`sorry' Bank Robber Gets Nearly 7 Years

Anthony Kosloski 
Dec. 7, 1994 
Anthony W. Kosloski Of High Street, Ashley, Died Wednesday At His Daughter's 
Home In Wilkes-barre.

By CHARLES H. BOGINO; Times Leader Staff Writer
 Friday, December 09, 1994 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 3A 





WILKES-BARRE -- Luzerne County's Democratic commissioners view $20 million
as not too much to ask for higher education. But the lone Republican on the
board said the county can't afford the price. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In a 2-1 vote Thursday, the commissioners approved a $20 million bond issue
to fund the first portion of a building and renovation project at Luzerne
County Community College. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I believe it's incumbent upon us to provide that kind of affordable
education to our constituents," said Commissioner Frank Crossin, who joined
with fellow Democrat Rose Tucker in voting for the bond. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The seven-year project would provide 36 more classrooms as well as a number
of new buildings and increased parking at the college's Nanticoke campus. The
second phase, which will include renovations to existing buildings and the
installation of heating and other systems, is expected to add another $15
million on to the total price. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 When the Nanticoke campus opened nearly 20 years ago it was designed for
between 1,600 and 1,700 students, said Donald R. Bronsard, the college's
president. Now, there are about 7,300 students taking courses for credit. And
more are expected in the next few years. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "It's a very bright future, but a very crowded one," Bronsard said. "Right
now, we're trying to fit a 300-pound being into a 100-pound suit." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Republican Commissioner Jim Phillips said he doesn't dispute the need for
more classroom space and parking at the college. But he said he objects to
portions of the project and its overall price. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "You know what the first item on the project list is?" Phillips asked later
at a political rally. "A wellness center. How many people know what a wellness
center is? Well, it's a gymnasium." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Bronsard defends the wellness center, pointing to the new classrooms for
health and physical education courses and student health center the building
is expected to house. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "It's much more than a gym," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The project also includes a new student center that is expected to house a
lecture hall and small theater as well as study spaces, an art gallery and a
snack bar. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Phillips said he was willing to support a $10 million bond issue for the
school, with the state paying for half. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I was just against the total amount," he said. "Don't forget, the county
currently gives them about $5 million per year." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Phillips said payments on the debt -- at least $1 million per year -- would
amount "roughly to 2 mills" of taxes. A mill is a $1 tax for every $1,000 of
assessed property value. Currently, Luzerne County taxes at a 60.4 mill rate. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Phillips didn't say that the college renovation project alone would cause a
need for higher taxes. But the project, along with the planned $36-40 million
convention center/sports arena in Wilkes-Barre Township and the up to $25
million the county could wind up paying for the levee-raising project, well
could create that need -- a need Phillips said he would like to avoid by
scrapping something. &amp;nb

County Oks $20 Million Bond Issue For Lccc Project 
2-to-1 Vote Gives Go-ahead To Job That Will 
Add 36 New Classrooms, Erect Several Buildings 
And Create More Parking Space, Among Other Things

County Oks $20 Million Bond Issue For Lccc Project 2-to-1 Vote Gives Go-ahead To Job That Will Add 36 New Classrooms, Erect Several Buildings And Create More Parking Space, Among Other Things