The LuLac Edition #1557, April 18th, 2011

PHOTO INDEX: BLOGFEST LOGO, DEMOCRATIC PARTY LOGO.

BLOGFEST REMINDER!!!!!

Just an important reminder....the spring BlogFest will be held on Friday April 29th from 6pm to 8pm at Rooney's Pub in downtown Pittston. Stop by and meet the bloggers, the posters, the pretenders, the readers, the candidates, the media and anyone interested in talking politics. County Council and Judicial candidates from Luzerne County are especially invited as well as candidates running in the all important Lackawanna County Commissioners race. Plus any other candidate, school board, borough, township councils....all invited. It's a cash bar and there are no speeches.

YOUNG DEMS

LUZERNE COUNTY YOUNG DEMOCRATS HOST CANDIDATES' MEET & GREET
The event will be held at the River Street Ale House on April 28 at 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The Luzerne County Young Democrats will hold a Candidates' Meet and Greet at the River Street Ale House located at 1575 River Road Jenkins Township PA on Thursday April 28, 2011 at 6:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. The event will cost $15. “The event will be a chance for young Democrats in Luzerne County to meet and discuss the issues with candidates running for office within Luzerne County,” said Luzerne County Young Democrats President Thomas Shubilla. “Often times voters feel a disconnect from candidates. Our event alleviates this problem. Voters can have a personal connection with candidates, and not base their vote on simply a television ad or direct mailer.” All are welcome and encouraged to attend the event in order to support the Luzerne County Young Democrats. Many Judicial, County Council, School Board, and Municipal candidates have already reserved their tickets. ### If you would like more information, or would like to schedule an interview with Luzerne County Young Democrats President Thomas Shubilla, please call Thomas at 570-239-3432 or email Thomas at Thomshubilla@gmail.com

DOBASH RUNNING HARD

I have met Kathy Dobash a number of times when Walter Griffith was running for Controller and Dick Hughes was running for Judge. I think I appalled her when I told her that I believed in government programs from cradle to grave…….and even beyond. I told Dobash that I supported a government program that would put flowers on graves of every Democrat in the United States who died. After her eyes bulged out, I told her I was kidding. Anyway, Dobash is making a run and doing it in her own inimitable style. Here’s a missive I got last week: The Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission promised improved government and less corruption. The Commission promised the new charter would discourage campaign donations and eliminate promises for favors to special interest groups and businesses. Those who wrote the charter are now running for office. Do they not trust their own document? Was that the original intention when serving on the Commission? I never received an honest answer to that particular question. Anyone who has a conflict of interest or violates the Federal Hatch Act should honor the voters and disclose personal gains involved with this Council position. I am disappointed with the beginning of the Transition Team's work. Notification of all members about meetings is still shaky. Strong voices of citizens speaking at Transition team meetings helped to place meeting minutes, agendas and sub-committee members on the County website. The team is spending tax dollars to have $90.00 per hour conversations. The majority of the Transition team thinks it is separate from the County. Public trust from the start is yet again fractured. The newly elected council is not required to use any of the team's recommendations. I am not asking for a donation or attendance at a Meet and Greet. I am requesting your vote on May 17th!
These are my top 3 goals:
1. The first important decision is the appointment of a County manger. This person must be knowledgeable with financial accounts, trustworthy, and willing to spend the time to understand the complex nature of our County budget and services.
2. Continue Controller Walter Griffith's efforts for accountability with expenditures.
3. Work to keep necessary services for those who qualify and eliminate wasteful spending of tax dollars.
I am running for Luzerne County Council to help move Luzerne County in the right direction. I plan to help make our county a better place to live and work. I want to continue the work our current Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith has started. He has taken time to find and recover revenue. He demands proof of expenditures. His recent inquiry in regard to the Hotel Sterling is a good example. In this new form of government the Charter limits the power of the Controller. Currently the Luzerne County Controller reviews bills before they are paid. When Luzerne County Home Rule goes into effect, the Controller will see bills after they are paid. I will work to keep checks and balances in our government even though the Charter, as written makes it a difficult task. The members of the first Luzerne County Council must be people who will do what is in the best interest of the County taxpayers. I stand to protect your tax dollars. Keeping necessary services and spending must be balanced in a way to eliminate greedy hands from the process. We have a high elderly population in Luzerne County. They struggle to keep their homes. Who speaks for them? I am a former art educator and have experience working with children and adults of all ages. I am interested in services provided for the elderly. Human resources are the most significant resources. The children, future leaders of this county, deserve work efforts to build an environment which ensures a positive future. I believe we can create a safe and fulfilling quality of life for all.
Sincerely,
Kathy Dobash Candidate for Luzerne County Council Republican Line 13 on Ballot

COYNE MEMORIAL SET

Exeter Mayor Cassandra Coleman is currently setting up the Third Annual The Joseph F. Coyne III 3rd Annual Tournament. Over the past two years the event has been able to raise over $11,000 for two families in need. The game will take place May 15, 2011 beginning at 8:30am at the Exeter Little League Fields.(Behind St. Cecilia’s Church) Our recipient this year is 2 year old Anthony Lydon. Anthony is the son of the former Tanya Nawrocki of Duryea. The event is a lot of fun, goes to a good cause and is grass roots volunteerism at its best. Currently the tourney is in need of door prizes, paper supplies, gift cards and soft drink and food donations for the big day. You can help and reach out by contacting Exeter Mayor Cassandra Coleman. Use this FaceBook link and send her a message of your intent on FaceBook. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1596451853.