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By SCOTT L. GOMB Times Leader Community Reporter
Friday, March 14, 2003 Page: 6A
WILKES-BARRE – For the first time in almost 20 years, the Luzerne County
Democratic Party announced it will not endorse candidates running in the May
primary.
In the past, candidates who had the party’s blessing usually breezed onto
the general election.
The Democrats control of the county is at stake and a crowded field of
candidates is stressing their independence from the party line.
Joe Mazur, the head of the county Democratic Party, said after Thursday
night’s closed-door executive committee meeting at the Ramada Inn that a
combination of not knowing what the ~~“two Toms were doing” and candidates
announcing runs on their own convinced him to stand aside.
“People came out on their own weeks ago and announced in the papers and to
the media that they were running so I feel this was probably one of the better
moves,” Mazur said. “If Tom (Makowski) and Tom (Pizano) had decided to run
again they would have definitely been endorsed.”
Mazur said he thinks they would have won too.
But embattled Commissioner Makowski announced weeks ago that he was opting
to start his law practice again, while Commissioner Pizano recently said he
will not seek another term.
Mazur said out of about 30 people who attended the meeting only five had a
problem with the board’s decision not to endorse candidates. He didn’t name
them, but said they were the same ones who have a problem with everything.
“I did my job as chairman,” said Mazur. “I’m glad to see people followed
my wishes.”
Democrats lining up for commissioners seats are Luzerne County Controller
Steven Flood; Todd Vonderheid, vice president for economic development and
member services of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry;
former NFL lineman Greg Skrepenak; David Wehrer, part-time Larksville police
officer and school truant officer; former County Commissioner Frank
Trinisewski; and Butler Township Manager Maryanne Petrilla.