The LuLac Edition #1090, Feb. 8th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: THE LATE CONGRESSMAN JOHN MURTHA.

MURTHA DIES

I became aware of John Murtha when he was a freshman Congressman elected in the 70s. At the time I was hosting a radio feature on WVIA FM's Morning Magazine Show called "Capitol Hill Report", Murtha was very accommodating as a guest. Murtha died after complications from surgery. Two locals close to the late Congressman were Paul Kanjorski, our long time law maker and political consultant Ed Mitchell. Mitchell said, "My thoughts and prayers go out to Joyce Murtha and the family of Congressman John Murtha on his passing.I was honored to have served Jack Murtha for the past 19 years. He was a straight-shooter. He never minced words. You always knew where he stood. Most of all for me, he was my loyal friend. I shall miss him.The people of his district know what he did to rebuild and represent their area. Many outsiders and pundits didn't understand this, but Jack Murtha embodied what it is to be a "representative." He fought fiercely for his district, advocated passionately for his constituents and brought back home their fair share of the taxes they sent to Washington.He was a proud American. He was a proud Marine. The service men and women of our county's military never had a stronger defender. He always put America first whether it was our national security or industries like coal and steel that were the backbone of his district.It will be a longtime before we see another patriot like John Murtha. R.I.P "
Congressman Kanjorski issued this statement, “As we mourn the loss of Congressman Murtha, I pass along my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Today, an era of Pennsylvania’s history has sadly ended as the nation and Pennsylvania has lost one of its most determined and tireless public servants. “Jack was a friend and colleague who I have looked up to throughout my time in Congress for his dedication to our country and our military troops, his strength to work in a bipartisan way, and his passion for his work and the Pennsylvanians he represented. Throughout his career in public service, Jack has been a symbol of the hardworking Pennsylvanians through the Commonwealth. “While prone to criticism in Washington for his knack for securing federal funding for his Congressional district, that federal funding helped create thousands of jobs for Pennsylvanians and aided with needed economic development in his district. He was elected to help his district, which is exactly why we, as Members of Congress, are all elected. Jack was able to effectively balance the needs of his constituents with the needs of the country. “The legacy that he has left will surely live on as a symbol of the great work that one man can do and as something that we can all strive to achieve. As the leader of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, and as a close friend, he will be sorely missed.” On Friday, Congressman Murtha became the longest serving Member of Congress ever from Pennsylvania.

PITTSTON WATCH DOGS

Word on the street is that there will be a formation of a a new organization with Pittston as the center of interest. Prospective name is the Committee for Good Government. It seems that the local media has shown little or no interest in Pittston City's outrageous tax rate of 6.85 mills so some people are going to lead the way for public involvement.