The LuLac Edition #3614, October 12th, 2017

ELLSWORTH DECLARES IN GOP RACE  FOR GOVERNOR

GOP candidate Laura Ellsworth in green. (Photo: Ellsworth campaign)

Pittsburgh business leader and community advocate Laura Ellsworth announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor today.
"I’m running for Governor of Pennsylvania because I’m tired of politicians treating us like we are stupid. For too long, too many politicians like our Governor have fallen in love with their own voices and confused process with actual progress. We’ve all heard enough talk – it’s time for action,” Ellsworth said. “During my career in the private sector I’ve been a solutions oriented leader, creating diverse coalitions to tackle major problems. That’s exactly the approach I’ll bring to Harrisburg. As Governor my priority will be people, not politics. For me, being Governor is about doing something not being somebody.”
Ellsworth went on to say, “As Governor my number one priority will be to create good paying jobs right here in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania has the opportunity to be an economic powerhouse if only our elected officials focused on solutions, not on their next elected office."
Laura Ellsworth was the first Partner-in-Charge of Global Community Service Initiatives at the international law firm Jones Day, spearheading the firm's initiatives around the world. Her professional biography can be found here.
Laura is active in civic and community affairs, serving on the board and executive committee of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and chair of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Youth Policy Council, vice-chair of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, and past chair of the United Way Women's Leadership Council. You can learn more about Laura here.

Laura and her husband Bruce live outside Pittsburgh and have been married for nearly 25 years. They are the proud parents of a 20-year-old son, Matthew, who currently attends college. (Ellsworth campaign)

KATHI CAZZONE ANNOUNCES RUN FOR LT. GOVERNOR ON DEM SIDE

Out for Mike Stack's seat, Democrat Kathi Cazzone (Photo: Cazzone campaign)

With Mike Stack pretty much obliterating his political career in Pennsylvania by being a bully to the people who staff his office, there re many people deciding to take a look at that office in 2018. One is Cathy Cazzone who is currently a County Commissioner in the state. Stack was slapped down by Wolf for his behavior and it will be interesting to see whether Wolf endorses someone should he run again or let the political fray decide in a primary next year. Here’s a little bit about this candidate.
Kathi Cozzone was sworn in as Chester County Commissioner on January 6, 2008 and was re-elected in 2011 2015. She has served as Vice Chair of the Board since 2011.
One of Kathi’s top priorities as Commissioner has been workforce development. She serves on the Chester County Workforce Development Board, which allows her to help set programs and policies that positively affect people struggling with unemployment and underemployment. She serves on the Board of Chester County Industrial Development Authority and is also ex-officio member of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Kathi is extremely proud of the unique work done on this issue in Chester County. She helped spearhead the County’s Hire One initiative after the recession to encourage hiring. She was instrumental in bringing the Platform to Employment, an intensive program for the long-term unemployed that combines job re-training and counseling, as well as networking and job search training that has shown great success in helping unemployed participants reinvent their lives with great new careers.
For the last 10 years since the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas boom began, Kathi has been involved in advocacy for pipeline transparency and safety. She was appointed by Governor Wolf to serve as the Chair of the County Government Workgroup on the Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force. The task force issued a report of recommendations that she hopes to advocate for enacting in Harrisburg. This follows her work in creating the Chester County Pipeline Information Center, a unique online resource for transparency around pipeline construction and operation.
In addition to the pipeline task force, Kathi serves on two statewide advisory commissions. She was appointed by the Governor to the Statewide Geospatial Coordinating Board in 2016, to help develop State policy for sharing data collected by Counties on land use and topographical features. In 2017, she joined a Joint State Government Task Force Advisory Committee to review voting machine technology to provide guidance to the Legislature in advance of future upgrades. She has long been an advocate for Chester County’s verifiable paper ballots, and is proud of her fight on the Board of Elections against moving a polling place away from Lincoln University, a historically African-American institution, to a less accessible location that would have discouraged student turnout.
Kathi is very involved with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s (CCAP). She was recently elected First Vice President, after serving as Second Vice President last year. She has chaired the Resolutions Committee, and serves on the Courts and Corrections Committee, the Academy Committee and the Personnel Committee. Kathi is also on the Health Committee for the National Association of Counties.
Most importantly to Kathi, she is a member of CCAP’s Behavioral Health Task Force, and works with County leaders from across the United States through the National Association of Counties, to implement strategies that reduce the population of mentally ill inmates in prison by finding ways to divert non-violent offenders from incarceration toward more rehabilitative outcomes – both improving the lives of these individuals and their families, and saving taxpayer dollars. As Chair of the Chester County Prison Board, Kathi has fostered and promoted diversion programs such as the highly successful WRAP – or Women’s Re-Entry Assessment and Programming initiative to help women adjust to life after prison and avoid re-offending.
Kathi’s other roles in Chester County Government include previous service on the Chester County Conservation District Board, and current service on the Chester County Child Advocacy Center Board.
Business Background
Kathi brings a versatile corporate financial background County government. Kathi’s 20-year career in business included a succession of financial management positions in various industries. She managed large and complex budgets, most recently as Corporate Business Manager at Rodale, Inc., a world-renowned publisher of books and magazines. At Rodale, Kathi provided fiscal management to the Information Technology, Operations and Administrative departments for the entire corporation. In that capacity, she was responsible for annual budget preparation and multi-year strategic planning for both operating and capital expenditures.
Kathi first ran for office on a platform to bring strategic planning to Government, so that departments could plan for future needs and challenges, while elected officials determined how to fund those needs and challenges in a fiscally responsible way. She is proud that soon after taking office Chester County implemented her recommendation and created an award-winning Strategic Plan that still serves County taxpayers and service clients well 10 years later.
Community Involvement
Kathi makes it a point to find time to stay involved with the local community, not just as an elected official, but as a citizen. She serves on the Board of Advisors for Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown, a non-profit that helps educate teenagers about making good choices when it comes to issues like drugs and alcohol. She participates in the Board of Directors of the Downingtown Community Educational Foundation, while also volunteering with other “Band Parents” to support her son at Downingtown East High School. Kathi also serves on the board of the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps., where her son is a member of the Explorers. She serves on the Board of the United Way of Chester County, and served previously on the Board of the Chester County Art Association.
Kathi Cozzone lives in Uwchlan Township, Chester County, with her husband Victor and their son Victor, who attends Downingtown East High School. The family are members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Lionville. Kathi attended the College of New Jersey, where she earned her accounting degree. Kathi’s first run for public office was in 2005, when ran a close race for County Controller that achieved over 48% of the vote, still a high watermark for a Democrat in a Chester County Row Office race.
Currently she has the support of many County Commissioners in the state and one Representative. Her campaign is in its early stages and after next month’s election, she will need to step it up to make an impact right out of the box. With Stack vulnerable you can be sure the race will be crowded. Here’s her announcement. (Cozzone campaign, LuLac)

CEISLER CAMPAIGN STEPS UP

Commonwealth Court candidate Ellen Ceisler (Photo: Ceisler campaign)

The Democratic candidate for Commonwealth Court, Ellen Ceisler is running hard for a seat on the Commonwealth Court. The Court is a 9 member body that handles matters involving state and local governments and regulatory agencies. It also acts as a trial court when lawsuits are filed by or against the Commonwealth. Cases are generally heard by panels of three judges in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, although, on occasion, they may choose to hold court in other locations. Cases may also be heard by a single judge or by en banc panels of seven judges.
In 2007, Ellen was elected to the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. She spent her first six years in the Criminal Division presiding over major felony trials.
In February 2013, Ellen was assigned to the Civil Motions Court, regarded as one of the busiest and most diverse Common Pleas Courts in Pennsylvania. Much like the Commonwealth Court, Judge Ceisler handled appeals from Governmental Agencies and Authorities of the City of Philadelphia, including the Zoning Board, Board of Licenses and Inspections, Human Relations Commission, Civil Service Commission, Liquor Control Board, Board of Revision of Taxes, Parking Authority, Housing Authority, Pension Board, Freedom of Information Act, governmental labor unions, among others.
Prior to that, after graduating from Temple University Law School in 1986, Ellen served as a Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney, where she specialized in the prosecution of crimes of domestic violence.
Following her tenure in the District Attorney’s Office, Ellen worked as an investigative producer for CBS News in Philadelphia, where she developed, researched, and produced in-depth investigative series on issues related to the mental health, foster care, and day care systems; government mismanagement and waste; consumer fraud; and abuses of the elderly and migrant workers.
From 1997-2005, Ellen served as Deputy Director and then Director of the Integrity and Accountability Office for the Philadelphia Police Department. In that capacity Ellen audited the operations, policies, and practices of the Police Department to minimize misconduct, improve the effectiveness of the Department’s operations, and enhance public confidence in the Department. Despite the sensitivity of this position, Ellen received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police in her successful bid for judge in 2007.
In 2005, Ellen served as a consultant for the Philadelphia School District on issues pertaining to student disciplinary policies and procedures, in an effort to make the public schools safer for the teachers and students. She then served as the Director of the Special Investigations Unit of the Philadelphia City Controller’s Office where she initiated and oversaw investigations into municipal waste and fraud.
Ceisler was in the are numerous times and brings credible record to her run.
Ellen is currently serving in the Major Civil Trials Division.
Throughout her tenure on the bench, Ellen established an excellent reputation for her work ethic, thoroughness, fairness, independence, and integrity, traits that she will bring to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. (Ceisler campaign, LuLac)

REP. CARTWRIGHT URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

Congressman Matt Cartwright  (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright, a co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus Rebuilding America Task Force, wrote to President Donald Trump calling on his administration to develop a comprehensive infrastructure plan.
Rep. Cartwright urged the president to immediately develop an infrastructure plan that includes job opportunities with fair wages, skill development programs, and comprehensive improvements for our schools, roads, and bridges.
“Infrastructure investment is one of the best ways to strengthen our economy and put Americans back to work,” said Rep. Cartwright. “My colleagues and I are calling on the president to renew his pledge to rebuild our nation. We need a comprehensive, bipartisan infrastructure plan that includes good-paying jobs for American workers.”
A serious infrastructure investment from the federal government could rebuild crumbling roads, update antiquated electric grids, and modernize archaic schools –improvements that are needed to move our country forward. Infrastructure is also viewed as a guaranteed job creator that would provide security for middle-class families and working men and women. One study from the Council of Economic Advisers found that for every $1 billion spent on infrastructure, 27,000 jobs are directly created.
“With the leadership of Rep. Cartwright, I’m confident in House Democrats’ ability to craft policy that will advance our nation’s infrastructure system and help create good-paying jobs across the country,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY).
One of five House Democratic Caucus Jobs for America Task Forces, the Rebuilding America Task Force is focusing on putting Americans back to work by modernizing our nation’s infrastructure, expanding job opportunities in key industries, launching a school construction boom, updating our power grid and water infrastructure, and taking a visionary approach to the projects needed to put our country at the forefront of innovation.
The Jobs for America Task Forces will work to create opportunities for growth, boost hardworking families, and give every worker the opportunity to achieve the American dream by developing legislation focused on investing in key industries. The effort was launched by House Democratic Caucus in September.

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

Jim Zardecki (Photo: The Irregulars)

The October Irregulars Think Tank Breakfast will be held in the relaxed environment of Ballroom A on the second floor of The Irem Clubhouse at Irem Temple Country Club in Dallas this Saturday, October 14th.  We encourage everyone to attend.  The Presenter Jim Zardecki, Senior Vice President, Director of Facilities and Security at Customers Bank will share information on Cyber Fraud that will inform us of the ever-increasing dangers of this complex issue that is frequently happening on the Internet.  Jim is here during National Cyber Security Awareness Month to help everyone better understand the magnitude of the problem.  This Saturday morning, the topic for discussion is The Basics for Preventing Cyber Fraud focusing our attention on one of the greatest threats facing our country, and one threat that has enormous implications for our national security, economic prosperity, and public safety.  Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and buffet-style breakfast is served at 9:00 a.m.  Breakfast is over when the last person walks out the door. For reservations 570-690-2323 or Email theirregulars@frontier.com. Cost is $11 per person. 

BLOGFEST THIS SATURDAY

Northeastern Pennsylvania Bloggers will be hosting the semi-annual Blogfest on October 14 at The River Grille, 670 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 starting at 5PM. This is an informal gathering of bloggers, candidates for office, elected officials and anyone interested in politics or blogging. Additionally, NEPA BlogCon organizers and attendees will join in the festivities at the conclusion of their conference. There is no charge for admission.
Since its inception, Blogfest has been described as the best non-political political event of the season. No speeches are allowed and the rule is agree to disagree but don't be disagreeable. Many local and statewide candidates will be attending.

For additional information visit these websites:

http://nepablogs.org/

http://nepablogcon.com/

http://gort42.blogspot.com/

http://lulacpoliticaletter.blogspot.com/

NEPA Blogfest 2017 Fall Edition

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2017

Time: 5-10pm

Venue: River Grille

670 North River Street

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week's guests will be Bob Durkin from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400-The Game, NEPA's Fox .Sports Radio and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

ECTV LIVE

ECTV Live welcomes  Mark J. Riccetti Jr. from theLuzerne County. Historical Society to the program during the week of October 16th. He'll outline plans for the annual Wilkes-Barre Ghost Walks which are drawing so much attention.
ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is aired during the Noon, 6pm and Midnight hours each day of the week. Following Monday's Live program the show will become available on Electric City Television's YouTube channel which can be viewed on your computer.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. The show will run Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on WILK, and on KRZ, Froggy and Max 102 early Sunday morning.

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!”

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP

SUNDAY NIGHTS!!!!

1977

Our 1977 logo

Four Palestinians hijack Lufthansa Flight 181 to Somalia and demand the release of 11 Red Army Faction members…….Anita Bryant is famously pied by four gay rights activists during a press conference in Des Moines, Iowa. This event results in her political fallout from anti-gay activism……

American singer and actor Bing Crosby, one of the most popular, far-reaching and influential entertainers of all time, dies after finishing 18 holes at La Moraleja Golf Course in Spain……


in Harrisburg the debate begins on whether the Liquor Stores should be privatized. Reaction to this suggestion is tepid at best….in Luzerne County Commissioners Wideman and Crossin, still politically fighting appear at Democratic events separately. The team was not up for election this cycle….and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Boogie Nights” by Heatwave.