Small Town Defender seems to want to bankrupt his city defending an indefensible ordinance.

He may have awakened a sleeping electorate. Business owners Amilcar Arroyo and Luisa Sandoval as well as Anna Arias, a family outreach coordinator for Catholic Social Services in Hazleton, will join retired eye doctor Agapito Lopez in running for five open Hazleton Area School Board seats. Like most candidates, all will cross file as Democrats and Republics. Real estate company owner Rudy Espinal, a Democrat, officially declared his intention to run for one of two available Hazleton City Council seats.

Then a few questions were asked about Hazleton's contracting pratices by local government watchdog and mayoral candidate Dee Deakos:

Deakos said she “find(s) it hard to believe” that Barletta didn’t know if his brother was a manager for Triple K. She said she was concerned that awarding a contract to the company could be a conflict of interest for Barletta...“I find it interesting that such a new company would get such a major contract for one of (Barletta’s) pet projects, and now the company his brother works for gets a city contract as well.”

Triple K was incorporated in November.

Barletta's reaction to such criticism was over the top calling it a "witch hunt" and "dirty politics."
Her reaction:

“Every time I point out something wrong or questionable in his administration, he calls it a witch hunt,” she said. “Every time I ask a question, is it dirty politics? … All I pointed out was that a close member of his family who falls under ethics rules was employed there. What did I really do other than say I was concerned?”

And Judge Corey Stevens got into the act backing Barletta and the ordinance when ethics rules clearly prohibit a sitting Judge from commenting on a pending case. A Big Fat Slob tells us why this is not allowed.

Skrep and Petrilla make it official, so does Urban

TL: Before a crowd of hundreds Thursday, Greg Skrepenak and Maryanne Petrilla formally announced they will run as a Democratic team for Luzerne County commissioner in May...Republican minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban also announced Thursday during a Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce breakfast that he will run. He is seeking a third term.

Can they be beat?

Gatorade and corporate welfare

WRIGHT TWP. — Construction of Pepsi’s 500,000-square-foot Gatorade distribution center began in November...The $37 million capital investment by Pepsi will add 93 new jobs to a workforce of 236 already employed at the company’s manufacturing plant in the park. State, county and local taxing authorities agreed to tax incentives to ensure the project.

Just how much Incentive did PepsiCo get. Under the terms of the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance plan, the county would waive an estimated $52,741 in annual property taxes per year between 2010 and 2016....Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development granted $1.25 million for the project, primarily in infrastructure costs for roads. Luzerne County donated a $100,000 grant to the project....The seven-year LERTA will reduce property taxes for Pepsi by about 50 percent and kicks in after the Keystone Opportunity Zone status expires in three years. KOZ sites have temporary state and local tax breaks. The combined tax breaks guarantee Pepsi reduced tax status for 10 years. Rapid Edward tells us that The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce supported efforts to obtain a $1.25 million funding offer for the project from DCED that includes a grant of up to $1 million through the Infrastructure Development Program and a grant of up to $250,000 through the Opportunity Grant Program.

I just got my county/municipal property tax bill for 2007 and will pay the full amount. We've done many improvements to the property over the years keeping local contractors busy without any government loans or tax breaks. How did we do it? Remember this and all the other sweetheart deals when you get your new valuation if the reassessment is ever done.

Capitol Ideas suggests a payoff may be involved:

What the statement failed to mention is that Rendell will now have 36 cases of Diet Pepsi delivered to the governor's mansion each week until he leaves office.

Mark your calendars

SATURDAY FEB. 24TH FROM 2 to 4PM at the Barnes and Noble bookstore, Arena Hub Plaza join DAVID YONKI as he signs copies of his latest book, "LEGIS VITAE", 26 RULES OF LIFE.

Yonki's previous work, "A Radio Story/We Wish You Well In Your Future Endeavors" is also available in local stores or at ALUBIRP54@aol.com.

A resident of Wilkes Barre, Yonki is also author of two blogs,

The LuLac Political Letter
http://lulacpoliticaletter.blogspot.com/

and AUTHOR: David Yonki http://authordavidyonki.blogspot.com/.

Yonki began writing as therapy after being injured in an auto accident several years ago. Currently he is working on other literary projects and shopping "A Radio Story" around to national film and publishing organizations.

Luzerne County Commissioners race-Democrats

It looks like former Controller Steve Flood is in according to a story in the TL. He still has questions about the sweetheart deal involving the juvenile detention center in Pittston that the Bond Brothers committed the county to for the next 20 years. He also smells a rat regarding the proposed cargo airport near Hazleton and he is concerned about the long delayed reassessment saying “We paid $7 million for this, and the values are already two years old.” A look at the county's long term debt will be on his agenda. Somebody with a calculator and some common sense should take a look at pace the county has been borrowing money over the last few years. An audit of the row offices is order after the revelation that at least $200,000 is missing from the Recorder of Deeds office. That's the Controller's or Auditor General's job but they won't do it.

The story also noted that Attorney Ray Hassey will not be a candidate. Fine with me as he is quoted that his biggest worry was the reassessment's impact on the elderly. I got news for you Mr. Hassey, senior citizens aren't the only ones who pay property taxes. My raise this year was less than what Social Security recipients got. I'm sure I'm going to pay much more when this thing is done. Yeah I could go get a 2nd job to pay them but that would eat into my family time just like running for office will interfere with his.

According to the CV the other Democrats interested in running are:

Pittston Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Greg Gulick.

Dennis Kijek, a Rice Township Democrat who is retired.

Greg Skrepenak is seeking a second term

County Controller Maryanne Petrilla.

Joseph Killinski, a retired Wilkes-Barre resident.

Mario Fiorucci, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Sugar Notch as a Green Party candidate in 2005.

Update on the Republican candidates is coming

The promise of spring

The groundhog said winter will end early then we got a blizzard. Al Gore told me that the planet is melting then we had the coldest February in history. But there is hope. Pitchers and catchers have reported and today is the Daytona 500. The pre-race program was all about the cheating scandal. I'm shocked that they cheat in auto racing, the next thing you know they will accuse baseball players of taking steroids.

Pennsylvania constitutional convention

Our friends at PACleanSweep is pushing a constitutional convention. The last one was in 1968. For all the talk of reforms in Harrisburg I'm of the opinion that the most far reaching one is to take redistricting out of the hands of the politicians. Congressional and state house/senate districts should be drawn to make geographic sense and be as competitive as possible. That would ensure term limits in many cases and make our representatives more responsive to the people. From the inbox:

On February 22 at Duquesne University, the Senate State Government
Committee will be holding a hearing regarding the possibilities of holding a
constitutional convention. A convention could address issues Pennsylvanians have
been talking about since the pay raise, such as changing the size of the
legislature, enacting term limits and setting new redistricting guidelines.

The Committee will be hearing from selected experts in constitutional law
and from a few established reform-minded organizations, but has not yet called
for any input from the general public.

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Lackawanna County Commissioners

I usually don't cover the goings on of our neighbors to the north but I received a few emails about the selection of former Penn State kicker Chris Clauss as commissioner Mike Washo's running mate. This one sums it up:

Chris Birk had the wool pulled over his eyes by Mike Washo and Harry McGrath. Chris Clauss is as dirty as they come -- a former Alberigi/Corcoran crony, appointed to the COLTS board by Castellani and Corcoran in 2000, he has a track record of being both disingenious and unconcerned with laws and ethics.

In a brash embrace of hypocrisy, Clauss had the nerve to utter "My honesty, coupled with Mike's experience, we can pull this together and do the right thing for the county.

"Baloney." A political newcomer" and "clean political slate" shall go down in newspaper history with headlines such as the infamous "Dewey Defeats Truman" snafu.

Chris Clauss accepted over $40,000 in illegal health insurance benefits as a member of the COLTS authority.

In fact, as the stories below will show, was the ONLY member to NOT give up the benefits in a timely manner! And, he's an INSURANCE agent! Hahahaha. Boy, the days move by but things just never seem to change! Here's the evidence

COLTS official still receiving free insurance
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=11957015&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=590572&rfi=8

COLTS Board Rides Taxpayers
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=11357362&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=590572&rfi=8

COLTS board drops health perk, but most keep free life insurance

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=12152856&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=590572&rfi=8

COLTS Directors Drop County Fight

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12136022&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6

Don't Look Toward State Law for Simple Answers

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=11417036&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=590572&rfi=8

COLTS Board Still Mired in Animosity

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=12814272&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=590572&rfi=8

COLTS elects Chris Clauss as new leader

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=13107810&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=590572&rfi=8

What a week

I'm in a bit of a slump right now. A combo of family, work and winter. Between the snow shoveling and other obligations I don't have much time to blog.When I do have time I'm too damn tired to get my thoughts together. I've received some interesting emails this week that I will post.

The anti surge

The war is won. The occupation is lost. I spent a few years in the military and have read countless military histories and even I know that the US is in an impossible situation in Iraq. If they want to kill each other there is no reason to keep our people in the middle of it. Our local Congressman had his say on the subject today:

Washington, D.C.-Congressman Christopher P. Carney went to the floor of the
House of Representatives today to voice his support for the bipartisan
resolution on Iraq. Below is the text of his remarks:

"I stand today as a proud veteran in support of this bipartisan resolution, which states that Congress and the American people support our men and women in uniform, but do not support deploying over 21,000 additional troops to Iraq.

"I fear that President Bush's plan to increase troop levels is a mistake. Sending more troops will not reduce the violence.

"Indeed, in the past two years we have had
three surges to Iraq, only to see dramatic increases in violence. Why would we
think a fourth surge will be different?

"Mr. Speaker, 21,000 troops is far
less than a half measure of what is truly needed to secure Iraq. But the
unfortunate reality is that we no longer have the troops available to do the job
properly. Indeed, the army's strategic reserve is used up. They told us so. We
are now less able to respond in other trouble spots around the globe because of
this failed policy.

"Why are we not matching our military surge with a
diplomatic surge? Why are we not engaging every nation in the region to end this
civil war?

"A superpower at war uses all means at its disposal to
win-including diplomacy. Diplomacy is the only way for us to succeed now, and I
urge the administration to launch a diplomatic offensive in the region.

"Our enemies are encouraged and emboldened by the success that they have enjoyed already. We do not need to send 21,000 troops additional to reinforce
this.

"Instead, we should be changing our focus. Rather than sending more
American troops into combat, we should be training Iraqis to handle the jobs for
themselves. For every Iraqi battalion we train, we need to bring an American
battalion home.

"My district in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania has many of its bravest men and women in harm's way. I am very proud of them, so are their families and their communities. Our district has lost 22 men in this war.

Brave troops who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I rise today to
honor them and also to stand up for the troops currently in combat.

"The stories I hear from soldiers who return home leave me concerned that the
administration has not done enough to protect them.

"One of my own former students, a member of a Pennsylvania National Guard Unit, told me how his unit had to scrounge through Iraqi junkyards for scrap metal to weld onto their trucks for protection.

"Junkyards?! Scrap Metal!?

Where is the outrage that this administration has not given troops the protection that they need? "Where is the outrage that our fine men and women, whose job is to protect our nation, are scrounging through foreign junkyards to find that protection?
The troops have won the war, but the administration has failed to secure the
peace. We must now pursue policies worthy of our troops and their
sacrifices.

"Mr. Speaker, I came to Congress to serve and protect my country.

That is why I rise in support of this resolution.

"Mr. Speaker, in the navy when we run a ship aground we change the course. It is now time to change the course in Iraq, not needlessly send more American troops in harm's way.

Thank you."

The video is here.

Valentines Day

With all the fun of digging out of 2 feet of snow I almost forgot about Cupid. Someone didn't.

TO HELL WITH VALENTINES DAY!!! By Mean Old Man

I'm angier than Hillary Clinton in a singing class over the way the Commies have
prissied up my “Manly” country with their Valentines Day celebrations!!! Every year on that damned day I see schmuck after schmuck go into the different florist shops (that are, no doubt, fronts for the American Communist Party) to order flowers for the wife or girlfriend who said she didn’t want any (and if she didn’t get any—the poor saps would have a shiner the size of a softball on their eye); all the while paying ten times the normal price—money which I am sure is going right back to the Kremlin!!!!

In my day we celebrated Valentines Day too, but it wasn’t infected by the Commie manifesto. You bought your best girl a new ironing board or cake pan, or if you were really a Don Juan, a pair of bloomers—to make her womanly duties easier---she didn’t want or expect stupid flowers, or candy to make her fatter than she already was—she wanted things to help her along in her housework!!!! Sure, she toiled all day long, cooking, cleaning, baking from scratch and puttin’ the clothes through the ol’ trusty wringer washer--then hanging them out in the bitter cold—and it didn’t matter if she was sick—the work had to be done and the man’s dinner had to be on the table at 5—whether he was coming home or not---and she knew what would happen if it wasn’t---and she loved it!!!!

But now, all these damned commie “career women” have ruined all the fun of being a real woman. The dumb broads today can't even boil water—let alone cook a good biscuit. My stupid hippy son Clay’s harlet wife had us over for Thanksgiving last year and I saw her put this dust that looked as if it came from out of a sweeper bag into a pot of boiling water—I had to ask; she told me it was stovetop stuffing—all of a sudden this dust starts swelling into some concoction that looked like the droppings that my ol’ hound dog Titus used to leave on the living room floor (and if you have a problem with my argument, think of this--can you imagine Duke Wayne after a hard day if chasing cattle rustlers, coming off of the range (no pun intended) and eating stove top stuffing? NO!!!). My whole Thanksgiving ruined because of some Commie stuffing (no doubt filled with some sort of mind altering drug)---Damn!!!!! And all of this sorry crap is rooted in the modern day Commie Valentine’s Day!!!

All the men (?) of America today have been feminized to make the women happy—well, what about the happiness of men!!! MY stupid grandson Josh is even forced to take home economics in school nowadays. Can you believe that?? Our schools are raising a bunch of girlie panty waste wimps!!! In my day we took shop—and you got your trusty saw out with your drill and sometimes you lost a finger or an eye—and we loved it (!), and would laugh it off---it was great!!!!!! That’s when men were men and a woman knew her place (and it wasn’t whining about getting Valentine’s candy and a damned dinner!).

So all you prissy Commie loving men out there---make sure you get to the florist on time (the Kremlin is depending on you) and don't forget those chocolates too (gotta keep the little woman as fat as Mrs. Stalin and Mrs. Khruschev were!). As for me, I’m stopping by the Wal Mart and picking up a good ol baking pan and some bread crumbs for the little woman (at my age, I'll just skip the bloomers). Then I’m hitting home, popping open a Steg, listen to a little Nat King Cole while waiting for my biscuits to be served straight from a brand new pan.

That’s My America, Commies. That’s My Valentine’s Day.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY---I HATE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

News "Flash"

From WNEP

A Florida television station is reporting that former Congressman Joseph McDade has been accused of exposing himself in public.
Prosecutors in Florida say McDade exposed himself on Sanibel Island in Florida. The 76-year-old McDade has been ordered to appear in court.

Update from the TL:

Former Congressman Joseph M. McDade has been charged by Florida prosecutors with exposing himself in public.

McDade, 75, of Fairfax, Va., was issued a summons on a charge of exposure of sexual organs in connection with an incident that occurred on Jan. 18 in Sanibal Island, according to court papers filed by the State Attorney’s Office in Lee County, Florida.

The summons states McDade unlawfully exposed or exhibit his sexual organs, or did go naked, in a public place or on the private premises of another in a vulgar or indecent manner. The state Attorney’s Office did not release any further information regarding the incident.

McDade, a Republican, served in the 10th Congressional District from 1963 to 1999. McDade was investigated by the U.S. Justice Department on charges he accepted gifts in exchange for helping defense contractors win military bids, but he was acquitted of the charges in 1996. He chose not to seek re-election in 1998.

Take it to the people

WILKES-BARRE – Four men known for peppering council members with criticism during meetings at City Hall now want to sit on the other side of the table.

Tim Grier, Sam Troy, Bob Kadluboski and Walter Griffith Jr. have acquired nomination petitions for council, mayor or both.

Great! The upcoming election in Wilkes-Barre may become a lot more interesting. These gentleman have been very critical of Mayor Tom Leighton and the city council for some time and now they will have the opportunity to tell the voters what they would do differently.

Things I want to write about

County commissioner race will be full one

There is a growing list of Luzerne County commissioner candidates

Three Dems throw hats in ring for Luzerne County coroner seat

Coroner. Another job that should be hired on qualifications not elected.

Slots Money

This pool of money will not be controlled by the Bond Brothers or their successors. Good.

I apologize for the light posting. My Uncle Howie is in bad shape so I have been at the hospital a lot. Uncle Howie taught me how to play baseball so he is special to me.

Viacom vs. YouTube fallout

About 20 of my favorite music videos are no longer available on YouTube. I get an error message like this:

the waitresses: i know what boys like [video unavailable]

I haven't done any research but I doubt if Viacom has a copyright on that or many of the other songs that have been deleted. The Big Chill is on.

While it lasts enjoy some Clash.

Hazleton Cargo Airport

“We haven’t had any direct contact with those companies (FedEx and UPS) as such. But the attitude that we’ve had from everyone … the sense that we have is … build it and they will come.”-Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepnak



Is this faith based economics or has Skrep watched too many sports movies?


Expert: Plan flies too high Some more marketing research needs to be done.

The money and connections are detailed in this story by Steve Morcarsky in the TL and ties back some of the people involved to the PA Child Care sweethart deal.


Other things are in play as the developer has a dispute with some of the owners of the land where the airport is to be built.

UPDATE: Truth in our House has the real reason this airport might be built near Hazleton:

One e-mail I rcvd from a frequent blog reader told me he knows the real
reason behind the airport proposal. He thinks that Mayor Lou Barletta is really
behind the proposal but is staying quiet for now. The real proposal he
says:

Planes will land with river dredge and fly ash from across the globe to be
used in area mine reclamation. Planes will then take off full of area illegal
aliens for immediate deportation to their country of origin.

And Barletta is in the process of negotiating contracts to make a huge amount of money from both
the incoming/outgoing flights for revitalization efforts.

Hugo can be charged with escape

The master of the bedsheets (it's like a 1940's movie) can now be charged with escape according to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. A victory for DA Dave Lupas but there will be more appeals.

Breaking News

Or not. The Citizens Voice has a story today about Sen. John Edwards visit to Bear Creek that was first reported a week ago on NEPA's Real Deal. Then on Monday the Times-Leader told us about a guy that can't sleep at night because of the demolition of the Hotel Sterling tower. The Luzerne County Liberator had that story on January 31st. In September me and Down With Tyranny posted a copy of Don Sherwood's 9/11 invite that made it into the Times-Tribune 3 days later. I also had the scoop on candidates announcing they were running for this or that office and who wouldn't show up for a debate that made it into the papers a few days later. And I don't know how many times Wilkes-Barre Online has done original reporting that made the papers in another form. I'm sure all the reporters involved will say they had other sources but it makes you wonder. Keep up the good work guys. The local media may not always cite their sources but we do.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force

This is biggest thing since the Tinky-Winky gay scandal. I'm watching the show now. Thanks to Huge Tiny Mistake for the pic.

More eminent domain

WILKES-BARRE – The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority voted without dissent Monday to condemn the rear half of a Plymouth property which is part of the county’s levee system.

Another case of blackmail of the taxpayers or just a knee jerk reaction by the commissioners? The owner of the Huber Breaker threatens to sell the place for scrap and the Luzerne County Commissioners vote to take it by eminent domain and there's that whole thing about the building in Hazleton.

Mike Gravel for President

I know what you're saying. Who? Mike Gravel is a former Senator from Alaska (1969-1981). We've never had a President from Alaska. From his bio:

In 1971, he waged a successful one-man filibuster for five months that
forced the Nixon administration to cut a deal, effectively ending the draft in the United States. He is most prominently known for his release of the Pentagon Papers, the secret official study that revealed the lies and manipulations of successive U.S. administrations that misled the country into the Vietnam War.

I caught his act on CSPAN at the Democratic Winter meeting and liked what I heard. More background:

During his first term in the Senate, Gravel authored a book titled Citizen Power. In it, he advocated the implementation of numerous populist ideas, including a guaranteed annual income (dubbed the "Citizen's Wage"), public financing of elections, a progressive tax with no deductions or exemptions, steps against the military-industrial complex (which he calls the "Warfare State"), a national law to do away with voter registration and other barriers to voting, abolition of the death penalty, universal health care, school vouchers, a drastic reduction in government secrecy, and an end to what he viewed as an imperialistic foreign policy.

I'm not ready to commit to any candidate for President yet but I always have a softspot for the underdog. Mrs. G is backing Dennis Kucinich again and LeftIndependent likes him too.

A transcript of his speech to the DNC is on his website. h/t to A Big Fat Slob.

Super Bowl

No dog in this fight. Just hope for a good game and some funny commercials.

Viacom vs. YouTube

I understand copyrights and their purpose but it seems to me that a bit of an overreaction is going on.


SF Chronicle: YouTube, the popular online video site, has begun removing more than 100,000 unauthorized clips belonging to Viacom -- everything from snippets of Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" to Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants."
The purge comes after Viacom demanded that YouTube take down the material, accusing the site of violating its copyrights. Viacom says it's the largest order to delete videos it has ever made.

How short sighted are these people? Sure the law is probably on their side but if I post a clip of the Daily Show how am I hurting them financially? If anything it creates more interest the show and when more people tune in that results in more ad revenue. Let's post some YouTube:

PNC Field

It's a NASCAR world. Everything has to have a sponsor. The Red Barons are now the Yankees and the Lackawanna County Stadium will be known as PNC field. I know why they sell the naming rights but I don't have to like it. As I said in an earlier post:

Are you ready for the Viagra Courthouse Tower or the Depends Public Restroom. Instead of Moon Lake Park lets call it the Exxon Valdez Wildlife Sanctuary. Why stop with buildings why not rename the river the Pennsylvania American Waterway and I'm sure many roads and streets can be auctioned off to lawfirms that make their money by chasing ambulances after auto accidents. We have many culm banks that can use a better name than big ugly black things. How about tattooing Goldenpalace.com on Skrep's forehead. I think most politicians should be sponsored by e-bay because they go to the highest bidder.

Happy Groundhog Day

The promise of spring. Two weeks until pitches and catchers.

The big bucks

The Supreme Court ruled a few years ago that money equals free speech (Buckley v. Valeo). Some people have a louder voice than others.

Pennsylvania has very few restrictions on the amounts that can be given to a candidate for any office. A story today in the TL by Jennifer Learn-Andes spells it out:

Big money for Skrep, Dem mate to end ’06

Some of the names that gave big bucks to the incumbent Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid (the Bond Brothers) jumped out at me:

Developer Robert K. Mericle was the top donor, giving $10,500 to the campaign. Other representatives of his company, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, gave another $7,000.


How many times has he asked for a tax break from the county or the school district and local government where his next project is located?

Christopher Hackett, of One Source Staffing Solutions in Wilkes-Barre, $5,000

When the Bond Brothers came up with the Life Transition Plan to give a golden parachute to long time employees to get them to retire many of them were hired back to "ease the transition." They used a temp service. Guess which one.

There are many more examples but you get the idea.

Cargo airport near Hazleton

This idea has been kicked around for a few years but now it looks like it may happen. There are a lot of promises but the devil is in the details. Anyone who lives near the proposed site is sure to scream bloody murder and I can't blame them. The press roundup:

Airport would bring new jobs, identity

Key players anticipate big return on project

$1.6B cargo airport eyed

Officials: Airport would spur growth unseen since coal era

Committee meeting

The next meeting of the Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society is scheduled for this Saturday 4PM at Marks Pub 1287 N Washington St, Wilkes-Barre (map it). Pope George Ringo has extended an invitation to all.

Candidate websites

In the race for Luzerne County Judge Tom Marsillio slaps around current District Attorney Davis Lupas on his new website. I thought that sort of thing was a no-no in a judicial race. Ed Mitchell doesn't like his client being taken to task over his record.

“The Web site is mostly a nasty, negative diatribe,” Mitchell said. “Itignores the thousands of successful prosecutions and convictions Dave hashad asDA and as an assistant DA.”

Check out the fun at http://www.marsilioforjudge.com/ and http://www.lupasforjudge.com/

In the DA's race Jackie Musto Carroll is online at http://www.jackiemustocarroll.com/

Wilkes-Barre council districts

Thanks to Mark for the graphic.

The biggest electoral change in the history of the city of my birth takes effect this year. Instead of electing seven at-large members of the city council the choice will now be five seats chosen by districts. Some are fretting that this will reduce city government to some sort of tribal warfare and deal making such as you vote to pave my road and I'll vote to repair your bridge, etc. That may come to pass but I hope not. In the end the overall health of the city is in everybodys interest.

We can all wax nostalgic about Mr. Peanut walking around Public Square and the big department stores that dominated the landscape but those days are over. Like any small city Wilkes-Barre needs a vibrant, clean and safe downtown. That benefits all residents and I've seen progress in the last few years. Still a long way to go but there has been progress.

Not to say I'm happy with everything that has been going on. It seems like every developer has his hand out and wants to get out of paying property taxes for every proposed project. Sometimes it comes across as blackmail. "Give me a tax break and a government loan or I won't build this project." The city, Luzerne County and the W-B Area school district are always happy to oblige. My economics training tells me you should do things because they make business sense not to lower your tax bill.

The TL has rundown of some the announced council hopefuls.

TV for History Nerds

The best history on TV is still done by PBS and the BBC. The History Channel has alot of shows about modern marvels, ghost stories and other nonsense.

I get home from work tonight and surfed into this gem.

The Supreme Court on PBS.