The LuLac Edition #1544, April 10th, 2011

PHOTO INDEX: LETTER LOGO AND WILKES BARRE AREA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE DR. JAMES SUSEK.

NO MORE LETTERS!

The Times Leader is asking Judge Richard Conaboy to release letters on behalf of Patrick Toole, the convicted former Judge from members of Alcoholic's Anonymous. Sorry. I disagree with this action. These people when asked to write such a letter had a reasonable expectation of privacy. These people are struggling with their own demons and don’t need to be outed. It is an established fact that Toole has a drinking problem. Nothing will be gained by having fellow travelers in addiction have the letters made public and read in every bar, breakfast table or eatery. Addictions are on going battles. I have often wondered if I had a child and if a higher power asked me what would I want my kid to have an addiction to drugs and booze or cancer, I can honestly say, I’d pick the cancer. When I was going through chemo I’d see people battling for their lives but there was always hope. When I saw people addicted to booze and drugs both professionally and in a few personal cases, there was tentative hope for success. The reason for this is because there was always room for a relapse. These letters should not be released. No one gains anything from it, not Mike Toole, his family, Luzerne County or the people that penned them. The Times Leader Attorney Ralph Kates came up with this beaut: “Anonymity of a speaker does not result in the placing of a cloak of secrecy over the speaker’s message,” Kates said. With all due respect to my friends who are attorneys and those lawyers putting themselves out there as candidates for Judge, let me say this about Kates statement: “It’s why people hate lawyers!”

HUGHES EVENTS

The following meet-and-greets will be held for Luzerne County Judge candidate Dick Hughes: •From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at the Riverside Cafe, Old River Road, Wilkes-Barre. Admission is free. From 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Chalet, South Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top. Breakfast is $10 per person.

ROGERS FOR JUDGE

Luzerne County Judge candidate Jennifer Rogers will hold the following events ; wing meet-and-greets April 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., Claire’s Bar, 752 Hazle St., Ashley, Meet and Greet with the candidate. Pizza and beverages will be provided to this free event; From 7 to 9 p.m. April 18 at the Duryea VFW, 492 Stephenson St. Admission is free and there will be refreshments at both events. Rogers will also hold a meet-and-greet from 7 to 9 p.m. April 19 at the Hazleton Elks Lodge, 635 E. Broad St. Tickets are $10. RSVP for any of the events to 570-854-1171 or events@votejenforjudge.com.

FRED IS READY!

The Committee for Luzerne County Judge candidate Fred Pierantoni is hosting the following events: A general committee meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 11 at Norm's Pizza, Wilkes-Barre. There is no charge and the public is invited. Food and refreshments will be served. A meet-and-greet from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at the Black Diamond American Legion post, Wyoming Avenue, Kingston. Food and refreshments will be served, and there is no charge. A meet-the-candidate event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 18 at the Top Shelf, Poplar Street, Hazleton. There is no charge, and food and refreshments will be served. For information, visit www.pierantoniforjudge.com or call 570-654-8455.

RADICK EVENTS

The Committee to Elect Paula Radick for Judge will host two meet-the-candidate nights: From 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at Rooney's Irish Pub, Main Street, Pittston. A cash bar will be available. From 6 to 8 p.m. April 27 at Hun's Westside Café in the Luzerne Shopping Center. Cost is $35 per person and includes beer, wine, pizza and wings. RSVP by April 26 by emailing staff@paulaforjudge.com or calling 570-763-9737. You can also pay at the door.

SUSEK’S EVENT

The Committee to Elect Dr. James F. Susek to the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board will hold a fundraiser from 7 to 9 p.m. April 14 at the Plains Ambulance banquet facility, 90 Maffett St. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door or by calling 570-826-1583. Susek would make a wonderful addition to the Wilkes Barre Area School board because of his dedication and former experience as a school board member.

GO WITH JOE EVENTS

Luzerne County Judge candidate Joseph F. Saporito Jr. will hold a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 15 at The Riverside Café, 187 Old River Road, Wilkes-Barre. Donation is $10. Saporito will hold another fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. April 28 at The Gramercy, 155 S. Main St., Pittston. Donation is $25. Tickets can be purchased for either event by calling 570-654-4643 (ask for Nicole) or emailing saporitoforjudge@saporitofalcone.com.