The LuLac Edition #3435, February 21st, 2017

CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES TOWN HALL MEETING TO BE HELD IN DICKSON CITY

TODAY 

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Congressman Matt Cartwright will host a public town hall meeting in Dickson City. This event is an opportunity for constituents to hear from Congressman Cartwright during a brief presentation. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A session.
The event is open to the public. RSVPs are not required.

When:

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Where:

Dickson City Borough Building

901 Enterprise Street

Dickson City, PA 18519

LUZERNE COUNTY COUNCIL UP

There are  a dozen Luzerne County residents who  have confirmed they are running for county council in the May 16 primary, including two incumbents. Republicans Kathy Dobash and Harry Haas, Democrats Linda McClosky Houck and Eileen Sorokas and Independent Rick Williams are up this year. To date Dobash is undecided, and Sorokas said she will not run. Sorokas if you recall made national news supporting Donald Trump for President. That pissed off a lot of Democrats who went to the wall for her in every election.Plus she was a State Democratic Committee Woman for years.
Since Williams is an Independent, he’ll make up his mind after the primary. Incumbents Harry Haas a Republican and Linda McClosky Houck a Democrat will run again. Both are great, solid involved public servants.
At least six other Democrats said they are running: The Times Leader reported that the following have expressed interest.
• Wendy Cominsky, of Dallas Township, owner of Au Salon in Dallas and previously owner of Country Scissors from 1995 to 2002.
My friend Gort 42 is going out on a limb for her and I trust his judgment on these things.
• John Gadomski, of Wyoming, a union contractor for more than 44 years who is active with the Keystone Mountain Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters, Local 645, of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
He ran the last time, made a good showing but really never set the world on fire even with the endorsement of the Democratic party.
• Philip Gianfarcaro, of Pittston, owner and operator of Phil’s Clip Joint in Pittston, prior owner of Bottom Of The Ninth Sports Cards in Duryea and a city Democratic committee member for 12 years, currently serving as city party chair.
This guy, is he kidding us? This guy hounded Judicial candidates for jobs for his kids. He finally landed his son at a job but in my opinion all I have seen from this guy is that he wants power to help himself. Not impressed.
• David Popiak, of Hazleton, owner and operator of Hydrodynamics in Hazle Township for 22 years and city Democratic chairman.
Private business guy, Democratic insider but can be a very good representative for The Mountain City.
• Sheila Saidman, of Kingston, a retired lawyer who has worked as a county assistant district attorney, as legal counsel for various corporate entities, in private law practice and as a labor representative for the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
A good choice because the County needs help with someone knowledgeable in Labor negotiations.
• Matthew Vough, of Pittston, who works as marketing manager at Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. in Exeter.
Son of Judge Mike Vough. Not sure why he wants to do this. Matt has a nice Facebook page but there are no specifics on it as of today regarding why he wants to run. But I’m sure he’ll get to it. In terms of the pick between this young man and Gianfricaro there is really no contest.
Four Republicans have said they will run to date:
• Mark Dixon, of Wright Township, director of business development for Kodak Alaris in the Americas for 13 years.
Top notch sable rattler and articulate in his beliefs and issues.
• Chris Perry, of Fairview Township, a former Hazleton Area School District athletic director and teacher for 36 years.
Uh no. Might be qualified, we don’t need a double dipper in this position.
• Stephen J. Urban, of Wilkes-Barre, an IT support coordinator with a major food distributor who previously served on county council for four years.
Served well and with distinction. Deserves another turn at it.
• Gregory S. Wolovich Jr., of Newport Township, who has worked in customer service at Wegmans for eight years and at the Wegmans Warehouse for more than a year.
This guy is a breath of fresh air, knows his stuff and would be a someone who actually wants to serve. Plus he actually works for a living in a job dealing with products as well as accountability.
Wilkes-Barre resident Eric Bieski, a social worker for Catholic Social Services, also said he plans to enter the race after the primary as an Independent.
Bieski would bring some experience to social problems the County has to deal with if elected.

IN THE LAC…MORE HIRING SHENANIGANS

COMMISSIONERS APPOINT DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR HUMAN RESOURCES

SELECTED CANDIDATE HEARD ABOUT IT FROM “A FRIEND”

COMMISSIONERS IN THE LAC LOOK NO FURTHER

I never really had much use for Human Resource people. To me most of them are glorified Meet and Greeters but in County Government we have politicians to do that. The County Commissioners headed by Pat “Cheese” “Cam” O’Malley picked this young man without looking elsewhere. That seems to be a pattern developing in The Lac .
Now Laureen Cummings who rightly complained about the Joe Corcoran Triple dip job plum at $70,000 was pretty good with this selection. So I’m thinking this guy had some in with one of the members of The Political Class in The Lac.
Welcome to The Political Class young man and forget about that Masters you’re working on. Just show up at the events, buy some tickets to their events and tell them how smart they all are.
Then make sure you attach yourself to Andy Wallace’s ass to find out how you can get another job if power shifts or one when you retire to “double dip” in The Lac. 
Here's the release from the County: 
Justin MacGregor, 34, of Dunmore has been appointed by the Lackawanna County Commissioners as the new Deputy Director for Human Resources. He assumed his duties on February 13.
“We are very pleased to add Justin to our staff. His administrative experience will serve him well in working with our legal team, staff and union representatives in providing our workforce with the resources they need to do their jobs and, above all, serve the public,” the Commissioners explained in a joint statement.
Mr. MacGregor will be responsible for the overall administration of the County’s human resources/personnel operation. He will work with staff, consultants and solicitors in overseeing labor relations with the County’s seven unions.
In his professional career, Justin worked for the Scranton School District as its Community Relations Director, where he was responsible for the District’s overall public relations efforts.
Prior to the District post, he worked as a Legislative Assistant for former State Representative Kevin Murphy.
Mr. MacGregor earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government, Law and National Security from Misericordia in 2013. He is a candidate for a Master of Public Administration degree from Marywood University, which he expects to receive in the Fall of this year. He is currently in the process of preparing for his Master’s capstone.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded to me to serve Lackawanna County in this role,” said Justin. “My experience and education have prepared me for this, and I look forward to working with the Commissioners and staff.”
Active in the community, Mr. MacGregor is a Board Member of the Scranton Half Marathon and the United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA. He is also an Auxiliary Board Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of NEPA and an Allocation/Impact Committee member of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
His salary has been set at $53,000 by the Board of Commissioners.