The LuLac Edition #320, Oct. 10th, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: PRESENTING A CONTRAST IN STYLE, LUZERNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER STEVE URBAN WHO IS EVERYWHERE AND LACKAWANNA COUNTY COMMISSIONER MIKE WASHO WHO CAME OUT OF HIDING TODAY AND APPEARED ON "CORBETT".

GO TO GUY

As the general election draws near for Luzerne County Commissioner, it is clear that the person getting the reputation as a "go to" guy is GOP minority occupant Steve Urban. Urban has enhanced his reputation as a voter and agency advocate helping both regular folk and heads of non profits navigate through the maze that is county government. Things that seemed on the backburner all of a sudden appear front and center after a chance encounter with Urban.
Coincidence?
Who knows but Urban is all over the county presenting himself as a tireless worker on behalf of the taxpayer. He made a brief appearance at the 100 th anniversary of the Hazleton Public Library on Sunday and gave a very nice impromptu speech even though he was not on the dias. Greg Skrepenak was a featured speaker in the program but didn't show. With Rose Tucker just filling in the unexpired term of Todd Vonderheid, Skrepenak making spotty appearances through the county and Mary Ann Petrilla trying to establish herself as a the other part of the Democrat team, Urban seems to be distinguishing himself as the guy people go to whenever they have a question on county business. Not a bad position to be in during an election campaign.



LOU ON TOUR


Mayor Lou Barletta visited Notre Dame University presenting his views on the Immigration issue. Agree with him or not, Barletta is getting national attention for this stand and is in some cases sitting at the right hand of the nation's top intellectuals. Word is Barletta is thinking of another Congressional race against Paul Kanjorski but the smarter money says the Mayor is preparing for a statewide run. In related Hazleton news, a Zogby poll says that the anti immigration stand is not good for business attraction in the city. I hope that's not true because for years, the city of Hazleton with its "Can Do" agency has brought in some significant businesses that failed the Wilkes Barre and Scranton Chamber's grasp.



HIATUS

We were away for a brief while taking care of commitments to the family, friends and of course enjoying this great weather. In addition, we were working on a number of projects including the
continuing saga that is our first novel, "A Radio Story", watching my Green Bay Packers do very well, as well as viewing on our TV baseball until unGodly hours of the early morning, celebrating my first year since a cancer scare, working my first real job in years and trying to coordinate plans for our third literary effort coming out next year. Thanks for the concern, we're here though and we'll be posting.

WASHO APPEARS

Steve Corbett has always had something to crow about but today the Talk Show host was ecstatic with his call from Mike Washo, Lackawanna County Commissioner. Washo appeared on the popular radio show to state his case for election with Corey O'Brien and did a credible job. He wasn't defensive about his non appearances and most likely built up some suspense when he talked with an obviously pleased Corbett who once he gets an interviewee in sight, makes it a manical mission to get them on the air.

FORUM?

As you know last spring we put on a City Council Forum at Genetti's. I am still trying to pull one together quickly but trying to find a location is problematic. And we're running out of time. If anyone has any ideas on a location, e mail me. Look under my profile page for the address.