News

June 27, 2009

A picnic Petrilla won’t ever forget

Commissioner, Kanjorski attend annual White House outing.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski and Luzerne County Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne C. Petrilla attended a picnic Thursday evening, and the experience still has her talking.

The two locally elected officials were guests at the annual official White House picnic hosted by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

“I was proud to represent Luzerne County to President Obama and his family,” Petrilla said. “I greatly appreciated that Congressman Kanjorski gave me the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter in Northeastern Pennsylvania with so many members of the executive and legislative branches of government. And I look forward to making the most of those contacts as I continue to work on behalf of Luzerne County’s families.”

“It was an honor to be invited to the White House and I was thrilled that Commissioner Petrilla was able to join,” Kanjorski said. “It was an eventful evening as we had the opportunity to talk with President Obama, Vice President Biden, and many others in a more casual setting. We also had the pleasure of seeing one of our Pennsylvania senators, Sen. (Bob) Casey.”

Petrilla said she got to meet and talk to Obama and Biden and other senators and representatives. She said her time at the picnic was well spent and will result in good things for Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Vice President Biden and I talked about the area,” she said. “He told me he enjoyed his visits here and said the region is a key for Democrats in every election.”

Petrilla said Kanjorski and his colleagues are determined to get things done and a summer recess isn’t even being discussed. She said Congress may recess in August.

“They sincerely believe that there are just too many critical issues that need to be discussed and accomplished,” Petrilla said. “It was just incredible to see the pace there and the determination of our elected officials.”

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