The LuLac Edition #1501, March 8th, 2011

PHOTO INDEX: COMMENTARY ON GAS PRICES, ATTORNEY MOLLY HANLON MIRABITO, MICHELLE BEDNAR AND BLYTHE EVANS III.

GAS PRICES

Will anyone explain to me why gas prices are so high? The American oil companies are the recipients of tax credits from the U.S. government. Look at what is happening to gas prices. The average price for a gallon of unleaded in Pennsylvania is now $3.50 a gallon. This is up 74 cents higher than a year ago. With speculation prices will top $4 plus soon, family budgets and the states economic recovery are paying the price. People are going to be changing the way they buy things. They are going to be changing the way the live. Memories of $4-a gallon gas are still fresh wounds from a few years ago. Now with the cost of a barrel of oil at $105.44, there is worry revolts in the Middle East could disrupt supplies from top oil exporters. New habits now die hard. The oil companies though are making big profits. Any gas station owner will tell you they don’t make big money selling gas and that the oil companies arbitrarily set the price. Just when there seemed to be an economic recovery coming, that 5 letter word from big business GREED is threatening to shut things down again. How can we in America have the government set the price of a gallon of milk and then let the free market pigs run wild when it comes to the very life blood of our economy? Just answer me that question.

MOLLY BACK IN

Assistant District Attorney Molly Hanlon Mirabito has announced her candidacy for Luzerne County Judge. Here’s her statement:
I am announcing my candidacy for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. Luzerne County has been in the news for the last two years. It has been a challenging time, but also a time of change. While we still face daunting tasks, I’m confident that we can work together to keep the county moving forward. The Court has implemented some positive changes and other changes are yet to come. I believe I can best contribute by running for and serving as judge.
John Kennedy once said that candidates should submit their records and views to the voters. I agree. And an important part of this picture is a candidate’s experience—experience in the courtroom and experience working with the law on a day to day basis.
I have this experience. As an Assistant District Attorney, I prosecute criminals…I work with crime victims and their families... I collaborate with law enforcement officers and agencies. In my private practice, I advise and represent families and clients on numerous legal matters. I have been a practicing attorney in Luzerne County for over 22 years. When applied fairly, the law is the great equalizer. It protects society, and it protects the individual. A judge must have integrity and experience with the law …and understand the impact it has in each of our lives.
I expressed these words and ideas in the last election, and I’m repeating them now. I believe they are fundamental truths…and such truths stand the test of time.
Thank you, and I look forward to meeting and talking with you over the coming months.

COUNTY COUNCIL

BEDNAR & EVANS IN


BEDNAR


Michelle Bednar, from Wapwallopen, is announcing her candidacy for Luzerne County Council. Michelle is a native of Plymouth and attended Wyoming Valley West High School. After high school, she received an associate degree in tourism and travel management, as well as being certified in corporate trust operations, accounting finance, and as a medical assistant. For the past 8 years, she has been employed as an office manager in the financial services industry. She is currently the elected tax collector for Conyngham Township. Mrs. Bednar believes that the charter form of county government contains several flaws and she can help define those flaws and prevent them from causing issue to the tax payers of Luzerne County. The C. O. P. S. organization (Citizens Opposing Political Suppression) has given Mrs. Bednar their endorsement.Michelle is married to John Scott Bednar, a union electrician through Wilkes Barre IBEW Local 16 and president of the Pond Hill Lily Lake Fire Department. They have a 7 year old son named Kyler.
“The reason I am running for council is that I feel that my governmental and professional experience will help balance the county budget.”
“Being from a small Township, I’m concerned that outlining areas of the county won’t get the representation they deserve. There needs to be good county government to look out for all the people.”
“I plan on doing and being the eyes and ears for the people, making sure there is transparency as well as working on making.

EVANS

Blythe Evans III was born and raised in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Wyoming Valley West High School he earned an Associates Degree in Military History from Valley Forge Military College. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in History from Moravian College. After working in the legal profession for ten years in Plymouth and Wilkes-Barre, candidate Evans then took employment in the city of Harrisburg with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in Plant Virology under the supervision of Dr. Ruth Welliver, Director of Plant Industry. He also served as a board member of the Pennsylvania Sunday School Association under Executive Director Rodney Pry. While working for P.D.A., he earned an Associates degree in Legal Studies from Harrisburg Area Community College. Blythe is a member of the Forty Fort United Methodist Church, the National Eagle Scout Association, Plymouth Blue Lodge #332, St. David’s Society of Wyoming Valley, Audio Engineering Society, and is currently serving as President of the Plymouth Public Library Board of Directors. He runs two small businesses located in Plymouth; Evans Rentals L.L.C.
and SoundCloud Studios, a sound recording and mastering facility. As a candidate for County Council, Blythe Evans will enforce zero tolerance policies for political corruption at all levels of county government. Mr. Evans believes in running a smaller county government, and will push for lowering tax rates for the citizens of Luzerne County. In addition, as a County Council member, he will reduce costs and tighten up all unnecessary spending, giving citizens a break from the “credit card surprises” and bad policies of the past ensuring taxpayers that money is used strictly for the citizens of Luzerne County.