The LuLac Edition #339, Nov. 5th, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: LACKAWANNA COUNTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT CORDARO, TWO FACES OF THE MEDIA COVERING TUESDAY'S ELECTIONS, WNEP'S PAOLA GIANGIACOMO AND WILK'S STEVE CORBETT.

DECISION DAY

The election for Lackawanna County Commissioner on Tuesday will not only give us an indication of the future of the county but also tell the tale of a colorful political career in the county. Robert Cordaro, more than any other elected official in both counties will have his own personal "D Day". The referendum made on him will be either a continuation of a remarkable rise to elected power or an end to a career that was dotted with self inflicted controversy. I became aware of Bob Cordaro in 1988 when, as a Democrat he ran against Congressman Joseph McDade. An attorney friend of mine (yeah, I have a few friends that are lawyers) and I went to a rally for him. He bounded over to us and after giving me a perfuntory nod, he said to my friend, "You're gonna be the first broad to become a DA here because you're not walking around with a martini but a bottle of beer. Play to the people". When she responded she simply liked beer, he beamed and said, "Even better!" and bounded to the next group of people. (By the way, she never made it to the DA's office, after returning to Pittsburgh, her home, she relocated to Boston and is now doing business law). As election day drew near, I thought about that story and how much Cordaro just seemed to love the political game. He lost that race for Congress but made himself known in political and legal circles. In 1999 he became the Minority Commissioner in Lackawanna County and in 2003 prevailed over the formidable likes of Joe Corcoran. As noted here previously many times over, Cordaro and Munchak won by only 200 votes, a razor thin margin in the county. Maybe Cordaro didn't expect to win and was surprised and overwhelmed at what he and Munchak inherited. In typical Cordaro fashion, he didn't shy away from the challenge and came out swinging. First with a huge tax increase, then with various sales of items that were nurtured (some say mismanaged) by the Democratic majority. Heads started to spin because all of a sudden there was action in the County. And

Cordaro was there every step of the way, front and center, defending what he was doing. He was selective in his media alliances but then always was as a politico. The importation of the Yankee farm team would seem to help his prospects but I can't get away from the fact on how he was booed at the Stadium one night after being introduced. The pundits say there will be a huge Washo/O'Brien margin but this is Lackawanna County where tough talking guys are admired and defended. If Cordaro wins, it will tell us that his sometimes arrogant, controversial style was overlooked because residents saw action, maybe some they didn't agree with but at least an attempt at movement. If it happens, Cordaro can write his own ticket on where he wants to go. (Plus, don't put it past voters to see the difference between Cordaro's man made issues on life in Lackawanna County vs. Mayor Lou Barletta's made up hate agenda to further his aims. There are some I talked to who felt Cordaro was at least looking out for the county, even in his quest for power while Barletta is just looking for a higher office to latch onto, leaving his town in a torrent of lawsuits). But, if Cordaro loses, most likely he'll be relegated to that posse of former politicians in Lackawanna County whose time will be remembered as turbulent, exciting, and memorable. Tuesday is the day for Robert Cordaro, we'll all be watching with baited breath for the next chapter.

To give you an idea of what passions Cordaro engenders, here are parts of two letters written on the same day to the Times Tribune.

THE CON

Editor: Four years ago, I supported Bob Cordaro and his "second vote" running-mate for county commissioner. The pair promised fiscal responsibility, transparency, efficiency and removal of politics from the daily operations of county government. In the end, they were victorious, even though one could hardly term their electoral success a "mandate."
Examining only the glossy surface of Mr. Cordaro's administration highlights accomplishments that taxpayers should, under normal circumstances, view with strong approval. Mr. Cordaro privatized management of several county businesses, including the recycling center and the visitors center. He sold the Montage ski resort. He improved the situation at the county prison. His financial decisions have apparently resulted in a higher bond rating for Lackawanna County. He is highly intelligent, ambitious, and can relate to professionals in many fields, and he was likely a big factor in the New York Yankees' decision to relocate their Triple-A franchise.
So why, after all these positives, do I feel that this man deserves to be soundly defeated for re-election? Under the Cordaro administration's glossy surface is a murky swamp of cronyism, political games, reckless spending, and financial practices that have blurred, if not outright erased, the boundaries between ethical and unethical behavior. Every achievement outlined above has brought with it serious questions, some of which are now being asked by the FBI in an unprecedented criminal investigation into county bidding procedures and compliance.
Million-dollar deals are hammered out behind closed doors and never presented to the public; county contracts are handed out to political supporters and personal friends (or clients) with no oversight or approval other than the signature of one commissioner; and the sixth floor is more polluted with questionable political hires than at any other time. Under Mr. Cordaro's tenure as majority commissioner, county
government has become more secretive, more political and more corrupt.
When he is questioned, he accuses the questioner of playing politics. The list of taxpayer betrayals is staggering. Mr. Cordaro promised a tax cut, and then delivered the biggest tax increase of all time. He informed taxpayers that the Triple-A baseball team was not for sale, and then recanted his statement a few months later. He stated his preference for seeking bids on services, and then enriched his friends with no-bid awards. He committed to fiscal responsibility, and then increased the county debt to new heights. This pattern has shown itself repeatedly, Mr. Cordaro always has some sort of explanation ready to go, usually involving a conspiracy of the prior administration and its supporters.
For those pleased with the minuscule "tax cut" recently offered, look at Mr. Cordaro's "second-term agenda" on their campaign Web site. It is far-reaching and contains a lot of expensive projects. The county lacks funds to pay for extending the trolley line, installing new energy infrastructure, or repairing all of the dilapidated roads and bridges. Thus, he is telegraphing to the taxpayers that they will face another massive tax increase in the future. We cannot afford another four years of Mr. Cordaro. Shame on him for fooling us once. Shame on us if he is allowed to do it twice.

GLENN M. CASHURIC
OLYPHANT

THE PRO

You stretched to find grounds to endorse the challengers for
county commissioner over incumbents A.J. Munchak and Robert Cordaro ("Matter of Trust" editorial, Oct. 28).
You admit that some of what Munchak and Cordaro have done over the past our years has been to the good. I see most of what they have done as to the good. Where you can make the assertion that they have failed on their vow to create a more open and transparent government. Posting important information on the county Web site and having meetings broadcast on local cable access are not more open than what we had before?
I'm baffled as to the comment about Mr. Cordaro's reluctance to fully disclose his financial dealings. He disclosed all information on his initial campaign form he felt was relevant. When he was found to be mistaken, he filed an amended form with the missing information and more. The instructions for these forms are somewhat ambiguous. As for the impending sale of the baseball franchise, the potential buyers have not moved toward implementing the proposed sale. With the Yankees having just extended their player development agreement and plans for approximately $150 million in real estate and other developments near, I fail to see where the potential sale, let alone moving of the team, is a concern. Meanwhile, county taxpayers are guaranteed a revenue stream, even if the franchise loses money. What errors at the prison and long-term-care facility went unacknowledged? I read about them in your paper as well as the majority commissioners' admission to mistakes being made and procedures changed and responsible personnel disciplined. This is in direct contrast to what occurred under the previous majority for several terms. In support of the challengers, you mention Mike Washo was a former economic development director for the city of Scranton. That is not a position I want to see on the resume of a potential county commissioner. As for Corey O'Brien, he left the area after graduating from Dunmore High School in 1992. He spent the majority of his young, adult life away from the region. He returned just a few years ago and now wants to be a county commissioner. If he were seeking office as, say, a mayor or borough councilman, that would be one thing, but to administer the entire county, I think not. I fail to see where the challengers have made any concrete proposals. They speak of ideals with no set course of action with specific goals. Munchak and Cordaro have an 18-point plan that builds on their successes and includes new projects.

DAVID KVERAGAS
NEWTON TOWNSHIP

MEDIA, SET TO GO

The local media is ready to cover not only this race but the ones in Luzerne County as well. WNEP TV'S Newsteam will also cover the outlying areas like Lycoming County and the Poconos. And the Radioheads like Sue Henry, Kevin Lynn, Nancy Kman and Corbett will be fueling the fires as the election results come in. Vote, then tune in to see how your favorite people did.