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County considers dropping Mericle

County considers dropping Mericle - Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 6:28PM EST

Thursday, Sep 24, 2009 @ 06:28pm EDT

Some people want Luzerne County commissioners to cut ties to Robert Mericle.

The wealthy real estate developer pled guilty in a "kids for cash" scheme in early September.

But Luzerne County still uses Mericle's company to list county property for sale.

Robert Mericle didn't have time for our questions after

Thursday's commissioners meeting.

He walked away as we tried to asked him to publicly speak about his guilty plea.

Luzerne County has used his real estate company to list county property for sale since 2008.

Commissioners were deciding to extend or drop the contract, but decided to make a final decision later.

Some think the county should cut business ties with Mericle.

John Cordora of Kingston said, "I don't think Mericle should remain involved with Luzerne County because of his dark cloud."

Andrew Zbikowski of Wilkes-Barre said, “If it's legal than it's legal but at the same time it's sort of seems like ill-gained money."

Ten county owned properties have been listed with Mericle's company since 2008.

The first property sold under the county's agreement with sits right off North River Street in Wilkes-Barre .

The property sold for 44 thousand dollars.

Mericle's company gets a six percent commission for each sale.

Commissioners say the real estate renewal takes on new meaning since Mericle's guilty plea.

"It was something that we really needed to take a second look at," said commissioner Maryanne Petrilla.

Commissioner Greg Skrepenak says he understands controversy surrounding this real estate contract.

"I certainly could understand why people are frustrated, heck I'm frustrated. You know, my name surfaces in many controversies, many disputes and many rumors, so I'm frustrated as well," said Skrepenak.

Mericle’s real estate contract with Luzerne County expires in December.

He could serve time in federal prison when sentenced in federal court.

In his plea agreement, he agreed to pay 2 point 1 million dollars to programs that help children in our area.
 


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