The LuLac Edition #2542, October 21st, 2013

THE CAMPAIGN HEATS UP

NAACP MEETING 

The Wilkes Barre NAACP met with candidates for the Wilkes Bare Area School Board on Saturday. From all accounts Christine Katsock and Kathy Grinaway knocked it out of the park. Any rumors of a split between the two have to be put to rest. Both were seen engaged in conversation and banter. Katsock answered the questions fielded to her with the expertise of a someone on the board who has been paying attention.
Joe Caffrey who won a double nomination along with Katsock and Denise Thomas made no bones about the fact that he was an educator and stated educators bring an expertise in education to the board. Denise Thomas and challenger Ned Evans spoke about security issues and said that the installation of better security would keep students safe. I can see their point but one must remember that there was security at Sandy Hook and those children did die. What bothers me about these two and their security issue is that I wonder if Hawkeye Security will be in the mix if they get their way. That would bother taxpayers too.
On the board’s hiring policy, Evans said he want to be more hands on personally to see what applicants can bring to the table. Again, I’m scratching my head over this. If my neighbor from across the street is applying for a job, as a School Board member do I really want to be that hands on?
Political insiders and parents that were on hand were impressed with Grinaway who said that minority students in the district needed role models that they could communicate with. Ron Felton, the organization’s President said that two candidates of color applied in Wilkes Barre but were rebuffed. They are now teaching in Bethlehem. Grinaway said the hiring policy has to be more inclusive to reflect the needs of the students. She also referenced the need for smarter spending so that the Wilkes Barre Area Taxpayers would see value for their investment.

BEDNAR EVENTS

Michele Bednar, candidate for County Controller had to fundraisers this weekend. Saturday was the one for the big shots at Isabella's for $50.00 bucks a pop and Sunday there was a Meet and Greet at The Red Mill for $8.00. I really wanted to attend this one because at Blogfest, I fell in love with the Red Mill, especially the deck! And my fellow blogger Gort 42 was there too. Bednar is racing around the County to get her name out there. These events helped.

SOROKAS EVENT

Eileen Sorokas had a fine event on Sunday afternoon at Januzzi’s in Mountaintop. The event was well attended by County Council candidates of both parties. Rich Heffron, Mike Giamber, and Renee Ciaruffoli Taffera were on hand. I had a very long talk with Taffera who said running for office has been a very rewarding experience. She said that not many people realize the grind and commitment it takes to run and serve. She expressed kudos to those who came before her in politics. Eileen Sorokas was resplendent in orange and was beaming as her brother Bob Pepich brought in the Mountaintop crowd to lend support. GOP candidates Kathy Dobash and Linda Rossi made the scene. Dobash was coming from work and Rossi made the rounds. Council member Ed Brominski worked the room and as I sat with some attendees, one marveled and said, “Look, he goes to every table, every person, look he’s even talking to the waitress who most likely can’t even vote yet. He talks to everyone and then after that, he gets something to eat. Now that’s pro” the man said. Someone from the next table piped up and said, “No, that’s Bromo”. 

Congressman Matt Cartwright stopped by to meet and greet the crowd. The Congressman said he was glad to be home after being held hostage in Washington. Cartwright's entrance capped off a very successful rally. 

Here Sorokas greeted the crowd and outlined her reasons for running for County Council. 

Om the way in, I chatted with candidates Sorokas and Heffron and County Councilman Edd Brominski. 

Shortly before Congressman Cartwrighhty arrived, Mike Giamber, Richard "Kick" Heffron, Renee Ciaruffoli Taffera, Eileen Sorokas and I posed for a photo. 

GOP candidates Kathy Dobash and Linda Rossi shared a moment on the campaign trail. Both are working as many events in the County as they could. 

 This photo was not taken at any political event yesterday but at Dunkin' Donuts near the Woodlands. I met up with my old friend Jim O'Meara and when I walked in, I saw my old friend from Star Fitness Jim Alu. When I could walk, and when I worked at Rock 107, every morning I'd work out over at Star Fitness. Jim was an instructor over there and helped me immensely. I do miss working out and his friendship. But life and illness got in the way.

KEELEY’S ALE HOUSE EVENT

Tonight there was a event at Keeley’s Ale House in Kingston. The event was well attended and Council candidates Heffron, Ciaruffoli Taffera, Giamber and Sorokas were on hand. Wilkes Barre City Controller Kathy Kane was on hand as well as other politicos I’m hard pressed to name. But as always, Edd Brominski was at the scene. The event was held at the old Pileggi’s on Division Street and the pasta sauce brought back memories for many of the signature dish served there, Rigatoni and Meatballs. The candidates took off for an event forum later on in the night.

Two Wilkes Barre political trailblazers and icons. Eileen Sorokas with Wilkes Barre City Controller Kathy Kane. 

With Eileen Sorokas, Renee Ciaruffoli Taffera and her good friend Diane from Laflin Borough Crime Watch.

It was a reunion of the boys from the demolished St. John the Baptist Church and Slovak School. From left to right, Joe Sciandra, me and County Council candidate Mike Giamber. Joe and I remembered the name of all of the nuns. There might be a reason for that!

CAROLEE ON THE ROAD

If you are heading up Route 309, you’ll see Carolee Medico Olenginski on a huge rotating digital billboard. It makes the point.

WILLIAMS AND DEFABO ON TV

Independent candidate Rick Williams and GOP member Paul DeFabo are putting their ads up on TV. Both are sensational and are very professional.

GRINAWAY ON SERVICE ELECTRIC

The media mainstay of many a political campaign now has a Kathy Grinaway for School Director ad up. Grinaway, a Democrat nabbed the GOP nomination in the spring primary and is facing off with former district employee Ned Evans.The ad can be seen on Service Electric Channel 19.