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By KASIA KOPEC kkopec@leader.net
Wednesday, March 12, 2003 Page: 3A
WILKES-BARRE – A former NFL lineman and the incumbent Wilkes-Barre mayor
were among the estimated 150 candidates who waited until Tuesday, the final
day to file election petitions with Luzerne County’s Department of Voter
Services.
A total of 595 candidates submitted applications to be included on the May
20 primary ballot, with Mayor Tom McGroarty being the last to file.
Others who officially tossed their hats in the ring Tuesday were Democratic
county commissioner candidates Gregory Skrepenak of Dallas and Todd Vonderheid
of Wilkes-Barre. Democratic county sheriff candidates Carl Zawatski (a former
sheriff) of Plains Township and Alfred Fenimore of Wilkes-Barre also submitted
their paperwork.
Registered Democrats in Wilkes-Barre will have their choice of three
mayoral candidates.
In addition to McGroarty – who visited Voter Services Director Kevin Jordan
early Tuesday afternoon without his petition, only to return 13 minutes before
the deadline with the necessary documents in hand – Jack Smith and city
Councilman Tom Leighton will vie for the city’s top post.
On the Republican side, Harry Haas joined Christine Katsock as a candidate
for Wilkes-Barre mayor. Jim Verdekal Jr. is the other Republican who is
running.
Republicans Walter Griffith Jr., Peter Gagliardi and Joseph Castiglia will
run for Wilkes-Barre City Council seats. Democrats Ed Longfoot and Edmund Hahn
also filed petitions for council.
In Hazleton, Republican incumbent Mayor Lou Barletta filed his paperwork
Tuesday afternoon. He faces Democratic challenger John F. Craig in November’s
general election.
One of the most hotly contested races will be the battle for district
justice in West Pittston, where six candidates will have their names on the
Republican and Democratic ballots.
Among the hopefuls are: Elaine Cook, of West Pittston; Raymond Hassey of
Exeter; Bob Boyer of Wyoming; Joseph Carmody of West Pittston; Karen Holly of
West Pittston; and Richard Belza of West Wyoming.
Three other district justices including Martin Kane of Wilkes-Barre, Fred
Pierantoni III of Dupont and Diane Marconeri Malast of Plains Township, will
run unopposed in the upcoming election.
One referendum was approved for inclusion on the May ballot. The question
will ask Pittston Township voters whether the equivalent of 1 mill should be
allocated to the Pittston Township Ambulance Association for the purpose of
providing emergency services to township residents.
Kasia Kopec, a Times Leader staff writer, can be reached at 970-7436.