The LuLac Edition #769, Mar. 30th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: STATE SENATOR LISA BAKER AND LUZERNE COUNTY PRESIDENT JUDGE CHESTER MUROSKI.

ANOTHER SEAT?

Citing a tremendous amount of back logged work, Luzerne County President Judge Chester Muroski has implored Governor Ed Rendell to put deposed Judge Ciavarella's seat on the May 19th ballot. Muroski urged Rendell to "take whatever steps are necessary" in order to increase the electoral availabilities from two to three. Muroski says the court faces a "tremendous challenge" in staying current with cases given the Supreme Court's ruling last week that prevents former judge Ann Lokuta's seat from being placed on the ballot. Rendell's office determined that Ciavarella's seat could not be placed on the ballot because the resignation came on March 16th which wwas deemed too late. The missive by Muroski asks Rendell to consider other alternatives, including intervention by the state Supreme Court, to allow for an exception given the unusual circumstances the county faces. No comment from the Guv's office yet.

BAKER'S MOVE

It seems like the only duly elected State official saying anything about the Judicial scandal and what it might take to fix it is State Senator Lisa Baker. Baker is planning legislation to protect the rights of juveniles after Judges Conahan and Ciavarella pleaded guilty to taking millions of dollars in kickbacks involving youth detention centers. One of the bills being written would make it mandatory for juveniles to be represented by a lawyer in court. Right now, juveniles may waive that right. Details of the bills are still being discussed with juvenile law advocacy groups, and judges. Kudos to Senator Baker but has any one of the other legislators said anything about this much talked about scandal? Seems like everyone else is but them.

LULAC FORUM

Responses are coming in for The LuLac Political Letter judicial forum set for Sunday April 26th, from 2PM to 5Pm at Genetti's in Wilkes Barre. The event is free and open to the public.