The LuLac Edition #3144, February 14th, 2016

LUZERNE COUNTY LINCOLN DAY BREAKFAST 2016

(Photo: losbonos.org)

I finally got a chance to get to the Luzerne County GOP’s “Lincoln Day Breakfast” yesterday. More than a hundred hearty souls scoffed at the single digit numbers and cold winds and made their way to Genetti’s in Wilkes Barre for a fine breakfast and exchanging of politics, opinions petitions. The last few years a surprise event for my birthday (2014) and a work commitment (2015) kept me from the event,  but am I glad I attended this year.
The room was festooned with signs from every national Presidential candidate. Even the Santorum and Fiorina signs were in play albeit away from the head table. Chairman Bill Urbanski just days from his appearance on CNN near anchor Don Lemon had the event running smoothly along with Co-Chair Lynette Villano who put the breakfast together. Plus the elected GOP fire power was on hand. Former County Council Chair Rick Morelli was there along with current members Harry Haas, and Gene Kelleher. Luzerne County DA Stephanie Salavantis was on hand and two DA’s from others areas, Shane Scanlon and Robert Klein also made the trip.
Former Mayor Joe Yannuzzi was at the event along with Wilkes Barre City Councilman Tony Brooks who gave the Benediction before things started. Jim O’Meara he of the Lackawanna County Commissioners office was there as always as well as a few delegate candidates I ran into. Paul DeFabo, Rich Adams, and Carol Drewniak. There were many more I missed and didn’t connect with.
The star of the breakfast had to be former Commissioner Red Jones. Jones was in fine form and met many former supporters and friends. The former Commissioner and I talked about Harry Truman, Reagan as well as the new Council form of government. Red wasn’t digging the new Council form saying the 11 elected seemed to be arguing way too much. Red was one busy guy though meeting and greeting his legion of friends.
The program was swift but informative. Tony Brooks gave an inspirational opening prayer but not before telling the group that Wilkes Barre City Council said no to any new taxes. Brooks said that taxpayers in Wilkes Barre could not handle the burden given the aging population. Brooks said that Republicans,  even in a Democratic dominated body can send their message about taxes and efficient government.
Dr. Bill Lewis gave a fascinating connection of Luzerne County’a political relationship with Abraham Lincoln. Lewis joked that Party Chair Bill Urbanski was the only person who owned Lewis’ book on the subject matter. Well I have to tell you after Lewis’ presentation I’m sure there will be a few more takers on his work.
Congressman Lou Barletta said that he was amused that Donald Trump was saying he was the first one to speak about illegal immigration in the United States citing his involvement in that issue since 2006-2007. Barletta also spoke about his work on a Government subcommittee that has saved over 2.9 billion dollars in savings just by relocating government offices to more efficient headquarters. Barletta said that he didn’t care who won the GOP nomination and remarked that any one of those running would be better than Secretary Clinton or Senator Sanders.
The keynote speaker was Senator John Rafferty who is the endorsed candidate for Attorney General. Rafferty was an Assistant AG under Ernie Preate and Tom Corbett. Rafferty made a very unique pledge saying that he wanted two terms as AG eschewing any run for higher office. Rafferty said his reasoning was that’s how long it would take to undo the damage done by the Kathleen Kane administration. Rafferty told the group that in three years Kane undid the 32 year work of administrations that ranged from Leroy Zimmerman (the first elected AG) to Tom Corbett.
Rafferty along with state officials Karen Bobeck of the 117th, Aaron Kaufer of the 120th and Senator Lisa Baker of the Senatorial 20th really expressed their disappointment with Governor Tom Wolf and the budget impasse. While Dr. Bobeck was critical but polite in brief remarks, Kaufer and Baker’s disappointment in Wolf was on steroids. Kaufer who actually got a bill passed in his first term in office outlined Wolf’s education stance saying that the local school districts would not see the money that was promised. Kaufer said the bulk of the money would be going to Philadelphia and that he was not elected to represent those districts but his own. Baker took  major issue with the Wolf image citing that the campaign image did not necessarily transfer into how he is running things now. Baker cited the recent situation with her husband’s position and how he was dispatched months short of retirement. Baker said that even though she was not running she would lend her support to all candidates in this very important election.
Efficient as ever,  the event ended at 10:40AM and people went away red hot on the sub freezing day to work for their candidates in 2016.
Lincoln the first elected Republican President( who despite the reverential ascension history has given him) was quite the political tactician. On this cold day, Abe would be loving this burn of the Luzerne County GOP!

The GOP team. First row: Representative Aaron Kaufer, Congressman Lou Barletta, County Chair Bill Urbanski, State Senator John Rafferty the keynote speaker, State Representative Karen Boback and State Senator Lisa Baker. 
Second row: Pat Umbra, Dr. William Lewis, Glenn Geissinger candidate for Congress in the 17th,  my old classmate from King's College Attorney Bob Davison, Ed Warkevicz, Executive Committee member, David Bologa, Lorri Vandermark, Secretary to the Executive Committee Ron Ferrance, Vice Chair Lynette Villano,  Wilkes Barre City Councilman Tony Brooks and District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis. 

Ron Ferrance, Senator John  Rafferty and Arena Board Authority member Alex Milanes. 

Congressman Lou Barletta with Chair Bill Urbanski. (Photo: Jim O'Meara, Sr.) 

  

State Representative Aaron Kaufer giving the GOP side of the budget impasse. 

Two younger elected officials getting advice from Red Jones are pictured above. Northwest School Director Randy Tomasacci and Wilkes Barre Councilman Tony Brooks sit with Mr. Jones.