The LuLac Edition #5, 488, November 6th, 2025

 

 

2025

ELECTION RECAP

This is our regular election recap. By now you’ve read the newspapers, talked to co-workers around the water coolers, heard from the neighbors, heard the wanna be PHDs “experts” on talk radio  and seen the coverage on TV. With all that information loaded into your brain, to paraphrase the old Coke commercial, “here’s the real thing”.

Let’s start with the elephant in the room that is going to get attacked by the GOP lie machine and the crazies.

 

ANOTHER GUY 

WITH A FUNNY NAME

MANDANI

 

Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City on Tuesday, defeating former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the race to replace scandal-plagued New York Mayor Eric Adams as the leader of the nation’s largest city.

More than 2 million votes were cast — the most in more than 50 years — in an election that drew intense national interest and was billed as a fight over the future of the Democratic Party.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman and democratic socialist, will be New York’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest in more than a century when he takes office on Jan. 1.

The GOP attack machine is saying he is a Communist, Muslim and paints him as enemy of the people. A few things to remember here.

1.  He is a Muslim.

2.  Muslin is a religion just like Presbyterian, Jewish, Catholic or Methodist.

3.  Like a former two term President, he has a different name. Like the aforementioned ex President he is not a terrorist, will not take away your sainted guns, and will not ruin a city that most GOP outsiders who bitch about him HAVE NEVER SET FOOT IN!

4.  What he does in New York City will not affect your rent prices, or your way of life here in NEPA or LuLac  land.

5.   I know the GOP lie machine wants to have you believe he will fail. If he does it will not be because of their hate, it will be because he screwed up. But for now  he hasn’t, so shut up.

6.   The GOP lie machine and pearl clutchers are tut tutting and saying “He’s a Democratic Socialist” as if that’s something evil. Bernie Sanders a white guy is one too. Is it the color you’re worried about?    

He won, beat off a flurry of naysayers and an ex Governor and current President who despite their political differences have no problem with shame. So let the man be!

 

HORRORS!! TWO MORE WOMEN GOVERNORS!

Abigail Spanberger focused on jobs and the cost of living and emphasized her support for abortion rights. Abigail Spanberger served three terms in Congress. She won big in Virginia. 

In New Jersey, Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill won the governorship, succeeding two-term Democrat Phil Murphy. Sherrill defeated the Donald Trump-endorsed Jack Ciattarelli, a former state legislator. She is a veteran and ran a flawless campaign.

Trump’s attack on DEI…..didn’t help here either.

 

BEFORE I START…

THOM & MARY ANN

 

A huge shout out to Luzerne Democratic Chair Thom Shubilla and his Vice Chair Mary Ann Velez. Both were relentless party advocates who kept the seams from bursting and held the Luzerne County Democratic party united. I love the Dems but sometimes I think they have three feet because they don’t mind shooting themselves in one of the two.

Shubilla’s videos and Valez made sure every event was available to anyone interested. They should be commended and re-elected to another term in 2026  as we head into a crucial race for Governor. 

 

THE

DEMOCRATIC

CLUB

To the Democratic Ladies and their club. They boiled in the hot summer sun getting registrations every Thursday at the Market. They attended ever candidate event and supported it with their time and money . This band of people who should be enjoying the comforts and the fruits of their labor are constants in the community. The men and  women are a vital cog in the wheel of democracy  and are the unsung heroes of the candidates and their cause.

BRAVO!

 

 

PA JUDGES ALL

 GET A YEAH!

 With Judge Dougherty 

All three of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices who sought reelection Tuesday will get another term, ensuring Democratic jurists keep their majority on the presidential battleground state’s highest court — one at the center of pivotal fights over voting rights, redistricting and elections.

Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht won new terms, with support from the Democratic Party and allies including Planned Parenthood, labor unions, trial lawyers and a constellation of progressive groups.

Superior Court Stella Tsai Judge Brandon Neuman and Commonwealth Court prevailed in their run for office as Democrats. They get a ten year term too.

 

NOW TO

LULAC LAND

 

THE LU

 

JUDGE OF

COMMON PLEAS

This race was  a very competitive race that featured two experienced attorneys. It’s been a while since we had that in The Lu. Mark Bufalino prevailed by about 5,000 votes besting Tom Mosca the Republican.

Bufalino did the traditional route of having multiple rallies across the county with small face to face events. He touted his trial experience and had the good fortune of an energized Democratic party. 

This was generational too. He had the support of old timers who revered his late father Charles Bufalino and had the support of younger people.  

Mosca ran a good campaign starting as early as last December. He has been a volunteer on various committees and is an attorney of good reputation and standing. I know him as well as Bufalino. But in a race like this, you make a personal choice.   

Mosca was in a tough position because as a Republican he had to carry the stigma of the split GOP that had the MAGA wing and the regular reasonable Republicans. That  did not him with many Independents and wavering Republicans.People who know Tom knew he was dioing what was needed in order to be competitive. 

Believe me there was concern about the Republican registration (achieved largely under the Pribula-Valenti leadership)  that might have prevented a Democratic win. But voters in local Judicial races for the most part have made decent choices. In this case, it was the choice between two decent guys. 

 

CONTROLLER

Voters in this race decided that there needed to be a change in the office. Tim McGinley a former three term Council member bested incumbent Walter Griffith. Both ran aggressive campaigns and had strong party support. But I believe Griffith’s association with the right wing of the party, his unwavering support of the President and his policies and his involvement last year in the Presidential election, especially at Penn Place did not do him any good.

Griffith will continue to be a sane participant in county government and has a view that the people are the bosses. But the approach to this office will change in a way that will be noticeable to voters. 

McGinley ran a drama free informative campaign and his years of experience on Council did not go unnoticed.   

 

COUNTY COUNCIL

In a quick turnaround, Democrats claimed four of the five openings in the countywide at-large race. Here’s how that shook out.

Denise Williams (D) — 38,280

John Lombardo (R) — 37,374

Steven Coslett (D) — 36,053

Chris Belles (D) — 35,986

Dawn Simmons (D) — 34,478

On the Republican side, incumbent council members Brian Thornton (33,136 votes) and Greg Wolovich (31,872)  failed in their efforts to win second terms.

Two other Republicans, Jackie Scarcella (33,852) and former councilman Stephen J. Urban (32,872), also failed in their bids to win seats. Tony Perzia (31,973) was the only Democrat who did not win a seat.

This was a good slate of candidates that represented the demographic of the county. You had a veteran, union and former prison employee, as well as a former head of the election bureau who resonated with voters. They all campaigned together and kept what can be a splintered Democratic party united in getting a return. Most thought they’d win, two but not four.  The current GOP majority did have them ammunition though by alignment with the MAGAs and not being that good at governing out of the gate with their clumsy handling of hiring an outsider when they had a competent person all along. 

Just a short few years ago, the GOP had 10 out of 11 on the board.  

 

 

COUNTY CHARTER

NO

There were some good ideas in that charter like a reduction in members and better hiring practices. But some of the people elected to re-write the changes  were not the right messengers. I personally voted NO because I did not want the progress the county has made in the courts, the offices and departments to get mired in unsavory public debates. All one has to see is the collection of speakers at a Council meeting.

 

THE LAC

ANDY JUST

DANDY

Former District Attorney and current Common Pleas Judge Andrew Jarbola is back for another 10 year term. He accumulated 47,416 yes votes to 16,747 no votes.

 

POWELL PULLS

Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Powell, who had both major party nominations and was unopposed, won his first full 10-year term with 54,084 votes.

In the row office races:

Incumbent Lauren Bieber Mailen, a Democrat, handily defeated former congressional aide Republican Susanne Preambo Green and Colleen Eagen Gerrity, the Independent Democrat candidate. Bieber Mailen had 26,894 votes, Preambo Green, 20,115, Colleen Eagen Gerrity, 15,292.

Incumbent Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty, a Democrat, easily defeated Republican Sharon Soltis Sparano to win an eighth four-year term in office. Rafalko McNulty had 42,089 votes, Soltis Sparano, 20,799.

Incumber Register of Wills Fran Kovaleski, a Democrat, walloped Republican Vanessa Leinert. Kovaleski had 40,192 votes, Leinert, 20,644.

Incumbent Sheriff Mark McAndrew, a Democrat, defeated former deputy sheriff Glenn Capman, a Republican, for the second straight time.

McAndrew, who defeated Capman in 2021, had 44,919 votes, Capman, 18,322.

District Attorney Brian Gallagher, who had both major party nominations, was uncontested in his bid to win his first full four-year term. He received 54,161 votes.

Unlike their friends in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County politicos stick to the motto that consistency breeds success.

 

PAIGE PREVAILS

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti cruised to re-election over three challengers in the election Tuesday, despite already announcing she will run for Congress next year.

With all 48 precincts reporting, Cognetti, a Democrat, had 9,701votes; Republican Trish Beynon, 3,589; former City Councilman Gene Barrett, 3,553; and Frederick “Rik” Little, 154.

We were a bit uneasy given the fact that the announcement of a Congressional campaign might have boosted the candidacy of Gene Barret but that was not the case. The Mayor has the energy to multi task in ’26 and you can bet she’ll be a force in the race against Rob Bresnehan.

In the meantime Cognetti will have two new City Council members to work with, Sean McAndrew and Patrick Flynn. They and incumbent Councilman Tom Schuster, all Democrats, swept the three council seats, ousting incumbent Gerald Smurl in the process.

 

WELBY WINS

 

Former state Rep. Thom Welby won the special election for Lackawanna County commissioner. He ran a strong campaign especially after enduring the loss of his sister during it. 

With all 163 precincts reporting, Welby, the Democratic nominee, won with 27,793 votes. Chet Merli, the Republican nominee, had 20,453; and Able and Independent candidate Michael Cappellini had 15,688.

Welby will replace Brenda Sacco, who was sworn in Oct. 22 to replace Matt McGloin, who resigned eight months earlier. Sacco has said she will honor the "lawful result" of the election. She joined his celebration Tuesday.

Welby served as an aide to State Senator Marty Flynn who has flexed his political muscles in reshaping the Democratic party.  The ex fighter has told Democrats in both the Lu and The Lac to not be afraid to fight for Democratic ideals. Welby will carry on  that fight.

 

BRESNAHAN STATEMENT ON CONTINUED FUNDING FOR WIC

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr.  released the below statement following the National WIC Association’s announcement that $450 million in additional federal section 32 funding has been allocated to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

“As someone who has been fighting to keep WIC funded throughout the shutdown, I am glad to see the administration step up to the plate,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Food for moms and babies should never be used for political games. Now it’s our turn to pass my Keep WIC Working Act to make sure families aren’t going hungry because of Washington gridlock.”

In Northeastern Pennsylvania alone, more than 14,000 individuals rely on WIC for essential nutrition support, health screenings, and breastfeeding assistance. 

After his visit to a local Maternal and Family Health Services clinic in October, Rep. Bresnahan introduced H.R. 5836, the Keep WIC Working Act, which would fund WIC during any government shutdown this year. In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Bresnahan stressed the importance of Congress finding a more permanent solution.

WIC is a USDA program which supports expecting mothers, infants, and children under age five by providing access to healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other support services. It remained operational through October due to President Donald Trump’s decision to utilize $300 million in Section 32 funding to keep the program running during the government shutdown.

EDITOR’S NOTE: That stated, this would not have been necessary if Dan and you didn’t vote for the big beautiful bill in the first place THAT CUT IT!

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO TAKES ACTION TO SUPPORT PENNSYLVANIANS ON SNAP, INCREASE CAPACITY AMONG PENNSYLVANIA'S CHARITABLE FOOD SYSTEM

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

 

Governor Josh Shapiro announced new state-led efforts to support Pennsylvania's charitable food network and the two million Pennsylvanians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after the Trump Administration refused to fund SNAP benefits in November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The Governor is driving out $5 million in state funding immediately to Feeding Pennsylvania to distribute through its network of food banks across the Commonwealth. The Governor also signed a declaration of disaster emergency to expedite the delivery of Commonwealth funding and ensure relief reaches Pennsylvanians as quickly as possible. The declaration will allow state resources to be driven out more quickly, streamline contracting, and provide the Governor with additional tools to address the harm caused by the federal government shutdown.

"Nearly two million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP every month - and they shouldn't have to wonder where their next meal will come from because of the dysfunction in Washington," said Governor Shapiro. "There is no substitute for the federal government's decision not to release SNAP benefits, but my Administration is stepping up to use every tool we have - state resources, private sector support, and the compassion of our communities - to make sure our food banks are fully stocked and our families are fed. The federal government has the money to keep people fed - they're just refusing to use it. In Pennsylvania, I won't let our families or food banks shoulder that burden alone, and I'm not going to stand by while the federal government lets Pennsylvanians go hungry."

 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

 WVIA NEWS

WVIA NEWS TEAM 

ON ELECTION NIGHT 

 

WALN

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE

November 1975

THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD

 

SS Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes freighter that sank in Lake Superior during a storm on November 10, 1975, with the loss of the entire crew of 29 men. When launched on June 7, 1958, she was the largest ship on North America's Great Lakes and remains the largest to have sunk there. She was located in deep water on November 14, 1975, by a U.S. Navy aircraft detecting magnetic anomalies, and found soon afterwards to be in two large pieces.

For 17 years, Edmund Fitzgerald carried taconite (a variety of iron ore) from mines along the Minnesota Iron Range near Duluth, Minnesota, to iron works in Detroit, Michigan; Toledo, Ohio; and other Great Lakes ports. As a workhorse, she set seasonal haul records six times, often breaking her own record.  Captain Peter Pulcer was known for piping music day or night over the ship's intercom while passing through the St. Clair and Detroit rivers (between Lake Huron and Lake Erie), and entertaining spectators at the Soo Locks (between Lakes Superior and Huron) with a running commentary about the ship. Her size, record-breaking performance, and "DJ captain" endeared Edmund Fitzgerald to boat watchers.

Carrying a full cargo of taconite ore pellets with Captain Ernest M. McSorley in command, she embarked on her final voyage from Superior, Wisconsin, near Duluth, on the afternoon of November 9, 1975. En route to a steel mill near Detroit, Edmund Fitzgerald joined a second taconite freighter, SS Arthur M. Anderson. By the next day, the two ships were caught in a severe storm on Lake Superior, with near-hurricane-force winds and waves up to 35 feet (11 m) high. Shortly after 7:10 p.m., Edmund Fitzgerald suddenly sank in Canadian (Ontario) waters 530 feet (88 fathoms; 160 m) deep, about 17 miles (15 nautical miles; 27 kilometers) from Whitefish Bay near the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario—a distance Edmund Fitzgerald could have covered in just over an hour at top speed.

Edmund Fitzgerald previously reported being in significant difficulty to the Swedish vessel Avafors: "I have a bad list, lost both radars. And am taking heavy seas over the deck. One of the worst seas I've ever been in." However, no distress signals were sent before she sank; Captain McSorley's last (7:10 p.m.) message to Arthur M. Anderson was, "We are holding our own". Her crew of 29 perished, and no bodies were recovered. The exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, though many books, studies, and expeditions have examined it. Edmund Fitzgerald may have been swamped, suffered structural failure or topside damage, grounded on a shoal, or suffered from a combination of these.

The disaster is one of the best-known in the history of Great Lakes shipping, in part because Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot made it the subject of his 1976 popular ballad "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". Lightfoot wrote the hit song after reading an article, "The Cruelest Month", in the November 24, 1975, issue of Newsweek. The sinking led to changes in Great Lakes shipping regulations and practices that included mandatory survival suits, depth finders, positioning systems, increased freeboard, and more frequent inspection of vessels.

 

NO BODIES FOUND

 

Although the search recovered debris, including lifeboats and rafts, none of the crew were found. On her final voyage, Edmund Fitzgerald's crew of 29 consisted of the captain; the first, second, and third mates; five engineers; three oilers; a cook; a wiper; two maintenance men; three watchmen; three deckhands; three wheelsmen; two porters; a cadet; and a steward. Most of the crew were from Ohio and Wisconsin; their ages ranged from 20 (watchman Karl A. Peckol) to 63 (Captain McSorley).

 

WHO WAS EDMUND FITZGERALD?

Northwestern Mutual wanted to name the ship after its president and chairman of the board, Edmund Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald's own grandfather and all great uncles had themselves been lake captains, and his father owned the Milwaukee Drydock Company, which built and repaired ships. Fitzgerald had attempted to dissuade the naming of the ship after himself, proposing the names Centennial, Seaway, Milwaukee and Northwestern. The board was resolute, and Edmund abstained from voting; the 36 board members voted unanimously to name her the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. More than 15,000 people attended Edmund Fitzgerald's christening and launch ceremony on June 7, 1958. The event was plagued by misfortunes. When Elizabeth Fitzgerald, wife of Edmund Fitzgerald, tried to christen the ship by smashing a champagne bottle over the bow, it took her three attempts to break it. Another gentleman, Jennings B. Frazier of Toledo suffered a heart attack and died. A delay of 36 minutes followed while the shipyard crew struggled to release the keel blocks. Upon sideways launch, the ship created a large wave, dousing the spectators, then crashed into a pier before righting herself. Other witnesses later said they swore the ship was "trying to climb right out of the water”. On September 22, 1958, Edmund Fitzgerald completed nine days of sea trials. After that, the ship sailed to meet its fate 17 years later and this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “ Lyin’ Eyes” by the Eagle