The LuLac Edition #375, Dec. 19th, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: LACKAWANNA COUNTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT CORDARO AND THE LATE REPRESENTATIVE HENRY HYDE.

BOB CALLED OUT!

The Lackawanna County Stadium Authority called outgoing County Commissioner Robdert Cordaro out vacating his position on the authority board. Most people think this is a good idea. I don't. To me it is the Stadium Authority exacting their revenge on Cordaro. It is both personal and political. Look Cordaro was the one who made the deal with the Yankees, he negotiated it by himself. He is the only witness to the proceedings. To leave the main contact out of these future discussions is just plain dumb. Cordaro's contacts and persona made the deal happen. He should stay at least in the transition phase. His dismissal was shortsighted and could be dangerous for the franchise.

HENRY HYDE

Not mentioned in Edition #374 was the death of GOP Congressman Henry Hyde. Hyde spearheaded the impeachment proceedings in the House against Bill Clinton and was a strong advocate of the pro life agenda. THat political legacy still thrives as the national GOP try to figure out if it can field a candidate that might be as pro life as the late Mr. Hyde.

IN DEFENSE OF HYDER

In this quarter and many others, you've read some negative things about Deputy jailer Sam Hyder. From a local newspaper is a missive from a young man who says Hyder changed his life for the better.

Sam Hyder has helped hundreds of youths in the Wilkes-Barre area. During the last two decades, Mr. Hyder has taught countless young adults and even some mature individuals life lessons that shaped them into productive, positive members of society.
On the surface Mr. Hyder taught karate, but more importantly and less tangible is the training he gave to us on the inside.
Mr. Hyder gave us confidence, self-discipline, team-building skills, camaraderie and a desire to do right for him and the community. Mr. Hyder was a tremendous positive influence on many youngsters, not least of which me.
I haven’t seen Sam in about 10 years. However, his positive moral values affect me to this day. In a good way I remember his teachings, I think often -- this is a good thing to do, a thing Sam would do. I use my positive memories of Sam’s teaching to assist in raising my three small boys. Sam may have made some mistakes, but truthfully, who among us hasn’t? On the other hand, who among us can say they have helped as many people as Sam has throughout the years?

Mike Cawley East Norriton

MORE GOOD NEWS??

Joseph Naperkowski says he wants justice for Luzerne County taxpayers.
He plans to file a private criminal complaint against the seven officials using county-issued debit cards this morning with Luzerne County District Attorney David Lupas’ office.
Naperkowski, of Wilkes-Barre Township, said he has been told by lawyers that Lupas’ office has to allow him to file a criminal complaint.
Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak, County Chief Clerk/Manager Sam Guesto and county Prison Deputy Warden Sam Hyder should stand trial for misusing taxpayer funds, Naperkowski said
He said the three men should be held accountable for their actions.
“I will personally not let this rest until Skrepenak resigns, Guesto resigns or Hyder resigns or is fired,” Naperkowski said.

It should be noted that Naperkowski, unlike taxpayer advocate Tim Grier has been a very tough personal critic of Commissioner Greg Skrepenak penning numerous letters to the editor against the current county majority. There are some, while applauding his efforts, who wonder just what type of bad blood exists between Naperkowski and Skrep.