It's another case of disorder in the court.
Despite a 14-month head start and a recommendation to take action "immediately," the state Supreme Court has yet to approve changes to the boundaries of a Pittston magisterial district, leaving voters and potential candidates in limbo as the nominating process begins today.
Under the plan Luzerne County President Judge Thomas F. Burke Jr. submitted in November 2011, Jenkins Twp., Pittston Twp. and Yatesville would move into the Pittston district from an increasingly overworked district in Plains Twp.
Without the state Supreme Court's final approval, however, potential candidates from those communities cannot circulate nominating petitions, and voters there cannot sign them.
The high court's inaction has put potential candidates, like attorney Girard J. Mecadon and former Luzerne County district attorney Jackie Musto Carroll, at a disadvantage in a race that so far has five declared candidates.
Mr. Mecadon, 47, of Jenkins Twp., called the situation, "very aggravating." Ms. Musto Carroll, 52, of Yatesville, said she was "surprised" the state Supreme Court has taken so long to approve the new boundaries.
The list of declared candidates for the position, which carries a six-year term and a $86,639-per-year salary, includes well-known names in both the Pittston area and the legal community.
Mark Singer is an attorney and former Pittston Area School Board member. Art Bobbouine is the acting Luzerne County prothonotary and former deputy sheriff. Len Sanguedolce is an attorney and the brother of First Assistant District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce. Alexandra Kokura is a Lackawanna County court master. Qiana Murphy Lehman is a former Luzerne County prosecutor.
The longer the state Supreme Court waits before ruling on the realignment, the harder Mr. Mecadon and Ms. Musto Carroll must work to prevent loyal supporters from latching onto a different campaign. Any delay would cost Mr. Mecadon, Ms. Musto Carroll and other potential candidates from Jenkins Twp., Pittston Twp. and Yatesville vital time for collecting petition signatures and courting voters in the nominating period that runs through March 12.
The court has approved realignment plans in 12 of the state's 60 judicial districts, but has not revealed a timeframe for a Luzerne County decision.
Contact the writer: msisak@citizensvoice.com, @cvmikesisak on TwitterAnnounced candidates
- Art Bobbouine, acting Luzerne County prothonotary
- Alexandra Kokura, attorney
- Qiana Murphy Lehman, attorney
- Len Sanguedolce, attorney
Mark Singer, attorney
In limbo
- Jackie Musto Carroll, of Yatesville, former district attorney
- Girard Mecadon, of Jenkins Twp., attorney