Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

First Posted: 6/6/2013

Reveal truth about Benghazi, Boston

There is an old saying: the dead deserve our respect, and the living deserve the truth. But not with this administration. What exactly happened, who is responsible for what happened and let the consequences fall on the truth.

We need to respect those who gave up their lives in Benghazi, Boston and the truth needs to be told to have respect for the living.

George J. Kochis

Kingston

Reaching record in name of friendship

As a former educator of more than 30 years and an anti-bullying advocate, I am particularly proud of the recent Guinness World Record accomplishment reached by the students and staff at Ross Elementary School in the Lake-Lehman School District.

By exemplifying the true definition of teamwork for eight months this school year, the 285 students and two dozen staff members set a new world record this month for constructing the “longest chain of friendship bracelets.”

In a society where bullying among our youths has increased, it was refreshing to hear about this uplifting project that united students of all backgrounds to achieve one common goal – establishing camaraderie by creating and linking friendship bracelets. How impressive. When so many children are sadly victimized by bullies, the students at Ross responded in the name of friendship and in the spirit of teamwork by creating the longest chain of friendship bracelets in the world – 7,507 bracelets measuring 2,678.02 feet, more than a half mile. What a fine example our local youths set for students around the world.

It is my hope that these students will forever remember what they can achieve when they work together with one another and demonstrate positive characteristics. As they advance through elementary school to high school, they will be able to use the same teamwork skills as they plan for events such as school dances and fundraisers and participate in team sports and groups.

I have one message for our students: please do not stop here. Continue taking these selfless skills you have learned into society as adults. Each of you has established a foundation for participation in organizations that will ultimately help benefit your communities in the future.

In the words of American poet Mattie Stepanek “unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”

Congratulations, Ross Elementary, I am proud to be called your State Representative.

State Rep. Karen Boback 117th Legislative District

Panel gaskets need to be fixed

I read with alarm, Mr. Chris Belleman’s statement that no repairs have been made to the rubber gaskets on the closure panels on the Market Street Bridge. These gaskets nearly failed during the last flooding event when the river reached a level of 42.66 feet! Considering the increased development in Wyoming, Susquehanna and Bradford counties associated with new construction and fracking pads, runoff will surely increase.

I suspect a flood stage level here at 42.66 in all likelihood will be the new “normal.” Property owners in the flood-prone areas should demand that these gaskets be repaired immediately! After all, the levee fees that they pay to the county should cover these kinds of repairs.

Forms and faces in county government change, but performance does not.

F. J. Keller

Hanover Township

W-B Twp. Mayor is not the top cop

The gall of Mayor Carl Kuren to take over schooling of the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department. That’s the chief of police’s job. I have talked to some police officials; they are bitter and morale is down.

We have an excellent police department in Wilkes-Barre Township, except for two or three who are cronies for Mayor Kuren. The police chief should stand up to Mayor Kuren. Defend your officers or step aside. Now, a safety officer is being considered. That’s only to put all employees under the microscope. Their jobs will be impeded upon, including their performance. They’ll be looking over their shoulders.

How about sewer bills, maybe garage tax, how about senior citizen center, how about a swimming pool for Wilkes-Barre Township residents, how about the Wilkes-Barre Township School again? How about part of St. Joseph’s Monastery?

How about regionalization for the Wilkes-Barre Township police department?

Mayor Carl Kuren, set up meetings with Laurel Run, Ashley, Hanover Township and Wilkes-Barre. Form a partnership, have a dialogue and communication. Have a sit-down to make Wilkes-Barre Township and the area better. Form a neighborhood crime watch.

Listen Mayor Kuren, many people can do a lot better job than you can, but you can’t see the light. An excellent choice would be administrator Mike Revitt. He’s educated, knows the ins and outs and has the name recognition. It’s that simple.

Joseph Naperkowski

Wilkes-Barre Township