Luzerne County Council candidates present priorities, qualifications

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.comLuzerne County Reporter

Twenty-one of the 28 Luzerne County Council candidates presented their views during a Wednesday night public forum sponsored by the Area League of Women Voters at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre.

About 50 citizens attended, and each candidate had exactly two minutes to say something. Voters will choose 11 council candidates from any political party on Nov. 8.

Here are some of their views presented during the forum:

• M. Theresa Morcavage, 62, Plymouth, a retired county employee, said she wants to make government transparent and spend tax dollars wisely.

“I understand what it’s like to put money aside to pay for real estate taxes. As a single mother, I had to work two jobs to provide for my children and pay my taxes,” she said.

• Elaine Maddon Curry, 63, Butler Township, a library services supervisor, said she has past experience serving on a school board that has a budget and staff size comparable to the county.

“The days of using public money to further nepotism, give jobs to friends and family and insider contracts must end,” she said.

• Charles “Bible Buck” Hatchko, 66, of Jenkins Township, a retired county employee, said he has written more than 100 biblical articles and entered the race to fight against corruption and crime.

“It will be my goal to make certain our government policies and programs are for the good of the public,” he said.

• Linda McClosky Houck, 53, Kingston, Wyoming Valley West School District teacher, said she left the area during college but returned because she thinks it’s a “great place.”

“I personally promise to do my best to bring the respect back and make this county a place that we are proud to call home,” she said.

• Tim Mullen, 52, Kingston Township, a registered nurse, said he opposes tax hikes, new fees, additional debt and nepotism.

“I have five relatives in this county all employed outside of government, and I jokingly say I have no friends,” he said. “What I lack in credentials and connections I make up for in common sense.”

• Edward A. Brominski, 71, Swoyersville, a former teacher, mayor and county assessment head, said he left the county as a commissioner in 1984 with $500,000 surplus and balanced budget.

“I would like to take what I have in my resume and put it to use for the citizens of Luzerne County,” he said.

• Eileen Sorokas, 63, of Wilkes-Barre, a retired factory worker, said she wants to restore “dignity and respect” to the county.

“I am seeking this office as an independent Democrat and will be accountable only to the residents of Luzerne County,” she said.

• Blythe H. Evans III, 37, Plymouth, who owns two businesses in Plymouth, urged all candidates to take a “sobering look at county financial affairs.”

“We need to provide a future here for our children in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” he said.

• Jeremy Packard, 73, Kingston, an adjunct, part-time history faculty member, said he wants to provide an independent voice and make sure council performs its duties without overstepping its authority.

“It’s a new ballgame, and it’s not going to be an easy one to learn how to play,” he said.

• Joyce Dombroski-Gebhardt, Kingston, who has worked as a secretary and stenographer, said she wants to balance the county budget and reduce debt.

“I will work for good government and promote integrity and honesty in the government,” she said.

• John Ruckno, 62, Dallas, a retired trust officer and investment professional, and former business owner, said he was inspired to run when he heard a presentation about the charter before it passed.

“This is my first step into the world of politics,” he said. “I like to think that my business experience will be an asset as a county council member, and I really do think I could make a difference.”

• Salvatore Licata, 60, Pittston, a former Pittston Area teacher and head football coach, said he has volunteered on many public and private authorities, boards and commissions.

“As a member of these organizations, I have always been a strong advocate for the people these boards represent, and if elected, I pledge to be an advocate for all the citizens of Luzerne County.”

• Rick Williams, 63, Kingston, an architect, said he is running as an independent because party politics should not be a factor in county-level decisions involving roads, bridges, deeds, parks and other services.

“I have no ax to grind. I have no hunger for power. I serve no party. I just want to get the new county government off to a good start,” he said.

• Eugene Kelleher, 67, Dallas Township, a retired teacher, said he is an independent, fiscal person who won’t be influenced by politics and wants to focus on reducing county debt.

“We need an electorate who will commit to vote for people who are not politicians, but those who are willing to be servants, do their job and not worry about being reelected,” he said.

• Michael Lacey, 52, Franklin Township, owner of a pharmacy in Freeland for 17 years, said he was inspired to get involved because corruption is “out of control” locally and nationally, with officials ignoring oaths to serve and protect.

“What I see is backwards. They expect to be served, and we need protection against them,” he said.

• Jane Walsh-Waitkus, 61, Dorrance Township, an English and American studies professor at Penn State Hazleton, said she has past experience operating a small business and as a Laflin Borough Council member.

“I think that’s going to serve me very well if I’m lucky enough to be elected to county council,” she said.

• Rick Morelli, 39, Sugarloaf Township, a strategic customer specialist for a biopharmaceutical company, said he has experience in finance and is the only candidate who served on committees to both draft the charter and help with the home rule transition.

“I’ve been an independent thinker,” he said. “If you want my vote you have to earn it with facts and figures.”

• Tim McGinley, 64, Kingston, director of administration for the Commission on Economic Opportunity, said he wants to make sure taxpayers understand what’s happening in their government.

“I’d be honest and have integrity. Those are two characteristics that I’ve had in my lifetime,” he said.

• Kathleen M. Dobash, 51, Hazleton, a part-time therapeutic staff support worker and artist, said she is diligent researching county government and won’t stop until she gets answers to her questions.

“I will continue to pursue the truth and not be afraid to challenge others who evade direct questions in regard to budget and personnel,” she said.

• Harry Haas, 35, Wilkes-Barre, a history teacher at Dallas Middle School, said he wants to find the most qualified manager and reduce county debt.

“I’ve been to a lot of places around the world, and Luzerne County is the best, but the politics are terrible,” he said.

• James Bobeck, 31, Kingston, a member of the county’s Home Rule Transition Committee and attorney, said he wanted to give up his time to help give the new government a strong start.

“There will be setbacks initially. There will be mistakes, but I promise you this: We will overcome any of those.”