The LuLac Edition #1058, Dec. 31st, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: 2009 LOGO.

OH NINE!!!!!!!!

Here’s a recap and brief analysis of the top ten stories of 2009.
1. The Luzerne County Corruption Probe: There were hints of this thing as early as 2006 but no one could have foreseen the scope in which corruption permeated the county. The body count: 3 Judges, 1 County Commissioner, a half dozen school board members, a Jury Commissioner, and a few others totaling 23. And what's crazy is this thing is not over. 2010 promises to be just as active and rumors abound that the feds are after bigger fish.
The scandal had its impact and collateral damage such as the rejection of incumbent Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Junior at the polls who in my estimation was smeared by a photo that was not attributed by the paper in which it was published. The Democratic party was weakened by the scandal with mainstays like Dottie Stankovic squeaking by in her re-election bid, the plethora of attorneys running for Judge (how about 4 guys from Pittston running, would the old time party bosses have stood for that?) the reemergence of the Anne Lokuta case where the deposed Judge might have a shot at reinstatement since the architects of her demise were indicted. The resignation of Greg Skrepenak and the subsequent appointment of his replacement Thomas Cooney are also byproducts of the scandal. Not to mention the national attention heaped on us by film maker Michael Moore, the New York Times, the BBC, the CBS Evening News, ABC's 20/20 and even the TV drama "Law and Order". Adding to all of this are the budget problems the county is still facing.
But the big story were the Judges. From ’09, a LuLac video. Here's the link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-691787390435384703.
2. More corruption on the state level where more than there have been charges against both Democratic and Republican legislators for using their office for political purposes. Former speaker John Perzel as well as former Majority Leader Bill DeWeese have been indicted. Plus Todd Eachus of Hazleton, The majority leader of the Pennsylvania House has been implicated by a witness who claims Eachus directed illegal campaign activities by legislative employees and raised campaign funds from inside the Capitol. Eachus has not been charged.
3. More corruption this time in Lackawanna County. Chuckie Costanzo an appointee of former County Commissioner Bob Cordaro was convicted of criminal charges. Plus there is an ongoing investigation into irregularities at the airport and a few other aspects of the previous administration.
4. Police forces in both Luzerne and Lackawanna Colunty came under fire. In Wilkes Barre a young man charged Wilkes Barre police with brutality and in Scranton Brenda Williams was shot dead by police after an incident at her home. After massive investigations both police departments actions were ruled justified.
5. The region loses a major information source when WYOU TV news is shut down. The local CBS affiliate once was the heritage news station in this TV market and the demise of their 6 and 11 newscast was greeted with disappointment. The news was replaced by syndicated gossip shows. On still another broadcast front, WYLN TV 35 out of Hazleton eliminated its daily newscasts as well. Here is a clip from the WYLN TV 35 primary night election coverage proclaiming the big news of the night, the winners of the Judicial Race in Luzerne County.

6. A new type of scandal breaks out among the young people. Sexting becomes a new word in the vernacular when students from a few area high schools are charged with child pornography for sending pictures of a sexual nature to each other. The unintended consequence of these charges in Wyoming County is the defeat of the incumbent DA for re-election.
7. The Lackawanna County Stadium runs into some structural problems when right field is flooded. Crucial summertime home games are canceled and after much gnashing of teeth and bitching repairs are made.
8. Joshua Miller, a Pennsylvania State Trooper is killed in action during a domestic dispute. Tributes pour in from all the country. Governor Rendell gives an emotional eulogy at the trooper’s funeral held at Pittston Area High School.
9. The Bishop of Scranton Joseph Martino resigns. The somewhat crazed and controversial prelate was front and center in a number of heavy handed changes in the venerable Scranton diocese like church and school closings. If that wasn’t bad enough the Bishop went national attacking Senator Bob Casey, a pro life supporter as complicit in the death of babies since he voted for legislation that was not 100% pro life pure. Catholics became so dissatisfied with the Bishop that complaints were lodged with Rome and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal fell flat on its face financially.
10.The Wachovia Arena got a new name on its 10th anniversary becoming the Mohegan Sun Arena. The facility stands as a testament to the visionaries who worked for its creation and as a friendly reminder that it exists despite the ignorant naysayers who said it would never fly telling us old people would lose their houses if it were built. The Arena, like the year 2009 proves that nothing ever comes easy here in LuLac land.

ON THE NATIONAL FRONT

The folks at JibJab recap the year:

The LuLac Edition #1057, Dec. 30th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: PRESIDENT BUSH BEING TOLD ABOUT 911 ON THAT FATEFUL SEPTEMBER DAY IN '01, POPE JOHN PAUL II IN REPOSE AND THE ELECTORAL MAP OF ELECTION YEAR 2000.

THE DECADE'S TOP 10

The top ten news stories of the decade were:
1. 9/11.

2. The Election of President Obama.

3. The war in Iraq.

4. The War in Afghanistan.

5. The confused 2000 election.

6. Death of John Paul II; selection of Pope Benedict.

7. Hurricane Katrina.

8. Mapping of the human genome.

9. The rise of Google and new media including Gort 42, LuLac and Wilkes Barre On Line.

10. The ascension of China.

The LuLac Edition #1056, Dec. 30th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: WBRE TV’S KRISTI CAPEL AND BLOG EDITOR, FELLOW LCCC CLASSMATE CATHY RAMSAY, ATTORNEY JENNIFER ROGERS, LACKAWANNA COUNTY JUDGE MARGARET BISIGNANI MOYLE, LUZERNE COUNTY JUDGE ELECT TINA POLACHEK GARTLEY, ACTRESS MARY McCORMICK, WNEP TV’S SARAH BUYNOVSKY, KITTY BRUCE, LUZERNE COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RENITA FENNICK, LUZERNE COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS DOTTIE STANKOVIC, THE BBC’S KATTY KAY AND GLAMOUR MAGAZINE’S LIZZIE MILLER.

WOMEN WE LOVE

The 2009 Edition of “Women We Love” is now compiled after many weeks of sorting through various entries and nominations. “Women We Love” is a tribute to women in politics, media, pop culture or on our periphery. Here’s a brief rundown of our 2009 winners:
Kristi Capel: The WBRE TV morning weather person gets you up and moving with a smile, smart outfit and sometimes SmartAlec comments. But she does great community events and almost every guy I know wants a picture with her.
Cathy Ramsay: There are some women who teach you about life, others about hurt, still others about love. Then there are those who teach you about ICD 9 Medical Coding. My classmate at LCCC Cathy Ramsay took me under her wing and made me make sense of the whole thing with painstaking sessions at the LCCC learning lab, the library and Grotto Pizza. (She needed a few beers after trying to deal with my learning skills but I prevailed with her help!)
Jennifer Rogers: The well respected and likable barrister made a very good impression on the campaign trail in her attempt for a Judgeship. With her skills and personal magnetism, plus her legal ability she will be back. Soon.
Margaret Bisignani Moyle: In the primary for Lackawanna County Judge she slayed all of her Democrat dragons in short order. In the November election she became the second women jurist on the Common Pleas Court.
Tina Polachek Gartley: Attorney Gartley was the energizer bunny of the ’09 election season. Besting 15 other attorneys for a Judicial nomination in the primary, Gartley won the general election by relentless campaign and a clear articulation of what type of Judge she would be on the embattled Luzerne County Court.
Mary McCormick: Her work on “In Plain Sight” is tough, gritty and just my speed. I’m a fan of tough women what can I say.
Sarah Buynovsky: WNEP TV’s reporter is on the scene lending insightful angles on all type of stories from the politically charged to the downright gruesome. But she does her job well and once in a while gets me away from WBRE TV.
Kitty Bruce: I first met Kitty Bruce twenty years ago and even though I’m sure she won’t remember me, I certainly remembered her. Back then she was wise beyond her years. This year Bruce used some of her late father Lenny Bruce’s memorabilia for a good cause, “Lenny's House”, a non profit drug and alcohol rehab center for women. It’s a two-fer for Kitty, doing good for women in crisis and keeping the memory of her brilliant father alive.
Renita Fennick: The new Executive Director of the Luzerne County GOP was accessible, personable and competent in helping to rebuild the party. Her steady hand played a big role in the success of the local GOP this past November.
Dottie Stankovic: The veteran county official had a close call this election season in her bid for another term as Luzerne County Register of Wills. And even though she was hit hard in the press (and by bloggers) she ran a campaign filled with enthusiasm, grace and class. Her performance at the fall debate was a political primer for those women wanting to achieve in local government.
Katty Kay: Might be the accent, might be the political insights. Whatever it is, whenever she appears on American TV news shows, I tune in all the time. And even learn a thing or two.
Lizzie Miller: Miller is a twenty year old model for Glamour Magazine that caused a stir in the summer when she appeared semi nude. Miller is not a stick figure but a gal with some meat on her bones. Although designer Karl Lagerfield was appalled, the folks at Glamour recognized that more women were built like Miller than Lagerfield’s stick models. One time my mom found my stash of alternative magazines and admonished me saying, “David, real women aren’t built that way”. If mom saw Lizzie Miller, she’d be shy one less scolding point because “real women are built like Lizzie”. And not to sound sexist here but that's a good thing.

The LuLac Edition #1055, Dec. 29th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: OUR "MOVING ON" LOGO, FORMER PHILLIES MANAGER DANNY OZARK AS A COACH WITH SAN FRANCISCO, WFIL BOSS JOCKS JIM NETTLETON AND GEORGE MICHAEL, WENDY RICHARD AND CONNIE HINES PICTURED TO THE RIGHT OF ALAN YOUNG.

MOVING ON IN '09

Some notable passings in '09......

Senator Edward Kennedy passed away age 77, was a well-respected Senator and member of the Democratic Party, however the Chappaquiddick incident of 1969, in which he managed to ditch his car in water killing his passenger, was a long-lasting shadow over his life. The recent passage of the health care bill will be a testament to his long fight for the issue.

Wendy Richard, British actress most famous for her role as Pauline Fowler in Eastenders. She first gained fame as Miss Brahms in the 1970s British sitcom, Are You Being Served.

Karl Malden, who played Lt. Mike Stone in the legendary TV series “The Streets of San Francisco”, also played in numerous movie classics like "On the Waterfront" and "A Street Car Named Desire".

Robert Novak, US journalist who was associated with CNN and other cable outlets. Well known for the Evans-Novak Report, he was a Washington D.C. mainstay in punditry.

Walter Cronkite, legendary US TV news anchorman. Cronkite presented the CBS evening news for 19 years and became known as “the most trusted man in America”.

Percy Sutton, 89, civil rights activist and politician, attorney for Malcolm X, Manhattan Borough President (1966–1977).
George Michael, 70, sportscaster and disc jockey, of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Arnold Stang, 91, actor (Top Cat, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World), of pneumonia. Here's Stang from an early 1950s game show:

Connie Hines, 78, actress (Mister Ed) of heart failure.

Jennifer Jones, 90, Academy Award-winning actress (The Song of Bernadette), of natural causes.
Roy E. Disney, 79, entertainment executive (The Walt Disney Company), nephew of Walt Disney, of stomach cancer.
Yegor Gaidar, 53, Russian politician, acting Prime Minister (1992), of thrombus.
Fred Honsberger, 58, radio personality.
Oral Roberts, 91, evangelist, founder of Oral Roberts University, complications from pneumonia. Jim Nettleton, WFIL Radio personality.
Soupy Sales, 83, comedian and television host, cancer.
William Safire, 79, speechwriter, novelist and journalist (The New York Times), pancreatic cancer.
Paul B. Fay, 91, crony of JFK, politician, Acting Secretary of the Navy (1963), of Alzheimer's disease.
Dominick Dunne, 83, American writer and investigative journalist, of bladder cancer.
Ellie Greenwich, 68, songwriter, "Chapel of Love" and "Be My Baby".

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, activist, founder of the Special Olympics, sister of John F. Kennedy.
Kitty White, 86, jazz vocalist, of stroke.
Gidget, 15, chihuahua, Taco Bell mascot, of stroke.
Gale Storm, 87, actress (My Little Margie, The Gale Storm Show.) Here's Storm from a 1950's TV appearance.

Farrah Fawcett, 62, actress (Charlie's Angels), of anal cancer.
Michael Jackson, 50, pop singer–songwriter, acute propofol intoxication. Here's one of his best songs.

Ed McMahon, 86, television host (Star Search) and announce (The Tonight Show).
Gary Papa 54, television sportscaster (WPVI-TV), of prostate cancer.
Woodie Held, 77, baseball player (Cleveland Indians), of brain cancer.
Huey Long, 105, singer (The Ink Spots).

Danny Ozark, 85, Phillies manager who won three straight division titles in the 70s.
Ralph J. Cappy, 65, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (2003–2008).
Harry Kalas, 73, beloved Phillies sportscaster, heart attack.
Marilyn Chambers, 56 alternative film actress (Behind the Green Door), erotic dancer, and politician, of heart disease.
Betsy Blair, 85, actress who starred in many movies but most notabely in the Academy Award winning movie from 1954 (Marty, of cancer. Here's a clip:
Jimmy Boyd, 70, actor and singer ("I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". )

Paul Harvey, 90, radio broadcasting icon.
Ted Uhlaender, 68, baseball player, of heart attack.
Griffin Bell 90, judge, Fifth Circuit Appeals Court (1961–1976), U.S. Attorney General (1977–1979), pancreatic cancer.

Mary Travers, one third of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary.

Jack Kemp, former AFL Football great, Congressman and Vice Presidential candidate.

Patrick Swayze after a long battle wth cancer. Best known for his performance in "Dirty Dancing" and the line, "nobody puts baby in the corner".

The LuLac Edition #1054, Dec. 28th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: GOPers AT THE 6TH DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY: STEPHEN J. URBAN, HARRY HAAS AND WALTER GRIFFITH SHARE A LIGHT MOMENT, FROM LEFT CHILI MEISTER JIM WALLACE, STEPHEN J. URBAN (CHAIRMAN), DOLORES GRABKO, AND A VERY LAID-BACK HARRY HAAS, A GREAT TIE ON DAVE BALOGA, WALTER GRIFFITH CHATS IT UP WITH DOLORES GRABKO. (PHOTOS BY KTHY DOBASH). CLICK TO ENLARGE.

HOLIDAY CHEER

Sixth District Republicans recently got together for a Christmas/Holiday Social. In the photo index you'll see shot of some local Republicans who this year really put their noses to the grindstone and did very well in expanding the growth of the local party. Many think 2010 will show more strength. Pat Umbra and Jim Lyons coordinated the event.

HOMELESS IN HANOVER

There's a big stink going on in Hanover Township. Seems like a church wants to open up for the night to house the homeless. V.I.S.I.O.N. which is the agency asking to coordinate with the church routinely arrests people who have warrants so the people needing shelter are not criminals. However the people in Sugarnotch think they'll be a crimewave. So there is a concern. Those Christians really have problems living those commandments don't they? Makes me glad I'm not a Christian but a Roman Catholic.

CRUISING' BOB ADAMS

Cruising' Bob Adams one of the mainstays of WILK Radio in the 70s passed away this weekend after some health problems. Bob did nights and then afternoon drive on WILK in the 70s and really personified the radio personality of that era. Always friendly and affable Adams never missed a mark and enjoyed his stint at the GREAT 98. Cruising' Bob (Mrs. LuLac asked if Cruising' was part of his moniker and even though it wasn't, to all of us radio heads the name was forever part of him) later worked as a photographer for the Citizen's Voice and as a technical engineer on WYLN TV 35.

ROB AND TAXES

My buddy Rob Nyehard was filling in for Sue Henry today on WILK. I gave Rob a call and we chatted about health care. Rob's concern about the Health Care bill is that he didn't want his taxes to go for people who want to buy health care from a subsidized government health care program. And I say, taxes are the dues we pay to live in a free, safe and kind society.

The LuLac Edition #1053, Dec. 27th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: CHRISTMAS LIGHT AND STUCK TRUCK.

99.1 FM

If you get the opportunity head over to Pymouth during this Christmas season. Park in the Family Dollar Parking lot off of Main Street. (It’s across from Fetch’s Food Store) and just before Raub’s Restaurant. I guarantee you will see one of the best Christmas/Holiday light displays you will see in your lifetime. Tune your FM radio to 99.1 and you will see a synchronized light show that will be beyond belief. Check it out.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE

Just got finished Sheldon Spear’s book on the life of Congressman Dan Flood. The book was filled with some interesting details about the late legislator and our area. You know how we talk about cost saving measures to streamline government? You know how we talk about merged police agreements and the burden of having more than 70 separate governing bodies? More than fifty years ago some progressive leaders got together and promoted a campaign called “Let’s Combine in ‘59”. The notion was to create a municipality of over 200,000 before the 1960 census. Wilkes Barre City, Wilkes Barre Township, Edwardsville, Kingston, Hanover Township, Forty Fort and Larksville would form “Greater Wilkes Barre” and become the third largest city in the state. Dan Flood, according to Sheldon Spear thought it was a good idea and would ease the unemployment rate at the time. Flood pointed to a similar plan fifty years before 1959 that was promoted by his grandfather. Needless to say the proposal was defeated by a 3 to 1 vote and even though Congressman Flood supported it, his career was not affected in a negative way. However, we are now fifty years removed from “Combine in ‘59” and nothing has changed. If Dan Flood couldn’t move that mountain, if 20% unemployment at the time couldn’t budge it, then what chance do we have today? The more things change…the more they stay the same.

The LuLac Edition #1052, Dec. 26th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: OUR INTERVIEW LOGO.

INTERVIEW

The recent appointment of Tom Cooney as Luzerne County Commissioner provoked a lot of conversation around the holiday festival dinner tables. I had the opportunity to speak with a former county employee now in private industry who knew Tom Cooney.
Q: Were you surprised when they picked Cooney?
A: Oh yeah big time, he was way under the radar. I didn’t even know he applied.
Q: What are your thoughts on the guy, is he as connected as they say?
A: He’s always been interested in government reform. He served on the first study commission in ’74 and has always had a concern about it. I am surprised that he’s doing it now at his age.
Q: Do you think he has alternative motives or has had enough of business, wants a new challenge?
A: From what I understand his consulting group and he in particular does well. I think there was a death of a partner a few years back and he had to step up his duties there. Now I understand he’s winding down there. I don’t think this is something that is going to necessarily improve his life ya know? If it were me, I’d use my retirement and the last thing I would do is be a Luzerne County Commissioner.
Q: Tom Cooney’s weakness?
A: The perception, and this goes for anyone picked including Tom that the fix is in or that he wants something out of it. Also the clients on his company’s website show a great deal of connections with the county. But I don’t see that as a negative. Q: Why not?
A: Because he can’t be fooled or buffaloed with government legalese and double talk. He is familiar with how government works and has done something with his company that government can’t do around here.
Q: And that is?
A: Uh, make a profit. Show a plus on the balance sheet.
Q: When’s the last time you heard from him?
A: Oh about 6 years ago but I’ve kept up to date on his doings.
Q: His greatest strength?
A: Knows the intricacies of government and understands it. Hell of a grant writer too.
Q: Are you happy with the pick?
A: Happy for the county because I think they got a good guy who will analyze for the future and not the present. Bad for him because it is going to be a job where he is guaranteed to please no one. I wouldn’t want it.

The LuLac Edition #1051, Dec. 25th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: ME WITH SANTA AND MRS. LULAC WITH THE MAN. (CLICK TO ENLARGE).

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The LuLac Edition #1050, Dec. 24th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: SANTA OBAMA AND BABE UNDER A TREE.

CHRISTMAS 2009

A few happy videos to celebrate this season. This year my Christmas spirit has yet to arrive. For those of you in the same fix as I am, hope this makes your holiday.

A regular feature of this site has been our "Two Hot Girls In the Shower". They have graced us with their presence for the season.

One of the best times in my life was when I worked at WRKC FM in Wilkes Barre. I was there at a time when King's students had better things to do than disrespect an entire religion. Anyway, one of the best things about being there around the holidays was "The Mad Drummer's Christmas Special". A collaborative effort, the show was a staple of FM Radio in the 70s. Here's a few gems:



And two of my favorite Christmas songs, from Louie Prima and Wilson Phillips.

The LuLac Edition #1049, Dec. 23rd, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: WHITE PUFFS OF SMOKE.

HABEMUS COMMISSIONER!!!!!

Luzerne County Judges have selected Thomas Cooney to fill the seat of commissioner Greg Skrepenak. The decision came after over a half hour of discussions behind closed doors. Cooney received four of seven votes.
Cooney was chosen from a panel of 14 candidates. Over 60 were interviewed for the position throughout the day. He resides in Jenkins Township. Thomas P. Cooney, of Jenkins Township, is director of development at A&E Group Inc. in Plains Township and has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Scranton. The A&E Group A & E Group (formerly the Architecture + Engineering Group) was established as a business corporation in 1987 by its then principals, Martin U. Dougherty, Dean L. Butler, and Thomas P. Cooney. These three individuals had worked together over the previous 12 years with another large multi-discipline organization serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania area. Since 1987 the A&E Group has served satisfied clients from both the public and private sectors, designing schools, colleges, senior living facilities, industrial, retail, hospitality, municipal, and federal, state and local projects.

The LuLac Edition #1048, Dec. 23rd, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: THE LATE FATHER MICHAEL KRUPAR, SCRANTON BUSINESSMAN BOB BOLUS, STATE REPRESENTATIVE TODD EACHUS AND OUR 1964 LOGO. (EACHUS AND BOLUS PHOTOS FROM THE TIMES LEADER).

TODD'S TROUBLES?

The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the majority leader of the Pennsylvania House directed illegal campaign activities by legislative employees and raised campaign funds from inside the Capitol. The witnesses in the widening probe, which has reached top levels of the state General Assembly, allege conduct similar to that for which 25 others have been charged. That said, State Rep. Todd Eachus has not been charged. Now anyone can hurl a charge in testimony and it is important to point out that again Eachus has not been charged. But it can't make Democratic Legislative insiders happy going into a crucial election year that Eachus' name came up in the proceedings.

TRADE OFF?

Taxpayers in Congressional District 11 (Kanjorski) will pay $17.6 million for proposed ballistic missile defense in FY2010. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided: 4,352 People with Health Care for One Year.
Taxpayers in Congressional District 10 (Carney) will pay $18.1 million for proposed ballistic missile defense in FY2010. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided: 4,482 People with Health Care for One Year. Next time someone tells you that universal health care is just too expensive throw those numbers out at them.

BOLUS' BASH

He might be controversial but at Christmas Bob Bolus is the host with the most. The former Mayoral candidate for Scranton's top job will provide meals for anyone interested for the 15th year in a row. The holiday meal, open to all will be on Christmas Day from noon to 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at St. Lucy's Church 949 10th Street in Scranton and Bolus is expecting 3,000 people this year. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the annual dinner, Bolus said. The menu will feature 75 turkeys about 22 to 26 pounds each, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, salads, desserts and drinks. Christmas presents will also be distributed to children that attend the dinner. Bolus said area supermarkets and organizations donate to the annual event, and he finances the rest. For more information, contact Bolus at 346-7659 or 1-877-277-0807.

THE ACLU AND THE COUNTY

I refrained from any comments about the King’s college student, the ACLU, and the Manger scene on the lawn of the Courthouse. To me it was a tempest in a teapot. Given the ferocity of the issue I just knew the people who wanted the religious display would prevail. I always thought the expression of the season on any type of property was appropriate. But if the ACLU is going to fight a battle like this, why don’t they go after the Bishops and the Priests and the ministers and the other clerics who impose their religious beliefs on church goers? Why don’t they go after those people who want to deny Catholics Communion for not being pro life enough? When they do that, then I’ll take them seriously.

THE CASEY PROTEST

Again it mystifies me why the Pro Life crazies targeted Senator Robert Casey’s home in the Hill Section of Scranton. Guys, Casey is Pro Choice. He has four kids. He comes from a family with 8 kids. His siblings have provided the late Bob Casey and his wife Ellen with 32 grandchildren. He’s the last guy you want to lecture about the sanctity of life and children. The harassment of the Senator is just another ingredient of this fringe group that is undermining the civility of the debate in this country. By going after Bob Casey Junior all they accomplished was to make him look like a giant and their mission and message seem so small.

1964

Wonderful Radio London commences transmissions with American top 40 format broadcasting, from a ship anchored off the south coast of England....The Cleveland Browns defeat the Baltimore Colts in the NFL Championship Game1964, the Browns went 10–3–1 and reached their first title game in 7 years. The Browns throttled the heavily favored Baltimore Colts 27–0, with receiver Gary Collins catching 3 TD passes to earn the MVP award…….In Pennsylvania State Internal Affairs Secretary Genevieve Blatt pronounces that she is pretty much done with electoral politics. Blatt ran for the U.S. Senate and was defeated by Hugh Scott. Blatt later becomes a Pennsylvania State Court Judge……On Christmas Day Father Michael Krupar Pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Pittston dies of cancer……and 45 years ago this week the number 1 song in America and LuLac land was “Going Out of My Head” by Little Anthony and the Imperials.

And for those who appreciate dance:

The LuLac Edition #1047, Dec. 22nd, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: CANDIDATES UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS.

SIXTY EIGHT????

There are 68 people vying to be the next Luzerne County Commissioner. Sixty Eight. And the Luzerne County Court led by the intrepid Chester Muroski intends to interview all 68 nof them in favor of transparency in government. Whatever Muroski’s future endeavors you know that he has earned an “Easy Pass” into the Pearly Gates just based on what he had to go through this year. Now interviewing 68 people is going to be one heck of a task. My thoughts would be this: 68 people could apply for a job but that doesn’t necessarily mean 68 people get interviewed. From a logistics standpoint there has to be a thinning of the herd somewhere. I remember going for a job interview for a certain Casino Racetrack a few years back. They sat you in a room seated in a semi circle and in one minute you had to tell the Human Resource flunky what it meant for you to work for the Casino. I heard answers like “I like to help people,” “I wanna be near where the action is”, and “I need the money”. I came off with a smart ass answer about not wanting to be told how much I’m appreciated but rather just shut up, let me do my job and pay me”. Needless to say I never broke out of that first semi circle. But at least there was a process of elimination. It was apparent that the new casino had no opening for a Head Curmudgeon. And that was fine by me. But imagine having to listen to 68 well meaning people ask for a job.
Thanks to the fine people at Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, since Feb. 2nd I (and 90 others) have had the opportunity to hone our interviewing skills in search of new jobs. As a public service I advance these job interview tips to the numerous (did I mention there were 68 candidates) for the job.
GET NOTICED: There are going to be 68. Wear a flashy tie or come shirtless.
BE FUNNY: Tell a little joke but stay away from “A rabbi, a priest and 23 Government officials all were on a sailboat…….”. Lead balloon.
MAKE EYE CONTACT: The last thing you want to do is look guilty. On the other hand maybe that might help.
DO NOT DRINK BEFORE, OR DURING THE INTERVIEW: But if you must, keep your trousers anywhere but around your ankles.
TRAVEL LIGHT: Keep all large bills at home. It might be misconstrued.
BE AGGRESSIVE: If you see a Judge losing interest, do what I did to one Health Care Manager when she was interviewing me on Montage Mountain. Obviously she was more interested in what was going on in the large room behind me and she was not giving me the respect or attention I wanted. So if that happens with one of the panel, clap your hands together in front of their face and say “Hey, over here!” It might not get you the job but you’ll leave with your dignity intact.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: If you have a degree from any university or college, downplay it. These guys don’t want the smartest person in the room, they just want the guy who won’t rock the boat. As with private industry around here, government officials eyes will light up when you whisper those three magical letters. MBA? Nope, GED.
THE HAIL MARY: If you see the fix is in, just promise them anything. Say that they need to trust you to keep the Commissioner form of government up to a level of competence. It did work in 2003, it might Wednesday.
TAKE THIS JOB AND…..Tell them you wouldn’t want this job for all the tea in China, that the only reason you put your name in was to see it in the paper. Feign disinterest and maybe they’ll pick you because you weren’t the eager puppy others appear to be.
So there you have it my friends some job interview tips you might want to use at the Courthouse.
Seriously though, 68 people applying shows the level of concern citizens have for the well being of the county. And while I can’t read the Judge’s mind, I’m thinking it’ll come down to three people. Former Commissioner Frank Trinisewski, Junior. Precedent has been set with former Commissioner Rose Tucker replacing Todd Vonderheid. Plus Trini spans both the Democratic and Republican parties having first been elected to Wilkes Barre City Council as a Republican. He can bring considerable experience to the position. Two other candidates most likely to be considered will be defeated Controller candidates Bob Morgan and Wil Toole. Morgan because of his Democratic party affiliations and good showing the election. Plus Mary Anne Petrilla seems to be comfortable with Morgan as evidenced on the campaign trail this year. Toole displayed a great amount of knowledge on the campaign trail and has not burned any bridges with long standing friends in the party. Plus he has handled himself well against attacks during his recent campaign run. Long time Wilkes Barre City Democratic Committee person Eileen Sorokas is a long shot given the fact that Petrilla is already serving. Two women in charge of anything in the county government might be too much hope instead of change.
My prediction: One of those four.

The LuLac Edition #1046, Dec. 21st, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: THIS BLOG EDITOR WITH THE WORLD FAMOUS WASKO BROTHERS OF DUPONT, BOB AND DREW. WE WEREN'T SURE OF MUCH BACK IN THE LATE 60s WHEN THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN BUT WE WERE CERTAIN THE CHURCH WE ATTENDED WOULD STILL BE AROUND WHEN WE WERE ADULTS. WRONG! A PHOTO OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SLOVAK CHURCH IN PITTSTON A FEW YEARS AGO AND THE REMNANTS OF THE 116 YEAR OLD CHURCH FOUNDED BY SLOVAK IMMIGRANTS REDUCED TO A PILE OF RUBBLE.

A STAB THROUGH THE HEART

St. John the Baptist Slovak Roman Catholic Church is now gone. . Leveled. Decimated. Among the many church steeples in the Pittston City Skyline, the Baptist's is in a heap on a cold winter street. A few questions about this rush to judgement for a facility that nourished a Catholic immigrant faith for generations.

Why now?

Where did the money come from to tear it down?

Why the rush?

Who gave the order?

Is there a buyer in a rush to develop that property?

In my lifetime I've seen many houses and edifices that were populated by teenagers, criminals and homeless people because they were abandoned and condemned. Was this church broken into by drinkers or people trying to stay warm? To my knowledge there have been no police reports on this.

And here's a question I'd like an answer to, how can a former parishioner of the Baptist now having joined St. John the Evangelist in good faith walk to Mass on Christmas Day, carefully stepping around the refuse and the rubble without feeling like they've been stabbed in the heart?

A good childhood friend of mine Drew Wasko sent me this communication on the Church developments recently. Here's his thoughts:

It is very heartbreaking to see the dismantling of St John the Baptist church. Now living in Binghamton NY, moving from Dupont in the late 60s, I only make a yearly visit to the Slovak cemetery to pay my respect to our families. For this year’s trip when I head on down William St. there be an empty lot to look at. It will not however, eradicate the trunk load of memories we have of this "Little Corner of Heaven". Our Family knew Monsignor Super, Father Matty, Father Krupar and Father Bednarcik from St John the Baptist Church in Pittston. My Grandparents, parents, my brother and sisters were all part of the SJB fabric. It truly was a family experience to be part of SJB. With my cousins, Aunts, Uncles our social activities all revolved around the Church. I still recall the fun at Fathers Farm, and those potato pancakes from any number of “Outings” we had. Of course we were all students of the adjoining school. Not only did it teach us academia but the student became part of SJB Church. Each day started with 7:30 mass, where everyone was in chorus and as an altar boy, you served when asked. I have a very fond memory of serving mass one Christmas morning. There was a surprise snowfall on Christmas Eve which made everything look like a Norman Rockwell painting. I recall walking up the back steps leading to the rear entrance of the church, stopping at the landing to take it all in. Being all of 13 at the time, I thought to myself it doesn’t get any better than this. And the mischievous side of me asked who would be the recipient of that 1st snowball. Today I have a very good idea who that would be…
Class of ’67 and SJB Proud,
Drew Wasko

Drew is way too kind in what he'd do with that snowball. The church is gone. Crushed into rocks. Apparently when the Wasko Brothers and my ancestors gave money to put up the church, to build a church from the rock that Peter built, they should've got a guarantee in writing. But those people had faith, the parishioners of St. John the Baptist, through many generations had faith. Tey backed that up with tangible donations to a church community. It was the right thing to do. The faithful thing to do. After all my questions about this church demolition, here's my final one. In the end what good did faith do them?

The LuLac Edition #1045, Dec. 20th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: OUTGOING NANTICOKE MAYOR JOHN BUSHKO AND U.S. SENATOR SHEROD BROWN OF OHIO.

BYE BYE BUSHKO

Nanticoke Mayor John Bushko wraps up twenty years of service to the people of Nanticoke this week. As City Council approved the final reading of the 2010 budget with no property tax increases Bushko presided over his last council meeting. Council members praised Bushko for his dedication to the city. He has served as mayor for four years and as a council member for 16 years previously. According to the Times Leader [raise for Bushko was numerous. “I think one of the saddest things is a lot of the projects that are going to come to fruition in the next couple of years really came together under your leadership, your guidance. I really hope when these roads are taken care of, the downtown is redeveloped and Nanticoke has a new shine to it, I hope people do remember that John Bushko played a big role,” council member James Litchkofski said. Incoming mayor, now council member, Joe Dougherty announced the city will be accepting letters from people interested in filling his seat on council. People must turn in the letters by Jan. 15.

12 AND COUNTING

An even dozen have applied for the post vacated by Greg Skrepenak for the office of County Commissioner. They are Sam Pennartz, of Wyoming; Gary Reese, of Kingston; and Greg Gulick, of Mountain Top. Phillip Knobel of Exeter, John T. Banks of Wilkes-Barre, Beth Ann Wenner of Freeland, Gary R. Shupp of Mountain Top, Joseph A. Naperkowski of Wilkes-Barre, James M. Desiderio Jr. of Wilkes-Barre Township, Thomas Dombroski of Trucksville, Robert L. Shainline Sr. of Pittston and Antonio J. Rodriquez of Hazleton. With all due respect to those that have applied can anyone say the word "wannabe"?

SHEROD BROWN

I've been hammering a lot of Senators for their stance on the Health Care issue. One of the people in the Senate that seems to have the best interest of the people at heart is Senator Sherod Brown of Ohio. Here's an interesting interview the Senator gave to Tom Jackson of the Sandusky Register. Ever since he won his first race for the U.S. House in 1992, Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, has refused to use the federal government's health insurance program. Instead, as a protest against the fact many American's don't have health insurance, he's obtained it elsewhere.
Few lawmakers in Congress have been as active in the current debate in the Senate over health reform. He has spent much of his time in recent weeks pushing for the "public option" -- a government-run health insurance plan that would be available to anyone not currently covered by health insurance.
His interest in the issue emerges in all kinds of ways. When a new book on health care reform, T. R. Reid's "The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper and Fairer Health Care," was mentioned, Brown said he already had read it. He recently agreed to answer questions about the issue.
Q. Is it true that you've refused to accept government health insurance for yourself, even though you qualify, because you're waiting for reform to happen first?
A. Yes, I made a promise in my 1992 campaign that I would pay my own health insurance until everybody in Ohio, everybody in my district in those days, had decent health insurance. For 17 years, since I've been in Congress in '92, I've paid my own ... Now I'm on my wife's plan the last five years and I pay a good bit extra to be on that plan. I'm not complaining. I made that commitment because I think that Congress needs to get more serious than it has over the years.
Q. Why is the public option so important to you? Why are you fighting so hard to get that?
A. In too many places, there is little competition. Private insurance companies, two or three companies in many cases, have cornered the market. And as a result, the quality is lower and the cost is higher. Too many insurance companies have canceled people's insurance because of pre-existing conditions, or have discriminated based on disability or gender or geography. The public option will provide competition for private insurance. It will make private insurance companies more honest, because they can't game the system.
It will provide competition where there isn't much competition in the insurance industry. It will bring prices down, because of competition.
Q. Can you clarify what you mean when you say you want to make the insurance companies more honest? Do you think the health insurance companies are less honest than other industries?
A. The health insurance companies have sometimes said one thing and done another. They say they don't want to discriminate, and then they cut people off their insurance because of some technicality. The insurance business model basically is, we don't want to insure people who are sick, that have a preexisting condition. And the people we do insure, we fight the claim. There's estimates that 25 to 30 percent of all claims are denied on the first round by insurance companies. (With) the public option, you're not going to spend a whole lot of time fighting with the insurance company to get your claims paid for.
Q. Senator, I kind of came in from the left on you when I asked about single payer. Now I'm going to ask a question sort of from the right. If businesses want to comply with a mandate for health insurance by offering health savings accounts with a high-deductible health insurance plan, would the bills working through Congress allow them to do that? And would you be in favor of allowing them to do that?
A. The bill grandfathers all of them in if they are already doing that ... I don't know what (Senate Majority Leader Harry) Reid has actually written, but I'm virtually certain it grandfathers them in.
Second, I want to do whatever it takes to get people insured in large numbers. If it's a mix of private and public, that's fine. That's the way our system works pretty well over the years.
Q:I'm reading a book on health insurance by a Washington Post reporter, T.R. Reid ("The Healing of America"). He makes two statements in the beginning. He says the United States is the only industrialized country where you can go bankrupt for lack of health coverage. And it's the only industrialized country where thousands and thousands of people die every year because they don't have health coverage. How confident are you that we are going to fix those two things?
A. I think we are. To me, this is a moral question and an economic question, both. It's a moral question because Americans die because they don't have insurance. They don't always get to go to the emergency room and get care, in spite of what people think. It's an economic question because it is so onerous, it's such a heavy burden on business, small business and big business ...........So the answer is, yes, I think we'll pass it.

OF MICE AND.........

Anybody will tell you there are rats in politics but in the eating place where politicos dine in Harrisburg? As Sarah Palin would say, "You Betcha!" The cafeteria in Pennsylvania's Capitol remained shut down Friday and workers scoured the facility after health inspectors found evidence of a rodent infestation and dish washing water that wasn't hot enough. The ground-floor cafeteria, a popular coffee and lunch spot for visitors to the statehouse and people who work there, was closed Thursday after state Department of Agriculture officials made an unannounced inspection. "There were mouse droppings around the facility too numerous to mention," said Justin Fleming, a spokesman for the state Agriculture Department. The droppings, which indicate the presence of live mice, are considered an imminent health risk, Fleming said. A leak that prevented the water in dishwashers from becoming hot enough to sterilize plates and utensils also was considered an imminent threat, he said. "The cafeteria had not been inspected for "at least a couple years," Fleming said. Aramark Corp., the Philadelphia-based food service company that runs the cafeteria, voluntarily closed it at the request of state inspectors, which is common procedure.

GOP EVENTS

Some holiday doings are being planned by the Luzerne County GOP. Here's a few events:

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.
Sixth District Christmas Party
GOP Headquarters
$5 donation
Bring a covered dish and BYOB
RSVP by Dec. 18 to Pat Umbra at 822-3597 or mbra4326@msn.com
Sunday, Dec. 27, 5 p.m.
Third District Christmas Party
VFW, Dupont
Tickets: $20 includes buffet, beer and soda
Entertainment by accordionist Dick Yurish, 5-9 p.m.
RSVP to Art Bobbouine at 570-760-7815 or thirddistrictgop@hotmail.com

The LuLac Edition #1044, Dec. 19th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: INTERVIEW LOGO.

INTERVIEW

With the recent disclosure by Senator Joe Lieberman that he would try to block Health Care Reform if he didn’t get what he wanted, we contacted a politico that at one time was backing Lieberman for President. Lieberman has done a monumental flip flop on the Medicare Buy In program.
Q: What do you think of Lieberman’s lack of cooperation with the President on Health Care?
A: It’s definitely making it harder.
Q: You supported Lieberman in 2004 for President. Why?
A: Because he was a centrist and the only way Democrats can win election is by backing candidates like him. He was strong on defense and social issues.
Q: But he made John Kerry look like Mr. Excitement.
A: True.
Q: What was he trying to do with this thing, extract revenge for the way the Dems treated him? Standing on principle?
A: Only he knows. Don’t forget the Dems gave did forgive him for supporting McCain.
Q: To an extent.
A: Yeah.
Q: I’m so disgusted with Obama not standing up to Lieberman that I’d like to see Howard Dean challenge Obama in the 2012 primaries?
A: Oh don’t do that, that would be a disaster.
Q: That’s how angry people are about this.
A: Remember liberals or left of center Democrats don’t win elections.
Q: True. Hey if you were planning an event for your party would you invite Lieberman to headline it now?
A: No.
Q: Why not?
A: He’s not a Democrat anymore.
Q: I don’t think he ever was. He might have thought he was in his own timid little chickenhearted mind.
A: Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The LuLac Edition #1043, Dec. 18th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: HAZLETON MAYOR LOU BARLETTA, OUR 1964 LOGO, PETE GAGLIARDI AND GOP LOGO.

ETHICS COMMISSION?

I have been criticized many times for saying that with the recent scandals in Luzerne County perhaps the best idea is to start over, fire everyone and have them reapply for their jobs. Former Wilkes Barre City Council candidate Pete Gagliardi says he sees a less drastic alternative, the need for an Ethics Commission. Throughout the country in big and small towns there are volunteers who serve as citizen watch dogs to make sure their elected officials do what is expected of them.
An ethics commission would promote ethics in public service to strengthen the public's confidence that Government business is conducted with impartiality and integrity. The Commission would have jurisdiction over public officials and employees at the state and local levels of government, except legislators, judges, and their staffs. A possible mission statement can include but not be limited to:
1. Promulgating rules of ethical conduct for state officers and employees, including civil penalties for violations of such rules.
2. Providing assistance in and monitoring the disclosure of campaign financing for state and local candidates and committees, personal financial disclosure for state and county officers and employees, and registration and reporting by lobbyists.
3. Providing assistance in and monitoring the political activity and official conduct of state officers/employees in order to prevent conflicts of interest.

4. Serving as the repository and making available for public inspection and copying all required disclosure documents.
5. Begin issuing opinions on and investigating and/or prosecuting alleged violations of the constitutional rules.
Given the problems that are facing Luzerne County, this formation of an ethics commission might be a good idea to add to a Home Rule form of Government.

RALLY AT COURTHOUSE

There will be a "Protest the ACLU! Save our Nativity Scene and Menorah!"on Sunday, December 20 at 1:00pm at the Courthouse. Here are the details:
Event: Protest the ACLU! Save our Nativity Scene and Menorah!
What: Protest.
Start Time: Sunday, December 20 at 1:00pm
End Time: Sunday, December 20 at 2:00pm
Where: Luzerne County Courthouse steps (200 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre,
PA, 18702)

LOU'S PLAN

When I appeared on WYLN TV 35 on Election Night, Mayor Lou Barletta of Hazleton was excited about a new plan that he said would revitalize the tax base in his city. Thursday Barletta announced that a 5 megawatt solar power generation facility will be built on city owned land near the Hazleton airport. The facility will provide enough electricity to power 725 average households for a year. Barletta said he expects the city to realize $1.6 million in revenue each year from the plant's operation. Barletta also announced the city is in negotiations to sell the city Water Authority for what he said could be "tens of millions of dollars." He said two private companies have submitted proposals to take over the water authority. Barletta has been touting his Hazleton's financial picture while lowering the tax burden. He said during an afternoon press conference that he expects city council will adopt a 2010 budget that "will mean an average of $249 more in taxes and fees." The recent election gave the Hazleton Mayor a leg up in having a virtual veto proof council.

NO GAMING

A frustrated Majority Leader Todd Eachus was chagrined as State House members headed home for their holiday break Thursday after a brief session that did not include a concurrence vote on a Senate table games bill that legislative body approved 27-22 Wednesday night. The House will not return to session until Jan. 5. Apparently there were not enough votes to get the job done. With 102 votes needed for passage, the House voted 103-92 Tuesday night for its version of the bill that was then sent to the Senate for approval. When the Senate tinkered with some language, including scrapping a House plan to increase the number of casino licenses from 14 to 15, some House members balked.

AL TAKES ON JOE

Newly minted Senator Al Franken presiding over the Senate denied Senator Joe Lieberman an extra minute to finish his speech on an issue on the floor. That got John McCain’s ire up and I thought you should see this exchange.

1964

"Goldfinger," the James Bond film begins its run in movie theatres across the nation. It becomes one of the most successful and popular Bond films ever made. And it turned out to be a movie with one of the greatest theme songs of all time.

Comedian Lenny Bruce is sentenced to 4 months in prison, concluding a 6-month obscenity trial. Bruce was a controversial and in hindsight a brilliant satirist. Here's a little bit of Lenny:

........In the Commonwealth Governor William Scranton announced the creation of a commission to look at a new state constitution. The committee would promote the realignment of the 90 year old state document. The name of the group is called “Citizens For A Modern Pennsylvania Constitution” and is chaired by Richard Bond, CEO of John Wanamaker's Inc. in Philadelphia….A road proposed by former Governor Fine won backing by a the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. One objection came from Sugar Notch Councilman Richard Riley Junior who said the exit to the South Cross Valley should be in Hanover Township instead of Sugar Notch….and 45 years ago the number 1 song in LuLac land and America was “Come See About Me” by the Supremes.