The LuLac Edition #3034, September 28th, 2015

THE BLOOD MOON

Went for a drive last night and took a look at the big moon eclipse. Here are a few photos from last night courtesy Mrs. LuLac.

DOBASH FIRES OFF A MISSIVE

BACKS CANDIDATES

Luzerne County Council member, "AKA Kathy from Hazleton" Kathy Dobash. (Photo: Citizen's Voice). 

When I was watching the Luzerne County Council meeting last week, (yes I know it’s so sad) I knew there would be fireworks from Hazleton when it was announced the County missed a deadline. Especially a deadline concerning man made emergencies. Here’s something Kathy Dobash sent to me and about twenty other people.
Editor,
This letter is a plea to the Majority of County Council and the Luzerne County Citizens to hold Luzerne County Manager Robert Lawton accountable. It is also a letter of support for five Luzerne County Council Candidates who are on the November General Election Ballot.
On September 22, 2015 Luzerne County Council was informed that since the start of this year Luzerne County was without a hazard mitigation plan. I was surprised, shocked and angry because public safety and wellness was not Lawton's top priority. This is the biggest error and missed deadline made by Luzerne County Manager Lawton.
Listen to the 9-22-2015 Work Session meeting audio.
At our meeting, County Council Chair Linda Houck, asked: "What is the usual procedure? I can tell you I hadn't heard about it" Houck questioned Operational Services Director Tanis Manseau about the process to get the plan on the Council agenda. Manseau replied, "we send it to the Manager".
So Lawton ignored it! Did he put it on a pile or throw it away?
When I took my turn to comment I said: “It’s extremely alarming. I’m asking for an investigation as to why we were not notified.”
I also stated I was thinking of the potential financial disaster. This is gross mismanagement by the County Manager.
Lawton's failure to meet our designated deadlines gives enough reasons to replace him with a person who has real leadership skills.
I ask Chair Houck and the rest of the Council majority to wake up and open blind prideful eyes. Lawton overspends $16.9 million, lies to Council Council and cannot meet deadlines in a responsible manner. It is time for Mr. "Lateton" to go.
After a man made or natural disaster we depend on and receive the recovery money to rebuild lives.
However, to get that money, counties and municipalities need a hazard mitigation plan.
Below is a memo to help ease our concern:
"This letter should end the concern that Luzerne County didn’t have a FEMA approved HM Plan in place.
All work had been done, the necessary municipal adoptions had not occurred once FEMA Region III provided the normal FEMA “Approval Pending Adoption” Letter.
Nancy/Lucy – Please ensure all municipalities continue to get their municipal adoptions into the county and FEMA Region III, to include the upcoming County adoption in October. Thanks."
Regards,
Thomas S. Hughes
PEMA State Hazard Mitigation Officer
Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation
Hazard Mitigation Division
PA Emergency Management Agency
2605 Interstate Drive | Hbg PA 17110
We need a County Manager who places Luzerne County Citizens first on his priority list.
The future of Luzerne County is in the hands of the voters.
The voters have a chance in the November General Election to select the incumbents and those candidates who put public safety first and stop County Manager Robert Lawton from crippling the area.
Re-elect Edd Brominski, Stephen A. Urban and Stephen J. Urban, incumbents who have voted against EVERY tax increase since the beginning of the new Home Rule Government.
These incumbents opposed the elimination of the Homestead Tax Credit.
These incumbents supported actions to replace County Manager Lawton who has proven himself to be fiscally irresponsible four years in a row and late with every important deadline designated in our Charter.
I also ask voters to elect Mark Rabo and Ray Gustave who have dedicated their time to attend County Council meetings and know the issues we face.
They are the only candidates who have consistently researched the law and shared information at public meetings.
Both gave excellent suggestions to County Council on important issues before Council took action.
Moving forward with leadership will take strong trustful individuals.
I place my faith and confidence in the people who really care.

Sincerely,

Kathy Dobash
Luzerne County Council Member

Hazleton, PA

EDITOR'S NOTE: Any contrary views are welcome and will be printed in their entirety.