The LuLac Edition #5, 586, February 26th, 2026

 

GIVE LULAC A NOD 

 Hello folks:

 

    LULAC recently was nominated by readers, fans, friends, enemies, etc. as the best of the best in the SOCIAL MEDIA category in the Times Leader's annual poll.

    LULAC is the final entry on the bottom.

    We've been around for nearly 20 years, average 1550 visits a day and are on line 6 days a week covering politics and pop culture.

When you reach the  link, click MEDIA. After that you will see categories of media types. LuLac is under Social Media and as stated earlier LuLac is the last entry.

https://www.timesleader.com/bestofthebest#/gallery?group=533422

 

TRUMP STATE OF THE UNION: ANOTHER “C” ADDED

CONFRONTATIONAL, CHAOTIC, CRAZY. CRUEL

        I never thought I’d live to see the day when the State of the Union address became a combination pep rally, game show, self-aggrandizement, carnival barking, lie fest two hour marathon that was confrontational, chaotic, crazy and cruel. To be sure Trump is a showman but there are people in this country tiring of the show.

        But the show is the front for a very sobering thought I had. The screeching Trump was bad enough but when his partisan crowd started cheering non stop for over three minutes my mind went to the black and white newsreel films back tro the 30s of ‘Dolph and the German people.

        The lies though were what nailed it for me.

THE ECONOMY

Trump often says the U.S. is now "the hottest country anywhere in the world" after years as a "dead country." The U.S. economy was hardly "dead'' when Trump returned to office last year. But in his second term, it's generally performed strongly — after getting off to a bumpy start.

In 2024, the last year of Biden's presidency, U.S. gross domestic product grew 2.8%, adjusted for inflation, faster than any wealthy country in the world except Spain. It also expanded at a healthy rate from 2021 through 2023.

THE INVESTMENTS

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. has secured up to $18 trillion in investments, but has presented no evidence of such a high number. The figure appears to be exaggerated, highly speculative or both.

The White House website offers a far lower number, $9.6 trillion, and that figure appears to include some investment commitments made during the Biden administration.

IMMIGRATION

Trump has repeatedly claimed that an influx of immigrants has led to a massive increase in crime. While FBI statistics do not separate out crimes by the immigration status of the assailant, there is no evidence of a spike in crime perpetrated by migrants, either along the U.S.-Mexico border or in cities seeing the greatest influx of migrants, like New York. Studies have found that people living in the U.S. illegally are less likely than native-born Americans to have been arrested for violent, drug and property crimes.

ELECTIONS

In the lead-up to the 2026 midterms, Trump has taken to repeating the claim that he won the 2020 presidential election.

This is a blatant falsehood that has been disproven many times over — the 2020 election was not stolen.

Biden's win has been affirmed through recounts, audits and reviews in the battleground states where Trump disputed his 2020 loss. He and his allies lost dozens of court challenges related to the election, and his own attorney general at the time said there was no widespread fraud that would have altered the results.

Biden earned 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232. He also won over 7 million more popular votes than Trump.

GDP

In 2024, the last year of Biden's presidency, U.S. gross domestic product grew 2.8%, adjusted for inflation, faster than any wealthy country in the world except Spain. It also expanded at a healthy rate from 2021 through 2023.

GDP shrank for the first time in three years during the first quarter of 2025. Growth rebounded in the second half of the year, but slowed again in the fourth quarter. Annual GDP growth in 2025 was 2.2%.

 

SOCIAL SECURITY AND NO TAXES

People I know on Social Security are still paying taxes.

        To some it was a euphoric rhapsody of hero worship. To some others it was a pile full of lies. To the blissfully ignorant, it was a very restful night.

 

KASH PATEL’S BIG ADVENTURE

Kash Patel took a government plane and used taxpayer dollars to do this.

The guy looks demented.

 

FACEBOOK PRESIDENTIAL BIRTHDAYS?

You might see a picture of a President or a political leader on your Facebook page saying Today is Bill Clinton's birthday or Today is Ronald Reagan’s birthday. Then you’ll see responses by gullible people who will in fact wish the pictured above a happy birthday. BUT IT’S NOT THEIR BIRTHDAY. I don’t know if it’s a scam or not but it is damn annoying.

 

JUST EXACTLY WHAT IS A GOOD DEMOCRAT OR A GOOD REPUBLICAN?

 

It’s a shame that they aren’t content enough to go to war after each other in LuLac land but insist on going after each other. A few cases in point. State Representative candidate Fern Leard was sanctioned by the Democratic Executive committee for having a photo taken with a law enforcement officer who happened to be a Democrat.

Then there is the issue regarding a Republican race for State Representative. Jamie Walsh’s opponent Bill Jones is having photos of himself with guys like Governor Wolf and other Democrats of stature when he was  CEO of the United Way f Wyoming Valley. THIS WAS HIS JOB. Walsh who won by three votes is beating Jones up as not a real Republican. Well I guess we’ll have to remind Jamie who Bils’ dad was.

Or was Red Jones the wrong kind of Republican?

The legacy of the MAGA movement is that it has made both parties pick sides of  each coin of a Democrat or Republican. People of all philosophies run and the voters decide which AMERICAN meets their needs.

A good Democrat (no matter what mechanism) and a good Republican (no matter MAGA or Rhino equals a GOOD AMERICAN.

IF ONLY!

CLARIFICATION ON

INDEPENDENT

DEM LAUNCH

AN INTRODUCTION

We received this bit of information on the Independent Dem organization,

Introducing the Independent Democratic Coalition of Northeastern Pennsylvania (IDC),- a political action committee created by friends and neighbors united for a common cause and purpose. Unlike traditional political organizations, the IDC is not controlled from the top down. In the major political  parties, power flows upward from local committee members to districts, counties, the state, and then national leadership, leaving local voices with little to say. Even many groups that claim to be independent are still tied to larger national organizations.

The IDC is different. We take a bottom-up approach, keeping decision-making in the hands of local people. While we are a Democratic organization and primarily support Democratic candidates, we are not bound by any political party’s dogma. Every endorsement we make is based on research and interviews with candidates to determine how closely they align with our mission. This is for Democrats, and may at times include an Independent or a candidate from another political party. We may also choose not to endorse any candidate for a given office. All decisions are made democratically by our members within the PAC, not by outside political groups or politicians.

If you are interested in participating in this kind of political organization, we invite you to attend a meeting and witness the IDC in action for yourself. There is no cost to attend, no membership fee, and no pressure to join.

Our next meeting will be March 6, 2026, from 5–7 PM at Keeley’s Alehouse and Grill, 199 Division Street, Kingston, PA.

For questions or to support our work, you can email us at info@idcofnepa.org or write to us at:

Independent Democratic Coalition

P.O. Box 52

Dallas, PA 18612  They are also a Political Action Committee serving NEPA. 

 

UPCOMING PETITION EVENTS

HAZLETON TONIGHT

When you get your petition to sign tomorrow night, the name Davis will appear o them.  Signage does not reflect that.

WILKES BARRE

:PETITION SIGNING 

March 3rd TBA  

 

BRESNAHAN, PA ATTORNEY GENERAL HOST PUBLIC SAFETY ROUNDTABLE, ANNOUNCE $500,000 FOR SCRANTON POLICE

 

Rep. Bresnahan and Attorney General Sunday were joined by Brian Gallagher, Lackawanna County District Attorney; Stephen Polishan, Pennsylvania State Trooper Association President; Michael Kozma, Pennsylvania State Trooper Association; Tom Shuster, Scranton City Council Chair; Guy Salerno, Lackawanna Chiefs of Police Chair (Blakely Borough Chief); Andy Kerecman, NEPA Chiefs of Police Association President (Throop Borough Chief); Justin Butler, EB Jermyn FOP Lodge 2 President Justin Butler; and Nate Gerace, Senator McCormick Northeast Regional Director.

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) was joined by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, law enforcement officials, and community partners for a roundtable on public safety initiatives and the importance of local law enforcement.

During the roundtable, Rep. Bresnahan announced $500,000 in federal funding for technology and equipment upgrades for the Scranton Police Department. The funding was secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process and will be used for upgrading equipment and modernizing technology to increase officer safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement operations in the City of Scranton. 

“Public safety is not a talking point, it is a real concern for families in Scranton and our region,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Securing $500,000 for the Scranton Police Department is about making sure our officers have the equipment and support they need to keep our communities safe. I will always stand with our law enforcement officers and fight to make sure they have real backing from Washington, not empty promises.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for the City of Scranton. When communities aren’t safe, nothing else matters, and this investment will make a meaningful impact for the city and surrounding neighborhoods,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. “I appreciated the chance to join elected officials and law enforcement partners to emphasize the important of collaboration in keeping Pennsylvanians safe.”

 

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOURS RICE FRUIT COMPANY TO SEE HOW SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION GRANTS ARE HELPING BUSINESSES 'GET STUFF DONE'

Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvania’s leading apple producers.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nation's first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvania's leading apple producers.

"Rice Fruit Company is one of the reasons Pennsylvania continues to be a national leader, known for producing the finest apples anywhere," said Sec. Redding. "Helping families like the Rices compete and grow their businesses is the reason the Shapiro Administration launched Ag Innovation Grants. This investment is working across Pennsylvania improving lives and helping family businesses get stuff done."

In its first year, the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program received an overwhelming response with more than $68 million in funding requests for an available $10 million in grants. Eighty-eight projects funded in the first round include technologies that are working across the state to improve on-farm and processing efficiency, generate renewable energy while reducing nutrient waste, and support crops and practices that store carbon or replace non-renewable resources. 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WVIA NEWS

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

A-BOMB-INABLE.E MISTAKE

March 1958

A U.S. B-47 bomber accidentally dropped an unarmed Mk-6 atomic bomb on a farm at Mars Bluff, South Carolina, five miles (8 km) east of the city of Florence. Although there was no danger of a nuclear explosion, the conventional TNT explosives within the bomb were inadvertently detonated on impact, hurting six people. The United Press news service commented that "It was the first time an atomic bomb was known to have been dropped in the United States outside nuclear testing grounds."The explosion demolished the home of the farm owner, Walter Gregg, and injured him, his wife and three children, and a niece. The blast left a crater 75 feet (23 m) in diameter and 35 feet (11 m) deep in his yard. The Strategic Air Command issued a statement afterward that "Mechanical malfunction of the plane's bomb lock caused the four-jet B-47 to let go of the bomb.” and this week in 1958 the number one song in LuLac land was “ Get A Job" by The Silhouettes.

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 585, February 25th, 2026

 

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our “Write on Wednesday” logo.

This week we put up a letter from Alec Frank who amplifies what we wrote in Edition # last week’s site. The writer says that the feckless and fearful council couldn’t even take a stand on a resolution that for a Democratic majority there should have been a no brainer.

COUNTY COUNCIL’S DISCUSSION ON ICE EXEMPLIFIES THE CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE

 

As reported by the Times Leader, a theme seemed to emerge during County Council’s debate regarding a proposed ICE resolution. Don’t get involved. Don’t rock the boat. There appears to be agreement among many members of County Council that our federal government is both punitive and vindictive. The message seems clear that in today’s political climate, it is best to “play along in order to get along.”

Chris Belles expressed his concern that the federal government might withhold funding in retaliation for the possible ratification of the resolution. Vice Chairwoman Brittany Stephens expressed concerns that the resolution would “essentially” put a target on Luzerne County’s back. Others simply dismissed the resolution as “grandstanding.” Finally, some felt that it was inappropriate for a county to “insert” itself in national politics, as if to say that we, the people of Luzerne County, are insulated from what happens outside of our county.

The debate spoke volumes, not so much about the merits or lack thereof of Denise Williams’ proposal, but about the state of American politics. We have a government that is feared for its capacity for revenge and retribution. The message is clear: don’t speak up. Don’t take a position at odds with this administration.

But, it is exactly these small announcements that create change. One artist says, “No.” One governor says, “No.” One athlete says, “No.” These are the courageous acts that keep our democracy strong and vibrant. Not the cowering and pandering to power. Ideally, in a democracy, we hold the powerful accountable.

 

Alec Frank

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 584, February 24th, 2026

 

LUZERNE 

STATE REP CANDIDATES 

2026 

 

Three candidates have come forward to run for State Representative.

117^TH

JEREMY BENSCOTER: From the candidate website: I’m  Jeremy Benscoter and I grew up in the 117th district. I lived in Hunlock Creek, went to Hunlock Creek Elementary, and graduated from Northwest Area High School. I worked through college and graduated with a BS in Computer Science from Bloomsburg University. I come from a family that struggled to put food on the table and had little in the way of disposable income. I know how a small increase in your utilities can have a huge impact on your day to day. I have spent my whole life in Hunlock Creek and have seen the changes that have happened over the years.

Today, I work in technology. I have been a programmer for over 15 years and have a wide knowledge of the tech industry, its successes and its failures. I currently work as Director of Information Technology overseeing a small, privately owned company in Pittsburgh. The website you are browsing was created by and is managed by me.

I understand that technology is ever-changing. I will fight to protect us from corporations that want to impose their expenses on us and take people’s homes. I want to make sure that the data centers that are popping up across PA pay their fair share in utilities and don’t pass it on to the rest of us. Just like you, I am tired of seeing my electric bill go up every year.

Benscooter will have a big hill to climb in this GOP district but he has drive, a personal message that can resonate as well as a good presence that voters in that district might respond to. 

JAMIE WALSH  Walsh  is a first time Representative, but his road was longer and more arduous than Pugh’s winning a primary by only 3 cotes. Walsh has a good way of conversing with voters but some of his stances have been MAGA like. His decision to vote against Black History month is troubling but to give him the benefit of the doubt he might have been playing to his base on that one.  Walsh has been in the remodeling and medical devices business and excelled in both.  During the last 11 years, Jamie has served as President of the Lake-Lehman Junior Knights (7 years), and Secretary of the Wyoming Valley Junior Football Conference (4 years). Three years ago, he co-founded and then became President of the Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania which is a parent’s rights organization that encompasses all of Pennsylvania. The organization provides parents with information and resources to help them when dealing with issues and advocating for rights in their school districts. In the last 3 years, Jamie has been to well over 2 dozen school districts statewide to help parents fight for their rights, but his focus has been primarily within Luzerne County.

Walsh is opposed by Bill Jones in the spring primary.

BILL JONES: Bill has committed his entire career to serving our community. After college, he spent 15 years in the banking industry, gaining hands-on experience in financial management and community development. As the Vice President and Community Development Officer for PNC Bank in NEPA, Bill had state-wide responsibility to ensure the bank was reinvesting in our communities.

He left banking to become the Chief Operating Officer of Volunteers of America of PA. He developed and managed programs that supported the elderly, at-risk children and families, individuals who were homeless, Veterans, those with intellectual disabilities or mental health needs, and more.

Most notably, for 12 years, Bill served as President and CEO of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, where he led a major transformation of the organization. Under his leadership, United Way focused on addressing childhood poverty and improving coordination among local agencies serving children, families, and others in need.

Bill is facing off against incumbent Jamie Walsh who won by a mere 3 votes in the last election. Walsh has been  very critical of the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections and voted no to recognize Black History month. 

Jones is the son of former County Commissioner Red Jones who served as a commissioner in the 90s.

118^TH

JIM HADDOCK Jim Haddock is the Democratic candidate for the 118th House District and resident of Pittston Township, and he has a record of proven leadership and delivering results for our communities. As the former Mayor of Avoca, Jim fought for residents when it came to quality-of-life issues, and his devotion to responsible public service means that he will bring common sense solutions to Harrisburg.

Jim took on the Kerr-McGee organization after they created an environmental disaster and exposed our residents to deadly carcinogens for decades. Jim spearheaded the effort to hold Kerr-McGee accountable, filing an official complaint with the Department of Environmental Protection and filing a lawsuit to bring justice for those in Avoca and beyond. His work resulted in compensation of over 5,000 residents.

Jim will bring that same fighting spirit to Harrisburg for the people of the 118th. His priorities include properly funding our public education, fight to reduce property taxes, stop the constant turnpike toll and property tax increases, create living-wage jobs, and secure affordable healthcare for our families.

JOHN LOMBARDO: In his second term as County Councilman Lombardo brings name recognition, service on the Council as well as making sure he shows up at area events. He is engaging, has outlined priorities that can register with voters and can navigate any negativity directed at him from the national chaos engendered by his party. If he faces no primary opposition, he will be a formidable candidate for the 118^th,

119^TH

 LAUREN MCGURDY McCurdy is filing petitions to run against Alex Syncavage. In his second term, her opponent has demonstrated good customer service to his constituents. But unlike the 120th, this district can be more competitive. McCurdy comes with experience on the Crestwood area school board, a long record of activism in the Democratic party and can be a reasonable alternative to the two termer. McCurdy has pushed for more STEM education, school security and more money allocated for the practical application of tools needed for education. As a challenger she will need a committed team to focus in on her candidacy because it appears from what we hear, Ryncavage has a head start in this race which can with the right support, can be competitive.

ALEC RYNCAVAGE  of Plymouth, is honored to bring his unique experiences forging his own non-traditional pathway to define a new chapter for the people of the 119th Legislative District in Luzerne County and deliver prosperity for all of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Alec has been appointed to the following committees for the 2025-26 Legislative Session: Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities, Finance, Gaming Oversight, Local Government, and Transportation.

Ryncavage is running for a third term and has beaten back two Democratic opponents handily.

 

120^th

 

 

 

FERN LEARD:  Leard has announced her campaign for State Representative in the 120th Legislative District. If nominated, Leard, 41, a Democrat from Dallas Township, will try to unseat Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township. “I’m running because the working class deserves more than promises,” Learn said. “We deserve a fighter. We deserve a voice that comes from our communities and never forgets who it represents. Leard said for too long, working families have been asked to carry the weight of an economy stacked against them. “I know that struggle personally,” Leard said. “I grew up in foster care. I worked multiple service-industry jobs just to survive. I know what it’s like to worry about bills, healthcare, and whether hard work will ever truly be enough.”

Leard said that lived experience is why she spent over a decade fighting in Washington, D.C., to ensure that health insurance covered lymphedema treatment, so millions of Americans could access the care they deserve.

“And it’s why I’m running now — to bring that same relentless advocacy back home,” Leard said.

The challenges facing the district affect all, Leard said.

“But it’s also that shared struggle that unites us and fuels my determination to build a future where families can finally breathe easier,” she said. “A future where everyday necessities are affordable, our rights are protected, and no one is pushed aside so powerful interests can profit. This moment demands leadership that puts people first, not politics, not corporations, not insiders.”

Leard said her campaign is grounded in the belief that the community’s future can be fairer, strong120th er, and shaped by the people who live here.

Leard is facing primary opposition from Attorney Johann Bryn Smith. Leard has demonstrated that she can run an uphill campaign on her own. Last year the state campaign committee did little to help her efforts because the 120th has been primarily a Republican stronghold with the exception of the Phyllis Mundy era. Both Bryn Smith and KLeard have already lost in the district and to me, just my opinion a primary fight in this area will not help in the uphill climb to unseat Rachel Pugh.

JOANNA BRYN SMITH    The top voter in the 23 County Council race, Bryn Smith has shown she could have voter appeal. Previously she had run against Aaron Kaufer and was handily defeated. Why she has chosen to enter into a primary battle with Fern Leard is not surprising. If the powers that they think her primary opponent Fern Leard (who has also been previously defeated by GOP Kaufer and Brenda Pugh)  was intimated by a Democratic Executive committee action, they have another thing coming. Leard has a very hard core constituency and despite promises that a new transplant to Kingston is going to guarantee that vote. This is going to be a hard climb for both Leard and Bryn Smith but in the end might be futile. 

This has always been a Republican seat. There have been only two Democrats who had this west side seat. The late Frank Cossin Senior (but he was gerrymandered out by a GOP legislature in 1964 and Phyllis Mundy who beat an incumbent who was under an insurance fraud investigation. (Mundy  on the strength of her incumbency went on to serve for twenty plus years)  . Even though strides have been made to turn the district blue, there is still a big registration gap that will be hard to overcome.

My big fear for the Dems is this. They might become the  Luzerne GOP of the 90s when the party was content to battle it out in the primary with multiple candidates only to be beaten by the GOP. There were entertaining primaries but had no effect in the General.

BRENDA PUGH Born and raised here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Brenda is a successful business owner, wife, mother, and trusted community leader. She shares our priorities, strong values, and is best prepared to use her proven experience and skills to serve as our next State Representative. Brenda is seeking the Republican nomination for the State House seat currently held by retiring State Representative Aaron Kaufer.

"As State Representative, I will use my proven experience to implement commonsense policies that  create good paying jobs for Luzerne County workers, hold the line on taxes to enable taxpayers to  keep more of their money, reform state government to make it work for our families, and support public safety initiatives and our police to keep our communities safe.” 

As a candidate Pugh is formidable with that huge registration lead and has continued the important aspects of constituent service through a response team in her local office. She kicked off her campaign on the 17th of this month. 

 

121rst

JESSICA McCLAY: She has served on various city boards, was elected as a city Council woman in ’23 and is now City Council Chair. Prior to taking her seat on council, McClay served as a volunteer on the city’s Planning and Fire/Civil Service Commission  as well as the Traffic Committee. Prior to taking her seat on council, McClay served as a volunteer on the city’s Planning and Fire/

Civil Service Commission, During her service on the Wilkes-Barre City Council, McClay said she has championed fiscal responsibility and public safety investments. She said she has earned a reputation with city residents as a hard-working, responsive councilwoman who listens to their concerns and acts promptly to address them.

McClay said she collaborated with the Mayor’s administration to pursue more grants to secure essential resources, while shifting the financial burden away from taxpayers. McClay said she supported funding for crucial equipment to keep city firefighters safe and for new, state-of-the-art police vehicles for city officers to modernize the Wilkes-Barre Police Department’s fleet. As a member of the Fire Civil Service Commission, she said she worked closely with the city fire department to streamline the hiring of qualified firefighters.

McClay said her campaign will focus on making life more affordable for working Pennsylvanians, attracting high-paying union jobs to the region, and investing in our schools and small businesses. Her other priorities include expanding access to affordable healthcare and supporting our first responders.

DENISE THOMAS: The 4 term Wilkes-Barre Area School Director has put her hat in the ring for the 121rst. Thomas has good name recognition and will have a base of support in the school district as well as Rolling Mill Hill.  According to a press release, Thomas highlighted her goals as state representative.

• Working to ensure state funding supports our communities in ways that ease financial pressure on families and strengthen local budgets.

• Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including strengthening community-based and mental health services.

• Fully, fairly funding public education so districts are not forced to choose between quality education and raising taxes.

• Responsible budgeting in Harrisburg, ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed with discipline and transparency.

As a proud member of a family with five generations rooted in the community, Thomas says public service is personal and was instilled in her thanks to her parents, Anthony and Terry Gonda Thomas.

ANN MARIE MONTIONE: of South Wikes-Barre has entered the race to succeed Eddie Day Pashinski. Mantione is the Pupil Services Director at the Hanover Area School District. Montione has been associated with the District and can leverage her educational background into an issue that constantly comes before the State Legislature.

With her entry the race now has three Democratic women from virtually three sections of the city. Jessica McClay from the Northend has received the endorsement from Democratic heavy weights and School Director Denise Thomas has a built-in contingency of voters familiar with her work on the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board. As a newcomer to the electoral process, Mantione has to make the case as to how her school experience can equal that of two individuals who have governed. Mantione’s task now is to get her name on the ballot through petitions and make the rounds.

 

 

MIKE HAROSTOCK the lone Republican has announced his candidacy for State Representative in Pennsylvania’s 121st Legislative District, challenging the Democratic nominee and citing a need for forward-looking leadership in Harrisburg. Harostock, 41, is the mayor of Bear Creek.

Harostock said his campaign is rooted in a deep commitment to the people of Luzerne County and a belief that state government must better reflect the voices, values, and priorities of the communities it serves.

Harostock said he will unite the community by focusing on bringing new energy, innovation, and accountability to Harrisburg, while protecting the values and traditions that make our communities strong.