Larksville woman joins County Council contest

Larksville resident Renee Ciaruffoli-Taffera has announced her candidacy for Luzerne County Council.

A Democrat, Ciaruffoli-Taffera said she has been actively involved in county home rule government, starting with the campaign to approve the Home Rule Government Study Commission in 2009.

As an active member of the Friends of Home Rule political action committee, Ciaruffoli-Taffera said she aggressively campaigned for successful adoption of the home rule charter in the November 2010 election. During that period and since charter adoption, she has attended and participated in more than 160 meetings and forums, she said.

As an enthusiastic citizen-activist supporting the intent and spirit of the home rule charter, I strongly believe we need more citizen involvement, she said. If elected, I will engage the community, share ideas and foster the effort to work together as a team to make our county a better place to live and grow for our and future generations.

A lifelong county resident, Ciaruffoli-Taffera graduated from Kingston Central Catholic High School in 1972 and obtained a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics from Marywood University.

She formerly managed Rejuven-Essence Wellness Spa and currently works as a registered dietician for Erwine's Home Health and Hospice.

Ciaruffoli-Taffera also regularly volunteers at the Care and Concern Free Health Medical Clinic in Pittston.

She has four children and seven grandchildren.

Her campaign website is www.renee4council.com.