Politics
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Urban runs for 2 offices
Commissioner files petitions for both state Senate and lieutenant governor.
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
Luzerne County Republican minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban said he has decided to run for both state Senate and lieutenant governor.
The 57-year-old Wilkes-Barre resident said he filed nominating petitions for both offices on Monday, a day before the filing deadline.
Urban said he will simultaneously campaign for both seats.
“The lieutenant governor works very closely with the Senate, and the issues are very similar,” Urban said.
He does not believe any Republicans are running for the 14th Senatorial District, so he would be running unopposed in the May 18 primary. Urban said he doesn’t believe any of the other Republican lieutenant governor candidates have “statewide name recognition.”
“I think it will be a more regionalized race,” Urban said. “The governor and lieutenant governor run independently, and I believe the people of the commonwealth ought to have a choice,” he said.
Urban said he has not decided what he will do if he wins Republican nominations to both seats.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” said Urban.
A thousand signatures were required on the lieutenant governor nominating petition, and Urban said he turned in nearly 2,300. He submitted more than 1,200 signatures for the Senate race, which required 500.
“I want to thank all the people who helped me circulate those petitions,” Urban said.
Urban has served as an outspoken county commissioner since 2000, winning two re-elections. His current commissioner term expires at the end of 2011.
He said he won’t let his performance as commissioner slide as he hits the campaign trail.
“I’ve been circulating petitions in evenings and on weekends. I haven’t missed any county meetings. I’m still fully involved as a commissioner,” Urban said.
Urban had announced plans to run for lieutenant governor in January, but also became interested in the state Senate seat when Ray Musto decided not to seek re-election. The seat represents portions of Luzerne, Carbon and Monroe counties.
“I’m familiar with a lot of the issues in the district,” Urban said.
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton and state Rep. John Yudichak of Nanticoke plan to battle for the Democratic nomination in the primary.
The lieutenant governor is the second most powerful official in the state, following the governor. The lieutenant governor automatically takes over if the governor is unable to serve. The candidate chosen in the primary only takes office if the governor from the same political party is elected in November.
Lieutenant governors also preside over the state Senate and cast votes to break a tie.
Urban said he would push for the state to comply with a 22-year-old state Supreme Court mandate to fund county court systems.
“This is a tremendous burden on the people of Luzerne County and all counties throughout the commonwealth,” he said. “People want property tax relief, and this would be one way of getting them that relief.”
He also opposes tolling on Interstate 80, saying it will increase the cost of goods, hurt the local economy and force more truck traffic onto local roads.
Urban rattled off projects he has been involved with on the county level that required coordination with state officials.
“The economy should be a top priority of anyone running for lieutenant governor,” Urban said.
Urban, who is married, was born in Wilkes-Barre and graduated from E.L. Meyers High School.
He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and two master’s degrees – one in public administration from Golden Gate University in California and the other in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Navy War College.
A retired Army lieutenant colonel, Urban served 24 years of active duty. He is a veteran of the Persian Gulf and Vietnam War.
Terry Casey, chairman of the Luzerne County Republican Committee, said Monday that the GOP will support Urban no matter what decision he makes.
“I can’t tell him what he needs to do,” Casey said. “I have had a conversation with him where I encouraged him to run for state Senate. I feel we have a great opportunity to post a great race there. I think Mr. Urban could get elected to the state Senate; I see a close contest there.”
Casey said no other GOP members have approached him about the state Senate race.
“Whatever he decides, we will support him,” Casey said. “Commissioner Urban has strong grassroots support. I think it would be the best opportunity the Republicans have had at least in my memory to do something in that Senate district.”
Times Leader staff writer Bill O’Boyle contributed to this report.
Jennifer Learn-Andes, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7333.
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46 COMMENTS
pittston first said...
Pathetic! Look at what he did as Commish of Luzerne County and if you even think of voting for him, turn in your voting card!
God's Buddy said...
The Republicans Don't care who they support, as long as they are Republican. "Jesus We Need You Now" Heaven Help Us...Lawd Ave Murceee !
God's Buddy said...
The Republicans Don't care who they support, as long as they are Republican. "Jesus We Need You Now" Heaven Help Us...Lawd Ave Murceee !
drunknuncle only 1 or 2 drinks I swear... said...
If youse can't Blind them with Brilliance...Baffle em with Bull Corn !
Spookie Louie said...
This Mushroom couldn't get it done in Luzerne County; Now youse want to send him to Harrisburg? What supply post did he hide in during his military tours of duty? None of these incumbents are fit for any Public Service. They are either corrupt, blind , or just plain stupid. Maybe youse can teach Civics at the Juvenile Detention Center...Fuggedaboud It.
How Can I Miss You, When You Won't Go Away??? said...
If this ain't the stupist lame brained Lunatic thing I've ever heard??? “I’ve been circulating petitions in evenings and on weekends. I haven’t missed any county meetings. I’m still fully involved as a commissioner,” Urban said. (CYA) Urban said he has not decided what he will do if he wins Republican nominations to both seats. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” said Urban. This is all clearly WELL thought out. This is a desperate act perpetrated by a wanna be. Promise Us When You Lose You won't try to crawl back to the Courthouse. PLEASE...
Not Right said...
I just don't get how these Politicians could run for another Office while holding their job. Conflict of Interest comes to mind but Regardless of their situation they must not be Happy where they are so move on and let some one else have their Job. How they get re-elected while actually turning their back on the Position they hold is also beyond me. .
tony said...
HA!HA!HA! YOU WOULD NOT GET ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF YOUR LOCAL V.F.W POST!! I want to see if the boys you are helpin up in Pittston stick with you Urban. Because the everyday voter is not, and we are the ones that count!!
Thank You and just wondering said...
As long as he is running FROM his existing office..I'm happy. For the petitions to be valid, doesn't he have to be present for all the signatures??
Can't Make Up Your Mind said...
Here is your choice Urban. Pick one office to run for or lose my vote for you in both offices.
the lawnmower man said...
He might have a better chance of winning the lottery, than winning either seat..Voters will look at the financial mess our county is in now, and think twice about voting for him...
Slickster said...
He can't even do right what we elected him to do. Now we are going to pay him to go "out on the campaign trail". Any candidate during running for another office should not recieve their pay for the office they were elected to do.
GET REAL URBAN said...
THIS GUY IS AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nann said...
the casino's wouldn't even hire you. you are not playing with a full deck.
Bill in Larksville said...
Does this mean by choosing to run he vacates his position as commissioner? Who would vote for him anyway? With the history of this county, you are guilty by association..
MTB Overworked Watchdog said...
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil Urban is perfect for higher level political position. Other than an occasional whimper of complaint while the county was oozing in corruption and gross mismanagement, he sat by and let it all happen for ten years. He waited his turn to play ball when he could. He also voted for and signed the reassessment contract, a no bid contract, with 21st Century and to date has failed to do anything to hold them accountable for a faulty job. He will fit right in down in Harrisburg.
Dave Baloga said...
Good luck Steve. You are well suited to both offices!
Randy said...
Urban is a man who is highly intelligent and will make a great Lt Gov! He definitely has the qualifications, education, and the skills to assist in leading the Commonwealth.
Rob said...
Come on Steve, pick one or the other. This just looks indecisive.
Did that really happen said...
If I win either of these two elections I promise to run these two officials the same way I did the great county of Luzerne. Ill allow everyone to run free and pilferage as much as they can. Than when someone gets caught Ill claim I didn't know anything but want answers and I will want someone fired. Wake up voters and get rid of this clown
voter said...
he canot run a county . new hes looking to run state. NO WAY
Luzerne County Resident said...
You've got to be kidding me? Urban can't find his OWN way out of a paper bag!
tj said...
Him and his two buddies cant handle one. What makes him think he can handle two?
John said...
We need to get Petrilla out of the office of Luz Co Commissioner. When is she up for re-election? I really hope she has standards and decides not to seek another term. Let her do damamge somewhere else.
Erika said...
There are many good qualities about Lt Colonel US Army retired and Luzerne County Commissioner Urban and one is his ethics. He lives his life and has governed honestly and fairly. Something that PA government and the USA needs. I would feel safe with Urban as our LT governor and/or our WB area senator. He does not play games.
Upside-down COurthouse said...
We're all hoping that he does get elected to ANY office outside of Luzerne COunty
bill said...
the problem w/ republicans is that they can't make up their minds.
he's a clown! said...
He can't even handle the job he has. Who in their right mind would vote for him for either one of these positions. He's a joke like the other two. He must have gotten Erika a job!
Truth be told said...
yeah that is exactly what we need, him to get elected for a higher office so he screws up the whole state......NOT!!!!
tj said...
LTC US ARMY, BIG DEAL!SO WAS GEORGE CUSTER.
Honest Andy said...
tj--Don't show your stupidity!
Sue said...
Not only hoping for luzerne county to be rid of him..but also the state of PA. He still can't decide what he wants to be when he grows up. Hmmm...Lt. Gov...Senator:???.Gov maybe he should try eeny, meeny, miny, moe..oops..well 1st someone will have to explain to him how that game works.
J.W. said...
How is this responsible or ethical to run for two offices at the same time. The voter is the one that suffers should he win both seats with the trail of confusion in its path. Is this man even in his right mind?
Former Vet said...
Achieving the rank of O-5 (LTC) is no major accomplishment in 24 years. That will happen purely as a result of time served. Lets not get caried away trying to make it sound like some GREAT accomplishment. I will commend him for being a Veteran, but that's where the Rah, Rahs end.
tj said...
honest andy , than dont show yours, any time you want to meet, will talk, non vet!!!! PLEASE PRINT THIS.
krmike said...
WE WOULD BE BETTER OFF IF HE RAN FOR THE HILLS!!!!
Honesty Andy said...
tj--There is your stupidity again. Custer was a General, not a LTC. I am a vet and proud of it. I have no interest in meeting you for any reason.
Franker said...
Hey, you all voted for him and the other dunderheads who obviously can't legislate themselves out of a paper bag if they had a map and a flashlight. Either quit your griping or run for office yourself. The good news is ANYONE will be considered for any govt. position in L.C. at this point.
Tim Finley said...
Senate?? Lt. Gov.?? The man can even Look you in the eyes when he speaks to you. The republican party is really scrapping the bottom of the barrel to even consider this guy for any office. Wow is Urban part of the solution or a part of the corruption in Luzerne county? This must be his wifes idea of joke to even think he is a contender and pushed him into it. Even if he made Lt. Gov. there would be a mass exodus out of PA, myself included!!
Kathy Dobash said...
I am glad he is running in the 14th District. The Democrats want everything for free. Like: Welfare for life. We need him to run for this seat. The Deomcrats think there should me no opponent in the 14th District. I wish I could vote for him there but I do not live in that district. I will cast a vote for him for Lt. Governor.
Kathy Dobash said...
Most of these comments must be angry Democrats. Let's talk issues and not sling mud. These comments have a lot of name-calling tactics. Give some credit to this intelligent man who works hard. He is a dedicated person who works many long hours to assist all citizens of Luzerne County.
EyeOnYou said...
Running for two offices! Obviously he knows for sure that it's likely he won't make at least one of them. There is something wrong with what Mr. Urban is doing. Perhaps he knows that having held political office in Luzerne County is a serious handicap and he's grasping at straws to stay in a political office.
Wild Bill said...
TJ it's better to remain silent and be thought a fool THAN to start typing and remove all doubt. Learn your own language THEN post.
Renee said...
I fully support Mr. Urban's bid for office. He has proven himself a watchdog for the taxpayers. To all the naysayers - he is a MINORITY commissioner. There are two other commissioners who can vote against him. Therefore, his powers are limited. Let me explain this, because obviously some commenters cannot understand this; one out of three is one third - 33.3% Two thirds is more than one third. Ergo, Urban can easily be outvoted by the other two in office. Guilt by association is ridiculous, as well. Do you think the corrupt people would let Steve know what they're doing? That's like expecting a teenager to tell their parents that they're going to do something wrong.
graywolf said...
George Custer was a brevet (temporary)General during the Civil War. He rose to LTC after the civil war when he was active in the Indian Wars.
Kathy Dobash said...
I am correcting typing errors in one previous comment: Should we just give this seat in the 14th District away? I am glad he is running in the 14th District. The Demcrats want everything for free. Like: Welfare for life. We need him to run for this seat. The Democrats think there should be no opponent in the 14th District. I wish I could vote for him there but I do not live in that district. I will cast a vote for him for Lt. Governor.