In the Media:

The Times Leader

October 30
Kevin Blaum

Now’s the time to bring county back to health in the arena

HIPPOCRATES of ancient Greece wrote that, “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.”

Time, and opportunity.

Hippocrates has long been considered the father of modern medicine. He is thought to have survived to the age of 90, possibly even 100, after spending nearly 20 years in Greek prisons for his scientific beliefs. His writings and teachings gave life to the “Hippocratic Oath,” a physicians’ creed meant to guide the mind and healing hand of his students, followed to this very day.

The body politic of Luzerne County also needs to heal. But in this region, at this time, on this Election Day, it is you the voter, and only those so registered, that are licensed to treat the critically ill patient upon the table. The future of so many depends upon the mind and healing hand of thousands of voters who will make their way to the polls in nine days and apply the civic remedy to heal the sickness.

“Healing is a matter of time.” If that is so, over the last 12 months your time has been spent well. The members of a Government Study Commission, that you approved, recommended a new constitution that called for establishing an entirely new government for Luzerne County, and you adopted it.

In May, the two major parties nominated their candidates for the 11 important seats on the crucial county council that you created. Your message of hope and reform also enticed three Independents and three Libertarian candidates to join race.

Among their many responsibilities, the 11 people ultimately elected to county council will choose the county manager who will run the show. The man or woman so selected will become the CEO, COO, governor and pre-eminent leader of Luzerne County.

Elect the wrong candidates to county council and you might well see the coronation of a well-connected, good-ole-boy as county manager, retuning everything back to the future and the stumbling, fumbling, bumbling days of yesteryear.

“Healing is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” If that is true, the rare opportunity, to lock in the reforms and hope you have long cherished, now awaits you. For neither the Republicans, nor the Democrats nominated 11 well-qualified individuals for the difficult and complex job of governing this large county.

If the county council is to be the very best, it requires that we vote for a blend of Republican, Democratic and Independent council candidates.

Therefore, regardless of your political affiliation, will you join in this historic opportunity and vote for the very best that each party has to offer?

After a year of study and careful consideration, “In the Arena” is prepared to endorse 11 individuals for election to the 11 seats on Luzerne County Council. Surprisingly, perhaps fortuitously, the roll call of the very best includes four Republicans, four Democrats, one Libertarian and two Independent candidates.

To begin the healing process, to lead Northeastern Pennsylvania toward a better and brighter future, “In the Arena” enthusiastically endorses the following candidates for Luzerne County Council:

Rick Morelli

John Ruckno

Harry Haas

Eugene Kelleher

Jim Bobeck

Edward Brominski

Jane Walsh-Waitkus

Elaine Maddon Curry

Tim Mullen

Jere Packard

Rick Williams

Feel free to clip this list and carry these 11 names with you to the polls on Nov. 8. Let the healing begin. VOTE.

To view the full article please visit:http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/columnists/blaum

The Times Leader

October 30
MAIL BAG LETTERS FROM READERS

Consider Mullen on Election Day

Libertarian refers to “liberty.” And it is Libertarian candidate Tim Mullen’s mission to liberate taxpayers from the yoke of higher taxes.

Tim Mullen, a candidate for Luzerne County Council, is a decorated combat veteran, but now he wages a different kind of campaign. He aims to show the same valor he showed on the battlefield in combating corruption in the Luzerne County Courthouse.

I know that he is fiercely independent, but also very thoughtful and honest. He’s also quite street smart and sees through baloney. He will be neither deceived nor intimidated if elected.

One of his primary goals is to address the county’s enormous debt before interest rates rise. Libertarian Party members such as Mullen have a firm resolution to support a small, efficient government that allows for maximum liberty. It is this principle that allows them to see through schemes. This means that Mullen will be able to advise the county manager as to which endeavors should be avoided.

But Tim’s defining attribute is his heart; and this is why he can be seen each week at the Farmers Market or at bazaars, handing out his campaign cards and meeting people. I believe that his heart is also what led him to run as a third-party candidate.

Tim isn’t perfect, and he readily admits the he is not the best candidate in every category. But Mullen has all the intangible traits: firm principles, bravery, wits and the dedication necessary to carry out his duties well.

I am grateful that I have a candidate for whom to vote as good as Tim, since they are hard to come by. I encourage all voters to consider him Nov. 8.

Joseph George

Harveys Lake

The Citizens Voice

Luzerne County Council: Profiles and positions
Published: October 30, 2011

MICHELLE BEDNAR

Age: 45
Residence: Wapwallopen
Family: Husband, John Scott Bednar; son, Kyler, 7
Education: Wyoming Valley West High School
Employment: Independent investment manager, Conyngham Township tax collector

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She said she wants a manager with “a finance background.” She has no preference on where the manager is from “as long as he is not connected to people” involved in county politics and government. She wants to release resume information without disclosing the names of applicants.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

She said she has to look at “financial reports” to decide whether to continue the litigation over the Yankees sale.

Should all county residents pay to maintain the flood protection system or should the county continue with the current policy by which only residents in areas directly protected by the levee pay the fee?

She said she initially supported the concept that property owners protected by the levees should pay for levee maintenance, but added she is rethinking that position “after what we just went through, seeing how the flood affects everyone in general.”

BRIAN BERGMAN

Age: 39
Residence: Hanover Township
Education: No reply.
Employment: Works at TMG Health in Scranton in the IT Department

Despite repeated attempts to contact him by telephone and email, Bergmann was never available to participate in the interviews.

JAMES BOBECK

Age: 31
Residence: Kingston
Family: Wife, Megan; daughter, Natalie, 3; son, Jim, 8 months
Education: Bishop Hoban High School, 1998; Villanova University, 2002; Boston College Law School, 2005
Employment: Attorney with Saunders & Rooney P.C., Plymouth

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should have “financial literacy” and “understand debt and bonds,” and he added the manager should be “a good communicator” and “tough as nails.” He has no preference on whether the manager is from the county or outside the county. He said he would vote to release the names of finalists under consideration for the manager job if they agreed.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said a decision to continue the litigation would depend reviewing court documents and “what exactly the initial agreement between the two counties expressly states.”

“Because the residual, economic effects of a flood are felt by everyone in the county, the levee fee should be paid by all county residents. While a person may not feel the direct effect of a flood, everyone in the county feels the economic effects through the close of businesses and loss of tax revenue from those closures, which affects people from all over the county. ... [T]he county needs to stop seeing itself so divided, but instead remain one and consequently pay equal shares for services that, in some manner, affect us all.”

EDWARD BROMINSKI

Age: 71
Residence: Swoyersville
Family: Wife, Dee; children, Ed Jr., 47; Lynn, 44
Education: Swoyersville High School, Wilkes College, University of Scranton
Employment: Retired; former county commissioner and director of assessment, mayor of Swoyersville, teacher, pharmaceutical sales representative

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should have a master’s or bachelor’s degree in “some sort of administration field” and “experience in federal, state or local government or in managing a large number of people.” He said he is “very much in favor” of considering out-of-town candidates, but he would welcome all applicants. He opposes releasing the names of applicants to protect them from possible retaliation from their current employers.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said he would like “to have a recommendation from the manager” on the Yankees litigation, but he generally supports the suit. “We should get our portion based on what we put in.” He added he is opposed to selling the franchise to private owners.
“I’m a baseball fan, and it’s for the good of the community.”

He said he would prefer a countywide levee fee. “It’s something that should be spread out,” he said. “The DA’s office, county roads and bridges — I pay for all of them. We have to look at it as a community, as a whole community.” He questions the work being funded by the current levee fees, saying cutting grass and taking care of the new riverside amenities are not maintenance.

MICHAEL CABELL

Age: 26
Residence: Butler Township
Family: Single; parents, Darlene Kisenwether and Frank Cabell
Education: Bishop Hafey High School; bachelor’s degree, political science, St. Joseph’s University
Employment: Chief operations officer, Abbey Road Control, Drums

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager needs “experience in running a large corporation or a county or government the size of Luzerne County” and needs to be “well versed in finance.” He said he has no preference on where the manager comes from. He said he does not want to release applicant information to protect applicants from current employers. “You are putting your trust in these 11 individuals to conduct these interviews. What does it matter what the names are?”

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said “we need to figure out the financials of it” before deciding what to do about the litigation over the Yankees sale.

He opposes the current levee fees charged to owners of properties protected by the levees. “It’s not only them that are going to be affected. It’s the entire community.”

ELAINE MADDON CURRY

Age: 63
Residence: Drums
Family: Husband, Robert J. Curry; daughters, Rachel, 27, and Tierra, 22
Education: Penn State
Employment: Supervisor of library services for the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She said the manager should be “well qualified” and “an independent thinker” and added the manager needs “the determination to want to move the county forward.”
She said she has no preference on whether the manager is from the county or outside the county, but has concerns about a manager with “any meaningful ties to anyone currently working in the county.” She said she is willing to release the names of the
top three to five applicants.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

She said she supports the litigation, adding “Luzerne County has every right ... to some of the profits” from the sale of the Yankees.

“It doesn’t seem fair to have people in Mountain Top, people in Hazleton, pay a levee fee,” she said. “I would think to be fair, the people who are affected by the levee system probably should pay the taxes.”

KATHLEEN DOBASH

Age: 51
Residence: Hazleton
Family: Divorced
Education: Hazleton High School; bachelor’s degree, art, Penn State University, 1982
Employment: Propriertor of Beauty, Flower, Poem art studio; former art teacher; therapeutic staff support for Step By Step Inc.

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She said the manager should be “an excellent communicator” and “know how Luzerne County government runs, not just about government in general.” She has no preference on whether the manager is from the county or outside the county. She wants applicant information to be open to the public because “it’s too important a position.”

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

She said supports the litigation because the county can get “possible income for our debt that we must get a handle on.”

She said she “would like to see what’s in place continue” because property owners should not “pay for somebody else’s protection,” noting all taxpayers have been continuing to pay with general fund revenue for debt associated with levee improvements.

JOYCE DOMBROSKI-GEBHARDT

Age: 53
Residence: Kingston
Family: Children, Jackie, Bobby, Brittany; grandson, Connor
Education: Luzerne County Community College, associate degree in office science technology
Employment: Executive secretary/stenographer

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She wants a manager who will provide “integrity, honesty and leadership.” The manager should have “a background in Home Rule operation” and a “record of successful management.” She said “it doesn’t matter to me whether the manager is from the county or from outside the county, and added “the names of manager applicants should not be publicly released until it is down to the finalist.”

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

She said she wants to continue the litigation because “Luzerne County is entitled to a share of the proceeds since they had invested in it.”

She said she supports the current levee fees.

BLYTHE H. EVANS III

Age: 37
Residence: Plymouth
Family: Engaged
Education: Associate degree in Military History, Valley Forge Military College; bachelor’s, History, Moravian College; associate degree, Advanced Legal Studies, Harrisburg Area Community College
Employment: Owner of two businesses in Plymouth: Evans Rentals LLC and SoundCloud Studios, a recording studio

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should be “honest, forward-looking, competent, inspiring and intelligent.” He said he prefers a manager “from within the county, but it looks as if the transition team has other plans.” He wants to publicly release applicant information.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He does not want to continue the litigation.

“We are sharing the burden now with residents paying flood levee fees through the Don Wilkinson Agency. I think that decision has already been made for taxpayers.”

HARRY HAAS

Age: 35
Residence: Wilkes-Barre
Family: Wife, Kristin Fenstermacher
Education: Master’s degree in social studies and special education; bachelor’s in history with minor in Spanish, both from George Washington University
Employment: History teacher at Dallas High School

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said he is “looking to restore trust” with a manager who has “integrity” and “tangible provable experience” managing municipality similar in size to Luzerne County. “I don’t care where our candidate comes from ... as long as we get the best.” He said he does not want to “preclude people from putting their name in the hat” by releasing the names of applicants.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

“The ongoing litigation, I would be all in favor of settling that, for even selling the franchise, and hopefully recouping what our investment is. From what I see it doesn’t look like we are going to recoup it. I would like to move on from that enterprise. ”

He opposes the current levee fees. “When that was proposed, it was supposed to be a levee-maintenance fee. I see it more as a landscaping fee. It has traditionally been a countywide fee."

CHARLIE ‘BIBLE BUCK’ HATCHKO

Age: 66
Residence: Jenkins Township
Family: Widow, married for 44 years; two children, 44 and 36
Education: Scranton Technical High School, 1962
Employment: Retired corrections officer

Hatchko, listed on the ballot with his nickname “Bible Buck,” is running as a member of the American Independent party.

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the next manager needs “a good fiscal mind.” He has no preference on whether the next manager is from the county or from outside the county. He wants to publicly release information about the final 20 applicants under consideration for the manager job.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said he supports the litigation to ensure “Luzerne County gets their fair share.”

He said property owners “by the river are more responsible” and should pay more for levee protection.

LINDA McCLOSKY HOUCK

Age: 53
Residence: Kingston
Family: Husband, Dale; children, Marcella Houck Garvin, Sarah, Dale and Amy Houck
Education: Bachelor’s degree, music, Ithaca College; master’s, elementary education, Misericordia University; master’s, reading, King’s College
Employment: Wyoming Valley West music teacher

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She said the manager should be “someone independent of connections to anyone in county government” and have “a track record of some success.” She has no preference on whether the manager is from the county or outside the county. She wants to publicly release the names of finalists for the job and let them withdraw from consideration if they “are not comfortable with that.”

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

“If there is money owed to the county, then we should pursue it. We entered into a mutual agreement to support that franchise. ... If there is a chance of having some money that’s owed to us recouped, it can only help our county.”

“I think it’s worth a discussion at least to, among the council members, to think about assessing everybody some kind of fee because whatever impacts the Valley businesses impacts the entire area.”

WILLIAM JAMES

Age: 67
Residence: Harding
Family: Wife, Kathleen; five children; two grandsons
Education: Associate degree in architectural engineering, Luzerne County Community College
Employment: Semi-retired electrician

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said he is “looking for leadership, honesty, openness” in a manager, adding he also wants “the ability to take an immediate handle on any if not all situations.” He has no preference on a manager from the county or another county, adding the manager “has to be a take charge type person” who will “not feel pressured by anyone within Luzerne County.” He said information from all applicants for manager should be publicly released to be open to taxpayers and applicants’ current employers.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said he supports the litigation, explaining “Luzerne County was taken over the coals and taken advantage of by Lackawanna County.”

He said all taxpayers should pay for levee protection but owners of properties directly protected by the levees should pay more.

EUGENE KELLEHER

Age: 67
Residence: Dallas Township
Family: Wife, Deborah; children, Kristyn Polishan, Sean Kelleher and Erin Kelleher; and two grandchildren
Education: Master’s degree; graduate work at University of New Hampshire, Penn State, Kent State, Wilkes and the University of Scranton
Employment: Retired after teaching math for 35 years at Wyoming Valley West

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He wants the manager to be “independent and tough” and be able to “stand up to political pressure.” He has no preference on whether the next manager is from the county or outside the county. He supports publicly releasing information about the final four candidates under consideration for the manager job.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said he supports the litigation because “the taxpayers deserve that money” from the sale.

He doesn’t support the levee fees because flooding “affects us all.”

MICHAEL A. LACEY

Age: 52
Residence: Franklin Township
Family: Wife, Barbara; two children: Rachael, 13, Tucker, 9.
Education: bachelor of science degree in biology from King’s College, 1981; bachelor of science in pharmacy, Temple University, 1985.
Employment: Pharmacist; owns Nocchi’s Pharmacy in Freeland

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He wants the manager to have experience in government or “good valid business experience.” He has no preference on whether the manager is from the county or outside the county, but said he wants the manager to have “fresh ideas.” He supports publicly releasing information about the top three finalists for the manager’s job.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said he wants to review costs of the litigation to determine if the county should continue it.

He said he supports the levee fees because “living in that area is a choice.”

SALVATORE LICATA

Age: 60
Residence: Pittston
Family: Wife, Cynthia; daughter-in-law, Jodi; granddaughter
Education: Temple University, 1972
Employment: Retired; 35 years teaching at Pittston Area; former high school swimming and football coach

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should be a “problem solver” who “can work with others” and “listen to what people have to say.” He said he is “looking for the best man or woman for the job ... If the best person is not from Luzerne County then we have to go with the best person. We would have to be fair. Being from the county shouldn’t exclude or preclude someone.” He said publicly releasing names of applicants “is not a good idea” and “will probably stop people who are qualified from applying.”

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said the litigation should continue. “If the contract we signed all those years ago said we were 50/50 owners, then the proceeds from that sale ought to be split between the two counties.”

“Personally I would not be opposed to paying a surcharge as a resident of Pittston. It affects everybody who lives in the flood plain or doesn’t live in the flood plain.”

TIM McGINLEY

Age: 64
Residence: Kingston
Family: Wife, Mary; son, Michael, 24; daughter, Erin, 21
Education: Bachelor’s degree, chemistry, Wilkes University; master’s, secondary administration, University of Scranton
Employment: Director of administration, Commission on Economic Opportunity

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said he wants “honesty and integrity” in a manager. “I have no problem with a large pool of candidates from whatever geographical region they would come from. The stronger the pool of candidates, I feel we will come out with a stronger representative who will be chosen to be county manager.” He wants to publicly release names and resumes of “the final grouping” of applicants under consideration for the job.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

“I guess I have mixed feelings about that. I really have to know what benefit the county would receive. There was a contract signed way back when. I would love to review that contract. ... I think Lackawanna County should work with us to get a resolution that is amiable to both sides.”

He said “there should be a sharing,” in which all taxpayers across the county pay for levee maintenance but property owners from the “communities directly affected” pay more.

M. THERESA MORCAVAGE

Age: 62
Residence: Plymouth
Family: Two children, four grandchildren
Education: Coughlin High School, Class of 1966, one year of college
Employment: Retired as Luzerne County employee in 2008

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She said she wants a manager who is “knowledgeable about county government with a background in home-rule charter government” and “a finance background.” She added the manager should have a record of being “honest and fair” and must be “able to work with 11 council members.” She said “it shouldn’t matter where they come from” and wants to publicly release information from the final five or six applicants being considered.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

“Before I would make that decision, I have to be totally informed of all sides of that situation. ... I would check with the legal counsel and then make my decision from there.”

“I am very grateful the levee system is there because if it wasn’t there, my house would have been at least up to the second floor. So whatever complaining I had about paying that levee fee, I have changed my mind. I will gladly pay it to keep the protection for my home and my neighbors. Whether other people throughout the county should have to pay a portion of that levee fee, I would have to research that further before I would decide.”

RICK MORELLI
Age: 40
Residence: Sugarloaf Township
Family: Wife, Doreen
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance from Villanova University; master’s, finance, St. Joseph’s University
Employment: Strategic customer specialist at Shire Pharmaceuticals

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He wants a manager with a “track record in working with municipalities similar in size of Luzerne County,” including “handling union contracts that are fair to both the taxpayers and employees” and “making tough decisions that at times may not be popular stances with the public.” He won’t disqualify applicants from the county because “qualifications and experience” are “most important,” but added the manager cannot have “political ties to the county.” He wants to release the names and resumes of all applicants.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

“I do feel it is worth fighting to make sure that Luzerne County is not short-changed and gets back what it is owed. If at any time the circumstances change — and I feel it is a long shot with this issue or any other issue that deals with litigation — I then would weigh the upside potential with the loss of cost to paying legal fees.”

“Challenging question — I think it should be spread throughout the county. ... You have to look at this as one county. ... You got to be fair to the entire county.”

TIM MULLEN
Age: 52
Residence: Kingston Township
Family: Wife, Margaret; stepson, Lucas; daughters, Amanda and Kristen
Education: Wyoming Valley West High School, 1976; associate degree in nursing, Luzerne County Community College, 1994
Employment: Registered nurse for HCR ManorCare in Wilkes-Barre

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should “have a background in finance, accounting, and management, preferably in government.” He said the manager “should come from outside the area due to the likelihood of some type of political ties,” and added county residents “would not trust local talent for this job.” He said applicant names and resumes “should be released to the public” because “transparency trumps the potential draw down to the candidate pool.”

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

“If in the end, it is going to cost taxpayers more money through litigation, we need to just cut and run. Why we got into a baseball business in government is beyond me. ... Baseball is not a function of government.”

“That’s a tough one. I have heard arguments on both sides of that. To me, you live in a flood plain, you know the risks, and you got to pay for the risks. I lived in Kingston. We were flooded in ‘72. In the end, myself and all my family, we moved out of the Valley.”

GINA NEVENGLOSKY
Age: 54
Residence: Dorrance Township
Family: Husband, Joe; four children
Education: Panther Valley High School, Nesquehoning; majored in business administration at business school
Employment: Jade Promotions & Marketing, Plainview, N.Y.; does billing for her husband

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She wants a manager with “honesty, integrity, experience, compassion and accountability.” She said “it does not matter” if the manager is from the county or outside the county, but said the manager should not be “connected in anyway with Northeastern Pennsylvania politics.” She added “the names of the final few county manager candidates the county council is considering should be public knowledge.”

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

“I believe we should do everything in our power to keep the Yankees baseball team here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Many residents of our area depend on this team for direct employment or indirect income through sales of merchandise or food and a family evening out to enjoy one of America’s favorite spectator sports.”

She said she understands “the need to have a revenue stream” for levee protection but added, “I would like to see this burden shared by all residents in the county. Many of us shop at businesses located in the flood plain or have friends and relatives located in these same areas. Many of the residents of these flood-prone properties are our seniors, who are deserving of our help.”

JEREMY PACKARD

Age: 73
Residence: Kingston
Family: Wife for 32 years, Ingrid Cronin; three sons: Michael, Dennis and Matthew
Education: high school, Choate School in Conn., bachelor of arts degree from Williams College in Mass., masters degree in history from; Columbia University
Employment: retired as president of Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School in 2007; educator at Misericordia University.

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He prefers a manager with a graduate degree in public administration and "some experience in county or municipal administration. He said the manager should be "able to resist interest group pressure." He said council "should look as broadly as possible, not ruling out local candidates" but said he doubts "any local candidate will have" what he is looking for and "be free from ties to local political or economic interests." He wants to publicly release the names and resumes of only three or four finalists.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said he would want to review the case with the manager and solicitor in the new government before "making decisions about that litigation."

He said he "would be inclined" to have "all residents in Luzerne County" pay for maintenance of the levee system. "I frankly have not determined a personal position on that. I pay the levee fee now, although the portion of Kingston I live was not flooded in ’72. ... Certainly those protected by the levee have a prime responsibility to support it. However, the welfare of Luzerne County and everybody in it and everybody who works in it is tied to the safety of the dikes and the low-lying areas."

JOHN RUCKNO

Age: 62
Residence: Dallas; Family: Wife, Rebecca; daughter, Heidi; son, John
Education: Dallas High School, bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University
Employment: Retired money manager

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should have "expertise and experience" working for "a municipality or other county government." He is "strongly against" hiring someone with local ties because it would provide "an opportunity for the same old corruption." He would consider "a highly-qualified" applicant from the county but would "prefer someone who didn’t have any connections here." He opposes publicly releasing applicant information but said he is "not totally against releasing the names of finalists."

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

"It seems Luzerne County has a legitimate argument. There is a good reason to go after the money. Luzerne County is being marginalized by Lackawanna County."

"That’s a hot-potato question. I personally believe that people who do not live in the flood plain ... shouldn’t necessarily have to share in the burden. That might be controversial one way or another."

EILEEN SOROKAS

Age: 63
Residence: Wilkes-Barre
Family: Husband, Richard
Education: Wilkes-Barre Township High School; associate degree in horticulture from Luzerne County Community College
Employment: retired, International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union, Leslie Fay and Pittston Fashion

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She wants the "most qualified" person to be county manager and has no preference on whether the next manager is from the county or from outside the county. The next manager "has to have experience," she said. She said she would vote to publicly release information on manager applicants because "I believe in transparency."

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

"That’s a pretty tough question. I really probably have to get more information. I’m not too into that right now. If they have a lawsuit going, I guess we have to follow through with what they are doing."

Should all county residents pay to maintain the flood protection system or should the county continue with the current policy by which only in areas directly protected by the levee pay the fee?

She said she supports the current levee fees. "I think that what they have now is sufficient.

STEPHEN A. URBAN

Age: 59
Residence: Wilkes-Barre
Family: Wife, Linda; son, daughter
Education: Master’s degree, public administration, Golden Gate University; master’s degree, National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College, Newport, R.I.
Employment: Luzerne County commissioner

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said he wants a manager who is honest, "has experience in county government" and is "not going to work 9 to 5 because this is not going to be a 9-to-5 job." He has no preference on a manager from the county or another county. He voted to publicly release the names and resumes of applicants as a member of the home-rule transition committee and would vote to publicly release names and resumes as a councilman.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He voted for litigation as a county commissioner and supports continuing it. "I’m going to stick by that," he said, adding Luzerne County is entitled to "half the proceeds" after paying $345,000 to the stadium authority.

"I think that this fee is appropriate. Look at the emphasis that was put on protecting the people behind the levee during the last flood event. A significant amount of resources were put there. There were no resources sent down to Nescopeck. There were no resources sent to Duryea. ... The resources came from the levee fee. The pumps were protecting the people here behind the levee." He said everyone in fact pays for the levee because the county pays for debt from levee improvements with general fund revenue.

STEPHEN J. URBAN

Age: 37
Residence: Wilkes-Barre
Family: Not married, no children
Education: 1991 graduate of Meyers High School
Employment: RCN

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should be ethical, honest and "not too connected to the county" or "tied into the system." He has no preference about the manager being from the county or another county. He said names and resumes of applicants should be publicly released because concealing that information "would not be beneficial to the county and the residents of the county." He added the manager will have executive powers often provided to an elected official.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said the county should continue the litigation over the Yankees sale. "We put up half the money. We should be entitled to half the proceeds from the sale of the franchise, minus anything owed to the (Lackawanna County) stadium authority. A deal is a deal."

He supports the current levee fees, noting all taxpayers through the general fund continue to pay off the debt for levee improvements. "Those people that are by the levee protected should to continue to pay the levee fee. Those who are directly affected were protected (in September)."

JANE WALSH-WAITKUS

Age: 61
Residence: Dorrance Township
Family: Husband, Frank; two daughters, one son, and five grandchildren
Education: Sacred Heart High School, Plains Township; Misericordia University, University of District of Columbia and University of Scranton
Employment: Penn State University, Hazleton

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

She said the manager should have "experience and proven leadership" and "a wonderful track record." She added she wants "a people person" who "knows how to deal with the various aspects of county government." She said she is "totally open" on where the manager comes from. She wants to release applicant information on the top finalists and have open interviews of the top three to five applicants.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

She wants to continue the litigation. "We made quite an investment at the very beginning. We owe it to the taxpayers to continue it and to bring it to its end. Hopefully, it will be very fruitful in the end."

"I think the system we have now is fine. I don’t want to increase taxes on anyone in the county. The people being protected are paying a fee now, and I think it’s a just fee. And I think it should be continued."

RICK WILLIAMS

Age: 63
Residence: Mountain Top
Family: Wife, Linda; two children, Oliver, 21 and Lily, 16
Education: Attended public schools in Sioux City, Iowa; bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and master’s of business administration degree from Cornell University; master’s, architecture, Columbia University
Employment: Architect with Williams Kinsman Lewis Architecture PC in Wilkes-Barre

What are the most important qualities you will look for in a manager? Should the manager be a county resident or from outside the county? Should names of manager candidates be made public?

He said the manager should have "experience with a similar organization" and "communication skills" and needs to "demonstrate a backbone to make tough choices." He doesn’t prefer a manager from the county or one from outside the county. He wants to publicly release applicant information from "a small number of finalists" and give each finalist "an option to withdraw" to keep an application confidential.

Should Luzerne County continue its litigation against Lackawanna County over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees?

He said he wants "to hear an analysis from the legal profession to understand the nuances and the details of the contracts that exist and to understand what the risks and rewards are for pursing that" litigation over the franchise sale.

"That’s a good one. I think what we saw in the early September flooding is that many people did not enjoy protection the flood and that is probably makes sense to continue — that those who are protected by the levees pay for the maintenance of them."

To View the full article please visit: http://citizensvoice.com/luzerne-county-council-profiles-and-positions-1.1225472#axzz1cQQqaP2z

The Times Leader

October 26
MAIL BAG LETTERS FROM READERS

Libertarian candidate seeks council backing

For years I have spoken of economic malaise that will last a generation. I shouted from a soapbox on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square to protect your savings with gold and silver. Politicians from both parties are compromised. The national economy is structurally damaged. At least we still are able to affect some economic and political change on the local level. Nov. 8 is your chance.

Any politician promising jobs is blowing smoke. The only hope for this county is to eventually allow taxpayers to retain more of what they earn so that they can deploy their money to where it needs to be spent. Luzerne County government is inefficient at this, and it picks winners and losers. Thanks to the massive debt accumulated by prior administrations, the taxpayer will see no relief for years, thus the local economy will stagnate for years. A libertarian brand of fiscal conservatism can begin the long and difficult process of turning around our local economy.

I am the only candidate who will tell everything you don’t want to hear. Only I mention sacrifice. This applies equally to the rank and file, management, the courts and taxpayers. I don’t just throw out sound bites. I have offered solutions on radio, television and via the newspapers and blogs.

I am a man of principle from “the party of principle,” the Libertarian Party. There are six Libertarians and independents on the Nov. 8 ballot. Some are Johnny-come-latelies. Do your homework. I have followed a libertarian philosophy most of my adult life and have been registered that way for more than a dozen years. A true independent will offer up new ideas and add checks and balances to the new county council.

I implore every Luzerne County voter to educate yourself, show up at the polls and vote for principle, not party.

Tim Mullen

Candidate for Luzerne County Council

Kingston Township

To view the full article please visit:
http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/letters/MAIL_BAG__ensp_LETTERS_FROM_READERS_10-26-2011.html

Gort42

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Libertarians on the move

I've always had an interest in the minor parties and have criticized them for running candidates for President, Governor and Senate in races that they can't possibly win instead of concentrating on local races and building a bench. The local Greens seems to be defunct but the Libertarian Party has taken my advice and has a slate of candidates in the local elections. Whatever you think of the individuals I think it is an accomplishment that they are on the ballot. I like a choice in an election.

3 Libs are running for Luzerne County Council.

Mike Lacey

Brian Bergman

Tim Mullen

In the Wilkes-Barre mayor's race they give us Betsy Summers and Tim Russel want's to be the Mayor or something in Elmenton. Where is Elmonten?

Lou Jasikoff likes a CV headline It says “Libertarians have gotten their wish.” Here in Northeast Pennsylvania it is the Libertarian Party and candidates driving the bus. We are the story and the opportunities are enormous. All day, everyday the news outlets are talking about these races, and all day everyday not one, not two, but many Libertarians are being interviewed, and more often than not our candidates are on multiple shows each day.
We have opportunities like never before to ask questions like: "Let me phrase this in another way. Are you in favor of funding gang violence, are you in favor of funding terrorism? Of course you are not. But this is what America's drug policies do today. What is your solution?Throw more people in jail? Heck we can't keep drugs out of jail. 70% of women today are in jail for non-violent drug abuses. 4% of the worlds population and 25% of the worlds prison population. Is this the America you want?The list goes on and on, but hopefully you get my point. We know we are right on the issues, and given the opportunity we will succeed.

In the 2010 election for state rep Tim Mulen got 15% and if he can keep that support he may win a county council seat. He answered the questions but to him by LuLac.

To view the full article please visit:
http://gort42.blogspot.com/2011/10/libertarians-on-move.html

The LuLac Political Letter

October 22nd, 2011

SOUND OFF SATURDAY

Two more candidates for Luzerne County Council have taken the opportunity to share their thoughts with LuLac readers. On October 4th in LuLac Edition #1783 we invited County Council candidates to share their views with us. We will keep this option open for one more Saturday. Send your information to my e mail, yonkstur@aol.com.

Republican candidate for Luzerne County Council Rick Morelli.

RICK MORELLI-REPUBLICAN

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT OUT OF BEING A COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER?
My name is Rick Morelli and I am the only candidate who has served on both the Home Rule Government Study Commission as well as the Home Rule Transition Committee. Over the last two years I have interviewed and studied numerous home rule municipalities as well as county employees. I believe that my unique experience and knowledge regarding the home rule process can add value to this newly elected council in making sure that this new government starts off in the right direction.

My background is in finance. I have a B.S in finance from Villanova University as well as a master’s degree in finance from Saint Joseph’s University. With over 17 years of financial management experience as well as working with municipal budgets over $100 million dollars I understand how to cut expenses along with ways to help increase revenue. I would like to take my background experience and bring it to this newly elected council.
Lastly I am proud of my independent and transparent stances I have taken over the last two years on these committees. I will not be anyone’s “rubber stamp” and will always base my decisions off of what is best for the taxpayers of Luzerne County!
I am not accepting the $8000 salary. I view this position as a public service, not a job!!!

2. IT’S A BIG COUNTY, WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES AS AN ELECTED MEMBER?
1. To appoint the most qualified, ethical and experienced manager.
2. To implement the proper codes: Ethics Code, Personnel code, Administrative code. These are essential in order to create accountability, eliminate nepotism and to have rules that are administered evenly and fairly for all county employees.
3. Budget: We need to improve our county credit rating in order to refinance and reduce our debt. We need to find way to consolidate and cut to reduce expenses along with find ways to increase revenue. The goal is to have an efficient government where the taxpayer’s dollars are maximized and not wasted.
4. To find ways to help bring in more business and revenue to Luzerne County.
5. I want all council meetings to be live via the website so people from home can view what decisions the council will be making. I am proud to have initiated it with the Government Study Commission and I believe it should be done with the new council to be fully transparent!
3. ARE YOU WILLING TO SET ASIDE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE COUNTY?

Absolutely!! I am proud to say I have a track record over the last two years why being on both home rule committees in making sound, ethical and transparent decisions for the county! I have been outspoken when policies and procedures were not being handled properly. I will continue to ask questions at meetings in order to bring out all the facts and will always agree to disagree with my fellow council members.

4. TELL ME YOU’RE IDEAL OF AN IDEAL COUNTY MANAGER.
The county manager needs to have a track record of working with other municipalities similar to Luzerne County. This person not only needs to be experiences but has to have the vision of finding ways to eliminate waste in our county while delivering the services expected to the taxpayers. It goes without question that this person needs to be ethical and not tied to any political groups. I am on record that I would like to see ALL of the names of the applicants released to the public to show that there is nothing to hide in the selection process.
5. WOULD YOU SACRIFICE YOUR RE ELECTION FOR A TOUGH DECISION?

Absolutely!!! As I stated earlier, I am no one’s rubber stamp! This is about moving this county forward and without question tough decisions need to be made. I have made those tough decisions while being on the home rule committees and I will continue to make those decisions if elected to this council.

6. ARE YOU WILLING TO RAISE TAXES IF THERE ARE NO OTHER OPTIONS?
The honest answer is yes. How could any candidate say they would not when the current county commissioners are sitting on a $23 million dollar deficit? I will not tell the public what they want to hear, I will tell them the truth!! I think it is unethical for any candidate to say they will never raise taxes when they don’t know what kind of budget will be handed to them in January f 2012. When they state there are other options, they need to explain specifically where they will cut or raise $23 million in order not to raise taxes. Council has only 45 days to change the budget when sworn in. I will do everything in my powers to NOT raise taxes and to cut where we need to but as someone who has worked with budgets of this size knows that it is easier said than done! My experience of being on the Home Rule Transition Committee allows me to see and understand that this county transition will take time and will not take place over night.

7. DEFINE ETHICS FOR ME.
Making decisions where you are able to look at your constituents in the eye, yourself in the mirror and would never embarrass your family name.

8. DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A LEADER,

Videos

Luzerne County Council Candidate, Tim Mullen - The Times Leader reports

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