The LuLac Edition #2881, April 21, 2015

GAS PAINS REDUX

District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis. (Photo: Times Leader).

The furor over gas gate came to an end this afternoon with no criminal charges filed. Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said in a statement that a multi-agency investigation into fuel use by Wilkes-Barre city officials was over and no criminal offenses could be proven.
Right from the get go this was going to be a tough case to prove. If someone is entitled to something, is it theft? And if there was a precedent that was set by other administrations how does one make a criminal charge?
Plus there was the  full weight of multi investigative bodies weighing in on this and found that no charges can be filed.
Already the DA is taking heat because she can’t prosecute the case. Steve Corbett said on the radio as his show closed today that this might be problematic for her re-election chances. Maybe.
But you can’t prosecute without proof. A guy named Jim Garrison in New Orleans tried that and was foiled. You need proof!
I can guarantee you that in her 200 plus victory in 2011, Salavantis did not win Wilkes Barre City. And this decision which was not in her hands will certainly get the natives in the Diamond City restless come election time. She may get a few grateful staunch Democratic votes. But there are other issues bigger than this.
Was there a lack of accountability? Sure. But the voters had elections to fix that. They didn’t. So now there’s no charges.
Blame whoever you want but not the DA who called the feds in for help and couldn't prosecute this without any evidence.

WARDLE SENDS HIS MESSAGE 

 Candidate Tom Wardle. (Photo: Wardle Facebook page).

Using Facebook Magisterial candidate in District 11-03-08 Tom Wardle has introduced some videos making the case as to why he is running for the job in the Plains and Laflin area. This message sure beats yard signs even though he has them. Check out Wardle’s Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/tom.wardle.944