Last nights council meeting 9-30

Well, another one for the books. Bob Kadluboski was again forced to leave due to his, uhmmm emotional reaction to the new towing ordinance. He claimed that no independent company can make the regulations that this set. I don't know, cause I haven't looked into it (only so much one dinged up, greying Firefighter can do), but I don't doubt it. After some of the stunts Mr Leighton has pulled, c'mon. If Bob Kadluboski is accurate then this is another ploy to GIVE MORE to Leo A. Glodzik AKA owner of LAG towing AKA Leighton campaign contributor. If you have doubts fine, Remember this;
1 Leighton broke the city contract with city wide towing, Allowing him to give it to LAG
2 A judge upheld Bob Kadluboski's lawsuit and awarded him $220,000
3 Leighton tried to sell the Old River Road Bakery to Glozdik in a back room deal.
4 Leighton tried to sell the Old River Road Bakery to Glozdik for 8 cents on the dollar
5 Now Leighton is trying to take out LAG towing's competition.
6 Leo A. Glodzik is a Leighton campaign contributor.
BTW Bob Kadluboski gave notice that he is going to sue.
We've got to find a way to stop the corruption.


Also of note was that W-B crime watch (I believe that is the correct link) was at council tonight and "will return at all council meeting until further notice". Good. They were concerned about the multiple drug houses and gun shots last night at Loomis & Stanton. They also want a single person as a contact within the police. Evidently a deputy chief was given the position and was 'unacceptable' and they have had a revolving door of replacements forcing the crime watch to start at step one each time. Leightons response "It just might not be a person you want." Does he remember who he actually works for? Oh and I loved this one, "I'll NEVER jeopardize a persons safety". WHAT???? By reducing our fire dept. manning to UNSAFE levels that is exactly what he has done.

Time to close this out, More on the flooding on New Fredrick soon.....

Dan Emplit
AKA Don Quixote

Took lots of pictures of the flooded New Fredrick St

I'll be posting them soon, Here's a quick one

Our Condolences to 2 Fire fighters

Today a man passed away. I did not know him, but he was related to 2 of W-B's Fire Fighters, A brother to one, a brother-in-law to another. I can only pass our sincerest condolences and sympathies to them and there families.


Dan Emplit WBFD

More Proof

Mr. Leightons state of the art surveillance system that will put us "on the map" sure has. The problem is that it is a map of wasted tax payer money. Obviously the cameras are not deterring crime, "At least five cars were broken into Saturday night around public square, and that comes on top of dozens of others in recent weeks." WBRE (09-20-2010). But what is our 'spend the tax payers money' leadership going to do to stop the break ins? More cameras, mobile (more expensive?) ones. "A Wilkes-Barre City Councilman Bill Barrett says three more mobile camera units have been ordered and should be placed around the city soon." WBRE (09-21-2010). Oh and more cameras "Wilkes-Barre police say they plan to install more surveillance cameras in the city's parking garages, since the number of break-ins is growing there, too."
WBRE (09-20-2010)
According to WBRE, the car break ins have "become a regular problem downtown." & "All the people we spoke with were shocked by the time of the break-ins. Saturday's started a four o'clock in the afternoon, in broad daylight." WBRE (09-20-2010).
Part of the problem is that everyone knows that the system is riddled with bugs and doesn't work as Mr Leighton advertised.
Leighton said "they're (police) not happy about it because they think we should put more people on the streets." WBRE (07-16-2010) No WE want more POLICE on the streets. Yea, He's said it before, It's not his (Leighton) fault, it's someone else's. Maybe the police are unhappy with it because it DOESN'T WORK! Besides cameras CANNOT replace POLICE on the ground.
Leighton is more interested in getting his name on a building than he is our safety. He has done:
1 Back room deals
2 VIOLATED CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TWICE (Denise Carey & the Hammonds)
3 'Lost' $38.8 million from the Solomon Creek project
4 Sold city property for 8 cents on the dollar to a campaign contributor
5 Lied to county officials to get tax forgiveness to a campaign contributor
6 Cut our safety to fund HIS pet projects
7 The whole Ice Rink, which was supposed to revitalize W-B HOW?
8 The largely worthless camera system
9 Raised taxes and fees to an all time high.
10 racked up MASSIVE lawsuit debts
11 Violated a contract so he could give it to a campaign contributor
12 LIED to the public (Oh yea, that's news)
This just off the top of my head.

Today we had 2 alarms at the same time, thankfully neither was a real emergency. But what would have happened.... No, what WILL happen to our loved ones WHEN it IS REAL. Remember, who is responsible because he WILL blame the Fire Dept instead of taking responsibility for his own foolishness. Also remember it at election time.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Am I Wrong?

How is it that Mr Leighton is still in office? I mean what offense must he do? Anybody that has served or believes in what this country stands for (It's written in our Constitution) should be crazed by what he has done. No offense is greater for a mayor than to violate someones Constitutional rights. BUT he HAS! Not once but TWICE!!! This is not my interpretation but a judges!

The Citizens' Voice (Feb 5, 2009) "In November, a federal jury ruled the city and Leighton violated Carey's Constitutional rights in attempting to stifle her opposition to the closing of the firehouse in the city's Heights section."
and
The Times Leader (Sept 18, 2010) U.S. Magistrate Judge Malachy E. Mannion filed court papers Friday stating he did not believe the “right to know” claims of Tyler and Antonia Hammond were violated in the sale of the building, but agreed that the Hammonds’ constitutional rights were.
The city (under mr Leightons direction) are appealing these rulings. AND who pays for these appeals? Wanna guess, Yep US, the citizens of W-B. Just so you know, Having a city attorney does not mean the city doesn't pay lawyers fees. So mr. Leighton keeps delaying these results so that the NEXT administration gets stuck with his bill. Remember HE VIOLATED CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TWICE!!!
Here is a quick list
1 Cut Essential LIFE-SAVING SERVICES to an UNSAFE level

2 Considers our CONSTITUTIONAL rights inconveniences

3 Sells property, in back room deals, to his campaign contributors for 8 cents on the dollar

4 Lies to the county commissioners to get tax forgiveness on the property. "county commissioner meeting minutes that say the city indicated the parcel would house "townhomes within character of the neighborhood.". But "Leighton said town homes were never intended for that parcel" The Times Leader Oct 20, 2009

5 Ignores Private property (The Hammonds also claim their Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments rights were violated when the city unreasonably seized and destroyed property of the Hammonds, including trees, a garden and personal items, as well as a fence.) The Times Leader Sept 18, 2010

6 Gets $50 million to fix 4 bridges AND Solomon creek, the bridges cost $11.2 million but the creek wasn't touched! $38.8 million MISSING! The Times Leader Oct 21, 2007

7 The Coal street Ice ring, That citizens can 'sometimes' use. Not to mention the Zamboni that the city bought and GAVE to the ring. Wasn't that $80,000 +?

8 He STILL hasn't payed Denise Carey the money a federal court awarded her, After violating her constitutional rights.

9 Raised taxes and fees to an all time high.

But don't forget his senate campaign said "HE" saved Wilkes-Barre.

Enough for now, or I'll have to start taking High blood pressure meds.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

why you should pick a name

Okay, I got another message (if you want to call it that) from 'Drunk Anonymous' and I'm pretty sure I've got at least 2 different people posting messages under the cowardly 'Anonymous' name. I don't understand why someone wouldn't put their name on what they write, except if they know it isn't true or are trying to start an argument. My policy stands. Post 'Anonymous' and it will never be seen, if only because I want to know which individual I am 'writing' at.
For the somewhat literate 'Anonymous' READ the post and stop trying to start Internet fights. You are the reason no 'Anonymous' posts will be seen.
Comic book guy, PICK A NAME. (Can't help but picture you as the Simpsons 'Comic Book Guy'. That is NOT a compliment)

Dan Emplit WBFD

Had the flu. Still not up to a real post.

ABC NEWS joins OBAMA - Bans American Flag Pins

Was sent this. I don't know if it is true, If it is I will NOT be watching ABC until it is repealed.

ABC NEWS joins OBAMA - Bans American Flag Pins

Barbara Walters said that this was going to hurt ABC bad. As you know she works for ABC. This should make your blood boil...it DOES mine!
________________________________________

ABC NEWS BANS FLAG LAPEL PINS!

YESTERDAY THE BRASS AT ABC NEWS ISSUED ORDERS FORBIDDING REPORTERS TO WEAR LAPEL PIN AMERICAN FLAGS OR OTHER PATRIOTIC INSIGNIA. THEIR REASONING WAS THAT ABC SHOULD REMAIN NEUTRAL ABOUT 'CAUSES'.

SINCE WHEN IS SUPPORT FOR PREVENTING DEATH AND DESTRUCTION SOME SORT OF A 'CAUSE'? SINCE WHEN IS PATRIOTISM TO BE DISCOURAGED?

I URGE YOU TO BOYCOTT ABC AND ITS SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES. WE ARE SLOWLY LOSING EVERYTHING OUR COUNTRY STANDS FOR AND EVERYTHING OUR MEN AND WOMEN FOUGHT AND DIED TO PRESERVE!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY AS YOU CAN.

THIS HAS BEEN VERIFIED THROUGH:
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/a/abcflag.htm

Anonymous

Okay, once again I've had enough. I had some time so I decided to look at the 'cowardly' posts. Some idiots, who don't have the courage to pick a name, call sign, handle, or whatever you want to call it, has sent 3 comments to me in the last 2 weeks. At least in this last one he 'seemed' sober. I mean some rambling monolouge about how Hanover had to put out "uor" (our? as in W-Bs?) fire on "oksford" st. Hey Moron, Oxford St is in Hanover Township.

The Latest ended with "If your so against anyone posting anonymously maybe you should remove that capability." Hey, If you don't like me ignoring you, don't post a comment. Start your own blog. Find a hobby. Just 'Don't Post Drunk'.

And for the comic book fan. What can I say, you must have a lot of time on your hands. Use it to learn something.
So Far 6 different names from comic books, I think this idiot is just going to keep going until I miss one.
If you want to post that is fine. Just use a consistent name and be coherent.
Remember 'Don't Post Drunk'.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Creeks

Solomans Creek photos and the missing (?) $38.8 million

9/11

A relative of mine said this, I can't say it better, so I stole it


"On this day, remember all the Americans who lost their lives 9 years ago, all the fireman and police who lost their lives trying to save them, and all the other heroes who spent their days at ground zero looking for survivors, and then clearing out the wreckage. Remember all the men and women in the armed forces who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. Lest we never forget, Freedom isn't free."

Thank you Nicci

And now for something completely differant...
I went for a little walk today, from South Main St to Division St, IN the Solomon creek bed. The creek that floods every few years. As in 1972, 1975, 1985, 1996, 2004 and in June 2006. You know the one that GOP Sen. Specter and Dem U.S. Rep. Kanjorski approved $50 million to fix. What did we get 4 new bridges (That's GOOD). But it was $2.8 million each (that's $11.2 Million), So where did the rest of the money go?! $38.8 Million.
'On Saturday, those elected officials made another pledge to control flooding by replacing every bridge and rebuilding walls and the natural bed channel along the entire length of the creek -- a span of about 5 miles.' (Oct 21, 2007) The Times Leader. Here are some pictures.
From the street

Same place from the creek

A retired DPW gentleman has been doing what he can 'out of his own pocket.' BUT that is not his responsibility! And city hall is giving the residents of this area NO HELP!



And



What was that number? $38.8 MILLION. Oh by the way, I wouldn't use the Division St brige if I were you. Our safety or his pet projects. Guess which win.



Lots more Pics to come.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

LAG Towing - Old River Road Bakery - Leighton

Since it was in the paper (and I'm looking into another mayoral fiasco) I thought I would repost this

LAG Towing - Old River Road Bakery - Leighton

The Old River Road Bakerywas scheduled to be sold at the Sept. 16 tax sale conducted by the county. One day before the sale the city removed the property from the sale list.

The selling of the old river road bakery to LAG towing for $38,000
when it was appraised at $478,300. That's less than 8 percent of
the value!!!
8 cents on the dollar. and the mayor says he is fiscally
responsible. "We were very thankful to get $38,000." Leighton said
Oct 9 2009 Citizens Voice

Mr. Leo Glodzik donated more than $10,000 to Leighton's campaign
in the last four years. He also owns LAG Towing.

The City asked the county commissioners to forgive $42,349 in back
taxes which they did with the understanding the city would acquire
it and sell it to a developer for townhouses. LAG is in the towing
Business not construction.

Leighton has said the city intervened because the building was
deteriorating. The city would have no control over who bought the
property at a tax sale, which means the city could risk a new
buyer who would not clean up the site, Leighton said.

LAG is a towing company. What do you think they will do with the
property? I think the will store damaged, leaking cars there.
Doesn't sound 'Cleaned up' to me.

Just A funny Pic

7 New Firefighters

It's been a while since my last real post. Needed to separate myself from the political backstabbing, double dealing, self serving crap for a little while.

All this noise about Mayor Leighton Hiring 7 new firefighters is honestly just that...Noise. In the last 7 years 23 firefighters have retired and not been replaced.
This still leaves us seriously depleted and shows that the mayor knows it, Either that or he has decided to run for re-election. Oh by the way, They haven't been hired yet. So until they show up in uniform, ready to do the job, They aren't real. They still need to pass an 8 week firefighting course and be an EMT or better. So in my opinion this is nothing more than an attempt to have something to counter the FD when we point out his extreme mismanagement skills.

I don't know about you but I am getting tired of Leightons lies, No-Bid contracts, Backroom deals and threats. I am tired of a council that vaguely does its job, will not stand up to the mayor, will not state their position on life threatening policies, and still want to be praised.

Last night there were enough men on duty to have Engine 3. After midnight Engine 3 and Medic 3 were dispatched to an unresponsive patient. Minutes later Medic 5 and Engine 1 were dispatched to an active seizure on Barney St just inside the city line. If there was no Engine 3 last night, the closest engine to support Medic 5 would have been Hollenback, with a 10 minute minimum ETA.

Harrisburg, with roughly the same population, a mayor that makes the same amount, but has 70 Firefighters + 4 captains, 8 Lts & more chiefs. Why should we pay our mayor as much as Harrisburg but get MUCH less safety?

When a Judge Said that Leighton Violated Denise Carey's Constitutional rights, WHY was he not removed from office??!!!(The Citizens' Voice Nov 19, 2008)Where was the city council when this happened? They are a legislative body. "A legislature is a type of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws."

As a citizen, I call on the council to pass a law that stops the mayor from unilaterally doing something that opens the city up to massive lawsuits, needlessly risking lives, or Violating any ones Constitutional rights!

I may not be speaking at council meetings right now, But I'm not going away.
Safety is a right - not a privilege. We will Remember that on Election Day.

Dan Emplit WBFD

AKA Don Quixote