The LuLac Edition #5, 260, March 4th, 2025

 

TALE OF TWO MATTS

McGLOIN

Matt McGloin has been in the news for a decision to take another job that was in the work world of his area of expertise. Football. But then after his playing days were over, he had the unique opportunity to serve his community. So he teamed up with long time City Councilman Billy Gaughan to run for County Commissioner. It was a risk going against a long time Democrat in for him uncharted territory. But he and Gaughan prevailed.

When taking office, unlike many newly elected politicos, they didn’t ease into their terms. Both took on the third rail of local politics which was putting its \financial house in order. It was a risk and a gutsy move. They got blow back. But that didn’t seem to deer the team.

Then McGloin’s past came into view when Bill O'Brien got the Boston College job. We all have had great mentors and bosses in our lives. When O’Brien offered McGloin the job, the competitive juices of the athlete kicked in. There are only 269 men have worked as a full-time head coach for an NFL team since 1970. It is an elite club. When a man who coached you as a player and was himself your coach, the athlete in you has to kick in to be part of O’Brien’s new orbit.

If only we as humans were one dimensional. That would make life easy. But we’re not. Humans have multiple facets and responsibilities.  After the glow of a consequential decision, McGloin met those alternative issues head on. Family, education of children, roots, and doing what’s right for more than yourself smacked him in the face.

On the government side in The Lac, that decision caused a rift between Gaughan and his party. Gaughan recommended someone he was comfortable with, the Democratic committee said otherwise. Then the County Attorney advised that McGloin was still a commissioner because his resignation was never accepted.

What to do?

THIS!

1.   Don’t accept McGloin’s resignation.

2.   Unless he has a local offer, give McGloin the opportunity (if he wants) to finish the work he was elected to do with Gaughan.

3.   Both Commissioners have had tremendous criticism from people regarding the tax hike. This is not THAT.

4.   McGloin did nothing to hurt the people of The Lac. His only sin was realizing his decision was premature.

The athlete and the politician met on a collision course that can certainly be repaired.

Bring him back, take the heat and get on with the work you were elected to do. There is much to do and NOTHING to be embarrassed about.

Finally, this. A wise politician who was under fire on the front page of a newspaper told one of his loyal friends who was upset at his predicament. The politico looked him in the eye and said, “I’m on the front page today, tell me what was on the front page yesterday.”

His loyal friend couldn’t.

Conclusion: this too will pass.

 

CARTWRIGHT

Former Congressman Matt Cartwright has not gone quietly into that good night. The 6 term lawmaker sent this message recently to his constituents.

Checking in with Matt Cartwright

Well, February made us shiver, but Eagles fans sure got a treat from a big Birds performance at the Super Bowl! Marion and I enjoyed cookies baked by Renee Castaldi.

 After the election, while I decide if I have any more politics left in my system, I accepted a Visiting Professorship at my old school, Hamilton College, in upstate New York. Once a week, I'm teaching a senior seminar on Serving in Congress.

 Otherwise, you can find me at my office, 227 Penn Ave. in Scranton.

 Our sons, Jack and Matty, are doing well. Jack is practicing law at a fine firm in Atlanta, doing interesting work on election law cases and business litigation. Matty is at the M.I.T. School of Business, for his master's in business administration. He got engaged this summer, to a beautiful, smart young lady, Celeste Pallone, who just was awarded her Ph.D. this summer from Columbia University. She's in a Research Fellowship at M.I.T. So, we're getting lots of M.I.T. swag!

 Marion is hard at work as usual on her law cases and getting ready to serve as the President of the American Association for Justice in two years. She got named to the top 10 lawyers in Pennsylvania by SuperLawyers, for the second year in a row. The boys and I are busting our buttons with pride.

 Be safe and well, and stay in touch!

 

Matt