Commissioner Steve Urban and Steve Corbett talk about tailored suits

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Commissioner Steve Urban and Steve Corbett talk about tailored suits

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Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
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Live on Wilk 103.1FM

http://www.wilknetwork.com

Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban talked about the recent investigation and Luzerne County deputy clerk Willliam Brace's plea agreement. William Brace pleaded guilty for taking a bribe. The bribe was an expensive tailored made suit.

Here is a recent link to read more about this topic:

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20091112_ap_17thpersonchargedinpacountycorruptionprobe.html

17th person charged in Pa. county corruption probe

The Associated Press

SCRANTON, Pa. - A deputy clerk for a northeastern Pennsylvania county where a federal corruption probe is in progress has agreed to plead guilty to taking a bribe.
Federal prosecutors say a contractor took Luzerne County deputy clerk William Brace to New York City and bought him a tailor-made suit worth about................

Commissioner Urban told Corbett when he interviewed Bill Brace he realized that Brace was part of the old guard. "I told him I wouldn't vote for him ",
stated Urban. He believed he was not the person to hire for changing county government. "The proof was in the pudding, we saw it yesterday."

So Commissioner Urban's no vote was not enough. Urban was outvoted and Bill Brace was hired to work for Luzerne County.

There are a few light moments on Steve Corbett's radio show. LOL
Corbett asked:
"Are there any other county employees who got new tailored made suits from New York?"

Commissioner Urban and Steve Corbett agreed that with this plea agreement that bill Brace should be asked about what went on in New York. Brace said he would fully cooperate. I say: Good suggestion!

Perhaps the public's thirst for the truth and accountalbility will be satisfied a little.

This led into a little conversation about the debit card scandal.

Urban suggested to reopen the debit card investigation. Corbett wants the results of that investigation be publicly revealed. Urban thinks the public wants that investigation to be open and find out what those people were doing in New York.

Urban spoke of the the inner circle downstairs in the basement Commisssioner Greg Skrepenak's office was once located there.

The conversation ended with Steve Corbett saying: "Hold down the fort and do your best!"

Corbett said that Bill Brace has a facebook page.
He believes Brace looks like a fool after all this and does not look stylist holding a bottle of beer. He also commented about Bill Amesbury listed as a facebook friend.

Corbett recommended Amesbury delete him as a friend. I can't listen anymore.

You are correct Steve Corbett. "This is too much!"

Perhaps Bill Amesbury is not listening to the show to delete.

Okay Steve Corbett you are having your fun on your own show.

Oh yeah Jill Moran and Commissioner Greg Skrepenak are his facebook friends too.

Oh dear ...... he is listing many names from Brace's friend list.

FREAKY FRIDAY FREE FOR ALL IS A HOOT!
Can I have your job?

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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Sorry folks!
A few typing errors are here.

At the same time I was listening to the conversation, typing and trying to find a website link to get this done.

There is a time limit to edit, etc before it is a permanent blog.

There is a lot of issues about real estate deals and conflict of interest all over this county. If you are interested about it. This interview will give some insight with a the Mayor of Wilkes-Barre.
If you want to hear this interview with Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban and Steve Corbett go to this link:

http://audio.wilknewsradio.com/m/audio/26694148/luzerne-county-commissioner-steve-urban.htm

Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban on WILK-FMOct 2, 2009 ... Luzerne County Minority Commissioner talks to Corbett about Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton and the property sale and also weighs in on ...

Have a great WEEKEND!

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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In case you all want some light reading this weekend.

How did Bill brace acquire a State position after his known involvement with the Luzerne County Corruption? How many pensions can he collect? Here is an older article by Bill O'Boyle:

Here is a quote from Maryanne Petrilla taken from this article:

...............................and working with the commissioners.”

Brace said he was planning to retire from the county at the end of this year but decided to leave early when the state post became available.

County Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla praised Brace for his service.

“It was one of my biggest fears when we offered early retirement, that we would lose people who have been key to the county operation for years,” she said. “For Bill to have this opportunity from the state is perfect timing for him. I hate to see him go and can’t blame him for accepting it.”

Petrilla said the county will go through the standard process in seeking a replacement

http://www.timesleader.com/news/hottopics/countygov/Brace__Isquo_retires_rsquo__to_state_job_08-08-2008.html

Here are a few more links about the Bill Brace guilty plea.

http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/former_county_official_is_19th_entangled_in_probe

Former county official is 19th entangled in probe
Former Luzerne County Deputy Chief Clerk William G. Brace will plead guilty to accepting a $1,500 tailor-made suit as a reward from a county contractor, federal prosecutors...........

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Brace_agrees_to_plead_guilty_11-13-2009.html

November 13
Updated: Today at 12:40 PM

Brace agrees to plead guilty
Allegedly took suit for help with pact
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter

A tailored suit worth $1,500 may cost Bill Brace one of his pensions and his latest governme...........

PLEA AGREEMENT http://media.kjonline.com/documents/Bill+Brace+plea+agreement.pdf

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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We will hear more outrageous stories similiar to Brace's tailored suit bribe in the next few months. When everything is revealed as a result of these investigations we might see the numbers grow as more persons will be in court for their abuse of the system. Who knows what the grand total will be? Have fun and google. You will find some of these listings:

Another guilty plea in Luzerne corruption probe
Philadelphia Inquirer - ‎Nov 13, 2009‎
SCRANTON - A deputy clerk in Luzerne County, where a federal corruption probe is in progress, has agreed to plead guilty to taking a bribe. ... 17th person charged in Pa. county corruption probe
Philadelphia Inquirer - ‎Nov 12, 2009‎
Federal prosecutors say a contractor took Luzerne County deputy clerk William Brace to New York City and bought him a tailor-made suit worth about $1500. ... Brace Agrees to Guilty Plea in Corruption Investigation
WNEP-TV - Jon Meyer - ‎Nov 12, 2009‎
I'm shocked," said Luzerne County Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla minutes after she heard the news. "Obviously when Mr. Brace was here he was a key component ... Brace agrees to plead guilty
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader - Jennifer Learn-Andes, Terrie Morgan-Besecker - ‎Nov 12, 2009‎
... 2008 when he was Luzerne County's deputy chief clerk. Under a plea agreement released Thursday, Brace will plead guilty to one count of corrupt receipt ... Leaders in need of morality map
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader - ‎Nov 12, 2009‎
On Thursday, the US Attorney's Office in Scranton announced the latest development: Former Luzerne County Deputy Clerk William Brace has agreed to plead ...

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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Re-examine Big Trips To Big City

http://www.wilknetwork.com/Re-Examine-Big-Trips-To-Big-City/5670523

Steve Corbett Reporting
corbett@wilknewsradio.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

Clothes don’t make the man.

You can dress a snake in a $1,500 tailor-made........

http://www.wilknetwork.com/Luzerne-Courthouse-Crime-Watch-Launched/5673251

So when will former Commissioners Vonderheid and Skrepenak answer for their involvement with the "good ole boy" system of government?

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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THE NEW YORK CONNECTION CONTINUES to BE A HOT TOPIC even though the season brings colder weather.
This article reveals good questions from Controller-elect Walter Griffith.
Company under investigation used Manhattan address, fax

November 26

Firm a mystery to N.Y.C. exec
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter

The managing director of a New York City security company says he has no idea why a controversial Luzerne County government contract contained the same address and fax number as his company, and he’s not happy with the discovery.

Here are the latest related articles to this corruption in Luzerne County.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Firm_a_mystery_to_N_Y_C__exec_11-26-2009.html

Awesome questions from Betty in this Opinion below:

‘Countygate’ expands with a New York connection COMMENTARY Betty Roccograndi

WITH EACH new development of this thing we can call Countygate, there are questions to be asked.

And, as usual, we need to follow the money.................
WHO WAS BEHIND THIS SCAM?
CHECKS?
TRADING VOTES FOR CONTRACTS?

NO BID CONTRACTS?
WHO SIGNED IT?

READ ON FOLKS!

http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/_lsquo_Countygate_rsquo__expands_with_a_New_York_connection_COMMENTARY_Betty_Roccograndi_11-25-2009.html

Here is an attempt to gain public favor and get off the hook. Read these two articles below:

http://www.standardspeaker.com/opinion/skrepenak_wonders_if_bell_will_toll_for_him

http://www.standardspeaker.com/news/skrepenak_foots_499_bill_for_courthouse_christmas_tree

Skrepenak wonders if bell will toll for him
Published: November 25, 2009

Even given the stunning level of corruption that has been exposed in Luzerne County, county Commissioner Greg Skrepenak's comments last week on his own status were extremely unusual.............................

1 posted comments
Commissioner Skrepenak: Luzerne County Charlie Brown Christmas Trees are okay.
Full disclosure?!

I think he is more focused on dancing and taking the side step away from the issues you have mentioned here in today's opinion.

It is my opinion Luzerne County Commissioner purchased a holiday tree for the Luzerne County Courthouse as a public relations scam. This holiday hoax to fool Luzerne County will not change my opinion.

I saw the Luzerne County Courthouse Christmas tree last year. It was fine. It added to the holiday spirit in spite of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree description. Many citizens of this county are tired of the waste with tax dollars. I believe in the giving and love spread throughout the land during this season. I think it should go on all year!

Please do not insult tax payers and use this as an opportunity to distract the citizens from the real issue.

It is ridiculous to focus on the grand gift of this year's holiday tree as a great gesture. Why even have a news article about the donation? This is just a public relation attempt to draw attention away from the abuse of power and corruption that has tainted Luzerne County Commissioner's Greg Skrepenak's reign at the courthouse.
Please think of your actions and take responsibility. Have concern for the destruction of our county government and the taxpayers who paid the price.

Kathy Dobash, 11/25/09 12:15

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
offline

County officials question faxes about NYC firm
http;//www.standardspeaker.com/news/county-officials-question-faxes-about-nyc-firm-1.455450

By Michael P. Buffer (Staff Writer)
Published: December 1, 2009

Marilyn Allabaugh, Luzerne County's executive secretary for human resources, explained Monday why she faxed messages about suspicious staffing payments to the deputy controller, instead of the county controller.

Allabaugh said Doug Richards, who was fired last week as director of human resources, told her

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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County plans to end Brace pension
http://www.timesleader.com/news/County_plans_to_end_Brace_pension.html

This next little item has some people wondering why did everyone wait in regards to charges against Michael Toole.

Michael Toole pleaded guilty on Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Late_notice_irks_county.html

Late notice irks county
Luzerne County President Judge Chester Muroski

Muroski asks state for help
By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Muroski_asks_state_for_help.html

Posted 2 months ago #

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