The LuLac Edition #157, Feb. 18, 2007
PHOTO INDEX: WILKES BARRE MAYOR TOM LEIGHTON AND PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR ED RENDELL.
QUOTES ON THE SNOW ISSUE
No editorials, no spin or opinion from me, Mrs. LuLac was firing off her own missives on the subject to City Hall today. These are the quotes from the two main players in the snow issue that was big news this week.
“I make no apologies for what happened,” said Leighton, adding that he does sympathize with frustrated residents. “I can’t control the weather. I can’t control snow and ice.” Mayor Tom Leighton.
Governor Ed Rendell called the state’s response “totally unacceptable” and personally apologized to affected motorists.
AMBROSE MELETSKY
We would be remiss if we did not mention the passing of Ambrose Meletsky. Meletsky was a permanent fixture at City Council meetings in the 60s, 70s, 80s and even into the 90s. I first met him when I was doing local news reports for WBRE News Radio and WMJW FM in the mid 1970s. At that time, the city of Wilkes Barre was going through the redevelopment phase of rebuilding after the great flood of ’72. Meletsky constantly held the Mayor (the late Walter Lisman at the time) and the council’s feet to the fire on fiscal issues. I clearly remember Lisman, after a rather long meeting seeing Ambrose approach the Council to speak. Lisman, head in hands said, “What do you have for us today Ambrose?” Meletsky on that day, thankfully was brief. But his thoughts and opinions, though not necessarily acted upon, were welcomed by the city fathers. He was a tax payer advocate before they even coined the term. Meletsky was mischievous, funny, well prepared and added a great deal to the public discourse. He died the other day at the age of 90.
posted by David Yonki @ 12:07 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Meletsky constantly held the Mayor and the council’s feet to the fire on fiscal issues. But his thoughts and opinions, though not necessarily acted upon, were welcomed by the city fathers.
I learned, some years back, the best way to complain and/or hold feet to fire without alienating anyone. It became part of my class syllabus. Self-appointed community activists please note:
1) Exactly what is the problem? It may take you some time to get to this point. Almost always, the problem is not what appears on the surface.
2) Exactly why is it a problem? Same thing here: do a lot of thinking to find the precise reason that it is causing a difficulty.
Having expended a lot of time and thought on these two, we now shift to the following:
3) Exactly what is your proposed solution? I don't mean generalities, but very specific steps and implementations. This will take a lot of time.
4) Exactly why will this work? What are the precise reasons your suggested solution will remedy the precise problem?
I have taken cruises with Holland America Line and had issues with one thing or another. Not only were my suggestions taken and complaints resolved, but all received a letter of thanks because they were done in a thoughtful manner. I'm sure Ambrose was like that.
Dave:
Thanksa for the tribute to Ambrose Meletsky. He was a fine gentleman and great advocate for the taxpayers in Wilkes Barre area. He and his cohort Joe Noterman were always in attendance at City and County meetings. They both were cordial and never took anything personal. Glad you have the memory and the knowledge of some of free speech's unsung local heroes.
Hey Dave:
Was watching 16 news and tomorrow is Joe Snedecker's birthday. It brought to my mind the realization that Monday is also your birthday too! Have a happy one. I think it's ironic that you entered the world on a day that celewbrates what I think, hell, wait, what I know for sure are your two greatest passions: President's Day and the release of the Sports illistrated Swim Suit magazine. I remember you and your nerdy buddies rushing down to the William Street news to get your copy hot off the presses! Ah, memories. Okay, I better ask a political question here, pretty interesting that Tom Leighhton has gottten a lot of heat for this snow problem while no one is saying anything about the county's response. Anyway, happy B day.
Your Komotion Date from Duryea
Hey, happy birthday. Had I a'known it, I'd have put it on the air. We don't forget former RHV staff members (and "Happened On This Day" narrators).
IN RESPONSE
is also your birthday too! Have a happy one.
THANK YOU.
rushing down to the William Street news to get your copy hot off the presses!
THE OPERATIVE WORD BEING HOT.
Hey, happy birthday. Had I a'known it, I'd have put it on the air.
THANKS. I'M JUST GRATEFUL WHEN MY FEET HIT THE FLOOR IN THE MORNING.
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