The LuLac Edition #334, Oct. 28th, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: FORMER COUNCIL CANDIDATE IN DISTRICT "B" WILKES BARRE RAY ARELIANO, GOP COMMISSIONER AND PROPOSED "STRANGLE-LEE" STEVE URBAN, ALBERT DESALVO WHO HAS HAD SOME EXPERIENCE WITH STRANGLING AND DEMOCRATIC COMMISSIONER ROSE "I COULD JUST STRANGLE YOU TO DEATH YOU'RE SO ADORABLE" TUCKER.

HEATIN' UP

Now this is what Luzerne County politics is all about. Never mind ads that feature chimps and monkeys, let's get down to brass tacks here. The GOP minority commissioner, a former military guy goes on a commando raid to get a document on the Juvie Detention Center that the Majority won't give him access too. So instead of meekly walking away like a Red Jones might do, Urban gets the report and starts saying some pretty interesting things. His former bud, Commissioner Greg Skrepenak, who in 2004 included Urban in on all county business starts calling him untrustworthy and a terrorist again. Skrepenak, who's heart was in the right place at the start of his term learned fast what happens when you carry the ball and not block in county politics, you become a target whether it's justified or not. And Skrep, who has put good programs on the books and been supportive of very good social service programs with county money is not taking well to be refered to as a man not in touch with the people. Urban feels the same way about his tenure too so you have a natural competitive rivalry there. That's interest enough. But the pot was sweetened when interim county Commissioner Rose Tucker said of Urban's actions that "she could just strangle him!!" Tucker, who goes back into political retirement at the end of this term really is the wild card here and can let loose with just about any comment. As my friend Shadoe Steele from KRZ says, "Hollywood couldn't make this stuff up". As the days wind down toward the election, look for this report to take center stage with allegations flying. Meanwhile, I saw Steve Urban walking his dog this morning in Parsons and just in case any potential stranglers have any ideas, FYI, it's a pretty big dog.

HOUSE CALLS

Mike Merritt candidate in District "E" Wilkes Barre stopped by my house Saturday afternoon. We weren't home but Mike left a flyer. Merritt told me at the King's College debate that he's going door to door to almost every house in his council district. Told me he's a little behind schedule because of his involvement with his son's fall baseball program. Merritt, a Mets fan, is making his pitch and voters are responding. He's doing politics the old fashioned way, he's asking for the vote!

DOHERTY MUM

Chris Doherty, mayor of Scranton not saying much about another run in 2009 for Mayor. Doherty is midway throygh his second term and has been touted for state wide office or a job with Governor Rendell's office. Doherty was up and running at 5AM suited up in navy blue suit, white starched shirt and designer tie for WBRE/WYOU's coverage of "The Office Convention" kick off friday morning.

RAY ARELLANO

When Ray Arellano ran for Council in District "B" as a Democrat, he made quite an impression as a newcomer to the city who wanted a seat at the policy table. Even though Ray lost his bid, he's been active in the realm of community and politics. Here's his take on the Council race going on in his district:

Dear Mr. Yonki,

As you may recall, I ran a campaign for Councilman in District B in the Primary. I ran because my friends, neighbors, and fellow parishoners asked me to take a shot at it. Basically they had a "Anyone but Tony Thomas" agenda. Considering that I had only been in a resident of Wilkes-Barrel

ong enough to be eleigible to run, and considering that I was not a "native" of this region, I feel that I did a fair run against a well "oiled" Democratic career politician steam roller. Think about this, "Why would a Fire Department Captain with 3 years to go for full pension, be willing to give that up and run for Council with NO pension"?? Duh? When you consider that most of the Police calls for prostitution, drugs, home invasions, and assaults occur in District B, those that had supported me asked for my input. as to a new champion for our cause? We researched who would be interested in picking up the sword, and who would best serve the District? We came up with former police chief Anthony George. He graciously has accepted the challenge, and is running as an Independant, because he too feels that there has to be a change. The man has experience, connectivity with the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and has the knowledge on how to deal with crime that can only come from years of being "street wise". I am not besmirching Mr. Thomas, I am merely stating that he has won his seat on the council based on his popularity, and name recognition not his effectiveness as a civic leader. When you consider that placing Mr. George on the Council will give us TWO ex Police Chiefs, ( Mr. George, and Mr. Barrett) who can work hand in glove with Chief Dessoye in the irradication of the vermin that plague our city, the future looks so much brighter!! The "Meet and greet, we'll drink your beer, eat your hot dogs, and vote for you""crowd may once again outnumber the more sensible voters at the polls, but hopefully when reality sets in , and the votes are counted we will have Mr. George, and Mr. Barrett on Council.

Sincerely, Ray Arellano