Pocono News Section

Luzerne County's Guesto Called Out On The Carpet

Luzerne County's Guesto Called Out On The Carpet - Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 11:46PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 @ 11:46pm EST

EXETER, LUZERNE COUNTY- At their roving meeting Wednesday night, Luzerne County commissioners tried to maneuver through business while the crowd launched demands for accountability. "I don't think it's fair to leave the people there who have done things to the taxpayers so that they can sit in their positions and cover it up," Walter Griffith, Wilkes-Barre, said.

A report released earlier this week by Luzerne County Solicitor James Blaum uncovered alleged orders by Samuel Guesto, Jr., the county's former chief clerk and manager, to break down jailhouse food contracts and fly them under the radar. Breaking down contracts into smaller items is an illegal practice commonly known as "piecemealing."

"The report clearly says the chief clerk went out of the realm of his authority and issued a change in policy without consenting with the commissioners," Chairwoman of Commissioners Maryanne Petrilla said.

Petrilla wants Guesto fired from his current county position with the courts system. "I don't believe Mr. Guesto deserves to be paid by the taxpayers of Luzerne County."

Guesto's apparent comments in the scathing report on bidding practices at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility suggest he was directed to piecemeal the contracts to support local business. Guesto alleges he was directed to break down contracts by commissioners. Commissioner Greg Skrepenak distanced himself from the suggestion when speaking with reporters following the meeting.

"No one's ever had a conversation with Mr. Guesto in terms of how you manage the county," Skrepenak said.

While an outside law enforcement agency investigates the matter of foiling contracts and the Secret Service probes another matter inside the courthouse, Skrepenak believes his friend, Guesto, should be left alone in his current role with the courts. "In my opinion Sam Guesto already lost his job in Luzerne County."

However, Guesto voluntarily resigned in February. He has not commented on the matter.