Apology sought from new GOP chief

WILKES-BARRE – A former Luzerne County row officer Wednesday said she wants an apology from new county GOP chairman Terry Casey for comments he made about the party’s lack of quality candidates.

Mary Dysleski, who served as county recorder of deeds from 2000 to 2007, said she was personally offended by Casey’s remarks.

“I really never thought I’d have to defend my reputation to the executive committee and members of my own party,” Dysleski said. “I would stake my qualifications, education, background, knowledge and accomplishments against any candidate of any party. To say there haven’t been any quality candidates that ran against the Democrats is wrong. Myself as well as (former county sheriff) Barry Stankus are very qualified candidates.”

Casey was unavailable for comment Wednesday. Liz Sichler, who was elected as Casey’s first vice chairwoman, said Dysleski and Stankus served the county well.

“I believe Mary Dysleski and Barry Stankus were outstanding candidates and row officers in Luzerne County, and we need more like them to run for office,” Sichler said. “If we had more candidates like them, we would sweep to victory in the next election.”

Sichler said that because the party lacked strong organization in the past, candidates such as Dysleski and Stankus were left to run on their own with little support from the Republican Party.

“And they were very successful,” Sichler said. “They each served two terms and did an outstanding job.”

Dysleski is the county interim director at the tax claim bureau, the position formerly held by Sam Diaz. She said she intends to make her feelings known to Casey, whom she said she has never met, and all executive committee members.

“My issue right now is my reputation,” Dysleski said. “His comment indicates all candidates have been of poor quality. I think he needs to explain his comments.”

Asked if she would consider switching parties, Dysleski said, “It’s something I’d give some serious thought to.”

Sichler said the Republican Party now has an outstanding executive committee in place, and she looks forward to helping all future candidates.

“We plan on doing fundraising, and we are opening an office on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre to make it easy for candidates to get help in their campaigns,” Sichler said. “The new executive committee intends to work with all Luzerne County Republicans. We need all Republicans, from our grassroots supporters to the financial donors, for the party to be successful.”

Clear 31°

News

Quote about lack of quality candidates insults Dysleski.

Place Quick Ads