|
Read News
|
Pocono News Section
Sam Guesto Says He's Stepping Down
Sam Guesto Says He's Stepping Down - Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 5:28PM EST
Reported by: Jill Konopka
Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008 @05:28pm EST
(WILKES-BARRE, Luzerne County) - Another high ranking Luzerne County Official is on his way out. Chief Clerk/County Manager Sam Guesto says he's saying goodbye, but insists, it has nothing to do, with the County's debit card controversy. Luzerne County Commissioners unanimously accepted Guesto's resignation Thursday morning. Commissioners also officially terminated the County's Public Information Officer, Kathy Bozinski. County leaders say they're not sure whether they'll hire a private press contractor or have someone working on site at the Courthouse. Sam Guesto says his decision to step down has nothing to do with the $42,000.00 dollars spent by seven county leaders, including himself on county issued debit cards. Commissioner Petrilla asks, “All in favor? Ay, Ay, No.” In a two to one vote, Luzerne County Commissioners officially canned public information officer Kathy Bozinski. Commissioner Skrepenak said, "It's not bad when Commissioners disagree, it's democracy in work. I had confidence in Kathy Bozinski, two others didn't and we move forward." Her position isn't the only new vacancy at the County Courthouse. Commissioner Chair Woman, Maryanne Petrilla, "I want to accept the resignation, but also at the same time thank Sam Guesto for his years of service, he's put into Luzerne County." Chief Clerk-County Manager Sam Guesto says leaving after four years on the job. He'll leave his post February 15th. Guesto added, "It's time to move in a different direction and also give the board an opportunity to hire an individual they feel can carry out their goals and objectives." Guesto says he's applied for the County's new court administrative position, but he hasn't ruled out the private sector too. Guesto told WBRE News, “It's bittersweet, definitely feeling to things that did happen, with the issue of the debit cards." Some say public outcry forced Guesto to step down over the county's alleged debit card debacle. Walter Griffith is a Luzerne County taxpayer, "If he resigned on his own, he should’ve been fired and so should the other six, but they weren't." Both majority commissioners say new leaders equal new change. Commissioner Skrepenak added, "”f you look throughout the history of Luzerne County, you see changes frequently and it happens often when new administration takes over." Commissioner Petrilla stated, "I have the utmost respect for Sam. He's got an impressive resume and will do well in his next venture with the county or private sector." We also asked Skrepenak about Deputy Prison Warden Sam Hyder, who came under fire for using his county debit card at a Las Vegas strip club. Skrepenak says he'll be talking with Hyder, before a meeting Monday with the county's prison board. And no word when President Judge Mark Ciavarella will announce who will be named to that new court administrative position. | | |
|
|
|