New Pittston mayor gets 98% of vote

Pittston Dispatch // News

November 4

Democrats Michael Lombardo and Joe Chernouskas capture seats on city council.

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

PITTSTON – Jason Klush is excited about leading his hometown as mayor. It’s the Democrat’s first time in the political arena, but he said he believes he will bring new-initiative ideas.

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Mayoral candidate Jason Klush stands in front of Pittston City Hall shaking hands with Sam Capizzi.

CHARLOTTE BARTIZEK/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

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Mayor (unopposed)

*Jason Klush, D - 1,257

Controller (unopposed)

*Chris Latona, D - 1,124

Council Member (vote for 2, unopposed)

*Michael Lombardo, D - 1,154
*Joseph Chernouskas, D – 1,020

Klush, 33, ran unopposed in this election, receiving 1,257 votes or 98.36 percent, according to unofficial election results Tuesday night.

He wants to restore the city’s small-town feel and charm.

“We are going to try to clean the place up a little bit. We want to make the place a little bit better to look at, we want to clean up some of the parks and get the police force a little bit stronger. We want to get it back to like a big neighborhood than a city. We want to get everybody together and get more community activity,” Klush said.

He will receive an annual $3,000 salary for the post.

Michael Lombardo and Joe Chernouskas, both Democrats, won seats on the city council, according to unofficial results. Both are political newcomers. They will receive an annual $2,000 salary for the seats.

Lombardo, 31, received 1,154 votes or 52.03 percent; Chernouskas, 37, got 1,020 votes or 45.99 percent, beating out Barb Zangre who ran a write-in campaign.

It’s unknown exactly how many of the 44 write-in votes, or 1.98 percent, were cast for Zangre. Her exact numbers should be known when the county election bureau has its official count within a few days.

Zangre has been a vocal advocate of the city’s children, asking council members to restore the city pool and parks.

Lombardo started his term early when in June he was appointed by council to fill Mayor Donna McFadden-Connors’ seat after she became mayor to fill a vacancy left when former Mayor Joe Keating resigned. Lombardo is excited about his win and believes his advance experience on council will be beneficial to helping Chernouskas, a supervisor for Penguin Group USA, and Klush get adjusted to their new public service duties.

“I’m excited about it,” said Lombardo, who is the younger cousin of former Pittston mayor, Michael Lombardo. “I love working for the city and trying to improve things as the best of my ability. … Everything I’ve learned I’ve tried to keep Joe and Jason in the loop. Letting them know what’s going on. Letting them know we are having meetings. Letting them know what the issues are.” Councilman Lombardo is an attorney and formerly a member of the city’s ambulance and fire department for several years.

Chernouskas secured a spot on the ballot in August after being selected as a candidate by the Democratic Party, following Terry Best’s decision to withdraw his nomination. Chernouskas lost a council election in 2005.

Chris Latona won his sixth four-year term as controller with with 1,124 votes or 99.65 percent. He was unopposed in this election for a post he has held since 1990.

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14 Reader Comments

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mikeg said...

The mayor receives an annual salary of $3,000. It is an absolute insult to think Pittston, or any small city can entice a qualified professional for $3000. No wonder the place is falling apart.

November 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM

PITTSTON SAME OLD SONG said...

CHERNOUSKAS THE PERSON WHO LOST IN THE PRIMARY RUNS UNOPPOSED " BIG WIN JOE". HOW MANY WRITE IN CANADATES HAVE A CHANCE? GET THE POOL OPEN, GET THE DRUGS OUT OF PITTSTON, LOWER GARBAGE FEES. STOP THE GRAFF AND CORRUPTION AND THE POLITICAL HIRES. IT IS A TOO TALL OF ORDER FOR THE J.M &J. TEAM.

November 4, 2009 at 4:18 PM

tar and feather patriot proud said...

This is like a Red China or The Soviet Union stye of election in Pittston. We can choose from one simple canidate. One party. There was no election in Pittston.

November 4, 2009 at 8:05 PM

pittstongrl said...

WHOOO HOOO!! Now I can truly say that I don't mind Pittston anymore since we officially have the hottest mayor! Go Klush!

November 5, 2009 at 9:56 AM

Joe Valley said...

Only 3'd world dictators receive 98% of votes..but then we're talking about the Tomato city!

November 5, 2009 at 1:37 PM

PITTSTON PICKEL PACKERS ASSN. said...

OH MY! WHO IS HOME STIRRING THE SAUSE? THESE THREE YAHOO'S COULDN'T POUR PEE OUT OF A BOOT WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS WRITTEN ON THE HEEL! I THINK I WILL WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THE OUR BOYS; "KLUSH, CHERNOUSKAS AND LOMBARDO , THE ADVENTURES OF THE THREE PITTSTON STOOGES"

November 5, 2009 at 8:24 PM

Jeff W said...

You all have something negative to say.. Why dont you get off your welfare receiving butts.. and 1. get out and vote 2. Why don;t you try and run for office if you think you are better. and 3. Get a job

November 6, 2009 at 12:29 PM

Urban living said...

I agree with the Pittston Pickle Association. Clearly for them it's not about the money but what it does tell me is that Pittston ranks very highly in the minds of three people who have otherwise helped assemble the tents at the Tomato Festival. Attendance at the next council meeting: 3.

November 6, 2009 at 12:30 PM

BARB Zangre said...

Thankyou Sherry for acknowledging my efforts. Although I am not on city council I implore Mike Lombardo and the city to keep myself and the citizens of Pittston informed as to the meetings and events which are upcoming and active. This is a luxury that citizens should have in a Democracy. Also anyone who has an issue or need from council, or ideas about the parks I will continue to bring these issues before council, you can email me at barb4pittston@yahoo.com or leave a note on my website. I will also continue to fight for the "quality of life" in our wonderful little city. barb4pittston.net. Thankyou to all of you who supported me. BARB Zangre

November 7, 2009 at 8:15 PM

HALFPASTNOONOE said...

Hay at least the city still has Argo.. McCLEAN to keep it safe

November 7, 2009 at 8:38 PM

pete said...

mikeg... i agree.. Being a Mayor should be a full-time position. not a Part-Time one.

November 9, 2009 at 8:53 PM

PittstonMommie!! said...

You know growing up in the city was great..but now that i am older and have my own child, i wouldnt even let her walk out on the streets,pittston is turning for the worst. hopefully this mayor can change things..but they*ve been saying the same things for years!!!! Help this town!!

November 10, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Mike said...

You people are a bunch of dingbats. Want to know why Klush was the only one on the ballot? Because no one else cared enough to run for mayor. If you care so much, why didn't you run? Get a life.

November 10, 2009 at 1:31 PM

Actions said...

All Barb Z does is talk. Does anyone ever actually see her at any of her passion places doing anything? I never do! What is the old saying, "Actions speak louder than words." You don't have to run for an office to help your community. But you do have to do something before you brag about it.

November 11, 2009 at 1:26 PM