The LuLac Edition #388, Jan. 7th, 2008

PHOTO INDEX: THE LUZERNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND THE AMERICAN FLAG.

NEW START

It is the start of new terms for County governments in both Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Today, incumbent Greg Skrepenak was sworn in for another term with his team mate Mary Anne Petrilla and his foe, Steve Urban. With the challenge of Tim Grier's lawsuit behind the board and the appointment of Petrilla as Chair, the reformulated board is poised to begin again. We wish them well in their new terms.

In Lackawanna County, the 4 year GOP experiment ended with Atty. Corey O'Brten and County Commissioner Mike Washo taking the oath for a 4 year term. A.J. Munchak, a former majority commissioner now moves to the minority seat. It will be interesting to see how the new duo navigate the choppy waters left by the previous administration, especially the Scranton WB Yankees situation.

Wilkes Barre city officials are poised to do more with less. Now 5 council members take the reins representing districts and working with Mayor Tom Leighton for another 4 years. The combined experience of the elected officials should bode well for the city of Wilkes Barre. We'll be watching closely but fervently wishing them well.

Meanwhile, it's a new era for Scranton City Council.
As expected, Robert McGoff was elected president by a 4-1 vote during council's reorganization Monday, replacing Judy Gatelli. Mrs. Gatelli was elected vice president on a 3-2 vote.The reorganization was not without a twist. Before Mr. McGoff was nominated for president, Councilman William Courtright nominated Councilwoman Sherry Nealon Fanucci for the position.Although Ms. Fanucci said she would decline the presidency, the nomination nonetheless had to come to a vote, which put her in the position of having to vote against herself. Hopefully these machinations and game playing will end and Scranton City Council will live up to its past glory of intelligent leaders and keen insight for the good of the city.

NEW HAMPSHIRE!!!

Senator Clinton vs. Obama. Everyone is talking change. Obama is the fresh face, Clinton, a woman running for the Presidency is incredibly regarded as old hat. Today Clinton made a great point about terrorism and how after the Ennglish PM took office after one week, that country was attacked by terrorists. A good, valid point. Obama meanwhile is saying that he can make change and inspire people. John Edwards will be whoring himself out for the Vice Presidency after Tuesday's voting. Who will win? Depends if New Hampshire voters want the flash or the person who actually has the experience. I feel Clinton is more qualified but feel that independents in New Hampshire will flock to Obama. Look for an Obama win.

Those independents going to Obama will shorten the base of John McCain. McCain who has surged in the polls won in 2000 because many independents voted for him, choosing not to participate in the Gore-Bradley contest. If Obama takes away that base and the hardcore GOP back Romney (Romney has gained some sympathy especially after Saturday night's debate where McCain belittled him, which by the way might hurt the Arizona Senator) you might see a Romney upset. We'll know Tuesday night when the Granite heads cast their ballots.