PA takes another black eye, a lot of blame to go around

Former PA Super Ross Scarantino

Is former Pittston Area Superintendent Ross Scarantino Satan?
   No.
   Should he be calling anyone at the school for whatever reason, even to say hello to a friend?
   Absolutely not!
   Is it OK to be friendly to him?
   Sure.  Why not?
   I’ve been his company a handful of time since he was released from federal prison.
   We were friendly and polite.  Never once, however, did the conversation of politics or Pittston Area come up.
   If any official or administrator is engaging Scarantino at the school, or engage him in any way about anything to do with politics, education, policies, etc…, then you’re more stupider than you look.
   If you did, you better be sure you didn’t say anything you don’t want played in an open federal courtroom.
   Next, as you know, Mike Garzella was appointed as the district’s new Super.
   Going into this past Tuesday’s meeting I was quite confident Garzella had eight votes.  Board member Bob Linskey put up somewhat of a stink noting they should have expanded the district’s search outside of the area which is fine. Consequently I thought he might vote no.
   After I heard the news the vote was five to four in favor of Garzella, I almost fell out of my chair.  Those who voted in favor were Tony Guariglia, Charlie Sciandra, Casey Donahue, Bruce Knick and Kent Bratlee.  Bob Linskey, Rich Gorzkowski, Marilyn Starna and Joe Kelly voted for Joe Gorman
   Trust me, I talk with a lot of folks all who have close ties to most of the members of the board, and three weeks ago, at least seven of the nine were in Mike Garzella’s corner.
   So why the change of heart?
   Ah, enter convicted federal felon Ross Scarantino.  Here’s the new strategy of those against anyone in the majority - call the feds and inject Scarantino’s name.
   I bring this up because what all of a sudden spooked some in the minority to go against Garzella?
   First, I can unequivocally say Ross Scarantino was lobbying for another candidate.  Next, Ross Scaranino shouldn’t be lobbying for dog catcher let alone sticking his nose in Pittston Area politics.
   OK – let’s just assume for a second Scarantino was making phone calls and sticking his nose into the appointment of Garzella and the feds were called.
   Is that any reason to throw Mike Garzella under the bus?
   Really?  C’mon!
   Now let’s look at the politics of this charade.  Further, please keep in mind Pittston Area needs to distance itself from politics..
   With that, I’ve attended more political functions than Tony Rostock, Red O’Brien and Jimmy Haddock combined.
   And, to the best of my recollection, I have NEVER seen Garzella at a political function.  I could be wrong and I’m sure as you’re reading this, you’ll be rifling through our photo buckets to see if he’s in any of the photos.
   Nor, did Garzellla donate a dime to Team Patriot’s campaign.
   So, I think it’s safe to say Garzella is fairly removed from the political scene.
   On the other hand, Joe Gorman is a sitting councilman in Ashley Borough.  While I have heard many positive things about him and I’m sure his credentials are outstanding, who’s the politician here?
   Quite honestly, if I were Mike Garzella and had this train wreck on the open floor, I’d tell ya’s all to go pound sand.
   As you know, I’m no fan of some the existing board members. Face it, however, just as Pittston Area was about to take three stops forward, the four dissenting members against Garzella made the district take six steps back.
   The minority all knew Garzella had five votes as they walked out onto the open floor.  What kind of message did this send to a new superintendent?  And, how well do you think he’s going to work with any board member
   The board wasn’t pleased with former Super Goerge Cosgrove cuz of his in ability to execute.   Now, Garzella is going to be looking over his shoulder with every step he takes.
   Heck, in Joe Holden’s report, he noted that all nine board members agreed Garzella’s “credentials were exemplary.”
   As far as Janet Donavan’s demotion and considering Ross Scarantino’s involvement with the Step by Step Program, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.  
   Expect my favorite attorney, Cynthia Pollick, to serve the board and the district with yet another federal lawsuit.
   And, just as she played the Ross Scarantino card when you settled Tommy Rome’s case – well, you get the picture.