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| Front Page News: Sunday, August 15 - 21, 2010 |
There's an 800 pound guerrilla in the room at WA
Riddle me this: What has 18 legs and no balls?
Answer: The Wyoming Area School Board.
In light of the recent half million dollar federal judgment coupled with the labor dispute involving Bill Simmons, the Wyoming Area Board doesn’t want to address the 800 pound guerrilla sitting in the room.
According the board’s solicitor, Ray Hassey, the board is currently not taken any steps to prevent this from happening in the future saying, “I’m not aware of any policies or procedures.”
Hassey did note, “I’m sure that is something they’ll look at down the road.”
Down the road?
Are you kidding me? Read More ...
Joe Valenti - 6 opinions posted |
Feds back Wilkes Barre engineer into a corner, gives up 25 names
Hold on tight cuz we’re goin’ for a ride
When I hear something dramatic from one or two individuals, I usually sit on it or try to confirm it.
Well, this past week I heard from at least a dozen that a prominent Wilkes-Barre engineer has been talking to the feds.
And, it’s been the same engineer every time.
I really can’t disclose who the engineer is at this time, however, where there’s smoke there’s fire. Read More ...
Joe Valenti - 10 opinions posted |
WA board allows discussion of personnel issue at public meeting
While discussing personnel issues on the open floor at board meetings is not allowed, Ray Hassey, Wyoming Area’s Solicitor, says “When Mr. Simmons and Mr. Holland aired their complaints in the newspaper and put their views out, they waived their right to personnel protection.”
Bill Simmons was recently reinstated by the Pennsylvania Labor Board after he filed a grievance stating the district would not take him back because of his role in the support staff union.
A labor board judge ruled Simmons could have his old job back and receive all back pay.
Two days after returning, Simmons was struck ill while painting a fence in 90 degree heat and was subsequently rushed to the hospital.
Read More ...
Joe Valenti |
Wil Toole |
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TOOLE SERIES: The silence is deafening
One thing I am asked quite often is – where do I get my inspiration / ideas to write week after week.
To be honest with you, much of it comes from my bloggers.
For example, last week’s headline in my Wil Toole series read “He’s cured and able to run for controller.”
The inspiration for that article came from the week before after Diamante (one of my bloggers) asked how could Wil Toole run for controller and collect a disability pension.
Then Politico (another one of my bloggers), said Toole is on a pension, not disability.
Read More ...
Joe Valenti - 8 opinions posted |
Dr. Ross Latona & Marilyn Starna |
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Analysis of who will fill out the remainder of Oliveri's term
With Joe Oliveri off the Pittston Area School Board, who will serve out his remaining four months?
As of this week, it looks like Dr. Ross Latona has the inside track.
He won a double nomination this past election and is almost guaranteed a win in November.
The problem, however, he has some political allegiance.
Allegiance to his running mates along with board members Bob Linskey, Kent Bratlee and Terry Best who all supported him. All sit in the minority consequently changing the complexion of the board. Read More ...
Joe Valenti - 16 opinions posted |
Complexion of WA majority changing; Campenni still can't get a second
Over the last three years, the eight majority members of the Wyoming Area School Board have voted together 100% of the time.
Well, things are a changin’ and not like you might expect
This past week, minority member Estelle Campenni sided with John LaNunziata, Toni Valenti, Nick DeAngelo and Gerry Wall.
All five voted to give Laura Mondlok another three year contract to be Wyoming Area’s Athletic trainor.
Four of the board members broke rank with the majority.
Dave Alberigi and Sam Aritz voted no while John Bolin and John Marrianci abstained.
I’m not going to get into the merits of the vote, however, this vote seems to be the beginning of the end for the “eight strong” of the majority. Read More ...
Joe Valenti - 2 opinions posted |
Bob Borzell |
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Wyoming resident questions official's actions
by Bob Borzell
In July and August my wife wrote letters to the editor in the Times Leader and Citizens Voice newspapers. She criticized the job our mayor Bob Boyer and police chief William Ragantesi were doing (or should I say not doing ) in reporting acts of criminal activity to the police blotters.
Mayor Bob Boyer and several councilmen took her to task at Wyoming Boro's subsequent council meeting which was held August 11th. They made derogatory, comments about her (using her name) when she wasn't there to defend herself.
When can a public official use a private citizen’s name in a public forum? She is not in public office, nor is she running for any office. Read More ...
Bob Borzell |
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