The LuLac Edition #5, 483, November 2nd, 2025

 

ELECTION PREVIEW

JUDICIAL RACES

SUPREME 

COURT

RETENTION

VOTE YES 

 

Justice Christine Donohue

Justice Kevin Dougherty

Justice David Wecht

 

In any normal environment this election would be a pro forma endorsement of all 3. But outside interests and MAGA bullies in the state want to get rid of these Judges to put more Trump justices on the court.

SUPERIOR COURT

Judge Brandon Neuman

Judge Brandon Neuman ran uncontested in the Democratic primary. He currently serves on the County Court of Common Pleas in Washington County,

Maria Battista

Battista became the Republican Party nominee for the open Superior Court seat after she won the primary

The Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Commission rated Neuman “Highly Recommended,” citing his judicial record and demeanor. against Ann Marie Wheatcraft of Chester County.

The Bar Association rated Battista “Not Recommended” for failing to participate fully in its evaluation process. She has been endorsed by ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

 

COMMONWEALTH COURT

Stella Tsai

Democrat Stella T is Court of Common Pleas Judge Stella Tsai ran uncontested in the Democratic primary. Tsai is currently a judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas where she was appointed to in 2016 and then elected in 2017.

Tsai’s endorsements include a host of labor groups, as well as the Pennsylvania State Education Association, Conservation Voters of PA and Planned Parenthood.

Matthew Wolford

Wolford has picked up endorsements from several law enforcement organizations, including the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the state chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, Gun Owners of America and Conservative Latinos PA but most notabley from NOT the Bar Associations.

 

LUZERNE COUNTY COMMON PLEAS JUDGE

Mark Bufalino

He brings 30 years of Judicial experience to the job and has tried every type of case imaginable in the legal system. He has been in the courtroom. His county wide campaign has been non stop since December and has varied experience in the law as well as involvement with community organizations. 

Tom Mosca:

 

 A long term Attorney who has made human trafficking a cornerstone issue. Whether this resonates in the county is another matter. Like Griffith he has the strong backing of the mAGAs in Luzerne County  and  election day will tell the tale if that was a good or bad thing. 

 

MAGA GOP ATTACK ON BUFALINO 

In a last minute move the MAGA Republican party launched an attack on Mark Bufsalino citing something that might have occurred twenty years ago.  It was directed to the WILK website where I'm sure the right wing ingrate ignorant MAGA segment of the audience already has made up their mind. But nonetheless the extreme mean spirited and know it alls of the party never disappoint with these tactics.   

Don't believe me? Listen tol WILK between 9am and 6pm.  

 

LUERNE COUNTY CONTROLLER

Tim McGinley:

A long time public servant, McGinley served three consecutive terms on Council and can provide knowledge, skills and  has a exhibited a steady hand in helping to reduce the debt in the County.

Walter Griffith

Walter Griffith has been the Controller in two different stint. He is know as a Watch dog in the county but also a strong proponent of the policies of President Trump.

LUZERNE COUNTY COUJCIL

Democrats

Steve Coslett

Denise Williams

Dawn Simmons

Tony Perzia

Chris Belles

These 5 are all good, strong Democratic candidates. They are well spoken, and can add good government attitudes and policies.  The entire ticket is a cross section of what te voting public is here in the county.This slate has been united, well traveled and well received.  Plus, at every single event I saw, all 5 were there supporting each other.  

Republicans

John Lombardo

Brian Thornton

Steve Urban

Jackie Sarcella

Greg Wolovich

Lombardo and Urban seem to be the logical leaders. Lombardo because he has shown up (along with Thornton)  at various county events. (right reasons) and Urban who has name recognition (good)  but for the wrong reasons.

Wolovich has been a steady force on Council and has demonstrated he can work with anyone which is important if more Dems get elected than on the GOP slate.

 

LUZERNE COUNTY CHARTER

While I agree with some of the changes made by the charter committee, I am going to vote no. The reason is the county is running smoothly and any changes would upset that progress given the political climate o MAGA s and their behavior.   Can you imagine the crap show it will bring to have the MAGA clowns picking apart any changes when some of their behavior sat meetings is pretty embarrassing and problematic. 

 

SCRANTON MAYOR’S RACE

Democrats

Paige Cognetti,

Republican

Trish Beynon

Independents

Gene Barrett

Rik Little

I am going to go against the grain here but this race may not be a fait accompli for incumbent Mayor Paige Cognetti. Although she has restored trust in Scranton government, this race might be unpredictable.  You have a Democrat Gene Barrett making a strong case for his election that can take votes away from Cognetti. Banyon has run a pretty logical advertising campaign and just might have an opening. This will be one to watch.

 

LACJKAWANNA COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Democrat

Thom Welby

Republican

Chet Merli

Independent

Michael Cappellini

This race no matter who wins might be contested given the recent developments regarding the interim commissioner and her coup. But all odds are on Thom Welby to win easily. 

After that, who the hell knows.