The LuLac Edition #151, Feb. 11, 2007
PHOTO INDEX: LUZERNE COUNTY SHERRIF'S SEAL, LUZERNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE.
ANALYSIS OF LUZERNE COUNTY 2007 SHERRIF’S RACE
This year, one of the most interesting races will be for the top job of law enforcement in the county Sheriff. For the last eight years, Barry Stankus has held the position. He has announced he will run for another term. On the Democratic saide, the part has endorsed the popular Ray Savokinas, a popular Pittstonian associated with Savo’s Pizza. George “Nipper” Nowakowski, a former popular state trooper has been making noises that he will try again for the office.
The office was in Democratic hands for 24 years under the stewardship of the late Frank Jagodinski who won election in 1971. The popular “Jago” retired in 1995 and was succeeded by Carl Zawatski who was from the same neck of the woods (Plains) as Jagodinski. In “Jago’s” last win, he beat GOP challenger Robert Pulchalski by a 2 to 1 margin. Zawatski, despite opposition from Nowakowski easily won the general election in ’95. It was assumed that like Jagodinski, Zawatski could have the Sherrif’s job for as long as he liked. However, his plans for re-election in 1999 were derailed when there was an incident involving a car being driven by his daughter. WILK’S Fred Williams began the drumbeat against Zawatski as did most of the print media. Zawatski’s response or lack thereof to the situation became a key political issue and his challenger, Barry Stankus with little money and virtually no help from the County GOP won with 32,595 votes to Zawatski’s 27,770 tallies.*
In 2003, the two faced each other again with Zawatski winning a tough Democratic primary over Nowakowski. This time, Stankus’ electoral margin was paired down to about 3,000 votes.
This year’s election has many questions. Can Stankus, in a heavily Democratic county prevail again? Will Nowakowski run against the establishment and Savokinas? And if he does, how will that effect that primary vote with two Greater Pittstonians going after each other?
This election will depend on a few things.
1. Stankus’ ability to tell his story to the voters and get independent voters to join his camp. This time, he has to get more of those votes because he will be running against an untainted candidate. There were many people who voted “against Zawatski” rather than “for Stankus”.
2. Will the Democratic machine go great guns for its candidate? Some say there were Demos the last two elections that sat on their hands rather than support Zawatski. If the Dems make the full blown effort, look for the party to make up those voters they lost.
3. The race will ultimately come down to how each candidate presents himself to the voter. Stankus has run a pretty tight ship and seems to have a good image with the public. It will be up to the Democratic party and its candidate to chip away at that image through straight party voting in strong Democratic areas and force of personality of the Dem candidate, whoever that might be.
For now though, the advantage, because of incumbency and despite a huge voter registration lead, goes to Stankus. But it’s early and things can change. Just ask a guy named Carl Zawatski.
This year, one of the most interesting races will be for the top job of law enforcement in the county Sheriff. For the last eight years, Barry Stankus has held the position. He has announced he will run for another term. On the Democratic saide, the part has endorsed the popular Ray Savokinas, a popular Pittstonian associated with Savo’s Pizza. George “Nipper” Nowakowski, a former popular state trooper has been making noises that he will try again for the office.
The office was in Democratic hands for 24 years under the stewardship of the late Frank Jagodinski who won election in 1971. The popular “Jago” retired in 1995 and was succeeded by Carl Zawatski who was from the same neck of the woods (Plains) as Jagodinski. In “Jago’s” last win, he beat GOP challenger Robert Pulchalski by a 2 to 1 margin. Zawatski, despite opposition from Nowakowski easily won the general election in ’95. It was assumed that like Jagodinski, Zawatski could have the Sherrif’s job for as long as he liked. However, his plans for re-election in 1999 were derailed when there was an incident involving a car being driven by his daughter. WILK’S Fred Williams began the drumbeat against Zawatski as did most of the print media. Zawatski’s response or lack thereof to the situation became a key political issue and his challenger, Barry Stankus with little money and virtually no help from the County GOP won with 32,595 votes to Zawatski’s 27,770 tallies.*
In 2003, the two faced each other again with Zawatski winning a tough Democratic primary over Nowakowski. This time, Stankus’ electoral margin was paired down to about 3,000 votes.
This year’s election has many questions. Can Stankus, in a heavily Democratic county prevail again? Will Nowakowski run against the establishment and Savokinas? And if he does, how will that effect that primary vote with two Greater Pittstonians going after each other?
This election will depend on a few things.
1. Stankus’ ability to tell his story to the voters and get independent voters to join his camp. This time, he has to get more of those votes because he will be running against an untainted candidate. There were many people who voted “against Zawatski” rather than “for Stankus”.
2. Will the Democratic machine go great guns for its candidate? Some say there were Demos the last two elections that sat on their hands rather than support Zawatski. If the Dems make the full blown effort, look for the party to make up those voters they lost.
3. The race will ultimately come down to how each candidate presents himself to the voter. Stankus has run a pretty tight ship and seems to have a good image with the public. It will be up to the Democratic party and its candidate to chip away at that image through straight party voting in strong Democratic areas and force of personality of the Dem candidate, whoever that might be.
For now though, the advantage, because of incumbency and despite a huge voter registration lead, goes to Stankus. But it’s early and things can change. Just ask a guy named Carl Zawatski.
****Election result sources courtesy of Osterhout Free Library Information Services Department.
2007 ELECTION COMMISSIONERS RACE UPDATE
LUZERNE COUNTY
David Shipula, long time member of the Hanover Area School Board announced that he will run for Luzerne County commissioner.
The 51-year-old Republican enters the race against incumbent Steve Urban, past candidate William James and newcomer Bill Jones of Mountaintop.
Shipula owns the Beer Super in Wilkes Barre and says if elected will turn the license over to someone else so there would be no appearance of a conflict of interest in any way. Shipula has served as president of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and spearheaded the local school board’s policy, transportation and construction committees.
The 51-year-old Republican enters the race against incumbent Steve Urban, past candidate William James and newcomer Bill Jones of Mountaintop.
Shipula owns the Beer Super in Wilkes Barre and says if elected will turn the license over to someone else so there would be no appearance of a conflict of interest in any way. Shipula has served as president of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and spearheaded the local school board’s policy, transportation and construction committees.
Shipula's candidacy brings to the discussion once more the dynamics of the GOP Commissioner's Race. The local party has said they will not endorse anyone but will there be a few GOPers who might be compelled to form a team? So for no group of candidates have stepped forward to indicate that.
Meanwhile the Democratic endorsed team of Greg Skrepenak and Mary Ann Petrilla are laying low for now quietly gathering steam and support for what they hope will be an overwhelming victory come this fall.
LACKAWANNA COUNTY UPDATE
Reports are circulating that an annoucement on Minority Commissioner Mike Washo's Democratic running mate can come as early as Monday. There are seven known candidates if you want to include Washo. Recently, Valley View School District Business Manager Corey Castellani took himself out of the running.That leaves Washo, attorneys Tom Gilbride and Corey O’Brien, county Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty, teacher Patty Lawler, insurance agent Chris Clauss and retired attorney Sid Prejean who are still interested in the secnd slot. Dem Corey O'Brien has already indicated that he will run in the Democratic primary, with or without the endorsement.
posted by David Yonki @ 11:47 AM
11 comments
11 Comments:
Dave:
Good look at the race for Sherrif. You have to say that Stankus really has done a decent job. Still the fact that his vote totals went down is interesting. As far as Lackawanna County goes, the Demos up there have to make a decision soon, no? I saw Corey O'Brien on TV this morning and while he seems very pretty well spoken, I think the Dems are going to want to put a woman on the ticket. Unlike Luzerne County, has there ever been a women County Commmish in Lackawanna County?
Dave you always have a great article but a few errors I noticed on your post. It's not Ray Savokinas, it is Ray's nephew Mike Savokinas who's father run's Savo's Pizza in Pittston. Also of note is during the 2003 Primary Election five Democrats challenged for the nomination (Carl Zawatski, Tom Merlie, Al Ferdie, Mike Savokinas, George Nowakowski). But as always you raise very interesting questions. During the week take a look for our analysis at http://neparealdeal.blogspot.com/ as well take a look at various county campaigns.
-Little Red
IN REPONSE
It's not Ray Savokinas, it is Ray's nephew Mike Savokinas who's father run's Savo's Pizza in Pittston.
YOU ARE CORRECT. I'M AN OLD GUY WHICH IS WHY I'M MIXING UP MY SAVOKINAS'!
Also of note is during the 2003 Primary Election five Democrats challenged for the nomination (Carl Zawatski, Tom Merlie, Al Ferdie, Mike Savokinas, George Nowakowski)
IN THE RESEARCH I WAS DOING ON THAT '95 RACE, DID YOU FIND THAT ZAWATSKI HAD AN OPPONENT IN THE GENERAL OR DID HE RUN UNOPPOSED? I COULDN'T FIND A RECORD OF THAT.
http://neparealdeal.blogspot.com
WELCOME TO THE FRAY. YOUR POSTINGS ARE VERY "INSIDE BASEBALL". IF YOU ARE CONNECTED, CAN YOU GET ME FRANKIE PIZZELLA AND JERRY CLAPP'S OLD JOB AS THE "SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES"? IF NOT, OR EITHER WAY, I HOPE MY READERS UTILIZE YOUR SITE AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHERS LISTED ON NEPA BLOGS. INFORMATION AFTER ALL IS POWER. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE WE CAN EVEN MAKE MAYOR TOM OF WILKES BARRE LESS ASHAMED OF US!
IN REPONSE
It's not Ray Savokinas, it is Ray's nephew Mike Savokinas who's father run's Savo's Pizza in Pittston.
YOU ARE CORRECT. I'M AN OLD GUY WHICH IS WHY I'M MIXING UP MY SAVOKINAS'!
Also of note is during the 2003 Primary Election five Democrats challenged for the nomination (Carl Zawatski, Tom Merlie, Al Ferdie, Mike Savokinas, George Nowakowski)
IN THE RESEARCH I WAS DOING ON THAT '95 RACE, DID YOU FIND THAT ZAWATSKI HAD AN OPPONENT IN THE GENERAL OR DID HE RUN UNOPPOSED? I COULDN'T FIND A RECORD OF THAT.
http://neparealdeal.blogspot.com
WELCOME TO THE FRAY. YOUR POSTINGS ARE VERY "INSIDE BASEBALL". IF YOU ARE CONNECTED, CAN YOU GET ME FRANKIE PIZZELLA AND JERRY CLAPP'S OLD JOB AS THE "SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES"? IF NOT, OR EITHER WAY, I HOPE MY READERS UTILIZE YOUR SITE AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHERS LISTED ON NEPA BLOGS. INFORMATION AFTER ALL IS POWER. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE WE CAN EVEN MAKE MAYOR TOM OF WILKES BARRE LESS ASHAMED OF US!
See, told you I was old, posted the same comment twice.
DAVEY!
You were old when we danced on Channel 16's Komotion! Nice articles though. Picked up the new book at Barnes Noble but saving it for a rainy day.
Your Komotion Date from Duryea
If my memory serves me correct Nipper ran against Frank Jagodinski and lost in 1991. That was Jago's last win. This is going to be Nippers 5th time running for the office of sheriff. Check your the records in 1999 Nipper switched parties and ran as a republican and lost in the General Election to Carl Zawatski.
It seems that Michael Savokinas had 916 votes more than Nipper. This was a five way race and Savokinas came in third for his very first time in the political arena. Attached is the article taken from the Citizen's Voice. This sets the record straight.
So Shipula says he will transfer his license if he gets elected, eh?
In Wilkes-Barre, Councilman Jim McCarthy complains about all of the crime in his section of the neighborhood while he sells forty-ounce bottles of malt liquor on the corner.
I interpret this as Shipula's backhanded way of saying the average IQ of the overall Luzerne County population is higher than that of your typical Wilkes-Barre resident - which is exactly why his Beer Super is in Wilkes-Barre. Anyhow, good politicking on his part.
They should just put a question on the ballot asking if we want to change the name of our City to Corrupt-Beer-Apathy. Because three hyphens are better than two.
I vote yes. It would be the most accurate name of a municipality I bet anyone has ever heard.
Oops... two hyphens are better than one. :)
If my memory serves me correct "Nipper" attended a party for a convicted drug dealer.
Post a Comment
<< Home