Luzerne County Government

February 4, 2010

‘At-large’ council approved

RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

The Luzerne County Government Study Commission voted 9-2 to set up a county government council that will represent all communities in Luzerne County “at large” as opposed to a plan in which council members will represent various “districts.”

The two commissioners voting for a district breakdown Wednesday night at the Hazleton Area School District Administration building.were Rick Morelli, treasurer; and Charmaine Maynard, secretary. Both are from lower Luzerne County.

According to Morelli, the districting would guarantee representation throughout the county. He added it took 40 years to have someone from the lower part of the county serve as a county official, namely commissioner Maryanne Petrilla.

Morelli said the commissioners that decided to stay away from setting up districts believed the county should be managed as one entity, avoiding parochial interests that could slow down the government process.

The commission worked out other details about the council, but not the number of members. Two commissioners feel seven is the right number, five say 11, two say nine and one says 13.

The commission decided council members should serve a four-year term and elections should be staggered, Morelli said. Three commissioners voted for a salary of $6,000 per year, five for $10,000 per year, one for $9,000 and one for $7,000.

Discussion about qualifications resulted in agreement they should be a county resident for at least one year and be a registered voter, Morelli said. The commission is split on whether the minimum age requirement should be 18 or 21.

The commission is tasked to establish a home rule charter recommendation by April.

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