The LuLac Edition #783, Apr. 15th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: TOP PHOTO, THE GOP WOMEN OF LACKAWANNA COUNTY: Front Row: Lisa Marie Adallian, Clarks Summit, Marie Santilli, Clarks Summit, Honoree; Barbara Davenport, Scranton, President; Fran Frances, Olyphant, Treasurer; Second Row: Rose Ann Gaetano, Dunmore, Committee member; Rose Mary Napolitano, Scranton, Committee member; Joann Kulick, Scranton, Committee member; Kim DeMatteo-MacDonald, Olyphant, Corresponding Secretary; and Karen Lilik, Clarks Summit, former president, Governor Ed Rendell, then Senator Hillary Clinton and Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty and former Presidential advisor Karl Rove.

THE LEGEND GROWS

The news yesterday that Louis DeNaples was out of hot water along with his friend Father Sica was big news for LuLac land. The perjury charges against the local philanthropist and his spiritual advisor were dropped by the Dauphin County D.A.’s office. When the news hit the street, reactions were predictable. Many said something terrible was afoot while others said that DeNaples was a good man who was being hounded by law enforcement. Here’s what will stick: the legendary reputation of the name Louis DeNaples. For every detractor, the man has ten defenders. This recent dust up will only enhance his place in local historical lore long after these charges are forgotten. For the record, here’s Mr. DeNaples statement:
I am relieved and gratified that the District Attorney has recognized that the criminal charges against me are baseless, and that he has decided to do the right thing and drop the charges altogether. I have said from the start that I am innocent, and that’s the truth. I have said from the start that I have no connection to organized crime, and that’s the truth. I am glad that we have finally put these issues to rest. What has sustained me throughout this long ordeal has been my faith and my family, who stood by me through some very difficult days over the last two years. I thank God for them, and I look forward to putting all this behind me and getting on with my business and my life.

GOP WOMEN MEET

The Margery Scranton Council of Republican Women of Lackawanna County recently held their 9th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit. "The Margery Scranton Council of Republican Women was very proud to name Marie Santilli the 2009 Women's History Month Honoree. We honor Marie for her dedication to family, public service and community,” stated Barbara Davenport, President of Margery Scranton Council of Republican Women. Ms. Santilli was honor for her years of service in county government, as office manager to Congressmen Joe McDade and Don Sherwood, and her volunteer work within with the Republican Party and local community organizations. A proclamation was received by United State Senator Arlen Specter. March is Women’s History Month. “It is a time to reflect on our struggles, celebrate our achievements, and acknowledge our contribution to society as homemakers, community activists and career professionals, stated Ms. Davenport. The group past honorees were Renee Amore, Dr. Linda Barrasse, State Representative Sandra Major, Mary Dippre, Toni Gilhooley, Linda Keene, Fran DeWitt, Judge Trish Corbett and State Senator Lisa Baker. The Council is celebrating ten years of supporting republican candidates and caring out their mission of community service. The Council is name in honor of the mother of former Governor William Scranton. They are also members of the Pennsylvania Federation of Republican Women, and National Federation of Republican Women. Today, a key goal is to continue to unite Republican Woman, keep them informed and empower them to have a voice in their government. Assisting, developing and supporting women candidates.

DOHERTY GETS ED’S NOD

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty got a blue chip endorsement from Governor Ed Rendell in his bid for a third term as Mayor of Scranton. Doherty and Rendell have been joined at the hip from a governmental standpoint because of the Guv’s commitment to rebuilding city’s and downtowns in the Commonwealth. From a political standpoint, both men have been allies in recent high profile campaigns of Robert Casey Junior for U.S. Senate and the 2008 Democratic Presidential election effort of current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The endorsement can only be a big reminder to Scranton residents of the progress made in the Electric City Downtown Revitalization.

ROVE IN TOWN

Before a very large crowd in Wilkes Barre last night, the architect of the George Bush Presidency, Karl Rove, spoke to the Luzerne County Republican party. Chairman Terry Casey and Executive Director Renita Fennick ran a very smooth event. Spotted at the head table was State Senator Lisa Baker along with many other local GOP luminaries.