The LuLac Edition #342, Nov. 6th, 2007
PHOTO INDEX: NEWLY RE-ELECTED LUZERNE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS GREG SKREPENAK AND MARYANNE PETRILLA AND GOP MINORITY COMMISSIONER STEVE URBAN.
GROUNDHOG DAY
In Luzerne County, election day was like the movie "Groundhog Day". The same thing happened over and over. The Democrats retained control over the Courthouse with MaryAnne Petrilla being the top vote getter and Greg Skrepenak following close behind. This race illustrated the teamwork the Dems exhibited. Petrilla, running a lower key campaign than Skrep who was the face of the team ran slightly ahead. Insiders say Skrepenak, the former high man paid a price (albeit a small one) for some controversial decisions. Steve Urban, the minority watchdog came in third and begins his third term as Minority commissioner. Petrilla becomes the first woman to win election to the Commissioners office from the Hazleton area and the first since 1959 from that part of the county.
MORE OF THE SAME
Mike Morrealle, the county Treasurer and Bob Reilly, Clerk of Courts made short work of their GOP foes for those offices. DA Dave Lupas running unopposed for Judge and Jackie Musto Carroll running for the DA's office breezed through to victory untouched and unscathed by the political wars.
CHANGES
Recorder of Deeds Mary Dysleski was defeated by Democrat Red O'Brien from Avoca. Dysleski took some heat for a few holdover employees stealing money.
Barry Stankus, Luzerne County Sheriff loses in his bid for re-election against challenger Mike Savokinas from the Pittston Area. This was close and not over until the absentee ballots are counted. However, Barry Stankus told the Wilkes Barre Times Leader he conceded the race.
The Democrats in this case, O'Brien and Savokinas pulled no punches in attacking the shortcoming of the incumbents with spirited ad campaigns that apparently worked.
John Corcoran, Plains area resident and Wilkes Barre Area School Board member won his race against James Desiderio for Coroner.
SO......
In Luzerne County, it appears the Democratic party is in good shape capturing a virtual sweep of the row offices harkening us back to the 70s when it was not unusual for sweeps like this to happen. At least in this county, the old adage that "the more things change..the more they stay the same" is a true.
WED./LACKAWANNA RESULTS
posted by David Yonki @ 11:14 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Skrep and Petrilla were beatable. The Rs didn't even try. Who to blame? How about starting with Urban, who refused to partner with anyone in the race. Smooth move.
Look for the same old same old under the dome, with the only difference being that Hazleton will get more attention. It will also get that cargo airport. Am I the only one who smells scam on this?
My guess on order of finish north of the border was Washo, O'Brien, Munchak, Cordaro. Early afternoon totals might prove me right. What should be a fascinating show to watch is how many "sweetheart deal" vendors get bounced and how fast it happens if the current majority goes, and it sure looks like they will.
Cordaro and Munchak tossed a lot of people within days of taking the oath, and I'd bet that the new crew will move quickly to even many scores.
One has to wonder if we live in a valley of illiterates, or a valley of nonparticiants in the real electorial process?
No one seems to be astute on the issues, or what the "new Guy" brings to the table.
In a truly functional democratric society, people from both sides of the aisles are elected based on thier ability to contribute.
As with all things there are good and there are bad on both sides of the issues. But, when you pull a straight party ticket, you throw the baby out with the bath water!!
I as a life long Democrat want to apologize to those Republican office holders who were ousted in the political frenzie without regard to the good job that they have been doing.
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