The LuLac Edition #2048, May 8th, 2012

Mario Fiorucci addressing the attendees at his annual "State of the World" event in Sugarnotch.  (Photo: Times Leader)

STATE OF THE WORLD RECAP 

Mario Fiorucci has done it again. This past Sunday, the Sugarnotch official brought together a myriad of thinkers and presenters that gave their opinions on where civilization is headed. The event was not without fun and music at his sprawling estate on Main Street in the notch. The Times Leader's Ralph Nardone  reported on the event and here is part of what went on. “This is open to all people who wish to speak,” Fiorucci said. Speakers included poets, authors, musicians and activists from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania with unique passions for change. Fiorucci, who serves as a borough councilman in Sugar Notch, said the event offers those who may be afraid to speak out against their local government a chance to do so. At the borough council meetings people tend to show up only when a large event that charges the community’s interest looms, he said. Meetings can become very long as a list of speakers line up for the public-input portion, he added. Otherwise, most people either can’t get the time to attend meetings or are afraid of a “push back” from local officials if they become a thorn in the officials’ side. But Fiorucci emphasizes that becoming a thorn is not something to avoid. Local governments in Northeastern Pennsylvania are run very “inefficiently,” Fiorucci said, hindering true progress. There seems to be more concern with taking care of the people in power than the taxpayers, he said. “They like to butter their own bread,” Fiorucci said. More public involvement can result in better-run government, especially on the local level, he said. 
Fiorucci has been a long time advocate of good government and free speech. Last year, he ran in the primary for Luzerne County Council. The State of the World is an event that attracts people of all ages and political persuasions. Once you go, I swear you’ll attend again. Fiorucci has not stated whether he will continue the event he has held for 13 years. But for now, the early springtime forum is a “must go” for activists of all stripes. 

FUN AT KING’S 

The Citizen’s Voice ran a front page story on the kids at King’s partying in the neighborhood of North Main Street. Before I begin, let me tell you that my next door neighbors this year are a group of fine young men who are always willing to help and be very friendly. The story went on to recount how sometimes rowdy King’s students make loud noises while going from house to house and causing consternation on weekends. Kids are going to be kids and during the light of day are respectful of people and property. At a recent party, an individual was stabbed and taken to the hospital. That was a situation, fueled by alcohol that could have been worse. But it should be pointed out that when copious amounts of alcohol flow, it is sometimes hard for the hosts to keep track of who is coming and going. Most times the problems are caused by casual visitors who have no connection to the student renters. As a resident, I only ask that if there is a party, the hosts know who is in their house. During St. Patrick’s day weekend, my next door neighbors started a party at 10AM and worked their way down the street. It was orderly, loud but controlled. That’s the way to do it. King’s has also policed some of their students and that is a good thing. So while there is noise and drinking, it’s not as bad as it used to be (he says holding his breath as he writes this). Mayor Tom Leighton told the Voice "I think we're at the lower end of the spectrum with problems”.  Well then maybe next semester, the kids can rent a house on Reliance Drive and treat the Mayor and his neighbors to the sights and sounds of college partying. I’ll bet some of my neighbors on North Main Street would kick in a few bucks for the deposit. In the meantime, I hope the students show as much respect as I had this year from my good neighbors. Have a good summer guys.