Luzerne County Government

April 7, 2010

5 apply to be county’s chief public defender

Commissioners won’t name applicants; they plan to make appointment next week.

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
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Five people applied for the Luzerne County chief public defender position vacated by Basil Russin.

Commissioners plan to vote on a replacement at their April 14 meeting, said county Chief Clerk/Manager Doug Pape.

The county is not releasing the names of applicants. Applications were due Monday.

The public job posting stated a law degree was required but did not specify other necessary experience. The chief must supervise 31 employees and serve as a liaison with the court system for scheduling, legal representation and new programs, the posting stated.

The office represents juvenile delinquents and people charged with indictable criminal offenses who are unable to obtain legal counsel due to insufficient funds.

The posting noted that the current salary of $52,178 was for a part-time chief public defender. Russin was required to work 1,000 hours a year, though he said he put in more time.

The county’s Salary Board would have to vote to increase the salary, and a Salary Board meeting is planned after the commissioners meeting.

Al Flora, first assistant public defender, has been serving as acting chief since commissioners unanimously accepted Russin’s resignation last month.

Russin didn’t want to give up the post he held for three decades but had offered to leave as commissioners weighed disciplinary options over his receipt of $495-per-week on-call stipends. Russin has said that former county human resources director Doug Richards had authorized his receipt of on-call pay.

Jennifer Learn-Andes, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7333.

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