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NewsTalkPA » Forum: NE Region - Recent Topics http://newstalkpa.com/ State Of Discussion en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:08:41 +0000 lowerluzerne on "Barletta praises Kanjorski on his work for Tranguch gas spill families" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1017#post-2584 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:07:12 +0000 lowerluzerne 2584@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://standardspeaker.com/news/jury-selection-begins-wednesday-in-laurel-gardens-gas-spill-case-1.994506">In today's Standard Speaker</a> there is a story about a lawsuit trial starting for families that were affected by a gas spill in Hazleton. <blockquote>The case stems from a gasoline spill detected in 1993 in a 12- to 20-block area of the Laurel Gardens development in Hazleton and Hazle Township. It involves more than 1,100 plaintiffs and a handful of defendants including Exxon Mobile</blockquote> It is time justice is served and the families that were affected get their financial compensation for this blatant act of damage to the environment. In November 2000, Barletta said that he endorsed Rep. Kanjorski’s efforts to keep Hazleton residents informed about the recovery process for the gas spill. Barletta said he and city administrator Sam Monticello met with Kanjorski. “We met with Congressman Kanjorski to talk about the gas spill, our options and what is being done,” Barletta said. “Speaking with the congressman, I felt assured (the governing agencies) are moving at a fast pace. He’s staying on top of things.” [Hazleton Standard-Speaker, 11/20/00] We hope the residents of Laurel Gas Spill site remember the resources and Federal help Kanjorski got them in their time of need. As the Mayor said of Kanjorski: <blockquote>He’s staying on top of things</blockquote> lowerluzerne on "Kanjorski & Barletta on the environment" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1016#post-2583 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:07:12 +0000 lowerluzerne 2583@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://capwiz.com/lcv/dbq/vote_info/?command=results&sort=Last&azip=18201&bzip=&submit.x=13&submit.y=14&submit=go">Read this website of the League of Conservation Voters, </a> you will see that Paul Kanjorski voted with the environment 100% of the time..... and then you know where Lou Barletta stands, allowing toxic dredge brought into the City limits........ Vote with your head, there is more to this election than ONE issue. lowerluzerne on "Barletta talks out both sides of his mouth," http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1015#post-2582 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:17:38 +0000 lowerluzerne 2582@http://newstalkpa.com/ <blockquote>Barletta says Hazleton's higher unemployment not his fault</blockquote> Just what is fault? Does he take responsibility for anything? <blockquote>Is it council's fault then there is owed a million dollars in uncollected garbage fees? Is it council's fault that property taxes were raised 70% Is it council's fault that earned income tax on middle class workers were raised 20% Is it council's fault that the City is in a lawsuit that could cost the them 2.5 million?</blockquote> I mean if it isn't council's fault, and it isn't the Mayor's fault.......... Who's fault is it? Kathy Dobash on "Martin's Mission: Heartfelt effort with sorrow and happy memories" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1014#post-2581 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:44:31 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2581@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://standardspeaker.com/news/freeland-mourns-loss-of-mayor-1.990362" rel="nofollow">http://standardspeaker.com/news/freeland-mourns-loss-of-mayor-1.990362</a> Freeland mourns loss of mayor By JILL WHALEN (Staff Writer) Published: September 4, 2010 Martin's Mission is a heartfelt sorrowful effort fueled by happy memories. Share this photo with anyone by sending them this public link: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=325849&l=7e2f015963&id=1757443932" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=325849&l=7e2f015963&id=1757443932</a> Despite his death, Tim Martin's mission endures By SAM GALSKI (Staff Writer) Published: September 5, 2010 <a href="http://standardspeaker.com/news/despite-his-death-tim-martin-s-mission-endures-1.992540" rel="nofollow">http://standardspeaker.com/news/despite-his-death-tim-martin-s-mission-endures-1.992540</a> lowerluzerne on "Barletta sells out the City to his campaign developer buddies" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1012#post-2579 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:43:36 +0000 lowerluzerne 2579@http://newstalkpa.com/ FIve years ago Barletta partnered with Hazleton Creek Properties in a deal that was to bring in over $10,000,000.00 to the City over a five-year period. Barletta promised to increase the police force, pave roads, and improve job opportunities within the City. Then in NOvember 2008 the City decides to sell the land to Hazleton Creek Properties, for a whopping $3,000,000.00!!!!!!! Barletta let his developer buddies off the hook and by doing so the City got $7,000,000.00 less in their budget! NO COPS, NO PAVED ROADS and NO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT! We have to wonder if Barletta would have got the whole $10,000,000.00 in 2005 would there be discussions in selling the largest asset of the City, unemployment in the City of over 15%, would there be talk about water rate increases, would there have been an increase of property taxes to the tune of 70%, would Barletta have had to raise garbage fees, would there have been more police, its smoke and mirrors for a Mayor that wants to get out of Hazleton. lowerluzerne on "Real Leadership in Hazleton" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1011#post-2578 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:25:26 +0000 lowerluzerne 2578@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://www.timesleader.com/news/Eachus_blasts_DEP_mine_fill__lsquo_info_rsquo__09-02-2010.html">All someone needs to do is read this article</a> and see what real leadership is all about. This is a project that has been around since 2005, and what do we hear from a wannabe state rep? This is what: <blockquote>"The job of a representative is to listen to the concerns of the community and weigh them," she said</blockquote> So are we to assume that she JUST NOW heard about developers bringing toxic waster, unproven technology and no real jobs into this area? I want to hear her say she is against this project, that the Mayor of Hazleton is wrong for bring it in and that it is unethical for Barletta to grant permits for this project all the while taking campaign contributions from the same developers!!!!!! lowerluzerne on "Cabell and why Hazleton doesnt have a chance" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1009#post-2576 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:10:20 +0000 lowerluzerne 2576@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://www.timesleader.com/news/Hazleton-bans-indoor-furniture-from-porches.html?searchterm=hazleton">Councilperson Cabell lets us in on her reasoning for running for public office in this article. </a> <blockquote>Councilwoman Karin Cabell said proposing the ordinance was one of her goals when she decided to run for council. </blockquote> Her reason for running for public office was to take furniture off of front porches when the City of Hazleton is falling apart? and then there is the other cause she is involved with: A dog park <blockquote>Yannuzzi heads the group as president with Debbie Bridge as vice president, Ryan Tombasco, secretary, and Melissa Longazel, treasurer. Directors include Susan Andes, Karin Cabell, Damain Chipriano, Jessica Chipriano, James Eakle, Gabe Fritz, Jule Greco, Ann Kline, Michele Martucelli, Fran Villano and Jim Villano</blockquote> so Hazleton is looking for more police, road improvements, lower taxes and all she can do is come up with dog parks and taking couches off of front porches. lowerluzerne on "Toohil, we deserve better, but sorry it isnt you......" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1008#post-2575 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:25:04 +0000 lowerluzerne 2575@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/news/Eachus-and-Toohil-trade-barbs-over-dredge-project.html">As you read here Tarah Toohil just doesn't get it. </a>she is quoted as saying: <blockquote>I did not go there as a political opportunist and to grandstand,” said Toohil, from Butler Township. “I went there to listen to the concerns of residents and to DEP’s answers.”</blockquote> WEll Ms Toohil if you lived in this area for any amount of time you will know that Hazleton Creek Properties has been proposing this type of placement of toxic waste since 2005! and since that time we have had 3 other permits issued for various types of toxic waste. Now just how much time do you need to be up to speed on this issue? Is this how you will act if are elected and have to vote on more complex issues? In case you didn't catch this little bit of information, let me remind you from a August 6, 2010 Standard Speaker article, and we quote: <blockquote>On April 13, federal agents removed boxes from the offices of Hazleton Creek and a sister company, Fort Mifflin Reclamation Associates. They were investigating federal contracts to ship dredged material from Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia to the Hazleton site.</blockquote> So Tarah you had a chance to stand up for people who told their own horror stories of getting CANCER from environmental toxins. You sat there and did nothing. We deserve better and it isn't from someone who takes NO stance on these issues. Or maybe you don't want to come out against a project that is supported by your main political buddy, Lou Barletta. Where was he in all of this? Has anyone seen him? Sorry Tarah, it isn't working. Kathy Dobash on "The 27th Annual Pittston Tomato Festival" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=996#post-2551 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:10:19 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2551@http://newstalkpa.com/ Congratulations from Stephen A. Urban! Steve Urban worked on a large farm while growing up in Luzerne County. He still enjoys gardening and picking tomatoes. <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/news/Pittston_ripe_with_activity_during_tomato_fest_08-19-2010.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.timesleader.com/news/Pittston_ripe_with_activity_during_tomato_fest_08-19-2010.html</a> Posted: August 20 Updated: Today at 12:40 AM Pittston ripe with activity during tomato fest Activities, including a parade, 5K race, pageants and a tomato fight, are planned. MATT HUGHES <a href="mailto:mhughes@timesleader.com">mhughes@timesleader.com</a> Share this photo with anyone by sending them this public link: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=308721&l=e065fd1d49&id=1757443932" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=308721&l=e065fd1d49&id=1757443932</a> Share this photo with anyone by sending them this public link: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=308720&l=bd71a151b2&id=1757443932" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=308720&l=bd71a151b2&id=1757443932</a> lowerluzerne on "Watch this video to see what Lou Barletta is all about !" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1006#post-2572 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:17:29 +0000 lowerluzerne 2572@http://newstalkpa.com/ go on you tube and look for " Say NO to Barletta again" It's the beginning of a hot and heated campaign. Lets see if Lou Barletta has the money to come up on the air and battle Kanjorski. We have heard how Barletta has outraised Kanjorski, well now is the time for Lou to put the money on the line. As you have seen on this commerical Kanjorski is going after Barletta's record as Mayor of Hazleton, raising property taxes 70%, raising earned income tax 20% having an unemployment of rate in excess of 15% Barletta will either come up on TV or he will be driven into the ground, time will tell. lowerluzerne on "Toohil and bad judgement!" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1005#post-2571 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:52:56 +0000 lowerluzerne 2571@http://newstalkpa.com/ A friend of mine showed me two direct mail pieces sent to him by Toohil for State Rep campaign. You might think what is wrong with that? well here are two examples of someone who just doesn't get it. 1. was sent to this person that said "it was a pleasure to meet you at your door the other day" problem is he never met her at his door, he was away on vacation, 2. The other was sent to his mother in law, again you might say ok what is wrong with that. this one said sorry i missed you while i was out-door to door," guess what! this woman has bee deceased for over 3 years!!!!!! Tarah, you really are going down the wrong road, you upset this family and they are not happy with you........... lowerluzerne on "Toohil and her stolen campaign signs" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=999#post-2557 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 11:57:31 +0000 lowerluzerne 2557@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://standardspeaker.com/news/toohil-sends-letter-to-eachus-regarding-stolen-campaign-signs-1.944690">Read this article and then see if you agree with us. </a> <blockquote>Someone has been stealing campaign signs off the property of Butler Township residents who support Tara Toohil in her campaign for election to the state House of Representatives in the 116th Legislative District.</blockquote> Now when you read this you want to be upset that someone is breaking the law, right? <blockquote> "All I ask is that you reach out to your supporters to inform them that such behavior is un-American, unacceptable and criminal," Toohil wrote.</blockquote> Then you read this and you say, YEA Tarah who ever is doing this is criminal! and it has been brought to the attention of the police <blockquote> The Butler Township Police Department has been notified and is investigating these thefts, Toohil said.</blockquote> The Butler Township Police are spending valuable time on finding the person or person responsible for this. <blockquote> Altmiller said the police department is working to collect fingerprints off the recovered signs.</blockquote> All of this is fine, EXCEPT, Butler Township Zoning laws state the NO political signs are to be placed prior to 30 days before an election!!!!!!!! Now Tarah being a lawyer, would have known this if she read the zoning ordinance, OR if she did the lawful thing and went and paid the proper fee for placing political signs in the Township, the zoning officer would have made her aware of the LAW!!!!!!!!! So why did she do this then? We think it is because she has a failed campaign that has NO money, has NO issues, and she needs all the free press she can get. I am sure her supporters will be saddened to know she has broken the laws! To use Tarah's own words: <blockquote>such behavior is un-American, unacceptable and criminal," </blockquote> lowerluzerne on "Eachus town hall meeting #3, was Toohil there?" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1004#post-2569 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:41:44 +0000 lowerluzerne 2569@http://newstalkpa.com/ i had to go and see for myself, and while there was a packed crowd, i am sorry i didnt see the bubbly and chipper Ms Tarah Toohil....... pity she wasnt there she would have got to hear people express their concerns for the area. Oh Tarah, you were spotted once again up the Courthouse with your wanna be law friends, so 3 for 3, three meetings, three NO SHOWS, as they say in baseball......YOURE OUT! Kathy Dobash on "Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission: Ignored the law about taxes" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1003#post-2565 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:13:50 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2565@http://newstalkpa.com/ This is another solid reason to vote NO for the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission's charter: Home Rule Law and 8 % cap on annual TAX INCREASES This Commission did not cover the law in regard to taxes. Did they forget to do their homework? Here is some advice about the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission's Charter from a friend: ........"the flat out lie regarding an 8% cap on annual tax increases. I have no idea how they explain that blatant fraud on the taxpayers? The fact is that limitations on tax increases in home rule charters are not valid... period. How could they not know that? The case came out of Lackawanna county... decided in 2007! Either they didn't know... and this charter is being promoted by the ignorant... or, worse than that... they did know and they are trying to pull a fast one." Now I ask this one question: Why would this elected Commission lie to the taxpayers of Luzerne County? I guess all the research was not completed for their research paper. Kathy Dobash on "Home Rule: Bully emails, Angry words, altered documentation of meetings" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=990#post-2534 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:28:55 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2534@http://newstalkpa.com/ I ask for you take some time to read about the common routine with the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission members during their creation of a new charter of government for Luzerne County. It was the topic of conversation on WILK's Sue Henry show today. Heated verbal punches were thrown. Yes, folks temper tantrums were heard on the radio air waves today. To shake the confidence in this charter, the public must know how underhanded this commission operated. It speaks volumes when you inform the public how shady it all was- - -I think the fact that Haggerty CHANGED the minutes is a real eye-opener. I'd say that when you had a Chairman who did not want to follow the Sunshine Laws, but had the solicitor first study it to see if the commission was obligated to follow it, is quite revealing. The stripping of the controller's power is also a hot button issue. How about the packed meeting where everyone who spoke asked them to allow the voters to ELECT their manager and they totally ignored it? How about the snowstorm meeting, whereby a state of emergency was declared and everything else in the county was cancelled that night? An attempt to get something through with no opposing viewpoints discussed? HMMMM Let's look at these items again: THERE ARE AT LEAST FIVE GOOD REASONS TO VOTE NO! FOR Luzerne County Home Rule: 1- Changed minutes 2- Sunshine Law 3- Controller's Power stripped 4- Appoint vs Elected County Executive and 5- holding a meeting during a declared state of emergency I hope other citizens voice their opinions and write letters There are selfish reasons on both sides of this battle. However the REAL CASUALITIES are those without the money, jobs and political influence. Most do not care any more! We still have the same horrible issues and few benefit! It is the same powerful family names who will benefit from jobs! This will continue with or without HOME RULE. Nothing will change because it is the same POLITICAL GUARD. Documentation of meeting minutes was bad from the very beginning. THERE IS A GREEDY AND POWERFUL AGENDA. I heard some comments and the personalities on both sides get in the way for any real change to occur. The Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission blew it at the very beginning. Nasty emails and fighting continue to bully others who want to know the truth. Who can believe anyone? This is a battle of wills and saving face! It is now about who can outwit who! I have ZERO CONFIDENCE WITH THIS CHARTER! I ask our Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith to carefully consider the release of our county tax dollars to Mr. Haggerty's quest to publicly promote there idea of good government. VOTE NO! for the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission's new charter. lowerluzerne on "Eachus and town hall meetings, but was Tarah there?" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=979#post-2497 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:34:50 +0000 lowerluzerne 2497@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://standardspeaker.com/news/eachus-to-host-community-conversations-1.936977">In the Standard Speaker today we read</a> where Eachus will be hosting town meetings listening to what everyday people's concerns are. <blockquote>Community conversations will also be held Aug. 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Freeland Northside Community Ambulance Association, 417 Johnson St.; and Aug. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Church Street Station Intermodal Facility, 126 Mine St., Hazleton.</blockquote> I wasnt able to make it, but i was wondering if anyone that was there can tell me if Tarah Toohil was? I believe this would have been a good time for her to hear along with Eachus what people's concerns are. Please if you were there, let me know..... and if she wasnt, do you know where she was? lowerluzerne on "Who owns Barletta, Follow the money and see........" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=1000#post-2558 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:42:26 +0000 lowerluzerne 2558@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://standardspeaker.com/news/boehner-to-stump-for-barletta-today-1.947004">In this Standard Speaker article you will see that Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio) will campaign for Barletta. </a> Well as we all know, when and if Barletta gets elected and serves in Congress, Barletta will owe someone, and that person is John Boehner! You can say ok, what does that have to do with us, well read here and see what Boehner believes in. <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/06/boehner-suggests-raising-socia.html" rel="nofollow">http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/06/boehner-suggests-raising-socia.html</a> As you see this great American from Ohio with a killer golf tan, believes the age for Social Security should be raised to 70 years of age! Boehner also suggested that people with substantial retirement income probably shouldn't be collecting Social Security. What do you think? Maybe if the Minority Leader didn't take the Social Security money and spend it on everything but its intended use we could retire at a younger age. We have to wonder, where are the Tea Party activists marching in front of this Congressman's office? We couldn't find a photo of that. We wonder if they will approach Barletta and get his thoughts on extending the SS age? Where does Lou Barletta stand on this and will he sign a pledge NOT to raise the age to receive Social Security? lowerluzerne on "Town Hall Meeting #2, but we have to ask was Toohil there?" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=992#post-2543 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:33:13 +0000 lowerluzerne 2543@http://newstalkpa.com/ Can anyone that was at the town hall meeting in Freeland last night, that was held by Eachus tell me if Tarah Toohil was in attendance? Las Vegas odd makers have it at 1000 to 1 she wasnt.......... Kathy Dobash on "Read Luzerne County Home Rule Charter document and vote NO!" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=997#post-2552 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:38:57 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2552@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://www.wbcitizensvoice.com/pdfs/charter_0811.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.wbcitizensvoice.com/pdfs/charter_0811.pdf</a> Oh boy here we go! Get ready for the biggest PR push from the members of this group. Yikes, it is a research paper at best. Disregard for Sunshine Laws and inaccurate minutes of meetings are only a few reasons to give this a NO CONFIDENCE VOTE! lowerluzerne on "What does Barletta know, and has he talked to the Feds?" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=995#post-2549 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:24:41 +0000 lowerluzerne 2549@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://www.timesleader.com/news/Philly_raid_linked_to_Hazleton_dredge_project_08-18-2010.html">In this article we have another person involved with the dredge project investigated by the Feds</a> <blockquote>The South Philadelphia office of a state representative who received campaign contributions from two principles of the company providing river sediment to a Hazleton mine reclamation project was raided Wednesday by the FBI and IRS.</blockquote> Once again we have the dredge developers linked with others involved with the dredge project in Hazleton that has contributed to public officials. Someone needs to ask Mayor Barletta what he knows about this. Slomowitz gave $5,000 to Keller’s committee on March 25, 2008. Rinaldi sent Keller’s campaign $2,000 on March 14, 2007. On March 26, 2008, Keller’s campaign received $2,000 from Barry Bowen, whose Bowen Enterprises of Dunmore was the original low bidder for the river dredging contract in 2006. He withdrew his $19 million bid, and the contract then was awarded to Fort Mifflin Reclamation Associates for $21 million. The contributions to Friends of Lou Barletta were first reported three years ago when they were made to his campaign.Marvin Slomowitz and William Rinaldi, principals in Fort Mifflin, each made $5,000 in-kind donations for entertainment for a Barletta fundraiser in 2007 at Genetti’s on state Route 309 in Hazleton, according to campaign finance reports on file with Luzerne County.Slomowitz also is the president of Hazleton Creek Properties.The third contributor, Barry Bowen, gave a total of $400 to Barletta’s campaign committee. Has the Federal government interviewed Barletta? We believe that is a fair question for the press to ask. I wonder if the supporters of Barletta are starting to lose faith in America's Mayor?