Pocono News Section

Crash Course for New Commissioner

Crash Course for New Commissioner - Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 5:01PM EST

Reported by: Nicole Borocci
Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 @ 05:01pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY - Thomas Cooney barely had time to blink, let alone take a quick break Thursday. It was his first day on the job as Luzerne County Commissioner. Before he even settled into his new office, Cooney was ushered into a budget briefing that lasted several hours.

Cooney wouldn't make a specific recommendation for the budget, but he says it will be a tough road to the spending plan. The commissioners must solve a $16 million deficit.

"I would love to say no tax increase, but just looking at it, I don't see it working out that way," Cooney said.
Cooney will spend Christmas with his family. Budget talks resume Monday.