The LuLac Edition #2213, October 1st, 2012

10th Congressional District candidate Phil Scollo. 

SCOLLO CHALLENGES MARINO 

In an open letter shared with the media, businessman Phil Scollo has challenged his opponent Rep. Tom Marino to three debates. Mr. Scollo has asked that one debate focus on Medicare and one on jobs. The third debate will be hosted by WVIA. Mr. Scollo has accepted WVIA's invitation and as has become Mr. Marino's custom, there has been no public comment from him or his handlers. “The people deserve to hear directly from their elected officials. After all, they are elected by the people, to work for the people," said Scollo. "The importance of this election cannot be overstated. The tenth district is facing hard times and Washington DC is a mess. I look forward to debating Mr. Marino on the issues that matter most to regualr people and letting the voters decide who is best to represent us." Scollo stressed the need for an open debate. “I do not believe Tom Marino has done a good job protecting jobs or protecting Medicare,” Scollo said, “nor do I think he has made himself available enough to answer the tough questions on these issues. I hope he will take this opportunity to offer voters an informed choice come November.” 

Phil Scollo left Wall Street to start a small business in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He learned hard work and public service early from a New York City Fire Fighter, his father. His business, a management-consulting firm, has served all types of organizations from global corporations to small businesses and government agencies. Phil has lived in Dingman Township, Pennsylvania since 1998 with his wife, Karen. He is the proud father of three children. A summa cum laude graduate of St. John’s University, Phil holds a B.S. in Government and Politics.

Our debate logo. 

11th and 17th DEBATES SET 

While Tom Marino seems to be not responding to Phil Scollo’s invitation, there are two debates that will take place in Wilkes Barre next week with candidates from the 11th and 17th Districts. In reality these are not really debates but forums where candidates can express their views and opinions. Here’s the article that ran in the Times Leader the other day.  
The Times Leader and Wilkes University will host forums for the U.S. congressional candidates running for election in November to serve the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Hazleton, and Gene Stilp, candidates in the 11th Congressional District, will take part in a forum at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8. A forum for Matt Cartwright and Laureen Cummings, candidates in the 17th Congressional District, will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 10. The forums will be open to the public and will be held at Wilkes University in Room 101 of the Stark Learning Center, 150-180 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. Seating in the auditorium-style room will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Free parking will be available in the Wilkes lot behind the Henry Student Center, located at 84 W. South St. Both forums can be viewed live on WYLN-TV Channel 7. Rebroadcast times and dates will be announced.  
WYLN can be seen on Service Electric Channel 7 in both Hazleton and Wilkes Barre. You can be certain there will be plentiful rebroadcasts of this community event.

The Luzerne County Courthouse. 

WHO’S THE BOSS? 

It was only a matter of time before the very first cracks in unity were being struck on the Luzerne County Council. Certain Council members, most notably the Urbans are saying that timely weekly reports about what the County manager is doing would be just fine and dandy. But Gene Kelleher and Harry Haas, both Republicans and Jim Bobeck say that it is necessary for Lawton to executive the vision of the Council., not give them a report on the buts and bolts of every decision. The job of the County Council is to hire the guy who runs the day to day operations and then get reports from him every few months. But this week to week thing is a little silly. It’s like the owner of a baseball team demanding pitching charts before every rotation’s turn in the season. But you knew this had to happen in this county where the elbows are sharp, the trust is low and ambition is never found wanting Lawton needs to push back a bit. The voters backed the charter, they elected the Council members (some for better, others for worse) and he has to run the ball. But if anyone had the over under for October, you are in good shape with that bet. .