The LuLac Edition #389, Jan. 8th, 2008

PHOTO INDEX: WILK'S TALK SHOW HOST AND ADVOCATE STEVE CORBETT, VITO CORLEONE, AND SENATORS McCAIN AND CLINTON.

MAKING INQUIRIES

There was a very famous scene in The Godfather where Vito Corleone tells one of his underlings, "I'd like some inquiries made". At his behest, the questions were asked. Locally Steve Corbett has turned into a good government advocate with a microphone. The latest inquiry for Corbett though came from the taxpayers who were concerned that not only incoming Sheriff Mike Savokinas was going to keep his job with the railroad but his trusty assistant would too. Savokinas had it all figured out claiming that he'd work a full forty under the dome and another 40 on the tracks. Now my dad was a railroader so I should have a soft spot in my heart for the new lawman. But I don't. My dad had one job and did it well, never double dipped. And isn't it amazing how Savokinas in his campaign made fun of Barry Stankus for working after hours at the Sunshine Market. How hypocritical. But let's get back to Corbett. He decides to call the railroad company that Savokinas works for and at the behest of concerned citizens, "makes an inquiry". He found out that the spokesman is astounded about the new Sheriff's plan and had never had a discussion about it. He did tell Corbett there would be a meeting (in my corporate experience those are things you always want to avoid) and would let him know the outcome. Savokinas who won by a razor slim margin has made some serious missteps since the election. It is true the Democrats swept the row offices like days of old but those majorities were not Jagodinski or even Zawatski margins. While Corbett makes his "inquiries" Savokinas might do well to pose the question to former Sheriff Carl Zawatski about being a one termer.

DEFENDING GREG

A great letter to the Times Leader appeared recently defending Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak. Here it is:
Shame on all you haters who once loved Greg Skrepenak. He is the same person you fell in love with when he was a GAR basketball player slam dunkin’ the ball and stopping men from tackling the quarterback.
Then he left this city to better himself but found his way back because this is where his roots were. This is where he wanted to make a difference to give back to the place that supported him. Upon coming back, Greg thought that he would have support, but I guess he doesn’t.
Anyone who really knows Greg the politician, father, brother, son, pro football player knows that Greg is kind, loyal, genuine, would give the shirt off his back to anyone and would never cheat nor steal.
It breaks my heart to read the stories in the paper about how he allegedly ruined so many families’ holidays. Did you think about how many tears my family has shed because of this?
For the record, I am Greg’s sister and I have shed many tears because I know what my brother is really about. We are, no matter what others think, very proud of him.
Kim Miller

La Plata, Md.

EXIT POLLS

Don't believe them. Romney was supposed to win in New Hampshire but John McCain made a comeback. Same with Hillary Clinton, left for dead a few days earlier with Obama magic. What happened? The voters made up their own minds, they played with the national media like they were bullies taking the ball from the neighborhood kid. Think about this the onslaught of the national and local media, hell, who wouldn't be tempted to lie to them. McCain proves that the GOP is looking for a guy who is steady and run a good, heartfelt campaign. Clinton proved that the national Democrats weren't going be to stampeded into a nominee without giving full scrutiny before they go into a titantic battle with the GOP. I think the Dems realized that despite the diaster of the Bush Presidency, running an untested nominee is a sure fire way to lose the White House....again! Memo to Senator Clinton: call James Carville.