The LuLac Edition #733, Feb. 19th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: WILKES BARRE MAYOR TOM LEIGHTON AND PA. AUDITOR GENERAL JACK WAGNER.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY NEWS

The Wilkes Barre branch of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will honor Mayor Tom Leighton as "Man of the Year" at their annual dinner on March 17th at The Ramada in Wilkes Barre. Meanwhile, in Pittston, the Friendly Sons will have Auditor General Jack Wagner as their main speaker. This year’s banquet will be at the Gus Gennetti Best Western Hotel in Wilkes-Barre. Apparently, there's no banquet halls in the Pittston Area these days. The event gets underway at 6 p.m. Wagner is making the rounds statewide in anticipation for a run at either U.S. Senator or Governor.

THE BISHOP SPEAKS!

In a communication to the heads of three local Irish-American organizations, the Diocese of Scranton has threatened to close St. Peter’s Cathedral during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations if the groups feature elected officials who support abortion rights at their annual events. Wow! This Bishop is so misdirected in his efforts that he will not be happy until he has every Catholic converted over to another religion. First off, there is a separation of church and state. Officials are elected by all of the people, not just Catholics. Second, no public official is for abortion. I think you'd be hard pressed to find one that says, "Pregnant? Let's tear that bad boy out of the birth canal right now!" Some officials and Holy Confessional Batman, even some Catholics are Pro Choice. Pro Choice doesn't mean you are pro abortion. If he is wondering why his Annual Appeal has gone down, part of it is the economy, and part of it is his dictatorial manner in which he seems to manage his flock. Threatening to close St. Peter's on St. Patrick's Day is not giving people of his faith an opportunity to reflect on their faith. He is closing the doors because people don't see things his way. Fair enough. You're the boss, that's your right. But don't try and justify your church closings because you're wondering why Catholics aren't coming to church anymore. Locking the doors is not going to send a good signal. Ronald Reagan cited as a reason for leaving the Democratic party as this, "I didn't leave the Democratic party, it left me". Many Catholics this year are saying, "We're not leaving the church, it has left us".

REMATCH

Former City official Gary DiBileo is running again for Scranton mayor, setting up a rematch of the bitter 2005 primary won by Mayor Doherty. DiBileo officially announced a second mayoral bid today, criticizing Doherty's financial and public safety policies. Doherty, who narrowly beat Mr. DiBileo for the 2005 Democratic nomination, is seeking a third term. Mr. DiBileo was soundly defeated in the fall election, where he had won the Republican nomination through write-in votes. DiBileo has a good base of support in the Democratic party and can pose a serious threat to Doherty. The incumbent Mayor has a warchest of nearly $50,000 plus on hand for starters and has many national markers to pull in for the effort.

JUDGES IN THE LAC

Unlike Luzerne County where 11 Judges are running for 3 seats, in Lackawanna County only a handful have announced. They are Assistant District Attorney Margaret Bisignani Moyle, attorney James Tierney and Magisterial District Judge John Pesota, (who succeeded John Pieski in that seat) all Democrats, and Assistant District Attorney Frank Castellano, the lone Republican in the race. Castellano held a kick off which featured former Congressional candidate Lou Barletta.