Luzerne County Home Rule Public Forum: Ask no questions. I will tell no lies.

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Luzerne County Home Rule Public Forum: Ask no questions. I will tell no lies.

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Kathy Dobash

Member
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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A public meeting was held on November 11, 2009 at 7:00PM at the Educational conference Center at Luzerne County Community College.

This group has the responsibility to study the current form of government. Can it be economically efficient under a changed form? Any change must be approved by the voters. This Commission has met with Luzerne County officials and with other officials from different counties. Tonight's time was taken aside to gain public insight.

This is only my opinion. I believe political power advancement is the game here. I believe their goal is to study the current system of government. However that is only touching the surface.
There are other reasons to be members of this group.

Chairman Jim Haggerty stated that the meeting was held to gain advice and guidance from public input. He also said the commentary should be in reference about government and its structure. I believe my concerns are about government and its structure. It is directly related to why we require new government: Political corruption and the intent of individuals who are elected to positions to serve the citizens of Luzerne County.

The usual concerns from the public were presented. There were about 30 citizens seated in the audience. Statements from citizens were made given. Concerns about safeguards. Implementation of a system where problems can be reported when your efforts go nowhere. Jackie Stefinowicz said: "It is always your problem if you have a problem. I hear them brag how they have all these people for help." Ms. Stefinowicz bascially implied there is no follow up. She also commented on the poor handling of real estate issues and crime. She ended with a question: "Can it get any worst?"

Another message by George, a gentleman from Kingston, PA asked a general question:
"Why is this government broken?" George also remarked: "There is no control. Noone keeps track of the sick leave, retirement"......He implied that taxes were raised to fill the pockets of officials not to serve the people. "We can't even pay the barber right! Run this county like a business. Create a new environment that respects. This is our home. This is where we live."

Commentary about term limitations, accountability for County sponsored agencies and the inclusion of a CORE MISSION STATEMENT.

The idea for inclusion of a WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY PROTECTION PROVISION was suggested.

Yesterday I listened to the 'free for all" on WILK 103.1 FM. Rick Morelli, treasurer of the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission stated it was okay for the public to ask questions and stay within the 5 minute limit. I had two questions for every member of this group:

1. Do you believe it is a conflict of interest to be on this Commission and then run for office for the very same positions you have created?

2. Is it your intent to run for office in Luzerne County for a row office or Luzerne County Commissioner?

It would have been a simple yes or no answer to the first question.

This is my opinion of the meeting: Ask me no questions and I will tell you no lies. My favorite quote tonight from Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission Chairman Jim Haggerty is: "Ms. Dobash you are out of order." LOL!!!
I think the Chairman is out of order. In fact I said: "I think the Chairman is out of order." I did have a smile on my face and used my nice voice.

He then stated my question was about the future plans of the individual members.
I said: "I would like to restate it." Response from Mr. Chairman Haggerty: "Ms. Dobash you are out of order. You used your 5 minutes".

Mr. Chairman Haggerty allowed a man in the audience to ask a question about a member's possible resignation.
Is that not a future plan of an individual member?

Ms. Charmaine Maynard jumped in to defend the group. Basically she implied that she would vote for anyone on this Commission who would decide to run for office.

Hey I did not say there were bad candidates. I think it is a conflict of interest. We have people who spent money to campaign to be on this Commission. Was the intent for sincere honest service to implement the goals of the Home Rule Study Commission? Was the intent just for more political power, advancement and control? So why no answers to my questions? I still believe it is a conflict of interest. We have severe problems of corruption in this county. I feel it is very appropriate to ask the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission questions about political advancement and intentions for the positions that might be created because of this group.

Tonight's meeting had no surprises for me. I would have been very surprised to receive answers from a group that claims to have full transparency in mind for the citizens of Luzerne County. Why be so evasive?

When I asked questions there were no answers.

It is very apparent there is a power and control issue here with the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission. For your reference here is the official website of the Government Study Commission:

http://luzernegsc.org

Charles "Bible Buck" Hatchko wanted me to include this quote:
Psalm 1:1 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the way of the wicked"

I am typing it as it written by him on my note paper. I am not sure exactly why he wanted me to include it but he attends every Home Rule meeting.

LOL I love my life here in Luzerne County!

I will include any related articles and other information as it appears in our local
newspapers.

Peace out! Boy I am totally out of order!

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

Member
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
offline

Edit:
Statements from citizens were made given.

Citizens gave statements. (Let's make this an English lesson. You can rewrite this!)

Concerns about safeguards. Implementation of a system where problems can be reported when your efforts go nowhere.

Should be:

Some concerns were about safeguards and implementation of a system where problems can be reported when your efforts go nowhere.

PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK:
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Commission member Jack Schumacher acknowledged Veterans and the sacrifice they made so we can have public meetings.

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Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

Member
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
offline

I think the citiznes of Luzerne County do not care about our government.

The recent NOV 3rd vote showed a low voter response. The numbers who voted straight party in particular for the Democrats suggest they like the government as it is now. APATHY? This recent public meeting of the Home Rule Study Commission
demonstrated that only 30 people were concerned enough to give suggestions and ask questions.

Article in the Times Leader covers this meeting:
November 13

Recommend home rule, taxpayer group urges panel
Local people have their say before commission studying Luzerne County government.
RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Recomment_home_rule__taxpayer_group_urges_panel_11-13-2009.html

NANTICOKE – The Luzerne County Government Study Commission heard public testimony for the second time in two weeks on Wednesday night. An open forum was held at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke where the panel invited taxpayers to offer their opinions.
About 30 people showed up to air their grievances...........

This blog was written on Saturday, June 13, 2009
It is entitled: The Mayor of Home Rule

It is another point of view.

It addresses the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission's issues about transparency:

http://mcour.blogspot.com/2009/06/mayor-of-home-rule.html

Scroll down through the blog and you can read what is referenced at the Chairman's
agenda. The first sentence is partly highlighted in yellow.

It begins with:

"There seems to be some confusion regarding the public “meetings” of the Luzerne County Government Study Commission."

This blogger suggests that it is not the best start to study our current government or follow any recommendations this group might create.

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

Member
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
offline

LOL! NOW my enemy number one is a member of the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission.

This person believes I must be handled and "put in her place".

This of course is done behind the scenes and without transparency. It is clearly power going to someone's head and is not an attitude I regard as "good thinking" for an person who was elected by the citizens of Luzerne County. Is this a person I will trust to form a new charter of government in Luzerne County?

Answer: NO!

Posted 2 months ago #