The LuLac Edition #926, Aug. 31st, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: CAPITOL DOME.

CIRCUS ON TV

The clowns that masquerade as State Legislators will be on TV Tuesday. As part of PCN’s extensive coverage of the state budget process, the network will air a LIVE budget conference committee hearing beginning tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. This legislative conference committee will consist of Sen. Jake Corman, Sen. Jay Costa, Rep. Todd Eachus, Rep. Dwight Evans, Sen. Dominic Pileggi, and Rep. Sam Smith. Visit the daily schedule at pcntv.com throughout the week for more information about upcoming budget coverage.

JOE GOES

Saying that he was under a great amount of stress that was affecting his health, Bishop Martino revealed today that he submitted his resignation as Bishop in June and it was accepted in July. His resignation brings to an end a controversial and sometimes acrimoniuos reign as head prelate of the Scranton Diocese. Cardinal Justin Rigali was appointed Apostolic Administrator, but noted he must still run the Philadelphia Archdiocese, so he appointed Monsignor Joseph Bambera as his official delegate in Scranton, giving him the title of "vicar general." Bambera is pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in Archbald.

TRIPLE DIP

Another Luzerne County Courthouse employee has come under scrutiny for having a few jobs. State auditors advised officials last week to review a court employee’s work hours because he’s also paid by another county office for a different job. The Judiciary responded Friday by removing Attorney Michael Shucosky from the second job. Before the $73,645 position was created, Shucosky essentially got paid for three jobs. In addition to hearing officer, he was a $22,828-a-year orphan’s court custody master and was paid additional money for another master position According to the audit, the county paid Shucosky $481,745 from 2004 through 2008 for the three jobs. See the good barrister is only doing what millions of Americans are forced to do in this tough economy, work 3 jobs. However, his jobs aren't $9.00 an hour jobs that everyone else has and needs.

REMEMBER MY NAME!

That's what the Chairman of the Lackawanna County Democratic party told police last week after he was stopped by Scranton Police. 9-1-09 Corrected version: "after allegedly intervening in a police investigation of an assault at the Parker House bar on "hump day" better known as Wednesday. Art Moran, asked Patrolman Robert Hegedus, who reported smelling alcohol on Mr. Moran's breath, why the officer didn't recognize him. "Remember my name," Mr. Moran replied, the officer reported. Mr. Moran, 47, a former Scranton school director, denied in an interview with the Times Friday he tried to intimidate the officer, claimed he reacted out of fear related to his political rivalry with Mayor Chris Doherty, and said he plans to challenge the citation. Yeah "Party Artie", the Mayor sits up late and night just trying to figure out how to make your life miserable. Looks like you have handled that quite well by yourself.