Nobody's Corner

Character doesn't matter if you don't have any...

2007-12-10T14:45:00.000-05:00

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, then we had better let a lot of people out of prison.

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, we had better stop giving out diplomas.

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, we had better stop asking for references for jobs, teaching and coaching positions.

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, we had better stop doing child abuse background checks.

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, we have no right to track sex offenders.

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, why do we celebrate families?

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, why do we use credit reports?

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, why do we have bank accounts, pensions and stocks?

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, why do we have alcoholics and narcotics anonymous and about fifty other 12 step programs?

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, why do we say someone is a "former," ie: "former" prostitute, "former" thief, "former" car thief but old politicians are still politicians, old lawyers are still lawyers and old insurance salesmen are still insurance salesmen?

(Is that an acknowlegement that prostitutes, thieves and car thieves can turn a blank page but politicians, lawyers and insurance salesmen can't shake the history of professions that, in my ever comedic opinion, have a different name but similar roles?)

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, why have Veterans homes, Veteran's Day, a flag and pride in our heritage?

If what someone did when they were younger doesn't mean jack when they are older, why do the majority of us believe in heaven and hell and what is the purpose of being a good person when you would wake up every day with a clean record?

What someone does when they are younger is all to frequently what someone does when they are older. We learn from our mistakes and we improve our performance. But if a person's been down an easy road, very seldom will they take the road less travelled on the next trip.

People change their actions. People change their behaviors. People who, however, have had lapses in judgement in the past are prone to the same lapses again, even if the lapses are subtly or profoundly different in results.

If you believe the past doesn't matter, I suggest you spend a day with Manson, Wright or Kemper. Then ask one of the Enron gang to manage your savings. Perhaps you'd like to sign up to live your dotage with one of the many fine characters charged with letting their elderly clients rot while they collect their "guest's" pensions. After all, history doesn't matter, does it?

The past matters and people who ignore history pay the price when history repeats itself.

Any doubts now?

Your opinions, carefully crafted by a PR consultant you paid for!

2007-12-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

Does council really matter when it's an extension of the Mayor's office?

The budget currently in front of council will pass regardless of public comment because the three council people in the majority belong to Doherty and a fourth is open to discussion.

However, it's the public's attention, cooperation and continued votes that Doherty needs. To that end, Doherty and his PR consultant know the average taxpayer doesn't understand or care what Nelson, Gervasi or Krake say. They don't hear them.

I have a friend who said it succinctly: "Nelson gives too many figures. I tune him out and haven't got a clue what the duck he's talkin' about."

What Nelson has to say is both important and relevant but the public hears what the carefully crafted PR says because the carefully crafted PR tells them what they want to hear in small snippets, with all negative, annoying details removed.

The result is a blissfully misinformed public that can go about its daily routine, ignorant of the growing debt, failing Public Safety departments and its future impact on them.

Our culture bombards us with news, advertising and information. The public's attention is captured by certain words, phrases and ideas. I would venture most of the controversy at council is carefully considered and orchestrated by the PR consultant before it ever hits chambers.

The public hears about the smoking ban, for example and the kids used to promote it. Nice fluffy story guaranteed to be attacked by smokers, who are considered evil. When the ban was shot down, it was a "terrible thing" because the council was only trying to protect the citizens from themselves. The businesses and workers who lost money became the bad guys and council wore white hats.

Nice diversion, if you didn't lose money or your rights because of it and the ban looked so good in print.

The PR around the Gatelli tearjerkers and Fanucci tangents are designed for one purpose- to discredit the speakers. Then, when speakers like Nelson, Gervasi and Krake take to the podium, their comments are ignored or simply thrown aside because of the reputation carefully constructed for them.

Dan Hubbard is another example. Make the man out to be a crazy and a spokesman with a very important message and the ability to deliver it is neutralized as a threat. Neutralization is very important. Neutralization is control and control is what this whole bag of rocks is about.

Add in Ray Lyman and you see the process is ongoing and effective. Lyman was a good choice, in my opinion, because his reputation for erratic behavior allows the message to be delivered and any admittance that he was "encouraged" to speak feeds his reputation.

Add in the deliberately shortened time speakers have to make their point, the arrests and threats of arrest for simply attempting to talk to council and you have a picture of a council with an agenda- to follow the mayor's agenda. No mere citizen will interfere with this agenda, because, as a person who speaks before council, that person is automatically "One of them."

Most frustrating is we were told the mayor was hiring a PR person to "drive" the news and "drive" he does. We have the wool pulled over our eyes and we accept it like the sheep we are and paying for the service, to boot. As one poster said, "You can't make this $hit up!"

There is one bright sign in this whole, sad calamity. Gatelli, in my opinion, is a loose canon and Tuesday night's performance was not what I would have expected from the PR professional. I believe the performance was ego-driven and delivered by a speaker who knows she doesn't matter any more but won't admit it and the show cost Gatelli more than she realized.

Understanding the PR game is the first step in benefiting from it. Hell, the people pay for a PR consultant, shouldn't We gain from it for a change?

A destination or a business welfare state?

2007-06-06T10:51:00.000-04:00

On the topic of more people coming downtown, I think it illustrates the idea of "If you build it, they will come" gone wrong.

The past thirty years or more of urban planning, both here and across the country, prove you cannot spend the downtown into success. Additionally, without vibrant, viable neighborhoods, you just don't have the people to support the downtown.

Further, without a reason to go downtown, people will go elsewhere. Why? free, close parking, easy access, both in and out and a relatively safe, well lit environment, among a litany of reasons.

What works in the downtown? Destination businesses. Doctor's offices, government offices, lawyer's offices, service businesses to support destination businesses.

If we maintain and improve the neighborhoods, all of the neighborhoods, we will have a strong city. If we maintain the downtown, destination businesses will need space to work and the population will be large enough to support a finite number of these businesses.

By their definition, people will be drawn from farther distances to frequent these businesses. These businesses would not be found in the local strip mall, necessitating a trip to the destination to fill a need. The fact that they cull customers from a regional area greatly increases their primary demographic numbers, something a chain restaurant or a generic mall clothing store cannot do.

We've relied for far too long on supporting business plans that rely on governmental welfare to be viable. When will we learn that self-serving politicians who dump money into downtown to support their cronies under the guise of economic development are robbing Peter (the neighborhoods) to pay Paul (the crony businesses) and it only does more damage.

The right path is to maintain the infrastructure in the city. Pave the roads. maintain the government buildings. But don't literally give away the store to businesses that demand or require government support as an integral part of their business plan money because when the gravy ends, so does the business.

Businesses that need seed money should be in incubators, not independent, functioning businesses sponging off the largess of government. Incubators should help new businesses with viable plans for a set number of years until they are established and then they should fly or falter on their own.

When we start with the assumption that people should frequent any business because it's good for the local econonmy, we have a recipe for failure. People do what works best for them, financially and in terms of accessability. You can't shame people into a business. They have to make that decision themselves.

Businesses grow and prosper because they fill a need. As a bedroom community, we would fill a need. When and if the long-rumored train comes through, the most important goal we can have is strong neighborhoods. Starting off with anything less, given the changes the train would entail, will leave us fighting to regain control that we will never have again.

When the first train whistle sounds, we have to be ready. I honestly don't expect that will be the case. We're already behind and we don't have the leadership to catch up. But it can be done. All we need is a leader with the foresight to realize a coordinated effort will make us all better in the end. That thought process does not currently exist.

We reap what we sow and the only thing the fields have going for them right now is a choking abundance of fertilizer.

Welcome to the Un-Scrantonian activities hearing...

2007-05-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

Editor's note:

A lawsuit has been filed by Council President Judy Gatelli alleging posts on the message board at DohertyDeceit by Nobody, amongst others, were "threatening" to her. The lawsuit, commonly referred to as a SLAPP lawsuit, has as a goal, the silencing of critics of council's actions.

This is Nobody's response:

We're back in the 1950s, a black list has been printed and the hearings are scheduled. Playing the part of Senator McCarthy is... Judy Gatelli.

I like the part about a conspiracy in the lawsuit. If what we have here is a conspiracy, then every political party would be considered a conspiracy (Excepting my own party, the Scranton republican party- to have a conspiracy, there has to be activity and that body is currently in a coma, circling the drain, waiting for death to finish its cameo on "The Family Guy.")

The founding fathers knew the death of a republic lies in the ability of the government to control speech, assembly and the right to question the government.

In their incredible understanding of the challenges our democracy would face, they wrote these words: "Congress shall make no law ...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

We assemble here electronically, peaceably, passionatly exercising our freedom of speech to petition the government for a redress of our grievances.

Gatelli and her co-conspirators, Fanucci and McGoff have tried to remove redress of grievances from the council meetings, as Jefferson feared government might try to do more than 230 years ago. My respect for Jefferson and the other founding fathers grows as my disgust with Gatelli multiplies.

I, for one, have a passion for this country and the ideals it stands for that was instilled in me by my ancestors who gave their all for this country. From the coal miners who helped fuel this country to the marine who trained untold other marines who, in turn, protected this country to the man who sat at the same dias as our current "leaders," to the women who raised their families, supported their husbands and let their opinions be known.

I'll be damned if a politician, an incompetent, bumbling one at that, will shut me up.

I'm on the list and I'm damn proud of it. We had enough of this Doherty**** in the McCarthy hearings. If it takes a lawsuit to expose Judy "McCarthy" Gatelli for what she is, I'll join the suit.

Good night and Good Luck.

Tell ya what, I'll do it as a favor (and favors have to be repaid!).

2007-04-26T21:50:00.000-04:00

When Mr. Bingham asked DPW union head Sam Vitrus about paving an alley, Vitrus allegedly told him he might do it as a "Favor". Bingham said he didn't need favors and Vitrus then allegedly told him to "Complain to council." Bingham did just that.

Just a reminder... Hollowgate... When you're a leader, by default, appointment or annointment, you set the tone of your reign. George Parker set the tone of his "reign" and apparently, Vitris' alleged comments show he's not stepping up to fill the moral and ethical chasm the DPW leader has created.

My only editorial comment on this is "What part of this surprises anyone?"

Where was Mr. Bingham when people on east mountain needed rights-of-way cleared but were told "No" while another citizen received the service?

Where was Mr. Bingham when George Parker left accumulated debris sit below the Albright Street bridge after disparaging comments were made in the July 4th, 2006 TT?

Point here is, the people who speak in council are a bunch of crazies to the other citizens until the administration's antics affect them personally. Then they're surprised by the actions of their government.

Folks, this is nothing new and yet, we don't have to put up with it unless we are, in fact, willing to accept it. Thus far, we've been more than willing, we've been accomodating.

Pastor Martin Niemöller said, "When they came for me, there was nobody left to speak out." Mr. Bingham, they've come for you and all you have left to speak out for you are Nobodys.

Welcome to the club.

Chick's fights a ban to save their business...

2007-04-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

A city official cited Chick's Diner for ignoring the no-smoking ordinance today, 24 April, 2007. The battle lines are drawn. At the center of the controversy is a city government ignoring state law and overreaching its authority simply because it can...

What happened at Chick's today is a result of Joe Pilchesky and his creation, the DohertyDeceit.com website. Taking the cue from Pilchesky, a business owner, a taxpayer, a Nobody, stood up and said, "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it."

Seeing Joe Pilchesky stand up for what is right, no matter how many times he's been smacked by the machine, has to have an effect on the populace. That is the danger in letting a Joe Pilchesky loose in the city. People realize just because "That's the way it's always been done" doesn't mean it can't be changed.

The realization, not the multitude of suits, the website, the constant beating on the anti-corruption drum, the realization that things can be changed is the single most dangerous threat to TeamDoh!, its subsidiaries and its parent corporation.

Joe Pilchesky doesn't have to win suits. All he has to do is shock the people's minds into understanding they control their destiny. Convince the people they don't need to depend on politicians and the people will take it from there.

Chick's forced the issue to take it to court. Now we'll see what happens when the citizens don't just roll over on command. Our government has for too long believed the citizens should fear it. The biggest change we can make is to have our politicians fear the people.

Who's going to believe a crazy man? That's the theory...

2007-04-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

Somebody asked where the big story was on Pilchesky. Remember, I said it would appear on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. It's Sunday and the TT blew its shot on their biggest circulation day.

Here's another tip: The TT has nothing on Pilchesky that we haven't already seen. Their primary means of attack is a campaign, begun over a year ago, to make him appear to be the biggest wackjob in the county. It's not going well, because they've just made a full court press and it fell flat.

If they can't fight him with facts or by questioning his veracity, they'll attempt to destroy his credibility by claiming he's unbalanced. That hasn't and won't be by paper only. Every quote, comment, etc., you hear by anyone who has something to lose if the parties named lose, has and will discredit him based on TeamDoh's "assesment" of Pilchesky's mental health.

It's been going on for some time. Judge for yourself by mentioning Pilchesky in conversation. At first, people make the face. Then, when you ask them about the issues, the face dissappears into frustration and anger over what is going on in our county and suddenly, Pilchesky doesn't seem so far off the mark.

It's an old trick used by lawyers, often seen in rape trials. If you discredit the victim, whatever said by the victim becomes questionable, even if backed up by witnesses and documentation. A woman with a background made questionable by a defense attorney with dirt in his briefcase can make a solid rape seem like a mutual tryst rather than a viscious attack against an unwilling participant.

Secondly, TeamDoh! is expert in the use of deception. They're not hanging their hats on Joe's mental condition or his veracity. They have other issues that are far more complex to bring to the battle field.

As I have said before, TeamDoh! its subsidiaries and parent companies all have different timelines and perspectives than the average citizens. They've already divided this case into segments- what has merrit, what can be argued and, most importantly, a timeline laying out when each event within this case will occur.

Consider this: Judas, The Fanucci and Bobbin' McGoff will be long out of office when this is decided. It will be a "Oh, remember them?" when the final decisions are handed down. The next band of characters will be in place. I'll bet their ties to the Tweedesque machine will be hidden much more carefully.

With School Board Directors and council members in his court, Christopher Doherty doesn't have to be Mayor to wield power. He merely needs his lackeys, access to phones and connections to campaign cash. The other players have bit parts and can be changed out at will. Doherty's time in office will pay him dividends for life, provided we vote in his lackeys.

This case will take a while to wind down the hallways of the courts. If I were a betting nobody, I'd put more money on the argument of whether Joe is a public figure. Do his activities, being a political activist, running a political website and speaking out on corruption make him a public figure, open to the same criticisms and attacks that elected officials are open to?

The TT article is a diversion but it obviously is not a well-thought out diversion. The one success Joe apparently had was to pressure their timelines. I think Joe has an opportunity for a change of venue, based on the comments of the judiciary in Lackawanna County.

I am at a loss as to why a sitting judge would make comments on a case active within his jurisdiction. There's quite a few cracks in this wall and no little dutch boy is going to plug 'em all. The secret to breaking the dam is to upset their timeline and bring pressure before they've set their defenses.

This mess took years to develop and it'll take years to deconstruct. That's what they're counting on. One win by Pilchesky in the right case and the demolition will begin. The only question is "Where will that win be?"

Oh, to be Stacy Brown's editor- No thanks!

2007-04-09T14:07:00.000-04:00

Stacy's writing is just like arsenic poisoning. Cumulative.

Brown was educated in the finest tabloid tradition. His hack masters taught him that to change the public's opinion of a highly popular person takes a steady attack. Brown is busy building a perception of Evans in the public's eye.

Hackmasters School of Journalism also taught Brown that the best way to deflect criticism is to accuse your enemy of the things you're accused of.

For example, the pampered Chris Doherty, who has had someone to clean up every mess he made, from his diaper to his current crap, who would fall over in a faint should he have to do a manual chore, a public official so out of touch with the working class he represents that dirt under his nails would require a bout of antibiotics, obviously has an image problem.

Enter Evans. Gaining in popularity because she's been consistently right about the failures of the mayor's policies and spendings and also known to work as hard as her constituents, Evens is a force that needs to be dealt with, but how?

Simple. Slowly build the impression she has grown "above" the people. Mention the new "luxury" car. Another article should mention her "huge" house and maybe trips she might take. Don't forget her wardrobe.

Like a frog in cold water. Turn the heat up slowly and soon, frog soup! If Brown had simply stated he thought Evans was driving an expensive car and was losing touch with her constituency, he'd be laughed out of the valley.

Through the time-tested methods of Hackmasters School of Journalism, Brown plants the seeds of doubt, one story at a time. Given the aboundant fertilizer available in the city and a little water, this plan should have grown like a weed.

Then there's the DD 2007 poliweed whacker. Let's just mow that baby down like the pricker bush it is. Isn't it time for Michael Jackson to go to court, Stac?

Frog Soup with a side of weeds ! A Hackmasters School of Journalism favorite!

Bon appetite!

Thoughts on closing the balcony...

2007-04-09T14:04:00.000-04:00

A bunch of fellow nobodys and I sat watching the recovery plan hearings in the balcony. There were speakers listing problems that needed to be addressed in the plan. The speakers were, surprisingly, pretty damn accurate about the problems that have surfaced since then.

More surprising, however was the fact that former councilman Pocius was nodding off, former council President Murphy was engaged in a serious game of tic-tac-toe and most interestingly, former councilman Hazzouri was reading his mail.

Judas is well-aware of what goes on at the dias. I'm convinced she fears the people in the balcony would see her rolling two metal balls around in her hand (think Queeg, not hubby's), while Fanucci alternately cuts out paper dolls, updates her on-line dating profile and crosses out the big words (should have pronounciations) given to her by her handlers to sound like a big girl councilwoman while McGoff, well, he just sits there thinking about how he might one day get elected to a political office.

The goal of Judas and her master Christopher Doherty is to embroil this council in so many Fanuccis of force 5 or better, so as to obfuscate the real issues facing the city, such as:

Hollowgate: The diversion of services from all citizens who deserved them to a few who promised votes. George Parker, DPW Director, was allowed to investigate himself and found he did nothing wrong, in his eyes. Rumored to have worn a blindfold during his self exam. "Ordered" to show at council for questioning; didn't show. Reportedly hid under his desk instead because his veracity wasn't just questioned, it was laughed at.

Alglican American: The action where the mayor broke a contract he helped institute, putting both Scranton and Dunmore on the hook for millions of dollars. The mayor is currently trying to hide losses in convoluted sewer dealings, of which he is allegedly experienced in, due to internship as a rat in a sewer.

City Unions: The mayor broke multiple contracts, leading to huge arbitrations and legal bills. Cost to taxpayers in the millions. Earnings for lawyers, FOC, in the millions.

Floodgate: The mayor and the rest of TeamDoh! would rather see people suffer than install a flood warning siren in lower Green Ridge.

Feel free to add your own Fanucci. The mayor's got a lot to hide and he needs his fellow gang* members to win elections.

Quite simply, the more interference the mayor can have between council and the people, the smaller the crowds, the more likely he can control what goes on in the city.

In one sentence: Everything that goes on in city hall is for one purpose- to maintain Chris Doherty's control of municipal activites.

As long as Chris Doherty is mayor and controls City Council, Chris Doherty controls the city of Scranton and, by the use of taxes, zoning and its unlicensed inspectors, smoking ordinance, unlawful, no-written policy, pre-council, 2nd and 4th amendment search and seizure violation searches, .....Chris Doherty controls you.

In effect, Judas Gatelli, Sherry Fanucci and the latest incarnation of an imp, Bobber McGoff, have allowed Chris Doherty to rule like a king.

Sorry Bobber, no matter the strength and severity of the Fanucci, no elected office for you.

*(Latest law enforcement definition of a gang: a group of three or more individuals, juvenile and or adult, who associate on a continuous basis, form an allegiance for a common purpose, and are allegedly involved in criminal activity.)

Move here? Do yourself a favor. Don't do it.

2007-02-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

So the mayor wants people to move to Scranton? Let me tell you about my experiences moving here.

I lived in a city where crime and gangs were prevelant. After answering a radio ad and going through a selection process, classes on homeownership and interviews, I moved into one of the worst sections of town because I was able to buy a condemned house for a dollar, with the help of that city. I got a mortgage with the help of that city to renovate that house with the understanding that I was there to help turn things around. The city officials were incredible, assisiting us at every turn, making the renovations we did about as close to painless as possible. They even offered technical advice on how to go about making renovations and were a phone call away when needed.

My wife, families and I worked our tails off to make the house a home. I was active in the neighborhood association/crime watch and we made a difference. Not a huge one but we cleared the drug dealers from the block, worked with the neighborhood police to solve crimes and make life better for the low-moderate income area. When we left, it was because, although better, our neighborhood was still a tough place to raise kids and the schools in the area were not good.

I was born and raised in Scranton and I liked the direction the city was going in. We moved here in late 2001, when the city was in the midst of the election frenzy. I wanted the safe schools, safe streets and all the other things Scranton had going for it. I should have been more perceptive. Trying to get a simple building permit in this city is like pulling teeth from an eight-year-old. Help is non-existant, for the most part and there's an attitude that whatever is done for you is akin to a hugh Christmas present, rather than the assistance the office should provide. It shouldn't be that way for a city fighting a fleeing population. We were offered no financial assistance and constantly made to feel like we were breaking the law when we wanted to do work on our home that we were quite qualified to do. Every call was met with "You'll have to talk to.... and they're out of the office and I don't know when they will return..." As of a couple of weeks ago, it's still the same.

A few months here and I find out the new mayor is cutting police protection, wants to close fire stations and all the other crap that's going on. I've spoken at council and watched council members read their mail, clean their nails and just about everything else while people talk. Why? We, the people don't matter here and they already know how they're going to vote. I've been here five years now and I'm sorry we moved here.

My taxes are skyrocketing. I see the crime increasing and, with my experiences out of town and my professional experience, I can say with some authority that the moves by this mayor to curtail the police and fire protection have led to and will lead to more problems, not less.

This administration cites and evicts homeowners for violations while giving businesses truckloads of money and incentives to develop minimum and near-minimum wage jobs. The administration spends thousands of dollars on promoting the mayor. How many low-income people could have been helped with repairs to their homes with just the money spent to plaster the TeamDoh! leader's puss over those billboards last year? The administration offers services to cronies while ignoring those who don't pay to play.

Right now, I don't want new people to come to this area. We need to make a lot of corrections before we ask new people to live here. We need to revamp the licensing and inspections office and make it so that people can build and remodel in this city without feeling like they are a burden, because, surprisingly, the people are the reason that office exists.

We need to spend more on the neighborhoods and less on the downtown because that's the real reason people come here to live. We need to get our municipal spending under control so we don't tax people to death. We need to straighten out the contract morass with the fire and police so we are assured these people have what they need to do their jobs and that we don't lose the best and brightest to other departments.

We need department heads who work together. The debacle with the stuck fire truck, for example, should never have happened because the DPW director, who should be a community member who could anticipate the needs of other departments, let all of us down by not cooperating with the other departments. It's winter. A DPW truck should be on call whenever the temperature is below freezing. For that matter, one should always be on-call for emergencies.

We're past the time when passing the buck was acceptable and the administration needed to be accountable only to the mayor. We pay more and more and it's time we get value for our money.

We need to make this a community driven by the community, not businesses and cronies. Until we get our boat in order, would you want your brother or sister to move here? I know I wouldn't reccomend moving here and I love this town. I moved here. I can speak to this issue. Our government makes it hard to move here, hard to live here and I, for one, wouldn't ask anyone else to do so until we make a lot of changes.

We are a bedroom community. The days of thousand-job plants are gone. We will be the city that supplies the labor to other areas for other types of jobs that will pay well. We need to embrace that ideal. Our city will thrive when businesses are allowed to develop to meet the demands of a growing population, not force-planted and supported by tax dollars. We've tried the other way and it doesn't work. How many times do you do the wrong thing before you step back and say, "Let's do this right?"

If you want people to live in your neighborhoods, stop wasting time and money on the center city. Make the neighborhoods a place to live and businesses will flock to take care of those people. Not only do we have this backwards at current, we flaunt it and throw successful businesses out on the street to prove it.

If we want more people to live here, we need to demand change and ignoring the problems won't make them go away. This site is not here to protect a failed administration, it's here to promote what this city could be.

TeamDoh! divides us because that's how they hold a tenuous grip on the government. United we grow, divided we fall and, for those of you unfamiliar with the term, we are now in free-fall and the mayor handed out the parachutes to the likes of Southern Union and the owners of the Ice Box.

The rest of us taxpayers? We got backpacks with an anvil made of tax bills inside and an assurance they were parachutes. Although I speak for my experiences only, I've spoken to others with similar stories and I offer this commentary to save the next person from the aggravation I've dealt with.

Gatelli: threatened or a threat?

2006-11-02T19:40:00.000-05:00

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Our city is at a crossroads. We need leaders, leaders who are above reproach and are not beholden to a party or group. Citizens questioned recently why a former councilman's alleged affair should be a topic for discussion. The answer is character. If a person is alleged to have cheated on his or her spouse, a person he or she has vowed fidelity and honor, how can we trust that person to carry out the duties of office with honesty and respect, representing people he or she may never meet?

Now comes our council president, claiming her life is private. Questions have been raised about her family receiving jobs in return for votes. Is it right for the people to question whether the allegations are true? If the council president's children are, in fact, not receiving any benefits, the light of investigation would put this issue to bed.

If the opposite is true, it is imperative that an investigation take place. If there are tradeoffs for votes, how can we ignore them? If there is wrongdoing, is it right to hide it behind the mantle of family?

As citizens of this country, we have the right and responsibility to make sure the people whom we have elected are not beholden to others. If Gatelli has nothing to hide, she would benefit from a total disclosure and an investigation that could put the issue to bed.

When a politician protests and cries foul when accused of improprieties, instead of offering to prove the accuser wrong, the politician often has much to hide.

Instead of the tears and theatrics, would it be too much to ask for a little honesty and light?

After the pity and blame and allegations of threats, the questions remain. It's a question of character. Can we trust our council president? Is she beholden to others? Is she an innocent, being dragged thru the mud? The questions, hidden under the drama, remain.

It's time our politicians show us they deserve our trust.

Chris, did you leave your toys out in the rain again?

2006-09-02T21:55:00.000-04:00

Remember when you were a kid? Mom and Dad took you to Nay Aug to ride the amusements on Monday nights and for only 10¢ you got to ride the train with Dad?

The train stopped running in the early ninties, when the amusement park at Nay Aug Closed. Taylor native Ken Koch rescued the train from a field behind Friendship House and had it shipped to his Florida home, where he spent thousands of dollars and countless hours rebuilding it.

Koch sold the rebuilt train to A. Hank Evanish, who, in turn, dontated it to the city. Mayor Doherty had a grand opening complete with photos and a ride. Having served its PR purpose, the train was left to rust, half-covered by a tarp, exposed to the elements.

Complaints about the conditions the train was being kept in led to the construction of a shelter of sorts. Unfortunately, a shelter offers protection only when used.

For example, the engine and one of the two cars sat weathering the remains of Hurricane Ernesto parked on the track, with no protection from the rain. One car was parked in the shelter.

The Nay Aug Train is an icon, a piece of our history. Instead of being covered with rain, it should be protected from the weather and only used when the weather is good.

Instead, it sits out in the rain, a symbol of our past, a dark future of neglect and rust in store.

Remember when you were a kid and you got a new toy? The old toys were pushed to the side because the new toys are so exciting.

The picture was taken, the article was in the paper. Now, the train is on its own. Our history, left to the elements. Once the political mileage has been gained, it's just another gimmick. Another toy to be pushed to the side, your memories be damned.

Remember that ride with Dad? Think about it again when the train is closed because it's too rusted to run.

Thanks, Chris Doherty, you've restored my pride.

Shamed into action

2006-09-01T08:12:00.000-04:00

The Albright Avenue Bridge is clear of debris for the first time since flooding in late June piled trees and muck, causing a flood threat.

Contrary to news reports crediting the compassion of George Parker, neighbors joined with posters from DohertyDeceit.com to demand action be taken. Posters attempted to organize a work party but the conditions under the bridge prevented the work from being done safely.

The group then innundated city council and the Mayor's office with phone calls. The Times-Tribune and local TV stations were contacted. In the face of mounting pressure, George Parker suddenly had a change of heart.

Citing concern for expected bad weather over the weekend, Parker ordered the men and rental equipment he didn't have last week to appear at the bridge and do the work. In under four hours, the bridge was clear.

In an article in the Times Tribune Thursday, Gardner Avenue resident Dan Hubbard said “That should take some of the apprehension away,” “Everybody’s been pretty much on edge with the way the weather is, especially because it’s been raining so much this week alone.”

Why did this fiasco occur? It's the responsibility of the city to clear the blockages and the work is one of the reasons Scranton has a Department of Public Works. Yet, Parker seemed intent on having the job bid. Could the delay have been a message to the people of lower Green Ridge?

Ironically, in the July 4th edition of the Times Tribune, residents complained about the city's response. “It’s like lower Green Ridge doesn’t exist,” Connie Sacchetti said.

Hubbard echoed those thoughts in the same article. “Councilwoman Janet Evans came out and later (Council President) Judy Gatelli." Hubbord stated. “Our losses are in the thousands and we have yet to see anyone from the mayor’s office, the county or the state and that’s a big concern.”

Lower Green Ridge residents soon found themselves staring at the sky and the pile of debris left under the bridge, waiting for the rain they knew would come and begging the city to remove the tangle of trees that could block the flow of water and trigger a new round of flooding.

Was the delay in cleaning under the bridge retribution? Why did Parker have the crews and assets to clear the right-of-way on Hollow Avenue but not this project? How did the men and assets suddenly become available to Parker when the bridge threatened to become a Public Relations nightmare?

Where was the Mayor when a neighborhood sat, day in and out, waiting for a thunderstorm to flood their neighborhood because of a lack of essential river maintenance?

Is it time to replace Parker with someone who can get the important jobs done without all this drama? Is it time to replace a man who would let residents' anxiety build with every raindrop when the solution is so simple? Is it time to expect more from our public officials?

You decide.

I'm waiting for the Sunday Times because I'm sure a picture of the cleared bridge will be framed by "Something has been done" and a paragraph or two on how last weeks' photo made it happen.

Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to really make this happen. Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Sacchetti, sleep well tonight. Your neighbors care about you.

Like the song? Pay the fiddler.

2006-08-23T14:03:00.000-04:00

I stared at the photo of the moving van taking furniture from the Southern Union building for a long time. The near-empty building, still unfinished and doing nothing for our economy, was to be a savior of the downtown.

Most noted for tying up traffic on Lackawanna Avenue for a couple of years, the building is as empty as the promises of its impact on our city.

I question how we can continue to "plant the seed of economic growth" without a harvest. We continue to lose residents while the "well-fertilized by political rhetoric" garden is seeded using programs like KOZs and taxpayer-funded demolitions. Nothing ever appears to take root in a way that promotes serious economic growth or provides decent wages to a large number of citizens.

How can we continue to borrow when we keep losing? We can't.

The simple approach to solving the problem of credit cards is to stop borrowing. Such is one solution to the city's budget. Our budget is $6 million out of whack. The solution is not to increase the debt load and service. The solution is to cut spending or raise taxes.

Since the mayor has raised his administration's salaries, added positions, continued fruitless arbitrations and refused cost-cutting solutions and income-generating suggestions, raising taxes is the only remaining choice.

If we raise taxes now, there are two benefits. First, we will not increase our debt service. Less debt means more money in the budget.

Secondly, raising taxes will be painful to all. It's time we were all made aware of the actual cost of the Doherty reign. If we borrow yet again, we will face the same reality in a couple of years- with the added debt. The piper will call, now or when this money is used. I say pay now.

I once heard our mayor interviewed on the radio. He stated Scranton will always have a budgetary problem. If that's so, then how can we borrow today against a future with even less residents and less ability to pay?

It's the most unpopular decision, it's the most painful decision, it's the right decision.

Raising taxes is the right decision forced on the taxpayers by re-electing this Spend-a-holic Mayor. The slim majority that kept this man in power is the same majority that is responsible for the position we're in. Doherty played. Now he has to take the responsibility. Either way, we pay.

They got us here. We, the people, will pay the ferryman for the return trip.

All for one and none for the rest!

2006-08-17T12:17:00.000-04:00

Those familiar with the ongoing Hollow Avenue fiasco must be as confused as I am over the recent comments of Scranton Department of Public Works Director George Parker.

Parker claimed in an article published by the Times Tribune on August 11th that the DPW can't muster the needed resources to clear the debris gathered under the Albright Avenue bridge after the last round of flooding.

"The city's DPW...doesn't have enough manpower and time to remove the remainder of the debris," said director George Parker.

Daniel Hubbard, a resident of the area, is worried about future flooding.

He told the Times Tribune: "If we were to get any type of heavy rain, the Albright Avenue bridge right now would act as a dam," Mr. Hubbard said. "It's absolutely appalling that this has just gone by. Now, it's blatant disregard for the neighborhood."

Hubbard and the rest of the neighborhood have a right to be mad. Parker, according to documentation, ordered the DPW tree cutting crew to clear the Hollow Avenue right-of-way in front of the new home of the daughter of a then-democratic committeeman in August of last year.

Yet, he claims he does not have the manpower or resources to clear debris that has the potential to cause devastating flooding to the neighborhood Hubbard and his neighbors call home. How could he have the resources to do the Hollow Avenue work for one homeowner but not the Albright Avenue bridge work, where a whole neighborhood is on the line?

Parker needs to get his priorities straight. Better yet, with this man making decisions like these, the next interview he gives should be to announce his resignation.

How about a camera in the Mayor's office?

2006-08-16T12:20:00.001-04:00

Facing another alleged budget shortfall of some $6 million and a request for a $45+ million loan, along with 14 failed arbitrations being dragged out in the courts with very little chance of success and a ticking clock on the Anglican American lawsuit, the Doherty administration is still forging ahead with a plan to install security cameras in the downtown.

While the $250,000 price tag is a drop in the bucket against the deficits the Doherty administration has created, critics maintain the cameras are a waste of money needed elsewhere. In fact, in Baltimore, where Scranton officials first saw the cameras in action, officials agree the cameras do little to help criminal invesigations.

According to an article by Matthew Cella, of the Washington Times, reported in a post on Officer.com, a law enforcement site, "Baltimore, for example, set up about 80 cameras in May 2005 in high-crime neighborhoods. Volunteers and retired law-enforcement personnel monitor the images in real time, but the cameras have not helped put criminals behind bars."

"Generally, the State's Attorney's Office has not found them to be a useful tool to prosecutors," office spokeswoman Margaret Burns said. "They're good for circumstantial evidence, but it definitely isn't evidence we find useful to convict somebody of a crime."

Cella's article also notes Chicago installed more than 35 cameras in July of 2003 and had its first success- breaking up a drug deal- in February of 2005- 19 months later.

Considering the cost of the Cameras, $250,000, the costs of monitoring and the city's history of budgeting maintenance funds for its projects once the ribbon has been cut, the screens of the cameras have the distinct advantage of being expected to do something in the next three to five years that Scranton's budget can't hope to accomplish in thirty to fifty years-

Fading to black.

How long can we continue to borrow, give away and pour money into projects even experts say are unnecessary, overpriced or, in this case, useless? The borrowing in the last few years is astounding and will hamper many projects in the future because we will have reached the limits of our debt-servicing abilities.

Is there no limit to the spending of this administration? What happens when we reach that ceiling and the powers that be refuse any more feeding at the debt trough? Where will the administration's spending pigs feed?

Taxes.

It's time City Council refuses to pay for one more Doherty gimmick. Without a loan, the results of years of adding new administration members, breaking contracts, giving raises to his staff, backroom deals and arbitrating instead of negotiating will result in higher taxes.

Doherty brought us to this point. Now he has to pay the bus driver.

It's inevitable. It's time.

Chris Doherty, it's your turn to pay to play.

2006-08-13T16:25:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Nobody's Corner.