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Cheryl Sobeski Reedy this past week confirmed she is definitely interested in being placed on the ballot in place of her father, Jake. She said she has submitted her request to the appropriate organizations and is waiting on a decision. While she said she has been receiving encouragement, she noted she was getting some resistance internally. She would not be specific, however.
Last week I wrote about the landscape of how the Republican nomination would end up. I do want to note that I mistakenly wrote that Lynette Villano was the Luzerne County Democratic Chairman. That was wrong, she is the Republican Chairman.
I was hoping to catch up with Mark Bufalino, the Luzerne County Democratic Chairman, but he has been on vacation. Considering West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy is the ranking Republican on the West Side, I also thought it would be a good idea to get his thoughts. He too is on the same page as Villano saying, “My personal thought is Jake won a double. Put all that together, then, whoever the Democrats want to put in there would be the logical move.”
Goldsworthy continued, “I have no problem with names I’ve heard. If Cheryl wants to stay there that is fine. If Sammy (Aritz) is the one, and that’s who the Democrats choose, then that’s fine also.” He did note that whatever their decision is, the nominee should be a West Pittston resident. “I have no problem with Jim Dennis. However, he is from Exeter and the seat should remain in West Pittston.”
Goldsworthy shared his thoughts on Sobeski’s daughter. “If she wants it, then I full heartedly will support her,” he added. “Her father is the one who got me involved in politics. I worked his campaign as soon as I got out of high school. He was almost a mentor to me. It was her father’s seat and she deserves it.”
While checking out the political landscape, the general consensus of the many whom I have come across feel that if Jake’s daughter wants to fill the void, then she should be the one. And, I’m sure Jake would have wanted it this way also.
Welcome to politics, Bob
It seems Wyoming Council Candidate Bob Borzell has had a political awakening with his win this past spring against Frank Yurek. Borzell beat the incumbent, Frank Yurek, on the Democratic ballot. Borzell emailed a letter to me which was served to him by a constable on election-day from Atty. Jonathan Ursiak on behalf of Frank Yurek. It basically alleges Borzell violated election law with a letter that he sent out before election. Borzell claims he had nothing to do with the letter; however, it had his name tied to it with “Friends to Elect Bob Borzell in Wyoming Borough.” I read the letter and it was filled with the usual political rhetoric.
Borzell also filed an official complaint with the Luzerne County Election Borough. I also read that and my comment to Mr. Borzell is, “While I appreciate your frustration, welcome to politics.”
Yurek won GOP bid and will square off with Borzell in the fall
To the victor …
Pittston Area School Director, Joe Oliveri’s son recently was hired at the Wilkes-Barre Area Vo-Tech as a network specialist. Oliveri also sits on Wilkes-Barre Vo-Tech board.
Kind, and much appreciated, words
Below is a touching note I received from Cheryl Sobeski-Reedy.
Mr. Valenti,
I want to thank you for all the kind words you have written about my father in your recent columns. My dad loved to see his name in print (only positive of course!). I’m sure he is smiling down on you now! Your kind words have helped our family in our grieving. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Sobeski-Reedy
Now I get it
I finally figured out this past week why Commerce Drive in Pittston Twp is in the condition it is in. As I was making my daily trip to my office, I notice the signs to the annual Northeast Fair. That’s when it hit me. Pittston Twp Supervisors have been at odds with the fire department for…let’s see…forever. You must drive on Commerce Blvd to get to the department and the fair itself.