Pocono News Section

Luzerne Council Sued Over Police Dispute

Luzerne Council Sued Over Police Dispute - Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 04:03AM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday April 14 2010
LUZERNE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Claiming council members met privately and held illegal sessions leading up to the development of their own police force, Luzerne resident Kathleen Pajor sued Luzerne leaders on Monday in attempts to have a judge throw out plans to terminate a contract with Swoyersville Police.

Pajor alleges council members shut out public input by failing to advertise meetings where they could have sought feedback.

Luzerne Council took many by surprise in March when they voted to terminate an agreement with Swoyersville for police protection. Leaders previously said a police committee was formed a year and half ago to research the issue.

Swoyersville officials provided WBRE Eyewitness News with a letter from Luzerne Council President Michael Jancuska dated March 16 advising them of their plans to terminate the law enforcement agreement, effective June 30. Some Information in the letter contradicts statements made by council regarding the formation of a police committee. The letter states one was formed only as recent as the fall.

Council members on Wednesday night were instructed by their attorney to refrain from commenting on the pending litigation. Jonathan Sporher said the borough's insurance company will review the lawsuit. In an outburst, Councilwoman Judy Gober said "she's making us look like the bad guys," referring to Pajor and statements made in court documents that flatly accuse leaders of violating state Sunshine laws.

Gober called the information in the lawsuit, "accusations."

Council members twice met behind private doors in an authorized executive session regarding the lawsuit.