The LuLac Edition #174, March 16, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: WILK'S SUE HENRY, MAYOR OF HAZLETON LOU BARLETTA AND LAW AND ORDER STAR/POSSIBLE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FRED THOMPSON WITH ACTRESS CO STAR STEPHANIE MARCH. (HAD TO USE AN EXCUSE TO GET A PHOTO OF MRS. BOBBY FLAY ON THE SITE!)


LULAC CITY COUNCIL FORUM

ATTENTION: WILKES BARRE CTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES!

The LuLac Political Letter will sponsor a forum on Sunday May 6th starting at 3PM. To my knowledge, this is the first time that all city council candidates will have the opportunity to be together under one roof at the same time to discuss the issues facing the city. (Other forums have featured Mayoral candidates but I thought this might be a good idea). The Forum will take place at Genetti’s in downtown Wilkes Barre in the Imperial Ballroom. (I’m told there will be a Holy Communion party next store so no Jerry Springer language or chair throwing. Oh wait, that’s Scranton City Council!) WILK talk show host Sue Henry has graciously agreed to moderate the forum. Candidates will be seated according to district and will be given about 3 minutes to discuss their candidacy. (That’s what we’re thinking now but we haven’t firmed up the final details yet.) Then after every candidate has been heard from, we’ll get questions in writing from the audience. All candidates will get an invitation by mail but if anyone wants to let me know if they can participate, you can e mail me at yonkstur@aol.com.

WILL SWEET LOU
BE SINGING THE BLUES?

I’ve been reading the dispatches from the newspapers regarding the case of the Hazleton immigration case taking place this week in federal court in Scranton. Also, the TV reports have been fascinating and informative. However, I can’t help but think that the long term effects of Mayor Barletta’s crusade might not bode well for the city of Hazleton finances. Looking at the lawsuits Exeter has been dealing with, it occurred to me that the issues in the borough are less constitutionally daunting than they are in Hazleton. Plus Barletta’s lack of meaningful statistics gave me an uneasy feeling that the city might be ruled against in this case. And that will cost the taxpayers money. If that happens, how will that affect Barletta’s career? To be sure, Barletta has a core group of support in the city, he is charismatic and has the uncanny ability to turn a pointed question into what seems like a 60 second political spot. But only time will tell on this issue and the long term effects it will have on the city of Hazleton and Barletta’s political future.

READY FOR FREDDIE?

It appears the right wing base of the Republican Party is having difficulty becoming cozy with a candidate. Apparently Mitt Romney, Duncan Hunter, and Mike Huckabee have not given the right an opportunity to cheer. The news that former Senator and Law & Order star Fred Thompson has expressed an interest in the 2008 race tells you something about the disarray the GOP is in right now. Thompson is charismatic, well known in terms of recognition, taller than the average candidate (Americans like their Presidents tall) and can have easy access to both Hollywood monies and the largesse of the right. He fills in for long time radio host Paul Harvey occasionally on the ABC Network and is well received. Jeez, the last time the GOP nominated a “radio commentator”, his name was Ronald Reagan. Thompson has the opportunity to sit back and watch developments unfold. Then if needed, he can enter the race and see if he has a chance with the GOP faithful. If he brings along Angie Harmon and Stephanie March, I might even consider voting for him!!!! But then, I’m easy!