The LuLac Edition #1524, March 29th, 2011

PHOTO INDEX: CONGRESSMAN LOU BARLETTA.

TEAMING UP?

With so many candidates running for Luzerne County Council, it was inevitable that some candidates might team up. Both Bruce Simpson and Casey Evans are having a joint fundraiser in April. Campaign fundraiser for Bruce J. Simpson and Casey Evans who are both running for Luzerne County Council. Hope to see you all there for a night of fun! Donation: $5.00.

McGINLEY IN

Democrat Tim McGinley, 64, of Kingston, has announced his candidacy for Luzerne County Council. McGinley received a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University, a master’s degree from the University of Scranton and has completed continuing graduate studies in chemistry and educational leadership at both of those universities in addition to Lehigh University, Penn State University and Temple University. If elected, McGinley said he will bring more than 40 years experience as an educator, administrator and community leader to the council post. McGinley was employed for more than 30 years in the public school system as a high school chemistry teacher, athletic director, wrestling coach and school administrator. Currently, he works as director of administration for the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) in Wilkes-Barre. In his position at CEO, McGinley works with local, county, state and federal government representatives and is involved in grant writing, budget preparation and analysis and supervision of personnel, facilities and programs.

LOU SAYS NO

U.S. Representative Lou Barletta announced that he will not support any more short-term continuing resolutions for Fiscal Year 2011. He will only support a plan that calls for responsible federal spending through the end of the fiscal year in September. “The people of Northeastern Pennsylvania sent me to Washington to stop the out-of-control government spending and rein in the growth of the federal government, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I voted to cut $10 billion over five weeks. While that’s a great first step, my constituents demand and deserve a financially responsible long-term resolution that takes us through the end of the fiscal year,” Rep. Barletta said. “Stringing together short-term continuing resolutions only extends the uncertainty among local and national job creators, and that will slow our economic recovery at home.” To date, Lou voted in favor of two short-term continuing resolutions that cut $2 billion in federal spending a week – a total of $10 billion over the five weeks the two resolutions have been in place – giving the U.S. Senate more than a month to reach an agreement over long-term budget cuts. He also voted to cut government spending by $100 billion in this fiscal year – but that bill, too, stalled in the Senate. “Two- and three-week continuing resolutions are handcuffing business owners and job creators, who remain uncertain about the future of spending,” Rep. Barletta said. “Every day, the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania try to do more with less in their family budgets, but some in Washington want to continue to spend like there’s no tomorrow. It’s time for that attitude to change. “That’s why I will not support any more short-term continuing resolutions. I will only support a financially responsible plan that takes us through the end of the fiscal year. My patience has run out – and so has the patience of the people at home.”

LOU ON LIBYA

Barletta also offered the following comments about President Obama’s remarks about the situation in Libya: “After hearing President Obama tonight, I have the same questions I had this afternoon. The president didn’t answer my questions at all. On Sunday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said that our military action against Libya ‘was not a vital national interest to the United States.’ President Obama said Monday night that he took action in Libya for humanitarian reasons. That’s all well and good, but before he risked shedding any American blood, the president should have come before Congress and explained what we were doing because there was no immediate threat against the United States of America. “The president had an obligation to come before Congress and tell us what he was going to do. Instead, President Obama committed us to military action without clearly defining our role, and he didn’t explain that role Monday night. “Like most Americans – and like many members of Congress – I still have many, many questions. Who are these rebels? When are we getting out of Libya? What is our role going to be? How do we mark the end of American involvement in Libya? And how do we measure success? “Frankly, the president’s explanation Monday night left a lot to be desired. “Right now, our men and women are in harm’s way, and we need to support them. Our military has my full support as they engage in this action, and I pray for the safety of our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.”