Glodzik not living up to his contract?

Mark Robbins of Forty Fort has started a blog about Leo and his L.A.G. towing monopoly in Wilkes-Barre. You should check it out.
If you haven't been reading the papers, well here are the links.

Dessoye: LAG Towing’s profits not my business

Critical remarks target Wilkes-Barre's towing operator

Wilkes-Barre towing contract not enforced

W-B tower denies driver’s claims

City tower’s conduct blasted

Here is a short list of what Mr Robbins has claimed on his site:

1. L.A.G. towing has NOT fulfilled its contract by:
a. NOT keeping an accurate and running log of all vehicles currently in storage
b. Not giving Wilkes-Barre PD An accurate and running log of all vehicles currently in storage
2. NOT giving WBPD a list of the tows made by the Contractor under this contract for the preceding month
3. NOT giving WBPD a copy of all inventories held
And has failed to do this FOR 75 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS!!!

No matter how you feel about the circumstances that got Mr Robbins started in this investigation. The details he is digging up are showing even more corruption in city hall.

One final claim I would like to point out, (From his 'CARs for Cash' kickback Scam)
"SCRANTON FBI IS COMPROMISED No wonder why Mayor Leighton is so cocky that he taunts people at City Council meetings. The FBI is “in his hip pocket.” Scranton FBI Agent Joe Noone attended a “Leighton for Senate party” and Noone has been seen out to dinner with the W-B Police Chief Gerard Dessoye. Noone has effectively corrupted himself by taking part in these social events. These are the people he is supposed to investigate! The Scranton FBI is the entity to which I should report. It’s now compromised."
Scary. Now even the watchmen may be compromised.



Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? "Who watches the watchmen?"

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

The City takes ANOTHER shot at our rights

I haven't posted in a while, I was going to take a week or so off to help with some family matters and take some time for myself. But when councils Queen Bee does something SO FAR from what is right.... Well Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

The Wilkes-Barre 'ruling class' has decided to look into enforcing an ordinance that will take away our right to free speech. Since you have probably read the articles this morning, I'll just do the 'quote thing'.

From the Citizens Voice
Proposed W-B ordinance bars 'impertinent' remarks at meetings
###
A person barred from addressing council by the chairperson can only speak again if a majority of the council members present agree to rescind the order
###
Yea, THAT'S gonna happen. I see it this way. If you beg and grovel, then maybe they will ALLOW you to speak in their presence. Bull, they will DENY you that right.

###
"This is just making sure people have the opportunity to speak to council and to exercise their free speech without being intimidated or concerned or scared," William Vinsko (assistant city attorney) said.
###
Isn't this the guy neck deep in Leightons attempt to silence Denise Carey? Yea I trust his take on the First Amendment. BTW, Mr. Vinsko, I STILL haven't received the copy of the home rule charter that YOU promised me back in August 2010.

###
Mary Catherine Roper, an ACLU attorney, said without complete knowledge of the city's ordinance, she can't say what conduct might warrant a speaking ban. Measures could be taken, though, if somebody purposefully holds up or disrupts every meeting, Roper said.
###
Get ready for the city to waste another HUNDRED THOUSAND + DOLLARS to fight ANOTHER lawsuit it can not win.






And the Times Leader
W-B Council seeks change in decorum at meetings
###
Kane said she couldn’t offer specific information on the planned changes, but she said she has become increasingly concerned about the way some people conduct themselves at meetings.
###
I hope she means Leighton and herself! They are the worse offenders! I've wrote about that HERE and HERE.

###
“But if somebody gets completely out of control to the point where it affects the ability of others to present their concerns to council, then there should be consequences,” Kane said.
###
Does this include our childish mayor? He is the one who instigated the 'disruption' that the article mentions.


I saw this in the online comments:
From Barry_W
"Maybe it's time to elect people to council who will listen, offer dialogue and solutions that will solve the city's challenges.
If Kathy wants to avoid future incidents why doesn't she set a standard of behavior for council and the mayor? It is the mayor, twice, and her, once, that started "incidents" when they called Bob "Cupcake."
Instead, they want to remove all of our rights to show our outrage with how this city is run and how they conduct themselves.
Her attitude proves that we do not want her as our City Controller. She will not provide the checks and balances that we need."




Two changes I would like to see is council PAYING ATTENTION to the speakers!! So stop talking to each other instead of listening!!
And doing something for the full benefits they get! Oh right, some don't take the benefits... they take the cash buy out.

I'd also like to know WHO decides who is being 'impertinent'? I fear I already know.

I've always viewed the First Amendment as the right to publicly question our government. Without censure or reprisal. Council is trying to restrict our right to voice our grievances

This seems to stem from council looking at itself as Nobility. They should know Nobility comes from an honorable soul and selfless action, not some delusional sense of misplaced superiority.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE MRS. KANE


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Captain Cupcake should be worried

It seems that the newspapers (even his Times Cheerleader) are taking a close look at the dictator.

Leighton: No golf for me
Isn't officially campaigning while on the clock illegal?
Oh and I would love to see a roster of who showed up (BEFORE he gets a chance to doctor it) to check his numbers. Since he can't tell the difference between $12 million and $27 million for the parking garage, sorry intermodel center.


City workers golf for boss
If this was put in motion MONTHS ago, why a Friday instead of a weekend? Then most of these people wouldn't have had to take time off?


Meet the mayor of Barney Farms
Some VERY good reporting here. Instead of just printing the obvious or regurgitating city hall press releases, They really did their homework.

"In 2009, 14 of those hired for 138 summer jobs through an executive order by the mayor, or about 10 percent, lived alongside Leighton in the riverside enclave of Barney Farms."
And
"Barney Farms has three streets and 69 homes, or less than one-half of 1 percent of the city's households."
And
"The vast majority of summer hires that year came from South Wilkes-Barre and the Leighton administration's approach toward filling summer jobs seems specifically designed to achieve that very outcome."

Also Pure Bunkum has somethings to say on the issue.
Mayor Leighton Works At City Hall And At The Golf Club

If you are thinking of supporting Leighton, Ask yourself these questions:

Your going to support him even with the $15 million cost over run on a $12 million dollar project?

Or the $17 million Riverfront that has no parking and no bathrooms?

Or the selling of city property (to his a campaign contributor) for 10% of it's value?

Or the Hiring of his relatives for summer jobs that were not advertised?

Or his campaigning on city time?

Add those to the list:
The Fountain, $75,000 dollars for repairing the fountain. Well after GIVING the ice rink a free (we the citizens paid for it) Zamboni, that cost around $80,000, there is no more money.

I guess after selling the Old River Road Bakery, for 8 cents on the dollar (the equivalent of selling a gallon of gas for under 24 cents a gallon), to a campaign contributor there isn't enough money for public safety.

Maybe it was because the city had to pay Denise Carey $67,000 when Mayor 'I Believe (in higher taxes)' Leighton violated her CONSTITUTIONAL Rights.

Maybe it was the $220,000 in legal fees Denise Careys lawyer is seeking from the city.

Maybe it's the $225,000 the city had to pay Bob Kadluboski (of City-Wide Towing) after violating his contract with the city.

Maybe it was the money that was spent on the city attorneys to fight the wrong fights

Maybe it was the MILLIONS spent on an ice rink that the public 'can use SOMETIMES'

Maybe it was the MILLIONS spent on the Big Brother Camera system that work occasionally (a cop told me only around 24 were working and they were blocked by trees)

Maybe it was the sidewalks downtown that didn't need to be replaced near as much as some of the ones away from downtown

Maybe it was the cost over runs on the Coal street 'get outta the city faster' project

Maybe it's time for a mayor that places the citizens safety before his pet projects



As for public safety,
Remember the Cities own study claimed 17 firefighters/shift was the MINIMUM, not the mayors 12! He's putting our loved ones at risk so he can fund HIS projects!!
Think about it when you vote, or when a meth lab explodes in Wilkes-Barre.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Pure Bunkum has a new post

Pure Bunkum has a post about the TL sucking up and minimizing Leightons nepotism.
At Least I Had The TL On My Side

Once again Betty Roccograndi makes so VERY good points.

I loved this one:
"What would have happened, we wonder, if Leighton’s human resources director had not recommended Courtney and Lauren Leighton for the city positions? Would the mayor have accepted that decision and told his daughter at the dinner table, Sorry, hon, by there were others more qualified?"

Captain Cupcake (Leighton) had to 'put this to rest'. With so many people looking at the favoritism to Leo Glodzik he can't afford to show his true colors.

And to answer an Email question about Leighton, Yes Clancey.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, 1997

Gonna keep this one short, My SIG Sauer is complaining I never take her out anymore.
Damn Swiss/Germans are so hard to please. Gonna have to give her a workout.



Oh and I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th... Even this dachshund



Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

10% or less Redux

I posted my thoughts about this previously.

I have been given around 40 pages of information about this transaction from a friend (Thanks, Dude). They don't mind if I call them by name, but I want to keep that private for now.

First off a little recap.
Captain U. Cupcake (Leighton) had the city buy the double-block at 86-88 Carlisle Street.
Cost $8500 and $1,500 to close out federal mortgages, So $10,000.
He then sold the property to Leo A. Glodzik III (a campaign contributor) for $7500.
That's a loss to the city of $2,500 right off the bat.

The city and Glodzik claim,
1. "one side of the property was completely gutted to the studs, and all the copper pipe and electrical wiring was removed. He said he couldn’t access the basement on that side because the stairs were missing."

2. “It was a shell. That’s all that was there,”

3. “The whole kitchen was pretty much caved in on itself,”

4. “There was mold throughout that side of the basement,”

5. "duplex sold for $7,500 because of its deplorable condition"

YET, and here is the corruption. If this is true, and the city would have had to have known it to sell the property for $7,500, THEN WHY DID THEY LET GLODZIK GET AWAY WITH REMODELLING THE PROPERTY WITH 2 PERMITS, EACH WITH AN 'ESTIMATED COST OF BUILDING' OF $2,000!!! That is a total of $4,000! That's it. The ONLY 2 permits taken out.

So what is the truth? It is one of 4 things.
1. The house was worth WAY more than $7,500 (HELL the land is worth more than that)
2. Glozdik did WAY more work than $4,000 (and got away with it because of political connections).
3. Someone dropped the ball appraising the property (because of incompetence or political pressure)
4. All of the above

I'd go with 4.



Don't forget Glodzik has a history of ignoring the law, he was caught doing work he is not licenced for, no permit, putting an apartment where he knew he couldn't and fined for it at 253 New Hancock St.
1. Complaints about work on property
2. W-B towing contractor fined for illegal apts.
3. Glodzik cited with zoning violations
4. W-B’s car tower gets fined again
5. W-B’s tower to appeal fines concerning permits, work on property
6. W-B reduces city tower’s fines

This is very fishy and something is wrong with this. I'm not done looking into this.
"One half of the property was inhabited up to the time it was sold to the city in an October 2007 back-tax sale, according to a relative of the prior owner. But Barrouk stressed the property was not occupied by the time the city acquired it."
Then why was it only a 'drive by' assessment?

“The land itself was assessed at $16,400, The 3,666-square-foot structure on a 0.11-acre lot is in an attractive neighborhood" Urban said.
Commissioner Urban, please don't let this go. This is what you promised to investigate. Follow the money and the paper trails. Do what you have to.
You can't fix corrupt, but you can bring it to the light!!!


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Someone else lets loose

One of our area papers has an article from someone who has had enough, It's a MUST read.

It's a relatively short article, so I'll copy it here

######
All in the family business

When it comes to government ethics, Tom Leighton is the Rip Van Winkle of local politics.

Leighton must have slumbered through the last 30 months.

He must have snored through that federal corruption sweep that netted more than 30 government officials and contractors.

He must have snoozed while outraged voters upended county government and approved a home-rule charter that will impose strict hiring, contracting and ethics rules. Well good morning, Mayor Tom. It's a new day and voters don't look kindly on politicians who use their positions to benefit their relatives.

As reported Friday by Citizens' Voice Staff Writer Andrew Staub, Leighton approved the hiring of his 20-year-old daughter and 20-year-old niece for $10-per-hour summer jobs with city government. More than 100 other people who applied for 76 summer positions with the city were turned away.

Leighton defended the hirings, arguing his daughter and niece "should be considered as everyone else in considered."

No, they shouldn't. Elected officials have a duty to avoid even the appearance of impropriety and to promote public confidence in government.

If Leighton wants to help his daughter and niece find work during their summer vacations from college, he should give them jobs in his real-estate firm. Or, if they are as dependable and hard-working as he says they are, they could find summer work on their own.

The city is full of disadvantaged young people who would love to have a summer job at City Hall to pay tuition, help with household expenses or build a resume that will help them become productive adults.

Two of them won't have that chance because Leighton decided to use the power granted to him by voters to help his own household.

The hirings, coupled with Leighton's letter to a federal judge on behalf of a former city official facing prison in a corruption case, show the mayor is clueless when it comes to the unraveling culture of corruption in Luzerne County.

That culture is a continuum that begins with ethically questionable acts like hiring your relatives and ends with out-and-out criminality.

It must be rooted out from start to finish.

Wake up, Mayor Leighton. Our city government is not your family business.
######

Once again parts just jumped out at me.
Like
####
Leighton defended the hirings, arguing his daughter and niece "should be considered as everyone else in considered."

No, they shouldn't. Elected officials have a duty to avoid even the appearance of impropriety and to promote public confidence in government.
####
Sounds familiar.

And
####
If Leighton wants to help his daughter and niece find work during their summer vacations from college, he should give them jobs in his real-estate firm.
####
This is SO TRUE!!! But then Captain U. Cupcake (Leighton) would have to pay them, instead of the city (Meaning the citizens of Wilkes-Barre).

And
####
The hirings, coupled with Leighton's letter to a federal judge on behalf of a former city official facing prison in a corruption case, show the mayor is clueless when it comes to the unraveling culture of corruption in Luzerne County.

That culture is a continuum that begins with ethically questionable acts like hiring your relatives and ends with out-and-out criminality.
####
WOW.



Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Nepotism Part2 or How many scandals will there be in 4 weeks?

Leightons (Captain U. Cupcake) cheer leading rag has an article about his latest 'Shut up and pay my taxes' move. Mayor defends hiring kin as interns.


This REALLY jumped out at me.
####
She said hundreds of applications come in each year, so they feel there is no need to advertise. Jensen said she can recall only one year during the last three mayoral administrations – Leighton, Thomas McGroarty and Lee Namey – that the city needed to advertise to fill summer jobs.
#####
Well if you only had 10 applicants, then you SHOULD have advertised!!!


####
“They shouldn’t be penalized just because they’re related to me,” Leighton said.
####
No one is saying that they should be penalized, we are saying they should not be REWARDED for it! And with the federal corruption probe on going ANY appearance of impropriety should be avoided AT ALL COSTS!

Also Pure Bunkum has posted about this Where's The Outrage? again.



On to another point.
W-B officials remind residents about fireworks safety
This is a very important warning. With only 2 full time and 1 part time Engines, the Fire dept is stretched WAY to thin. If you didn't know, with EVERY traumatic injury, a Fire Engine is dispatched to assist the responding Medic unit.
####
"Fireworks and other devices pose a serious risk of injury or worse to an individual but also to personal property," said Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney. "Over the course of my career, I have witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of amateur fireworks use."
####
Chief Delaney was a Paramedic for 8 years (I think) before becoming a Fire Fighter. I have no doubt he has seen more fireworks injuries than anyone should.


I've been looking into something Fire Dept/Leighton related.
Isn't it convenient that the very first time the FD had overtime firefighters (manning the rescue boat) for Riverfest, is the time Leighton's boat capsized? Interesting.





Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Nepotism

Captain U. Cupcake (Leighton) is STILL at it.
Now he has hired his daughter and niece to do summer jobs. And we are to believe that out of over 400 applicants, his TWO relatives are the best qualified for the positions.

And I'm not the only blogger to think this is Luzerne county Nepotism at its normal over the top level.

The Buck Stops - Not With Mayor Leighton


####
"They're city residents, they're both college students and they're very dependable," the mayor said. "They do a good job, and they should be considered as everybody else is considered."
####
EVERYBODY is not related to the mayor of a city that is in the middle of a MASSIVE corruption scandal.


####
Regardless of resumes - even if they include graduating at the top of the class at Harvard Law School - it's "best practice" for public officials to avoid hiring relatives, said Judy Nadler, the former mayor of Santa Clara, Calif., and current senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
####
This is only true if the public official is a LEADER or has integrity.


####
Leighton's decision to hire relatives raises concerns he cannot act objectively and could sting a community still reeling from a public corruption probe, Nadler said. It also spurs questions of whether the mayor's relatives are qualified for the job or just the beneficiaries of their connections, she said.
####
No kidding Leighton is a bully and thinks he is untouchable. His cost overruns on his pet projects have been so HUGE that he has had to cut Public safety.



####
Leighton dismissed notions that his daughter and niece received favorable treatment and portrayed Christine Jensen, the city's human resources director, as the principal decision-maker regarding summer employment even though he signed executive orders approving the hires.
####
He ALWAYS blames someone else.

####
Jensen said she reviewed about 400 applications for summer employment, met with department heads to discuss their needs and forwarded a list of recommended hires to the mayor for approval.
####
Captain Cupcake claims Christine Jensen is "the principal decision-maker regarding summer employment", But Jensen claims she "forwarded a list of recommended hires to the mayor".
What do I get out of that. Leighton hired his relatives. No one else had a chance.
By blaming Jensen he shows, once again, He is a master at a lies through misdirection.


Add another one to the list.
1 Screwed up selling the Sterling hotel (costing us $325,000)
2 Bad faith moves
3 Back room deals
4 Tried to sell 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 (Citywide Towing's contract) so he could give it to a campaign contributor (that cost us $225,000)
12 Trying to sell W-B property (Tax Free) to a campaign contributor (Known for not paying his own taxes)
13 Outright lies to us (The citizens of Wilkes-Barre)
14 Blaming anyone and everyone for his failures (remember the 'I believe' campaign, "I wouldn't say I oversold it. I think maybe the media did," Mayor Leighton said. (WNEP June 10, 2005) AKA It's not my fault, it's the medias)
15 Ignoring the Lloyds Study (which states the minimum FD manning per shift is 17) and cutting manning to 12 per shift
16 VIOLATED CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TWICE !!! (Denise Carey & the Hammonds). That's cost us over $275,000.
And
17 Nepotism



Add On; you should read this, Top 10 Reasons to Re-Elect Leighton as Mayor
Good points in a Letterman format.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

10% or less

In Captain U. Cupcakes continuing adventures (To make his campaign contributors richer), we have a new chapter.

86-88 Carlisle Street. Now I'm just a dinged up firefighter/ GAR Graduate but I can do some basic math. So lets take a look.
The city (Didn't Leighton scold 'then mayor' McGroarty that the city shouldn't be in the real estate business?) bought the double block for $8500 and $1,500 to close out federal mortgages, So $10 grand. Since it was appraised for $74,500 I guess that would be a good buy.

Then sells the property to Leo A. Glodzik III for $7500. Wait.... What!?
The city paid $10,000 but then turned around and sold it for $7500!! What kind of 'FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY' is that? How is that good for the city? When I went to school (Back when dinosaurs roamed Pangea) $7500 was LESS than $10,000. Did math change and no one tell me?

“When we pick up these properties, the goal is never that this is going to be a money-making thing for the city. The goal is to address blight in specific neighborhoods … ,” City Attorney Timothy J. Henry said.
Shouldn't the citys 'goal' also be to AT LEAST break even Tim?

It needed work. It couldn't have been that bad, it was inhabited when it was appraised. And a friend of mine, who has looking at Captain Cupcakes deals said the house was worth WAY more than $7500.

I wonder if Glodzik got the needed permits to 'gut' the property? I'm sure he did.



How do I get in on these kind of deals??!!! Oh I can't. Leighton hates me and I'm not a $10,400 campaign contributor. Oh well.




Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Even more Meth info

I've been looking for more info on Meth Labs to add to my other posts (here and here).

First off, If you suspect someplace is a Meth Lab, REPORT IT to the PD!!! DO NOT try to confirm it yourself!!! These dirtbags aren't just... well dirtbags, They are EXTREMELY PARANOID DIRTBAGS! On the paranoid scale of 1 to 10, these A$$HATS turn the dial up to 20 and make Spinal Tap look like amatuers.

By the way, Do not touch or smell any of the substances at the site. Meth ingredients are highly toxic and can be absorbed through your skin during even the most casual contact.

In Shepherdsville, Ky., "Investigators also discovered what appeared to be a military-grade rocket propelled grenade" (actually picture below) and "what was believed to be C-4 explosives."


Some of these places put dangling fishhooks in attics or crawlspaces just as a begining!

####
People who abuse Meth regularly are known as 'tweakers'. Tweakers often behave or react violently. Keep in mind, the tweaker may not have slept in three to fifteen days and may be irritable and paranoid. If the tweaker is also using alcohol or other drugs, the danger may be intensified.

The tweaker craves more Meth, but no dosage will help recreate the first rush. This may cause frustration and leads to unpredictable behavior and violence. To support their habits, tweakers often participate in spur-of-the-moment crimes, such as purse snatching or burglaries.

Tweakers are often involved in domestic disputes and automobile accidents. They may also be present at raves or parties. They may at first appear to be normal. A closer look will reveal eye movement ten times faster than normal, a voice with a slight quiver and jerky movements.

If you suspect that someone is tweaking, be careful how you handle the situation. Keep in mind these six safety tips for approaching a tweaker:

1. Keep your distance. Coming too close can be perceived as threatening.
2. No bright lights. The tweaker is paranoid and bright lights may cause them to react violently.
3. Slow your speech, lower your voice.
4. Slow your movements. The tweaker is paranoid and may misunderstand your movements.
5. Keep your hands visible, or they may feel threatened and become violent.
6. Keep the tweaker talking. A tweaker who falls silent can be extremely dangerous. Silence often means that his paranoid thoughts have taken over reality, and anyone present can become part of the tweaker's paranoid delusions.
#####
And
####
White phosphorous, explosive concentrations of organic solvents, makeshift electrical wiring, conspire to produce an environment particularly susceptible to fires and explosions.
####
And
####
Cooking a single pound of Meth will leave five to six pounds of toxic residue.
####
And
####
Police and first responders are generally accustomed to the general fears of drug dealers. But a person who is both using and manufacturing Meth will have increased levels of paranoia, anger and mood swings. Many of them will resort to extreme measures to protect themselves and their labs – security systems, explosives, guns, attack dogs and poisonous snakes have all been found at Meth lab sites.
####
Holy sh!t! POISONOUS SNAKES!!???! How the HELL... What do they.... Forget it. I don't want to know. I hate snakes.


####
Booby-traps. These are NOT passive hazards. These are clever, resourceful ways to hurt, maim or kill people who enter the meth-lab area. Simple examples include bottles of acid falling into cyanide powder, Al or Mg bombs (photo flash and 9v batteries), pipe bombs, venomous snakes, trip wired explosives, etc. In one lab in California, the entire concrete floor was cantilevered in the center, and under the floor was a 700 pound bomb.
#####
Again with the POISONOUS SNAKES!!
Imagine this scenero.
A firefighter enters a structure fire (Hollywood fires are bullsh!t, you can't see squat in a fire, close your eyes and try to find something in your house. Now try that somewhere you've never been before.) As you do your search (BLIND!), you feel a sting in your leg. then again. Your leg feels like it is on fire. You struggle to get out, but in the end your partner needs to drag you out. As you remove your mask, you see it is covered with blood. Your gums are bleeding?!! What the hell is wrong with you.
This is the beginnings of the bite from a Russell's viper. I picked that species randomly. I will spare you from the graphic (and disgusting) pictures.

Information shamelessly stolen from National Institute on Drug Abuse

Two things I'm noticing about recognizing a Meth lab, is Propane tanks (filled with anhydrous ammonia) turns the brass fittings blue. This is going to be something I'm going to be on the watch for.



And

The chemicals are highly corrosive and items that don't normally rust will.



Dan Emplit WBFD

More Meth Info

Crime Free Wilkes-Barre has a post about Meth that describes aspects of the addiction. Twelve times the normal level ! Take a look.

This Picture shows what this drug WILL do to your body


This is what it does to your face


This is what it does to your mouth


Any questions?

Dan Emplit WBFD

Meth labs

This is NOT like making 'bath tub gin' or moonshine from the Prohibition era. This has more in common with the manufacture of clandestine EXPLOSIVES!! Involving HUGE risks with flammable and corrosive chemicals.

Labs are often discovered by FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS caused by the improper handling of volatile and/or flammable solvents.

The most common method for small-scale methamphetamine labs primarily involves phosphorus (compounds of phosphorus form a wide class of materials, some of which are extremely toxic and some are an explosive/fire danger.), ephedrine (which can cause SEVERE heart problems), and iodine (When mixed with ammonia and water, elemental iodine forms nitrogen triiodide, which is extremely shock-sensitive and can explode unexpectedly) from which hydroiodic acid is formed.

Other chemicals found in Meth labs include:
Acetone: Poisonous, Flammable, toxic, Can be absorbed Through the skin; Causes Reproductive disorders

Methonol: Poisonous, Flammable, toxic, Can be absorbed Through the skin; Causes Blindness/ eye damage

Ammonia: Poisonous, toxic, Corrosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes blistering, lung damage

Benzene: Poisonous, Flammable, Explosive, Corrosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes Carcinogen, Leukemia

Ether: Poisonous, Flammable, Explosive: Causes Respiratory Failure

Freon: Poisonous, toxic, Corrosive: Causes Frostbite, Lung damage

Hydriodic Acid: Poisonous, toxic, Explosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes Burns, Thyroid Damage

Hydrochloric Acid (HCL Gas): Poisonous, toxic, Explosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes Respiratory, Liver Damage

Oh hell, This list is WAY to long to put here, Just go to KCI the Anti-Meth site



Here are some things to look for in identifying a meth lab:

Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).

Residences with windows blacked out.

Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)

Lots of traffic - people coming and going at unusual times. There may be little traffic during the day, but at night the activity increases dramatically.

Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.

Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.

Secretive / protective area surrounding the residence (like video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing).

Persons exiting the structure to smoke

Little or no mail, furniture, visible trash and no newspaper delivery.

I'd also like to point out that ALL THREE of the structures (Blackman St, Spruce St, and Regent St.) are in Engine 3's territory (The Engine Leighton has turned 'part-time')! And one of the buildings is DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM SPRUCE STREET PARK!!!!

Some quotes from Captain U. Cupcake (Leighton) that are relevant.
"I would never, never gamble with the safety of residents visitors or guests," Oct 5 2004 (WNEP) That is EXACTLY what he is doing.

"With the location of three city fire houses - Hollenback at the city's north end, headquarters near center city and the Parrish and High Street station on the city's southern border - the department can respond promptly to all calls" Oct 27, 2008 (The Times Leader) Not with 2 Engines we can't and this proves he knows it.

"The new station will cover the north end of the city. Headquarters will cover center City and the other station will take care of the south. In turn, the residents of the city and firefighters who protect us will be safer and better equipped" June 8, 2005 (WNEP) And then he cuts our numbers. Right around the time his Intermodel center was going up in cost by 225%. Yeah, he's not sacrificing your safety for his pet projects.


Now to quote myself, "Labs are often discovered by FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS"!!!!

Remember the dictators cut backs when one of these Meth labs (AKA BOMBS WAITING TO HAPPEN) goes up. Remember the Fire Department will still do EVERYTHING possible to save lives and property while working in one of the most hazardous environments known to man. Because it's not just the fire from a meth lab that will kill you. It's also the booby traps, the maze, the chemicals, and God only knows what else.
It's Leighton who is ignoring your safety and ours.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

LAG AGAIN

LAG towing is getting away with crap AGAIN.
The towing contract states that the tower MUST clean debris from the roadway of ANY motor vehicle incident (MVI) in the city, even if there is no tow involved.

LAG is refusing to even show up if there isn't a tow. And unless someone watches them like a hawk, they do a terrible job when they do break out the broom.

Also when LAG refuses to clean up, the fire dept is called. Remember, we are down to 2 full time engines and 1 part time one, thanks to Leighton. This takes an Engine out of service for a clean up that LAG is contracted to do. And where are we supposed to put it? We don't have a place on the Engines for debris. And are we supposed to throw it out in the city trash?

I don't expect Captain U. Cupcake (the Dictator Leighton) to do anything about it. He's the one who broke the contract with City Wide Towing (Costing the taxpayers about $225,000+ the hidden cost of the cities defense lawyers) to give it to LAG. And he is a campaign contributor. And the one Leighton tried to sell the Old River Road Bakery to (for 8 cents on the dollar). And the one Leighton lied to the County Commissioners for (To get tax forgiveness, and Gloznik is known for NOT paying his taxes). And Leighton tried to lie about the reason.

Back on topic, because Lag will not pick up the debris they get swept to the gutter by an Engine crew. Ultimately this means it will end up back in the road (where they become a tire hazard) or on a storm drain where they block the drain (becoming a street flooding hazard). Because LAG will not do the job that they are contracted to do, and we all know Captain Cupcake will not force a campaign contributor to do what he signed a contract to do.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Enough Already!!!

Ok, If anyone had ANY doubts about the favoritism that the Times Leader shows our dictator has to read this TL Opinion.

########
RiverFest propels the city forward

WILKES-BARRE Mayor Tom Leighton was all wet … Literally.

He dripped from pate to sole, having emerged from the Susquehanna a bit like the creature from the black lagoon, an amphibian rising from total submersion to walk on land.

The mayor who touts himself as saving Wilkes-Barre from economic inundation had just sunk the city. OK, we’re exaggerating completely. Leighton was one of 21 crew members in a city-sponsored “dragon boat” when - apparently through no fault of anyone on board - the craft turned bottom-up during a series of races held as part of the RiverFest weekend.

The long, slim vessel – sort of a canoe on steroids – had completed one race and was curving back upstream to dock when it abruptly dumped everyone into the drink. One motorboat collected the soggy paddlers (all wore mandatory life jackets); another righted the dragon boat and towed it to dock, filled to the gunwales with river water.

As a TV cameraman pushed a microphone into Leighton’s soggy face, he cheerfully blamed a motorboat carrying a TV cameraman. The news crew had zipped near the city-manned ship for a close up shot, then powered away too fast, creating a high wake that hit the dragon boat broadside. Everyone was in the pool before you could say “re-elect me!”

“It’s always the media’s fault,” Leighton said with tongue in cheek (we hope).

We think the mayor deserves kudos for remaining upbeat after floating downstream without a paddle … or boat. And the city crew didn’t shirk either, readily remounting that dragon for a second and third race – though we note Leighton was absent for the latter two heats; off to more city stuff, we’re sure.

In fact, the city and everyone involved in the constantly growing RiverFest merit accolades for shaking off this lone glitch in an otherwise well-run event. We hope someday (soon), to see RiverFest sprawl along both banks, giving visitors numerous entertainment and educational opportunities.

We take the boat-tipping as metaphor for a city that comes back when everyone declares it sunk.

Besides, the goal of RiverFest is to bring people closer to the Susquehanna. We’d say the city dragon boat crew wins an award in that department.
############

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We take the boat-tipping as metaphor for a city that comes back when everyone declares it sunk.
##
Holy crap! If you kissed a$$ any better you would be able to score a date in Nesbitt Park from 100 yards away.

##
Besides, the goal of RiverFest is to bring people closer to the Susquehanna. We’d say the city dragon boat crew wins an award in that department.
##
BULLCRAP. The people who deserve the credit are the ones who have been there YEAR AFTER YEAR since the beginning. Not some hack who is there because it is an election year.

##
Everyone was in the pool before you could say “re-elect me!”
##
I may become ill. Can you suck up harder? That brown stain may not come off your nose.

##
“It’s always the media’s fault,” Leighton said with tongue in cheek (we hope).
##
Don't bet he didn't mean it, he ALWAYS blames someone else.

##
We think the mayor deserves kudos for remaining upbeat after floating downstream without a paddle
##
Captain U. Cupcake (Leighton) probably capsized the boat to make sure he got his mug on TV

By the way,
##
One motorboat collected the soggy paddlers
##
That boat was manned by Firefighters.
Guess the safety of the citizens daily lives doesn't equal the safety of the dictator for one event.

And where is the thanks to the real people who deserve it? The volunteers who made ALL of this happen? Not here the TL is to busy sucking up to Captain U. Cupcake to give them ANY credit for a job well done.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Pure bunkum Frosts the 'Cupcake' debacle now

Cupcake? Really, Mayor?


Happy Riverfest/Sunday/Fathers Day to all. I'm gonna get some sleep now(Night shift last night).


Dan Emplit WBFD

Goodnight, Cupcake

First from the Times Leader:
#############
Mayor’s remark enrages tow truck operator
BILL O’BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com

“Goodnight, Cupcake.”

That statement from Mayor Tom Leighton to tow truck operator Bob Kadluboski at Thursday night’s City Council meeting enraged the businessman, leading him to shout at the mayor.

“Don’t you ever call me cupcake again,” Kadluboski screamed at Leighton, who was standing at the rear of council chambers. “I’m sick of your mouth. You’re nothing but a punk.”

Leighton just stood and smiled as Kadluboski was led out of the room by a city police officer and he walked to his vehicle in the parking lot. Leighton explained what happened after the meeting.

“When he (Kadluboski) was walking out, he called me a thief under his breath,” Leighton said. “I said, ‘Goodnight, Cupcake,’ and you heard what happened.”

Later Thursday night, Kadluboski, owner of City Wide Towing & Repair, said he didn’t say anything to Leighton to provoke a response.

“I didn’t even know he was standing there,” Kadluboski said. “Why was he standing back there anyway? Is he trying to make me punch him in the face?”

Janet Straub of Espy Street was about to address council about an issue in her neighborhood when Kadluboski started shouting. Visibly shaken, Straub could hardly speak when order was restored.

“That really scared me,” she said after the meeting. “I wasn’t able to gather my thoughts.”

Leighton said he has been told that “Cupcake” is a nickname some people call Kadluboski.

“Nobody calls me that,” Kadluboski said. “My nickname is ‘Kabby.’ ”

Leighton said Kadluboski’s behavior last night has been typical of his recent visits to council meetings.

“He’s left council meetings several times screaming and slamming doors,” Leighton said. “This isn’t the first time he’s been escorted out.”

Kadluboski has been trying to convince council to allow more time for public comment. He has asked for 5 minutes on each topic he wants to discuss, but council only allows him the 5 minutes allocated to all residents who address council. Kadluboski used up his 5 minutes telling council that he is going to the American Civil Liberties Union to report the council’s policy on public comment. When he was done with discussing his plan, council Chairwoman Kathy Kane informed him his time was up.

“You’re not going to get away with this,” Kadluboski said. “You’re limiting my time to talk about various subjects. You can’t treat the citizens like this.”

When asked why he was standing at the back of the room, Leighton said he went to the men’s room and left his keys in council chambers. He said the door to the clerk’s office locked behind him so he had to return to the meeting via the public entrance.
###############

“When he (Kadluboski) was walking out, he called me a thief under his breath,” Leighton said. “I said, ‘Goodnight, Cupcake,’ and you heard what happened.”
And
Later Thursday night, Kadluboski, owner of City Wide Towing & Repair, said he didn’t say anything to Leighton to provoke a response.

Did ANYONE else hear this? I don't doubt for one second Leighton is not telling the truth about it. Why? Because Kadluboski would have BELLOWED it so load people in Parsons could have heard it.


Leighton said he has been told that “Cupcake” is a nickname some people call Kadluboski.

People, this is an outright LIE. He knows when Kathy Kane called Kadluboski, 'cupcake', Kadluboski went off. And WHEN did Leighton become friendly enough with Kadluboski to use a nick name? NEVER!!! This is nothing more than Emperor Leighton showing, once again, his bullying.


“He’s left council meetings several times screaming and slamming doors,” Leighton said. “This isn’t the first time he’s been escorted out.”
This is NOT a reason for Dictator Leighton to be impolite, IN PUBLIC, to a taxpaying citizen. PERIOD.



Now the Citizens Voice
#############
'Cupcake' war erupts at W-B council meeting
By Andrew Staub (Staff Writer)Published: June 17, 2011

WILKES-BARRE - Bob Kadluboski made one thing incredibly clear during Thursday night's city council meeting - don't ever call him "cupcake."

Ever.

The controversial tow-truck driver exploded with a room-shaking and startling tirade after Mayor Tom Leighton referred to Kadluboski as "cupcake" for the second time this year. A city police officer stood between the two as Kadluboski unloaded on perhaps his No. 1 political nemesis.

"Hey, don't call me cupcake! Don't call me cupcake, I'm sick of your mouth!" Kadluboski screamed as a police officer funneled the confrontation into the hallway. "But let me tell you something, you thief, I'm going to see you in jail!"

As Kadluboski walked backward slowly down the stairs, he continued to scream at Leighton, calling him a "punk." Despite Council Chairwoman Kathy Kane's order to close the door to council chambers, Kadluboski's rant rattled the room from the outside.

The incident shook a city resident who had been speaking to council, and she had to take a few moments to regain her composure before speaking in a quivering voice.

Leighton wasn't fazed.

"It's no different than what he does every time," Leighton said, referring to the handful of times Kadluboski has earned a police escort from council meetings because of disruptive behavior.

The mayor said he told Kadluboski "Goodnight cupcake" as the owner of City-Wide Towing left council chambers.

"He said something under his breath, called me a thief on his way out," Leighton said, explaining his words as a response to the former owner of the city's exclusive towing contract.

Leighton said he referred to Kadluboski as "cupcake" because "people (Kadlubuski) hangs around with" told him that's what his nickname was.

Kadluboski's nickname, the tow-truck driver said, is "Cobby." Friends who bowled with Kadluboski's father, Al, couldn't pronounce the man's last name, so they shortened it to "Cobby," then passed the nickname on to the younger Kadluboski.

Kadluboski contends Leighton was trying to entice him to punch the mayor so the police officer would arrest Kadluboski. The mayor repeatedly called Kadluboski "cupcake," then silently mouthed the name to Kadluboski when the officer intervened, Kadluboski said.

"There's something wrong with his brain to keep tormenting somebody," Kadluboski said afterward. "Something happens to him and he gets sued again, then he's going to be crying again."

The outburst derailed a meeting that included several city initiatives, among them the purchase of four new police cruisers and the investment of almost $1.4 million in state grants to stabilize the long-vacant First National Bank Building on Public Square.

It's the second time Leighton has called Kadluboski "cupcake" and the third time a city official has referred to him by the name at a public meeting. The first incident came during a March 24 meeting after Kadluboski called Leighton a "freaking thief."

"Calm down, cupcake," Leighton replied as Kadluboski walked away.

Council Chairwoman Kathy Kane said "See ya, cupcake" when she ended Kadluboski's speaking time during a May 12 meeting. Kane declined to comment about Thursday's outburst.

There was never any physical contact between the mayor and Kadluboski, and charges would not be considered, Leighton said. For his part, Kadluboski hinted at an upcoming legal battle against Leighton.

"Tom Leighton is pushing me, and pushing me and pushing me and he's not going to like the end result when it comes to a head," Kadluboski said. "Because I'm going to do it nice, and I'm going to do it legally."
###############

Mayor Tom Leighton referred to Kadluboski as "cupcake" for the second time this year.
And
It's the second time Leighton has called Kadluboski "cupcake"
This is the first time I've heard of Leighton calling Kadluboski 'cupcake', But I'm not surprised. Leighton is UNPROFESSIONAL and needs to make A FULL AND PUBLIC APOLOGY.

"It's no different than what he does every time," Leighton said, referring to the handful of times Kadluboski has earned a police escort from council meetings because of disruptive behavior.
Yes it is, Leighton provoked an incident with a taxpaying citizen. Just because Leighton did not LIKE what that TAXPAYING CITIZEN had to say.

Leighton said he referred to Kadluboski as "cupcake" because "people (Kadlubuski) hangs around with" told him that's what his nickname was.
Are we to believe Leighton and Kadluboski 'hang out' with the same people? But never cross paths outside of council meetings? Right, We're not that stupid, but then Leighton thinks we are.

The mayor repeatedly called Kadluboski "cupcake," then silently mouthed the name to Kadluboski when the officer intervened, Kadluboski said.
Leighton is a bully, even Yudichak publicly called him one. This time the press caught most of it.




This should NOT be about Kadluboski, It IS about our dictator showing his contempt for a citizen. If anyone else (except Kathy Kane) had said this, they would be FIRED. Or at least censured. And they would deserve it. The dictators court (AKA city council) and the dictator have gotten away with so much that now they are treating the people, that they are there to SERVE, with contempt. Kadluboski is NOT the mayor, Leighton is. And he should NOT be allowed to pull grade school antics, especially at OFFICIAL funtions.

No matter what, an elected official should ALWAYS be professional. This just shows what kind of person Leighton really is.... a unprofessional, immature, shameful, arrogant, small minded BULLY.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Gaming Funds

I noticed this in the Times Leader today.

'Council will also vote on accepting $1.4 million in gaming funds that will be used to stabilize the former First National Bank Building at 59-63 Public Square. The money will come in two payments – the first $680,000 and the second $706,044.'
More of Emperor Leightons pet projects. This money would be better spent on putting lane lines on our streets, Instead of a building that he will probably sell to a campaign contributor for 8 cents on the dollar. 'Fiscally responsible' my A$$.

'Leighton said work on the building will include abatement/encapsulation, masonry restoration, roof repairs and window/skylight replacement in Phase I of the project, and in Phase II, plaster restoration, plumbing, fire protection, HVAC and electrical work.'. Yeah, put $1.4 MILLION into a project with NO CLEAR BUYER but not into the cities infrastructure. How about using that money to put restrooms on the river common?

'Whatever goes in there, it will take another three to four million dollars to renovate it.' Well there you go, ANOTHER 3 TO 4 MILLION DOLLARS that could actually go into making the city safer.

Casino money was also used for the Condos above the theater. How much money did that generate for the city?

Remember this money pit (just like the Sterling Hotel) when Leighton goes to sell South Fire Station.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Pure bunkum has a post about Conahan Leighton Carey

Nice Goin', Mayor Leighton, Racketeer Conahan


And shortly after Conahan decicded against Mrs. Carey, a private medic unit (That Conahan was part owner of) was awarded a VERY lucrative no-bid contract to back up the city ambulances.
Isn’t any contract worth more than $10,000 a year supposed to be a closed bid? This contract is EASILY worth 20 times that amount.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Doing the Big-Check Dance in Downtown Wilkes-Barre

Doing the Big-Check Dance in Downtown Wilkes-Barre
by kustomkool
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Big, comically oversized checks might look funny, but when politicians hand out big checks, the joke is usually at taxpayers' expense

In April 2010, Congressman Paul Kanjorski did the big-check dance in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Coming along for the ride were Pennsylvania state senate hopefuls, John Yudichak and Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton.

On the receiving end of the big check was a start-up company, Federal Review Services. Federal Review was promising to create 100 new jobs in downtown Wilkes-Barre with salaries from $35,000 to $65,000.

Federal Review announced layoffs only two months after being handed that big check.

The moral of the story? Big checks from politicians don't create jobs. Jobs are created by businesses that fill a need in the marketplace. If you have a great idea that will make money, you don't need the government...you need a bank. People who rely on government sources for start-up funding usually have better connections than ideas.
####

Denise Carey

I've written about Denise before Here and she has written me as well.
But a few people will not pay attention to facts. They wish she had curled up and gone away after the first lawsuit. (You remember, the one that then judge Conahan decided against her. Why did he decide that way? I do not know. It has been suggested that the No-Bid contract that his ambulance service got shortly afterwards may have something to do with it. BTW any contract worth over $10,000 a year is supposed to be put out for bid. That is the law. The back up ambulance contract is worth at least 20 times that.)
But back on target. Denise didn't 'curl up and go away'. She stood tall and fought for her Constitutional Rights. AND WON. Court after court has decided in her favor. I've always heard that courts don't like to reverse decisions. (Makes you wonder why then Judge Conahan decided against her).

"He bullied me, he bullied my family. He put us through a lot of sorrow and heartache for a lot of years," Carey said. "It's still not over yet, and he still has not yet taken responsibility for it yet. I can't respect someone like that. I just can't."
Personal vendettas are not the mark of true Leadership.
I've mentioned Dictator Leighton has a problem with taking responsibility for his actions.

We need a mayor who doesn't look at the First Amendment (The right to free speech) as something to wipe his feet on. We need a Mayor who doesn't try to bully anyone who thinks differently than he does. We need a Mayor who doesn't get involved with questionable deals. We need a Leader.
And we need a city council that will oppose the Mayor when he is wrong. Not a bunch of mutes that WILL NOT oppose someone who treats our Constitution like a baby treats a diaper.



Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote