Let's DeThrone The King of The Castille And New Antics On Gilligan's Island

In this editorial that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer the author calls for the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Ron Castille. It questions Castille's handling of the process to build a new Family Court and calls into question his ability to manage the state court system.

The latest revelation is that the double-dealing lawyer Castille paid to spearhead the project also represented the Foxwoods casino in cases before the state Supreme Court. That raises serious conflict-of-interest issues that undermine trust in the chief justice's impartiality surrounding legal matters.

It's amazing that Castille doesn't see a problem in hiring a lawyer to work for the courts, play golf with him, and then allow the same lawyer to appear before him in court. In a nutshell, that's why Castille should step aside.

The culprit(s) must be a serial drug placer. It seems like it didn't take long for someone to get bored and want to play "hide the drugs in the sheriff's vehicle" on Gilligan's Island according to the Times Leader.

Luzerne County Sheriff Joh.n Gilligan said drugs were found in a deputy’s vehicle Wednesday and the matter is being investigated by Wilkes-Barre City police

Gilligan said he received a call while he was in Hazleton Wednesday morning and he directed Chief County Detective Michael Dessoye to look into it. Dessoye recommended the matter be turned over to city police to avoid any conflict o interest.

“That’s all I know,” Gilligan said. “When we have more information, we will release it.”

District Attorney Jacqueline Musto Carroll said the report is being investigated by the city police department which has primary jurisdiction. She noted the county has no detectives that specializes in drug investigations.

Sheriff Quickly Establishes "Gilligan's Island"

It's my island and I'll play as I want. Just kidding folks. I don't know John Gilligan so it would be unfair to second guess this move but it quickly establishes there is a "new sheriff in town". Today newly appointed Luzerne County Sheriff Gilligan terminated the employment of Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles Guarnieri, effective Thursday according to the Times Leader.

"It was my decision," Gilligan said. "I appointed Carl Zawatski as my chief deputy and I informed Mr. Guarnieri that his employment with the county was terminated."

Gilligan said he eliminated a second chief deputy position.

"Like I've said before, I'm here as part of the solution," Gilligan said. "I will do whatever it takes to restore integrity to this office and the county."

Luzerne "Dysfunctional" County

It has been said on the street that Walter Griffith is a nut, plain and simple. I found the man to be somewhat aloof but by no means a nut. The perpetrators of such a claim seem to have an agenda to distract the citizens of Luzerne County from the very shenanigans that seem are "acceptable" to people like Maryanne Petrilla. That claim is made because it is Walter Griffith digging and exposing the inept actions of employees and department heads in the county, not Maryanne, she only responds. Her lack of proactive efforts to straighten out Luzerne County exemplifies why we see the contiuning shameless actions in the press.

In today's edition of the Times Leader Jennifer Learn-Andres details how Griffith exposes a van driver who does not possess a valid driver's license.

Griffith said he sent the county administration an e-mail demanding that the employee be terminated immediately. The employee was removed from driving Friday afternoon, pending further disciplinary review.

“This is a serious issue. This could have put the county in jeopardy,” Griffith said.

The county’s transportation department, operated jointly with Wyoming County, runs vans that provide transportation for the elderly and people with physical and mental disabilities.

County officials declined to name the female employee.

County Chief Clerk/Manager Doug Pape verified that the employee drove a van without a license.

The county had checked the employee’s license in November, and it was clean. Her license was later suspended after she received a ticket, Pape said. He wasn’t sure of the reason for the suspension but said the suspension has since been lifted.

However, the worker’s license expired Feb. 5. She applied for a new license and received it as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, Pape said.

Evidently things in Harrisburg aren't much better. Who did the vetting for the Sheriff nominee in Luzerne County? Had due diligence been performed his property tax situation would have been discovered but then again we are talking about the Rendell administration.

Ace reporter Jennifer Learn-Andes writes another report about the Sheriff nominee and his tax embarassment.

Luzerne County sheriff nominee John Gilligan owed $2,614 in taxes on his Wyoming property from 2008 and 2009.

Gilligan paid the debt around 4 p.m. Friday, shortly after discussing the matter with a reporter.

He acknowledged owing the debt when contacted, saying this was the first time he got behind in his taxes since he purchased the home in 1987.

Gilligan called back later, to say the taxes would be paid that afternoon.

He said he used to pay taxes through his mortgage and didn’t realize that the set-up had changed until he started receiving tax bills.

Gilligan said he appreciated the media inquiry because it prompted him to contact the tax claim office to see how much he owed.

According to tax claim records, Gilligan owed $997.69 from 2008 and $1,616.30 for 2009. Both bills include penalties, interest and costs.