Rated one of Pennsylvania's top blog/sites, the LuLac Political Letter delves into issues of politics on all levels (with special concentration on Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties: thus the name LULAC) and pop culture.
The LuLac Political Letter was also named Best Political Blog of the Year for 2014 by NEPA BLOGCON and most recently David Yonki was named Best Blogger of the year 2015 by the publication Diamond City.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
The LuLac Edition #2867, March 31st, 2015
OF TEDDY AND LYNDON
Ted Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. (Photo: US News and World Report).
THE SENATE INSTITUTE
Monday a museum dedicated to the United States Senate came to fruition in Boston. The mission statement of the Edward Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is this: The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. The building is a tribute to not only the Senate but the work of Edward M. Kennedy in his nearly 5 decade career as a Senator. During the weekend when news of the opening was front and center there were many who were bringing up Chappaquiddick and the death of Mary Jo Kopechne,. There were even some who stated that perhaps the incident should duly noted and be part of the Institute. Sorry, I have to disagree with those folks. The death of the young woman was a tragedy that Kennedy’s reckless behavior in his personal life was responsible for. But it did not define his entire life. The accident at Chappaquiddick will always be the first thing people will think about regarding Teddy Kennedy. He deserves that. But he also deserves to be honored for his incredible legislative career that changed and improved the lives of millions of Americans. Perhaps CBS’ Bob Schieffer said it best:
This is the 47th anniversary of Lyndon Johnson’s announcement that rocked the political world in 1968. LBJ announced he would not seek another term to pursue peace. It was a day that changed the course of political history in that tumultuous year of 1968.
So did you see Governor Mike Pence on ABC’s This Week? The Governor was asked a question over and over again by the host George Stephanopoulos ... about the recent bill passed by the Hoosier legislature that in effect legalizes discrimination in that state under the guide of religious freedom. Pence went off on a rant about how the Internet was ganging up on his state of kind, friendly and tolerant people. He even insulted Stephanopoulos by referring to the passage of a bill in 1993 that was signed by President Bill Clinton. The host was a top aide to Clinton then and surely knew the score on that bill. But Pence refused to say he would add an addendum that would ensure gays would not be discriminated by business. Take a look at this.
Look, there are plenty of people in Pennsylvania that would welcome the NCAA, Angie’s list and every other company there that wants to move. In Pennsylvania we have friendly and kind people…….in need of work. And we don’t have Governors (I’m including both Mr. Corbett and Mr. Wolf) who go on national TV and try to bullshit their way out of this.
WARNING
THE FOLLOWING VIDEO MAY CONTAIN CONTENT THAT MIGHT BE OBJECTIONABLE TO SOME PEOPLE.
A man who was a true booster of the city of Wilkes Barre for many years and a champion of youth sports, Owen Costello died Saturday at the age of 69. Costello for decades was head of the Wilkes Barre Recreation Board and later transitioned that experience into a position with the Keystone State Games.
As head of that organization, Costello brought many visitors into the city and county when the Games were held here. Later on Costello served for 16 years on the Wilkes Barre Area School Board. He never failed to win a double nomination in any of his races. Costello touched many lives of young people who worked in recreation. When I was at King’s, it was not uncommon for many of my fellow students to beam with pride when they told me they “got the call from Mr. Costello” to work at the parks for the City. On a personal note, I saw him at many family functions since his cousin married my sister. Our exchanges were always pleasant but punctuated by his wry sense of humor. His death comes as a shock to many. It goes without saying that he will be missed.
Seems that the Bureau of Elections Board is saying that the Lu is not prepared to hold an election come this Primary. Wow. We have been the most political land since, well since elections began. And the County Board says we’re not prepared. That’s like an Executioner during the French Revolution without a guillotine. That’s like a butcher without a cleaver. That’s like Ed Sullivan without The Beatles. That’s like….well you get the picture. Election Board Chair Jeremy Packard and his team wrote a letter to the County Council saying that small staff may affect this primary election. “We, the Election Board of Luzerne County, cannot vouch for the election bureau’s readiness and ability to mount a May primary without the danger of serious errors” was the salvo sent to the County administration. In addition to contacting the locals, the board also fired off a missive to the State Attorney General’s office saying that the recently resigned director was promised a deputy and more staff. Marisa Crispell left her $50,000 a year job because of the workload. County Administrative Services Division Head David Parsnik (who prior to this job was a facilities manager at Sodexo) told the Times Leader that he was disappointed with the Election Board and that they were trying to stir the pot.
Here’s the thing. While I think the Election Board has every right to express concern, did any of them make their case at the Budget Allocation hearings? Or did they go through back channels and get denied? We are two months away from an election. We take these things seriously around here. What will be the impact if there is a repeat of 2013’s Council primary where Paul DeFabo (an Election Board member) narrowly won over Alex Milanes on the GOP side? Is the County prepared for something like that? <
Only time will tell but in the meantime once more every voter and citizen must understand that layoffs and budget cuts have consequences. How this gets fixed and if Parsnik can handle this is still open to question. He does not have the experience of a Tom Pisano, the embattled Crispell or that fella who ran thngs without a hitch a few years back, Len "Country Gentleman by Force now" Piazza. JUdging from his comments in the newspaper, we should not worry. As they said in "Pulp Fiction", "We cool". Oh yeah? Once more the basics of Luzerne County government are found wanting. First it was the paycheck debacle, then the W2s, this is all basic stuff. But this is now commonplace in Luzerne County. Unlike the prior infractions, there are no low level employees to blame for this or fire. The Luzerne County Election Board consists of Chairman H. Jeremy Packard, Vice Chair Thomas Baldino and members John C. Ruckno, Gerald Hudak and Paul DeFabo. When you see them, thank them for the heads up. Even though it was late in coming.Then ask Parsnick how he's going to handle a sticky primary issue like a recount. And if you want to have a load of fun, ask Urban Senior what he thinks of Parsnick. The beat....goes on.
DEMS ENDORSE FOR COUNTY COUNCIL
The Democratic Party’s Executive Committee in Luzerne County offered their endorsements for Luzerne County Council. The 46 members endorsed the following; Jane Walsh Waitkus, Dorrance Township, Tim McGinley, Kingston, Robert W. Schnee, Sugarloaf Township, John Gadomski, Wyoming, Anthony J. Rostock , Yatesville and John J. Pekarovsky, Larksville. So we have three known quantities and essentially three unknowns that your average voter hasn’t even heard of. Waitkus and Rostock have run for offices before and McGinley is running for a second term on Council. Left off the list were Bob Altavilla, Steve Urban Senior and Edd Brominski. Altavilla had competition from people who wanted more of a union representation on the ticket. Urban, well Urban is still regarded as a turncoat when he changed his registration from Republican to Democrat by some. His reputation as a habitual multi office candidate is nor well regarded by Democrats who like to see those slots filled by one of their own. So his rejection comes as no surprise. What was a surprise, a shock to many was the non endorsement of current Vice Chair Edd Brominski. It is indicative that the new Democrats decided not to back Brominski. One might even say that this is disrespectful to a party member who put his time in through the years and who has been extremely active on the Council. There are others who are wondering if the party wants to control council or not. Or maybe because there was such a weak slate put up by the GOP (they only filled four of the seats) the party felt they didn’t need the Brominski name and persona. Whatever the reason, it is my feeling that Christmas came the day before Palm Sunday at the Brominski household. Sure there are going to be some people voting for the full slate because they are the same people who do what they are told. But there are independent Democrats that are going to look at a Brominski and remember the name. They are anti Lawton people there that will surely vote for Brominski. Plus there will be more passive Democrats who will vote for Brominski just because he is a well known name. There will be voters who will vote for him because of his “don’t take any prisoners” approach to the new form of government. Brominski has been very clear on what is obvious, that government builds confidence by taking care of the basics. Plus, when he campaigns, Brominski can assuredly beat his chest and point to his own independence. That factor combined with the fact that endorsements don’t mean much anymore bodes well for Mr. Brominski as well as Mr. Urban and not so well for a Pekarovsky, or Gadomski. My prediction still stands for the General, County Council members McGinley, Urban and Brominski return along with newcomers Waitkus, and Rostock. If Schnee pulls a big vote out of Hazleton with Party Chair Mike DeCosmo’s ties, it’s all over for the other three. But hey given the top story on today’s blog, let’s hope we have an election.
GILBERT PARTY A SUCCESS
Beth Gilbert greets one of many supporters out at McCarthy's Wednesday night in support of her candidacy. (Photo: Patrick Walther, The Beacon, Wilkes College).
Wilkes Barre City Council District C candidate Beth Gilbert had a very good turnout the other evening at Jim McCarthy’s Tavern On the Hill. You can bet the spirit of the former Wilkes Barre Councilman and CBS reporter was lurking and smiling with all those politicos and young people around. Gilbert had a good turnout and has impressed many of the old pros on the campaign trail. Check out her Face book page and see what she’s up to. https://www.facebook.com/BethGilbertWB
SHUBILLA EVENT
Tom Shubilla has an event coming up on April the 13th at the River Grille. Here’s his Facebook link and check out what he’s doing. https://www.facebook.com/thomas.shubilla
This week The Franklin and Marshall Poll came out giving out marks to the Wolf administration. Let me capsulate some of the high points and give you my take on this. More voters (39%) believe the state is headed in the right direction than at any time since January 2010, while forty-seven percent feel it is off on the wrong track. •This is a clear reflection of a new administration with Tom Wolf at the helm. While 39 per cent vs. 47 is not great, it is heading at least for the Governor in the right direction. Don’t forget, Tom Corbett got over 45% and that wrong track number can come from that factor. Nearly two in five (38%) registered Pennsylvania voters believes Governor Wolf is doing an “excellent” or “good” job as governor -- more than three in five (58%) Democrats rate his performance as “excellent” or “good. •The base is sticking with him and now Wolf needs to bring in the other segments of the state with a strong performance. He has a launching pad to expand on the good will that is already out there. Voters indicate their top priority for state government is an increase in funding for public education (27%) or local property tax reform (25%). This will help Wolf hopefully broker a deal with the GOP controlled State Legislature. If the GOP does not go along with Property Tax Reform, Wolf can use the bully pulpit to sway public opinion. Most property owners are sick and tired of carrying the burden for education. This administration, especially toward the budget deadline has to make that point over and over again. A majority of state voters support the Governor’s budget plan (59%) – increasing the sales and personal income taxes and creating a Marcellus Shale extraction tax to reduce local property taxes and increase funding to public schools. •Interesting. That a plurality want an increase in taxes. But taxation that is fair and evened out. No special deals for the rich or the poor. The poll reflects that everyone wants skin in the game. Senator Pat Toomey currently leads Democrat Joe Sestak by a five point margin, 34% to 29%, although most voters (37%) are still undecided about this race. •Toomey is friendly and communicates very well. But Sestak has run before and in an election year where a democrat might have a good chance of carrying the Commonwealth as well as the exploitation of Toomey’s ridiculous participation in that letter to Iran bodes well o the Democrats.
TED CRUZ RUNS
Texas Senator Ted Cruz announced that he will indeed run for President of the United States. Cruz made the announcement over social media the other day and at Liberty University. Cruz told us this was a Christian nation and that he wants to restore those principles. He said he wanted to make sure we live by the Constitution. Fair enough. But I see a major discrepancy here. Nowhere in the Constitution that Cruz venerates so much is a mention of any religion. You don’t see any references to this governing document. So is he saying that only Christians need apply? The Senator also shared the fact that he wants to shred every word of the Affordable Care Act. Everyone of it, even the stuff that Republicans, Christians and everybody else is using. Cruz’ own family has gone on the Obama sponsored exchange. So how can he say these things and expect people to take him seriously? I don’t know but you can bet I’ll be supporting this guy BIG TIME. If Cruz is the nominee, there will be a Democratic President long after I’ve gone off this mortal coil. Go Cruz. Here’s a great campaign song too!
HAD TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU
From Overpasses for Americans
A group of American patriots greeted Luis Gutierrez with chants of USA! USA! USA! at a conference held at USC. Despite being held in the United States of America, the event was in Spanish, with headphones for the majority English-only audience. Eventually the event organizers, frustrated at the constant pro-America chants, called local law enforcement in a vain attempt to stop free speech. The American patriots in the video should be an example to us all, for they are following the example of our Founding Fathers and speaking out without fear or shame against injustices happening in this nation. Enjoy the video and share it everywhere you can. With luck, it will inspire more Americans to stand up for this nation. Thanks to all those in the video, millions of us now wish we’d been there with you! Jesus, I’m glad these people weren’t around when my grandparents were speaking Slovak.
BERGDAHL CHARGED
The Army sergeant who abandoned his post in Afghanistan and was held captive by the Taliban could face up to life in prison if convicted of both the charges he's facing, military officials said Wednesday. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was charged with misbehavior before the enemy, which carries a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. He was also charged with desertion, which carries a maximum of five years. Bergdahl could also face a dishonorable discharge, reduction in rank and forfeiture of all his pay if convicted. (AOL). It is mystifying to me why the Obama administration celebrated this guy’s release. I wonder if they really knew the extent of his case file before they did so.
CONGRESSMEN CARTWRIGHT AND COHEN RE-INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CAP EXCESSIVE INTEREST & FEES; CRACK DOWN ON PREDATORY LENDING
Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives).
U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (PA-17) and Steve Cohen (TN-9) re-introduced the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act, legislation that would enact a cap on reform fees and rates associated with consumer credit products, including short-term and long-term payday loans and car title loans. U.S. Senate Assistant Minority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Predatory lending – defined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as the practice of “imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers” – extracts approximately $27 billion in excessive fees and interest from 12 million Americans each year due to excessive rates which can top 300 percent, according to the Center for Responsible Lending. Pennsylvania prohibits payday loan storefronts and is one of the few states to prohibit excessive rates. The state Supreme Court upheld this cap in 2010, though there have been recent efforts by certain state legislators and the payday loan industry to weaken the state law. “Pennsylvania recognizes that predatory lending disproportionately harms economically disadvantaged individuals – people who are already struggling financially,” said Rep. Cartwright. “My consumer-friendly legislation would provide relief from exorbitant fees for many low-income consumers across the country. Capping interest rates and fees for all consumers will not only protect working families but also enable our economic recovery.” In 2006, Congress enacted a federal 36 percent annualized usury cap for certain credit products marketed to service members and their families. This bill would extend that maximum cap of 36 percent to all consumer credit transactions for all consumers. The federal cap would not preempt stricter state laws. The bill would also encourage the creation of responsible alternatives to small dollar lending, by allowing initial application fees and for ongoing lender costs such as insufficient funds fees and late fees. To ensure compliance with the cap, the bill would create specific penalties for “Despite the economic gains we have made as a nation in recent years, many working families continue to struggle. For some, payday lenders offer a quick way to make ends meet, but often with devastating consequences,” said Senator Durbin. “With interest rates of two and three hundred percent of value of the loan, these excessive rates and hidden fees have crippling effects on those who can afford it least. Capping interest rates and fees for consumers will help protect working families from these predatory lending practices—it’s the right thing to do.”
MEDIA MATTERS
SUNDAY MAGAZINE
This Week on Sunday Magazine Brian Hughes speaks with Mike Butler, Executive Director for Consumer Energy Alliance, Mid Atlantic, who discusses STEM education and job opportunities in Pennsylvania's energy industry. Brian speaks with Father Gary and John Koytec about an Easter Egg Hunt fundraiser to benefit Tracey's Hope coming up on Sunday at St Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church in Pittston. And an encore of Brian's interview with Dr. Tracey Wilen, who discusses why 2015 is the year of "Women Up", and marking March as Women's Month. Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X & Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.
ECTV
April is Distracted Driver's Month and ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender will take on the subject with a guest who knows all too much about the problem!
Eileen Woelkers Miller lost her son in an accident involving distracted driving. And, as you'll hear, it's not just about cell phone texting! ECTV Live is carried on Comcast cable
channel 19 in northeastern Pennsylvania (61 in a few communities) and can be seen during the noon, midnight hours throughout the week. Additional showings are offered at 6pm when Electric City Television's schedule allows.
BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM
Our guest is Jenny Blanchard from the Catherine McAuley Center. Jim Riley hosts Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA's Sports Radio-The Game 1340/1400/1440 am and 100.7 and 106.7 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.
CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME
Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Batten down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.
1965
Our 1965 logo.
Fifty years ago this week, March 23rd as a matter of fact, the United States took a major leap into space exploration. Gemini III blasted off for a three orbit flight. The astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young were the first U.S. duo to go into space.
The spacecraft, nicknamed The Unsinkable Molly Brown, performed the seventh manned US spaceflight, and the 17th manned spaceflight overall (including X-15 flights over 100 kilometers). It was also the final manned flight controlled from Cape Canaveral, Florida before mission control functions were shifted to the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. Grissom the second American in space replaced the Alan Shepherd who was grounded with an ear infection. The support crew included Gordon Cooper as well as Roger Chaffee who was killed with Grissom in 1967 during the ill fated Apollo One practice drill. Grissom, hoping to avoid duplication of the experience with his Mercury flight Liberty Bell 7 in which the capsule sank after splashdown, named the Gemini 3 spacecraft Molly Brown, in a playful reference to the Broadway musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown. NASA management did not like this name, and asked him to change it. Grissom replied, "How about the Titanic?". The managers relented and allowed Grissom to keep Molly Brown, but this was the last Gemini flight they allowed the astronauts to name. The only major incident during the orbital phase involved a contraband corned beef sandwich that Young had smuggled on board, hiding it in a pocket of his spacesuit (though Director of Flight Crew Operations Deke Slayton wrote in his autobiography that he gave Young permission to do so). Grissom found this to be highly amusing, saying later, "After the flight our superiors at NASA let us know in no uncertain terms that non-man-rated corned beef sandwiches were out for future space missions. But John's deadpan offer of this strictly non-regulation goodie remains one of the highlights of our flight for me." The crewmen each took a few bites before the sandwich was restowed. The crumbs it released could have wreaked havoc with the craft's electronics, so the crewmen were reprimanded when they returned to Earth.
Young became the most traveled man in space and enjoyed the longest career of any astronaut, becoming the first person to make six space flights over the course of 42 years of active NASA service, and is the only person to have piloted, and been commander of, four different classes of spacecraft: Gemini, the Apollo Command/Service Module, the Apollo Lunar Module, and the Space Shuttle. The USS Intrepid recovered the craft and crew. The Gemini III mission was supported by 10,185 personnel, 126 aircraft and 27 ships. The mission duration was four hours and 52 minutes. It flew 80,000 miles..in Pennsylvania Senator Hugh Scott indicated he would work with President Johnson in getting a Voting Rights Act signed. Scott supported the 1964 version…in Luzerne County, reassessment of properties continues and 50 years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “King of the Road” by Roger Miller.
GOP Rising star Marcel Lisi. (Photo: Times Tribune).
During the 2014 campaign, one of the newest rising stars in the Lackawanna County Republican party made quite an impression. Whether it was at Public Forums or on broadcast appearances, Marcel Lisi made an impression. Lisi ran against Marty Flynn in the 113th Legislative race. This week we feature a Letter to the Editor he wrote regarding the lack of a minority commissioner in the Lac.
No matter how often Lackawanna County Commissioner Pat O’Malley flips, he flops
It is my opinion that Lackawanna County now has absolutely no Republican representation. I am very disappointed in the choices that Pat O’Malley (D, R, D) has made for both himself and the Lackawanna County Republican Party. It was only several weeks ago that Pat came before me and the other members of the Lackawanna County Republican Executive Committee to reaffirm himself as a Republican and embrace the GOP’s values and policies. During his presentation before us, Pat sought our endorsement (which he did not receive), support and a potential Republican running mate for the 2015 commissioner’s race. He even mentioned my name and the hard work that I had done in the past for the party. I sat directly in front of Pat when he lied to me. Pat O’Malley has contributed very little to Lackawanna County as a commissioner, regardless of what his party affiliation might be these days. Whether Republican or Democrat, Pat is completely unfit to move Lackawanna County forward. His experience as a professional politician severely negates his credentials as an honest leader. My only advice to now-Democratic Commissioner Pat O’Malley is this: History repeats itself, and former Republicans turned Democrats Jimmy Connors and Arlen Specter learned that the hard way. Marcel Lisi
The Times Leader recently had a poll that voted Timbers Buffet at Mohegan Sun the Best Buffet in the area. Okay, the problem here is that this buffet in my opinion is low grade food. Plentiful but not terribly nutritious. Our region gets excited by chains and big meals for low prices. But local eateries have to rely on loyal consumers. There are some class places to eat like Pazzo that promotes quality over quantity. One must make the decision if they want food that will be an experience or just a feeding trough. Ever see people at a buffet? Very little conversation. A lot of masticating though. In terms of a buffet, I'd rather go to a local hotel like the Woods, the Radisson or Genetti's than the Mohegan stampede. Wonder why outsiders look at us with amusement and wonder? Look at the poll.
WARDLE UP AND RUNNING
Tom Wardle is making the rounds in Plains and Laflin in an attempt to become the new magistrate in that 11-03-08 district. Check out Wardle's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wardleforjudge and website http://wardleforjudge.com/ to get a look at the candidate who has set himself apart from the others in this race.
ASS BACKWARDS IN THE LAC
So the County puts outs a mailing and touts winter sports in their newsletter. Great but don 't send it out in March. That said, maybe they were playing to the 2% of people in this area who as spring approaches long for those good old days of snow, wind chills and sleet. But the boys do take a nice picture, heynuh or no?
Hit it ladies!
JOE SHAVER, DEPUTY CORONER
Joseph Shaver saw his fair share of madness and mayhem as the Chief Deputy Coroner for Luzerne County. Shaver was on the scene of many a crime scene in this area and was always regarded as a reliable witness in major cases. Joe was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps from 1957 to 1963. During that time, he served in several West German hospitals as an X-ray, laboratory and surgical technician from 1957 to 1959. He also served at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas Medical Facility, from 1961 to 1962 during the Berlin Crisis. Joe also served as deputy coroner of Luzerne County from 1963 to 1969. On Nov. 1, 1969, he was appointed chief deputy coroner, overseeing up to 50 deputy coroners throughout Luzerne County. He remained in this position for 32 years until his retirement in 2001. He died this week at the age of 82 and is well remembered and well regarded. (Partial: Times Leader).
This week some on line credit company, Badcfredit.org rated Wilkes Barre/Scranton aka NEPA as the fourth most indulgent area in the nation. They cited the fact that we are overweight, in debt, drink too much and smoke. I’m sure you have your opinion and have heard a plethora of others. Here’s mine. I think the word overindulged is just plain wrong. When I think overindulgent, I think of “Dynasty” and “Dallas”. I think of car elevators. I think of the 1 per cent spending a million dollars on a Sweet 16 birthday party. I think of the freaking Kardashians. When it comes to LuLac land, we are anything BUT indulgent! The very word and study implies that we have money to burn. Just the opposite. We have poverty wages in most of our jobs and those who have the “better” jobs are connected. This is an area that is hard scrabble and not indulgent. Let’s take them one by one: Obesity: There are those who just like to eat. Then there are others who battle weight all their lives riding that escalator of fit to fat and then back up and down again. But the truly obese are those who are poor and can’t give themselves the food choices that are healthy and they need. A Sure Fine Soda is cheaper than a Vegetable Juice. Tobacco: The rate is decreasing but people still smoke. I attribute that to bad habits, your family situation and stress. Stress because you are too fat, behind on your bills and drink too much.Or you just like to smoke. I love the smell of burning tobacco but think lighting up is just too much work. Alcohol: From the time this region came to be, there was a bar on every corner. Drinking is ceremonial here. Competing brands, bars and businesses promote tossing back a few. In this area we celebrate just about anything with a drink. Hell, you can’t even go to concert and sit your ass down for a two hour event without buying a ten dollar beer. That’s not indulgent, that’s either stupid or additive Bad credit: Most of the people that I know who carry credit card debt are people who use their credit cards as a way of keeping afloat. The wages are so pathetic here that most people use credit cards for food and other necessities. Living paycheck to paycheck, most people have to use credit cards for eyeglasses, dental emergencies and even medical expenses. I’m sure if badcfedit.org looked further and saw the underlying expenses or reasons of the debt, there wouldn’t be trips to Jamaica, Europe or a shopping spree at Nordstrom’s on the monthly statement. I really think this study is superficial. You have to look under the surface. But why we seem to go overboard is not because we are overindulgent. We do this because in most cases it is all we have to aspire to. If there were viable Chamber of Commerces who did their jobs and brought in pay scales that were comparable to other areas, maybe we wouldn’t be flipping over beers and hot dogs that makes us lose control. Maybe we’d have something more than reaching for that little slice of heaven with a beer, fatty foods and a smoke. We might do these to excess but we are nowhere near overindulgent. Excuse me now while I put away the fine china, get into my Porche and pick up my nephew coming in from Harvard for spring break! After that, I’m taking my overindulgent ass to France for a thirty day vacation. But let me know how Lawton makes out, heyna???
SHUBILLA EVENT
Plains Township Commissioner Tom Shubilla. (Photo: Shubilla campaign).
No it’s not Tom Wolf taking ads out this early. His race is won and done. But a Magisterial District candidate is firing heavy artillery already in his race to succeed a Lackawanna County sitting Judge. James Gibbon was elected to the Court of Common Pleas two years ago. Now there is a race to succeed him as the District Magistrate. The District includes the municipalities of La Plume, Newton, Ransom, Waverly, Glenburn, North, West and South Abington townships, Dalton, Clarks Summit, and Clarks Green. Malcolm L. MacGregor has been advertising heavily this week touting his experience as well as his community association. But in my opinion, in the ad there is a strange phrase involving bringing 25 years of good parenting experience to the job. I understand that a Magistrate has to deal with civil issues as well as juveniles. If one has navigated the challenges of parenting in this day and age and has survived without an arrest or a few trips to the principal’s office, they are fortunate and skilled. But it still struck me as odd. Are we implying that people without children can’t bring the same skills of understanding to the job? Or teachers who never marred or are single? I just think the phrase which for all we know just could have been a throwaway line to add one more thing to the ad is out of sync. Is the candidate saying that other candidates aren’t better parents? One thing the ad did though was made me notice the it and write about it. So I guess that worked from that standpoint. But if you see Mama Duggars running for Magistrate somewhere in the U.S. you’ll know why. MacGregor is being opposed by Grace Doherty Hillebrand who speaking of family and parenting has a lineage of her own. Her uncle is former Mayor Chris Doherty, her grandfather was the venerable James Doherty Senior who served on City Council in the 60s and 70s in Scranton (when the Scranton City Council meetings were the original TV reality show on WDAU) and her father is Attorney Jim Doherty Junior. The other candidates are Assistant DA Attorney Michael R. Goffer , Attorney Paul Keeler and Police Officer Eric Judge. If I were Judge, I’d run on being the only candidate not connected to the Democratic party power structure. The others have connections to both the Nealon and Casey families in Scranton. Plus there is the Doherty name. Will Judge benefit from split allegiances? We shall see.
WILL NOVEMBRINO PREVAIL?
Scranton City Controller Roseann Novembrino. (Photo: Times Tribune).
The race for Scranton City Controller might be interesting. Roseann Novembrino has been in that job since the death of her late husband Richard. Novembrino is going for her eighth term. If elected she will have served more than 3 decades in that job. It has been a while since there were challengers to this job. Will Scranton voters decide that maybe someone new should step in? School board member Kyle Donahue and Sean McAndrew are taking on the long time incumbent and will this be a cakewalk for the multi term Controller or a bit of a challenge?
HAGGERTY'S BACK
Candidate for Judicial Records Kevin Haggerty. (Photo: LuLac archives).
Former State Representative Kevin Haggerty was going to run for County Commissioner but decided to go for the Clerk Of Judicial Records job. He is being joined by 5 other candidates. Currently Haggerty has billboards across the city and the Lac. He does have name recognition. The others running are Scranton School Board members Bob Sheridan and Robert Casey, Tax Collector of Springbrook Township Mauri Kelly, Kim Yencho of Jefferson Township and Teresa Colarusso of Blakely. Haggerty has the best name recognition and Colarusso will have the best food at her evens. Other than that, I can’t really say much more. The office is being vacated by Mary F. Rinaldi who has held the offices for several terms. Prior to that, her late husband Bill Rinaldi held the post.
LAWTON’S JOB SEARCH
Luzerne County Manager Bob Lawton. (Photo; Standard Speaker.com).
Much has been made this week in Luzerne County about the news that County Manager Bob Lawton is looking elsewhere. Lawton has been in the job since the first Council took office in 2012. He has had a contentious tenure with some members of the Council and the Public. One of the byproducts of holding this position in such a political savvy area as Luzerne County is that you can’t make a move without anyone knowing it. This is America and Lawton should not be chastised for exploring other options. The Council should not go on a witch hunt either to get rid of the guy just because he is looking. Jesus, after these two winters who could blame him? But I do agree with Council Vice Chair Edd Brominski’s thoughts that there should be a contingency plan in place. Not necessarily a deputy but a list of competent managers who are LOCAL and who have done this on a city, and borough level before. One of these could run things before a new manager is hired. The experience of the Wilkes Barre City Charter should tell us that city and county managers are a lot like baseball field generals, some are hired to be fired. This should come as no surprise that Lawton is looking and anyone who says he is betraying the county is just being silly. .
Vice President Biden chats with former Scranton Mayor Gene Peters. (Photo: Facebook). Vice President Joe Biden came to the Scranton Tuesday and like the political athlete he is, the veteran politico touched every base. First he attended the Irish Women’s event at the Radisson. Reprising the appearance of his boss Barack Obama, Biden made his way through the crowd in the lobby greeting a throng who came out to see him. Later on he went to the other D.C., Dickson City up the line and gave a touching speech about his Scranton roots and his Irish heritage. By the time the Veep started to speak, the bow tie was slightly askew but that was just because of the massive groups of people trying to see him. There was speculation that Biden might make a significant announcement about his future at the dinner. That would have certainly put Scranton on the top of the newscasts Wednesday morning. But it was not to be. YET. Don’t be surprised if Joe Biden might be rethinking another Presidential run at this time. A few weeks back in a conversation with a very wise politico, he said Biden was running. I didn’t think so deep in my heart but now with an opening, you just never know. If the Clinton narrative continues to head south over trust, Biden might have an opportunity to snag the nomination. There are a few things working against him like the gaffes and age. But unlike Jim Webb, Martin O’Malley and Elizabeth Warren the country will know in spades what they are getting. Biden can keep the Obama coalition together and has been more aggressive in being inclusive than his boss. I don’t think it bothers Biden that people have been underestimating him this time around. It’s been that way since he began his political career in the late 60s. It might be a long shot but DO NOT bet against Biden.
Two sons of Scranton, Senator Bob Casey and Vice President Biden. (Photo: Citizen’s Voice).
Two Mayors of Scranton, and in fact a number 1 and number 2, Eugene Peters and his Deputy Mayor Jim McNulty. (Photo: Jim McNulty Facebook but I bet Joe Peters took the photo!)
AND IN PITTSTON AND WILKES BARRE
More than 400 attended the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons Dinner at the Woodlands. Labor Leader John J. Dougherty was the main speaker, Monsignor John Bendik of St. John the Evangelist Church received the organization’s Achievement Award. Dr. John Callahan of Pittston received the Swingle Award and Thomas J. Reilly Sr. was named Man of the Year. Last Friday former Yankee Sparky Lyle spoke to the Wilkes Barre Friendly Sons wowing that group with baseball lore. There were more than 600 people at that dinner. So for three events more than 2500 people celebrated. Talk about economic growth in action. The Chambers of Commerce around here could learn a thing from The Friendly Sons.
LUZERNE COUNTY COUNCIL RACE
For a while there were reports that not many people were going to run for the race in Luzerne County for the Council seats. But right now there are 9 Democrats running for the 6 seats. Three Democrats Edward A. Brominski of Swoyersville, Tim McGinley of Kingston, and Stephen A. Urban of Wilkes-Barre are running. The first Chairman of the Council, Attorney Jim Bobeck has declined to seek another term. That is unfortunate because Bobeck has lent a great deal of logic and sanity to a very challenging start to a new government. In fact he should be applauded for taking the reigns of this new form of governance when it was in its infancy. There are others who would have crashed this thing into the ground, Bobeck did not. He also has elevated the debate on the new Council that was elected in 2013 and keeping it from loitering in the bottom of the garbage pail. Rick Morelli has been an inspiration in terms of all the flack he has taken. The Democrats don’t like him, members of his own party have savaged him. He has taken considerable time away from his real job to get the Council moving and is to be commended for having an Iron Man’s constitution in dealing with all of this. Like Bobeck, he will be missed and both will go down as the perfect individuals to transition from Home Rule maybe to Home Ruler in action. The incumbents Edd Brominski, Stephen A. Urban and Tim McGinley bring a special skill set to their re-election bids. As former Commissioners Brominski and Urban can take a look back and continue to do a comparison and contrast if re-elected. McGinley who served as the second Chairman brings a plethora of experience that can give the Council an overview of what will work and won’t. McGinley also knows the social service system inside and out and can be a watchful eye on issues that can be controversial. With incumbency there are many strengths but one pitfall is that there might be a temptation to throw everyone out. I hope that will not be the case. For sure this has been a contentious council but to leave it rudderless would not be a good idea with new faces replacing seasoned veterans. Other Democrats running are John J. Pekarovsky, Larksville, Anthony J. Rostock, Yatesville, Robert W. Schnee,, ugarloaf Township, Jane Walsh Waitkus, Dorrance Township, Robert J. Altavilla, Larksville, and John Gadomski, Wyoming. Walsh Waitkus ran in 2011 and ran a very aggressive campaign focusing in on transparency. During that campaign she told the Times Leader she wanted people to grill her on the issues. Presumably she has seen the meetings and it is a favorable thing that she still wants to run again. Anthony Rostock has been active in Pittston Area politics, especially on the School Board and has been tinkering with the idea of a County run for some time. He might be able to garner the support afforded to Sal Licata in the ’11 election from the Third District. Pekarovsky, and Altavilla, are both from Larksville and may split the vote in their town. Schnee and Gadomski might do well in their areas too but they will need to broaden their base to be successful. It is early but unless something incredible happens, the three incumbents Brominski, McGinley and Urban will win their nomination with Walsh Waitkus and Rostock, by virtue of their name recognition having more than a fighting chance. So that leaves one Democratic seat up for grabs among the remaining four candidates. Look for one or all of them to latch on to the coat tails of a more visible candidate. On the GOP Side, Marc Dixon of Mountain Top, Ray Gustave, of West Wyoming, Mark Rabo, of Hazleton and Stephen J. Urban, of Wilkes-Barre have filed. This is a no brainer because this party couldn’t even get a full slate. Urban Junior is well known and Gustave has run before. Come November, here’s something you can take to the bank. The Urbans will win their seats so control of the council will be between the other 5 remaining Democrats and the other Republicans. Those odds aren’t bad for the Dems. But hey, it’s early.
FRANK DUZEN
I knew the late Frank Duzen from my church, St. John the Baptist in Pittston. He was always a very friendly parishioner that we’d see at the 9:30AM Mass. Later on Duzen was the guy who helped cross people going to the Courthouse. He always had the combination of a smart remark and kind word for everyone in that building. He was 93, lived a great, long life and is remembered fondly and will be missed.
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CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES $3.5 MILLION IN HHS FUNDS FOR SLDHA HEAD START PROGRAMS
Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives).
Congressman Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a supplementary grant worth $3,592,980.00 to the Scranton/Lackawanna Human Development Agency (SLDHA). The agency is an umbrella organization dedicated to serving the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals within Lackawanna and surrounding counties through a variety of programs. The funds will be used for the agency’s various Head Start programs that provide Pre-K, Early Head Start, and Head Start programs for children throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. “SLDHA’s Head Start programs provide children in northeastern Pennsylvania access to a wide range of high-quality educational services. These federal funds are an investment in both our community and our children,” said Cartwright. “I am a proud proponent of Head Start; a great education starts with early childhood education and is vital to strengthening our economy and our country.” Head Start is a national program created in 1965 to address the educational and developmental needs of low-income, pre-school children. Head Start’s comprehensive service system provides social, nutritional, and educational services for thousands of children and their families across the United States.
THIRD DISTRICT GOP TO MEET
Pat Marranca Third District Chair advises that the party group will be having their meetings every third Monday at the Dupont VFW, Main Street. Meetings begin at 7pm. The April meeting is set for the 20th.
GILBERT MEET AND GREET
Council Candidate Beth Gilbert. (Photo: Gilbert campaign).
Wilkes Barre City Council candidate in District C will hold a meet and greet March 25th from 7 to 9pm at Jim McCarthy’s Tavern On the Hill. The event will be on Wednesday night and feature the candidate interacting with people in the District. Admission is free but contributions I’m sure will be appreciated.
MEDIA MATTERS
SUNDAY MAGAZINE
This Week on Sunday Magazine
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Mike Zimmerman and Teddie Janisov from Family Service Association of Northeast Pa, about their benefit Gala, coming up in April.
An encore of Brian Hughes'interview with Dr. Matthew Budoff about heart health. Frankie speaks with Tom & Noreen Clark from WNEP-TV about next weekend's "Bowl For Kids Sake" fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Northeast Pa.
And an encore of Brian's interview with Alyssa Maria from Home Instead Senior Care about senior safety.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on
97BHT, 6am on 97.9X & Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.
ECTV
Thom Welby. (Photo: ECTV)
Long time WNEP employee Tom Welby will join David DeCosmo and co-host Rusty Fender on ECTV Live during the week of March 23rd. Tom will be talking about plans for and the history of the popular "First Friday" events in Scranton. ECTV Live is carried on the Comcast Cable system on Channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is presented several times each day throughout the week. The prime show times are during the Noon and Midnight hour each day with 6 pm screenings on selected dates. You can check the program schedule for all ECTV programs by searching ectv schedule on your computer.
BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM
This week's guest in Margo Azzarelli, author of "Lackawanna Chronicles", her fourth local history book. Jim Riley hosts Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Game Sports Radio Network 1340/1400/1440 am and 100.7 and 106.7 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.
CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME
Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Batten down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.
Our 1965 logo.
1965
Jeff Beck replaces Eric Clapton of the Yardbirds…….Israeli cabinet approves diplomatic relations with West Germany……………T.G.I. Friday's 1st restaurant opens in NYC…..Beatles announce their film is named "8 Arms to Hold on to You" (Help)…………. Cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov, leaving his spacecraft Voskhod 2 for 12 minutes, becomes the first person to walk in space. The USSR beats the U.S. by a few months in the race to walk in space….
Nicolae Ceausescu is elected General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party…..27th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: UCLA beats Michigan 91-80…in the Commonwealth, Walter Allesandroni the State Attorney General indicates he might want to run for Lt. Governor in 1966….and in Plains, preparations continue for the opening of the region's first racetrack, Pocono Downs..and fifty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Can't You Hear My Heartbeat” by Herman's Hermits, a group that is part of the continuing British Invasion of rock and roll.
Location: Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, United States
Political analyst for WBRE TV's Pa. Live program and post election commentator for WBRE TV's Eyewitness News Daybreak show. Author of the book "A Radio Story/We Wish You Well In Your Future Endeavors" and "Leges Vitae" "26 Rules of Life" and the new novel, "Weather Or Knot". The blog editor also writes various news articles and columns as well as upcoming literary projects. The blog editor was a frequent guest on WYOU TV'S INTERACTIVE NEWSCASTS when political issues were discussed on the national, state and local level. Yonki was a weekly panelist on WYLN TV 35's Friday Topic A program. He also appeared on the Hazleton, PA. station on Election Night doing coverage and did special projects and stories for WYLN TV 35's 10PM Newscast "Late Edition".
