Luzerne Home Rule Study Commission member: "Put her in her place"

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Luzerne Home Rule Study Commission member: "Put her in her place"

(9 posts) (2 voices)

Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
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I am disgusted, determined and disappointed with the attitude of absolute power with elected members. Let's move forward with transparency! This position has gone to someone's head!

I will not bow to intimidation.

My letter was not that threatening. What is your problem?
What are your intentions?

I encourage more citizens of Luzerne County to attend these meetings!

This was my letter printed in the Hazleton Standard Speaker

Editor:

The Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission met 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?

Chairman Jim Haggerty stated 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. They are 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.

Statements from citizens were given. There were concerns about safeguards, implementation of a system where problems can be reported when your efforts go nowhere.
Mike Hrinko, Nanticoke, suggested a whistleblower protection policy.

The day before this meeting I listened to the 'free for all" on WILK 103.1 FM. Rick Morelli, treasurer of the Commission stated it was okay for the public to ask questions and stay within the 5 minute limit.

I had two questions :

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.

My favorite quote was from Chairman Kingston Mayor Jim Haggerty: "Ms. Dobash you are out of order."
He declared it was about the future plans of the individual members.
I replied: "I would like to restate it." Response from Mr. Haggerty: "Ms. Dobash you are out of order. You used your 5 minutes".

Mr. Haggerty allowed a man in the audience to ask a question about a member's possible resignation. This was in reference to Home Rule Commissioner Walter Griffith and his future plans.

Commission secretary Charmaine Maynard defended the group. She implied she would vote for anyone on this Commission who would decide to run for office.

Is this an affirmation the members intent to run for County positions? We have severe problems of corruption in this county. It is very appropriate to ask the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission these questions.

Are the goals to have full transparency and reform in Luzerne County government?
Why be so evasive?

Kathy Dobash,

Hazleton, PA

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
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Some of these changes are for the common good to improvement Luzerne County Government.
I still have some concerns about my issues previously stated.

Article IN CITIZENSVOICE about Wednesday November 18, 2009 meeting:

http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/study_panel_sets_dec_9_vote

Study panel sets Dec. 9 vote
Published: November 19, 2009

KINGSTON - Accountability. Separation of powers. Checks and balances.

Those are some qualities Government Study Commission members say Luzerne County's current government lacks.

Identifying and solving the problems are paramount issues the commission will focus........

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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QUESTION? I thought all meetings were to have recorded audio for public availability.

WHERE IS THE AUDIO FOR NOVEMBER 11, 2009? Just wondering.........

Just in case you would llike to listen:

Luzerne Gsc New blog post: Audio From November 18, 2009 Meeting http://luzernegsc.org/1594

Luzerne Gsc New blog post: Live Webcast of the November 11th GSC Meeting @ 7pm http://luzernegsc.org/1592

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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Gov’t study group nearing decision
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Govt_study_group_nearing_decision.html

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
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Luzerne Gsc

Audio From December 2, 2009 Meeting

http://luzernegsc.org/1601

THANKS for posting this audio. Do you have audio from every meeting as promised?

I suggest if Luzerne County citizens are interested in this work by the Luzerne County Home Rule Study commission they attend the next meeting and read some of the citizen commentary on this website:

http://luzernegsc.org/comment

It is interesting reading material.

Posted 2 months ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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Keep your eyes and ears open on this one folks! This resignation and a replacement could mean an interesting outcome.

http://www.standardspeaker.com/news/govt-study-panel-to-begin-new-year-with-new-member-1.500397

Govt. study panel to begin new year with new member
By Elizabeth Skrapits (Staff Writer)
Published: December 20, 2009

This is my opinion.

The attitude of those in office must change for change to occur.

There is a feeling among members of this Commission that questions from citizens are annoying and harrassment. I am not referring to myself. It has been implied to others who present questions.

First we must read the document that is created by this group. A recent panel discussion held in Hazleton, PA revealed a Home Rule Charter could raise taxes significantly. Most of the population in the communities of Luzerne County cannot afford high taxes.

Everyone wants change. This charter might only bring in Higher TAXATION with less services. Do some reading on why it was rejected in Lancaster County.

Look at the city of Wilkes-Barre. There are NO TAX CAPS. Tax fairness becomes an issue.

This charter idea also gives the County Executive 'unlimited power'. Everyone appears to have an "ideal" for government here. I question whether the elected individuals have considered this question: Is there a change in the hearts and minds within the political culture here in Luzerne County.

LOOK AT THE RECENT RESIGNATION OF LUZERNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER GREG SKREPENAK. WE STILL HAVE PEOPLE CALLING IN ON LOCAL TALK RADIO SHOWS DEFENDING THE CORRUPT INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED WITH THE KIDS FOR CASH SCANDAL.

There are laws and checks in the system. What has happened in this county? There was an extreme disregard for the law.

Let's wait and see if this group has a good plan. Perhaps a new document is not the problem. Perhaps it is the people who must change in their attitude about procedures and the implemenation of the laws.

Perhaps we have problems here because the fault lies with the person who was elected to office.

Even with a new form of government this might not change.

We need new beginnings. I agree. I am unsure if Home Rule is the answer.

Posted 1 month ago #
Kathy Dobash

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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 558
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The location of meeting was changed last week.

Where is the next meeting? If this group creates a charter which grows government and has more disputes about the process for County executive..then we have a serious concern! It could be a HUGE disaster with an elected county official and more members to fight about raising taxes.
We are watching and will challenge anything that will create extreme HIGHER taxes and absolute power. Do not grow government so large that it creates chaos.
OR should I say: MORE CHAOS and CORRUPTION!
I know there is talk about hiring a County Executive too! If it is done in a proper manner..GREAT! However it could just be more political favors and someone hired at a high salary.

ANYONE ON THE COMMISSION PLANNING TO RUN FOR A LUZERNE COUNTY OFFICE OR APPLY FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE JOB?
HEY! I am asking simple questions.

HOMERULE IN THE CITY OF WILKES_BARRE HAS CREATED HIGH TAX INCREASES.

Posted 3 weeks ago #
lowerluzerne

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Joined: Aug '09
Posts: 67
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I am lost how anyone that doesnt pay taxes can complain about them!
What are Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZs)?

KOZs are parcels of land and buildings in Pennsylvania business parks and industrial areas with unique tax incentives and development designations.

KOZs are defined, limited areas approved by the state with virtually no tax burden for businesses.[b] Each zone has multiple sub-zones that encompass different parcels of available property.

KOZ designations were achieved through a partnership between state and local taxing bodies in 1998, and additional property designations in 2001: School districts, counties, local governments, economic development agencies, and community-based organizations worked cooperatively to bring this tax incentive program to Pennsylvania.

[b]Most importantly, the KOZs are local and state tax-free! [b]

Through December 31, 2010 or December 31, 2013

KOZ properties enjoy the exact same tax benefits no matter when they were designated or when they expire.

Depending on the situation, the tax burden may be reduced to zero for the following:

State Taxes: Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock & Foreign Franchise Tax, Personal Income Tax, Sales & Use Tax, Bank & Trust Company Shares Tax, Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, and Personal Income Tax. Some companies such as railroad, truck, bus, airline, pipeline, natural gas, or water transportation companies may qualify for KOZ Job Creation Tax Credits.

Local Taxes: Local Real Estate Tax, Business Gross Receipts/Business Privilege Tax (Act 511 Tax), Realty Use & Occupancy Tax, Mercantile License Tax, Wage and Net Profits Tax (Sterling Act), Earned Income/Net Profits Tax (Generally, Act 511 Tax), Local Sales and Use Tax.

Just asking simple questions.

Posted 2 weeks ago #
lowerluzerne

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Joined: Aug '09
Posts: 67
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hmmmmmmm maybe she didnt see the simple question i asked.??????

Posted 2 weeks ago #