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Pocono News Section
Last Day Of Work For Luz. County's Public Information Officer
Last Day Of Work For Luz. County's Public Information Officer - Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 5:56PM EST
Reported by: Jill Konopka
Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 @05:56pm EST
(Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County) - The political fall out at the Luzerne County Court house. A shift in power means a shift in staffing. It appears a familiar face in Luzerne County Government is out. Commission Chair Maryanne Petrilla says without rushing into anything, any and all administration changes to the county will be made in the next few weeks. There were lots of talk Thursday about county positions, but no mention of the status of Luzerne County's Public Information Officer Kathy Bozinski, at least until the media asked. It was Luzerne County's first salary board meeting of the New Year, under the new Board of Commissioners. On the agenda, the status of several county jobs. Commissioner Greg Skrepenak told WBRE News, "It boils down to each non-union member getting a 3 percent increase and you eliminate salaries and positions at salaries they were and you create at 3 percent increase.” Some row officers say they'd also like their salaries reviewed. Bob Reilly is the County Clerk of Courts, "It's something nobody wants to talk about. I'm here 20 years and I've received one pay raise in 20 years." Commissioners agreed to look into that. Commission Chair Petrilla said, "I believe row offices and commissioners salaries need to be adjusted." Commissioner Stephen Urban stated, "Bob Reilly addressed issues that need to be looked at." But, in the meeting that lasted less than an hour there was no mention of the job held by Public Information Officer Kathy Bozinski. Petrilla say Bozinski's job is not being eliminated, but, “Kathy Bozinski is going to be leaving. She's leaving today. She's done a great job for Luzerne County. Reporter Jill Konopka asks "Is she leaving on her own or being let go?” Petrilla responded, “We had a conversation and you know we're agreeing, she's going to move on. Commissioner Skrepenak declined a comment, "I defer comment on that particular position. I love Kathy Bozinski and I think she's a wonderful person." Last month, Commissioner Urban demanded Bozinski step down, although it's still unclear if she resigned or was forced out. Petrilla says the board is going in a different direction with her job, one that involves more multi-tasking. Petrilla added, "I'd also like to enhance our website and have a person on staff that has knowledge to update the website constantly." Jill Konopka asks, "Any replacements in mind?" Petrilla said, “We'll do some advertisements and pick the best person and bring salary down a little.” Petrilla said she believes Bozinski made about $58,000.00 a year. She also says the salary for the new Public Information Officer will be based on experience. Bozinski will be paid through January 23rd, for unused vacation time. That same day, the Commission Board will officially vote on Bozinski’s employment status.
Kathy Bozinski declined to speak with us except to confirm today was her last day. | | |
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