The LuLac Edition #530, August 4th, 2008

PHOTO INDEX: BOSCOV'S DEPARTMENT STORE AND THAT OLD GYM RAT, WILKES BARRE MAYOR TOM LEIGHTON.

WILL WE BOSCOV AGAIN?

Despite denials to the contrary the past few weeks, the ailing Boscov’s Department Store chain filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in Wilmington, Delaware this morning. Reports are that the company will close 10 “underperforming” stores. One can’t help but think that maybe the Wilkes Barre outlet might be on its way out. Truth is, based on my own shopping experience, I’d say yes. But I haven’t shopped in Boscov’s in about 5 years mainly because I’m an old guy who has mostly everything he needs. In terms of clothing, if I bring one more tie or suit or pair of shoes into the house, Mrs. LuLac will throw me out. Again! Gift giving, I think I used to buy candy there for co-workers. One time I bought an airline ticket from the Travel Department. But I am not representative of the average shopper. Today many Boscov loyalists called WILK Radio and said they shopped the store regularly and would be lost without it. Let’s hope for the sake of downtown Wilkes Barre that those callers and regular shoppers are the ones that make the downtown Boscov’s an “over performer”. But being a pessimist at heart who works his way up to being an optimist on these matters, well let’s just say I’m not holding my breath. But the fingers and toes are crossed, for the sake of the community and for the remembrance of the great things Al Boscov and his store did for Wilkes Barre City through 4 administrations.

UPDATE

A Boscov’s official told the Times Leader that the downtown Wilkes Barre store is not on the list of ten set to close. For now.

THE RED BERETS

Mayor Tom Leighton of Wilkes Barre took to the airwaves on WILK Radio to say that he really didn’t need to have a discussion with the Guardian Angels. Leighton said the police force was doing its job and didn’t need any outside help. True. The Wilkes Barre Police Department under the leadership of Chief Dessoye is one of the best trained and responsive units on the east coast. It has a tough job trying to keep the peace for city residents who have lived here for years vs. the outside crime element from New York and Philadelphia who are sometimes enabled and sheltered by some of our more trusting home folk. A more difficult balancing act in terms of the Constitution you will not be able to find. That all said, I think it might behoove the Mayor to at least have a meeting with Guardian Angels to lay out the ground rules for their participation in the protection of the city. My colleague from Wilkes Barre On Line made the point, also on WILK Radio today that a little communication between the administration and the Angels might go a long way. More importantly, he also pointed out the legal ramifications for the city if one of the citizen volunteers trained for a mere few months is hurt or killed trying to do the job of a trained officer schooled in multi disciples of crime fighting. Mayor Leighton has done a commendable job in rebuilding the city. His Achilles Heel as a leader has been the perception that he digs in on an issue when he should open up. Having a face to face meeting with the Guardian Angels will cost him nothing politically and only enhance his image as a Mayor who is doing everything it takes to make his city safe.

IZZO AGAIN!

Another familiar voice on WILK this morning was former Wilkes Barre Council candidate Guy Izzo. Izzo ran in 1999 as a Democrat and nearly got one of the 7 seats on Council with an energetic campaign. For years the charismatic Izzo was well known for his work with the South Wilkes Barre Crime Watch Unit.

Full disclosure: This blog editor did Izzo's multi mdia advertising in that race for Wilkes Barre City Council.