JT's OPINION
An Alternative News Source
537 N. Washington Ave. # 502 570-342-1033
Scranton, Pa 18509 jtsopinion@gmail.com
Joe Talamini-Editor/Publisher

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, recently reelected for third term, running for Governor (oops), Lt. Governor (oops), State Senator (?)...Doherty to sue City Council (the people) over refusal to see things his way (budget...library board...etc.).....Doherty refuses to come to Council, says they must come to him....Doherty makes State of the City speech to C of C (not taxpayers)...Doherty insists on maintaining “dictatorship” rather than Mayor status.....

Democrats endorse “bad baggage” laden candidates, including Corcoran, “new” Commissioner O'Brien, and others, including Rep. Ken Smith who can't seem to understand that you have to pay your taxes, no matter what....

Shimkus, previous loser due to “misrepresentation” issues in last election, wants another shot...gets backing (?).....DiBileo, enters another race, then withdraws.....Lee Morgan, Democrat-Republican, any party candidate, still seeks any office available....19 yr. old ex-Jr. Council President still seeks to “educate” everyone based on his “experience and expertise” (couldn't win election as class president in high school)...

Scranton businessman, convicted felon, again convicted...this time on 16 federal counts of bank and credit card fraud....claims he is a victim...

Dudrich enters race against Staback...drops out....

Indicted Scranton Housing Authority Director David Baker, still facing 16 count federal indictment (suspended but still paid until recently) now decides to sue Hsng. Auth. & Board for “wrongfully removing” him from his position...after delaying his pending case with continued motions, now off the payroll, wants “justice” and his job back....

WELCOME TO POLITICS IN NEPA! “That's the way it's always been” mentality continues despite the rest of the political world changing all around us. Is it something in the water? Is it that our brains are clogged with dust from the coal mine operations? Or is it that area voters are considered absolutely stupid and incapable of thinking for themselves? In any event, this is the first lesson in Politics 101.
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES....we are still letting these political hacks run our way of life! Can't we find honest and sincere candidates or must we continue to recycle “losers”, “felons” and the bevy of “classless” acts that political leaders keep forcing down our throats?

Anyone deciding to enter any political campaign, without regard to party-line (there really is no difference), must first, and foremost, start out with a fresh new approach and at least have some credible credentials. Having been a friend of a friend, a former one-term elected official, or in the initial throes of your first term in office, are not adequate qualifications for elected office, unless of course you live in Scranton or Lackawanna County. Then, apparently, it doesn't matter.

Forget the fact that your “record” is based on falsehoods and political-hype...forget the fact that most of your “puppets” were bounced out of office recently because people were fed up with their antics....and most of all, forget the fact that you can't seem to gain any respectability because you really lack any respectability. That seems to be the basis for candidacy in this area. It doesn't have to be so!

We have been a distressed city for nearly 20 years, and no one has made any attempt to move us out of that status, nor has anyone come along to alleviate the tremendous tax burden placed on us! No one has yet to file for candidacy who has a proven track record that is “For the People”! No one has made any effort to communicate with the people who are the ultimate “deciders”, the taxpayer and voter. Yet, we are continually besieged by “endorsed” candidates who can't even decide where they live, what their platform is, or who they truly represent! And we wonder why Pennsylvania has become the laughing stock of the nation, and is the brunt of so many jokes that even television programs are created to poke fun at us?

Everyone used to make fun of the “inbreeding” of the Southern hillbillies, but it is apparent that the Keystone State has surpassed that label and can now claim title to that ignominious label, at least in terms of candidates, job opportunities, and political favors. Just look around you and try to find someone who is not related to someone else in office, someone who holds a management position in government, or someone who has a friend of a friend. Yes, it is true, there have been job creations...but they are contingent upon who you are related too, or to whom you are obligated.

If there ever was an issue which needed a major investigation, it is politics in the local area. For more than three years we have been trying to champion change on the local front; and for the same period of time we have been projecting the fall from power of those responsible for the corruption of our political system. Now, with at least the tip of the iceberg showing signs of federal action, “politics as usual” is still the norm.

The election of Barack Obama should have been a signal that the “old line politics” were a thing of the past, but somewhere along the line, the “grass-roots” movement fell apart. It certainly is time for a complete and new movement to challenge the charlatans and we strongly encourage those who were involved in Obama's campaign to make their presence known and jump-start another “new beginning”.The refreshing look of the new City Council is an indicator that at least one small group is trying to bring government back to the people. Now it is time for the rest of us to join in that endeavor and shake, rattle and roll. Our youth and our “educated” citizens need to take a stand and do their part in restoring government “of the People, by the People, and for the People”! Are you willing to do your part or would you rather continue the downhill slide of Pennsylvania, and especially NEPA?
JT

JT'sOPINIONN
An Alternative News Source
537 N. Washington Ave. # 502 570-342-1033
Scranton, Pa. 18509 jtsopinion.com
Joe Talamini-Editor/Publisher

COREY OUT - VIRGINIA IN

Corey Platt and Chris Doherty have parted ways and Doherty's sister, Virginia McGregor, is back at the helm of her brother's “Gubernatorial” run. Platt, who had been campaign manager for the Mayor, has returned to Missouri, according to reports.

McGregor, who has had a hand in her brother's campaigns since he first ran for office, is considered to be the “real brain” behind the man, and it is no surprise she has reentered the scene. No one is saying, but it is widely believed that McGregor's presence had a lot to do with Platt's departure. According to our contacts, Virginia has always had the “final say” and is known to be the decision maker and “advisor” to her brother.

Her reentry into the forefront has literally been known for some time, but now, it is official. Some claim the Mayor is seeking another full-time campaign manager, but these sources also say any new “leader” will still have to contend with McGregor.

At present Doherty is playing a “will he or won't he” game in seeking the Governorship, but it is widely believed he is just trying to get his “name” recognized in the Commonwealth. He is not considered a serious contender for the State leadership, either as Governor or Lieutenant Governor but is positioning himself for higher office in Harrisburg, though nobody can pinpoint his goal.

Questions have arisen about his “campaign strategy” and much of the questioning falls back on McGregor's perceived “high handed” tactics. Many are of the opinion she has been a “tad” over zealous, to say the least, and one source claims she may very well be the subject of a potential investigation similar to the one being conducted regarding vendor donations to County Commissioner and Doherty's campaigns.

“HIZZONER” VETOES LIBRARY AUTHORITY REPEAL LAW

As expected, the Mayor has vetoed an ordinance which called for the repeal of an ordinance which established a new Library Authority, passed recently by a 4-1 majority of City Council. The issue should come to a head at Tuesday night's City Council meeting when the Janet Evans led Council is expected to override the veto. It would be the first time the “super majority” has an opportunity to stand up to the Mayor.

Should the Council overrule the Mayor, it is expected Doherty, known for his “my way or the highway” tactics, is expected to seek redress in the courts. The move is expected to be made in keeping with Doherty's contentious arguments that he, and only he, knows what is best for Scranton's taxpayers.


Council voted to eliminate the Library Authority at the behest of a majority of citizens who felt that Scranton does not need, or want, another autonomous self-ruling “authority” which could lead to further taxpayer debt The creation of the Library Authority was “ramrodded” through in December, by a lame duck Council thought to be under Doherty's control. Questionable filing of the necessary paperwork to the State, and the timing of such, at the last minute, was further highlighted by the sudden transfer of deeds for library properties to the “authority” which immediately moved to increase insurance on the buildings. Citizens were shocked by the move, which included transfer of deeds for the Albright Library and other city-owned properties to the new “Board”. Most expressed concern that the “new authority” would soon move to seek funding for Doherty's desire to build a new multi-million dollar library on the South Side of Scranton.

The decision by Council to repeal the ordinance establishing the authority was based on a court ruling which allowed Forks Township to remove its Sewer Authority. That ruling was cited by Council Solicitor Boyd Hughes as precedence for the Council to vacate the previous ordinance establishing the new Library Authority. Doherty apparently saw it differently and will probably call on his “legal beagles” to challenge the move. Time will tell, but we will be watching it closely!

WATCH FOR THE RATS TO DESERT THEIR SINKING SHIPS

With the feds closing in on Scranton and its alleged political corruption, we wouldn't be the least surprised to see a sudden “desertion” of “Doherty loyalists” from city hall, other appointed jobs, and many Board members of the various authorities in the city. Watch as they begin to try to avoid “the other shoe falling” , citing health reasons or the desire to spend more time with their families. The previously believed “untouchables” will be looking to save their own hides.

As the pending trial of disgraced Scranton Housing Authority Director David Baker gets closer to reality, we fully expect to see the sudden exodus of many others who are beginning to feel the heat. The Baker case has been stalled for months, due to legal maneuvering, but it is noteworthy that not one of the original charges in the 16-count indictment has been dropped. He faces federal charges for wire fraud among many other alleged offenses said to have been committed while he headed SHA.

In the interim, feds are still looking at former County Commissioner Robert Cordaro, and minority Commissioner A.J. Munchak, though no charges have yet been filed. It is widely believed that actor Paul Sorvino, recipient of some $500,000 of taxpayers' money for production of an “alleged” movie, is also being investigated. Sorvino, who recently divested himself of local ties by selling his property, has literally “taken the money and run”. To date, he has been less than forthcoming regarding the deal!

Insiders say the local “balloon” is very near to bursting and they predict a massive fallout, possibly even surpassing the debacle in Wilkes Barre and Luzerne County. Apparently the “that's the way it's always been” political philosophy prevalent in this area is about to end....very abruptly.

OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE HAGGERTY FAMILY

We want to express our sincere condolences to the family of long-time Dunmore civic leader and educator Joseph Haggerty who passed away last week. Mr. Haggerty was a beloved coach and leader in the education field and a long-time supporter of higher education and athletics. Son Kevin, is a candidate for the 112th District seat presently held by State Rep. Ken Smith. JT