The LuLac Edition #2864, March 28th, 2015

THE EEE-LEK-SHUN

MAYBE!!!!!!!!!

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