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NewsTalkPA » Forum: Luzerne County - Recent Posts http://newstalkpa.com/ State Of Discussion en Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:43:23 +0000 Kathy Dobash on "STEPHEN A. URBAN fighting Luzerne County Corruption" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=758#post-2477 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:50:00 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2477@http://newstalkpa.com/ WHO is not part of the solution? Go back through these corruption problems.....STEVE URBAN AND STEVE FLOOD WENT TO THE FBI Again this is striking and attacking just to be a political hacker on your part. You are creating chaos just for fun. Identify yourself and be less of a coward! lowerluzerne on "STEPHEN A. URBAN fighting Luzerne County Corruption" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=758#post-2476 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:38:30 +0000 lowerluzerne 2476@http://newstalkpa.com/ i have followed him through it, he did NOTHING>>>>>> he is always about after the fact, and he is part of the problem not the solution...... Kathy Dobash on "STEPHEN A. URBAN fighting Luzerne County Corruption" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=758#post-2475 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:27:23 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2475@http://newstalkpa.com/ Keep the focus on the crimes against the taxpayer's: From today's Citizens Voice- <a href="http://citizensvoice.com/news/court-filing-trombetta-bribed-skrepenak-1.920231" rel="nofollow">http://citizensvoice.com/news/court-filing-trombetta-bribed-skrepenak-1.920231</a> Do I need to remind you that Anthony Trombetta's name has been revealed by a judge for the payment of $16,600 in illegal commissions to a former technology administrator at Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center, Jeffrey Piazza. In May, the technology director of Valley Forge Christian College near Philadelphia pleaded guilty in a similar scheme. Craig Stirling, 37, formerly of Butler Township, admitted to accepting thousands in kickbacks for purchasing overpriced items from a contractor. A school official identified the contractor as Intellacom, Trombetta's company. The Citizens' Voice first identified Trombetta as the developer who paid Skrepenak shortly after the former commissioner signed a plea agreement in December, basing the identification on government documents. But federal prosecutors have refused to officially name him. Trombetta rewarded Skrepenak for supporting a county-backed loan for a townhouse development Trombetta built in Jenkins Township by shaving $5,000 off the closing costs when Skrepenak purchased a home in the development, according to the motion. County records show Skrepenak purchased a home in Trombetta's Insignia Point development in 2008 for $278,654. He still resides in the home Trombetta has yet to be charged. Does that mean he isn't going to? Doubt it. ... . Kathy Dobash on "STEPHEN A. URBAN fighting Luzerne County Corruption" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=758#post-2474 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:48:51 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2474@http://newstalkpa.com/ ABSOLUTELY!!! This is NOT about Luzerne County Corruption. This is an issue about a newspaper and a tenant. THIS IS NOT ABOUT STEVE URBAN. Steve Urban is the candidate. LOOK AT HIS RECORD THROUGHOUT THE LUZERNE COUNTY CORRUPTION SCANDALS. STEPHEN A. URBAN IS THE CANDIDATE FOR SENATOR IN PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT 14! lowerluzerne on "STEPHEN A. URBAN fighting Luzerne County Corruption" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=758#post-2468 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:39:35 +0000 lowerluzerne 2468@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://http://www.timesleader.com/news/Former-mayoral-candidate-charged-with-theft-.html">In todays Times Leader, this story i find appalling.</a> I want to see what the candidate for State Senate has to say about his wife being charged with theft! It doesn't matter what she stole, it belonged to someone and she took it. <blockquote>Linda J. Stets-Urban, 58, of George Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, is facing a theft charge that was filed with District Judge Martin Kane in Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday</blockquote> I'm sure we all want justice served. Will Steve? Brian B on "NEPA Libertarians filing for Ballot Access" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=969#post-2467 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:42:50 +0000 Brian B 2467@http://newstalkpa.com/ Local and state wide Libertarian candidates filed the necessary paperwork in Harrisburg yesterday to gain ballot access and challenge Republicans and Democrats in November. <a href="http://citizensvoice.com/news/three-libertarian-candidates-land-on-nov-2-ballot-1.917982">http://citizensvoice.com/news/three-libertarian-candidates-land-on-nov-2-ballot-1.917982</a> <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/news/Libertarian_hopeful_numbers_up_for_Nov__ballot_08-02-2010.html">Libertarian Hopeful Numbers Up For Nov Ballot</a> <a href="http://gort42.blogspot.com/2010/08/libertarians-make-cut.html">Libertarians Make Cut</a> Kathy Dobash on "STEPHEN A. URBAN fighting Luzerne County Corruption" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=758#post-2447 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:42:49 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2447@http://newstalkpa.com/ STEPHEN A. URBAN: YOUR BI-PARTISAN VOICE in Harrisburg! I listened to Luzerne County Commissioner Stephen A. Urban discuss issues on the radio with Steve Corbett on Friday evening. The topics covered were: Corruption and the FBI investigations in Luzerne County, support for clean water and full disclosure in regard to fracking with Marcellus Shale drilling, and creation of jobs in Northeastern PA. Steve Urban asks questions: Where is the money to match spending public money? Governor Rendell recently offered to release up to $20 million of state money to repair Lackawanna County stadium. Maybe bigger promotions to attract fans will work. Can we afford to wait. I believe it would make more sense to place those tax dollars into business and improve our economic growth in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Stephen A. Urban is on the ballot for the PA State Senate 14TH District . <a href="http://www.electsteveurban.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.electsteveurban.com</a> Urban wants to create jobs and put the money into businesses. STEPHEN A. URBAN and FORMER CONTROLLER STEVE FLOOD made a bi-partisan effort to fight Luzerne County Corruption. Noone was interested in looking into the lease in regard to the Kids for Cash Scandal. Only the FBI showed interest. "All eyes on the system", said Urban. He added, "Once we set it up, we must fund it. How effective can it be if it is not funded?" Stephen A. Urban continued in this conversation with Steve Corbett on WILK, "I go out to talk to both Democrats and Republicans. I am on the ballot as a Republican. I am not owned by any political boss." This discussion also talked about heart and shaking the system. "Doing what is right, said Urban, I believe in my heart....." Steve Corbett said: "We gotta rock the boat to hold the system accountable." What are my thoughts on this conversation? I believe in heart and rockin' the system. Be brave. GO get 'em! This is my opinion in regard to this article about a new reform movement and ethics: <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/news/Pa__Integrity_commission_has_support_07-28-2010.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.timesleader.com/news/Pa__Integrity_commission_has_support_07-28-2010.html</a> Commit to funding true accountability. The PA State Budget decreased funding for this purpose by 11%. A new Commission will not be effective if the SAME POLITICAL GUARD selects their buddies to do the job. Children were hurt. Full disclosure and accountability will restore public trust. It will not happen if we have the same deception with new titles and new groups organized with the same friends and family ties. <a href="http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=965" rel="nofollow">http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=965</a> Brian B on "Libertarians seek signatures of their major-party opponents" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=961#post-2421 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:02:22 +0000 Brian B 2421@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://citizensvoice.com/news/libertarians-seek-signatures-of-their-major-party-opponents-1.898188">Libertarians seek signatures of their major-party opponents</a> Lou Jasikoff insists the three Libertarian political hopefuls from Luzerne County have secured enough signatures for a spot on this November's general election ballot, but the Northeastern Pennsylvania Libertarian Party chairman covets a few more John Hancocks. The targets? The signatures of the Libertarian's major-party opponents - Democrats John Yudichak, Phyllis Mundy and Gerald Mullery and Republicans Bill Goldsworthy, Rick Arnold and Stephen A. Urban. Read more at the link above... Kathy Dobash on "STEPHEN A. URBAN fighting Luzerne County Corruption" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=758#post-2410 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:51:07 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2410@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://electsteveurban.ning.com/page/donate-1" rel="nofollow">http://electsteveurban.ning.com/page/donate-1</a> Kathy Dobash on "Luzerne County Home Rule: Districts or at Large" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=914#post-2378 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:01:01 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2378@http://newstalkpa.com/ Steve Corbett said on his show tonight that he recommends NO! for Luzerne County Home Rule. Do we vote for this county to run like the Wilkes-Barre School board? No! We will have more cronyism and nepotism. The people will lose their right to vote for elected officials. Kathy Dobash on "Luzerne County Home Rule: Districts or at Large" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=914#post-2376 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:45:22 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2376@http://newstalkpa.com/ Two voters gave me permission to print their opinions on this topic: For the first time, in a long time, Luzerne County has a Controller who is an active advocate for the people of the county. I truly fear that the removal of this position from Home Rule would be another devasting blow to the county. We simply CANNOT AFFORD to lose the momentum that Walter Griffith has brought to this position for the people. I understand the value of Home Rule as it exists on paper, however, I have serious concerns about the Home Rule Charter group and the actions and positions the group has demonstrated thus far. I believe that Home Rule as its shaping up in Luzerne County now, will leave us with nothing more than the same nonsense that we already have minus the controller's oversight. At this time, I am not advocating for Home Rule at all. Sincerely, Michele Hogan THANKS MICHELE FOR USE OF YOUR MESSAGE! ONE MORE TO READ BELOW: I will vote against Home Rule unless those changes are made. I read the editorial <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/District_elections_not_best_choice_06-27-2010.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/District_elections_not_best_choice_06-27-2010.html</a> in the Times-Leader against having representatives by districts and found it utterly illogical. ALL representatives are elected by "districts" everywhere in this country and at ALL levels, to represent the people of any certain area! It's just a matter of defining the "district"... and they want it defined as the whole of Luzerne county. Such a broad definition doesn't recognize the reality of living here. Experience has proven that the interests of those where I live, the "Back Mountain" area, is sometimes vastly different than those who live in "the Valley" and certainly different from those living in the "far-flung" Hazleton area,(ha ha!). Electing by district ensures that AT LEAST every traditionally defined "area" of the county has one voice and it's concerns are raised, publicized and considered... even if they do get out-voted. At least issues can't be "swept-under-the-carpet" as has happened in the past! The obvious need to keep strong, independent Controller and D.A. positions has never been better demonstrated than by Walter Griffith. Failure to retain these positions as elected, independent, autonomous, entities is reason enough to vote against any Home Rule Charter that fails to provide such. What a SHAME... as with these two changes I would SUPPORT Home Rule as I believe would many others. God bless, Jonathan Balester Kathy Dobash on "Luzerne County Home Rule: Districts or at Large" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=914#post-2349 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:57:20 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2349@http://newstalkpa.com/ The Luzerne County Government Study Commission is removing the power of the Controller. Their "new" charter for Luzerne County has many flaws. I believe the Controller position is a necessary balance of power as currently written in our government. The newly elected Controller is doing his job for checks and balances. I believe we should have districts. I think this group is going through motions to follow through with the process. It is very clear the current Home Rule Study Commission is playing along with the Chairman's goals. They have an united front to save face in public. This group has a transition team in place that could possibly make decisions during the 2011 transition year. This group was never meant to govern the County. Their work to study government has just been an education for their own growth and educational development. I believe their Charter could be a huge mistake for the County. Kathy Dobash on "Luzerne County Home Rule: Districts or at Large" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=914#post-2337 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 11:16:49 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2337@http://newstalkpa.com/ For anyone who really cares about the Home Rule Charter governing our county attend next week's meeting. Two very important issues will be presented. Whether to keep the Controller's position as it is presently or to just make that position a watch dog and not sign checks and read contracts. Also voting at large or by districts( which most of us are in favor of) and the number of commissioners that will set on council. What is your choice to elect Home Rule Commissioners either by: at large or by districts? It is also important to take note of the discussion and quotes from the Commission members about these issues. The discussions reveal how each member views different topics. This is never really presented at the formal public info sessions. I also suggest a few phone calls on Wilk to remind the voters about everything in their new charter. Otherwise it will slip by and we will have higher taxes and extreme power given to a few people. Many think this group has fallen apart. I believe individuals are not in this for the people. It is obvious from recent personal TV shows and actions taken by members. It was quite interesting to note: I attended the last Public information meeting at King's College. I left the room to take a phone call. When I returned I discovered Chairman Haggerty used that time to make comments about a recent letter to the editor. However KATHY DOBASH did not leave the building! Here are some related links to the Jim Haggerty Public Relation show: <a href="http://m.citizensvoice.com/news/griffith-objects-to-proposed-changes-to-controller-soffice-1.815991" rel="nofollow">http://m.citizensvoice.com/news/griffith-objects-to-proposed-changes-to-controller-soffice-1.815991</a> <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/news/County_home_rule_gets_YouTube_prime_06-16-2010,html" rel="nofollow">http://www.timesleader.com/news/County_home_rule_gets_YouTube_prime_06-16-2010,html</a> Kathy Dobash on "Losing credibility: Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=686#post-2295 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:27:53 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2295@http://newstalkpa.com/ Please attend the next meeting. June 9, Burke Auditorium in the McGowan School of Business, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. lowerluzerne on "MinSec: Hazleton Halfway House is the center of attention this past week" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=634&page=2#post-2203 Sat, 01 May 2010 21:57:31 +0000 lowerluzerne 2203@http://newstalkpa.com/ IF Hazleton only had these tax dollars, they would be able to better protect the residents of the City. Keystone Opportunity Zone Tax-Free Information PDF Print E-mail There's no easier way to improve your bottom line than to locate in a tax-free Keystone Opportunity Zone! Many businesses can save thousands or even millions of dollars by relocating or expanding in a KOZ building or site. Locations of Eligibility The City of Hazleton has a number of properties designated as Keystone Opportunity Zone sites. To obtain a complete list of available properties, contact Heather Nenstiel at 570.459.4967 or <a href="mailto:heather@hazletoncity.orgThis">heather@hazletoncity.orgThis</a> email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Tax Liability Information The following local and state taxes are waived under this program: State Taxes Corporate Net Income Taxes, Capital Stock & Foreign Franchise Tax, Personal Income Tax, Sales & Use Tax Local Taxes Earned Income/Net Profits Tax, Business Gross Receipts, Business Occupancy, Business Privilege & Mercantile Taxes, Local Real Property Tax, and Sales & Use Tax Length of Tax Relief • KOZ tax relief status expires on December 31, 2010. • KOEZ tax relief status expires on December 31, 2013. lowerluzerne on "MinSec: Hazleton Halfway House is the center of attention this past week" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=634#post-2202 Sat, 01 May 2010 20:27:34 +0000 lowerluzerne 2202@http://newstalkpa.com/ The real work getting MinSec in line is found <a href="http://standardspeaker.com/news/change-coming-to-minsec-1.752715">here in this Standard Speaker article.</a> The Standard Speaker has never been fond of Eachus but this time they have reported the facts. as state here as the reason MinSec has changed the way they do business: <blockquote>The state Department of Corrections agreed to make changes at a halfway house in Hazleton's downtown following House Majority Leader Todd Eachus' call for the state to terminate its contract with MinSec Companies earlier this month. </blockquote> It was from Eachus's call for termination of the contract that got them to move. it doesn't come from some silly novice attorney that had this to say: <blockquote>The state contract should be terminated. In the interim, this minimum security prison should be put on lock-down until its administrators figure out how to control the problems that are continually arising," she wrote. "The public needs to be provided with information on the status of this investigation immediately."</blockquote> Tarah, where have you been on this issue. NO WHERE> It takes real work, not politicking as Toohil is trying. Kathy Dobash on "MinSec: Hazleton Halfway House is the center of attention this past week" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=634#post-2201 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:29:14 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2201@http://newstalkpa.com/ I pay taxes. I work in this community. Who are you? Is this all you have??? Lame cowardly attacks reek of your true nature. My studio space is not your concern. Your real name???? Lower Luzerne must be a tag team effort of a group of nameless "know-it-alls". How lovely you are! Here are recent developments on MinSec Tarah Toohil Esq PRESS RELEASE: MinSec Promises Inadequate <a href="http://tarahtoohil.blogspot.com/2010/04/minsec-promises-inadequate.html" rel="nofollow">http://tarahtoohil.blogspot.com/2010/04/minsec-promises-inadequate.html</a> Brian B on "Former Judge Michael Conahan agrees to plead guilty to racketeering" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=838#post-2196 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:55:02 +0000 Brian B 2196@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/news/Former-Judge-Michael-Conahan-agrees-to-plead-guilty-to-racketeering.html">Former Judge Michael Conahan agrees to plead guilty to racketeering</a> Terrie Morgan-Besecker SCRANTON - Former Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan has signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to a single count of racketeering. The plea agreement was filed this afternoon in federal court in Scranton. For further updates check back with <a href="http://www.timesleader.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.timesleader.com</a> lowerluzerne on "MinSec: Hazleton Halfway House is the center of attention this past week" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=634#post-2125 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:37:32 +0000 lowerluzerne 2125@http://newstalkpa.com/ there is one question and one question ONLY>>>>>> under whose administration did the Zoning Board, who i might add appointed every member that decided on the approval for MinSec to come into our community ????????? I blame the Mayor for this, your letter to the editor makes NO SENSE. Stop being led by your nose,,,,,,,,,,,, and start paying taxes and stop hiding behind the KOZ status....... Kathy Dobash on "Commissioner Steve Urban question: Where is the revenue?" http://newstalkpa.com/topic.php?id=631#post-2114 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:13:45 +0000 Kathy Dobash 2114@http://newstalkpa.com/ <a href="http://www.electsteveurban.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.electsteveurban.com</a>