The LuLac Edition #3115, January 7th, 2016
IS ANDY REALLY THAT DANDY????
Even though it’s cold, the Lac got themselves a triple dip this week!!! (Photo: Post Gazette).
So Tuesday the Lackawanna County Commissioners named their most qualified person for Chief of Staff. Turns out he is Andy Wallace who for years was a Regional Director for the late Senator Arlen Specter. Prior to that he worked for the Luger and Pettinano administration. Maybe Laureen Cummings was right when she said the County was going Republican on the news the other night. But if this new duo is thinking about “the future”, you’re picking a guy who worked for two Commissioners who served 36 years ago!!! Really? That’s progress. I’ll admit the guy has an impressive resume. Pat O’Malley thought so when Cummings read it to him. Probably very slowwwllly! This whole thing is leaving me scratching my chinny, chin chin.
A few observations:
1. Could it be that Cummings, the first woman County Commissioner maybe didn’t want to share the limelight with the charismatic Evie Refalko McNulty?
Not likely. According to my sources she wasn’t even invited to the Transition meetings. So all “The Statesman” wanted from her was her vote. Be wary of the that Laureen.
2. Could it be that O’Malley had no idea that when you make an appointment with your electoral partner you owe him that much to stand by the agreement? If Refalko Mcnulty didn’t work out, they could have fired her at any time. Or was O’Malley just being kind knowing he’d jettison her eventually anyway?
3. Then there’s this. How much is too much for people like Andy Wallace? This guy has been on the government dole (and yeah I’ll call it that, if my GOP friends call Social Security and welfare the dole) we can call this a dole for Andy. This grand move of knocking off $3,000 dollars off his salary is grandstanding at its finest. Refalko McNulty for sure has been an elected government official but she wasn’t double dipping. Andy Wallace is probably triple dipping. You know who is paying for that? Lackawanna County taxpayers. A Chief of Staff at best is someone who runs interference for the Commissioners. It is not brain surgery. Arlen Specter would have been a great Senator without this guy warming the seat. A Chief of Staff at worse is someone who enables the bad behavior of the people who hired him. By accepting the job, he did just that.
Congrats to the triple dipper. Oink oink!!!
You made yourself a great score. Now do your job and make sure O’Malley keeps his fly up and smiling for the cameras. Also, TAKE YOUR PHONE OFF THE HOOK ON SUNDAY NIGHTS!! Then kick back, put your feet up and let those checks roll in baby.
THE FOOL’S ERRAND OF THE GOP
Of course the President will veto it and the GOP will try to override the President’s action. What a wrapped up present for the eventual Democratic nominee.
Bottom line: 17 million people WILL LOSE their health care.
123 million people getting health care through their employers will be adversely affected.
People with pre existing conditions will be left to die. Seriously.
The Republicans have no plan that can help the middle class. Yet they continue to vote against a plan that is working. They won’t admit that a good percentage of the younger people in their 20s now are buying their health care from the ACA. They won’t admit that this is law even though THEIR Supreme Court Justices voted for it. TWICE.
Let’s face it, the GOP won’t admit this is a success. But they are admitting they are heartless bastards who are wrong headed. Hell if they didn’t like Romney's program, and he was one of their own, how the hell are they going to accept the first significant health care law passed since………maybe never? Or is their hatred for President Obama just so crippling it is making them all insane?
MARIO AND THE MAYOR
Bill Davis is a grown man who is Mayor of a town that is a blip on the radar screen. He acted like a big baby when refusing to endorse the will of the people. If I were the people of The Notch, I’d take a look at this guy and wonder just who the big joke is in my town. Davis did what no political operative in the County could ever do. He made a hero out of Fiorucci, engendered sympathy for the guy and gave him legitimacy. Fiorucci was in the newspapers, (page 4 no less) on the radio and relevant again. Bill Davis, King Maker, who’d have known, not even hisself, heyna!!!
SHINE OF LUZERNE COUNTY SECURES MAJOR FEDERAL GRANT
Congressman Lou Barletta and State Sen. John Yudichak and Wilkes University President Patrick Leahy have announced a major federal grant for the SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) of Luzerne County after-school program. The grant totals nearly $400,000 for each of the next three years.
“This is tremendous news for SHINE of Luzerne County,” said Congressman Barletta. “As a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I was proud to be able to step in to save and restore this federal funding at the end of last year, because it touches so many young lives and gives kids a better chance at bright futures. Sen. Yudichak and I look forward to many more years of SHINE, working through our great partner Wilkes University, and many more success stories among the children of Luzerne County.”
“From the beginning of our efforts to bring SHINE to Luzerne County we have worked to provide the necessary resources for our children and our communities to succeed, “ said Senator Yudichak. “This funding represents a major step forward for SHINE and recognition that this program will make a difference in our future by improving the lives of our children.”
“Time and again, Congressman Barletta and Sen. Yudichak have shown their dedication to education in Luzerne County. Their efforts to fund the SHINE program will allow Wilkes University to continue to provide educational enrichment opportunities to the children of our region,” said Dr. Patrick Leahy, president of Wilkes University
“This funding will help us to increase the opportunities for success for our children as we work through our first three years of SHINE of Luzerne County,” said Mary Kolessar, Director of the program. “We thank Congressman Barletta and Senator Yudichak for their tireless efforts on behalf of SHINE.”
The federal funding is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) via the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant program. The SHINE grant is one of fifty new 21st CCLC grant awards totaling $16.1 million for 2015-18 in Pennsylvania.
The 21st CCLC program is designed to provide federal funding for the establishment of community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for children. Funds are intended to provide students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools with additional services to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects; to offer students a broad array of activities that can complement their regular academic programs, and to offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
SHINE of Luzerne County began last fall in the Wilkes-Barre Area, Greater Nanticoke Area and Wyoming Valley West school districts and will expand to Hazleton later this year. The program, geared to grades K-8, focuses on a project-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum. Relying heavily on a STEAM core, SHINE links schools to homes to help children build a stronger academic and social foundation.
MEDIA MATTERS
BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM
ECTV LIVE
ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender welcome Jen Moran from the West Pittston Library to the program during the week of January 11th. The Library has a long list of programs available to adults and children during the cold weather months. ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is broadcast several times daily throughout the week.
SUNDAY MAGAZINE
This Week on Sunday Magazine
Brian Hughes speaks with Terri Stocki from Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeast Pa about how they can help you in selecting a health insurance plan.
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Mike Zimmerman, CEO of Family Service Association about their annual campaign.
And Brian speaks with thought leader and author Dr. Tracey Wilen about hiring trends and predictions for 2016.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X and Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.
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.
BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!
The Doo-Wop Sock Hop can be heard every Sunday night from 6P to 9P on “105 The River (104.9 FM) Host is the incomparable Bobby V. www.105theriver.net
www.doowopsockhop.net
1971
Our 1971 logo.
A ban on radio and television cigarette advertisements goes into effect in the United States….
The classic rock album Led Zeppelin III is released in the US….
Masterpiece (formerly known as Masterpiece Theatre), a drama anthology television series produced by WGBH Boston (US) premiered on Public Broadcasting Service….
Fashion designer Coco Channel dies at the age of 87……in Harrisburg Governor Ray Shaffer prepares to leave office. The Governor said he had no regrets and felt that his four years would be viewed as a time of change and prosperity…..in Luzerne County Commissioners Frank Crossin and Ed Wideman say they will be planning on running for a second term and 45 years ago this week the number one song in America and Lulac land was “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison.
posted by David Yonki @ 7:45 PM
18 comments
18 Comments:
So you REALLY think that if ObamaCare goes away NOTHING will pop up to fill the vacuum?
I see insurance companies providing a host of alternatives, the govt allowing anyone to sell anybody anything they WANT to buy. I see others foregoing insurance all together but being advised they are on their own if anything happens. Then, churches and charities jumping in to help IF those people want the help.
In other words, the individual will be offered total control and accepting the responsibility for their choices.
I relish the time it happens.
Obama care a success? Are you on one of the plans? I was... I thought it was great, $120.00 a month. I had a knee replacement at the end of November. Therapy was unaffordable, and the Jan 1st they no longer have that plan so my new premium is $635. So here I am, knee doesn't work right, can't afford the meds, and no insurance.. I was better off with my old plan. I have two words for you when you say this is a success
**** *** !!!!!
We know you are friends with Evie and her hubby... your anger really rings hollow... you are pissed because one politically connected insider was passed over for another, more politically connected insider...
As far as triple dipping, not a person whining about it would turn it down themselves. There is nothing illegal, immoral or unethical about taking benefits of a job offered to a person.
We know you are friends with Evie and her hubby.
IN RESPONSE
I know him longer than her. Define friends, we aren't playing cards every week so I guess you can say we're allies.
your anger really rings hollow... you are pissed because one politically connected insider was passed over for another, more politically connected insider...
IN RESPONSE
No, here's the thing. She was in on the transition meetings. "The Statesman" "Cheese" whatever you want to call him pulled a fast one....and I'm just wondering at what gain to him?
As far as triple dipping, not a person whining about it would turn it down themselves. There is nothing illegal, immoral or unethical about taking benefits of a job offered to a person.
IN RESPONSE
I disagree. In an area where young people leave, where we have people running around with Masters Degrees from Georgetown and Princeton who are working in convenience stores, it is down right immoral, selfish and greedy.
Again, how much is too much?
BTW, I understand Wallace is about a year and a half from still another pension.
You think that's right? I don't.
Obama care a success? Are you on one of the plans? I was... I thought it was great, $120.00 a month. I had a knee replacement at the end of November. Therapy was unaffordable, and the Jan 1st they no longer have that plan so my new premium is $635.
IN RESPONSE
Sorry for your trouble but I don't have enough information to comment. Why did the $120.00 plan go away? Was it the Insurance company or the Exchange you bought it on?
Dave, it appears that you called Mr. O'Malley every name in the book by word and innuendo but I never saw you write the words "idiot".
Could there be hope for you??
Dave, it appears that you called Mr. O'Malley every name in the book by word and innuendo but I never saw you write the words "idiot".
Could there be hope for you?
IN RESPONSE
No I would never use that term with him. That would be an insult to idiots everywhere.
"Again, how much is too much? "
That question is always asked by those who have nothing, or aren't willing to do what it takes to get something... No one should be obligated not to take a job because there is someone else who needs one... There is always someone else who needs a job... Any college educated person who wants to stay in NEPA doesn't deserve their degree.. This place is a shithole on every level, and the only people who are here are those who don't know better or are trapped....
There is only one life, there is no after life, we are here to enjoy and get what we can for ourselves and our families....There is never too much..
I'm with 7:17.... My Obamacare rate tripled, co-pays doubled, and deductible is up $500
I was able to afford my own insurance before, I was so thankful for the Obamacare rate which saved me money last year, now my old plan, which no longer exists, would have saved me money.
Obamacare is a bait and switch..
You never answered 7:17's question. Do you have an Obamacare plan? Or, are you just parroting propaganda? Those of us living with it now realize we were hoodwinked.
"In an area where young people leave, where we have people running around with Masters Degrees from Georgetown and Princeton who are working in convenience stores, it is down right immoral, selfish and greedy."
So how would Evie getting the position been different regarding a new grad?
They would still not have gotten the job.
Should Tom Brady and Aaron Rogers step down because they have won and had great careers?
Steve Jobs didn't remain at the head of Apple for the money, he felt his work wasn't done.
There are people, the majority, who go to work and expect to be paid to show up and that's it. Then there are others, a small percentage, those who achieve greater than their circumstances, for whom work isn't solely about income, it is about doing something, and having an impact.
Wallace has earned enough money and retirement, but he may not feel he is done contributing.
This is the classic NEPA jealousy garbage... Someone got something...
Andy is a politician and he has earned his stripes and positions. Whether you like him or not, or agree with his career choice(s) or not he has achieved more than most, including me and you.
Instead of viewing this with the jaded eye that has been worsened by the naysayers of doom, let's try and look at this removed from petty emotion.
1- this is political.. no shit... the position is chief of staff for elected officials.
2- for some reason O'Malley and Cummings have formed some type of pre-election alliance. Why? I don't know, but it is obvious.
3- O'Malley and Cummings are two people that no one takes seriously. O'Malley was a backseat commissioner and Cummings was the Lac version of Walter Griffin.
4-Wallace adds some much needed political clout for these two. Let's face it, what federal or state official would be willing to go to bat for these two? O'Malley hasn't proven himself during his short tenure, and Cummings has a very black and white viewpoint, she hasn't developed the nuance required in politics. So, if one of these two call an official they will get polite respect for their position and nothing else. Wallace will open doors for them, and in turn open doors for the county.
Is he the best pick? Who knows, but the chief of staff is not simply a filter as has been stated by others, for many politicians and elected officials, the chief of staff is a trusted adviser.
You are so much better than to be this petty. Look at the bigger picture of not only politics but life.
Could I be wrong? Fuck yeah, but I would rather keep my attitude focused on what could be positive, than bitch and moan and cry like a fucking baby over what is wrong.
"I don't have enough information to comment." Of course not. He probably doesn't know either. That's what happens when you join the same provider as the VA.
I know people who experienced the same premium and deductible increases.
Why did the $120.00 plan go away? Was it the Insurance company or the Exchange you bought it on?
See. In the past at least you knew WHO was responsible and WHY. This is not an isolated incident and the responsibility falls squarely on us! We voted for this abomination!!!!!
You never answered 7:17's question. Do you have an Obamacare plan?
IN RESPONSE
I have an Independence Blue Cross plan since 2012. My rate has not changed since the time I started.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Your entire post was thoughtful, smart, cohesive and made sense. I thank you for a well thought out reaction my edition. I even added the expletives which I don't do for your passion. But there is just one thing I can say in rebuttal on one part you posted, here it is and my response is below:
Wallace has earned enough money and retirement, but he may not feel he is done contributing.
IN RESPONSE
Puhleeeezeee!!!!
I want to know just what doors Andy Wallace can open up NOW for Cheese and Ms. Cummings!
The Governor is a Democrat and Evie was one of his first supporters.
She is in the forefront of a Hillary campaign again.
All the doors Andy can open are from people out of office, defeated or dead.
You said your rate hasn't changed. Do you pay the full premium or is it employer provided?
If employer provided your contribution hasn't gone up, the premium more than likely has.
Walllace worked for Spector.... there was never a politician that played both sides of the fence. Walllace was in both fed and state gov't. Contacts aren't about party affiliation, they are about networking, ask Pat Solano. Of course, only a ****ing ignorant moron would think someone who has been involved as Andy was would have no connections. Typical NEPA Heyna... I'm not sure what is worse about this area, the climate or the people
I am Mario Fiorucci. The 'non-political' comment I have about being set up by Mayor Davis' refusal to swear me in, is it really hurt my feelings. I worked long and hard to get back on counci,even after 4 years of abuse that I suffered when I was on it from 2010 to 2013. I worked hard on issues, I wrote my 1 page newsletter and passed it out, on foot...350 copies = 350 houses. The mayor probably thought I was gone for good, but I never say die. Mr. Yonki knows me, like he may know others he writes about, but 'contacts' are needed in politics. Also about Obamacare, I just had a back operation and it was thanks to Obamacare. I would not be able to do any kind of work, if I did not get it fixed. I had a good job when I came back from NYC in 1996, but as I had to fight everyone hand to hand to simply inform residents about local politics, I have fallen further and further down the economic ladder. I thank Mr. Yonki for his support and work in doing the what he knows is right, for him and our democracy of the people.
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