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Monday, March 03, 2003 Page: 8A
Members of the Luzerne County Government Study Commission believe ethical
lapses among county employees and elected officials have hurt the public’s
perception of county government. To change that perception, the commission has
recommended adding a code of ethics to its home-rule charter.
Listed below are some past situations that have raised questions about
county practices and how proposals made by the commission could avoid similar
episodes.
A 1997 investigation revealed hundreds of phone calls made on county
cellular phones could be traced to workers’ homes, pizza parlors, dentists,
doctors, travel agents and hotels. Still others were made to veterinarians
offices, a flower shop and a massage parlor.
The county ultimately eliminated cellular phones and demanded reimbursement
for private usage by the parties.
Although certain aspects must be explored further by its solicitor, the
Government Study Commission has proposed that all county property be
prohibited for unauthorized use. However, the term “unauthorized” has yet to
be defined.
In 1999, former County Chief Clerk/Administrator Gene Klein concedes most
county jobs were not advertised, and party leaders provide references for many
of the more than 150 people who submit job applications each week. He
estimated 25 percent of all new hires have sponsors – an elected official in
charge of filling courthouse vacancies or a party boss with political muscle.
Under personnel provisions established in the proposed charter, all county
openings must be advertised and a concise job description kept on file.
Candidates must meet written qualifications and in some instances, be required
to take a test similar to a Civil Service exam.
Luzerne County Register of Wills Dorothy Stankovic allowed her sister
Maryann Wegrzynowicz to work as a clerk in the early part of 2001.
Wegrzynowicz worked for more than a week but never received a paycheck because
Stankovic did not receive approval from the county Salary Board to create the
position.
Wegrzynowicz was ultimately removed from her position.
Although the study commission has decided against the formation of a salary
board, an intricately woven set of checks and balances incorporating a county
executive and council would prevent something like this from occurring.
Tomorrow, members will discuss the formation of an anti-nepotism policy as
well, although the state Ethics Code prohibits employment of immediate family.
In May 2001, a closed-door meeting between commissioners and a private
reassessment company had to be opened or postponed until after a hearing could
take place to determine whether or not it fell under the Sunshine Law. The
meeting was ultimately canceled by then-Board of Commissioners Chairman Tom
Makowski.
In June 2000, Makowski canceled a closed-door meeting with lawyers about
Valley Crest Nursing Home after Minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban argued
the meeting should be open to the public.
Study commission members have stated the checks-and-balances system
established by the study commission should eliminate the opportunity for
closed-door meetings.
Kalen Churcher