The LuLac Edition #2204, September 22nd, 2012

Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith. (Citizen's Voice Photo).

AUTHORITY REVIEW 

The Times Leader reports that Controller Walter Griffith wants to use his powers as Controller to take a look at the Mohegan Sun Arena Authority. What prompted the look see was the announcement recently that the Arena was going to add an in house restaurant. Competing businesses in and around the facility have already expressed displeasure. My take on it is this, in house facility restaurants have not proven to be huge moneymakers in this area. Just look to the Lackawanna County Stadium/PNC Field for proof. Many restaurants like this are overpriced, have “b” quality food and don’t do well on “non event” days. On the day of the event, sure there will be an influx of people using it. But in this area, it better be relatively inexpensive, the food better be good and plentiful and the service better be impeccable. Like any new bar that opens up in LuLac land, for a few weeks everyone goes there. But as time goes on, business will dwindle. First time eatery goers inside of the Arena will always be there but again, as time goes on, people will gravitate back to their favorites. This area is littered with “can’t miss” restaurants. Getting back to Griffith and his look at Authorities, it should be noted that in the past some major financial abuses have come from Authorities set up. A perfect example is the Scranton Parking Authority that is deeply in the hole. Yet that didn’t stop the Authority from paying huge salaries to people who evidently have not produced. The one thing to remember about the Arena Authority board is that most of its money comes from the Hotel Room Tax. For years the hotels around here fought tooth and nail against a room tax making outrageous claims that visitors would balk at paying a tax and that they’d all go under. Well, despite their negativity, people don’t really care that they might spend more money for a tax because even the most unsophisticated traveler understands that. With the room tax money came a huge influx of money. 22 million dollars worth. It is only right that people know where it went and where it is going. Griffith’s promise to loom into the operations was greeted with a response of mixed cooperation. Griffith’s actions are a notice to this authority and others in Luzerne County that the days of doing what you please are in the rear view mirror.

11th Congressional candidate Gene Stilp with his Giant Medicare Wheelchair . It is pink of course. 

STILP'S NEW STUNT

Gene Stilp Reaffirms Commitments To Medicare And Social Security Stilp Receives Endorsement Of Pennsylvania AFSCME 

11thCongressional District Democratic Nominee Gene Stilp received the endorsement of Pennsylvania AFSCME  and re-affirmed his commitment to preserving Medicare and Social Security. Speaking before a large group of AFSCME retirees, Mr. Stilp stated that he does not support any system of vouchers or anything that will weaken Medicare. Likewise, he affirmed that he does not support any program to privitize Social Security. Mr. Stilp said, “It is vital that Medicare and Social Security, the systems that provide a safety net for our seniors be preserved and strengthened. I am against any plan, such as the Ryan Budget, that would slash both programs. My opponent, Lou Barletta voted for the Ryan Budget and has failed to protect our Seniors.” Mr. Stilp made his statements in front of a 15 foot wheelchair to illustrate what the Ryan Budget and the Republican Congress would do to these programs. “Mr. Barletta and the Republican Congress would make Medicare and Social Security as easy to negotiate for seniors as getting into this wheelchair.” 
Stilp press release.