Prothonotary-elect names her solicitor

By Jerry Lynott jlynott@timesleader.comBusiness Writer

WILKES-BARRE – When returns to the Luzerne County Prothonotary’s Office in January, she will bring her former solicitor with her.

Medico Olenginski on Tuesday said West Chester attorney Sam Stretton accepted the offer.

The two worked together during Medico Olenginski’s first term in the office from 1998 through 2002. Stretton later represented former controller Steve Flood.

Stretton’s willingness to challenge the establishment earned him Medico Olenginski’s trust and respect.

“Because he fought for me and he fought for Steve Flood,” she said of why she asked Stretton to come back.

Medico Olenginski credited Stretton with working with Flood to expose much of the corruption that is being investigated by federal authorities.

“The thing we’re excited about is this: When we have something we think is suspect, we have a place to go to, the FBI,” she said.

Stretton added he has been paying attention to the ongoing federal probe and recalled his dealings with some of the people who have been charged in the ongoing federal probe.

He said his responsibility is limited to the prothonotary’s office, but he can give Medico Olenginski advice on what steps to take “if she sees something wrong.”

Apart from that, Stretton said, he will assist Medico Olenginski with ensuring the office is well run.

“I had some ideas for her,” he said. “The big issue will be electronic filing.” Other offices around the state have moved in that direction and Stretton said he has experience as the solicitor for the Clerk of Courts in Philadelphia County.

The local solicitor position pays $11,000 a year. “It’s the best bargain Luzerne County ever got,” said Medico Olenginski.

Stretton is the second key choice Medico Olenginski made for her office staff. She named Bob Sypniewski as her deputy. Sypniewski was a former county controller candidate.