The LuLac Edition #395, Jan. 14th, 2008
PHOTO INDEX: 117TH DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATE JAMES MAY AND JUDGE ANNE LOKUTA.
LOKUTA HEARING
DAY 1
A few interesting items from the Lokuta Judicial Conduct hearing in Philadelphia.
Judge Ann Lokuta says it was deputy court administrator, P.J. Adonizio, who was enraged and stormed at her on the third floor of the courthouse in June 2004.
Lokuta merely wanted to speak with Adonizio about an incident with two of her interns.
But when Adonizio saw that Lokuta came looking for him, he charged at her "in a deliberate, stomping march," she testified Monday.
He got within inches of her face and screamed at her, she said.
Lokuta was frightened, she said, and she resorted to trying to "defuse" an "explosive situation, she said.
In the end, Lokuta and her employee, Maureen Gushanas, ended up with bruised arms; Lokuta's from the elevator door as she fled and Gushanas from Adonizio grabbing her.Lokuta's testimony contradicted the testimony of Adonizio and several others who claimed to have witnessed the event. They said Lokuta was rowdy and menacing. But Lokuta's testimony backed up the testimony from Gushanas, who relayed a story similar to Lokuta's in her testimony.
Lokuta merely wanted to speak with Adonizio about an incident with two of her interns.
But when Adonizio saw that Lokuta came looking for him, he charged at her "in a deliberate, stomping march," she testified Monday.
He got within inches of her face and screamed at her, she said.
Lokuta was frightened, she said, and she resorted to trying to "defuse" an "explosive situation, she said.
In the end, Lokuta and her employee, Maureen Gushanas, ended up with bruised arms; Lokuta's from the elevator door as she fled and Gushanas from Adonizio grabbing her.Lokuta's testimony contradicted the testimony of Adonizio and several others who claimed to have witnessed the event. They said Lokuta was rowdy and menacing. But Lokuta's testimony backed up the testimony from Gushanas, who relayed a story similar to Lokuta's in her testimony.
Stomping?? Is this first grade? The worst, misbehaved kids I knew in first grade never stomped. And this person was a well paid county employee? Having a tantrum in front of a Luzerne County Court Pleas Judge? With witnesses? Why didn't someone can this guy's sorry ass?
Judge Ann Lokuta said she spoke to the FBI about Judge Michael Conahan's practices.
She said she spoke to a federal prosecutor about Conahan's docketing practices and ultimately met with the FBI.
Lokuta made the revelation in her testimony Monday. The issue came up when Lokuta was testifying how Conahan took a case from her docket and then had a closed-door hearing on it. The case involved a license suspension for courthouse worker Molly Sheridan.
She said she spoke to a federal prosecutor about Conahan's docketing practices and ultimately met with the FBI.
Lokuta made the revelation in her testimony Monday. The issue came up when Lokuta was testifying how Conahan took a case from her docket and then had a closed-door hearing on it. The case involved a license suspension for courthouse worker Molly Sheridan.
A closed door hearing? So I guess the President Judge felt he needed a little secrecy? Why is that? Oh never mind, perhaps the FBI will ultimately tell us.
The case was given to Lokuta, then taken from her by Conahan. Conahan later ruled in Sheridan's favor after a closed hearing, Lokuta said.
The case was given to Lokuta, then taken from her by Conahan. Conahan later ruled in Sheridan's favor after a closed hearing, Lokuta said.
Ruled in a courthouse employees favor? Shouldn't Judges recuse themselves from cases concerning county workers? Or does that make too much sense!?
There’s been rumors for months about an alleged federal probe into Luzerne County ’s judiciary.
There’s been rumors for months about an alleged federal probe into Luzerne County ’s judiciary.
We can only hope and pray those rumors are true. It'll make the debit card fiasco look like child's play.
Testimony continues this week.
MAY DAY!!!!!
James May is gaining some traction in his bid to unseat first termer Karen Boback in the 117th Legislative District. Here's the latest from a Letter To the Editor:
The Conservative Reform PAC is pleased to endorse James May for the state House. The Conservative Reform PAC is an organization committed to helping elect genuine conservatives to public office.
James May understands the need for limited government, lower taxes and less spending. He is a true fiscal conservative who has the conviction and the courage needed to rein in spending in Harrisburg, and to restore fiscal discipline to our state.
As a former Army Officer and an Iraq War veteran, James May will also have the courage, discipline, and integrity needed to implement genuine reform in Harrisburg.
While his likely opponent, Karen Boback, has received the endorsement of the PSEA teachers’ union – a staunch opponent of conservative principles – we believe that the voters of the 117th District are better served by having a representative who reflects the values of the Conservative Reform PAC and Ronald Reagan, not the values of the PSEA and Hillary Clinton.
And because the PSEA recently donated $9,200 to Karen Boback, we are honored to send James May, with this endorsement, a check for $9,201.
If you are a Republican who believes in limited government, lower taxes, less spending and genuine government reform, we urge you to vote for James May in the April 22 Republican Primary.
Bob Guzzardi
James May understands the need for limited government, lower taxes and less spending. He is a true fiscal conservative who has the conviction and the courage needed to rein in spending in Harrisburg, and to restore fiscal discipline to our state.
As a former Army Officer and an Iraq War veteran, James May will also have the courage, discipline, and integrity needed to implement genuine reform in Harrisburg.
While his likely opponent, Karen Boback, has received the endorsement of the PSEA teachers’ union – a staunch opponent of conservative principles – we believe that the voters of the 117th District are better served by having a representative who reflects the values of the Conservative Reform PAC and Ronald Reagan, not the values of the PSEA and Hillary Clinton.
And because the PSEA recently donated $9,200 to Karen Boback, we are honored to send James May, with this endorsement, a check for $9,201.
If you are a Republican who believes in limited government, lower taxes, less spending and genuine government reform, we urge you to vote for James May in the April 22 Republican Primary.
Bob Guzzardi
President Conservative Reform PAC
Ardmore
JAMES SPEAKS OUT
Former County Commissioner candidate Bill James penned a pretty eloquent letter to the local papers urging area residents not to stop looking at the County government and its finances. Here are his thoughts:
How can we the people of Luzerne County let this be forgotten? We can’t let money and material goods disappear in front of our eyes. The judges have said, “Send it to us; we’ll help it disappear.” Greg Skrepenak has challenged us, the people, and said bring it on if you have it.
The Secret Service needs also to investigate all of the row offices. Take a look at the prothonotary’s office and the Jill Moran and Robert Powell connection. (Let me take a moment to say, hello, John Doe.) Have we forgotten about the trials not brought up on time by our splendid district attorney’s office? Do we care enough to correct this travesty?
The media have taken this so far. We don’t need a big, monstrous ego sitting in his office with a spokeswoman to address us, telling us to shove it. Non-essential is the word.
We need those resignations now. Maryanne Petrilla ignored her job as controller. The treasurer only said, here’s the money; pay the bills. The money that has moved around in the Skrepenak hands is shocking.
The juvie center is a laugh. Years ago Steve Urban and I proved that to you along with the statement by Vonderheid/Skrepenak that they would never get rid of the Valley Crest white elephant. Speaking of Vonderheid, let’s not forget he was there when this started. Now he sits in another office begging for a million dollars in forgiveness from a broken county.
Remember the majority democratic vote. The powers that put them in there and now pull their puppet strings; they should be hung by those strings. They condemn people of the radio and newspaper. It’s your phone and pen that will get you answers, not just a few but all of us.
I also believe that names on liquor licenses should be confirmed. Make sure all laws are being followed to the “t.” There seems to be too much Skrepenak, Bob Reilly and Frank Rodano in the news to make me a believer.
I consider all the people in the county to be my friends. Some are just self-centered, some needing guidance. Some are just wandering but in the direction of our pocket books.
The giving away of county services, land, developed lots and parcels – this was done back in the early reign of Skrepenak and Vonderheid. It’s time my friends -- don’t stop.
William James
The Secret Service needs also to investigate all of the row offices. Take a look at the prothonotary’s office and the Jill Moran and Robert Powell connection. (Let me take a moment to say, hello, John Doe.) Have we forgotten about the trials not brought up on time by our splendid district attorney’s office? Do we care enough to correct this travesty?
The media have taken this so far. We don’t need a big, monstrous ego sitting in his office with a spokeswoman to address us, telling us to shove it. Non-essential is the word.
We need those resignations now. Maryanne Petrilla ignored her job as controller. The treasurer only said, here’s the money; pay the bills. The money that has moved around in the Skrepenak hands is shocking.
The juvie center is a laugh. Years ago Steve Urban and I proved that to you along with the statement by Vonderheid/Skrepenak that they would never get rid of the Valley Crest white elephant. Speaking of Vonderheid, let’s not forget he was there when this started. Now he sits in another office begging for a million dollars in forgiveness from a broken county.
Remember the majority democratic vote. The powers that put them in there and now pull their puppet strings; they should be hung by those strings. They condemn people of the radio and newspaper. It’s your phone and pen that will get you answers, not just a few but all of us.
I also believe that names on liquor licenses should be confirmed. Make sure all laws are being followed to the “t.” There seems to be too much Skrepenak, Bob Reilly and Frank Rodano in the news to make me a believer.
I consider all the people in the county to be my friends. Some are just self-centered, some needing guidance. Some are just wandering but in the direction of our pocket books.
The giving away of county services, land, developed lots and parcels – this was done back in the early reign of Skrepenak and Vonderheid. It’s time my friends -- don’t stop.
William James
Exeter Township
posted by David Yonki @ 8:23 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Interest from the Lac on the Lokuta case. Question. When will a decision come down on this case? Will it be after testimony is completed or will there be a lengthy lag? I fear the latter.
Meanwhile in the Lac. My guess is since kickbacks were allegedly taken by Costanzo doesnt it follow
the "buck" didnt stop there? Remember Dave these guys were Dunmore Bucks!
Stay tuned...James May has another BIG endoresement in line, to be announced in the next couple weeks!
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