The LuLsc Edition #2666, May 29th, 2014

JFK @ 97

JFK and Caroline. (Photo: Flagler.com). 

Today would have been John F. Kennedy’s 97th birthday. More than a half century after his death, he is still the greatest meeting of politics and pop culture in America of an individual elected to office.

HELP TOM WOLF RELOAD

Tom Wolf in Scranton earlier in the year. (Photo: Mrs. LuLac).

During the primary campaign, Democratic candidate for Governor Tom Wolf put up a great effort to win the Democratic nomination. Now he needs help reloading the coffers because you just know the special interest groups are writing the checks to keep Governor Tom Corbett in office. If you’d like to see a change, pony up a few bucks. Here’s the link to help Mr. Wolf reload for the fall.
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/tom-wolf-governor-contribute?refcode=homepage

DEATH PENALTY REWIND

There really has to be a rewind regarding the death penalty in this country. The recent news from Lackawanna County District Attorney Andy Jarbola was jarring because by law in this state he can’t ask for the death penalty in the killing of cab driver Vincent Darbenzio. The man was buried yesterday and I was scratching my head when I heard a fellow cabbie say that the alleged killer was known to them. Maybe some people should look into why the cab owner did not take more precautions. Just saying.
Getting back to Jarbola’s comment, the state law is insane. A life sentence without parole to some prisoners is an open invitation to kill again. There should be a fair trial, one appeal and then swift death in cases like this.
The 16 year old ghansta is strutting around in prison while the father of two lies cold in a grave- dead. There has to be a change.

CARTWRIGHT ASKS FOR WAIT TIME

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives). 

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright drafted a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki, requesting information on wait times experienced at VA health care facilities throughout the Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, which includes the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center.
“It is truly unsettling to see the latest report that 29 VA medical facilities are under investigation by the Inspector General, as well as allegations of schemes to misreport patient wait time data at VA facilities across the country,” Rep. Cartwright said. “Our nation’s veterans deserve the finest care and support that we can provide to them. Anything else is unacceptable.”
In addition to Cartwright’s letter to Secretary Shinseki, he has also joined colleagues in the U.S. House in a letter to Secretary Shinseki urging a comprehensive audit of the entire Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter is being led by U.S. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-1).

MEDIA MATTERS

For those who missed it, here’s my appearance on WBRE TV’s Daybreak the day after election. The segments are broken down into the various races.

ECTV

ECTV Live co-host Rusty Fender will be taking a break for the next few weeks. Host and Producer David DeCosmo will welcome Rev. Stephen Perillo to the program during the week of June 2nd to talk about an ongoing concert series offered by "Making A Difference Ministries."ECTV Live is seen on Comcast Cable Ch19 and is run near and Noon and Midnight timeslots throughout the week. Additional showings are offered on selected days at 6pm.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine
Brian Hughes speaks with Todd Thorne about his struggles with RSD, and how you can help thru his Fundraiser dot com campaign.
Brian speaks with Camile Fioti and Betty Sorchik, who discuss the "Market on the Pond" event, coming up on June 14th at the Meadows Nursing Center in Dallas.
And for the aspiring author and book lovers, Brian speaks with Lewis Frumkes, Director of the Writing Center at Hunter College in New York, about their upcoming Writers Conference.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X, 6:25am on Magic 93, and 7am on True Oldies 590, WARM.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week on Community Forum we will discuss local PennDOT projects with District 4 Press Manager James May. You'll hear the program Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA Sports Radio-The Game 1340/1400 am and 100.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

Our 1974 logo.

1974

NASA's ATS-6 satellite is launched…………..Impeachment hearings continue in Washington, D.C. and in the Commonwealth, rock concerts abound. Frank Zappa plays at Edinboro College in May and progressive hard rock stations start to dominate the FM dial………in politics Republican nominee Drew Lewis vows to make incumbent Milton Shapp a one term Governor…in Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo endorsees the Shapp-Kline ticket even though at one time he was rumored to be interested in the Governor’s job…in Luzerne County Controller Steve Yanoshak says he will run for County Commissioner in 1975. Yanoshak, defeated for Controller in ’73 still got the job because the Courts deemed Joseph Tirpak could not serve because he was the Assistant County budget director when elected and forty years ago the number one song in America and LuLac land was Rock the Boat by the The Hues Corporation. Many say that this song might have been the precursor for that great American music art form, DISCO!

The LuLac Edition #2665, May 28th, 2014

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

RADIO HOST GEORGE GRAHAM’S ‘MIXED BAG’ PROGRAM SOUNDS FRESH AT 40

From the Wilkes Barre Times Leader an editorial on our friend George Graham's four decade run on WVIA FM.
For 40 years, WVIA radio host George Graham has treated listeners to a show called “Mixed Bag” – billed as “your program of musical discovery.”
Graham hit the four-decade milestone earlier this month and kept right on grooving, showing no indication that the Luzerne County-based public radio station’s longest-running program has run its course. Through the years, he’s won admirers for painstakingly selecting and playing tunes generally “not heard elsewhere on the airwaves,” much to the appreciation of a Northeastern Pennsylvania niche audience. And along the way, he’s probably influenced more than one young person to pursue a musical career, or at least develop an appreciation for a previously unfamiliar musical style.
During a regular feature called “Homegrown Music,” he doesn’t shy from bluegrass or fusion, reggae, jazz or New Age. As long as it’s original, or an original take on the traditional, he’ll play rock and jazz, too.
Friday nights, he accepts listener requests, too. (Sorry, no commercial pop, hip-hop or grunge.)
In one instance, Graham’s eclectic show motivated a woman to begin spinning tracks. “My musical tastes are still shaped by what I heard as a teen on Mixed Bag in the early 1980s,” states an online comment posted by Penny Richards in recognition of the program’s recent anniversary. “Was a DJ in college and grad school, partly because Mixed Bag made it sound so fun. Thanks, George Graham!”
Perhaps most memorable are “Mixed Bag” theme shows, in which all the songs presented are loosely tied to, for instance, the arrival of spring or, as was the case one evening at the start of the Great Recession, the stock market’s sudden sell-off.
While we can’t match the master at his trade, we can mimic as a means of paying tribute to his dedication, indeed, devotion. Here, then, is a brief playlist with titles chosen in honor of Graham’s 40-year run on “Mixed Bag.”
• “Duquesne Whistle.” We had to stretch for a song referencing Carbondale – Graham’s hometown in Lackawanna County – but Bob Dylan, as usual, came to the rescue when all hope seemed lost. (For the record, some people will dispute it’s a reference to the Pennsylvania city.)
• “Duke of Earl,” as a shout-out to the place where Graham attended college: Duke University. (Sure, we could have gone with the university’s alma mater, but “Dear Old Duke” isn’t as lively.)
• “Electric Boogie,” also known as the “Electric Slide,” as a nod to his course of study: electrical engineering. A suitable substitute in this slot would be anything by ELO, the Electric Light Orchestra. Perhaps “Mr. Blue Sky.”
• Anything by The Beatles. Because no playlist seems complete without it.
• “My Way.” We’re not sure Graham has, or would aspire to have, Frank Sinatra’s swagger. This song choice simply serves to remind that the radio host didn’t bow to convention. Thank goodness.

The LuLac Edition #2664, May 26th, 2014

Our “Maybe I’m Amazed” logo.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that every single time I get close to thinking that yes, maybe the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment, our region is confronted by another senseless murder with the alleged killer showing no remorse. It is then that I instantly go right back to my stance on capital punishment. Kill the scum. I understand that there have been people executed unjustly and I think there are provisions in the justice system to grant a stay. But this recent murder of a cab driver in Scranton by a sub human loser tears it. Vincent Darbenzio was doing everything right, the father of two, trying to get by and supporting his family. His life was cut short by a senseless act of violence. It wasn’t even a robbery but a petty act by a gangsta wanna bee who shot dead his chauffeur because he couldn’t walk his lazy 16 year old ass to government housing in Scranton.In debt ridden Scranton. Justice should be thorough and in cases where there is room for error, it should be slow. In this case though, justice should be swift and final.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that the next shot you see of the alleged killer of the Scranton cab driver will be the little punk all cleaned up, saying he was on drugs and supported by his family and bleeding heart advocates who will tell us how tough this little creep had it growing up. Yeah he had it tough, he had the wherewithal to have a gun (ask the average 16 year what they are packing today!!!) and showed absolutely no remorse. When the court appointed defense attorneys paid for by you and me with our tax dollars starts telling us how sad this thug’s upbringing was, let’s just hope and pray that no one sees through this psychopath’s act. This piece of garbage says he loves his family, he better because they are the only ones who right now can stand his pathetic, cowardly, rotted, evil guts.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that the most no hit team in the history of Major League Baseball are the Philadelphia Phillies The Fightin’s became the latest victim the other night against the Dodgers’ Josh Beckett. It took 14 years for Beckett to get his no hitter and I guess that makes it all the sweeter for him.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that the Pacific Ocean is eight inches higher than the Atlantic Ocean at the Panama Canal. The reason some say is due to the water being less dense on average on the Pacific side and due to the prevailing weather and ocean conditions. Such sea.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that Governor Tom Corbett’s second in command out polled him on primary election day by getting 27,000 more votes. That might get even me to change my thoughts on the Penna. Cycle in terms of Gubernatorial elections.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..speaking of Tom Corbett, how about that Executive order this cat gave to let gas drilling begin on State Park lands?? Are you kidding me? Christmas just keeps coming earlier and earlier for the Tom Wolf for Governor campaign.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that every single day the American people are told to step up for those who are poor. That we are told to step up for the groups the government is supposed to be taking care of. . Fair enough. Volunteerism is good. But last I looked most working Americans pay their taxes. High taxes. Maybe if the government was a tad more efficient, stopped giving money to countries that consistently knife us in the back and managed itself better there might not be a need for everybody to “step up”, Just saying The promise of the Obama administration was to get our own house in order. Still waiting on that one.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED….that an average of 3 billion cups of tea are consumer daily worldwide.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that Lackawanna County voters defeated Home Rule. I really thought the ad campaign would have a huge impact. But then again as I said on WBRE TV Wednesday morning, maybe they needed a few more tries to accomplish the goal. People complain about their government but are afraid to go over the cliff with any new changes.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED….at how much I enjoyed the semi series finale of Made Men. The rest of the episodes of this series finale will be aired in 2015. Robert Morris was written out of the show but went out with a song and dance routine that was reminiscent of his iconic role in “How To Succeed In Business Without Trying”.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….as I wonder just what “The Birthers” who are still convinced President Obama is not a U.S. citizen will do when Texas Senator Ted Cruz, born in Canada runs for President. Bet there will not be a big fuss about that. Those “birthers”, they just hate those Hawaiians!
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that the iconic Indianapolis 500 still has a base of fans in this country. A few dear friends of mine park themselves in front of the TV the Sunday before Memorial Day. It’s their Super Bowl and it was a good one.

The LuLac Edition #2663, May 26th, 2014

The LuLac Edition #2662, May 22nd, 2014

THE VETERAN ISSUE

Were there problems at certain VA facilities? Yes. Did they need to happen? Certainly not. But before you start putting this on the current administration, consider this list of Senators who voted no to aid veterans. Yet these guys thump their chest about the military and the debt they paid. But that debt doesn’t extend to follow through after the fact of service. John Boehner can turn on the water works all he wants but these are the names that have said no. Cry over that John!

GOP CLAMBAKE

Our friend Steve Urbanski sent us this invite. Thought I’d pass it along with his blessing.
Urbanski Farms Clambake 14 is this Sunday at Urbanski Farms, Mountain Top, PA. Gates open at 11AM. The weather looks good 72 degrees and only a 10% chance of rain. Come join us for the fun. Deena Urbanski Memorial Raft Race. Little Wapwallopen Duck Derby, Softball, Volleyball, Clams and lots of food, Live Entertainment, and the Spam Barbecue.

THE RACE IN THE 17TH

Just an observation on the race for Congress in the 17th District. Matt Cartwright is of course the incumbent and faced no opposition in his primary. The Republican party had three candidates. I had the pleasure of meeting two of them. Matt Dietz and Matt Connolly. Both were two young dynamic men who might have had a puncher’s chance at the first term Democrat.
Connolly already had outside national funding lined up. Dietz most likely could have received comparable aid. But what the GOP did here was have a primary. They love their primaries!
When my friends Jimmy O’Meara, Susan Zakowski and Tiffany Cloud ran their “Issues and Eggs” forum in Dupont, I did not get a chance to ask this question of both Mr. Dietz and Mr. Connolly,
It was “Mr. (insert name here,) Connolly or Dietz, he seems like a fine fellow. Young, energetic, well spoken, why are you running against him, isn’t this the type of guy you could support?”
In Tuesday’s primary Connolly got about 6969 votes and change. Dietz got about 4130 for a total of 11,399 combined.
The third candidate, Schuylkill County Coroner David Moylan who we never saw here in Lulac land and who did not even have the interest to fill out a questionnaire from the League of Women voters got 9209 votes.
So if one candidate had run against the Schuylkill County candidate, they might have won. A spirited debate between the liberal Cartwright and a Conservative like Connolly or Dietz was denied.
Two things here, competition is good but when you a minority party in a district, why can’t you pick one candidate? Connolly and Dietz were here. Connolly especially was busting his ass, engaging people. Why would anyone in this District bother to vote for someone in the Fall who never showed up?
Congressman Cartwright……take your seat. The GOP just handed you a pass.

CARTWRIGHT ON MARRIAGE BAN DECISION

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo LuLac archives).

Statement by Congressman Matt Cartwright on Gay Marriage Ban Ruling in Pennsylvania
Washington, D.C. –Congressman Matt Cartwright issued the following statement today after U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III ruled Pennsylvania’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional:
“I have known Judge Jones for many years and was privileged to practice as a lawyer in his courtroom. I applaud Judge Jones’s decision finding Pennsylvania’s discriminatory ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and appropriately tossed aside. With today’s historic ruling, Pennsylvania joins a growing number of other states in recognizing that everyone should be treated equally under the law.

KANE ON GAY MARRIAGE DECISION 

 State Attorney General Kathleen Kane. (Photo: LuLac archives)

State Attorney General Kathleen Kane on the Gay Marriage Ruling: This is an historic day. More importantly, today brings justice to Pennsylvanians who have suffered from unequal protection under the law because of their sexual orientation. When state-sponsored inequality exists, citizens are deprived of the full protections that the Constitution guarantees. Our Commonwealth progressed today and so have the hopes and dreams of many who suffer from inequality.
Today, in Pennsylvania, the Constitution prevailed. Inequality in any form is unacceptable and it has never stood the test of time. I have remained steadfast in my decision not to defend Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act because I made a legal determination as to the unconstitutionality of this law. I am pleased that a learned legal mind such as Judge Jones ruled similarly."

GOVERNOR CORBETT ON THE COURT RULING

Governor Tom Corbett. (Photo: Cleveland.com.)

Oakie Doakie!!!

MEDIA MATTERS 

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week on Community Forum we will discuss the D-Day exhibit now open at the Everhart Museum in Scranton. Mike Remish hosts Sunday at 6 am on 94.3 The Talker, 6:30 am on NEPA's Sports Radio-The Game 1340/1400am and 100.7 fm, and at 7:30 am on 105 The River

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

ECTV

There's a lot of FREE activities scheduled through the Spring and Summer at Libraries throughout Lackawanna County and ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender will review the list with Library Director Mary Garm on the May 26th series of programs. ECTV Live is aired on Comcast Cable Ch19 throughout the week. The program is presented each day during the Noon and Midnight hours with some additional showings on selected days at 6pm.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

STORM POLITICS MILITARY MARATHON 

WYLN TV's Tiffany Cloud's program "The Storm" will feature shows all day Memorial Day outlining Veteran's stories. The shows start at 10:30am and continues until 6pm on WYLN TV 35.  

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

Our 1974 logo

1974

DUKE ELLINGTON DIES

As a young music fan, I had a working knowledge of Duke Ellington. Having grown up in the 60s, I regularly watched Ed Sullivan and other variety shows. Despite the problems with discrimination in the U.S. at that time, the Duke always had a seat at the entertainment table. When I went to college at King’s and started working t the radio station WRKC FM, I got an appreciation for Ellington doing an afternoon jazz show. I regularly got letters from the inmates at Chase prison and was exposed to their thoughts on the masters of jazz. Forty years ago this week Duke Ellington passed away. 

As a 20 year old I was stunned that each TV network at 11:30PM ran a half hour tribute to Ellington. The last time they did that was when Lyndon Johnson had died in 1973. People of my parent’s age, all white were sad and nostalgic at the same time. Murmurs of phrases like “That was real music” abounded all around me. Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. but made his mark at the Cotton Club in New York. In the 30s the Ellington band became famous worldwide by touring Europe. 

Jazz history, even music history was made in 1941 when Ellington collaborated with Billy Strayhorn. The duo worked on the most popular, brilliant and iconic jazz tunes of all time. In the 50s, the Ellington band had a renaissance at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island. Ellington became a staple in movies, most record labels, late night TV talk show and Variety hours.
The Duke was said to have elevated Jazz to an art form. What it did was put his brand of music into the mainstream so that most thinking people could enjoy it. He was eloquent and had that touch of class.

One of the big regrets of my life is that I never saw Ellington. My friend, “Duke” from Dallas actually got his nickname for his devotion to the man. Mrs. LuLac and her mother saw him perform in the late 60s at a fair in Berks County. The closest I got was to see his grandson at the Kirby.

It has been reported that his last words were, "Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered At his funeral, attended by over 12,000 people at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Ella Fitzgerald summed up the occasion, "It's a very sad day. A genius has passed [ Indeed.

In Pennsylvania, Governor Milton Shapp, and his Lt. Governor bask in the renomination for a second term in Harrisburg, the GOP will be putting up Drew Lewis and State Representative Ken Lee…in the 120th District in Kingston, Democrat Kevin Nelson will square off against incumbent Frank O’Connell….and forty years ago this week the number on song in LuLac land and America was Midnight at the Oasis by Maria Muldaur.

The LuLac Edition #2661, May 20th, 2014

2014 ELECTION WRAP UP

WOLF WINS

WOLF VOTE MIRRORS CARTWRIGHT 2012 WIN IN LULAC LAND 

It used to be that when the Democratic power brokers, you know the State Senators and the Teachers Union big wigs went for a candidate, Democrats fell in line like good foot soldiers. But things changed in 2012 when the Democratic wise men said, "Tim Holden, not Cartwright".
Rank and file Democrats chose Cartwright for their Congressman.
This year Democrats were told Rob McCord is our guy for Governor. The teachers unions said "It's Rob". Local Democrats said, nope. Instead,  a groundswell began for Tom Wolf. His first hire was Exeter Mayor Cassandra Coleman Corcoran. She had to twist arms to get an audience with the powers that be to even introduce Wolf. Yep, Wolf is good but we want McCord.
Nope.
Democrats, a free thinking bunch voted for Wolf.
A shout out to Coleman, and Representatives Eddie Day Pashinski, Phyllis Mundy and Attorney Bill Vinsko for coming out for Wolf. In Lackawanna County a shout out to former Commissioner Mike Washo, and Recorder of Deeds Evie Refalko McNulty for standing tall for Wolf.
What's that pitter patter of little feet you hear? The big shots trying to get on the Wolf bandwagon.
Congrats to Mr. Wolf.

Tom Wolf entering the Stadium in York driving the Jeep.

Tom Wolf making his way to the podium.

GOVERNOR’S RACE 

WOLF (D) CORBETT (R) 

LT. GOVERNOR’S RACE 

STACK (D)  CAWLEY (R) 

112th LEGISLATIVE

FARINA  (D) 

113TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 

FLYNN (D) LISI (R) 

117th LEGISLATIVE

BOBACK (R) DICKSON (D)

119th LEGISLATIVE 

MULLERY  (D)

120th LEGISLATIVE 

CIPRIANI (D) KAUFER (R)

17TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

MOYLAN  (R) CARTWRIGHT (D)

LACKAWANNA CHARTER

NOPE!!!

The LuLac Edition #2660, May 19th, 2014

THE BIG SHOW IS COMING TO AN END

The tour of the four Democratic rock stars who are trying to unseat Governor Tom Corbett is coming to an end. Will the charter members of Sgt. Commonwealth’s Lonely Heart Club Band be smiling or simmering come Wednesday morning?

Election Day is the time they will need a lot of help from all of their friends!

You know where I stand, make your choice!

The LuLac Edition #2659, May 19th, 2014

THIS AND THAT,  IN THE HOME STRETCH 

LT. GOVERNOR CANDIDATE VISITS 

Candidate for Lt. Governor Brad Koplinski.

Brad Koplinski, a Democrat running for Pennsylvania Lt. Governor had a campaign stop and press conference near the Chapin Glycol Dehydration Station on Rt. 29 in Monroe Township today The conference will be at the Lewis home, one of the families involved in a 29 plaintiff lawsuit against Regency Energy Partners, current owners of the plant.
The Chapin Station has had a dozen incidents over the past year and a half including a noisy release of 5.2 million cubic feet of methane in the early morning hours the night before Thanksgiving last year.
Brad is the only candidate who favors a moratorium on gas drilling until it’s problems can be rectified.
“It is evident in Pennsylvania that the natural gas boom is encroaching on residential and agricultural areas. This problematic Chapin Glycol Dehydration Station is a prime example of bad decisions by Governor Tom Corbett and the legislators who voted yes to Act 13, which stripped away local zoning laws protecting these people. Taxing the industry is not enough to solve these problems. We need to protect our citizen’s by letting municipalities strengthen their local laws so that industrial facilities stay in designated industrial zones, so the people can have quiet enjoyment of their homes, without chemical trespass and other problems. The state constitution guarantees Pennsylvanians the right to clean air and water, and to preserve our natural recourses for generations to come, and I want to see that it is carried through.”
Brad Koplinski is a Democrat running for Lt. Governor tomorrow.

CHARTER CHANGE IN THE LAC

Here’s what you need to know:
Voters approved a Government Charter Commission to study the revamping of the Lackawanna County Government.
7 members were elected. Robert Weber, Michael Gianetta, Chuck Volpe, Mary Jo Sheridan); 1 David Wenzel); Jerry Notarianni); and Lyn Ruane.
Those 7 members including former GOP  Mayor Dave Wenszel and Democratic Party leader Jerry Notariani voted with the other five reformers to change the government to a 7 member panel with an elected manager.
Chuck Volpe the head of the effort has been criticized because people are saying he wants to be the king of the Lac. Same thing was said about Kingston Mayor Jim Haggerty in the Lu two years ago. He’s still the Mayor of Kingston.
Volpe has said he will not accept a position or do any business with the new government as long as he lives.
The current County Commissioners say the that there should not be a change.
The Scranton Times says the current form of government is okay too.
Both entities say its about the people not the form of Government. Same thing two guys, Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid said in Luzerne County 11 years ago. Beforer the crap hit the proverbial fan. 
This is all you need to know about the proposed change in government as you decide to vote in the Lac tomorrow.
As that noted philosopher Forrest Gump used to say, “That all I got to say about that!”

STATE COMMITTEE VOTING

Elections will be held tomorrow for State Committee members. Let’s start with the Lac because it is a more uncomplicated ballot. The Democrats must elect 3 males and three females. Those running:
Germaine Helcoski, Moosic.
Chris Musti, Scranton.
Stanley A Romanoski, Jr. Scranton.
Colleen Eagen Gerrity, Scranton.
Roxanne Pauline, Taylor.
Ryan P. Smith, Dunmore.
Kyle Donahue, Scrnton.
Frances Ann Gatto Romanoski, Scranton.
On the GOP side, you must pick one male, one female and a third of either gender. Those running are:
William T. Jones, South Abington Township.
Laureen A. Cumming, Old Forge.
M. Vincent Cruciani, Clarks Summit.
In the Lu, on the Democratic side you pick 3 men and three women: Here’s the line up.
Rebecca Sammon, Rice Twp.
Attorney Mike Cefalo, West Pittston
Coreen Milazzo, Jenkins Township.
Thomas Shubilla Plains.
John Zyla, Newport Twp.
Paul Dzinski, Wyoming Borough
Cassandra Coleman Corcoran Exeter
Paul J. Maher, Wilkes Barre.
On the GOP side:
Lynnete Villano, West Pittston.
Santo Agati. Harveys Lake
James O’Meara Senior Plains Twp.
William V. Lewis Jenkins Township
Stephen J. Urban Wilkes Barre
Lorri Vandermark Plymouth
David Baloga Lake Township
Margaret E. Phillips. Dallas, Twp.

MEDIA MATTERS

LuLac will be on Pa. Live tomorrow afternoon at 4pm with Dave Kuharchik and Jasmine Brooks. 

On the WBRE TV's Eyewittness News at Daybreak the day after election starting at 5am. . 

And on the Sue Henry program on WILK Radio at 9:30AM.

The LuLac Edition #2658, May 17th, 2014

HOT RACES PART 2

THERE'S NORMAL STATE REP RACES......THEN THERE'S THE CIRCUS IN THE 112TH

There are a few State House races that are up for election this Tuesday and I thought I’d give you a brief run down on each of them. We start in reverse order and start with the mundane and end with the ridiculous.

120TH

Edwardsville Councilman Gary Mack and Eileen Cipriani discuss the issues. (Photo: Citizen's Voice)

Eileen Cipriani vs. Gary Mack: When the popular multi term Representative retires and gives a prospective candidate a chunk of her campaign committee money, you know that is a pretty clear signal. Democrats in this district who were thinking of running like Attorney Laura Dennis and Exeter Mayor Cassandra Coleman quickly saw that handwriting on the wall. Dennis has a very good law practice and Coleman is working for the Wolf campaign. So Eileen Cipriani long time West Wyoming  Council member entered the fray as the front runner. She was joined by Edwardsville Councilman Gary Mack. Both have enviable records of service bringing professionalism to small town governments that were formerly controlled by hacks. But the edge has to go to Cipriani because of her money lead and ground game.

119th DISTRICT

Incumbent Gerry Mullery shakes hands with foe Tony Bonomo. (Photo: Citizen's Voice)

Gerry Mullery is a popular guy in Nanticoke. No one has a bad word to say about him. Tony Bonomo is a popular guy in Hazleton. No one has a bad word to say about him. These two nice guys face off in Tuesday’s primary in a restructured district. Like the merged 117th in the Lu and the 112th in the Lac, this district was a result of the Legislature kicking the can down the road. Mullery has his strength in Nanticoke, Bonomo has his in Hazleton. Mullery brings a gregarious incumbency punctuated by superior constituent service. There are people in his district who have changed party registration to the Dems because they felt guilty of even being registered by the opposite party. That how good Mullery’s office is.
Bonomo a three term school board member has said he ran because of the cuts he saw in education during the last few years. Mullery favors a severance tax on gas drillers, Bonomo thinks a tax  would raise the prices for consumers. Mullery says the Legislature should be reduced but Bonomo says there should be cuts across the board. While Bonomo will pull a good vote in the new section of this district, Mullery gets the edge. Both are nice guys but sadly one will finish last.

117th

Dr. Davis Haire. and incumbent Representative Karen Boback. (Photo: LuLac archives).

State Representative Karen Boback has been serving in the State Legislature for 4 terms. For whatever reasons Republicans have always wanted to knock her off and frankly I see no reason for it. Boback has compiled a record of fighting tax increases, good constituent service and keeping her finger on issues important to voters. She is the only state Representative I know who gives out her home phone number on the stump.
She is opposed by Dr. Davis Haire a Tunkhannock Eye Doctor who thinks he can do better. Haire has taken Boback to task on Legislative per diems but she fired back with what she takes as a Legislator. There are press releases flying, ads responding to ads and just a very tough atmosphere in a district that is loaded with Republicans. This race has boiled down to who is the true Conservative in the race. That’s all well and good but voters in that district want a Representative that can get things done, not meet some litmus test of political philosophy. I see Boback prevailing but having a tad more difficulty in the General against Democrat Laura Dixon as a result of this fight.

THE 112TH

State Representatives Kevin Haggerty, Frank Farina and former School Director Bob Munley. (Photos Times Tribune).

If there is a political hell for voters and candidates alike, it is the newly formed 112th District in Lackawanna County. Incumbent Kevin Haggerty won the seat in 2012 by beating incumbent Ken Smith. The collective candidacies of Haggerty, Frank Farina the current 115th District Representative and Bob Munley are making people gasp and pant for the return of tax deadbeat Smith.
This whole race is a circus and the three candidates running are totally unworthy of the voters in the district.
Let’s start with Bob Munley. A four term School Director of the Valley View School District, Munley stepped in because he saw an opportunity. But it appears that the Munley campaign is having difficulty finding its voice. Munley needs to articulate why he wants to be the Representative and so far saying he’s better than Farina and Haggerty is not going to cut it.  Especially since Munley’s education credentials were in question. Munley's campaign came on like gangbusters but right now there seems to be a break in the action. A challenger going after two incumbents needs to go full throttle at 95 miles an hour. For whatever reason, the Munley momentum has stalled.
Frank Farina stuck a bank for a loan, and has taken to using his little kid in a radio commercial that is truly horrendous. Farina should be grateful he benefited from the Mid Valley Miracle the last time out beating former County Commissioner Randy Castellani in that primary.
Kevin Haggerty who is earnest and is the only Freshman legislator that actually got two bills through the House (it is Republican controlled) H.B.s 128 and 131, which would allow firefighters, police officers and non-uniformed employees of Scranton to immediately purchase military time toward retirement.
You would think that is a good thing but Haggerty is his own worst enemy. Haggerty in his attempts to defend himself has come off as desperate and shrill. He would be wise to not engage. Normally I don’t give that advice but Mr. Haggerty does not engage well.
Who will win this mess? Munley despite his questionable staff choices in this race just might win. If Munley does win, it will be interesting to see who will actually run his local offices. But don’t count out Haggerty. Farina has a good ground game and that might propel him. If you ever wonder why politics is a bloodsport here in LuLac land, you only need to look to these three questionable candidates fighting to the death.
Either way, all the candidates are flawed. The people of the 112th deserve better. And one more thing on this race, the post mortem on this one is going to be a beaut. The person here with the least baggage is Haggerty. He has declined to give the reason why he left the military.  That's not a crime. Farina, like Smith couldn't manage his own finances and expects voters to believe he can manage a budget. Munley's education credentials are dubious.
In the meantime one of these guys will win. What the people of  the the new 112th will gain from that is open to debate. 

The LuLac Edition #2657, May 17th, 2014

HOT RACES PART 1

2 MATTS AND A DAVE SEEK TO UNSEAT STILL ANOTHER MATT

CONNOLLY MAKES HIS STAND

There are three candidate vying for the chance to attempt to unseat first term Congressman Matt Cartwright. I met both Mr. Connolly and Mr. Dietz and think both are passionate and articulate. It is a shame both good, personable candidates are squaring off for this nomination. I have not met Dr. Moylan and have seen no evidence of any sort of organized campaign. But a good vote in his home county of Schuylkill might help him. Meet the three who want to take on Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photos of Connolly and Moylan from the Times Tribune, Dietz photo from candidate's website.) 

Matt Connolly for Congressional District 17:

I am standing in front of East Stroudsburg University for a reason. While not directly in the 17th Congressional district, the 17th starts right down the road and encompasses a large portion of Monroe County surrounding us. Students come here because they have a dream...a dream of a fulfilling future, financial security, and a good life. What do most of them leave with right now? Debt and bleak job prospects.
Why, in the greatest country in the world, is this so? Three words: The Obama Agenda. Let’s start with Obamacare. This law, rammed through Congress without a single Republican vote, is crippling the economy. Its stated goal was “Health care for all Americans”. Well, what is Obamacare, exactly? It’s a card, an insurance card. Does it mean that the wonderful doctor you’ve had for years, whom you trust and who knows you, is still available, but in a more affordable way? No! It means that you will probably have to drive 30 miles past that office to another doctor who accepts the card. Obamacare isn’t health care. It’s an insurance card, and not a very good one.
What are the other ramifications? Full time work is no longer 40 hours, it is now under 30. Who can live on that? Companies aren’t hiring. There are few health benefits attached to jobs because they don’t comply with Obamacare. Add to that the fact that President Obama himself has changed the law without the consent of Congress over 30 times in 3 years. Businesses need certainty before they hire and expand. They do not have that now.
Another job killer which is critical to this area is the energy policy. When President Obama took office, gas was $1.84 a gallon. It’s over twice that now, yet the president won’t even approve the Keystone pipeline which would lower fuel and electricity costs. Despite that, he claims to be on our side. If he was really on the side of the people, he would do what it takes to lower the cost of living. We send $800B every year to foreign countries for oil. That money should stay here.
What is another result of his policies? Growing Welfare and food stamp rolls. When the economy isn’t working, and no one is hiring, the safety net grows. This is not good for the human condition or this country. Society benefits most when people are self-sustaining and can take care of themselves. It keeps families together, and prepares the next generation of Americans to pass on the values and virtues of hard work.
The highly-regulated and taxed environment that exists in the US today is driving companies overseas. That costs jobs and keeps money out of our economy where it can benefit everyone. We have the highest tax rate in the world, and the strictest regulations. It has been projected that China has the potential to pass our economy this year! Clearly that strategy isn’t working. We must create a balanced business climate where companies are able to grow without strangling regulatory dictates.
Finally, I have been in the field of professional auto racing for the last twenty-five years, but as a small business owner who has felt the growing restrictions on what was my dream, I have had no other choice than to step up to run for Congress. I believe that the 17th Congressional district is not currently being represented in the best interest of the constituents or with their values.
Join me in the fight to return America to the greatness that it once had. Together we can renew the American Dream!
Matt Connolly has been endorsed by:
Independence Hall Tea Party PAC
Citizens Against Higher Taxes

Matt Dietz for Congressional District 17:

MATT DIETZ

Currently a commercial pilot, Matthew had worked his way up from a baggage handler to a Captain for LR Services. Flying across the country has given Matthew a unique perspective on what makes our country great, as he has had the opportunity to see so much of it and interact with a diverse array of people.
Though born in New Jersey, Matthew has lived in the Lehigh Valley for 22 years. He and his wife, Lori, live in Wind Gap with their three children. Like many other local families, Matthew clips coupons and accumulates gas points to make ends meet for his family. The policies coming out of Washington often make it harder for too many hard working families in our region to get by – but Matthew plans to change that.
Matthew is also a dedicated community leader. He volunteers at his church and also serves on the Wind Gap Borough Park Board.
As a Congressional candidate, this is Matthew’s pledge to his constituents:
1. I won’t take the taxpayer-funded pension
2. I won’t create any special laws that don’t apply to Congress members
3. I won’t take a paycheck if the House can’t pass a budget

Dr. David Moylan for Congressional District 17:

DAVID E. MOYLAN, M.D.

Age: 62
Home: Auburn
Occupation: Schuylkill County coroner and medical director of The Simon Kramer Cancer Institute in New Philadelphia and the Joint Center for Therapeutic Oncology in Lehighton.
 

The LuLac Edition #2656, May 15th, 2014

FINAL FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL POLL GOOD NEWS FOR WOLF

Candidates Katie McGinty, Tom Wolf, Rob McCord and Allyson Schwartz. (Photo: Philly.com).

When I was at the Tom Wolf event on Tuesday afternoon in Hanover Township, the talk among poetical insiders centered on the series f debates Wolf had just gone through. The consensus was that Wolf didn’t disappoint and that he remained in a good position. Well, this e mail from Dr. Terry Madonna bore that out. Here are the results of the latest poll: 
Tom Wolf (37%) continues to lead the Democratic gubernatorial primary over Allyson Schwartz (20%), Rob McCord (12%), and Katie McGinty (3%) among likely voters. One-quarter (27%) are undecided. If voters who lean toward a candidate are included in the results, Wolf maintains a similar lead over Schwartz, 43% to 26%, with 11% undecided. Wolf leads Schwartz 33% to 14% among all registered Democrats.
Seven in ten (72%) Democratic voters think the state is moving is on the wrong track while only one in five (20%) believes it is moving in the right direction.
More than eight in ten (83%) registered Democrats have seen a television commercial for the candidates for governor. Of those who have seen a commercial, 93% have seen a Wolf commercial, 67% have seen a McCord commercial, 61% have seen a Schwartz commercial and 44% have seen a McGinty commercial.
Education (29%) remains the top issue for Democratic voters when they consider what candidate to support in the primary, followed by the economy/job market (17%).
This survey reflects interviews with 530 Pennsylvania registered Democratic voters conducted by the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College from May 6-12, 2014 (sample error of +/- 4.3 percentage points).
The Franklin & Marshall College Poll is produced in conjunction with the Philadelphia Daily News, WGAL-TV (South Central PA), Pittsburgh Tribune Review, WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh), WPVI-TV6/ABC (Philadelphia), Times-Shamrock Newspapers, Harrisburg Patriot-News/PennLive, Lancaster Newspapers/Lancasteronline, and the Reading Eagle. It may be used in whole or in part, provided any use is attributed to Franklin & Marshall College.

GOP RALLY FOR BARLETTA

Luzerne County Republicans met Wednesday night to meet and greet and also hear from Congressman Liu Barletta. The 11th District Congressman stopped by at the Deli on Pierce Street and made the rounds giving an outline of his work in Washington.. About 100 people attended the informal event. Here’s a link to a report from our friend Steve Urbanski who was at the event and took some photos: http://www.examiner.com/article/barletta-greets-supporters-kingston

Meanwhile the LuLac camera was operational. Here’s GOP party Chair Bill Urbanski, Ted Ritsick and Aaron Kaufer at the event.

Had a Chance to chat with Congressman Barletta as he said hi to Steve Urbanski.

CORBETT IN TOWN

Governor Tom Corbett was set to stop by the South Main Street headquarters of the Luzerne County Republicans. The Governor is up and running ads as if it is a general election. Corbett in an unprecedented move is running attack ads on various opponents. His main targets seem to be Tom Wolf and Allyson Schwartz. Corbett was well received at the event.

Governor Tom Corbett in Wilkes Barre this afternoon. (Photo: Lynette Villano Facebook page)

A RESPONSE TO THE RESPONSE

117th District candidates Dr. Davis Haire and incumbent Representative Karen Boback. (Photos: Times Leader).

 

The race for the GOP nomination in the 117th district just keeps getting better and better. Representative Karen Boback who has been in office since 2007 is being challenged by Dr. Davis Haire in the newly reconfigured district. Haire went after Boback for the legislative perks that lawmakers have. Haire has been running against the legislative system as a “Citizen” who will be a "Citizen Legislator” Haire accused Boback of gaming the system and she fought back with media ads outlining what she paid on her own. Then the Boback camp said that Haire took per diems and that got me scratching my head because I thought, “Was the guy a lawmaker somewhere else?” Turns out he waan’t but did take a per diem as an advisory board member. So his campaign shot back with a response to the response to the response. Whew! Here is the latest response from Dr. Haire's office:   Conservative Republican Davis C. Haire, a local optometrist mounting a formidable primary challenge to incumbent State Representative Karen Boback, issued a statement today regarding the recent attack ads from his opponent Karen Boback and the infusion of campaign cash from the PACs in Harrisburg:
“It’s not surprising that the PACS have begun to pour tens of thousands into Karen Boback’s losing campaign. The truth is that Boback’s candidacy has been in trouble for some time now. The more that voters learn about the outrageous benefits and perks that Boback has taken from taxpayers over her years in office the more they have decided to seek a real common sense alternative. It’s all I hear when going door to door. Voters are fed up. They want change,” said Haire.
Haire pointed to Boback’s latest attack ad as one more sign of the desperation with in her campaign.
“Boback has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from the taxpayers in car lease payments, gas, cel phone bills and meals along with a generous salary, while also pocketing a full pension. And Boback is going to qualify for yet another big pension payout and gold plated health insurance for life.
By attacking the small $360 per year stipend that board members receive for long hours working to oversee the optometry profession Boback is simply trying to trick voters.
From the comments I receive at the doors Boback’s underhanded tactics aren’t working. All the money in the world isn’t going to change the facts. Boback has turned public service into personal gain and conservative Republican voters see her campaign as a last minute effort to keep her hands in our pocketbooks,” said Haire.
Dr. Haire was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his service to Rotary as the secretary, the vice president, and president of the local club, as well as serving as district co-chairman for the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. Dr. Haire is currently a member of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, the American Optometric Association, Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and the Northeast Pennsylvania Optometric Society. He resides in Meshoppen.

MEDIA MATTERS

PA LIVE GOVERNOR’S RACE WRAP

Last week were we on Pa Live with Dave Kuharchik and Jasmine Brooks discussing the Pennsylvania Governor's race.  Here’s that clip:

THROW DOWN THURSDAY

I noticed this when I would buy ads for candidates on limited budgets. But the ads really start populating the Thursday before election. Any candidate who has a limited budget and wants to get his or name out there usually starts on the Thursday before the big day. Today radio and TV stations started the final push. Tune in…or put the mute button on.

ECTV

ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender will welcome Bernie McGurl of the Lackawanna River Corridor Association to the program during the week of May 19th. The subject, LRCA's annual Riverfest! ECTVLive can be seen on Comcast Ch 19 throughout the week at Non and Midnight with additional showings on elected days at 6pm.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

Your blog editor with Brian Hughes at a blogfest a few years back. 


This Week on Sunday Magazine.

Brian Hughes speaks with David Yonki from the LuLac Political Letter about Tuesday's primary election, and the key state and local races.
Brian also interviews Jeannie Spagnola about a benefit Car Cruise coming up in Plains on June 1st to benefit the Pa. State Police Camp Cadet program.
And Brian speaks with small business owner & author Gene Marks about the best ways small businesses can retain their best employees.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X, 6:25am on Magic 93 and 7am on True Oldies 590, WARM.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week on Community Forum Mike Remish welcomes Natalie Gelb, Executive Director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. The show airs Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker, 6:30 on The Game Sports Radio Network 1340/1400 am and 100.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

Our 1974 logo.

1974

Under Project Smiling Buddha, India successfully detonates its first nuclear weapon, becoming the 6th nation to do so……The Warsaw radio mast is completed, the second tallest structure ever built (it collapses on August 8, 1991)…in Pennsylvania the General Election contest is set as incumbent Milton Shapp and Ernest Kline win denominations..the GOP ticket will be Drew Lewis and State Representative from Tunkhannock Ken Lee as Lt. Governor…in Kingston Kevin Nelson wins the nomination for the 120th trying to unseat Frank O’Connell in the fall and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was Tubular Bells –by Mike Oldfield still another instrumental hit of this year. It was from the movie “The Exorcist”.

The LuLac Edition #2655, May 14th, 2014

Our Write On Wednesday logo.

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

State Representative Phyllis Mundy (Photo: LuLac archives).

MUNDY’S TAKE ON "CITIZEN LEGISLATORS"

Outgoing State Representative Phyllis Mundy has written a response to one of the candidates running for the State House outside her district.  The veteran legislator takes the aspiring candidate Dr. Davis Haire to task for his use of the phrase “Citizen Legislator”. Haire is running against incumbent 117th District Republican Karen Boback. That’s today’s “Write On Wednesday”. Here’s Mundy's  opinion piece:
Editor,
I read with amusement the good Dr. Haire's (candidate in the 117th House race) comments in the newspaper recently. He, like many first time candidates, shows disdain for those in public office even as he seeks to join us. He discounts years of hard work and building consensus on the larger legislative issues and solving personal problems for constituents.
He says, "My patients come to me with a problem. We find out what the problem is and formulate a solution. If it doesn't work, we modify our plan and move forward. What a wonderful concept to institute in government."
Groundbreaking! Revolutionary! As though that isn't what each legislator does when constituents bring problems large and small to us each day! Every day we cut through red tape and find solutions for our constituents. Unfortunately, on the larger issues that require new or expanded programs or complex solutions, reaching consensus among 203 House members, 50 Senators and the Governor is not so easily done, especially given the urban, suburban and rural diversity of Pennsylvania. But we persevere and that is where years of service, seniority and expertise are important.
He would aspire to be a "citizen legislator", an interesting concept since we legislators are all citizens. We live in our districts and interact with other citizens usually at least 4 days a week. We have families, pay taxes and do business in our communities. Serving in public office does not make us less "citizens" than he is.
Another notion often put forth by first time candidates is that of "transparency" and "fresh ideas".
Again, groundbreaking! As though we are not one of the most highly scrutinized and criticized of any profession. We have our own and hear and read about "fresh ideas" from constituents, grassroots advocacy groups and from lobbyists each and every day. I can assure Dr. Haire there is no shortage of "fresh ideas" in the halls of the capitol. Many are "fresh" because the legislators are new, not because those ideas haven't been around before. Building consensus around them to do good things for the people of Pennsylvania is not as easy as Dr. Haire would make it sound.
Phyllis Mundy
Stare Representative
120th District
EDITOR'S NOTE: Phyllis Mundy has served as the State Representative in the 120th District since 1991. Mundy did not seek re-election this year. Mundy's signature policy achievements include leading successful efforts to pass bills that expanded care for senior citizens, improved the rights of foster children, provided stronger home visitation services for low-income expectant mothers, boosted pre-K education, cut property taxes, and expanded prescription drug coverage for seniors.

The LuLac Edition #2654, May 13th, 2014

Our “13 Questions” logo.

13 QUESTIONS

1. You seem to be really pushing hard for Tom Wolf. Do you plan to break precedent again like you did in 2012 when you endorsed Matt Cartwright and give your nod of influence to Wolf?

First my influence. Thank you for thinking I had some. My only influence as a blog administrator is that I show up every day. And that people care enough to read and comment.
LuLac does not endorse any candidates on a regular basis. We’ll give some people play but if I get a release from anyone in a competitive race, I will write about them. I’ve had dear friends who ran for office and felt it wasn’t my place to endorse because of what we try to do here.
But in 2012 LuLac endorsed Matt Cartwright over Tim Holden in the 17th Congressional race. The circumstances and my personal experience on WYOU TV with Cartwright was a factor but more importantly was how I viewed what I knew Cartwright’s approach to the job would be.
This year after reviewing all the eight candidates running for Governor, I centered on Tom Wolf. And such as it is, we will endorse Tom Wolf for Governor.
Wolf has the personality to be a Governor in these polarizing times. He brings a full resume as a volunteer, community leader and Revenue Secretary to the job. His business experience is something foreign to most Pennsylvania workers. Wolf actually includes them in profit sharing and gives them incentives like higher pay and as State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski likes to say “skin in the game”. Workers in this state “get appreciated” but when it comes to longevity and wages, they get very little except a patronizing tap on the head.
Plus Wolf talks about ideas and doing things a different way while Rob McCord talked about protecting public pensions and singing the same old song about an incident that happened in 1969.
Allyson Schwartz has become McCord’s yang to his ying in attacking someone who can bring something fresh to governing in Pennsylvania. I appreciate Congresswoman Schwartz’s work on C.H.I.P., but I don’t hear a vision. Her idea of an Integrity Officer is right out of a 1960’s Hanna Barbera cartoon.
Katie McGinty is priceless in terms of her deft ability to stay above the fray. If the church had female priests, she’d be an excellent Cardinal and one day Pope. But they don’t.
This afternoon I spoke to Wolf at Vino Dolce where the candidate met some key supporters. I was fortunate to be invited and my first words to Mr. Wolf were about the debate. I enthusiastically said, “Saw the debate last night, you killed it”. Wolf responded, “No I didn’t, I just gave people my reasons for running and I hope they accept them”. After some other small talk, I made my way through the crowd and I thought that what Pennsylvania doesn’t need right now is a chest thumper or a guy who relishes his tough guy image.
Pennsylvania is facing some problems because we’ve had Governors and Legislators who have kicked the can down the road. I have a feeling that Tom Wolf is not a can kicker. He is a person who will face our horrendous problems with the same measured response seen in the various debates the past few weeks.
As Tom Wolf told me regarding the debate, “I didn’t kick it”. I think Tom Wolf is a guy adverse to kicking anything, especially cans down the governmental road that no one has had the courage to confront. He will and that’s why in the second time in eight years, we are endorsing Tom Wolf for Governor in the primary and providence willing,  the general election.

Wolf takes the stage with Representative Eddie Day Pashinski from the 121st, outgoing Representative Phyllis Mundy from the 120th and 113th District Representative Marty Quinn.

2. What do you think the odds are of Lackawanna County government changing over to a Home Rule form of government?

At first I thought it had no chance. But the more I think about it, Lackawanna County voters seem a tad more independent than the people in Luzerne County. In Luzerne County, from 1963 until 2011, the GOP held the majority for 12 years or less if you remember that midway through the second term of Trinisewski and Phillips Trini became a Democrat. In the Lac, the GOP has held the Courthouse 20 years. Now remember both Bob Cordaro, A.J. Munchak and I believe Charlie Lugar were Democrats who ran on the GOP side. But that shows a little independence of voters to not vote labels. The fear I’m getting from people is that if an Executive is elected, it will set up the same system except with one king. All that said though, sometimes change is hard to accomplish and like in Luzerne County it might take a few tries for it to go through.

3. Do you play the lottery?

Rarely. I bought a Cash 5 in the Sanitary Bakery the other night and won a buck. But like Tevia, I’m not destined to be rich.

4. Who are you voting for in the Democratic race for Lt. Governor?

Mark Critz from Cambria County. Critz has the federal experience and can balance the ticket being from that area. But all the candidates running for the second spot are good people.

5.What do you think of Alex Milanes’ behavior on the Arena Authority Board?

I liken Alex’s actions to those of Governor Tom Corbett’s policies. Corbett said he wouldn’t put a tax on gas drillers and would privatize liquor stores. Dan Onorato screamed bloody murder but lost the election anyway. Milanes said he was wondering about the infrastructure of the facility, would want his technical background used and noted he would be a watch dog in terms of all the stuff big and small. What did they expect? His actions should come as no surprise because he is part of a new breed in this county and in politics that seems to say, verify, then trust. What troubles me is the reaction of one of the board members who called Milanes a piece of crap and said he could spent time golfing. Well good, Mr. Answini, go golf and just shut up. Makes me wonder why that guy was on the board for so long.
The Arena Board got skittish when taxpayer advocates and gadflies Ed Chesnovitch and Brian Shiner showed. They are members of the public and have a right to ask questions no matter how ponderous.
Now personally all this is going to get complicated for me because my good friend Tom Woods is now on the Arena Board too and I’m sure will disagree with various people. But Alex is only doing what he said he would. Same thing goes for the people complaining about Kathy Dobash. It should come as no surprise in terms of her actions as a County Council member. When you get the votes, either as an appointed or elected official, you can do what you think is right.

6. How was Blogfest this year?

Great. Glad I could make it. Some interesting candidates stopped by and The Red Mill was just fine and dandy. It provided me a to do list of people to get to so I could further get more input on what they are doing.

7. Do you plan to do any LuLac forums in the future like the ones you did in the past?

Maybe. But sometimes I wonder if the general public really gives a damn about any of this. But it is something we might consider again.

8. What are your thoughts on a Jeb Bush candidacy for the White House?

I think he is able, has an open mind on immigration and is a Republican I can see doing well. The ironic thing is that if he wins, it will be President Obama sandwiched in between two Bushes. You’ll remember Hillary Clinton saying that George W. would be bookended in between two Clintons.
The guy t watch though and you might find this hard to believe is Mitt Romney. Mitt has been making the rounds of the Sunday talk shows and if Bush decides not to get into it, Romney can win in a general election if Foreign Policy is the main focus. If that happens, you read it here first.

9. What are you reading now?

Not much. Still working on that Eliot Ness biography I got for my birthday.

10. I was stunned to see that you have been suffering from Myasthenia Gravis. I have a friend in the health care profession who described it as “nasty”. How the hell are you coping?

The good and bad thing about Myasthenia is it’s nasty. When you are in crisis, not eating, chewing, swallowing or breathing, it’s a real bear. But once you get it under control, you are so grateful for doing the simplest things you took for granted before. When I have a difficult situation at work, or when I’m even driving there and think, “Wish I could stay home today”, I mentally slap myself and say, “Stop” and think about the things I couldn’t do last year. The medications seem to be working pretty well so I’m not only coping, I’m trying to thrive.

11. Whatever happened to “Two Hot Girls In The Shower?”

I haven’t seen anything on line that would fit anything relevant but we’re still looking. Love the facial expressions of the brunette.

12. Congrats on year number 8 doing LuLac. What is the secret to your longevity and consistency?

Planning and the endless source of material here in LuLac land.

13. I’m a new reader to LuLac, can you recap how 13 Questions started?

It began as an offshoot from my days at LCCC as an adjunct instructor. As a break, I used to do a class segment called “Ask Dave”. The students could ask me anything within reason. Then when LuLac started getting on track, readers would send in Questions to the e mail addresses. We put up an old 45 record I had in the LuLac archives by a group called Seatrain and that became the logo for the feature. The only time we missed 13 Questions was when I was in the hospital for my cancer surgery in 2008 but we did a double edition called 26 Questions the next month. Didn’t quite fit with the song but that’s how it got started. It remains one of the most popular features on our site. Here’s that song.