Six running for controller; 5 want to be prothonotary

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

There will be some May 19 primary election competition in the Luzerne County prothonotary and controller races, according to the county’s list of candidates who filed nominating petitions by Tuesday’s deadline.

Three candidates will compete for the Democratic prothonotary nomination: Duryea Council President Alfred Akulonis, Kingston resident Nancy McGinley Bellas and Gerald J. Mullery, of Nanticoke.

Past prothonotary Carolee Medico Olenginski and Bear Creek resident Walter Mitchell will vie for the Republican prothonotary nomination.

Five candidates filed for the Republican controller nomination: Edward Brominski, Swoyersville; Alice B. Coffman, Sugarloaf Township; Walter Griffith, Wilkes-Barre; Nanda Palissery, Dallas; and Robert Sypniewski, Dallas.

The winner will face the lone Democratic contender, Bob Morgan, of Mountain Top.

Republican Gina Nevenglosky, of Mountain Top, has entered the race for Register of Wills. Incumbent Dottie Stankovic, who is seeking a fifth term, does not face competition on the Democratic ticket.

Twenty candidates are running for the county home rule government study commission.

May 19 primary election voters will decide whether to study home rule and also select the 11 study commission candidates. The candidates will not be seated if the study question is defeated.

Home rule would create a customized plan to run county government, rather than relying on the three-commissioner structure established by the state. Once a plan was drafted by an elected study commission, voters would decide whether to accept it.

Study commission contenders are: John Adonizio, Hughestown; Veronica Ciaruffoli, Larksville; Frank E.P. Conyngham, Kingston Township; Darlene Duggins, Wilkes-Barre; James Thomas Gaughan, Courtdale; Walter Griffith Jr., Wilkes-Barre; Ray Gustave, Swoyersville; Jim Haggerty, Kingston; Richard “Kick” Heffron, Dallas; Christopher C.J. Kersey, Kingston; Paul P. Krombel, Conyngham Township; Charmaine H. Maynard, Sugarloaf Township; Rick Morelli, Sugarloaf Township; Jeffrey Niemiec, Wilkes-Barre; Jack Schumacher, Kingston; Frank Sindaco, Wilkes-Barre; Phillip Struzzeri, Jenkins Township; Edward Transue, Dallas; Robert Whammer Wanyo, Forty Fort; and Joe Wizda, Freeland.

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