Democratic and Republican Primary Election voters made their choices for November’s Susquehanna County races on Tuesday, May 19th. For the Republican Party, those choices are clear; well, ahem, almost. Where the situation for Republicans isn’t quite clear, it could be further muddied (or clarified) by the as-yet unknown choices Democratic voters made by way of write-in votes in the contests for District Attorney; Treasurer; and Register, Recorder, and Clerk of the Courts. More on that in a moment; first the clear-cut results for both parties (though readers should bear in mind that all results are UNOFFICIAL at this time).

Three-time Democratic County Commissioner MaryAnn Warren was the run-away winner in her party’s primary. She garnered 1,205 votes, besting candidates Chuck Bullock (811 votes) and Julanne Z. Skinner (695). Mrs. Warren and Mr. Bullock will face the top two Republican vote-getters, Alan Hall and Elizabeth Betsy Arnold, in the fall. The top three in the field of four will be the next Board of Commissioners.

Incumbent Commissioner Alan Hall won a mandate from the Republican Party for a second term by rolling up a huge plurality of 2,576 votes. Second place finisher (and dark horse), Elizabeth Betsy Arnold surprised many with her impressive 1,729 votes. Forest Lake Supervisor Frank Pinkowski (1660 votes), former Republican Party Chairman Mike Redding (1616), and Committeewoman Edna K. Paskoff (640) finished out of the money.

For Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, current D.A. Jason Legg, who had cross-filed to run in both parties’ primaries, was handily nominated with 1,699 Democratic votes, and over 99% of those casting votes in the Republican Primary. With both major parties’ nominations Mr. Legg is a virtual lock for election in November.

Democrat AND Republican Party nominees (winners of the May 19 Primary) for County Auditor will likely be the very same winners in November. Fall voters will have the opportunity to elect three auditors--with only three names printed on that ballot. For Democrats, Susan M. Jennings won her nomination with over 96% of the vote, but no one else qualified for Democratic Party’s second possible nomination. Long-time incumbent auditor George Starzec and Clifford resident Richard Suraci picked up Republican nominations, placing them in the driver’s seat to continue Republican control of the County Auditor’s Office.

The most exciting race of the day turned out to be the District Attorney race on the Republican side. According to late-night/early-morning election night followers, ADA Marion O’Malley was carrying a small lead into the wee hours of Wednesday when Clifford Township votes shifted the race to deliver a come-from-behind victory for New Milford Attorney Robert Klein. Current unofficial vote totals give Mr. Klein 2,283 votes to Ms. O’Malley’s 2,247 votes. Attorney Patrick M. Daly finished with 559 votes.

The Republican nomination for District Attorney hangs on a difference of 36 votes. But it isn’t the only District Attorney nomination in play. With no candidates on the Democratic ballot, Democratic voters could have a say through the 720 write-in votes they cast. Both candidates O’Malley and Klein waged vigorous campaigns for Democratic write-in votes during the bitterly fought campaign, and the Democratic nomination for D.A. could prove pivotal. Should Bob Klein garner the Republican and Democratic nominations, the double nomination would certainly propel him to election. A win for candidate O’Malley on the Democratic ticket could--potentially--set the stage for a fall rematch with Mr. Klein.

In a nomination situation analogous to the D.A.’s race, Michelle Estabrook is holding an unofficial 81 vote lead, 1499 - 1408, over Teri Gulick, in the race for Register, Recorder, and Clerk of the Courts. Again, no candidate filed a petition for the Democratic ballot, and Republican candidates actively solicited write-in votes from Democratic voters. A whopping 1,351 write-in votes were cast on Democratic ballots for this race. While not affecting Ms. Estabrook’s likely Republican nomination, Democratic voters might conceivably have nominated someone other than Ms. Estabrook in the Democratic Primary. Other potential candidates for a Democratic write-in nomination include Republicans Wendy Zapolski and Brian W. O’Connor, who received 1070 and 897 votes, respectively, in their party’s Primary. Another battle could be brewing for Ms. Estabrook if she has to battle a Republican foe wearing Democratic clothes this fall.

The last office offering possible mischief for fall’s ballot concerns the office of County Treasurer. In the Republican race, Jason Miller rolled up a decisive victory of 70% to 30% over Bob DeLuca. But as in the two foregoing contests, Democrats had no candidate of their own on the Primary Ballot, and both Miller and DeLuca actively sought Democratic write-in votes. Should the Democratic nomination go to anyone other than Republican nominee Miller, a fall battle is in the offing. There were 268 write-in votes cast by Democrats in the County Treasurer’s race, with 100 needed by a single candidate to garner the Democratic Party’s nomination.

Readers not intimately involved in politics might wonder why so much uncertainty swirls around Democratic nominations. Election Boards in each of the 42 districts have to record handwritten candidate names, wildly differing in legibility and spelling. Then, it remains the work of the county’s Returns Board, to verify election returns and centralize the minute details of each write-in vote cast. The definition of what counts as a vote is also not as simple as it seems.

The Returns Board is scheduled to begin its work on Friday, May 22, at 9 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room. The Board’s work is to continue on the following Tuesday, and every day thereafter, as necessary, until the canvass of votes is completed. Candidates involved in tight races will undoubtedly be watching closely. No automatic recount is automatically triggered at the county level on the basis of any arbitrary percentage separating candidates in returns. However, county election boards are given general discretion to order a recount before the certification of the returns if they believe there to be any discrepancies.

New Voter Registrar Lawrence Hardy knows he has a lot of heavy lifting ahead as he works with the Returns Board/County Board of Election to get returns certified. In a statement to this paper he graciously thanked all those involved in the election process--from those tabulating the results, to all the courthouse workers, local election boards, and other local and county personnel--who made Primary Election Day the success and smooth-running operation that it was on the 19th.

And for those wondering about the last County office listed on Primary Ballots, Tony Conarton garnered 99.65% of all Republican votes in the County Coroner race. If Mr. Conarton garners at least 100 of the 154 write-in votes cast on Democratic Ballots, he could feather his cap with the Dem’s nomination. No word yet on Coroner Conarton’s strategy to increase his winning percentage this fall, but it appears certain the living know who should deal with the dead.

Election Trivia Facts: Democrat turnout was nearly 26%; Republican over 38%. Some 2,089 Democrats and 5,248 Republicans voted on May 19. Ararat Township had the highest voter turnout: Democrat - 46%; Republican 60%. Military Overseas Absentee Ballots still outstanding number only two (2), not a significant factor in determining any county race at this point. For those of an “Independent” opinion, your choices for November have just been narrowed for you by the Democrats and Republicans. Pennsylvania has institutionalized a duopolistic system which precludes “independent” participation in Primary Elections. Republican or Democratic Party registration at least 30 days in advance of the Primary is a requirement for participation.

‘Twas a chilly evening in the park in New Milford when a good crowd of well-bundled parents and friends gathered in lawn chairs to nibble on cheap snacks and listen to a multitude of Blue Ridge musicians – most in short sleeves – brave the icy breeze for a Spring Concert in the Park.  May can be an iffy time of year for such outdoor events: only once in the past 3 years have the school’s bands been able to perform outdoors like this.

This time 3 different ensembles entertained the enthusiastic crowd: the 6th-grade Concert Band, the 7th & 8th-grade Concert Band, and the High School Concert Band.  The younger groups wore red over black.  The High School players were more formally attired in all black, the men with black bowties.

There were 15 pieces performed altogether, all of them relatively short, but with some interesting variations.  Percussion was highlighted, with a Concerto for Drum Pads played by the Middle Schoolers; and a dynamic Percussion Espagnole with soloists Chloe Randall, Allen Weed and Jack Allen moving among a variety of instruments as the music progressed.

Kyle Rivenburgh soloed on the clarinet in a winsome and solemn rendition of the theme from the movie “Schindler’s List.”  And Michael Parker roused the crowd and the accompanying band with a solo on a gleaming silver tuba in a piece called “Solo Pomposo.”

Blue Ridge Music Director Vincent LoRusso introduced each of the pieces and soloists over a sound system that couldn’t quite fill the windy park, and marshalled his many players quickly and artfully to best show off their talents.

Mr. LoRusso only complained of the lack of hot chocolate to keep his audience warm.  Parents and friends were warmed enough by the efforts of their youngsters, and by the music.

6th Grade Concert Band

7th & 8th Grade Concert Band

7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble

High School Concert Band

Chloe Randall, Allen Weed and Jack Allen playing a variety of percussion instruments

Kyle Rivenburgh

Michael Parker

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors took the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2015.

Approved the following additions to the substitute list, pending all appropriate clearances: Cammie Slocum - Substitute Bus Driver, and Michelle Burke - Substitute Teacher.

Approved hiring, pending all appropriate clearances, of the following personnel for Summer School Elementary Teacher for 2015 summer: Sarah Krause, Jami Hyndshaw, Ellen Rockwell, Krista Paterno, Robin Glidden (substitute teacher), and Debra Stone (substitute).

Approved hiring, pending all appropriate clearances, of the following personnel for Extended School Year for 2015 summer: Bridgette McKennas - Elementary, Kim Burdick - H.S. Aide, Robin Burdick - H.S. Aide, Alyssa Dooley - Elementary Aide.

Approved hiring, pending all appropriate clearances, of the following personnel: Kim Marco - Summer School Teacher for the 2015 Summer; Leanne Ferenzi - Extended School Year Speech Teacher for the 2015/16 school year; Lindsay Nulton - Summer School H.S. Teacher for the 2015 summer; and Will Szill - Track Helper - Spring 2015.

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, Volunteer Chaperones: Eugene Perry, Traci Fissel, Carolyn Wolf, Allen Wolf, Theresa Sheldon, Diane Sabatelli, Shannon Martin, Amanda Williams, Michelle Burke, Cammie Slocum, and John Creamer.

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, Volunteer Mary Weaver - Track - Spring 2015.

Approved hiring, pending all appropriate clearances, of the following personnel: Errol Mannick - Varsity Girls Basketball Coach - for 2015/16 & 2016/17 seasons; Gina Baker - JV Basketball Coach - for 2015/16 & 2016/17 seasons; Robin Carmody - Varsity Girls Basketball Scorer & Girls Volleyball Scorer - for the 2015/16 & 2016/17 seasons; Debra Benson - Varsity Girls & Boys Basketball Ticket Taker - for the 2015/16 & 2016/17 seasons; Dawn Steele - Girls Jr. High Basketball Head Coach - for the 2015/16 & 2016/17 seasons; Jennifer Bennett - Girls Jr. High Basketball Scorer - for the 2015/16 & 2016/17 seasons; and Kim Garrison - Girls Volleyball Clock - for the 2015/16 & 2016/17 seasons.

Note to readers: The phrase “pending all appropriate clearances” is directly linked to state law, effective January 1, 2015, requiring a heightened level of investigative background checks for all volunteers, district employees, and contractors who may come into contact with minors. “Appropriate clearances” are required upon commencement of volunteer/contractual association with the school district and every three years thereafter. It is not only government related background checks which are required, but also a check conducted by the school district with past employers of all candidates.

School board members and school administrators from around the area gathered on the evening of May 21st at Mountain View to get the latest from their state lobbying organization, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), and to share information among themselves and their state legislators.  The event was coordinated by Laurie Brown-Bonner, President of the Blue Ridge School Board and regional PSBA Director.

Discussions with and presentations by PSBA representatives dominated the first hour on topics such as salary and benefit trends among teachers and other staff statewide, outsourcing, and negotiating tips.

State Senator Lisa Baker (20th Senate District), State Representative Sandra Major (111th Legislative District), Mike Carroll (118th Legislative District – parts of Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties), and Cindy Klenk from State Senator John Blake’s office (22nd Senate District – Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties) arrived for the second hour.  This was the first time that one of these legislative information sessions broadened to include representation from outside Susquehanna County.  Voices this evening were heard from Carbondale, Lakeland (including Superintendent Scott Jeffery, one-time High School Principal at Blue Ridge) in addition to Elk Lake, Montrose, Blue Ridge and Mountain View.

Pictured, from left: Matthew Button, Interim Superintendent, Blue Ridge; Laurie Brown-Bonner, Blue Ridge School Board President; Representative Michael Carroll (118th District);  Senator Lisa Baker; Representative Sandra Major (111th District); Cindy Klenk representing Senator John Blake

PSBA Advocacy Coordinator, Angela Garcia, urged school officials and directors to maintain contact with legislators in Harrisburg.  She noted that many of the mandates coming down to the schools from the state originate at the Federal level.  She also remarked that “nothing’s moving” in the legislature on major issues of concern to public school officials, like charter schools and pension reform.  The latter she characterized as “the elephant in the room.”

Indeed staff pensions and the steeply rising contributions demanded from local school districts was the most urgent problem facing those around the table.  Said one, “PSERS is killing our budget.”  Several districts around the state are facing large deficits because of the huge amounts needed to fund some $50 billion in unfunded liabilities in the teacher pension program.  Ms. Baker reported that the state Senate has passed a bill that hopes to meet this challenge.  However, the bill, passed on a mostly party-line (Republican) vote isn’t likely to find favor with Democrat Governor Tom Wolf even if it gets through the House.  Instead, Ms. Baker described the bill as “a negotiation.”  She wasn’t even sure that some of its provisions were constitutional.

The Senate’s pension bill sets up something like a two-tier structure under which higher pension benefits could be elected by covered staff willing to contribute more.  Mr. Carroll pointed out that the pension system represents a contract with school employees, and contracts cannot be blithely breached, even by legislation.

Some at the table would like to offer a 401k-type plan to new employees, in place of the “defined benefit” plan now available through PSERS.  Others, including Mr. Carroll, noted that such a move might put an even greater burden on school districts since those new employees would not be contributing into PSERS.  Increasing the modest portion of PSERS deposits paid by teachers is also problematic under current legislation and contracts.

Charter schools, particularly the so-called “cyber” charter schools – studying via computer – are only slightly less pressing for public school boards and administrators trying to balance their budgets.  Blue Ridge, for example, according to Ms. Brown-Bonner, pays about $400,000 per year for this service.  She asked if the state could allow local districts that offer computer-based instruction themselves to require parents who elect to go elsewhere to pay for it themselves.  Mr. Carroll figured that would be a non-starter in the legislature; “cyber charter schools are – like it or not – public schools,” he said.  However, under pending legislation, cyber-charter schools would be paid the same amount across the state, instead of each district paying its own current per-pupil costs.  An additional dimension arises with regard to special education in charter schools.  One school board member remarked that some students become special education students once they enroll in a charter school: districts must pay more for pupils with individual education plans (IEP).

Mr. Carroll said that he was convinced that cyber charter schools are “overcharging.”  All agreed that there needs to be more accountability and transparency.

Testing and the Keystone graduation requirements irked many at the table, some of them pressing for a “moratorium” on the program.  The current process provides no means for remediation, for students who fail the test for graduation.  Mr. Jeffery said he thought that the graduation testing requirement might simply increase the number of drop-outs.

Ms. Brown-Bonner remarked on the “stress … [of] excessive test taking,” and others complained of teachers being forced to “teach to the test” for lack of time to do anything else.  Nevertheless, said Mr. Carroll, “we don’t challenge the students enough,” even with all of the testing. 

The related “Common Core” standards was also a sore issue.  “It doesn’t work,” said one.  “How long are we going to be saddled with Common Core?” asked another.  Nobody had a good response to that one.

All of the legislators agreed that to balance budgets and educational priorities is difficult, at best.  Mr. Carroll said that to “close the budget gap without additional money is very challenging.”  The new governor is proposing an overall increase of 15% in spending.  He wants to pay for it with increases in both the personal income tax and the sales tax.  He has also proposed a “severance tax” for oil and gas extraction.  Faced with a majority Republican legislature, such notions practically guarantee difficult “conversations” (using the favorite term of the participating legislators) in Harrisburg.  Ms. Brown-Bonner said that the schools “need new revenue sources.”  For example, why do the schools not receive some of the “impact fee” money received by the state for each gas and oil well?

During a cold snap in May, soup would have been better.  But the sandwiches, salad, veggies and brownies were good.  And even if the discussion led nowhere in particular, at least the legislators and school people got to know one another a little bit better.

Aaron Scott Vogel, 20, of New Milford, PA to 12 days to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $2,500 restitution to the victim in this case, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, abide by 10 PM curfew, not to have contact with codefendant, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Receiving Stolen Property in Hallstead Borough on April 6, 2014.

Mary Christine Sorak, 20, of New Milford, PA to 15 months probation, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with males under the age of 18 without adult supervision for Corruption of Minors in New Milford Borough on July 11, 2014.

Danielle Louise Schrader, 23, of Southampton, PA to 12 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victims, not to possess controlled substances, not to have contact with the victims in this case for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Bridgewater Township on September 11, 2014.

Seth Zachariah Piasecki, 22, of Scranton, PA to 1 months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $1,000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to possess firearms, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with minor females, obtain GED for Corruption of Minors in Clifford Township on December 14, 2013.

Scott J Burman, 33, of Eynon, PA to 5 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, served on weekends, pay $300 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $150 Penn Dot fee, pay $10 EMS surcharge, pay cost of prosecution, complete safe driving school program, receive drug and alcohol counselling, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, abide by Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law for Driving Under the Influence in Herrick Township on July 13, 2014.

Dylan Robert Schmiel, 24, of Montrose, PA to 3 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $1,000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $10 EMS surcharge, pay $75 Penn Dot fee, complete safe driving school program, complete 25 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Township on May 10, 2014.  Mr. Schmiel also received, 16 months to 5 years in a state correctional facility, pay $1,000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive mental health counseling, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances for Involuntary Manslaughter in Great Bend Township on May 10, 2014.

Robert W Cole, 61, of Montrose, PA to 8 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victims in this case, receive sexual offender treatment for Indecent Assault in Montrose Borough between 1997 and 2001.

Cody William Mosher, 24, of Laceyville, PA to 15 months to 30 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while DUI in Auburn Township on August 29, 2014.  Mr. Mosher also received 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay $100 Act 198 fee, complete safe driving school program, pay $75 Penn Dot fee for Driving Under the Influence in Auburn Township on August 29, 2014.  Finally Mr. Mosher received 15 months to 30 months in Susquehanna county Correctional Facility to run consecutive, pay $500 fine, pay restitution to the victims for Involuntary Manslaughter in Auburn Township on August 29, 2014.