`anne Frank' Revival Falls Flat Emotionally

After Holiday, Shoppers Rush Home With Leftovers

Sunday, December 28, 1997 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





SAYSO &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I wrote to our so-called mayor in Wilkes-Barre a few times, the last one
was about our streets that are still a mess with leaves. When it rains, I can
hardly cross the streets with the drains clogged. The water running along the
curbs. I get home with wet and cold feet. He promised to clean the streets, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; but they look like heck. So get with it Mr. Mayor, use your men with some
broom and shovels to clean them. I enjoy reading your column. Happy New
YearSAYSO, I think it's terrible that The Times Leader would put a picture of
the McLaughlin family on the front page. This is supposed to be a private
moment. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Editor's note: We respect the family's loss, but when a noted public
figure, or former public figure, dies, we think that's news. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I'm calling about Clinton's 100,000 billion-plus international monetary
fund. Isn't it wonderful, that every time a catastrophe happens in another
country, they have the available funds to be able to do something. Meanwhile,
Medicare is dying very fast on the vine in this country. Why don't they put
some of those billions of dollars back into there? Where do we live? Do we
live in a foreign country? Do we live in the United States? I do believe that
is our tax money in that hundred billion-plus foreign aid thing. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I'm reading your Times Leader on Sunday here, and here we go again with
George Curry. Why don't you tell that Steve Corbett to check the wrestler at
Meyers. Where did he come from? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I have read where Ronald Felton of the NAACP is causing a little stink over
the cable contract in the city of Wilkes-Barre, because black television
wasn't put on the cable. There was a survey put out, I definitely filled it
out. And if the survey didn't prove that people wanted black television, why
should they put it on the air? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 This call is in reference to the person who complained because he voted
against the arena and they're still going to build it. He or she didn't vote
against building an arena, they voted against the taxpayers paying for
construction of an arena. If someone can come up with the money to build it,
they have every right to do so. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I'm calling about the Pittston Area teacher's contract. What seems to be
reasonable and fair on the surface, is only a disguise of union greed. They
held their children hostage last year, and I'm sure union president Pesotine
would have done it again this year; 140 teachers are making 52,000 a year
already, without any concessions on their health care, not to mention their
great retirement plan. I think Valentine made a good point when he said "it's
not whether they deserve a raise, it's whether we can afford it." With an
average county income of around $20,000, I don't believe it's fair to the
taxpayers. Greater Nanticoke Area, averages around 52,000, and you can see the
mess they got themselves in. I guess Pittston Area won't be happy until we end
up like Nanticoke. I'm sure it will be "Merry Christmas" for the teachers, and
cause a hardship for many of the taxpayers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Sunday night I'm watching "60 Minutes," and on the program is about how the
police departments in various cities are getting surplus government equipment.
Weapons, automobiles, trucks even helicopters. And you mean to tell me that
Nanticoke can't get two police cruisers. Come on Mr. Kanjorski and Mr.
Jarolin, let's do something for Nanticoke. You certainly got enough equipment
between you two guys. How about getting something for Nanticoke? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I thought the SAYSO column was the greatest thing to hit The Times Leader
in ages, at last the common man had a chance to say his peace. Apparently I
was wrong, because after phoning in several times, my SAYSO wasn't printed. It
seems to me the only time a SAYSO is printed is if The Times Leader says so.
It's sort of self defeating. Isn't it? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Editor's note: Well, you got your gripe with us in. We've been flooded with
calls during the holiday season (a coincidence?) and it's true that we can't
get all the calls in. Keep trying. Thanks. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 This is for McGroarty. Try taking Wilkes-Barre Township. This place will
look like Bosnia, and you'll be the first one taken out. I promise you. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Editor's note: Wouldn't a simple "no, thank you" suffice? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 First I'd like to thank Governor Tom Ridge for the new prevailing wage
rates in construction. I lost approximately $7,000 this year as compared to
1996. Second, I'd like to thank Democrat Rep. Phyllis Mundy for supporting the
new comp bill, my neighbor can hardly survive on the benefits. Third, I'd like
to thank Democrat Rep. Kevin Blaum, for his flip-flop on the site work of the
arena. A lot of hard-working men aren't going to have a good holiday. Fourth,
I'd like to wish the three above a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In the courthouse in the tax claim office, they have two directors, and two
directors don't know what the heck they're doing. ...They should get somebody
in there that knows that they're doing. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Editor's Note: Virginia Augello and Debra McNulty are co-directors. They
replaced Ron Harcher two years ago. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sayso 
I Wrote To Our So-called Mayor In Wilkes-barre A Few Times, The Last One Was 
About Our Streets That Are Still A Mess With Leaves. When It Rains, I Can 
Hardly Cross The Streets With The Drains Clogged. The Water Running Along The 
Curbs. I Get Home With Wet And Cold Feet. He Promised To Clean The Streets, 
But They Look Like Heck. So Get With It Mr. Mayor, Use Your Men With Some 
Broom And Shovels To Clean Them. I Enjoy Reading Your Column. Happy New Year.