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The Times Leader timesleader.com
WILKES-BARRE, PA
Attorney: Letters for Toole private
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011
LEGAL EDUCATION
FEDERAL BUDGET
Showdown over the shutdown
Judge asked to deny release of letters written on ex-jurist’s behalf. By TERRIE MORGAN-BESECKER tmorgan@timesleader.com
Harsh words fly in Congress, but both parties suggest possible budget compromise.
SCRANTON – An attorney for former Luzerne County Judge Michael Toole has asked a federal judge to deny a local media organization’s request to release 156 letters that were written on his behalf relating to his sentencing on a corruption charge. Attorney Frank Nocito said the letters, which were written by family members, friends, members of Toole Alcoholics Anonymous and Toole’s alcohol counselor, should remain confidential because they contain intensely private information about Toole’s life. But Michael Genello, an attorney for WNEP-TV, argued the public’s right to know should trump privacy concerns because the case deals with a public official who admitted to abusing his office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office agreed with Nocito regarding letters written by Toole’s counselor and Alcoholics Anonymous members, but took no position regarding letters written by others. Toole, 51, of Wilkes-Barre, is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday for his guilty plea to accepting a reward for official action and tax evasion. Toole admitted he accepted free use of a beach house owned by an attorney who benefited from a ruling Toole made in an uninsured
By DAVID ESPO AP Special Correspondent
S. JOHN WILKIN/THE TIMES LEADER
Above, state Superior Court President Judge Correale Stevens talks with MMI students Rod Cook, left, Jacob Slusser, and Megan Kost. Below, Luzerne County President Judge Thomas Burke speaks.
A superior lesson State court visits MMI
Court sit en banc to hear real appeal cases in the Freeland school Tuesday. MMI President Thomas Hood was equally enthusiastic, though he added a lighter touch, noting the judges were facing heady legal topics in “a place where we generally debate lunch menus,” as they
By MARK GUYDISH mguydish@timesleader.com
FREELAND – It was, MMI teacher Dennis Clarke said enthusiastically, “a great, historic opportunity.” Student Rod Cook, 17, agreed. “I’m really excited,” the aspiring lawyer said of the chance to see nine judges of the state Superior See MMI, Page 12A
WASHINGTON — Prodded by an insistent President Barack Obama, Congress’ top two lawmakers sought to reinvigorate compromise talks Tuesday aimed at cutting tens of billions in federal spending and averting a partial government shutdown Friday at midnight. There was at least a hint of flexibility, accompanied by sharply partisan attacks and an outburst of shutdown brinksmanW H AT ’ S ship. N EXT ? According to Democrats, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, sug- President gested at a White House meeting Obama that fellow Republicans might be pledged to able to accept a deal with $40 billion keep budget negotiators in cuts. That’s more than negotiators meeting. A had been eyeing but less than the shutdown House seeks. could come The speaker’s office declined com- Friday at ment, and Boehner issued a state- midnight. ment saying, “We can still avoid a shutdown, but Democrats are going to need to get serious about cutting spending -- and soon." For his part, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid sounded an accusatory note. “I hope the Republicans do what the country needs, not what they believe the tea party wants,” he said at the Capitol “I mean, it seems that every step we take, it’s See SHUTDOWN, Page 12A
Candidate: Being gay no issue County Council hopeful says platform centered on accountability, low taxes.
Evans is openly gay but said he wasn’t planning to publicize that in his campaign. He said he was contacted by a Citizens’ Voice reporter and asked about By JENNIFER LEARN-ANDES his sexual orientation on Monday and jandes@timesleader.com didn’t want to evade the question. Luzerne County Council candidate The resulting article has put the Casey Evans said he doesn’t know if matter in the limelight. media reports that he’s gay are going “I’m not running as a gay candidate. to hurt or help him politically. Yes, I am a candidate who happens to
See LETTERS, Page 2A
be gay, but my platform is centered around accountability and keeping tax rates low so people can stay in their homes,” said Evans, 24, of Lehman Township. Evans, one of 33 candidates seeking 11 Democratic nominations, said he has received encouraging feedback but can’t predict what will happen on May 17. See ISSUE, Page 12A
Ross looks to restore respect for bench By SHEENA DELAZIO sdelazio@timesleader.com
CLARK VAN ORDEN/THE TIMES LEADER
Tony Ross is a candidate for judge in Luzerne County.
50¢
Ross said this election will “shape the future of our bench,” and he said he can be a part of forging it in the right direction. The right experience and temperament is needed for the Luzerne County judiciary to make the necessary strides in restoring the public’s trust, and Ross said those are qualities he possesses. “Being a judge is a commitment to public service,” he said. “I want to serve and help the peo-
WILKES-BARRE – While going door to door during his campaign for Luzerne County judge, attorney Tony Ross said he has met voters who have lost faith in the judicial system. They don’t plan to vote, Ross told The Times Leader endorsement board, and he wants to change that. “I want to be part of the change,” Ross, 39, of Fairview Township, said. “I love the courtroom. I want to give a level playing field …and fair rulings.” See ROSS, Page 9A
TONY ROSS Age: 39 Education: Villanova University; studied for one semester at Catholic University of America; Duquesne University School of Law Law Experience: intern at U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pittsburgh; intern for Superior Court judge John T.J. Kelly, Jr.; had worked at Burns, White & Hickton, Pittsburgh; and as a Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney. Community affiliations: District coordinator, High School Mock Trial Program Family: Wife, the former Allison Perry; children Alexander and Elliana.
AP PHOTO
House Speaker John Boehner says Republicans could compromise on budget cuts.
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