The LuLac Edition #1665, July 3rd, 2011

PHOTO INDEX: "WE THE PEOPLE".


JULY 4TH SIGNATURE DRIVE

Lou Jasikoff, Chair for the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party announced plans for a July 4th signature drive at Kirby Park to help all Independents garner enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot this coming November. We will be focusing mainly on getting signatures for Tim Mullen and Betsy Summers running for office under the Libertarian Party banner, Charlie Hatchco running on the American Independence Party line, Marakay Rogers and Mark Kaisoglus running under the Free and Equal slogan, and Shane Novak, candidate for Luzerne council on the Green ticket. “We also will help anyone wishing to get on the ballot, regardless of party affiliation,” said Jasikoff.
Anyone willing to help will be able to pick up petitions at the Political Emporium tent which will be located in Kirby Park. “It is imperative to put competition back into politics and the only way that happens is to get as many candidates on the ballot as possible. The two-party system has failed us over and over again. In the current political atmosphere the only way to protect candidates against challenges is to get as many valid signatures over the 995 signatures needed for Luzerne council and the over 19,000 needed for statewide candidates as possible. Combined with the absurd reasons signatures are challenged, the fact that voter intent is not considered by judges, and that the Libertarian Party has still not received any written assurance on the signatures garnered before May 24th from Luzerne County, it is imperative to get as many signatures as possible and will welcome all the help as we can get,” Jasikoff continued.
In Lackawanna and Wyoming counties, Jay Sweeney of the Green Party of Pennsylvania is encouraging independent candidates to run for Township Supervisor and Council races. "All politics being local, we should be actively involved in these races that have great impact on our communities. Many of the gas drilling issues are taking place at the local level. You only need 10 valid signatures for a Township Supervisor race. You have until the end of July to get those signatures and your local election office at your county courthouse will provide you with the necessary paperwork and assistance."
Tim Mullen, Libertarian candidate for county council stated " I encourage all the citizens of Luzerne County to come out to Kirby Park to meet and support the candidates most truly able to accomplish in this county what the Founding Fathers accomplished in our country over two and a quarter centuries ago."
Said Casey Evans 2nd District Democratic Chair, "As someone who competed and worked in the political process, all across our country, for the past five years, I believe in political choice. I'm a proud progressive, and I believe that to shut people out of the election process is, by its nature, wrong, and it strikes at the heart of our democracy and what progressives should and must stand for. Everyone has a right to be heard and the public has a right to hear from all of their candidates."
Independent candidate Charlie ”Bible Buck” Hatchco continued, “Political corruption caused by a two party system is antiquated, oligarchy, and truly abominable. The Independent American mind is needed in American politics. Truth, probity, honesty, and integrity is essential and will bring forth transparency in government. . People like Walter Griffith cannot and should not be sequestered.” (Proverbs 11:3) The integrity of the upright guides them.
“You can’t pick a better day than Independence Day to give people a chance to participate in bringing more freedom to our political system” says Betsy Summers, chair for the Northeast PA Libertarians.
Carl Romanelli, Luzerne County Green Party Co-chair concluded, "The Green Party, Libertarian Party and Independent candidates are working hard to assure voters have real choices on the ballot this November. Despite the barriers, we continue to forge ahead. The Independence Day effort is not only practical in a logistical sense, but also re-affirms our determination to pursue the rights we are supposed to be guaranteed by the US and Pennsylvania Constitutions."

WILKES BARRE BUDGET

It took a while but the Wilkes Barre Area School board passed its budget. It was 8 million dollars short And there will be a tax increase, but the budget is in. The votes lined up 6 to 3. Oh for the old days when the votes were 9-zip. Not. There was a 4-4 vote Tuesday night with Doctor Robert Corcoran absent. But Thursday the naysayers were
Maryanne Toole, Lynn Evans and Christine Katsock. Phil Latinski who has shown great leadership on the board changed his vote and Corcoran voted yes also. The rest of the board, Joe Moran, Jim Fisher, Gary Polakowski and newcomer Mark Schiowitz also voted in the affirmative.
The budget keeps a 1.9 percent property tax hike that was in the budget originally raising the rate to 15.3684 mills. A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of assessed value. The budget weighs in at $97.6 million. Who says being a School Director is a piece of cake?

MAYOR REMEMBERED

Conrad J. Wittig, 87, former Mayor Of Conyingham Borough died on Wednesday night. He served as mayor for 20 years. He was formerly a manager at Sears. The Mayor was known for his big smile and constant boosting of the Borough and its people. He will be missed.